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  • ‘Why APC’s votes will shock PDP, others’

    ‘Why APC’s votes will shock PDP, others’

    A former member of Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the massive votes the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will receive in next week’s governorship election in Ondo State will shock the opposition, particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Oyintiloye, a member of the APC national campaign stakeholders’ engagement committee for the election, pointed out that Ondo is a progressives state and that the election would not be an exception, as the APC is poised to record a landslide victory.

    The former lawmaker said in a statement that the party’s candidate, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, is a man of vision, who has recorded a lot through his people’s oriented policies and programmes.

    He said Ondo State has witnessed a steady transformation in areas of health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and rural community development, among others, since Ayedatiwa assumed office.

    Read Also: APC asks court to stop FAAC, AGF, others from releasing funds to Rivers LGAs

    Oyintiloye said that in close to eight years that the APC has governed Ondo, the state had experienced transformation in an unprecedented manner. He urged the electorate to come out en mass to give massive votes to the APC to shock the opposition parties as a confirmation of the quality leadership of the incumbent governor.

    He said: “That is no doubt, the election is going to be free, fair, and peaceful, and the APC will win with a clear-cut margin. The electorate will never allow the state to go backwards, and that is why they will come out peacefully to vote for the APC.

    “There is no magic about it. APC will win massively, and the opposition parties will be shocked. Our committee, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State, will approach the task ahead with due diligence.”

    Oyintiloye, however, appealed to the electorate to be peaceful and orderly before and after the election.

  • More PDP chieftains join APC in Ondo

    More PDP chieftains join APC in Ondo

    Notable chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Akoko North East local government area of Ondo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress(APC) ahead of next week’s governorship election.

    Those that decamped were a former House of Representatives member for Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency, Hon. Stephen Olemija; a former Chairman of Akoko North East and candidate of the PDP in the last House of Representatives by-election in the constituency, Lekan Bada and Momoh Mufu, also known as Apongan.

    They were received into the APC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who led the party on a campaign tour.

    Aiyedatiwa, whose campaign team visited Iboropa, Akunnu and Ikare Akoko, said the crowd from the communities was a testament to the positive impact his administration has made.

    Read Also: Reps begin probe of $2 billion renewable energy investments

    At Ikare Akoko, headquarters of the local government, Governor Aiyedatiwa received royal blessings from the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and the Owa-Ale of Iyometa Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adegbite.

    He assured the monarchs that their requests would be incorporated into the 2025 budget.

    According to him, “I am truly humbled by the incredible show of support from the people of Ikare. Your commitment to our vision for a better Ondo State fills me with immense pride. Ikare has always been a beacon of progress, and your loyalty reassures us that our efforts are being recognised and valued.”

    He said his administration has made improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, and education.

    “We have achieved so much together, from upgrading our roads to enhancing agriculture and investing in our schools, but our work is far from over. With your continued support on November 16, we can deliver even more transformation and development,” he stressed.

  • APC asks court to stop FAAC, AGF, others from releasing funds to Rivers LGAs

    APC asks court to stop FAAC, AGF, others from releasing funds to Rivers LGAs

    • Court plans orders substituted service of originating document on Rivers AG, RSIEC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), two others, and their agents from allocating or distributing any revenue from the Federation Account to any of the Local Government Areas/Councils of Rivers State or within Rivers State until a valid local government council election has been conducted by the 6th defendant to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State.

    Also sought to be restrained in that regard are the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), and the Minister of Finance for the Federal Government of Nigeria (who are listed as the first, second, and third) in a fresh suit filed by the APC.

    The plaintiff, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CV/1556/2024 is contending that in view of the recent decisions of the Supreme Court in the suit No: SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and others, and the Federal High Court, suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 funds could no longer be released to LGAs in Rivers because no valid election has been conducted in the state.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F); the Minister of Finance for the Federal Government of Nigeria; the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF); the Attorney General of Rivers State of Nigeria;  and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    The party also wants an order of injunction restraining the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant by themselves (individually and/or jointly) by their servants, agents, hirelings, or proxies from distributing to, expending or utilizing any public fund of Rivers State for the use or benefit of any of the Local Government Councils of Rivers State until the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant have been able to conduct valid election to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State.

    It seeks a declaration that the defendants fall within the category of ‘authorities and persons’  as provided for by Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), who are constitutionally bound to enforce and implement judgments, decisions and orders of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court of Nigeria and are therefore constitutionally bound to enforce, implement and give effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and others to the effect that “the amount distributed to and standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation Account must be paid by the Federation to only democratically elected Local Government Councils…” and the judgment of the Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024: All Progressives Congress (APC) v. Independent National Electoral Commission and others, comprising of an order among others “setting aside all acts or things done or purported to have been done …in furtherance of the conduct of the purported local government elections in Rivers State slated for the 5th of October 2024…”

    Read Also: APC, PDP clash over planned increase of AAU tuition

    The APC is equally praying for a declaration that the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant having failed to ensure the existence of and to put in place a system of local government by democratically elected local government councils in Rivers State by conducting a valid democratic election for local government councils in Rivers State, that is, for the election of Chairmen and Councilors for the Local Government Councils of Rivers State, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (representing the Government of the Federation) are not entitled to, and cannot allocate or distribute any revenue from the Federation Account to any of the Local Government Areas/Councils of Rivers State until a valid election to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State has been conducted by the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant.

    In a supporting affidavit, deposed to by Tony Okocha, the plaintiff said: By the recent decision of the Supreme Court Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024 the apex court firmly held and declared in respect of distribution of revenue from the Federation Account, among others that “the amount distributed to and standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation to only democratically elected Local Government Councils.

    The APC said its suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024  challenged the process hurriedly being put into place by the AG of Rivers and RSIEC (5th and 6th defendants herein) for the purpose of holding Local Government Council elections for Rivers State.

    It stated that “In the said suit, the plaintiff premised their challenge of the process on a number of grounds, including the ground that the processes being put into place for the holding of the proposed election which was fixed for the 5th day of October 2024 was in contravention of the provisions of items 11 and 12 of Part II of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as applicable provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in that requisite statutory notices were not given and provisions in respect of update of voters register were not complied with.

    The APC said the suit was decided in its favour, wherein, Justice Peter Lifu in the  judgment delivered on September 30 held among others, that the processes put in place for the proposed LGA election in Rivers election were unconstitutional.

    It added that the court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing to the RSIEC the voters’ register for the conduct of the proposed election fixed for the 5th of October 2024.

    The party stated that the court also issued an express order “setting aside all acts or things done or purported to have been done in furtherance of the conduct of the purported local government elections in Rivers State slated for the 5th of October 2024.

    It stated that although the AG of Rivers and RSIEC were parties to the suit and represented by lawyers at all times, “the duo acted in contravention and absolute disregard of the decision of the court with the 6th defendant (RSIEC) therefore proceeding to conduct a purported Local Government Council election on the 5 day of October 2024, even though no voters register was released to it by INEC and notwithstanding that all processes put in place for the election including statutory notices, nominations among others had been set aside in the judgment of the Federal High Court.”

    The APC insisted that the judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 is still valid and subsisting before, as at, and even beyond the 5th of October, 2024 and so remains until set aside by the Court of Appeal.

    It stated that the election held in contravention of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and subsisting judgment of a competent Court of law is invalid.

    The party added that the Local Government Councils of Rivers State have not been “democratically elected” to qualify them to receive allocations from or distribution of revenue from the Federation Account.

  • APC asks court to stop FAAC, AG-F, others from releasing funds for Rivers LGAs

    APC asks court to stop FAAC, AG-F, others from releasing funds for Rivers LGAs

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), two others and their agents from allocating or distributing any revenue from the Federation Account to any of the Local Government Areas/Councils of Rivers State or within Rivers State until a valid local government council election has been conducted by the 6th defendant to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State.

    Also sought to be restrained in that regard are the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F) and  the Minister of Finance for the Federal Government of Nigeria (who are listed as the first, second and third) in a fresh suit files by the APC.

    The plaintiff, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CV/1556/2024 is contending that in view of the recent decisions of the Supreme Court in the suit No: SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and others, and the Federal High Court, suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 funds could not longer be released to LGAs in Rivers because no valid election has been conducted in the state.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), the Minister of Finance for the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Attorney General of Rivers State of Nigeria and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    The party also wants an order of injunction restraining the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant by themselves (individually and/or jointly) by their servants, agents, hirelings or proxies from distributing to, expending or utilizing any public fund of Rivers State for the use or benefit of any of the Local Government Councils of Rivers State until the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant have been able to conduct valid election to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State.

    It seeks a declaration that the defendants fall within the category of ‘authorities and persons’  as provided for by Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), who are constitutionally bound to enforce and implement judgments, decisions and orders of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court of Nigeria and are therefore constitutionally bound to enforce, implement and give effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and others to the effect that “the amount distributed to and standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation Account must be paid by the Federation to only democratically elected Local Government Councils…” and the judgment of the Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024: All Progressives Congress (APC) v. Independent National Electoral Commission and others, comprising of an order among others “setting aside all acts or things done or purported to have been done …in furtherance of the conduct of the purported local government elections in Rivers State slated for the 5th of October 2024…”

    The APC is equally praying for a declaration that the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant having failed to ensure the existence of and to put in place a system of local government by democratically elected local government councils in Rivers State by conducting a valid democratic election for local government councils in Rivers State, that is, for the election of Chairmen and Councilors for the Local Government Councils of Rivers State, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (representing the Government of the Federation) are not entitled to, and cannot allocate or distribute any revenue from the Federation Account to any of the Local Government Areas/Councils of Rivers State until a valid election to democratically elect Local Government Councils for Rivers State has been conducted by the Government of Rivers State (represented by the 5th defendant) and the 6th defendant. 

    In a supporting affidavit, deposed to by Tony Okocha, the plaintiff said: By the recent decision of the Supreme Court Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024 the apex court firmly held and declared in respect of distribution of revenue from the Federation Account, among others that “the amount distributed to and standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation to only democratically elected Local Government Councils.

    Read Also: APC, PDP clash over planned increase of AAU tuition

    The APC said it’s suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024  challenged the process hurriedly being put into place by the AG of Rivers  and RSIEC (5th and 6th defendants herein) for the purpose of holding Local Government Council elections for Rivers State. 

    It stated that “In the said suit, the plaintiff premised their challenge of the process on a number of grounds, including the ground that the processes being put into place for the holding of the proposed election which was fixed for the 5th day of October 2024 was in contravention of the provisions of items 11 and 12 of Part II of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as applicable provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in that requisite statutory notices were not given and provisions in respect of update of voters register were not complied with.

    The APC said the suit was decided in its favour, wherein, Justice Peter Lifu in th  judgment delivered on September 30 held among others, that  the processes put in place for the proposed LGA election in Rivers election were unconstitutional.

    It added that the court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing to the RSIEC the voters register for the conduct of the proposed election fixed for the 5th of October 2024.

    The party stated that the court also issued an express order “setting aside all acts or things done or purported to have been done in furtherance of the conduct of the purported local government elections in Rivers State slated for the 5th of October 2024.

    It stated that although the AG of Rivers and RSIEC were parties to the suit and represented by lawyers at all times, “the duo acted in contravention and absolute disregard of the decision of the court with the 6th defendant (RSIEC) therefore proceeding to conduct a purported Local Government Council election on the 5 day of October 2024, notwithstanding the fact that no voters register was released to it by INEC and notwithstanding that all processes put in place for the election including statutory notices, nominations among others had been sct aside in the judgment of the Federal High Court.”

    The APC insisted that the judgment of the Federal High Cout in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 is still valid and subsisting before, as at and even beyond the 5th of October, 2024 and so remains until set aside by the Court of Appeal. 

    It stated that the election held in contravention of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and subsisting judgment of a competent Court of law is invalid. 

    The party added that the Local Government Councils of Rivers State have not been “democratically elected” to qualify them to receive allocations from or distribution of revenue from the Federation Account. 

    It further stat s that the defendants are authorities and persons who are not only bound by the judgment of the Supreme Court, the Federal High Court and other courts, but also bound to enforce and implement the said judgments. 

    The APC said the the first, second, third and fourth defendants are now being pressurized by the fifth defendant to allocate and distribute revenue from the Federation Account to the Local Government Councils of Rivers State notwithstanding the fact that no valid democratic election has been held in respect of the said Local Government Councils. 

    It added that the except they are restrained by th  court the first, second, third and fourth Defendants will yield to the pressure to release funds.

    It added that except restrained, the fifth and sixth defendants will proceed to withdraw and appropriate funds from the public fund of Rivers State for the use and/or benefit of Loca] Government Councils in Rivers State that have not been democratically elected. 

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has granted an order for substituted service of the originating processes in the suit on the AG of Rivers and the RSIEC through publication in national newspaper and adjourned till November 26 for mention.

  • APC, PDP clash over planned increase of AAU tuition

    APC, PDP clash over planned increase of AAU tuition

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has warned residents of Ondo State not to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in next month’s governorship election.

    A press statement by its Ondo State spokesman, Kennedy Peretei said Governor Aiyedatiwa plans to increase tuition fees for students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba. He said the increment is being delayed so as not to affect the party’s fortunes in the forthcoming election.

    Peretei said Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC had realised that the election would not be a walkover as predicted. He said the reality dawned on Aiyedatiwa during the party’s electioneering campaigns.

    The statement reads: “After spending 10 months in the saddle, his programmes and projects should have done the campaigns for Governor Aiyedatiwa. Instead, he is recruiting propagandists to lie to Ondo State people.

    Read Also: Ondo election: Parties to sign peace accord Nov. 8

    “The last joker that Aiyedatiwa has proposed to shatter the people is the increment of tuition fees at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko by 100 per cent.

    “The minor delay, according to official sources, is due to the anticipated backlash that can spell doom for his re-election bid. If the people make the mistake of voting for him, they will gnash their teeth, because he will give the final approval for the increment and more students will drop out of school.

    “Those who think Ondo State is lucky with this kind of administration should pinch themselves to ensure they are not dreaming.”

    In its response, Ondo APC Media Director, Steve Otaloro said the PDP would not win the election by denigrating the people or criticising Aiyedatiwa’s administration. He said the people deserved to know what the PDP intended to do differently, ‘not just empty rhetoric and false promises.’

  • Ondo 2024: Foundation mobilises youth for APC

    Ondo 2024: Foundation mobilises youth for APC

    Ahead of Ondo State governorship election, the Abdul Adetunji (ATM) Foundation has intensified its support for the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Adetunji Abdul, through his foundation, began a road show on October 15 at Ikare, Akoko North east Local Government Area to drum up support for the governor’s reelection.

    Apart from the regular road show, which has mobilised over 10,000 youths in Ikare and other neighbouring towns, Adetunji is also running radio jingles, as well as erecting giant billboards in 15 strategic places across the state.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s 28 Chiefs of Army Staff since 1966

    Adetunji Abdul told the media that his support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s reelection was out of his conviction that he possesses the capability to drive the transformation of the state.

    “Since he took over the reign of governance, Governor Aiyedatiwa has transformed the state and it’s  our belief, if given more time, he’ll do better in the next four years and industrialise the state.”

  • Ondo 2024: Vote APC, deputy governor urges kinsmen

    Ondo 2024: Vote APC, deputy governor urges kinsmen

    Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has urged his kinsmen in Owo, Owo local government area, to come out and vote en masse for the All Progressives Congress on November 16th.

    Dr. Adelami also urged members of the APC in Owo to remain united and committed to the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami project.

    Read Also: Nine things to know about acting COAS Olatubosun Oluyede

    Speaking at the inauguration of the Owo APC campaign committee at the weekend, Dr. Adelami praised the party faithful for ensuring the governor emerged as the candidate of the party.

    “What binds all of us together is the progress of Owo and the need to develop the kingdom and its people. To achieve this, the current administration must continue beyond 2024 and our votes will definitely make a loud statement” Adelami energized the party faithful.

  • Ondo polls: SDP Deputy governorship candidate joins APC

    Ondo polls: SDP Deputy governorship candidate joins APC

    Deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Mrs Susan Gbemisola Shekoni-Alabi, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of next month’s election.

    Shekoni-Alabi had resigned from the SDP and stepped down as running mate to Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, the governorship candidate of the party.

    She was received into the APC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during his campaign tour to communities in Akoko Northwest local government area.

    The former SDP chieftain promised to mobilise her supporters for the victory of Aiyedatiwa

    Aiyedatiwa said her decision to join the APC underscored the party’s inclusive, progressive ideology and continued to attract top talent from across the political spectrum

    The Ondo Governor said the 2025 budget would be structured to capture developmental needs of every community in the state.

    Speaking at Ogbagi Akoko, Governor Aiyedatiwa said infrastructure and other essential services would soon get to the people.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: Aiyedatiwa denies tampering with LG fund

    “I am thankful for the love and support you showed during the primaries. Your endorsement today strengthens my resolve to continue serving you diligently. All the monarchs across the local government areas are speaking with one voice, endorsing our vision and backing this campaign,” he said. 

    Speaking on behalf of the 27 traditional rulers in the area, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Olasehinde Ojo Adetona, assured the Governor of their unwavering support ahead of the election.

    “In Akoko North West, there is no opposition against your candidacy; we will deliver our votes because we trust your leadership and know you will continue performing excellently”, the monarch said, while also outlining the developmental challenges of the area.”

  • Why APC will retain power in Ondo, by Akinlosotu

    Why APC will retain power in Ondo, by Akinlosotu

    Ondo State Commissioner of Information and Orientation Otunba Wale Akinlosotu spoke on the issues that will shape the November 16 governorship poll in the Sunshine State. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports

    The battle for Alagbaka Government House is on. What stands Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa out as the candidate to beat?

    You called it a battle! But I will say an electoral contest between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on one side and candidates of the other political parties participating in the election on the other side. It will be an easy ride for the governor to secure reelection on November 16 because of two things.

    One is the position of APC, the political party presenting him. The party is solid, on sound footing, and acceptable to the people of Ondo State. That is why the party won the last two governorship elections. The superlative performance of the party since it got to power in the state makes it a darling to the majority of the people of Ondo.

    The second is the candidate, Aiyedatiwa, who was deputy governor and now the sitting governor in the last 10 months. He hit the ground running immediately on assumption of office and has a lot of achievements to his credit as governor within the short time. He continued from where the late Governor stopped and Ondo State has been better off for what he did in all sectors of economy in the state within a short time.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa’s love for the development of all parts of the state daily endears him to the people of Ondo State. That is why you see that even members of the opposition parties are applauding him and joining our party that if he can do all he is doing within only 10 months, if his contract with the people of the state is renewed with votes on November 16, the state will be better for it. Also, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mien and the man of peace that he is attracts him to people and as well development to the state.

    These, coupled with his achievements, the new-look Ondo State under him and his superlative promises for the second term especially that the people know him as a promise keeper make him stand out as the candidate to beat in the election.

    But the opposition have complained about poor performance

    You cannot but expect such from the vicious opposition we have in the state. Governor Aiyedatiwa has performed exceedingly well in office in just 10 months. People cannot but marvel at what he has achieved and question where he gets finances to execute all the projects and programmes he has put in place across the state.

    It will interest you to know that the reasonable and objective ones among the opposition members can see what the governor has done and what he is still doing and appreciate him. This is the reason opposition party members are coming in droves to join our party, APC, to be part of the winning train and the party delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

    How will you associate somebody who is touching the people’s lives through the developments going on in the different sectors and areas of the state with poor performance! That is what you hear from opposition that is averse to growth and progress.

    Let us look at Governor Aiyedatiwa from the perspective of the basic function of government viz welfare and security of lives and property, which he takes as priority. He demonstrates that he is worker-friendly through meeting their welfare and sundry needs including promotion and clearing of their backlog of unpaid salaries and pension arrears.

    To lessen the impact of fuel subsidy removal on workers, the governor approved monthly palliative allowance for all public workers. He approved N73,000 as the new minimum wage for workers at a time many states are still dilly dallying. He spared thoughts for those in the informal sector, including struggling entrepreneurs, petty traders, artisans, and peasant farmers, by approving over N2 billion as soft loans, which they can assess to grow their ventures.

    The Aiyedatiwa government is prioritising the needs of the rural areas. He has commissioned the sinking of 54 boreholes in rural communities for potable water and as well approved installation of 1600 solar-powered streetlight for illumination and security. When the recent food inflation reared its head as a challenge across the country, he rose to the occasion in Ondo State with immediate palliative measures and as well lasting solutions through taking steps to ensure food sufficiency in the state. As part of efforts to make food available to the people at affordable prices, the Aiyedatiwa government came up with the Thursday Market at the Ministry of Agriculture where affordable foodstuffs are available and the ongoing test-running of purchase of grains like rice, beans, garri to sell directly to the masses ahead of full-time commencement are part of efforts.

    The government is also supporting farmers in the areas of land cultivation and distribution of farm tools/equipment and inputs to boost food production and as well serve as attraction to others including youths to farming.

    The governor is not leaving any stone unturned in the bid to ensure security of lives and property. He is giving needed logistic support to the security agencies to be more effective in the discharge of their duties. He has also strengthened the Amotekun Security Network so that the communities, roads and farms can be secured.

    The governor has commenced his campaign in the state. How would you assess the reception given to the governor so far at the campaign rallies?

    Don’t forget that Governor Aiyedatiwa runs an inclusive government style. People are carried along in the administration. He has appointed so many aides. Can you remember he recently appointed about 344 Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants in one day in fulfillment of his promise of involving everybody in government? These people are from different homes and communities where their impacts are being felt. You should expect such communities to naturally identify with such a governor.

    That is exactly what we have seen in our campaign rallies so far. We have held the campaign rallies in the three senatorial districts, and we are now to begin the local government campaigns.

    Our campaigns have been exciting, issue-based, and carnival-like and as well in an atmosphere of celebration of the expected victory. The beauty of it all is that our party leaders are united in their support for the party candidate, as shown in the campaigns. The rallies so far have been avenues to receive defectors from the opposition parties into APC. The crowd of party members, supporters, and people who want to vote for the governor at each of the three senatorial campaign rallies is a sign of the victory expected on November 16. It is getting better. We are telling them to convert their attendance at the rallies to vote for APC on November 16. We are telling them to get their PVCs ready to reelect Governor Aiyedatiwa. The governor, who has landmark achievements to point to everywhere, is telling the gatherings what he has done and making them know what he will do in the next four years when reelected. Excellent campaign rallies depicting love for and acceptance of the governor.

    Read Also: APC files objection to suit seeking to void candidate’s nomination

    To what extent does the governor enjoy the support of the APC at the national level?

    The APC is one united big family, so you should not expect less. Governor Aiyedatiwa is a governor on the APC platform and enjoys cordial relationships with the APC-controlled Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership and as well the zonal leadership. Remember Governor Aiyedatiwa was the Chairman, Election Planning and Strategy Committee of the APC for the recently conducted Edo State governorship election. We are expecting the APC leaders and national leadership at the flag off (or/and) grand finale of the Ondo State APC governorship election campaign. That is what will finally seal the fate of the opposition parties in the November 16 election.

    —

  • APC assures Akoko traditional institutions of support

    APC assures Akoko traditional institutions of support

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured traditional institutions in the state of continuous support if elected.

    He gave the assurance yesterday at the palace of Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, while canvassing for the support of traditional rulers in the area.

    The governor said he had always warned against traditional rulers expanding territories, which often lead to communal crises.

    Aiyedatiwa, who noted that Akoko North-West has the highest number of Obas in the state, appreciated their efforts, prayers and support for him during the APC primary that produced him as a candidate.

    Read Also: APC files objection to suit seeking to void candidate’s nomination

    He said: “I will look into the issue of those trespassing and parading themselves as Oba. I know the value of traditional rulers, that’s why there is peace in the state, and you can attest to it now that they are enjoying more under this administration. We don’t select Oba for communities, they just have to follow the procedure and we give instrument of office.”

    While responding to some of the requests of the traditional rulers, the governor assured them that the 2025 budget would be well-detailed and would be able to solve the majority of their yearnings.

    The Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, Oba Olasehinde Adetona assured the governor of victory and urged him to help attend to the roads in the local government after the election. The monarch said the governor should help resolve the chieftaincy issues which were the bane of development in the area.