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Tag: Mimiko

  • Why I refused to join Mimiko’s camp-Adefarati’s son

    Why I refused to join Mimiko’s camp-Adefarati’s son

    Former Governor of Ondo State, late Chief Adebayo Adefarati’s son, Gboyega Tuesday explained why he refused to join Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s cabinet despite several invitations from him.

    Gboyega said he refused to join Mimiko’s camp due to the fact that he knew him as a man who will never stand by his words since the days of his father’s administration.

    He spoke with reporters shortly after organising a rally for All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of the State.

    The rally later became a mega rally as Osinbajo, who is in the state for a tour of some communities such as Oke-Agbe, Arigidi, Oka, Isua, Owo, Ore; Okitipupa also visited the residence of Adefarati in Akungba in company of leaders of the party.

    In his convoy were, Dr. Paul Akintelure, Bola Ilori, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Hon. Victor Olabintan, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) among others.

    Osinbajo, who only spoke shortly in Isua-Akoko said “let us protect our votes, we should stand by our votes. We must ensure they count the votes in our presence before leaving the polling units.

    Osinbajo’s convoy was received with jubilation and praises as market women, artisans and students warmly show their support for the APC with shout of “change” from them.

    However, Adefarati’s son said the people eyes are now clear and no amount of sweet words or dollars being shared by Mimiko would garner votes for President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He boasted that Akoko has been the bed rock of Progressives in the state, adding that it would be a landslide victory for Buhari in the state, particularly from Akoko.

    The APC chieftain noted that despite his father is no more, Akungba-Akoko has always stood by him by voting for progressives.

    “We have never lost Akungba-Akojo to Mimiko, even during the time of ACN, when the party was not strong in 2011, ACN still won the wards in Akungba. Despite our party lost the governorship election in 2012, we gave our party 1,800 votes to LP 400 in Akungba.

    “So, our people are yarning for change, forget about the endorsement, it is just a name or associations that are endorsing not members. Associations can’t vote but members will votes. We have been meeting the people who are the members of these association and they are reactions were that they want change.

    “Mimiko cannot deceive them anymore, they were deceived in 2007 when Mimiko claimed to be part of progressives in South West, in 2011 he deceived the masses with cosmetic projects, in 2012, he lied to them but this time around, our people cannot be deceived again. I knew him since the days of my father’s administration. When he invited me, pleading that I should join him, I said to my people Mimiko is not a man that can stand by his words.

    Gboyega urged the electorate to collect dollars being shared by President but vote according to their conscience.

  • Adebanjo, Mimiko, others back Jonathan

    Leaders of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, are seeking support for President Goodluck Jonathan.

    They spoke yesterday at the Post-National Conference Summit at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    The theme is: ‘Tomorrow Begins Today’. It was convened by the Ondo State government.

    Afenifere chieftain Chief Ayo Adebanjo said President Goodluck Jonathan should be re-elected to implement the National Conference held last year.

    He added that Yoruba would have a fair and better deal, if the outcome of the National Conference was implemented.

    Adebanjo said the Yoruba had been sidelined by successive governments.

    He said: “I am not a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member and everybody knows that.

    But, there is one interest which I have consistently and in collaboration with my leaders, such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, advocated for which is whereever the Yoruba man’s interest lies, I will go there.

    “I am not saying this because of the coming elections; we have been doing it before.

    “You remember the struggle for the mandate of the late MKO Abiola; the Afenifere group was in the forefront.”

    He said the struggle to assert the Yoruba’s freedom started in 1954, when the Macpherson Constitution divided the country into three regions, which gave the North undue advantage.

    He explained that the struggle to make the Yoruba gain their rightful position has met lots of resistance from those who are bent on dividing the people.

    Adebanjo said the convocation of the National Conference provided the opportunity to restructure the country, noting that the Jonathan administration should be commended for the bold initiative.

    “That is why Jonathan is a candidate of the Yoruba people. He is not a candidate of the PDP.

    “I am not campaigning for him on the basis of his party affiliation but for trying to provide the opportunity for the Yoruba to assert themselves.”

    Ondo State Governor and the convener of the summit Dr Olusegun Mimiko said the implementation of the conference will make Nigeria better.

    He added that the conference would entrench the practice of true federalism that will give power to the states.

    He said: “There is the practice of true federalism, states can now create the number of local governments they want. Persons not interested in political parties can contest election independently.

    “There will be establishment of state police and community police for more effective security coverage. There will be creation of additional states to ensure geo-political equity,” he said.

    Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa said Yoruba must vote for the right candidate in the coming election.

    He said Nigeria is at a very critical moment of its life, which Yoruba will play a role to reshape.

    “Our son, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, did not convene any conference; we must commend the present administration for taking the step to allow Nigerians reflect on how they want to coexist.”

    In the same vein, Dr. Amos Akingba said the Yoruba went to the conference divided.

    “This happened in view of those who supported the conference and those who were against it, but I must say that when the conference started those against it had to join us to project the Yoruba agenda.

    “I must say that Jonathan swore to implement the outcome of the conference even if it will cost him his life.

    “Therefore, we must take part in the next election and vote for him so that he will implement the outcome of the conference.”

    Present at the conference were former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel; Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Supo Sonibare, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, Dr. Kunle Olajide, Fredrick Fasheun, National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd), Capt. Tunji Shelle, Chief Bode Ajewole, Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Sehinde Arofofa, Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Chief Bode George, Prof. Dupe Olatunbosun, Chief Femi Okunrunmu, Dayo Adeyeye, Yinka Odumakin and others.

  • Oke: I’m not answerable to Mimiko

    Oke: I’m not answerable to Mimiko

    •Governor, party chief battle over Jonathan’s campaign

    President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid has caused a “rift” between Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2012 election, Olusola Oke.

    Oke accused Mimiko of allegedly sponsoring a newspaper publication that he was not fully committed to the state PDP’s presidential campaign team.

    He said he was not answerable to the governor.

    Addressing reporters at the weekend in Akure, the state capital, Oke said the publication intended to paint him as a man who is not doing enough for Jonathan’s re-election.

    The former PDP candidate said the governor has no moral grounds to challenge him on the defection of PDP members to APC, noting that the number of his followers who joined PDP was lesser than the number of Mimiko’s supporters who have joined the opposition.

    He said: “When the issue of ministerial slot came out after the 2011 general elections, the President gave two slots to the National Working Committee (NWC); one was to come from the South, the one from the North and without debate, the NWC put down my name.

    “It was this same Mimiko who did everything to frustrate my emergence and at the end of the day, he succeeded in picking his sister from the same ward.

    “This is the first time this will happen in Ondo State that the governor and the minister would come from the same ward. I didn’t complain.

    “I have maintained silence on the political situation in the country, especially in Ondo State, so that, I am not misunderstood.

    “Presently, I prefer at this time to work and talk less because I believe that the politics of contemporary Nigeria is not about propaganda it is about interacting with the people, showing them who you are, telling them what you can do, telling them what you have done with your promises and instill confidence in the people.

    “I am convinced in my mind that the people behind this publication are no other persons than PDP members of Labour Party (LP) extraction and I point all fingers at Governor Mimiko.

    “I am convinced that he is behind this, it is in his character and nature; a leopard can never change his spots. He is at it again.

    “He alleged that I have not been working for the party. First and foremost, I am not answerable to Dr. Mimiko.

    “I am a PDP leader in the state and I work independently. I am a leader, he is a leader and we also have other leaders in the state. So, I am not expected to bring a daily report to him about how I work.

    “He believes in propaganda but I believe in interacting with the people. I go from community to community.

    “For instance, last week, I came home, I met with the youth, the women leaders and community leaders and I am not a person who jumps around.

    “I am one person, who has been in the PDP since inception. I am not a joiner. I didn’t go to AD, I didn’t go to LP and I have been here and so no new comer can talk to me on how to work in PDP.

    “I am the one to educate them about democracy in PDP, about how we behave here.

    “About how we respect the integrity of people; about how we relate with each other. We in PDP don’t have a headmaster or sole administrator.

    “It is unfair for anyone to accuse me of romancing with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “I am a politician of national repute. If I have any reason to leave PDP, I will leave.

    “I have no reason to leave because it is my party. I breathe PDP, dream PDP and I have been in the party for so long.

    “I am not like others who jump in and out. They jumped in when the weather is good and go out when it is not good.

    “So, if anyone said I am not working, it is because I am not answerable to them and I am not going to show my testimonial of what I am going to do. I am a believer of the transformation agenda of Mr. President. I am not going to report to any landlord or headmaster.”

  • I’m fulfilled, says governor

    I’m fulfilled, says governor

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said his dream of bridging the gap between children of the rich and the poor has been fulfilled in the state’s education sector.

    Mimiko said this at the weekend at the inauguration of the 50th Caring Heart Mega School built by his administration.

    The event was part of the sixth anniversary of the Mimiko-led administration.

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said 17 mega primary schools in Odigbo, Oka, Ondo, Oke Agbe, Ifon and Ijare communities, among others, will be inaugurated with completed classrooms.

    The mega schools come with free school buses, uniforms, sandals, bags, books, alluring architecture, electro-magnetic chalk boards and  computer laboratories with 50 internet-ready computers for Type 1 schools.

    Inaugurating the Caring Heart Sub-urban Mega Primary School Isokan in Akure at the weekend, Mimiko noted that  gone were the days when children of the less privileged are deprived of access to ICT tools, until they get  to  tertiary institutions.

    He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his favourable disposition to uplifting education, particularly for building about 130 Almajiri schools in the North.

  • Mimiko inaugurates mega school

    Mimiko inaugurates mega school

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko will, tomorrow, inaugurate a Caring Heart Sub-Urban Mega Primary School in Akure, the state capital.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade yesterday, said the governor would inaugurate the school at Famese, Isokan in Akure.

    The project is one of many provided by the government since Mimiko assumed office six years ago.

    Over 50 mega schools are scattered across the three senatorial districts. The schools boast free school buses, uniforms, sandals, bags and books, alluring architecture, electro-magnetic chalk boards and the computer laboratory with 50 Internet-ready computers for Type 1 schools.

  • My brother didn’t lobby for INEC job, says Mimiko

    My brother didn’t lobby for INEC job, says Mimiko

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has denied the rumour that his sibling, Prof Olufemi Mimiko, is eyeing the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Prof Mimiko recently completed his term as Vice Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba-Akoko.

    There have been speculations over the move by the Presidency to sack the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega and replace him with Prof Mimiko.

    Speaking to reporters yesterday in Akure, the state capital, the governor said:”I don’t know where the propaganda came from. It is not true; my brother did not apply for INEC job.

    “Let me tell you, it is just propaganda from the opposition.  If this is true, I should be in the best position to know. I don’t know what they want to gain from the rumour.

    “President Jonathan had also denied that Prof Jega is to be removed from office, so it is a lie. Prof Mimiko did not apply or lobby for INEC job.

    On the statement credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo that President Goodluck Jonathan deliberately shifted the polls to scuttle democracy, the governor said the evidence on ground could not support the postulation of the former president.

    According to him, INEC was not adequately prepared for the election, especially in the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards.

  • Students to Mimiko: pay our bursary or lose election

    A PRESSURE group, National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) has appealed to the government to pay their bursary. The students said Governor Olusegun Mimiko has not paid them in the last two years.

    They accused Mimiko of “deliberate neglect”, saying the governor left them to suffer. They said they had written several letters to the government with no response.

    The students, who spoke through their association’s leaders, said the bursary was the only benefit they  get from the government, expressing disappointment in the Mimiko-led administration for not paying them for two years.

    In a statement signed by the NAOSS senators, the students lamented that the delay in bursary payment was affecting their education and association’s progress. The  students said they have stopped attending weekly meetings because of the development.

    According to NAOSS president at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Fisayo Falusi, students would mobilise to work against the government’s interest in the impending general elections if their bursary is not paid in two weeks.

  • Mimiko, Yakubu, Iwu, Chukwuani, may succeed Jega

    Mimiko, Yakubu, Iwu, Chukwuani, may succeed Jega

    As the National Council of State meets on the general elections today, there were strong indications yesterday that four candidates have been short-listed to succeed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega.

    But the adamant chairman will brief the Council on the extent of preparation for the election.

    Jega and his team have decided to go ahead with the conduct of the poll.

    The electoral commission yesterday began the distribution of sensitive materials to some states.

    The materials were ferried to the state offices of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

    The INEC chairman and his team were busy collating facts and figures yesterday to convince the Council that there was no basis for polls shift.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that some forces, who are opposed to the conduct of the February 14-28 poll, have recommended that Jega be eased out  before any general election.

    Those strongly being positioned include:  are Prof. Femi Mimiko(a brother to Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko who had just completed his tenure at Adekunle Ajasin University as Vice Chancellor);  INEC National Commissioner (Operations), Prof. Nuru Yakubu, a former INEC chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, and a former National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Victor Chukwuani.

    The number could increase because of alleged vested interest in who emerges as Jega’s successor.

    A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence, said: “These forces are determined to ease Jega out by citing shoddy preparation, poor distribution of PVCs, some technical incompetence and other sundry issues.

    “They have been shopping for candidates to replace Jega if they could wield influence to allow the poll delay or if they could frustrate Jega to pave the way for a new hand to manage INEC during the general election.

    A source in INEC, however, said: “We are going ahead with the poll, we are already distributing sensitive and non-sensitive materials to states.

    “The INEC chairman shifted his scheduled briefing yesterday to collate more facts and figures to present before the Council of State to prove that the poll could go on without hitches.

    “Jega will appear before the Council  and make the presentation on the commission’s plans. The noise you are hearing is coming from Fifth columnists who do not want the elections to hold.”

    The Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Robert Idowu, said: “The INEC chairman  will go and brief the Council on the level of our preparation.”

    In another statement, Idowu alluded to the fact that INEC will neither shift nor delay the February polls.

    He released a statement refuting a report in Reuters claiming that INEC might delay the polls.

  • PDP leaders oppose Mimiko’s nominee for Jonathan’s campaign

    PDP leaders oppose Mimiko’s nominee for Jonathan’s campaign

    Another crisis is brewing between leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State and Governor Olusegun Mimiko, following the selection of Mr. Tokunbo Modupe as the director-general of the President Goodluck Jonathan/Namadi Sambo Campaign Committee.

    Mimiko at the weekend inaugurated the committee, which is expected to begin campaign in the local governments today.

    The aggrieved leaders from the old PDP camp, led by the governorship candidate in the 2012 election, Chief Olusola Oke,  vowed to shun the campaigns, if the governor failed to make amends.

    During Jonathan’s last week’s campaign, he said there was crisis in the party, urging Mimiko to work with Oke and Jimoh Ibrahim to ensure peace.

    Oke, addressing reporters, said he and other leaders were neglected in the selection and inauguration of the committee.

    He said: “The governor, despite appeals and entreaties that he should do otherwise, is behaving like a sole administrator and an emperor who sees all of us as conquered people.

    “I have the mandate of a large section of our party and I speak on their behalf to reject the campaign committee as inaugurated, especially the director-general. He is unacceptable. I am not speaking alone but on behalf of members, who are desirous to see us win the election for Mr. President.

    “The governor is deliberately undermining the strength of our party and the chances of President Jonathan. I wonder why anybody, who says he wants victory for the President, would want to cause problems for a party that has been positioned for victory.”

    At the inauguration, the governor urged committee members to deliver the one million votes target for the party, saying he had confidence in Modupe.

    Mimiko noted that members were selected by the state Chairman of the party, Mr. Clement Faboyede, enjoining them to educate their supporters to collect their permanent voter card (PVC). He described it as their electoral power to re-elect Jonathan.

  • Ondo PDP shuns Mimiko’s committee

    Ondo PDP shuns Mimiko’s committee

    Old members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State at the weekend vowed to shun any campaign rally organised by the Tokunbo Modupe-led presidential campaign committee in the state.

    The group also threatened to form a parallel campaign committee for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election, if Modupe is not removed.

    The move by the old members had hindered efforts to integrate party members, following the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko from Labour Party (LP)  last October.

    The old PDP members held a stakeholders meeting in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend which was convened by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs and Chairman of Presidential Amnesty Programme,  Kingsley Kuku.

    Party members said it would be an insult to old members if the governor is made the South-West coordinator of the  campaign committee and another new member the state coordinator.

    In a communiqué by the governorship candidate in the 2012 election, Chief Olusola Oke, the group said Mimiko should replace Modupe with any old member.

    The group said it welcomes the governor and his supporters as they would add value to the party

    It, however, warned that it would not be in the party’s interest to have all positions controlled by newcomers.

    Oke who was supported by other Tayo Dairo, Kuku, Princess Oladunni Odu, Prince John Ola Mafo, Ebenezer Alabi and others regretted the defection of the members to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).