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Tag: Kayode Fakuyi

  • Ondo 2020: I have no favourite governorship aspirant, says Boroffice

    The senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice on Friday said he had nobody in mind as governorship hopeful for the 2020 election in the state.

    Besides, he affirmed that he was not interested in the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as being speculated.

    The lawmaker denied the claims by some governorship aspirants in the Ondo APC that he had endorsed their governorship bids.

    Through a statement from its spokesman, Kayode Fakuyi, the ranking senator said he was conversant with how some governorship aspirants have been making frantic efforts to woo and lobby prominent leaders within his political structure to support their governorship aspirations since his decision not to run for governorship position.

    It said  “First, Prof. Boroffice believes the intense jostling for APC governorship ticket in Ondo State is too early. Having had an unimpressive outing in the 2019 general elections, this is the time for all leaders, stakeholders and party members to unite for genuine reconciliation and re-energize the party.

    Read Also: Boroffice raises alarm over alleged attack on supporters

    “Instructively, while it is true that the lawmaker has no intention to vie for APC governorship ticket in 2020, it is untrue that he has endorsed any governorship aspirant. Hence, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice has no preferred aspirant.

    “Furthermore, all political associates and supporters of Boroffice in Ondo State are urged to keep faith with the APC and the process of revitalizing the party in Ondo State”

    The lawmaker urged them to exercise patience until such an appropriate time that they would all sit together to take collective decision on the next governorship election in Ondo State.

  • Boroffice faults invasion of Ondo Assembly

    The  lawmaker representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice has condemned the violent invasion of the Ondo State House of Assembly by members of the National Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who attacked lawmakers, staff and journalists at the premises of the parliament on Friday.

    The senator described the invasion as an ugly political decadence that is condemnable and unacceptable.

    In  a statement by his Press Secretary, Kayode Fakuyi said “In Ondo State, there is an evolving trend of violent interference and fierce intervention of NURTW members in political affairs and state matters. Thus, security agencies need to swiftly check and curb the trend.

    “Aftermath of the invasion, an atmosphere of fear and insecurity has been ignited. It is therefore incumbent on the security agencies to immediately restore an atmosphere of peace and tranquility for legislative activities to thrive and flourish”.

    Boroffice urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure adequate security to protect the lives of all members of Ondo State House of Assembly.

  • Primaries: Count me out of any backdoor arrangement – Boroffice

    The senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof Ajayi Boroffice on Wednesday reacted to an allegation raised by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Ade Adetimehin that he was involved in backdoor arrangement to secure the ticket of the party to represent Ondo North District for next year’s election.

    Through a statement by his press secretary, Kayode Fakuyi, the lawmaker said he was aware of a statement by a faction of APC in the state, through which the faction hurled abuses and made litany of spurious and baseless allegations against him.

    According to the statement”It is a matter of public records, that Senator Boroffice has participated and won competitive elections in the past.

    “As it was done in the past, on Tuesday, Senator Ajayi Boroffice rolled out his political machinery across the 72 wards in Ondo North senatorial district for a competitive primary election. We were at designated voting centres when the National leadership of APC published results of the screening exercise.

    Read Also: Ondo: APC returns Boroffice, others as Senatorial candidates

    “As regards the screening exercise, we are aware the party considered many parameters, including qualification, competence, experience and loyalty to the ideology of the APC.

    “Therefore, Boroffice should be counted out of any backdoor arrangement. As a matter of fact, the allegation of backdoor arrangement is an imaginative and imagined fabrication. There is no such thing like backdoor arrangement”.

    It noted that APC released results of screening exercise for the three senatorial districts in Ondo state,but Adetimehin’s faction chose to single out Boroffice for media attacks.

    The statement however assured party leaders and stakeholders that the Asiwaju of Akoko would mobilise party members and electorates in the 72 wards of Ondo North senatorial district and beyond for the victory of the APC at all levels in the 2019 general elections.

  • Direct primary, best option for Ondo APC – Boroffice

    A lawmaker representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof Ajayi Boroffice has said that adoption of direct primary is the only veritable means to elect party candidates in Ondo State and other All Progressives Congress (APC)- controlled states ahead of 2019 general elections.

    Boroffice in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) Kayode Fakuyi, maintained that the adoption of direct primary is a ‘settled matter’.

    According to him, the national leadership of APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other prominent leaders of the party have declared absolute support for it.

    Boroffice said”As the preparations for primary election rev up, it is necessary to reassure members of the APC in Ondo State that the National leadership of our party ably led by Comrade Adams Oshiomole has adopted direct primary as the only means of electing party candidates in the state.

    “The position of APC on direct primary is clear. It states that direct primary will hold in APC – governed states while indirect primary/delegate primary will hold in states where the state governments are not governed by APC.

    “It should also be noted that President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other prominent leaders of our party have thrown their weights behind the party on the adoption of direct primary. Therefore, the adoption of direct primary is a settled matter. It is unambiguous. It is uncontroversial. It is clear”.

    The statement pointed out that the report credited to the Vice Chairman of the APC (Southwest) Bankole Oluwajana that, “The method to be adopted will depend on what the leadership of the party in the state wants”, is untrue.

    Read Also: Troops arrest ‘abductors’ in Ondo forest

    “It should be understood that the National leadership of APC with the exclusive responsibility to conduct primary elections across all states in Nigeria has adopted the direct primary.

    “It is neither the business of the zonal structure nor duty of state structures of our party. All party members are aware the constitution of the APC did not empower state chapters to choose or decide method of selecting party flag bearers.

    “Furthermore, the resolution of the National leadership is not subject to discretional amendment or modification by the zonal or state structures of the party”. The statement stressed.

    Boroffice contended that the adoption of direct primary by the APC would deepen democracy and ensure popular participation, saying” the national leadership has empowered all party members in Ondo State with voting powers for the purpose of nominating flag bearers of the APC in the 2019 general elections”.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology maintained that  “no individual or group can snatch or hijack such voting powers from members of APC in  the state”.

  • Boroffice bags 2017 Senator of the year Award

    Boroffice bags 2017 Senator of the year Award

    • Says Niger Delta getting necessary focus under Buhari

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, has said that the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is enjoying necessary focus and great attention under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

    The Senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, made the remark at the 13th Niger Delta Awards ceremony which held at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday.

    At the event, the senator was decorated as the Senator of The Year 2017 due to the qualities of Bills he has presented in the 8th Senate, and the numerous projects and interventions facilitated to his senatorial district.

    The Senator also declared that sustainable peace is a major catalyst for development in Niger Delta region.

    He stated: “The correlation between peace and development is directly proportional. If the peace in the region is sustained, there will be more developmental projects. Therefore, let us continue to encourage our brothers and sisters to maintain the level of peace in our region.

    “The challenges facing the Niger Delta region are enormous. However, the region has enjoyed necessary focus and great attention from Mr President. We are now talking about Ogoni Clean Up Exercise. In 2014, this Nation was silent about the environmental degradation in the region. Also the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State has received take-off grant.

    “It will interest you to know that the budget of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has increased from about N34billion in the 2017 budget to N54billion in the 2018 budget estimates. N65billion has been earmarked for the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The budgetary allocation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has also increased from N61billion to N71billion. This trajectory shows that the Federal Government is doing so much to address the challenges in the Niger Delta.

    “In the execution of projects in the region, I urge everyone of us to find roles for ourselves. If you know a contractor who have absconded with government money, you have a duty to shout and blow the whistle,” he submitted.

    The senator, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Kayode Fakuyi, urged the people of Niger Delta to continuously partner with the Federal Government and the respective State Governments for the rapid development of the region.

    He dedicated the 2017 Senator of The Year Award to the people of Ondo State senatorial district.

  • Boroffice congratulates Buhari at 75, tackles Fayose

    Boroffice congratulates Buhari at 75, tackles Fayose

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Professor Ajayi Boroffice on Sunday felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari on his 75th birthday anniversary.

    In a congratulatory statement signed by his Media Adviser, Kayode Fakuyi, the senator, who is representing Ondo North Senatorial District of Ondo State, described President Muhammadu Buhari as foremost patriot and democrat.

    Meanwhile, Boroffice who doubles as the South-West zonal coordinator of the National Committee of Buhari Support Group (NCBSG) cautioned Governor Ayodele Fayose over his comment that President Muhammadu Buhari should retire from politics in 2019.

    The statement reads in part: “The advice from Governor Ayodele Fayose that Mr President should not consider seeking re-election due to age consideration should be ignored.

    “Mr President cannot be blackmailed. The reserved right of Mr President to either seek re-election or not should be respected by every Nigerian who believes in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended).

    “It is instructive to note that the Constitution did not impose age restriction on a President who wishes to seek re-election. Thus, if Mr President decides not to seek re-election, it will certainly not due to age consideration.

    “Indeed, advanced age is not a liability but an asset. Also, septuagenary does not in anyway suggest a chink in the armor but radiates gutsiness.

    “The South-West leadership of the NCBSG wishes Mr President many more hearty and healthy years in the service of humanity.”

  • No factions in Ondo APC – Spokesman

    No factions in Ondo APC – Spokesman

    The All Progressives  Congress (APC) in  Ondo State says  there are no factions  in the party.

    Mr Steve Otaloro, the Director of  Media and Publicity of the party in the state, said this in a statement issued in Akure on Wednseday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN )  reports that  some stakeholders  led by Sen. Ajayi Boroffice had on Nov. 27  passed a vote of confidence on the Isaac Kekemeke – led State Executive Committee (SEC).

    The group had also  reiterated its support for the APC – led Federal Government and the State Government.

    But Otaloro in the statement said: “It has come to our notice that some members of our party  who indulged in anti-party activities during the 2016 gubernatorial election in the state have regrouped to launch themselves back to limelight through all crooked means.

    “Nevertheless,  there are no factions in our party.

    “ We are one and our party chairman is Mr Ade Adetimehin and our leader is Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the executive governor of Ondo State who was a year ago overwhelmingly elected by the good people of Ondo State under the banner of APC.”

    Mr Kayode Fakuyi, the media aide to Boroffice, however, said the  senator was not ready to join issues with anyone.

  • I remain in APC- Sen. Boroffice

    I remain in APC- Sen. Boroffice

    Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, representing the Ondo North Senatorial District in the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, said that he had not joined another political party as being speculated.

    Borffice made this clarification in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure by his media aide, Mr Kayode Fakuyi.

    “Few days ago after a successful APC stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, a plot to link Sen. Boroffice to another party in Ondo State was hatched; the plot is diversionary.

    “The senator remains a chieftain of the APC in Ondo State and has not at anytime resigned his membership of the party nor at any moment joined another party,’’ Fakuyi said.

    “As a grassroots politician and one of the founding fathers of APC in state, if he has any reason to join another party, it will attract statewide rallies and political carnivals.

    “The evolution of the APC did not start with the 2016 governorship primary election in the state.

    “It started in 2011 when Sen. Boroffice, as the only elected member of the Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN ) in Ondo State, mobilised fellow progressives to build the progressive family in the state,’’ he said.

    Fakuyi advised the citizenry to disregard any false report that the senator had left the APC, saying it was untrue.

    “On the circulated letter, which purportedly appointed the deputy chairman of our party as the acting chairman, the letter is fake.

    “Mr Isaac Kekemeke remains the state chairman of the party,” he said.

    “If there is any allegation against the state chairman, the allegation should be investigated.

    “Only the National Executive Committee of the party has the power to sack the state party chairman and appoint an acting chairman.

    “It is on record that the NEC of our party has not considered the matter and has not taken any position on it. Any letter seeking his removal is fake in its entirety.

    According to Fakuyi, Boroffice reaffirms his confidence in the state chairman of APC in Ondo State.

    He said, “about 75 per cent of the party’s followers have declared support for the state chairman and no outsider can impose any pro-tempore chairman on our party.

    “The letter, which purportedly appointed the deputy chairman as the acting chairman is fake.

    “The well-attended meeting held on Nov. 27 deliberated on a number of issues and made far-reaching resolutions.

    “Stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on Mr Isaac Kekemeke-led State Executive Committee ( SEC ) of the party and reiterated support for the APC-led Federal and Ondo State Governments,” he said.

    However, Mr Abayomi Adesanya, the state party spokesman, told us that the investigative committee did its work thoroughly and invited the former chairman three times but he refused to turn up.

    Adesanya said the hearing was open and transparent, adding that the national leadership of the party wrote and approved the Acting Chairman of the party, Mr Ade Adetimehin, pending the final resolution of the issue.

    Kekemeke was suspended by the State Working Committee ( SWC ) of the party on June 1, 2017.

    The suspension arose from a division in the party, occasioned by the outcome of the last governorship primary election, which produced Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu as the party’s flag bearer in the last governorship election.

    NAN

  • Boroffice consoles Tinubu over death of son

    Boroffice consoles Tinubu over death of son

    The senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, Professor Ajayi Boroffice has described the death of Mr Jide Tinubu as shocking and heartbroken.

    This was contained in a condolence message issued by the senator through his media aide, Kayode Fakuyi on Thursday in Abuja.

    “Words cannot express how saddened I am to hear of the demise of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s son, Jide. To say the least, it is shocking and heartbroken.

    “At this mourning moment, I share in the grief of the Tinubu family. The death of a son is pure tragedy. However, the family should be consoled by the fact that man has no power over the wind of death. Neither the power to halt, nor the power to direct.

    “On behalf of my family and constituents, I extend deepest condolences to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the entire Tinubu family over the painful loss.

    “I believe Asiwaju Tinubu will be comforted by the outpouring of love and condolences from across the country and beyond.

    “Finally, I pray the God will console Asiwaju Tinubu and family. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May God grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest”, the senator said.

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Build bridges across ethnic nationalities, Boroffice urges Adams

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: Build bridges across ethnic nationalities, Boroffice urges Adams

    The senator representing Ondo North, Professor Ajayi Boroffice OON has described the conferment of Otunba Ganiyu Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as great development.

    This was contained in a congratulatory press statement issued by Senator Boroffice, who doubles as the Asiwaju of Akoko Land, through his media aide, Kayode Fakuyi.

    “Otunba Ganiyu Adams is eminently qualified and highly suitable for the revered position of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    “The conferred honour is one which Otunba Ganiyu Adams earned through many years of selfless service to humanity, propagation and promotion of Yoruba culture and heritage, and particularly, the defence of core values and virtues of the Yoruba Nation.

    “On behalf of my family, the people of Akoko Land and the entire people of Ondo North senatorial district, I extend fraternal felicitation to the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo designate of Yorubaland.

    “In particular, the people of Akoko Land are delightful about the great development. It shows the Yoruba Nation has formally acknowledged and appreciated the immeasurable contributions of Otunba Ganiyu Adams towards upholding unity and sustenance of peace in Yoruba Land.

    “The 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo is urged to reinforce his efforts in relation to the unity, peace and progress of Yoruba Land. He should also build necessary bridges of accord and harmony across ethnic nationalities because the cooperation of all ethnic nationalities is essential for the actualisation of a great and prosperous Nigeria.

    “I wish the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo a long reign and outstanding tenure.”, the senator said.