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Tag: Deputy Governor

  • Deputy governor arrests drivers during sanitation

    There was a mild drama during last Saturday’s monthly environmental sanitation in Ekiti State.

    Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi arrested many drivers caught driving around during the exercise.

    Egbeyemi, who was accompanied by other senior government officials and security men, arrested the commercial and private drivers between Ado-Ekiti and other towns in Gbonyin Local Government Area while monitoring the sanitation.

    A statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, said the deputy governor delayed the drivers on the highways for several minutes before pardoning them, after a warning that they them not to violate environmental law again.

    Before pardoning them, Egbeyemi compelled some defaulters to pick refuse by the roadsides.

    The deputy governor said the government would not tolerate poor attitude among the residents to environmental sanitation.

    He expressed surprise that some residents held ceremonies and markets during the sanitation hours, instead of cleaning their surroundings.

    According to him, such behaviour was “unacceptable” to the government.

    Apparently angered by the negligence of duties during the sanitation, Egbeyemi ordered three environmental officers – Sunday Olanrewaju, Olamide Anthony and Oguntuminiyi Segun – to report to his office today.

    He expressed dissatisfaction over the level of compliance to this month’s environmental sanitation on Saturday.

    The deputy governor said the first environmental sanitation in the year would be used to sensitise the people on the need to take care of their environment.

  • Deputy governor, monarchs intervene in Ekiti boundary dispute

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi and four traditional rulers have intervened in the boundary crisis between Igbemo-Ekiti and Orun-Ekiti communities.

    A bus stop shed built by the Orun youths was allegedly set ablaze two weeks ago by Igbemo youths who claimed that the land on which the project was sited belongs to their (Igbemo) community.

    At a peace meeting in his office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Egbeyemi warned the two communities against erecting new structures on the disputed boundary.

    Read also: Egbeyemi canvasses support for Buhari’s re-election

    A statement yesterday by his Special Assistant (SA) on Media, Odunayo Ogunmola, said the directive became necessary to prevent violence and ensure lasting peace between the two neighbouring towns.

    The monarchs at the peace meeting included the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, who is also the Chairman of the Council of Obas, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye and the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru.

  • Ekiti orders arrest of Herdsmen carrying weapons

    …Vows not to tolerate destruction of farm lands

    The Ekiti State government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of any herdsman caught with guns and other dangerous weapons, promising to visit the full weight of the law on suspects.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, disclosed this on Thursday at a peace meeting held with representatives of herders and farmers at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti in the wake of alleged attacks on farmers in some communities by suspected herdsmen.

    Read Also:‘We bought N50,000 gun to protect ourselves from herdsmen’

    The meeting was attended by representatives of Fulani, Hausa, Ebira, Urhobo, Yoruba communities, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders and Ekiti Grazing and Enforcement Marshals (EGEM).

    Egbeyemi warned that it was unacceptable to the state government for herdsmen to be carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons stressing that security agencies have been mobilized to arrest anyone
    of them caught with weapons.

    The deputy governor particularly warned the Sarkin Fulani in Ekiti State, Muhammad Abashe, that he would be held responsible should there be any further attacks on farmers on their farm lands.

    Egbeyemi said the state government would not tolerate a repeat of attack on Orin Farm Settlement in Ido/Osi Local Government Area last year in which a pregnant Tiv farmer was killed.

    He said: “We have given a marching order to security agencies to arrest herdsmen carrying weapons. As from now, the full wrath of the law will be visited on any herdsman caught with dangerous weapons.

    “Herdsmen going about with AK-47 rifles, what are they doing with such? Will they use AK-47 rifles on animals or human being? Tell your people that will not be tolerated in Ekiti land.

    “We are all Nigerians but somebody cannot come from his place of origin and destroy other people’s property and farm lands. We won’t tolerate that in Ekiti, go and tell your people back home.

    “We don’t want war in Ekiti State; we want peace in our land. I have listened to all parties but the most important thing for our government is peace so that everybody can prosper his legitimate business.”

    According to him, government was duty bound to protect law-abiding residents including settlers in the state who are engaged in legitimate businesses and would not allow killing of innocent people.

    He stressed that herdsmen are not allowed to graze their cattle on farm lands noting that such had led to massive loss of gains and affecting yield of farmers.

    Egbeyemi emphasized that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Ekiti State would not cede any of its land to violent herdsmen as being insinuated by the opposition.

    The deputy governor, however, advised farmers not to take the law into their hands by killing cows of herdsmen urging them to report any attack or destruction of their farms to the appropriate authorities.

    Egbeyemi also warned herdsmen to steer clear of government reserves which he said are not meant for grazing noting that security would be beefed up there to arrest encroachers.

    The deputy governor further revealed that EGEM officers would be empowered with more vehicles, communication facilities and other logistics to boost their morale and prevent clashes between farmers
    and herders.

    Community leaders who spoke included Head of Ebira Community, Sadiku Ojo; Leader of Fulani-Ilorin Community in Ikere, Alhaji Sulaiman Ibrahim,  President of Urhobo Community, Mr. John Enaibe and a local farmer, Mr. Abiodun Kayode.

    Others were Princess Adenike Flourish, Secretary of Anti-Grazing Monitoring Committee; an EGEM officer, Mr. Aladelokun Ayodeji; a representative of Olojudo’s Palace in Ido-Ekiti, Mr. Adewumi Daramola and Mr. Gabriel Monday, a representative of Forest Guards.

  • Kwara North elders ask APC for deputy governor

    Kwara North All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the position of the deputy governor to the senatorial district.

    The forum, in its resolution at the end of a stakeholders meeting and signed by Senator Mohammed Ahmed (chairman, Kwara North Elders), Chief Wole Oke, Alhaji Abubakar Ndakene, Ezekiel Benjamin and Alhassan Bagidi said: “The position of the deputy governor be zoned to Kwara north in order to compensate our zone in view of the fact that the flag bearer of the party is from the central, while the state chairman is from the south. It is only fair to have the north to produce the deputy governor.

    “We therefore, appeal that our resolution which seeks for fairness and justice be respected in order to give our zone a sense of belonging.

    “The stakeholders caucus expressed reservation on the outcome of the just concluded governorship primary elections, the position which the zone believed rightly belonged to it in the principle of fairness and natural justice.

    It added: “However, as party loyalists and strong proponents of the liberation of the state from the age long oppressors and our unflinching support for our President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently called for peace and unity among party leaders and loyalists in order to guarantee our success at the 2019 polls, consequently, after due consultation and a meeting held with Kwara north critical stakeholders we unanimously agreed and settled for the deputy governorship slot.”

  • I stand with party’s position, says deputy governor

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule yesterday declared that she was standing by the decision of the party on the candidature of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the standard bearer for 2019 governorship election.

    Dr. Adebule told reporters at Ward A and D in Ojo Local Council Development Area where she participated in the primary  that “the party has chosen a man and it is that man that I will support and follow.”

    She added: ‘’ I have no doubt that anybody that emerge today as the candidate of the party will have my support, I have no doubt as exhibited by my people today that they are standing with the party’s position on this primary and with that position I stand,” Adebule said.

    The deputy governor commended party members and the electoral body for making the exercise free, fair and violence-free.

    She assured that she would stand by the outcome of the primary and follow the dictate of the party, adding that the supremacy of the party is very important in any political decision.

    ‘’I stand and I choose to stay with my party at this time, my party has spoken and I have no doubt to state that on the position of the party I stand, It is a  very clear election as you can see, people are voting in line with the dictates of the party. We have voted for the person who the leaders of the party have chosen. It is an overwhelming experience as you can see it and we will continue to support the party and abide by its rules,” she said.

  • Kano Assembly to screen Gawuna for deputy governor

    The Kano State House of Assembly will, today, screen Commissioner for Agriculture, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, for the deputy governor’s post.

    The position became vacant following Hafiz Abubakar’s resignation on August 9.

    Gawuna, a former council chairman, and one-time president of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, was chosen from about four contenders.

    Speaker of the House of Assembly Kabiru Rurum said at yesterday’s plenary that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s letter was in line with Section 191 (3) (C) of 1999 Constitution.

    The letter reads: “… in accordance with Section 191 (3) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I hereby nominate Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna for confirmation as deputy governor.

    “The nominee is currently the commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and member of the State Executive Council. In view of the above, it is my hope that this exercise will receive the kind consideration of House.

    “Please accept my assurances and highest regard always.”

    The house has invited Gawuna to appear today at 10 a.m for screening.

  • Retired principal picked as Osun Accord Party’s deputy governor

    The  Accord Party has picked a retired secondary school principal, Alhaji Jimoh Azeez Kayode, as deputy to its governorship candidate, Pastor Julius Olapade Okunola, in the September 22 Osun guber election.

    In a statement by Media Adviser to the Osun State Accord Party’s chairman, Macdonald Oladipo, the party disclosed that the deputy is from Osogbo Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the unveiling of his deputy, Okunola said any government owing workers’ salaries must not be allowed to rule the state.

    He said: “It is important to understand the greater economic benefits of paying wages to workers and its relevance in maintaining the smooth running of our state.

    “Salary payment is a routine and it must always be paid for the economy to run appropriately. Therefore, in modern economies, no one or no government should ever owe workers their wages in Osun State again.”

    The Accord Party gubernatorial hopeful opined that if voted into office, his priorities will be welfare of the masses and prompt payment of salaries of civil servants and pensioners.

    Also speaking at the event, the state chairman of the party, Otunba Olusegun Ayodele Fanibe, implored the people of the state to give Accord Party a chance to rule the state.

    He assured that the people would see a great difference if the party rules the state.

     

  • How much ex-Deputy Governor got as allowances – Kano

    The Kano State Government has denied allegations of non-payment of entitlements by the former deputy governor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar.

    The government while reacting to Abubakar’s resignation noted that based on available records, in 2017 alone, the sum of over N120, 000, 000.00 was paid to former deputy Governor as traveling allowance both within and outside the country, while in 2018, over N30, 000, 000.00 million was paid to him for various traveling allowances.

    A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba and made available to reporters also stated that in July the sum of N7, 409, 575.00 was released to the former deputy governor to travel to the United Kingdom to receive an Honourary Degree from the University of Reading

    The sum of N7, 800, 000.00 was also said to have been paid the deputy governor, who doubles as Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation as his travelling allowance to Khartoum, Sudan for the convocation ceremony of the University of Africa.

    “Also,for a trip to the United Kingdom for the World Education Forum, the sum of N8, 509, 000.00 was paid to him; while his trip to Saudi Arabia for his daughters’ graduation was also sponsored by the state government, among other privileges extended to him’’,

    The state government also challenged the former deputy governor on allegations that the state government has committed resources to sponsor rally in support of his removal from office, pointing out that,the gravity of the allegation may prompt the government to take appropriate action.

    ‘’The former deputy governor ought to have landed safely and quietly instead of making unsubstantiated allegations just to draw attention,‘’

    The statement further stated that for fear of ominous impeachment process by the Kano state House of Assembly, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, has hurriedly tendered his resignation, following the decision by 30 out of the 40 legislators to commence impeachment proceeding against him over false, unfounded allegations and undermining the state government.

    The deputy governor was also accused of making unguarded comments capable of causing disaffection particularly in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the state in general.

    The government  also debunked allegation over threat to his life and that of members of his immediate family which it regarded as unbecoming considering his position as number two citizen with a provision for statutory security detail.

  • Semenitari’s integrity uncommon, says deputy governor

    DEPUTY Governor of Ondo State Agboola Ajayi has described the integrity of former Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mrs. Ibim Semenitari as uncommon.

    Ajayi spoke on Saturday evening in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, at the installation of Semenitari as the secondpresident of Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan, District 9141.

    The ceremony was well-attended and colourful.

    Present are Rotary International Director Mr. Olayinka Babalola; Ex-Deputy Governor  Sir Gabriel Toby, accompanied by his wife; Dame Christy (her parents), Semenitari’s  husband, Chief Henry, among others.

    Ondo deputy governor said: “I met Mrs. Semenitari a few years ago and since then, she has demonstrated high level of intellect, commitment to duties and discipline. She is an embodiment of uncommon integrity. While she was Acting Managing Director of NDDC, she helped many persons, including me, without pecuniary benefit.

    “Prior to my becoming the Deputy Governor of Ondo State by God’s grace, I was a contractor to NDDC and I was fortunate to meet with Mrs. Semenitari. She greatly assisted me, without demanding money or anything in return for the assistance she offered. Mrs. Semenitari is always willing to help, without expecting any reward. She is a rare breed, who should be emulated by all and well celebrated.

    “We cannot forget the media crossfire, when Mrs. Semenitari was the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications in the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (now Transportation Minister) and she was always on top of the situation. She displayed professionalism and experience, as a multiple award-winning journalist and publisher.”

    Ajayi noted that when the former Rivers Information commissioner was appointed acting managing director of NDDC, everybody knew she was going to turnaround the organisation, in view of her capacity.

    Saying she did not disappoint, he wished her a successful tenure in Rotary.

    The pioneer Rotary President Mr. Innocent Iyalla-Harry, in his address, said  serving as president of Rotary club was a responsibility he had been shying away from in his 30 years of as a Rotarian, until his investiture on October 29, 2017.

    Iyalla-Harry noted that in his one year of service, he was fortunate to work with committed members, describing Semenitari as a worthy and reliable successor.

  • Imo: Deputy Gov may resign as impeachment gathers steam

    •Impeachment plot thickens

    As Imo State lawmakers spurn all interventions, including recent moves from top officials at the presidency and Imo stakeholders to stall their impeachment plots, there are indications yesterday that close associates of Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, who have been weighing the options open to him, may have advised him to resign his position as the number two citizen in the state.

    This, according to a source, “is to ensure that Madumere would be eligible to contest the governorship election in 2019.” The source said the lawmakers’ resolve to go ahead with the impeachment process “was simply aimed at spoiling Prince Madumere’s chances of contesting and winning the governorship election in 2019. But I can assure you that he is being advised to outsmart them. If he has to resign before the planned impeachment, he will do so. He will do whatever is necessary to contest and win the 2019 governorship election in Imo,” the source said.

    The Nation investigation as at yesterday shows however that Madumere has not personally responded to such advice even though he is aware that the impeachment process is ongoing notwithstanding the legal battles to stall it.

    During the week, the legal battle centred primarily on whether the impeachment proceedings can continue when the State Chief Judge, Justice Paschal Nnadi, has not set-up the required 7-Man Committee to investigate the allegations on which the House of Assembly is poised to institute the impeachment proceedings. The courts were approached by the two parties to settle the argument. Madumere, for example, earlier in the week, dragged the State Chief Judge, Justice Paschal Nnadi, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Acho Ihim, and Imo State House of Assembly to court, urging it to quash the planned impeachment initiated by the lawmakers. We also gathered from sources that top officials in the presidency intervened on the matter during the week, in a desperate bid to save APC, ahead 2019.

    But at the weekend, the Chief Judge went ahead to set up a 7-man Committee to investigate the allegations in the impeachment notice. The committee, to be chaired by Nze Saba Nze has Charles Okoro, Barth N. Opara, Chika Anosike, Nwokona Chidozie, Mrs. Olivia Nwanekezi and Amadi Chidinma as members.

    With the inauguration of the committee at the weekend, there is tension in the state that the impeachment process may be fast tracked this week. Already, both the lawmakers sympathetic to the impeachment plot and Madumere’s supporters are holding last minutes strategic meetings to perfect their plans.

    An impeachment notice signed by 13 members of the State House of Assembly had served the deputy governor through newspaper publications, the lawmakers accused Madumere, among others, of “absence without official reason or permission duly obtained from office for a period of three (3) months; failure to perform any of the constitutional function of Office of Deputy Governor of Imo State, including but not limited to; refusal to attend, and to hold meetings with the Governor and Commissioners of the Government of Imo State for the governance of Imo State made compulsory by Constitution and under S.193 (2) of the 1999 Constitution and concealment of felonious conduct affecting the presentation of self as eligible candidate of Office of Deputy Governor, Imo State, having been convicted and imprisoned for theft in the United States of America.”

    In his response, Madumere said, among others that “the first claim of absence is rather an old ploy of calling a dog a bad name to hang it,” and that “the Deputy Governor cannot force himself on the Governor, especially when he has been tagged a pariah in the government circle.”