The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekiti

  • Makarfi is PDP leader, says Ekiti PDP faction

    Makarfi is PDP leader, says Ekiti PDP faction

    The Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to Governor Ayo Fayose has warned the senator from Ogun East District, Prince Buruji Kashamu and the National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, to stop meddling in the affairs of the chapter.

    Rising from a meeting of stakeholders in Ikole Local Government Area, the faction, led by   Gboyega Oguntuase, passed a vote of confidence on Fayose and applauded his contributions to the growth of the party.

    The faction  also passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, and Oguntuase.

    The faction described Kashamu and Sheriff as “fifth columnists and saboteurs” bent on destroying the party for their selfish gains.”

    It described party members loyal to the duo as “outcasts who are interested in wrecking the party.”

  • Southwest governors set to tackle militants

    Southwest governors set to tackle militants

    SOUTHWEST governors are set to tackle militants who have made seaside communities unsafe.

    The governors of the six Southwest States of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti are to meet in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital next Monday.

    They are to deliberate on measures to tackle the increasing challenges posed by the militants.

    According to the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, some of the thematic areas to be discussed include: “export development initiatives for the Western region, security, in view of the current contemporary unwholesome activities of some criminal elements parading themselves as militants now ravaging parts of the region.”

    The meeting, being convened under aegis of the South West Governors’ Forum, would also afford the governors opportunity to discuss the security of the zone “in view of the current contemporary unwholesome activities of some criminal elements parading themselves as militants now ravaging parts of the region.”

    In a statement, the SSG stated that the meeting would also evaluate the key areas of cooperation for the unity, progress and development of the region as well as collaboration that would engender good governance.

  • Ekiti governorship aspirant decries youth unemployment

    Ekiti governorship aspirant decries youth unemployment

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Mr. Yinka Akerele, has advised political office holders to address the growing youth unemployment in the country, before it gets out of hand.

    Akerele made the remark while speaking with reporters after visiting the APC office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, to declare his intention.

    The aspirant said the number of graduates, artisans and skilled workers out of job is alarming. He also suggested the inclusion of youths in leadership at all levels of government.

    Akerele said: “The youth needs to be more actively involved in the decision-making process; we should always get them engaged in lofty causes. I implore the privileged in society to concentrate on finding ways of creating employment opportunities for the army of the unemployed youths. This could be done by tapping our entrepreneurial skills, and creating business opportunities. This will save the country from an impending danger of the unemployment time bomb.”

    He advised co-contestants to shun acts that can cause animosity among them, adding that what should be paramount in their minds is victory for the party. He said whoever wins still remains a member of the party and it is victory for all.

    Akerele said: “I appeal to my co-aspirants to do everything humanly possible to avoid divisive tendencies preparatory to the primary. Our commitment towards the party’s goal should remain sacrosanct; the mission of wrestling power from the usurpers must dwarf other negative tendencies. Therefore, we must work in unison and remain united until we wrest power from the present government.”

    Akerele spoke about his intention to use the available human and economic resources to develop the state. He stressed the need to return the state to the path of glory. He added: “My priority is returning our dear Ekiti State to the path of glory; the pride of being an Ekiti indigene is being known for righteousness, academic excellence, high moral standard and the other good virtues.”

    The APC chieftain said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, led by Governor Ayodele Fayose, has run the state aground in the last three years and assaulted the very sanctity of what the state stands for. As a result, he said the people are ready for change.

    He added: “This is time for new beginning in Ekiti; the highest dream of the founding fathers of Ekiti State is to occupy the land with character and ensure it remains a place for the breeding of the virtuous that are exemplary in characters and in deeds.”

  • Seven remanded in prison over murder of motorcyclist

    An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday remanded seven persons over alleged murder of a commercial motorcyclist and attempted murder of another.

    The accused persons are, Oniyelu Olu, 67, Folorunsho Oluwatoba, 69, Peter Ajayi, 73, Tijani Arowolo, 80, Dolamu Olaide, 29, John Ojo, 79 and Lateef Arowolo, 45.

    The police prosecutor, Sgt. Bankole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused, on February 7 in Oye-Ekiti, allegedly conspired and attempted to murder one Ojo Olaoluwa, who eventually escaped death.

    He also alleged that the accused had murdered one Sola Adeniyi, a commercial motorcyclist, otherwise known as Okada operator.

    Adeniyi was allegedly shot and thereafter, had his hands and head chopped off in a bush for money ritual

    Olasunkanmi said the accused persons had by so doing committed offences punishable under Sections 324, 320 and 319 of the Criminal Code Cap C16 Laws of Ekiti State 2012.

    He, however, applied for an adjournment to enable him duplicate the case file and send to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

    Assenting to his prayer for adjournment were, Mr Emmanuel Adetifa, counsel representing the first, third and fifth defendants; Mr Tosin Osundahunsi, representing the second, fourth and sixth defendants and Mr Olatunde Olayemi, representing the seventh defendant.

    The pleas of the accused persons were, however, not taken.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Idowu Ayenimo, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody till the outcome of the legal advice and adjourned the case till June 2, for mention.

  • Ekiti increases maternity leave by four weeks

    Ekiti increases maternity leave by four weeks

    The Ekiti State Government announced has increased the maternity leave for its workers – from 12 weeks to 16 weeks.
    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Kola Ajumobi, spoke yesterday at a public enlightenment forum in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
    He said the gesture was approved by Governor Ayodele Fayose for his special regard for women.
    The permanent secretary said it was also aimed at encouraging exclusive breast feeding for newly born children in the first six months of birth.
    Ajumobi said the leave extension would promote good nutrition for mothers and their new born children.
    The permanent secretary said nursing mothers would also get two hours daily, besides the four months, for six months, from the date they resume duty from maternity leave.
    According to him, the commitment of the Fayose-led administration to the reduction in mothers’ and children’s mortality and morbidity rate to the barest minimum remained sacrosanct.
    Ajumobi said the crèche at the state secretariat had also been invigorated to boost bonding between mothers and their children during official working hours without undue hindrance to performance and efficiency at the workplace.
    The permanent secretary regretted that lack of good nutrition, poverty, hunger as well as lack of access to economic and political empowerment contributed to high maternal and child mortality rates.
    He said the present administration would continue to roll out palliative packages for women to empower and guard them from avoidable travails.
    Ajumobi said such existing measures include the provision of N500 million as revolving soft-loan to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for women.
    Women farmers were being supported with various incentives, he said.
    According to him, the state government has also encouraged women’s access to political power.
    Harmful traditional practices to woman’s nutritional and sexual reproductive health, such as widowhood rites and inheritance, had become criminal offences in the state, he said.
    Ajumobi said rapists and wife beaters will henceforth face life sentences, on conviction.

  • 2018: Power ‘ll shift in Ekiti, says Orire

    2018: Power ‘ll shift in Ekiti, says Orire

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Dr. Adebayo Orire, has described his party as the hope of the people and the answer to their problems.

    Orire made this assertion in an interview with The Nation in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. He said the 2018 governorship poll will give the people of Ekiti an opportunity to change what he called “bad governance that has been going on for over two years now.”

    The medical practitioner-turned politician said he was offering himself for service because he had lived in the state and understood the psychology of an average Ekiti man. Besides, he said he has always been a loyal party man, who understood the manifesto of the party.

    He said the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has traumatised and impoverished the people of with bad governance.

    Orire, who hails from Ikoro Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area, Central Senatorial District, said the increasing number of aspirants jostling for the APC ticket is a positive development for the party.

    This, he said, would afford members of the party and the electorates the opportunity to make their choice. He added: “They should know that the choice they make will make or mar the state in the next four years.”

    Orire blamed what he described as the wrong choice of leaders for the state’s current economic woes, lamentating that the state could not fully realise its potentials. He said the state is bleeding politically and economically under the PDP rule and that he has come to halt the trend.

    He said: “We have eaten our yam set, instead of planting them and that is why Ekiti has remained undeveloped, impoverished and stunted in many aspects, because we have chosen wrong leaders severally.

    “We have had a lot of political misdemeanor, imbroglio and uprising; we have developed a negative side of politics instead of the positive side of life. In all parties in Ekiti State, we have not been able to develop sustainable leadership.

    “What Ekiti needs now by consensus is somebody who has lived with them and shares their problems and aspirations; somebody who understands their body language and semantics and somebody who has proven openly to them that he is responsible and productive.

    “Ekiti people need somebody they have studied for the past five to 10 years. Somebody they know that will be able to cater to their needs. Somebody they had seen how he made his money honestly and had spent it honestly among them.

    “Somebody whose destiny is tied to Ekiti; somebody they can actually vouch for his emotion and maturity at handling issues and somebody who can wash off the shame that Ekiti has been put through and somebody who can redeem the image of Ekiti.

    “We need an urbane, serene, cool-headed, intelligent, humble and brilliant person who can bridge the gap between the high and the low, home and abroad, the good and the bad.

    “We do not need impromptu leaders who just run down because he wants to vie for governorship; we do not need people who want to come and buy off the post. Our party leaders need to put on the cap of neutrality and genuine love for Ekiti people and choose wisely.”

    Orire added: “We must recognise that the future of Ekiti, that of our children and our children’s children is at stake. The APC is the hope of Ekiti people; the APC is the answer to their problems, because the PDP has traumatised them.

    “There is hunger in the land; stomach infrastructure has turned to stomach infraction and the hunger in the land is epitomised by civil servants stealing pots of soup to feed their children.

    “Thuggery has yielded them evil, the bravado has failed and eating boli (roasted plantain) and epa (groundnut) on the streets has not translated to the good life the people expected. Everybody has known that it is all lies.

    “Everybody has known that the PDP has failed Ekiti, debased Ekiti and diminished Ekiti. The teachers are now more informed, with six months unpaid arrears of salaries, despite several financial lifelines in billions of naira received from the APC-led Federal Government, in addition to normal monthly allocations.

    “Local government workers are no more deceived now that they know that their welfare is not paramount to the irumole (ghost) that eats the bailout. Civil servants are groaning, the PDP is fragmented and confused.

    “The APC is the answer and we are ready to make Ekiti good by way of heavy and intensive industrialisation, extensive mechanised farming and a reborn Ekiti spirit of honour and virtue under my leadership by the grace of God.”

  • Ekiti: 2018 and the rest of us

    The people of Ekiti are special in many ways; highly cerebral, cosmopolitan and principled. As a result of this, Ekiti people are revered anywhere in the world. As an Ekiti man, you are expected to be above board, you are expected to be transparent and you are expected to be integrity personified. Records are everywhere of how different individuals from Ekiti have impacted well on various government agencies, ministries and even international organisations.

    With all these attributes and record of brilliant performances, one will expect that Ekiti State should be a primus inter pares in election conduct and governance. Unfortunately, the reverse has always been the case. Perhaps more than any state in Nigeria, Ekiti has consistently been in the news for wrong reasons in the last 16 years. Among other crisis, the people have witnessed daylight robbery in primary election, in-fighting within political organisations, impeachment, election robbery and humiliation of traditional rulers by a sitting governor.

    While it is easy to dismiss those that have been labelled by one Lola Apempe as ‘visitors’, it is difficult to ignore about five aspirants. Though only a few have publicly declared their interest, many things are pointing to the fact that two former governors of the state, Engn. Segun Oni and Dr. Kayode Fayemi are keen on occupying the seat. Also in recent time, supporters of Babafemi Ojudu, Opeyemi Bamidele and Gbenga Aluko have also consistently echoed their 2018 ambitions. Another person that may be difficult to dismiss is Yinka Akerele. Like some of the aspirants who have not personally come out to announce their plan for the election, mum has been the word from Akerele but feelers from his group have revealed that the Ayede-Ekiti born politician will throw himself into the ring in 2018.

    But whichever way one looks at it, one man whose interest in 2018 cannot be disputed is the current governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose. Constitutionally, many will dismiss this on the basis that Fayose has no right to contest again but the fact remains that the Peoples Democratic Party and another party that may spring up from it will have Fayose’s major input.

    Considering Fayose’s political sagacity, members of the All Progressives Congress will need to get it right very well to win the 2018 election. To win in Ekiti, APC as a matter of urgency must unite and present a candidate that can appeal to all demography; the old, the youths, the elites and the market women. To achieve this, leaders of the party must shun sentiment and unnecessary emotions.

    Looking at the trend of conversation around the governorship in the last two months, it is easy to conclude that some individuals, who were great beneficiaries of former governors Oni and Fayemi are the one marketing the leaders to ensure their own political future. Selfishness! At this time of our political maturity in Ekiti, we should not think of selfish interest but individuals who can bring the total change to the state. And for APC to win the election and align the state with the party at the centre, they should think of a grassroots leader who can combine the Omoluabi the Ekitis are known for with skills mobilisation. For instance, like him or hate him, Fayose knows the arithmetic of Ekiti politics more than most of the people that are currently being paraded.

    Senator Ojudu and Fayemi sure have bright future, considering their positions in government of the day but their lack of interpersonal skills and grassroots acceptability may be their albatross. Perhaps, if the position is to be doled out to the highest bidder or on appointment, they both stand good chance of clinching the seat. However, as much as the flag bearer can only be chosen by the delegates, they stand no chance

    If there is another issue that is generating debate in the state, it is the issue of zoning. Much as zoning is morally acceptable, most times it denies a state of picking its best. Again, the corresponding factor in the state for now appears not to favour such sentiments. The idea now is about capacity to win election and ability to transform the state. These factors are far above any emotional expression on zoning.

    Finally, in presenting anybody for the 2018 election, many inspiring factors must be considered and all hands must be on the deck. Instead of being driven by emotions and sentiments, the search for APC candidate must be taken as serious assignment of all stakeholders. To rebuild our dear state and boost its brand equity which is believed to have been deflated by Governor Fayose in the last three years, leaders will need to scout for an individual that can appeal to the grassroots, selfless and emotional about Ekiti project. As things are, only time will decide who will carry the party’s flag.

     

    • RaheemAkingbolu Lagos
  • Ekiti, Oyo APC: he’s a torchbearer of change

    Ekiti, Oyo APC: he’s a torchbearer of change

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti and Oyo states yesterday described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the torchbearer of change in the modern day Nigeria.

    According to Oyo State APC, Tinubu’s personality represents the surest hope for the timely realisation of the full potential of the country as a democratic nation.

    In a statement in Ibadan to congratulate the former Lagos State Governor on his 65th birthday, the Oyo State APC said the occasion offered a unique opportunity for all to re-appraise his contributions to humanity, the African continent and Nigeria.

    The statement, which was signed by its Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, said: “Nigeria, since inception, has always been blessed with patriotic icons, most of whom were not fully appreciated until after their death.”

    It added: “The challenge before most of the discerning minds in contemporary Nigeria is to acknowledge the heroic efforts of citizens like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whose actions as a political leader have led to the rediscovery of the essence of good governance and purposeful leadership.

    “After a successful career in the private sector, which spanned many years, Asiwaju Tinubu took Nigeria’s political turf by storm when he became the Lagos State Executive Governor in 1999 and within eight years, he was able to lay a solid foundation for the Centre of Excellence, which today ranks among the best in the world.

    “In addition to this, Tinubu was able to liberate virtually all the Southwestern states from the lethal hands of some political impostors before he crowned it with the unprecedented feat of 2015, when the APC dislodged the PDP from the centre.

    “It is an incontrovertible fact that Senator Bola Tinubu was the biggest contributor to the victory of our party at the 2015 general elections since all his strategy and sacrifices as well as those of few others were enough to rescue Nigeria from the verge of a precipice.

    “Like a Jagaban that he is, Tinubu led the onslaught against the party in power and he never succumbed to inducement, harassment and blackmail in the hands of the powers-that-be until Buhari/Osinbajo presidency was realised for the good of the country.”

    Ekiti State APC, in a statement, attributed the feat recorded by the party in the 2015 general elections, in which it dethroned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the political ingenuity of Tinubu.

    In the statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the party congratulated Tinubu on his 65th birthday and described him as “an icon of democracy”.

    The party also described the former Lagos State governor as “a dogged and courageous fighter, a political juggernaut and master strategist with uncommon wisdom of an astute manager of men and materials.”

    Recalling Tinubu’s role in the success story of progressive politics in Ekiti State, Olatunbosun said he achieved that feat as a defender of truth and social justice.

    Also describing Tinubu as a politician with a Midas touch, the party said APC’s victory in the national election that produced President Muhammadu Buhari was as a result of visionary leadership championed by the Asiwaju of Lagos.

    It said: “Today, as we join millions of our party men and women as well as well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate this icon of democracy, our own Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65, our prayer is that God in His infinite mercy would continue to bless, keep and strengthen you.

    “Long may you live to continue your selfless services to humanity and grow Nigeria to a prosperous nation that will be a pride of all Nigerians.”

  • Customers get free meters in Ekiti

    Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has begun distribution of free prepaid meters to customers in its resolve to eliminate the problem of estimated billings.

    BEDC Chief State Head for Ondo and Ekiti states, Mrs. Kunbi Labiyi, who revealed this in Ado-Ekiti during Customers’ Consultative Forum, said the company was working hard to ensure better service delivery.

    She stated that the company was giving out 9,000 prepaid meters in Ekiti State out of which 1,000 have been released for the month of January for customers in Ado-Ekiti alone.

    Mrs. Labiyi was responding to questions from customers on non-availability of prepaid meters, estimated billings, poor services and high tariffs, among others.

    She explained that the processes of power generation, transmission and distribution have become problematic because only 3,000 megawatts is currently generated for 160 million Nigerians.

    Mrs. Labiyi noted that 10,000 megawatts was required to adequately serve one million people, adding that shortfall in megawatts generated was the major problem distribution companies (DISCOs) were experiencing.

    She further revealed that BEDC gets just nine per cent of energy allocation which it distributes to about 800,000 customers in four catchment states of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti.

    According to her, the distribution of free meters to customers was delayed due to rise in foreign exchange which had affected the unit price of the product.

    While urging customers to always pay their bills, the BEDC boss stressed that energy theft is a serious crime and sabotage to the economy which attracts strong sanctions.

    Mrs. Labiyi said: “Whenever your bills come, ensure that you pay; you are free to lodge your complaints concerning any error in our services and the bills will be rectified. Energy theft is a serious crime, therefore pay your bills.

    “BEDC has taken the right step by distributing meters free to eliminate the problem of estimated billings. Estimated billing is not in anybody’s interest. Therefore, we are working hard to ensure that you enjoy value for your money.”

     

  • Marketers stop fuel supply to Ekiti

    Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), at the weekend,  stopped supply of fuel to Ekiti State.

    They are protesting the demolition of four filling stations under construction in Ado-Ekiti by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The demolition, they claimed, “was done in bad faith and malice”.

    The governor, who revoked their Certificates of Occupancy, said he would not allow construction of filling stations in “unauthorised places”, such as residential areas and ordered  marketers to apply for recertification.

    The situation has inflicted hardship on motorists, motorcyclists and commuters as residents travel to neighbouring states to buy fuel.

    Black marketers are cashing in on the situation to make brisk business.

    Only the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) filling station at Ajebamidele was dispensing fuel yesterday.

    It was besieged by motorists who formed a long queue.

    Others who could not withstand the rigours travelled as far as Iju, Itaogbolu and Akure in Ondo State to buy the commodity.

    A senior IPMAN executive said yesterday that members had received an order from the Abuja headquarters to stop supply of fuel to Ekiti.

    He said petrol marketers were  demonised by the governor, who called them thieves and other unprintable names on a live radio and television programme.

    “Withdrawal of their services was one of the ways to send a strong message.”

    The source said: “Yes, this order came from Abuja and it is above oil dealers in Ekiti State.

    “Our people in Abuja were not happy with how the members are being threatened in Ekiti.

    “No tanker can enter the state. But there is an instruction that we can  sell the one we have in our underground tanks after which the directive will take effect.”