The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti monarch decries attack on palace

    The Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, has decried the attack on his palace by some workers of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHI), who are calling for the removal of the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Lawrence Majekodunmi Ayodele.

    The Olojudo, who held a meeting with residents yesterday, urged the protesters to embrace peace.

    Oba Ilori-Faboro advised the workers not to allow criminals hijack their protests.

    The traditional ruler said the attack on his palace was carried out on April 25 by FETHI workers, who were protesting the death of Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi and Dr. Alex Akinyele, which they blamed on the CMD. The CMD denied it all.

    The Olojudo regretted that the protesters held up traffic for several hours, a situation which, according to him, paralysed activities.

    After the meeting, some indigenes carrying placards marched from the palace to FETHI gate, where community leaders appealed to the workers to embrace peace.

    Oba Ilori-Faboro said: “I and other traditional rulers such as the Ologotun of Ogotun, the Alara of Aramoko, the Owa Ajero of Ijero addressed the workers but they did not listen.

    “In fact, they (FETHI workers) shunned another peace meeting  scheduled for Tuesday.

    “Our appeal to them is that we don’t want any breakdown of law and order in Ido and they should go back to work in the interest of patients.”

    But FETHI workers who met with Ido community leaders insisted that Ayodele must go.

    They said as long as he remains the CMD, peace cannot be guaranteed.

    Chairman of FETHI branch of the Senior Staff Association (SSA) Akinlolu Adetula said Ayodele no longer enjoy their confidence.

    He said: “We will be able to discharge our duty effectively when there is peace.

    “Ayodele is not the first CMD here. We have had CMDs who enjoy good working relationship with their staff.”

    Adetula’s comment was greeted with an ovation by workers, who applauded him for “speaking their minds.”

    Branch chairman of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) Julius Ayodele said workers are not fighting the Ido community.

    Earlier, President of Ido Progressive Union (IPU), Jomo Olofinlade, said: “The vandalism of the Oba’s Palace is totally unacceptable to the community.

    “The disruption of the social life of the town and threatening of lives is beyond bounds.”

  • Catholic Church sues Ekiti govt over education tax

    Catholic Church sues Ekiti govt over education tax

    The Catholic Diocese of Ekiti has filed a suit against the imposition of levies on pupils in its primary and secondary schools by the Ekiti State government.

    The church urged an Ekiti State High Court to declare that the defendants could not impose education development levy or tax on pupils and schools.

    The court is to restrain the defendants from further demand of the levy.

    According to the originating summons, the Incorporated Trustees of Catholic Diocese of Ekiti are the claimants. The defendants are the Attorney General, Commissioner for Education and the government.

    The Church wants the court to determine “if every child of primary school and junior secondary school age in Ekiti State is not entitled to free and compulsory basic education.

    It also wants the court to determine if “the imposition of education development levy or any tax or levy on pupils and schools in Ekiti State, including the claimants’ schools, by the defendants, does not violate Section 2 of Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004 and Section 19 of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Law”.

    The Catholic Church also wants the court to determine if the defendants could impose education development levy or tax on pupils and schools “without a law validly passed by the House of Assembly”.

    The Church is seeking an order of mandatory injunction directing the defendants to endorse and approve the applications of  pupils of its schools for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, pending the determination of the substantive case.

    Diocesan Bishop Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye said he was “concerned about the propriety of imposing any development levy on pupils in Catholic mission schools in Ekiti State, moreover when our schools are paying various levies and taxes demanded by both the local and state governments”.

    Addressing a briefing at the weekend, Ajakaye expressed dismay at the closure of seven Catholic schools even as some of them are preparing for their NECO examinations.

    The closure, according to him, followed the breakdown of negotiations between the Diocese and government representatives.

    The cleric said as a law abiding body, the Church was taking steps to seek judicial resolution of the matter.

    “The affected pupils are writing exams and government is closing down their schools. That is insensitivity.”

  • Ekiti workers shun rally over unpaid salaries, doctors’ death

    Majority of workers in Ekiti State stayed away from the celebration of the 2016 May Day. Only a few of them gathered at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium to witness the event.

    The lack of interest in the rally by workers could be attributed to the non-payment of four months arrears of salaries and the mournful mood of the state which yet to recover from the death of six medical doctors who died on their way to Sokoto last week for the Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA) Annual Conference.

    At yesterday’s rally which was also boycotted by Governor Ayo Fayose, only the state box section of the stadium was occupied by those who cared to show up as at 12 noon when the event was almost ending.

    They offered prayers for the revival of the nation’s economy to enhance prompt payment of salaries and other benefits.

    They mourned death of the six doctors and their driver last Sunday association who died in an auto crash on the Kaduna road praying to God to grant  the families the fortitude to bear the monumental loss.

    Labour urged Fayose to review the state workers’ wage bill which currently stands at N2.6billion, saying the measure became imperative because the same figure was declared by the Kayode Fayemi administration.

    NLC Chairman Ade  Adesanmi urged Fayoseto pay the workers their gross salaries rather than net adding that this is the best way the plight of the workers can be alleviated in view of the encumbrances in the payment  of salaries due to economic downturn.

    On the agitation for the review of the wage bill , Adesanmi said : “the current wage bill quoted was inherited from the immediate past administration. After one year of this administration, we expect that the bill would have reduced.

    “This  is because no employment was done and  civil servants are retiring every day. If this is look into, more resources will be available for the payment of salaries and perform other government functions”.

    The workers also called for the immediate release of the 2015 verification exercise, so that those involved  could know their fate.

    Fayose, represented by the Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka, commended the workers in the country for their resilience in the face of biting economic situation, but expressed the hope that the future holds better prospect for the employers and the employees.

    The governor noted that the prevailing economic situation must also not be allowed to cause disharmony between the organised labour and the government.

    He said: “Notwithstanding the dwindling allocations to the state, the huge debt obligations we inherited and the near zero industrial base of the state which means poor internally-generated revenue, we are still better.

    “Our administration has not hidden all necessary facts about our finances from labour and we cannot but appreciate your understanding and support in this critical period. All hope is not lost, as there is a silver lining ahead.

    “The current situation does not affect workers only, it affects all of us. But I am very optimistic that with your continued support and prayers, we will weather the storm.

    “I wish you all a happy celebration of your day and I pray that God will spare our lives and when next your day comes, we will all have a better story to tell.”

  • PDP man joins Ekiti APC, slams Fayose

    PDP man joins Ekiti APC, slams Fayose

    The ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has swelled, with a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Think Tank, Femi Aduloju, dumping the ruling party.

    Aduloju, Special Assistant on Media to the former state PDP Chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, lamented the alleged anti-people policies of the Ayo Fayose administration, which he said had rendered the umbrella party unpopular.

    The journalist-turned politician joined the APC at Ado-Ekiti Ward 3 in Idemo, Odo-Ado  at the weekend.

    Aduloju, who worked with Television Continental (TVC) before his foray into politics, described the APC as a party that is passionate to restore Nigeria to the path of glory.

    Aduloju, who was received by party leaders led by the APC Chairman in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area, Mike Akinleye, revealed that one of the roads inaugurated by Fayose last Friday is an uncompleted project.

    Aduloju lamented how the governor had allegedly imposed burdensome taxes on businesses, particularly on pupils in public and private schools.

    He also accused him of awarding contracts to his associates, cronies and relations.

    Aduloju said: “That is why APC must unite to send PDP packing in 2018. We can’t afford to be in bondage after 2018.

    “Ekiti  voted for Fayose to develop the state and rather than doing that he decided  to place high premium on abusing President Muhammadu Buhari and debasing our value as a people.”

  • Tears as six doctors’ bodies arrive in Ado-Ekiti

    Tears as six doctors’ bodies arrive in Ado-Ekiti

    •Fayose promises to immortalise them

    Tears flowed yesterday as the bodies of the six medical doctors and their driver, who died in an accident, arrived in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

    The doctors were on their way to the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Sokoto, when they had an accident on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

    The survivors and the bodies were conveyed in seven ambulances and were received by Governor Ayo Fayose and other senior government officials.

    The six doctors were Tunde Aladesanmi of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI); Ojo Taiwo of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); NMA Secretary Akinyele Alex;  J.  Ogunseye of the Hospitals Management Board; President, EKSUTH branch of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), O. Olajide, Dr Adeniyi James of the FETHI and their driver, Moses Ajibola.

    The convoy of ambulances arrived in Ado-Ekiti at 6.30 pm accompanied by policemen, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Civil Defence Corps and officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The train moved slowly through the town and headed for EKSUTH, where the bodies were deposited in the mortuary.

    Six survivors, including the NMA State Chairman, Dr. John Akinbote, dressed in black, accompanied the ambulances.

    Some residents wept. Family members and relations of the victims rolled on the ground and were inconsolable.

    Fayose, who was dressed in black, was joined by Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola to receive the bodies at Fajuyi Park from where the ambulances moved to the EKSUTH morgue.

    There was a huge traffic between Fajuyi Park and EKSUTH as Fayose and his team joined the procession to the hospital.

    The governor promised to immortalise the doctors and assist their families.

    EKSUTH Chief Medical Director Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe said the bodies were deposited at the morgue to enable their families identify them in preparation for their funerals.

    It was gathered that the family of one of the victims, Dr  Aladesanmi, will bury his remains today.

     

  • Grief in Ekiti as bodies of dead doctors arrive

    Grief in Ekiti as bodies of dead doctors arrive

    There was grief in the air Tuesday evening as the bodies of six medical doctors and their driver from Ekiti State who died along Abuja-Kaduna Expressway arrived Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

    They were on their way to the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Sokoto but met their untimely death in an auto crash.

    The remains of the dead and their colleagues who survived the accident were conveyed to the state in seven ambulances and were received by Governor Ayo Fayose and other senior government officials.

    The six doctors were Tunde Aladesanmi of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI); Ojo Taiwo of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); NMA Secretary, Akinyele Alex;  J.  Ogunseye of the Hospitals Management Board; President, EKSUTH branch of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Olajide, Dr Adeniyi James of the FETHI and their driver, Moses Ajibola.

    The convoy of ambulances arrived Ado Ekiti at about 6.30 pm and was accompanied by security men including policemen, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, civil defense ans Department of State Service.

    The train moved slowly through the city and headed for EKSUTH along Adebayo area where they were deposited in the mortuary.

    Six survivors of the accident, including the state chairman of the NMA, Dr. John Akinbote, who were clad in black dresses, accompanied the ambulances who came by road in a convoy of cars.

    Tears flowed freely as some residents who learnt of the arrival of the bodies wept openly on the streets while family members and relations of the victims rolled on the ground and wee inconsolable.

    Fayose who also wore black was joined by his deputy, Dr. Kolapo Olusola to receive the bodies at Fajuyi Park from where the ambulances moved to the EKSUTH morgue.

    There was a huge traffic hold-up between Fajuyi Park and EKSUTH as Fayose and his team joined the procession to the hospital to witness the depositing of the bodies in the morgue.

    Fayose, who spoke to journalists, promised to immortalise the doctors and assist their families.

    EKSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, said the corpses were being deposited at the morgue to enable their families be able to identify them in preparation for their funerals.

    It was gathered that the families of one of the victims, Dr  Aladesanmi, had concluded arrangement to bury his remains on Wednesday.

     

     

  • ‘Ekiti didn’t receive refund on roads’

    Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and New Media Lere Olayinka has said the state did not receive any refund on federal roads.

    Olayinka challenged the Federal Government to release to the public evidence(s) of any refund on federal roads constructed/rehabilitated by the state, adding that: “Since Fayose assumed office, no kobo was paid to the Ekiti State government by the Federal Ministry of Works”.

    He debunked the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) claim that N5.8 billion was refundedto Ekiti State by the Federal Government for the rehabilitation of federal roads, including the Ado-Ifaki Road.

     Olayinka said: “The Ado-Ifaki road was not even among the roads the Ministry of Works earmarked for refund because of non-compliance with Federal Government regulations on award of construction/rehabilitation of federal roads.”

    He described the decision to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) as another vindication of Governor Ayo Fayose’s stance that the Federal Government was not coordinated.

    “It is evident that for Nigeria to be saved from these Federal Government policy contradictions, more Nigerians must join the governor to speak out so as to keep the government on its toes.

    “Fayose’s position that with the increase in electricity tariff, N50 stamp duty imposed on bank customers for money received into their accounts via electronic transfer, cash and cheques; petrol being sold for as high as N300 per litre, any increment in VAT will not be acceptable to Nigerians has now been vindicated.”

  • ‘Drug abuse has reduced in Ekiti’

    ‘Drug abuse has reduced in Ekiti’

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said drug abuse has reduced in Ekiti State, following a synergy with stakeholders.

    The state NDLEA Commander, Suleiman Jadi, spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during the grand finale of the state chapter of the National Essay Competition on Drug Abuse sponsored by a United States Army officer and Ekiti indigene, Capt Sunday Adebomi.

    Jadi said NDLEA is winning the war against drug abuse called for more logistics support for the agency especially the provision of more operational vehicles to combat the menace.

    Describing drug abuse as a “global menace”, Jadi urged key institutions, interest groups and other stakeholders to join hands with the agency to prevent the younger generation from being destroyed by the scourge.

    Jadi said: “In 2013 out of 600 suspects arrested by our agency for drug related offences, 76 were students.

    “But between September and now, only four cases have been reported to have connection with students’ involvement, which shows that drug abuse indexes in Ekiti  had  dropped.

    “We are appealing to the sponsor of this programme to make it annual event .”

    Adebomi said he was motivated to sponsor the programme because he read a report that Ekiti was rated the highest in cannabis production and abuse in the country.

  • Ex-FERMA Chief, scores dump PDP for APC in Ekiti

    Ex-FERMA Chief, scores dump PDP for APC in Ekiti

    Former board member of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mrs. Remi Fadipe and key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mrs. Fadipe joined the APC Sunday evening in her Are Ekiti Ward in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area along with about 60 of her supporters.

    She was received into the APC fold by the State Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye; Ekiti Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief George Ojo; State Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun; State Women Leader, Mrs. Dupe Bakare, ward and local government executives of the party.

    Mrs. Fadipe said he quit the PDP because of alleged injustice, dictatorial tendencies and failure of Governor Ayo Fayose to carry everybody along in party and governmental affairs.

    She expressed regrets that key PDP leaders in all parts of the state are leaving the state ruling party in droves over Fayose’s leadership style which, according to her, has rendered the party unpopular in Ekiti.

    According to her, she was attracted to the APC because of the quality of leadership and sincerity exhibited by President Muhammadu Buhari in tackling the problems created by the 16-year leadership of the PDP.

    The ex-FERMA chief promised to work hard for the APC in Are Ward, Irepodun/Ifelodun council area in future elections describing her new party’s chances as “very bright”.

    Ekiti APC deputy chair Mrs. Olaleye who described Mrs. Fadipe as a grassroots mobilizer who will be an asset to her new party.

    She said new party members in APC are accorded the same privilege with old members describing Mrs. Fadipe as a “big giant, a mobilizer who has a lot if electoral value.”

     

  • Ekiti ripe for emergency

    SIR; One newspaper described Ekiti as an impenetrable fortress for the Federal Government going by Governor Ayodele Fayose’s boastful shenanigans. Fayose’s untrammelled hubris has always been predicated on his mouthed indissoluble alliance with “the people”.

    But according to the last dossier released by Tope Aluko, Fayose must have been the least governor with any modicum of respect for Ekiti people. Aluko quoted Fayose’s retort at his attempt to persuade him to do something to alleviate the suffering of Ekiti people thus “don’t worry, Ekiti people are easy to deceive because by the time you buy them ponmo(cow skin) and booli (roasted plantain), you have stolen their hearts”

    This revelation has further evidenced the demeaning etymology of stomach infrastructure in Ekiti and the overweening resolve of a petulant governor to dehumanize a peace loving people.

    Moving forward from Aluko’s confession on Ekiti-gate particularly to the extent that sensitive materials of INEC such as ballot papers and result sheets  were delivered to PDP chieftains to allow for the manipulation of the poll long before the first ballot was cast, the exercise demands further investigation and prosecution of those culpable.

    Fayose’s”people”are the Okada riders and hoodlums who have nothing at stake in Ekiti.

    Although a state of emergency is not yet exigent, the Federal government must not shy away from it whenever the governor becomes too lawless in his violent enterprise.

    Constitutional immunity does not guarantee a vicarious exoneration. Let Fayose enjoy his immunity but all suspects in the Ekiti-gate are to be made to face the law as a way of preserving electoral integrity in the Nigeria.

     

    • Bukola Ajisola,

    Victoria Island, Lagos.