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Tag: Governor-elect

  • Governor-elect will ensure better, renewed Edo, says Osagie

    Governor-elect will ensure better, renewed Edo, says Osagie

    A former candidate for the Oredo constituency in Edo State representing the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Omo Osagie, has expressed confidence that the state’s governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will bring about a better and revitalized Edo.

    Osagie hailed Okpebholo’s victory in the fiercely contested September 21 election as a positive step toward achieving good governance in the state, effective from November 12.

    Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes.

    The Labour Party’s (LP) Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), finished in third place with just 2,763 votes, in an election featuring 18 political parties.

    Read Also: Shaibu inspects Edo five-star hotel construction amid tensions with Obaseki

    Osagie, on Monday, September 30, in Benin, expressed confidence that the victory of Okpebholo and the deputy governor-elect, Dennis Idahosa, the representative of Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives, and their assumption of office would ensure commensurate infrastructural development of Edo and empowerment of the residents of the Southsouth state.

    The ADC’s chieftain expressed optimism that Okpebholo as Edo governor would bring about peace, all-around development of the state, and unity in Edo.

  • Governor-elect in search of First Lady takes new wife

    UNKNOWN to many, the success of a governorship candidate in the just concluded elections threw up a completely new challenge for him and members of his family.

    Although the governor-elect was married to a couple of women at the time he won the election, he considered none of them befitting of his new status as the popularly elected executive governor of a state in the Middle Belt zone.

    For a man that had just won a keenly contested governorship election, however, the challenge of sourcing a smooth – talking, delectable, vivacious, trendy, urbane, versatile and learned young woman as his First Lady was certainly not one that was difficult to surmount.

    Pronto, he hit the matrimony market and found his dream girl. Without much ado, she became a new addition to his harem, preparatory to her inauguration as First Lady on May 29.

    As it would be expected, the older wives are said not to have found the development funny and are kicking while the people of the state are wondering if they have not voted a lover boy as their governor. His associates are also perplexed, wondering if he would not be beholden to his new found love during his tenure.

    It all reminds one of a current governor in one of the states in the Northwest who took a similar step soon after he was elected in 2015. The said governor simply went to another state entirely to get a damsel as new wife as then First Lady.

  • Supreme Court gets records of appeal by Zamfara Governor-elect, others

    THE Supreme Court has received the records of proceedings at the lower courts in relation to the appeal filed by Zamfara State Governor-elect Mukhtar Idris and 37 others.

    The appeal is against the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.

    The compilation and transmission of records by an appellant and the receipt of such records by the Supreme Court are major requirements for a competent appeal.

    The Court of Appeal in Sokoto had, in a judgment some weeks ago, faulted the primary elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state prior to the last general elections.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acting on the Appeal Court’s judgment, has failed to issue the certificates of return to Idris (the governor-elect) and others, who are also members of the APC, elected to the state’s House of Assembly.

    Idris and others are, by their appeal, seeking among others, the setting aside of the judgment by the Appeal Court in Sokoto.

    It was learnt that although the records of appeal have been received at the Registry of the Supreme Court, a date is yet to be set for the hearing of the appeal.

    The Nation learnt that parties to the appeal are required to file, serve and exchange their various briefs of argument before a date could be set for the hearing of the appeal.

    A senior court official informed The Nation that in view of the urgency involved, the case being election-related, the court could be moved to abridge time.

    The official said the court may abridge the time for parties to file and serve their processes because of the nature of the case and the urgency involved.

    Idris and others had last week, written to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, drawing his attention to the notice of appeal filed at the Supreme Court.

    In the letter dated April 2, 2019, authored by their lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), Idris and others argued that the judgment by the Court of Appeal in Sokoto contained no positive or direct order.

  • Ogun APC group tasks governor-elect, deputy on infrastructure 

    A socio-political group within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Frontiers (NSO-F), has tasked the incoming government of Prince Dapo Abiodun and his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, to pay urgent attention to the infrastructural needs of the people of the state, once they take office in May. The group lamented what it described as the very sorry state of infrastructure across the state.

    The Coordinator of the group, Comrade AbdulKareem Adesina, who spoke during a thanksgiving reception organized by the group for the deputy-governor-elect at Ota at the weekend, said the people of the state who voted massively for APC inspite of efforts to deceive them into doing otherwise, are expecting the new government to turn the fortunes of the state around positively.

    He appreciated the person of the deputy governor-elect, describing her as a worthy daughter of Ota-land. He tasked her to use her good office to attract development to the area which has suffered untold neglect from successive administration in spite of its huge contribution to the revenue of the state.

    Responding, the deputy governor-elect, Oyedele-Salako, who was in attendance at the event, thanked members of the group for going the extra mile in their support for her and the APC “without collecting a kobo from her or the party.” She promised to work for the people and assured them that the incoming governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun did not seek political power for any other reason other than to better the lot of the people.

    “We are not here to milk the state but to work hard and turn the fortunes of Ogun state around for better. So we believe God that achieving success will not be difficult for us. We didn’t just promise the people, we meant to achieve all we offered to do. Moving round the state during the campaigns, we have seen the many needs of our people in the nooks and crannies of the state. And I can assure you that gradually, we will touch every part of the state,” she promised.

  • Forum to governor-elect: change Kwara’s fortunes

    Kwara State Governor-elect AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been urged to come up a blueprint to turnaround the the state’s fortunes within the first year of his administration.

    The governor-elect, according to the Kwara South Progressive Forum, has an abiding responsibility to make a difference from the rot experienced by the state  in the last 16 years.

    The forum said in a statement in Omu-Aran signed by its coordinator, Chief Bola Olu and the secretary, Mr. Bisi Omidiji, that it was only through exemplary leadership, impressive performance and accountability that AbdulRazaq, as the arrow-head of the “Oto ge e” mass movement, could justify his electoral victory as well as the public confidence and support for him.

    It said: “The recent general elections have clearly proved to the political elite that the average Nigerian voter attached so much value to his ballot, genuine public service and accountability.”

    The forum congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the state APC Chairman, Bashiru Bolarinwa, and other party leaders and members for their hard work, which gave victory to the APC.

    But it warned that the outgoing government would not go down without a fight-back, adding that the only means of power retention on a long-term basis was progressive policies and relevant project execution by the incoming government.

    It also enjoined the governor-elect to study the state agricultural potentials to engage unemployed youths in meaningful employment.

  • Group tasks Kwara Gov-elect on good governance, accountability

    A group in Kwara, Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD) has called on the Governor-elect, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq,  to make good governance, transparency and accountability the hallmarks of his administration

    The Coordinator of the group, Dr Alagbonsi Abdullateef,  made the call on Sunday in Ilorin in the congratulatory message to the governor-elect and all the elected members of the National Assembly and State Assembly in Kwara.

    “Elites Network for Sustainable Development wishes to congratulate APC, the new Governor elect, and all the newly elected members of the State and National Assemblies.

    “We hope and urge that good governance, transparency and accountability, prompt payment of salaries, and human and infrastructure development be the hallmarks of the new government,” Abdullateef added.

    The group said  like many other concerned Kwarans,  it would be monitoring the federal and state budgets to ensure that monies are used only for what they are budgeted for.

    “The account of our monitoring activities will be made available to the public and some appropriate authorities, if necessary, in order to ensure that government do not waver in its duties to the people.

    The group expressed hope that the election of Abdulrazaq as a governor would mark the continuation of good and sustainable development in the state.

    “ENetSuD equally appreciates the electorate for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during and after the elections,” he said.

    The group also commended the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the opposition parties, which he said had greatly promoted harmony in the state after the election. (NAN)

  • League of Lagos secretaries congratulates Sanwo-Olu

    The League of Secretaries to the 20 LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos State,has congratulated the state governor elect, Mr.  Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Mr. Kadiri Hamzat and all members elect of the State  House of Assembly.

    The group also commended Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his purposeful leadership that paved the way for the resounding successes recorded in the just concluded polls in the country.

    It similalrly acknowledged the contributions of  the Director General, Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organization, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the State Chairman of the APC, Hon Tunde Balogun; the members of the Governor Advisory Council (GAC),  State Executive Council of the party and top government functionaries, royal fathers, whose efforts contributed in no small measure to the overall success of our party at the poll.

    The group therefore called on the supporters of the party  to continue to have faith in the leadership of Sanwo – Olu and the deputy governor elect, Hamzat, which  will bring forth a great and better Lagos as soon as they assumes office.

  • Ajimobi to Makinde: beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised the Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, to beware of praise-singers as he prepares to take over the state administration on May 29.

    The governor also enjoined Makinde to avoid acrimony and attract people from both his party and across other parties to help him in managing the state’s affairs.

    He gave the advice yesterday when playing host to the governor-elect, who visited him at the Agodi Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Also yesterday, former President  Olusegun Obasanjo advised the governor-elect to run a democratic system.

    Obasanjo said Makinde has the onerous task of striving to transform the capital of former old Western Region, urging the people to keep supporting him to succeed when he eventually take over.

    The elder statesman gave the advice when he received the governor-elect, his deputy, Akeem Ademola and others at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    But, Ajimobi, who received the visitors in the company of top government functionaries, urged the incoming administration to sustain the peace and security brought to the state by his administration among other achievements.

    He also urged Makinde to adjust in the areas his genuine intentions might have been resisted and opposed.

    He hailed Makinde for initiating the visit, saying such was a departure from the norm and urged the incoming government to sustain the level of relationship and cordiality.

    He assured the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of his readiness and availability to ensure the success of the government in the interest of the people.

    Ajimobi said: “I congratulate you on the opportunity nature has given you to serve humanity. For me, it is a matter of changing baton and I commend your noble move, which is different from the past when after someone lost the election, they will start making troubles and abusing each other.

    “To me, I am so happy that we are moving this state to a high level. Our own was relatively peaceful and for you to say you want to come and greet me, it is a departure from the past. For me, we must continue on this path.

    “The peace and security that we have created must be sustained and I know you as a man of peace, who is not criminally-inclined. I commend you for coming and for me, it is a reflection of your kind of person.

    “I will advise that in the spirit that you have started, reach out to all and sundry and make it all inclusive to bring in everybody, particularly your party members and others in Oyo State that can add value.

    “We have done our best in Oyo State, especially in terms of security and you must sustain it. In the last eight years, Oyo State has been ranked as one of the most peaceful in the country.

    “We will be available to you should you need our advice.

    “Beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony. It is always better to leverage on relationship instead of dwelling in acrimonies.”

    Makinde said the visit was to see the governor first hand since after the conclusion of the elections and also said the incoming administration would be requiring the help of the incumbent in the interest of moving the state forward.

    The ex-Head of State also advised Makinde to shun corruption.

    “Be transparent and embark on developmental projects, which would be a delight to the people of Oyo State. Please run a government that will be making them to ask, where has this type of government been all these years in Oyo State.

    “You must give them something (positive), you must give them good democracy and not that one of my younger brothers will call democratic so sa po’ (pocketing democracy).

    “Where there is misunderstanding, call yourselves (your people) together and make peace in the overall interest of Oyo State.”

    He promised to support the incoming new government and be available anytime his service is needed.

    Makinde said the visit was meant to appreciate Obasanjo and seeks wisdom from the elder statesman.

    The governor-elect admitted that Oyo State was “in a bad shape but pledged to apply wisdom to make things better”.

    Former Deputy Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, who facilitated the visit, said he called Obasanjo barely 24hours ago to fix the appointment.

    Some of the personalities in the entourage of Makinde include a former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola; business mogul Femi Babalola, PDP state chairman Kunmi Mustapha, his Campaign Director General Bayo Lawal and campaign team’s spokesperson Prince Dotun Oyelade.

    Others are Mr. Olayemi Buhari, Mrs. Bosede Adedibu, Mr. Dare Adeleke, Mr. Akin Fagbemi, Mr. Tunde Tijani and Chief Jacob Adetoro.

     

     

  • Igbo pledge to work with Sanwo-Olu

    The Igbo Movement in Lagos State has promised to work with Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure his success.

    The group hailed him for emerging victorious in last Saturday’s election.

    Its convener, Chris Onyekachi, said yesterday that Sanwo-Olu deserved the victory, having campaigned vigorously across the length and breadth of Lagos.

    He said from the onset, the Igbo Movement knew that Sanwo-Olu would win the election because of his pedigree and experience he had garnered over the years.

    Onyekachi said the group campaigned for the governor-elect because it believed in his ability to take Lagos to the next level and protect the interest of the Igbo.

    He said the movement believed that Sanwo-Olu would continue from where his predecessors had stopped.

    “It is on record that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu laid the foundation for a modern Lagos when he was governor for eight years. He increased the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) from a paltry N600 million monthly to N6 billion monthly. The Babatunde Fashola administration followed the blueprint of Asiwaju Tinubu by moving Lagos to an enviable height. Also, the current governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has further improved on what was laid down.

    “We believe Sanwo-Olu will rely on Tinubu’s template to move Lagos to the next level in the area of infrastructure development. We pledge to work with the governor-elect in his bid to take Lagos to the next level. We will not disappoint him,” Onyekachi said.

    He said the body believed that Sanwo-Olu would improve on the peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups in Lagos.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s victory well deserved, says APC chief

    LAGOS State Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu deserves his victory at the polls, grand patron of Buhari/Osinbajo Mandate Group in Lagos, Chief Lanre Razak, has said.

    He congratulated him and attributed the landslide victory to the goodwill All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoyed among Lagosians.

    Razak said the triumph of the APC governorship candidate over his opponent in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimmy Agbaje, and the election of 40 lawmakers from the APC into the House of Assembly was the best way the electorate could appreciate Asiwaju Tinubu for his contributions to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.

    He said in a statement in Epe that people should expect good governance and more dividends of democracy from the incoming governor, considering his pedigree as a former private sector guru and a participant in the Lagos State public service for years.

    He assured Lagosians that Sanwo-Olu would prioritise the interest of the ordinary people.

    Razak, ex-commissioner for Public Transportation in Lagos, said: “I want to assure Lagosians that there will be more socio-economic transformation during Sanwo-Olu’s tenure as governor. The people of Lagos State as well as other Nigerians will be happy that they have made the right choice in electing him.

    “But let me make this strong appeal to them that all they need do is cooperate with the incoming governor by paying their rates and taxes as and when due and watch Lagos grow in leaps and bounds in infrastructural development and human capital like never before. Everybody will be happy for it.

    “He has the fear of God and will always put the interest of ordinary Lagosians first in the development of the state. He believes God gives power through the people, who will be his first priority in office because good governance is about the people.”

    Razak, the Balogun General of Epe, attributed Sanwo-Olu’s overwhelming acceptance and support by Lagosians to Asiwaju Tinubu’s sterling performance while in office and subsequently the continued trust and confidence Lagosians have in his leadership.

    Tinubu’s leadership traits and administrative style while in office as governor for eight years, he said, remained second to none and a golden era of the state, adding that serving and incoming governors across the states should draw from his fountain of wisdom and wealth of experience.