The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alhaji Ali Olanusi

  • Behave as a statesman, Ondo APC urges Olanusi

    ONDO State All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday denied the allegation by former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, that President Muhammadu Buhari lost in the state due to its leaders’ anti-party activities.

    Olanusi, at a forum of the Concerned APC leaders in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday, accused Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of compromising the election because of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision to endorse three incumbent senators as automatic candidates.

    He said this prompted the governor’s alleged sponsoring of opposition Action Alliance (AA) candidates.

    A statement by APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the former deputy governor has never been on the same page with the party leadership, stressing that he could not be competent to comment on the party’s affairs.

    Besides, the party faulted the claim that the governor allegedly diverted the fund disbursed to Ondo State by the national leadership of the party for the 2019 general election to finance AA candidates.

    It said: “With these statements, Olanusi’s group had brought to fore their secret apathy against Akeredolu, who refused to do their biddings. We should be reminded that Olanusi claimed huge amount from the present APC-led government in Ondo State to offset his accumulated salary arrears over his removal from office by the previous administration.

    Read also; APC will reclaim all ‘stolen’ mandates

    “He refused to acknowledge the governor’s quick response to his plight. Rather, he countered the effort with contempt. When he demanded for more money and was denied, he became dissatisfied and turned himself into a critic of the APC’s government he claimed to be its Board of Trustees (BoT) member at the national level.

    “We have it on record that he is planning ahead of the 2020 to present an unpopular governorship candidate for election in the state, but he doesn’t have to heat up the polity over such clandestine moves that will die on arrival.”

    The statement emphasised that the party leadership in the state would not succumb to the group’s cheap blackmail and lies.

    It said: “We are advising Olanusi and his group to desist from constituting themselves as enemies of the party they claimed to belong. The former deputy governor particularly should behave as a true statesman and member of APC’s Trustee.”

     

  • Benin-Owena River Basin Authority ‘ll be overhauled – Olanusi

    Former Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi at the weekend assured that the lost glory of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority would be restored during the present tenure.

    Olanusi, who is new Chairman of the Agency spoke with reporters in Akure ,the Ondo state capital after his inauguration by the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu.

    The All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain lamented the neglect of some water projects under the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority.

    According to him, the Owena Dam at Igbara-Oke in Ifedore local government area of Ondo state which was initially meant for irrigation purposes but later approved for a water treatment plant to produce drinkable water had been abandon in the last few years.

    The chairman said, the project which was in a state of 70 per cent completion was to serve all the six local government area in the central senatorial district of the state.

    Olanusi assured the people of Ondo state that the delivery of the water project through reticulation to various towns and villages by the state government will be carried out during his tenure.

    The Chairman who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for counting him worthy for the appointment also appreciated the people of the state for their support for his administration.

    The former Deputy Governor assured the people of the state that with their prayers and support, he will not let them down.

    Other members of the board are; Otunba Tunde Onakayo, Romanus Egbuladike, Bashi Yusuf Ebrahim, Nelson Alakpa and Alhaji Waheed Adesina.

  • Boroffice hails judiciary for crushing Olanusi’s impeachment

    Boroffice hails judiciary for crushing Olanusi’s impeachment

    The senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, Professor Ajayi Boroffice has said the judgement of Court of Appeal in Akure which nullified the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, is consistent with the beliefs of APC members and the vast majority of citizens of Ondo State.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Kayode Fakuyi, the senator said, ” I received the news that the Justice Muhammad Danjuma’s delivered judgement entirely crushed the kangaroo impeachment with utmost delight. However, the judgement is not surprising.”

    “The judgement has merely reinforced my firmly held conviction that the kangaroo impeachment violated provisions of sections 188(2)(b), 188(3), 188(6) and 188(7)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “Before the kangaroo impeachment, as the Asiwaju of  Akokoland, I had warned ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko against making attempt to frustrate an industrious and prominent Akoko man out of government simply because he exercised his right to defect to another party. The Mimiko-led administration failed to listen and dismissed my warning as the alarm without substance. However, barely few days after the warning, the kangaroo impeachment was executed.

    “Meanwhile, since Justice Muhammad Danjuma has ordered the restoration of the privileges and entitlements due to the Alhaji Ali Olanusi from the time of his removal from office till February 24, 2017, I am confident that the Ondo State government will consider and act on the issue with utmost diligence and swiftness,” the statement read.

    While congratulating the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi on his well deserved victory at the Court of Appeal, the senator wished him good health and long life so that he can continue to render selfless service to the people of Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

  • No grudges against those who impeached me, says ex-Ondo Deputy Gov

    No grudges against those who impeached me, says ex-Ondo Deputy Gov

    •Akeredolu hails verdict

    Former deputy governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, who was impeached in 2015 under the administration of the immediate past Governor Olusegun Mimiko, said yesterday that he had no grudges or ill-feelings against those who masterminded his removal.

    He said in an interview that his vindication by the court was not by his cleverness, but by God.

    “There is no cause for revenge. If God did not want all this to happen, it would not have turned out this way,” he said.

    “The injustice has been exposed to the people of Ondo State and may God reward all accordingly.”

    Olanusi hailed the judiciary for granting true justice to those seeking redress and to the people of the state “who stood by me in the period of my travails and did not lose hope.”

    His counsel, Mr Richamond Natha-Alade, said: “The best interest of Nigeria has been served and it is on this ground that the court granted all our requests; everybody is bound by the law.

    “It is a new dawn in Nigeria because the judgment is classical and it touches on every aspect of law that borders on infringement of rights.’’

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure on Friday reversed Olanusi’s April 27, 2015 impeachment as deputy governor.

    He had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the then state ruling party — Labour Party —the platform on which he was elected with Mimiko.

    Mimiko, who also defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), completed his eight-year tenure in February and handed over to the incumbent governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu of APC.

    Meanwhile, Akeredolu hails the victory as great for democracy. He said in a statement in Akure by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr Segun Ajiboye that “the 79-page judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed Danjuma was well deserved, a triumph for democracy and light over darkness.’’

    The governor also said that the judgment would discourage political leaders from arbitrary actions and decisions and ensure that the tenets of democracy were promoted.

    He added that “this judgment confirmed that Alhaji Ali Olanusi was maltreated, abused and humiliated by the crop of lawmakers who planned and executed the illegal impeachment.

    “Olanusi, will therefore remain the state’s deputy governor till Feb. 24, 2017 when the tenure of the former administration expired.’’

  • Olanusi’s victory great for democracy – Akeredolu

    Olanusi’s victory great for democracy – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Saturday hailed the victory of former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, at the Court of Appeal in Akure, saying it was great for democracy.

    The commendation is in a statement in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr Segun Ajiboye.

    Ajiboye quoted the governor as saying “the 79-page judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed Danjuma was well deserved, a triumph for democracy and light over darkness.’’

    The governor also said that the judgment would discourage political leaders from arbitrary actions and decisions and ensure that the tenets of democracy were promoted.

    He added that “this judgment confirmed that Alhaji Ali Olanusi was maltreated, abused and humiliated by the crop of lawmakers who planned and executed the illegal impeachment.

    “In the judgment on Friday, Justice Muhammed Danjuma said Olanusi’s impeachment did not follow due process because he was not personally served the originating summons.

    “He was also denied presentation before an panel set up to investigate the alleged gross misconduct against him.’’

    Akeredolu said that “the judge maintained that Olanusi remained the Deputy Governor of Ondo State from April 27, 2015, the date he was wrongly impeached by the state House of Assembly.

    “Olanusi, will therefore remain the state’s deputy governor till Feb. 24, 2017 when the tenure of the former administration will expire

  • Appeal Court nullifies ex-Ondo deputy governor’s impeachment

    Appeal Court nullifies ex-Ondo deputy governor’s impeachment

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure on Friday nullified the impeachment of Alhaji Ali Olanusi as the deputy governor of Ondo State.

    Olanusi was impeached on April 27, 2015 by the state House Assembly over anti-party activities.

    The ex-deputy governor, who is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees (BoT), was away on medical vacation when he was impeached.

    The Akure High Court had earlier approved the impeachment, a development which prompted Olanusi to approach the appellate court.

    The appeal court held that the impeachment did not follow the provisions of the law.

    Justice Muhammed Danjuma said Olanusi was wrongfully impeached.

    He added that the former deputy governor was not given fair hearing before he was impeached.

     

     

  • Boroffice, Olanusi, others greet Akeredolu

    Boroffice, Olanusi, others greet Akeredolu

    A member, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Ali Olanusi has pledged to be a good adviser of the Ondo state governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in his task of rebuilding the sunshine state.

    The former Deputy Governor, who was reacting to the victory of Akeredolu, described the frontline lawyer as transparent and humble, stressing that he would not be misguided by him.

    According to him, “Akeredolu has great respect for me, and I pray to Almighty Allah that I will not abuse the respect he has for me”.

    He appreciated God that the election which had been predicted would be rancorous was peaceful except some few cases before the election where a person was killed in Owo.

    The Supare-Akoko born politician said “The turn- out of voters was encouraging, it is necessary to thank the APC Executives in the state that worked for the party who actually supported Akeredolu and APC.

    The former Deputy Governor particularly commended those from other political parties who defected to the APC and worked strenuously to facilitate the victory of the party.

    He said “Those defectors who I am the leader actually perform wonderfully well, although at the initial stage, people we met in the party were hostile to us, but met our target of bringing victory to the party in the state”

    The APC leader urged the governor-elect to keep to his promises to the citizenry particularly the marginalised people of Akokoland, noting that Akeredolu toured all its communities and saw the bad road situation.

    Olanusi lamented that Akoko area with his abundant human resources was neglected by the present government, assuring that the APC’s administration would bring succor to its people.

    The Senator representing Ondo North, Prof Ajayi Boroffice wished the governor-elect, a successful tenure.

    Boroffice who noted that there are enormous challenges ahead of Akeredolu especially in areas of job creation, economy, security of lives and properties in the state, but are not insurmountable.

    He promised that he would continue to pray for him to have the strength to withstand the challenges.

    The Akeredolu Support Organisation (ASO) under the leadership of Tunji Light Ariyomo rejoiced with Akeredolu on his victory at the polls.

    In a statement,its spokesman, Steve Otaloro urged the governor-elect to see the massive solidarity as a moral burden on him to unite and galvanise the state and her people to spread the development across the state and avoid the pitfalls of the past leaders under minding the ordinary people.

    Also, the APC in the state described the Saturday’s election as peaceful and unprecedented in the history of the state.

    Its Publicity Secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the prompt arrival and delivery of electoral materials to all the 300 polling units across the state.

  • Defection: Mimiko stops Dep. Gov aides’ salaries

    Defection: Mimiko stops Dep. Gov aides’ salaries

    Consequent upon the defection of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has allegedly ordered the stoppage of the salaries and allowances of all political aides of his deputy.

    A source said Mimiko took the decision as payback to his deputy who ditched him and the PDP at a very crucial period.

    It was also gathered that Mimiko had initially ordered the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke, to withdraw all the security aides of Olanusi, in addition to preventing him from having access to all official vehicles attached to the office of the deputy governor.

    Sources, however, said immediately Buhari was declared winner on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, the CP immediately restored Olanusi’s security details, while he also allowed him access to all his official cars.

    The source disclosed how the drama all played out: “You know Olanusi’s defection came as a rude shock to the governor. He never believed the man would defect to APC, because as at Tuesday before the presidential election, both of them and other PDP leaders were all present at the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s rally in Akure.

    “The governor does not forgive people easily, but Olanusi is well prepared for the huge task ahead. Immediately the information reached the governor that his deputy had defected, he directed the Commissioner of Police to withdraw all the security personnel attached to the office of the deputy governor and also grounded all the vehicles belonging to the office.

    “The CP, however, returned all the security men attached to the deputy governor on Tuesday once it was clear that President Goodluck Jonathan had lost the election. But the governor is not giving up. He has given a directive that the salaries of all aides of his deputy should be stopped. This is Mimiko’s political style.”

    Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the deputy governor, Daisi Ajayi, said his boss’ security details and vehicles were withdrawn before it was restored on Tuesday.

    He also confirmed that there was a directive from the governor to stop the allowances and salaries of all the political aides working with the deputy governor.

  • Deputy governor praises NTDC chief

    Deputy governor praises NTDC chief

    Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, has described the Director-General (DG) Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo as a light in the dark corridors of the nation’s tourism sector.

    The deputy governor spoke in Akure when the DG was guest of the state at the last Mare Festival in Idanre.

    He stated that considering the three-pronged strategic imperatives embarked upon by the corporation in the last six months; the DG has commenced the transformation of the sector in earnest.

    “You are a light planted by the President Dr Goodluck Jonathan to light up the dark corridor of the tourism sector and you have commenced this vision in earnest. Your coming to Ondo state at this point in time is a sign of good things to come  to the tourism sector in the state and in Nigeria. We welcome you with all our hearts and we assure you of a splendid time with us,” he said.

    Mrs. Mbanefo toured some tourism sites, such as the Medical Tourism Village in Laje, Ondo (that houses the Trauma Centre), the Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Centre and the Mother and Child Hospital to authenticate the state of tourism sites in the state.

    Impressed by what she saw of the sites, she pledged to support and facilitate cultural festivals and programmes organised by Ondo State that emphasise unity, stability and peaceful co–existence of Nigerians to grow domestic tourism. She said such partnership is part of her initiatives at rebuilding and growing the nation’s tourism value chain, especially domestic tourism.

    The NTDC boss described Idanre Hill as a uniquely blessed city of rocks, saying: “When I went to Abeokuta, I thought it was the best of a city on a hill until I entered Idanre. This is the real city, which should be called Abeokuta.”

    She also toured the Dome Village, which is the biggest Conference Tourism Event Centre in Nigeria being built by the Ondo state government. She commended Governor Segun Mimiko for ‘preparing Ondo state as a preferred tourism city in Nigeria.’

    She also commended the late Deji Falae for his efforts at promoting tourism and culture in the state, and identified Mare Festival as one of the vibrant pillars of domestic tourism.

    Her commitment and dedication to grow the tourism sector was further reaffirmed by one of the guest speakers at the opening ceremony of Mare Festival when she described her as ‘an extremely beautiful and intelligent lady who has a firm grip and understanding of the tourist industry. We are  happy you are here and you dancing with the local and proving to all that you are a real African woman, willing and serving the nation with all your breath and beauty.’

    Mrs Mbanefo, who was thrilled by the cultural wealth in Ondo State as demonstrated by the exciting cultural performances of the state troupe could not hold back her feelings as she joined the group in dancing. She described Idanre Hill as an exciting arrangement of rocks, which dwarf those in Switzerland.

    Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade led the state delegation that included Ondo State Commissioner for Housing Dr.  A Omoloja and Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Akinroye Modupe to receive Mrs. Mbanefo. Akinmade commended Mrs. Mbanefo for honouring the state’s invitation to be special guest at the Mare Festival hosted in the honour of the former Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the late Deji Falae.

    “The government and the people of Ondo State are happy to welcome you to the state where the sun shines for all. We are grateful for honouring our invitation to Mare Festival. We are also happy because you are the first director-general of NTDC not only to visit the state but deemed it fit to honour our invitation to Mare.

    We assure you of an evergreen memory of your visit to Ondo State,” he said.

    NTDC boss has since assumption of office over six months ago, commenced the phased overhauling of the tourism sector with a three-pronged strategy that includes rebuilding the NTDC, growing the tourism value chain and re-inventing Nigeria’s tourism industry.