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Tag: Ibikunle Amosun

  • Stop causing tension in Ogun, Amosun tells lawmakerso

    Stop causing tension in Ogun, Amosun tells lawmakerso

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has described the political crisis in the state as “a premeditated attempt by Ogun All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the National Assembly to destabilise the party and cause tension in the state”.

    This was contained in a letter signed by the governor to Senator Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central), titled: “Pulling Down the House to Protect a Corner: A Note of Caution”.

    Amosun advised them to desist from “their plot”, saying “it is an ill-wind that does not blow anyone any good”.

    On the January 9 violence at the state party secretariat and the disruption of a political meeting at Wasimi in the Ewekoro Local Government Area on January 16, the governor said: “The Wasimi incident, in particular, was part of a premeditated, choreographed and coordinated but needless crisis in our great party, with the National Assembly members elected on the APC platform as the major Agents Provocateur working in concert with other elements within and outside the party.

    “In the last few months, I have received security reports and information from credible sources, including party faithful, leaders, mutual friends and utterances directly emanating from your group, indicating that you and your colleagues were planning to precipitate a crisis in our party in pursuit of your personal agenda.

    “Although I initially dismissed the reports, the unfortunate events of the last few weeks, with their intensity and frequency, have lent credence to them. The incidents are part of a larger plot by the group to control the party structure, beginning with the hijack of the membership registration, hence the attempt to foist a ‘Harmonisation Committee’ on the party.

    “The second objective is the desire of the National Assembly members from our state and some members of the House of Assembly to secure automatic second-term tickets for the 2015 general elections without regard to the opinions of party members.

    “In order to get the support of the unwary, these personal agenda of the very few have been couched and packaged as altruistic party issues and deliberately orchestrated to attract national attention.”

    Amosun said the group plans to achieve its “narrow objectives” through eight elements, including the instigation of pockets of violence to create a sense of disunity in the party and insecurity in the state; demonisation of his person and administration through “a well-oiled smear campaign in the media that will evoke memory of the immediate-past”; and the distraction of the government’s attention from governance.

    Others are blackmailing him (Amosun) and the party’s national leadership; making the state ungovernable; perpetrating further crisis that will enable the group move motions in the two chambers of the National Assembly to embarrass the state government; disruption of the party membership registration; and “joining forces with the opposition, who are known masters of violence, in an unholy alliance to re-enact the immediate inglorious past”.

    The governor said: “The overall thrust is to force a negotiation to secure an undeserved advantage that could not be otherwise achieved through the internal party democracy. What is more disturbing is that in this venture, no tool is considered too crude to use, no weapon too unconventional to deploy and no approach too demeaning to adopt.

    “I learnt that you and your colleagues have been boasting that the nationwide destruction of our party will be kick-started from Ogun State. I remain resolute to building bridges within the party and beyond. Far from being a sign of weakness, this is demonstration of our commitment to peace and security in the state.

    “While I will continue to make overtures for peace and pursue initiatives to forge party unity and harmony, I will not abdicate my responsibilities as the chief security officer of the state.”

  • Kafilat Ogbara resurfaces

    Kafilat Ogbara resurfaces

    It is that season again when everyone with an ambition takes advantage of any available platform. And Lagos big girl, Kafilat Ogbara, has been doing this with utmost zeal and consistency.

    Smarting from a blow dealt on her by an unfortunate fire accident that saw her taking many medical trips to Europe in 2012 and last year, the University of Lagos alumnus recently appeared on a Lagos-based television station where she showed the viewing public that she still possesses some social and political magic.

    Besides her enchanting beauty, Kafilat displayed depth in her appraisal of Nigerian politics and its intrigues. She also spoke glowingly of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his party, the PDP. She also heaped praises on Governor Ibikunle Amosun for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ogun State.

    Already, results have started trickling in for the fair-complexioned politician. A few days ago, maverick businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, appointed her as the Managing Director of his publishing outfit. It is also being discussed in hush tones that she has been nominated for a board appointment by the Federal Government. The truth in this, however, remains yet unascertained.

  • Ogun APC adopts Amosun for second term

    Ogun APC adopts Amosun for second term

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State adopted yesterday Governor Ibikunle Amosun for a second term.

    The party said the administration has provided quality governance as evidenced in its infra-structural and urban renewal projects, among others.

    The endorsement was carried out at a meeting of party leaders and elected office holders, including Chief Olu Adebanjo; Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun; Speaker Suraj Adekunbi; Mrs. Iyabo Anisulowo; Chief Doja Adewolu; Deacon Poju Adeyemi; Chief Dayo Abatan and council chairmen, at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    A voice vote was conducted by Amosun’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Salisu Shuaib, and 99 per cent of those present adopted the governor for a second term.

    There was a little drama when Senator Biyi Durojaiye, who was called to endorse the adoption, declined.

    Durojaiye, who represented Ogun East Senatorial District from 1999 to 2003 on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), said he wholeheartedly supports Amosun for a second term agenda but cautioned that the process of his adoption should be subjected to the APC’s constitutional provisions.

    He said the meeting was the not the right forum to adopt a candidate for the election.

    Amosun, who neither accepted nor rejected his adoption, advocated peace and unity among members.

    He said the meeting was convened to foster unity among members and enhance good governance, and should not be turned into an avenue for second term endorsement.

    Amosun said the registration of members should come before endorsement, adding: “When it is time, everybody will have a say and the majority vote would count, but the registration of members and the congress will come first. We are not here because of Amosun’s second term. Let our people know on that we are on the path of peace and are ready to accommodate as many people as possible.

    “Do not join issues with anyone. We do not have to belabour issues with the party leadership. I have always said that Chief Segun Osoba is our leader.”

  • ‘Me, defect to Accord Party? Never’ – Amosun

    ‘Me, defect to Accord Party? Never’ – Amosun

    Governor of Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has dismissed suggestions that he might be on his way to the Accord Party (AP).

    He also says he will rather run a government whose achievements are visible for all to see than a government on billboards.

    The governor at an interactive session with reporters in Abeokuta on Friday night said that he could only endear himself to people of the State by continually putting in place, structures that would transform positively their socio – economic status among others and not by posting his posters all over the place or allow the state – owned radio or television station to be used to sing the government praises.

    He warned employees of the state owned television, OGTV, to jettison such unprofessional practice, which he said, was not representing him or the state well.

    Governor Amosun denied that he planned to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Accord Party (AP) floated by the former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja.

    He expressed shock at reports that he would move over to the AP should his alleged rift with former governor Olusegun Osoba rob him of a second term ticket in APC.

    Amosun said, “They said I was in Ibadan to see Ladoja on how I’m going to move to Accord Party because they (APC) are not going to give me ticket and I begin to wonder.

    “In fact, I think the last time I met Ladoja was when (Governor Abiola) Ajimobi was burying his mother. He (Ladoja) came to greet me. Is it me that will go to another party? So, when they begin to say that, I just think it is just one politician that is using them.”

  • Amosun assures ex-servicemen of better welfare

    Amosun assures ex-servicemen of better welfare

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has assured ex-servicemen in the state of better welfare.

    He said their services to the nation will not be taken for granted.

    Amosun spoke yesterday in his office in Abeokuta, the state capital, while inaugurating the 2014 Armed Forces Day Emblem.

    He said the annual celebration was more than a remembrance, but a way of saying “thank you” to those who played significant roles in uniting Nigeria.

    The governor said appreciating the ex-servicemen should go beyond words, adding that many of them were killed or injured while serving the nation.

    He praised the state chapter of the Legion for taking care of the families of its deceased members, assuring that the government will continue to care for those alive as well as the families of the dead.

    Amosun said: “As a government, we will continue to take care of those who are still alive and will not relent in remembering the dead. We will assist ex-servicemen and will not take your services for granted.”

    Hailing the Armed Forces for various peacekeeping missions across Africa, the governor thanked serving officers for ensuring that Nigeria is “united and protected”.

    Amosun launched the emblem with N1 million and pledged to donate a brand new bus to the Legion before the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

    He urged corporate organisations and individuals to support the legion.

    Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Ogun State chapter, Tosin Sunday Oshunsi assured the government of the Legion’s support.

  • Senator Ibikunle Amosun (GCIR)

    Senator Ibikunle Amosun (GCIR)

    Some years ago whenever I travelled to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, I often wondered what the bold inscription‘SIA’ on huge billboards on the city’s major roads of a politician with a unique native cap on his head stood for. Was SIA some strange word in ‘Ijegba’ dialect? (apologies to our own W.S.) I later learnt that SIA is the acronym for Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the man who has charted an interesting trajectory to the governorship of the Gateway State.

    I have over the years found the politics of Senator Ibikunle Amosun quite intriguing. His dexterous politics appears wrapped in a riddle, encapsulated in a puzzle and encased in an enigma. His impossible to ignore trademark cap is fashioned after that of the late Chief MKO Abiola. His personal philosophy is said to reflect the late business mogul’s philanthropic outlook. Senator Amosun’s political philosophy can be a study in a baffling eclecticism.

    Between 2003 and 2007, he was a Senator of the Federal Republic on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 2007, he tried unsuccessfully to become Governor of Ogun State on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). The failure of his ambition in 2007 turned to a phenomenal success for SIA in 2011 on the platform of the ACN. It was a story of resilience. It was a tale of tenacity. But to what purpose, the political analyst would ask?

    Was it just a case of seeking power for its own sake? Did the political platform and its ideology matter to Senator Amosun? Did he have the ideological clarity of a Dr. Kayode Fayemi or the passionate doctrinal fervour of an Engineer Rauf Aregbesola? Listening to him speak at a book launch in Lagos last year, Senator Amosun came across as a detached technocrat with a dispassionately clinical mind. Ever since his election, I have thus watched his politics and governance style carefully.

    For instance, Dr Fayemi, the highly intellectual and administratively astute governor of Ekiti State makes a strikingly insightful distinction between what he describes as the trickle down economic policies of the PDP based on the doctrinal neo-liberal mind-set of the international financial institutions that have disempowered the majority of Nigerians and the emphasis on a grassroots model of development that prioritises among others job creation, provision of social services and rapid infrastructure characteristic of progressive parties.

    In his own personal political credo, Senator Amosun though stresses his social welfarist credentials but places premium on the pivotal role of the private sector in driving development while government has “the responsibility to provide the enabling environment to achieve sustainable economic growth and social development”.

    Two and a half years after his assumption of office, anyone who visits Ogun State can readily see that Amosun’s progressive credentials and compassionate social conscience are beyond dispute. You must see to believe. Something stupendous in terms of developmental strides is happening across Ogun State under Amosun. Yes, there is an on-going developmental renaissance throughout the South West including Edo State. But Amosun’s frenetic transformation in Ogun is phenomenal. The man means business!

    Amosun has so much to show in every area of his 5-point Agenda – Mission to Rebuild Ogun State. These are Affordable and Qualitative Education, Efficient Health Care Delivery, Agricultural Production and Industrialisation, Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal as well as Rural and Infrastructural Development/Employment Generation. But it is in the sphere of infrastructure renewal and expansion, particularly what I call the roads revolution that Amosun has scored an amazing distinction thus far.

    When some months ago I visited Abeokuta, I was initially irritated at the serious traffic snarls on many roads. It was later I discovered that this was due largely to the sheer magnitude of road construction going on throughout the city. In Amosun’s first year, he had delivered the magnificent Ita-Eko-Sokori-Totoro road and flyover at Ibara Roundabout in Abeokuta, the first of its kind in the state.

    To usher in this year, the Amosun administration organised an all- night event under the newly constructed Ijebu-Ode flyover. On the occasion, the Governor assured the people of Ijebu-Ode that all the over-head bridges under construction in the area will be completed before the third anniversary of his administration.

    Some of the massive road construction works being under taken by the Amosun administration include Sagamu-Benin Express Junction – Sabo Road (8km); IloAwela – Ota township roads (10km); OGTV –Brewery Junction road in Abeokuta (9km); Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta (6km); Ilara-Ijoun-Eggua-Ilasse road (107km); Mowe-Ofada-Ibafo road (29km); Lafenwa-Ayetoro road (50 km); Ejinrin-Oluwalogbon junction, Ijebu Ode (9km); Magboro Estate-Magboro Underpass, Isheri (12km); Moriamo Olorombo road, Abeokuta (9km); Ojere-Asero road, Abeokuta (9km); Abiola Way Junction-Muda Lawal Stadium road (2.5km); Sango-Ijoko-Akute-OjoduAbiodun road (32km) and the Isheri-Channels road (2.2km).

    Is it any wonder then that speaking on December 24, 2013, during the Ogun State Christmas Carol at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta former President Olusegun Obasanjo had lavish words of commendation for the Amosun administration? According to the no-nonsense former President “Things are getting better everyday, getting better every time in Ogun. When I was talking of roads in Abeokuta, they said I haven’t been to Ijebu Ode and Sagamu. On getting to Ijebu Ode, I even saw if not better bridges than that of Abeokuta being constructed. What about the ones in Ilara and Ayetoro?…When I passed through Sango-Abeokuta road, I asked who is building this factory, but it is a school being built by the government”.

    Well, that is the testimony of none other than OBJ. of course, there are serious challenges attendant on the kind of massive development being undertaken by Amosun. First is the possibility of resource over-stretch, which may lead to cash-strapped projects being abandoned midway. But then Amosun is himself a Chartered Accountant and astute financial engineer. He also has a highly competent team that should be able to get its planning right. Again, this level of roads construction and expansion will necessarily entail large scale demolition of obstructive structures with unsavoury political consequences. The Amosun administration must have the political acumen to manage this challenge with dexterity and subtlety.

     Furthermore, when an administration expends so much resources on developmental projects, it will necessarily have less to expend on the wants and needs of the political class. Yet, these are the political foot soldiers so critical to winning elections. This is perhaps why Amosun has shown personal example by reducing the salaries of political office holders. Yet, he must have the political wisdom to maintain a delicate balance between a passion for technocratic change and the sensitivities of the political class that worked for his election and are critical to his electoral future.

    On the basis of the foregoing, this column takes the liberty of conferring on SIA the honour: Grand Commander of Infrastructure Renewal (GCIR). But a word of caution is not out of place. It is not how well you start that matters, but how well you finish. Amosun’s immediate predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, started brilliantly but ended with a legacy in ruins. Amosun may listen but must stubbornly refuse to dance to the seductive but destructive music of sycophants. For SIA, the GCIR, it is surely morning yet on creation day.

  • Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn with Soyinka over daughter’s death

    Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn with Soyinka over daughter’s death

    President Goodluck Jonathan, former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) yesterday sent condolences to Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka over the death of his daughter, Iyetade.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said the death of Soyinka’s daughter “at such a tender age must be very painful” to the renowned writer.

    The statement reads: “On behalf of himself and the federal government, President Goodluck Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Prof. Wole Soyinka and other members of the Soyinka family on the death of the Nobel laureate’s daughter, Iyetade, at the age of 48.”

    “Noting that Iyetade’s untimely death at such a young age must be quite painful for Prof. Soyinka and his family, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty will comfort Prof. Soyinka and all others who mourn his late daughter.”

    “He urged them to take solace in the belief that Iyetade has gone away from all earthly troubles to rest for eternity in God’s bosom.”

    Asiwaju Tinubu, who is a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sent his heartfelt condolence to the Soyinka family over the death of Iyetade.

    The former governor prayed that Prof. Soyinka would find true comfort and the courage to bear the loss.

    In a statement yesterday in Lagos, Tinubu said: “As a father, I know that the loss of a daughter, not just at age 48 but at any age for that matter, can be devastating. I share in your sorrow and pray that you will find strength in the coming days to bear the pains that come with such a tragic death. My family and I will continue to have you and the Soyinka family in our prayers.”

    Aregbesola, in a statement, titled: Gone in her Prime, described the death of Soyinka’s second daughter as untimely and sad.

    The governor said it was sad for the deceased to have left at her prime when she was most needed by her immediate and extended family, her state and country.

    The statement reads: “The news of Iyetade’s death came to me as shocking as it is sad. While it pains when one loses a parent, it is even more painful for parents to watch their child die before their very eyes.

    “Iyetade’s death conveys sadness to her parents, families, friends and well-wishers. We have indeed lost an energetic, promising young woman in her prime.

    “On behalf of my family, government and people of the State of Osun, I send our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of the deceased.

    “Most importantly, our condolences go to our own W. S. We pray that the God Lord will repose the soul of our dearest daughter, wife and sister.”

    Amosun expressed his deepest condolence to Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, the governor described the death of Iyetade as “most unfortunate and regrettable”.

    He added: “It is most unfortunate that the cold hands of death have snatched away Dr. Iyetade Soyinka at the prime of her life, when her knowledge and expertise would have been invaluable to her immediate family and the society at large. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Prof Wole Soyinka and his family at this trying period, although we know that only God can comfort him.”

    Amosun, who also extended his heartfelt condolence to the mother, children and other family members of the deceased, prayed Almighty God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    A statement by Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo on Sunday announced Iyetade’s death.

    It said: “It is with great sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss that the Soyinka Family announces the passing away of Iyetade Soyinka.

    “Iyetade Soyinka was born on 6 June, 1965 in Ibadan. She attended Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan (Oyo State) before reading Medicine at the University of Ibadan (UI).

    “Affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious, Iyetade struggled with her health in recent years. In spite of this, she greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children.

    She took ill quite suddenly and passed away while being treated at UCH, Ibadan.

    “Iyetade leaves behind two children, parents, numerous siblings, nieces and nephews.”

  • Fayemi, Amosun sign 2014 budget

    Fayemi, Amosun sign 2014 budget

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi signed yesterday the N103.9 billion 2014 Appropriation Bill into law.

    The signing was witnessed by members of the State Executive Council (SEC) and the House of Assembly at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office Complex.

    The governor presented the proposed budget to the Assembly on December 10.

    He thanked the Assembly for facilitating the state’s development through the passage of quality legislations.

    Pledging to continue to implement people-oriented programmes and policies, Fayemi said: “I commend the speaker, his deputy and members of the Assembly for their commitment and support for this administration, not just in terms of the enabling environment the laws have made possible in the state, but in many other regards, which have translated into overall development.

    “The legislature has continued to demonstrate a genuine partnership with the executive. This is the second time we are signing the appropriation bill into law before the end of the preceding fiscal year.

    “This budget was christened Budget of Stability and Economic Growth. By passing it into law, the legislature has stressed the importance of moving the state from a sordid past to the state of recovery and stability.

    “In Ekiti today, everywhere you turn, there is evidence of change, development and relentless effort to banish poverty. The Assembly is realigning with our struggle to make poverty history in the state.”

    The Speaker, Adewale Omirin, praised Fayemi and members of the state executive council for the “faithful execution of previous budgets”.

    The 2014 Appropriation Law brings the number of bills passed into law by the Assembly to 59 in the last two-and-a-half years.

    Omirin said: “The 2014 budget is a reflection of the government’s determination to address the challenges of creating jobs, reducing poverty, building infrastructure and expanding the economy. It is set on a financial framework that is sound and sustainable.”

    He said the Assembly postponed its Christmas recess to consider and pass the appropriation bill.

    Also yesterday, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun signed the 2014 Appropriation Bill, tagged: ‘Budget of Consolidation’, into law.

    Amosun hailed members of the House of Assembly for the swift passage of the bill and pledged to adhere strictly to it.

    The governor presented a N210 billion proposed budget to the Assembly last month.

    He said in 2014, the government would focus on improving its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) to reduce its dependence on Federal Allocation.

    Amosun urged the people to pay their tax promptly, adding that his administration will continue to make life easier for them.

    He said the effects of the government’s agricultural industrialisation programme would be more evident in 2014.

    Amosun expressed delight that Ogun was not one of the states listed as broke in a recent report, pledging to continue to improve the state’s economy.

    House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi said the lawmakers passed the bill swiftly to enable the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

  • Shina Peller opens nite club

    Shina Peller opens nite club

    After many months of absence from the social radar, Shina Peller, son of the late popular magician, Professor Peller, is back with a bang. The close friend of many in the Lagos social circle heralded his return to the scene with the opening of a multi-million naira night club called Quilox on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Some observers have described Quilox, which opened its doors to business on December 20, 2013, as the biggest clubbing facility in West Africa. Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Ogun and Kwara states respectively were at the facility to declare it open. John Obayuwana, Dapo Abiodun, Lanre Ogunlesi, Aremo Segun Oniru, Oscar Onyema, Princess Hastrup, among others, were also at the opening ceremony.

  • Love one another, Amosun tells Christians

    Love one another, Amosun tells Christians

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has enjoined Christians to renew their love and affection for one another.

    In a Christmas message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, the governor said love is the essence of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, whose life epitomised peace, sacrifice, tolerance and mercy.

    Amosun said: “It is hoped that the gift of love and great joy, which are the hallmarks of Christmas, will envelope our hearts this season and in years to come.

     

    “Jesus Christ was a gift to show God’s exceeding love for mankind and we must reciprocate this gesture by imbibing the virtues and ideals of forgiveness, justice, fairness, understanding and meekness, all of which he exemplified.

    “With this, we will end 2013 with a renewed mind that will ultimately usher us into a new dawn of unending tranquillity and true brotherhood, which Jesus Christ taught and lived for.”

    Amosun wished the Christian faithful a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.