The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekiti STATE

  • African Church crisis deepens as S/South provinces sack S/West bishops

    The festering leadership crisis in the African Church has assumed an ethnic colouration following the sack of bishops from the Southwest part of the country from provinces in the South-south region.

    Bishop James Bamidele from Ekiti state, who was at Four towns, Uyo and Archbishop A.A Odufuwa, formerly of the Calabar Province have been removed, our correspondent learnt.

    A member of the church, who pleaded not to be named, also confirmed other south-south’ states including Edo and Delta states have also sent away their bishops from the Southwest.

    The source who spoke with reporters in Uyo at the weekend also disclosed that provinces in Edo and Delta states have threatened a breakaway from the Western provinces of the church.

    Calabar and Rivers provinces have also issued indicated their plan to secede if the current primate is forcefully removed.

    Penultimate week the primate of the church, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia returned to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

    Read Also: Daystar church donates N10m to conflict victims

    It was alleged that he was being harassed by church leaders in the Southwest with the intention of ending his tenure abruptly.

    Udofia is said to be threatened with sack if he fails to vacate office as Primate by May when he turns 60.

    But South-South members of the church are however of the opinion that a new law could not have been applicable to Udofia who was voted into office on the dictates of the old constitution.

  • Ekiti justice sector reform ‘ll reorder society, says Fayemi

    EKITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has expressed optimism that ongoing reform in the justice sector embarked upon by his administration will help reorder the society and nip crimes in the bud.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with the state legal officers, the governor said his administration believes that the law should be an instrument for social justice.

    He added that “the beauty of the law is to help reorder the society the way we want it”.

    Dr. Fayemi, who added that he had received several calls from different quarters commending him on the steps recently adopted by the Ministry of Justice to curb sexual violence, reiterated the zero-tolerance of his administration for the social menace.

    He assured that his government, using the instrumentality of the law, would bring an end to child rape and any other sexual violence in the state.

    Reacting to the claim that the government’s lawyers file government cases with their personal money, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with the development.

    Fayemi assured the legal officers that the government would no longer shirk its responsibilities or allow workers to shoulder what government should normally attend to.

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Wale Fapohunda had briefed the governor on efforts at strengthening the legal system in the State; stating that the Ministry is working to improve its work pace to ensure quick dispensation of justice.

    Fapohunda noted that the process of reviewing the laws of Ekiti State had begun and would be concluded in the next two months.

    Also speaking, the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ado Ekiti branch, Mr. Kanmi Falade, thanked the governor for allowing the All Progressives Congress (APC) field some lawyers as candidates into the state and national assemblies as well as appointing competent lawyers as aides.

    The NBA chairman, however, highlight some challenges in the sector, especially inadequate judges on the bench of the state judiciary; saying that the development, which has slowed down the judicial process, has occasioned the adjournment of many cases till much later dates.

    Falade noted that no fewer than five judges from Ekiti are currently out of the state on election petition matters.

    He equally urged the governor to set up an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centre to facilitate speedy resolution of cases.

     

     

  • College workers pass vote of no confidence on institution’s governing council

    THE workers at the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday passed a vote of no confidence on institution’s governing council.

    The workers, under the aegis of Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN), Ikere-Ekiti branch, alleged that Chief Afolabi Ojuawo-led Governing Council had engaged in alleged actions, which were capable of destroying the institution.

    The union described the alleged unlawful disengagement of five Senior Staff without any justification as  ‘outright illegality’, saying such decision negates the principle of justice and fairness.

    They gave the governing council a seven-day ultimatum within which to rescind its decision and failure to comply will propel the union to embark on industrial action and litigation process.

    A communique made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Chairman Mr. Oluwole  Olusona stated that the decision was reached after the union congress held on April 9, 2019 at the College Hall.

    The union said there was no reasonable justification for their premature retirement, other than their positions had been scrapped on the recommendation of the visitation panel constituted by the state government.

    They said there was nothing unconstitutional in the promotion, saying the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), had in 2016, elongated the Administrative Officer and Accountant’s cadres to level 15 and which was approved for implementation in the college by the then governing council.

    The union added that the affected staff were consequently promoted to the position of Senior Deputy Registrars and Senior Deputy Bursar.

    The affected members of staff were in the rank of Senior Deputy Registrar and Senior Deputy Bursar and they included R.S Omole, Mrs. B.S Momoh, J.O Onifade, Mrs F.A Adeusi and Francis Adebayo.

    It called on the government to investigate the frivolous spending of 34m on sitting allowance and feeding within two months by Ojuawo-led Governing Council in spite of the 11 and five months unpaid cooperative deduction and salary arrears respectively.

    The union, however, expressed worries that the best hands and highly experienced staff had just been sent packing without committing any offence.

    But, the Acting Provost of the College, Dr. Victor Kehinde, said the Governing Council had not done any illegality but acted based on the report of the visitation panel, which was accepted by the government and later released as white paper.

    Dr. Kehinde said the white paper recommended that those in the position of the same Deputy Registrar and Senior Deputy Bursar should be scrapped because the position does not exist.

    “Dr. Fayemi in an attempt to reposition the institution inaugurated a visitation panel in November 2018 to look at certain things in the college.

    “And people submitted petitions, including members of the Senior Staff Union, which were carefully considered.

    “And the panel came out with that recommendation scrapping the positions.

    “So, if they came out with recommendations and government accepted them, then, the new council had no choice than to implement it,” he said.

     

  • Fayemi urges 14 commissioners, advisers to shun corruption

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has sworn in 14 commissioners and five advisers, with a warning that they may be sacked, if found displaying ineptitude and engaging in corrupt practices.

    Fayemi said the present administration penchant for transparency and accountability would not be compromised.

    The swearing in came after the names of the commissioners-designate were approved by the state’s House of Assembly.

    The governor said what the state needed at this time when it is financially-challenged is committed and visionary people, who are ready to sacrifice to make Ekiti great.

    The governor stated that the task to rebuilding Ekiti that would be of gains to all and sundry should be paramount to the appointees and not personal aggrandisement.

    He advised them to be prudent in the management of limited resources, considering lean resources available.

    Fayemi added that the inauguration signified the beginning and operation of a full-fledged state executive council since he assumed office in 2018.

    He said his government would be receptive to constructive criticism from members and that no one would be victimised for exercising such rights.

    “You all knew the state of our state before I was inaugurated and you could attest to the fact that we have raised the bar and change the landscape for better now within these few months.”

    The commissioners are: Dr. Adio Afolayan  (Local Government and Chieftaincy  Affairs), Dr. (Mrs.) Moji Yaya Kolade(Health and Human Services), Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure (Women Affairs), Mr. Emmanuel Foluso Daramola (Education, Science and Technology), Mr. Folorunso Olabode (Agriculture and Rural Development), Bamidele Faparusi (Infrastructure and Public Utilities) and Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo (Environment).

    Others include are Mr. Olusoga Davies (Trade and Investment), Mr. Sola Adebayo   (Works and Transport),  Mr. Michael Awopetu (Youths and Sports), Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua (Information and Orientation), Mr. Femi Ajayi (Budget and Planning), Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu (Regions Development and Special Duties) and Mr. Febisola Adewale (Lands and Housing).

    Also sworn-in as special advisers were: V.O Kolade (Special Adviser, Social Investments, Alhaji Ademola Bello(Special Adviser,  Inter – Party Relations and Allied Matters), Abiola Olowokere(Special  Adviser,  Legislative  Affairs), Dr. Sikiru Eniola(Special Adviser, Tertiary Education) and Dr. (Mrs.) Kofoworola Aderiye mni,(Technical Adviser , Education)

    Read Also: Fayemi appoints five more advisers

    Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Dr. Yaya-Kolade promised that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by performing their statutory duties without compromising the interest of the people.

    Fayemi on Tuesday kicked off 251 kilometres pipeline distribution project across the state estimated at N3,354,616,553.50.

    He said he started the initiative during his first term in office with intention to ensure every parts of Ekiti have access to uninterrupted water supply.

    The governor restated that his administration determination for all the strata of the people to enjoy infrastructure that can make their lives better remained resolute.

    He said the project will be jointly financed by the state government and the World Bank under the third national urban water sector reform project.

    Fayemi who spoke in Ado Ekiti during the official kick off of the 251 kilometres pipeline distribution project, said the project was part of the ways the people could reap the services attached to democracy.

  • Man with roasted human hands arrested in Ekiti

    A 23-year- old man has been arrested for going about with human parts in Ijero Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    The suspect, Nifemi was arrested by police on Saturday during a stop- and- search operation.

    An eye witness who craved anonymity told journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday the suspect was nabbed while going to Okemesi Ekiti with severed hands of a human being.

    Before the arrest, Police in Ijero Division had beefed up security across the local government following tip- off from the public that bandits were planning to invade the area.

    The source said the young man was said to have kept the human parts in a polythene bag and was apprehended along Ijero-Ikoro road while going to Okemesi to sell to customers.

    “When quizzed by the police, the young man said he got the two hands at Asa farmstead near Okemesi and brought it to Ijero.

    Read Also: PDP ‘ll bounce back In Ekiti, says Olujimi

    “He told the police that he wanted to take the human parts to Okemesi to go and sell to some people”.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed the arrest.

    Ikechukwu added investigations have begun into the case on how to arrest the suspect’s syndicates.

    “Our men arrested him during one of our operations. We are gathering more facts about the case because we are aware he has been operating with some people and they have to be brought to book,” he said.

     

  • Police nab man with ‘human parts‘

    The police in Ekiti State have arrested a man simply identified as Nifemi, for allegedly going about with human parts.

    Nifemi, 23, was nabbed last Saturday at Ijero-Ekiti during a stop and search.

    An eye witness, who craved anonymity, told reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that the suspect was held while going to Okemesi-Ekiti with the hands of a human being.

    The source said the young man reportedly kept the human parts in a polythene bag and was apprehended on Ijero-Ikoro road while heading for Okemesi to sell the parts to customers.

    Read also: Police urged to protect rights

    “When quizzed by the police, the man said he got the two hands at Asa farmstead, near Okemesi and brought them to Ijero.

    “He told the police that he wanted to take the human parts to Okemesi to sell to some people,” the source added.

    Before the arrest, the police in Ijero Division had tightened security across the local government, following a tip-off by the public that robbers were planning to invade the area.

    Police spokesman Caleb Ikechukwu confirmed the arrest.

    He said investigations had begun.

  • Priotise Ekiti interest, Fayemi tells boundary commission members

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has inaugurated the State Boundary Commission Committee and Boundary Technical Committee, advising them to always consider the best interest of Ekiti people above personal interest.

    The governor, who restated that the loyalty of his government is to the people of Ekiti State, whom the administration is out to serve, urged the committees to discharge their duties without fear or favour, but with strict adherence to the rule of law.

    Fayemi, who inaugurated the committee at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office yesterday, said there are series of boundary disputes both interstate and intra-state waiting for the attention of the committees.

    He advised the members to adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution method without resort to court.

    “I like to implore members of the inaugurated commission to see your appointment as a call to service, a call to etch your name on the sands of time in Ekiti and a call to be a part of history. You must discharge your duty without fear or favour but with strict adherence to the rule of law.

    “In whatever you do, always consider the best interest of Ekiti State and Ekiti Kete far above your personal interest. Collectively, we can build the society of our dreams and make Ekiti State the pride of all. We can only achieve this through selflessness,” he said.

  • APC chieftain to Ekiti Commissioners-designate: Shun corruption, disloyalty

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu has urged the commissioner nominees just approved by the Ekiti State House of Assembly to refrain from corrupt and acts that could derail Dr. Fayemi-led administration.

    Osinkolu said their focus and premium task should be how to implement the Fayemi’s 4 -cardinal agenda  to transform and accelerate the lives of the predominantly agrarian Ekiti residents.

    He described those nominated by Fayemi as committed individuals in their respective communities aside from being  party loyalists, saying he has no apprehension that they will discharge their duties diligently for radical turn around of the state’s  socio-economic status.

    Fayemi had last week Tuesday sent names of 14 commissioners designate to Ekiti assembly for screening and approval and were later confirmed on the floor of the House on Thursday.

    The governor will on Tuesday inaugurates the cabinet members and subsequently assign them to the  Ministries they will superintend over.

    Read Also: Ekiti Assembly confirms 13 commissioner-nominees

    Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, The Director General Buhari/Osinbajo  Campaign Council said proposed cabinet members came at a time when the people are having high expectations from all sectors to compensate for the deprivation suffered in the past, saying they can’t afford to disappoint Ekiti populace under this circumstance.

    Osinkolu added that the All Progressives Congress as champion of progressive governance should run a government that can change the lives of the people for better, urging the nominees to bear this in mind that they are being appointed to serve and not to pursue personal gains and material acquisition .

    He said: ” Governor Kayode Fayemi met a lot of rots in the system caused by bad policies and laxity on the part of the immediate past administration.

    “He came at a time when several months of salary and pension arrears are owed. Deductions and gratuities to  civil servants and retirees   running into several millions of naira are outstanding and infrastructures in schools are dilapidated and our people are questing for radical improvement .

    ” I want the nominees to share the dream of our governor and his resolve to bail us out of this conundrum.

    “Under Ayodele Fayose- led government, over 40,000 people were displaced from the safety net like the social security scheme, Ekiti State Peace Corps, Youth in Commercial Farming (YCAD) and others being policies  initiated by Governor Fayemi in 2011 , apart from astronomic increase in the level of unemployment among youths . All these APC government would have  tackle for people to have a reprieve.

    “They must know that coming at this precarious time as commissioners is more of a service than material  acquisition. They must be ready to sacrifice their personal gains to benefit humanity and posterity shall be fair to them as leaders who put up appropriate fight for our people to be delivered from the bandage of poverty if they eventually prove their mettle”.

    Osinkolu appealed to APC members and other Ekiti populace to give them the required supports and play advisory roles where necessary for the success of the present administration.

  • Why APC lawmakers will toe party line, by Ekiti member-elect

    The caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives will not go against the decision of the party leadership on power sharing between the six geo-political zones, Yemi Adaramodu has said.

    Adaramodu spoke in Abuja at the ongoing induction programmes for newly elected members of the National Assembly   where he said the ninth Assembly would not experience the mistake of the outgoing Assembly because the conditions of the two periods are different.

    Adaramodu, was Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi between 2010 and 2014 explained that the party has learnt a lot of lessons from the emergence of the outgoing leadership of the National Assembly.

    He said: “I am very confident that we will not have a repeat of the past on the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly this time around.

    “It is whatever the party leadership says that all of us will abide by. It is the party that has the mandate and chooses us to hold the mandate on their behalf, so it definitely where they are going that we will go.

    “Though in politics, you hear stories and nobody has ever come out either privately or publicly that wherever APC is going, I will not go there from within APC.

    “So everything is conjectural and I want to take it like that. So our party is very supreme and for me like others, it is dictate of the party that we will follow”.

    Adaramodu said more than ever before, lawmakers have reasons not gogainstbthe party decision on the sharing formula, adding, “APC has evolved from members  that see themselves from the prism of the groups they came from to firm APC.

    “It was the fixation to the former parties by those members  that led to the clamour for position which eventually led to where we found ourselves today.

    “However since then, almost four year later, the party has metamorphosed and we have all come to identify with the party, leaving  where we came from behind us.

    “Another critical factor is, we have come to realise that it is pertinent to subject ourselves to party discipline and supremacy because it is the party’s platform we all used to project our aspirations for elective offices.

    “None of us, no matter how powerful or big or handsome  has his photographs on the ballot papers while we were contesting, it was the party’s symbol that was there.

    Read Also: APC will reclaim all ‘stolen’ mandates

    “Moreover, unlike before, the leadership of the party really took matters of candidates very seriously this time.

    “Periodically, at intervals before adjourning the election, they were always in contact with us, asking after our welfare and challenges and giving us the encouragement we needed.

    “That really counted for something.

    “For these reasons, everyone of us will subject ourselves to the party and it’s decisions”.

    According to the lawmaker from  Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise/Orun Federal constituency, members of the party in the House are ready to resist scheming from the opposition to wrest control of the House from APC by staying true to the logo of the party.

    Saying that scheming to manipulate new members by the opposition would not succeed, the lawmaker added, “A stick of broom cannot sweep, that is why the bunch can achieve much more by being together, even at that the bunch can not achieve much without the rope that ties it.

    “That is why we are determined to be united and not allow cracks within our rank. This is what will assist us in deploying strategies to win over members from other parties,” he added.

     

  • Policeman attacked by scavenger in Kwara dies

    A policeman attached to Omu-Aran Police Division in Kwara, who was attacked by a suspected mad man, is dead, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports

    The deceased, simply identified as Sgt. Abu, was said to be within the premises of the police station when he was attacked on Tuesday afternoon by the assailant.

    The assailant, who was armed with a cutlass and other dangerous weapons, was said to be showing signs of insanity before the attack.

    NAN reports that the assailant was said to be a scavenger.

    The deceased was said to have been rushed to a private hospital in the town, but was later transfered to Ido Medical Centre in  Ekiti State where he died on Wednesday.

    The assailant, who hails  from Aran-Orin,  was said to have first approached the station with a shovel and a wooden stick, but was disarmed.

    He was said to have later returned to the station where he attacked the deceased.

    An eye witness told NAN that it took the combined efforts of some commercial motorcyclists and a police patrol team before the assailant, who took to his heels  after the attack, could be apprehended at the Taiwo Area of  the town.

    “I was on my motorcycle when I saw the fleeing man holding a cutlass and a wood.

    “He was wearing a red attire and we followed him. Later, some other motorcyclists joined in the chase and on getting to Taiwo Area, he stopped, dropped his weapons and raised up his hands.

    “It was in the process that he was arrested by the police and moved to the station,” the eye witness, who preferred anonymity, said.

    The atmosphere in the police command was tense on Wednesday afternoon when a NAN correspondent visited as the policemen were still in shock following the death of their colleague.

    When contacted, Ajayi Okasanmi, the police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the incident.

    Okasanmi said investigation into the case was being carried out in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer in Omu-Aran.

    NAN