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Tag: ONDO

  • Asiwaju group takes off in Ondo

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its mobilisation across the country ahead of 2015 general elections, a member of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Busayo Adebayo has launched a pressure group in Ondo State, christened Asiwaju Resources Movement (ARM).

    The group was to mobilise and enlighten the people of the state on the struggle of APC to end the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule in the country.

    Already, ARM has been launched in Lagos State and this group is also expected to spring up in other states very soon.

    Speaking at the launch of the group in Akure, the state capital, Adebayo, who was represented Engr. Yemi Ogunsakin described the ARM as a pressure group under the platform of the APC.

    Adebayo said the group duty was to mobilise, tell the people what will be their benefits if they support APC during the 2015 general elections.

    He noted that it is necessary to rescue the nation from the iron hand of oligarchy, stressing that all stakeholders must team up to challenge corruption, lack of infrastructure and others problems inhibiting national growth and development.

    His words: “Nigerians must begin to see the wonders being performed by all governors who are members of APC in their various states. For this reason, it is enough for all Nigerians to support the APC so that things will change for the better.

    “That nothing has improved over the years shows the non-performance of the ruling PDP. The PDP government has institutionalised corruption in Nigeria. There is no way Nigeria, with its vast population and land can continue to entertain an army of unemployed youth without the resultant effect of kidnapping and insurgency by Boko Haram”.

    The state Coordinator of ARM, Hon Jimmy Lumowo, assured that APC will win in the state in the 2015 general elections.

  • I am being persecuted unnecessarily, says suspended Ondo lawmaker

    I am being persecuted unnecessarily, says suspended Ondo lawmaker

    Life has been extremely difficult for her since June 18, 2013, when she was suspended from the Ondo State House of Assembly for alleged misconduct.

    Mrs Funmi Olaseinde, a Lawyer by profession dabbled into politics to represent her Ose constituency at the State House of Assembly without  any premonition that at a time in her political life, she would confront unforeseen problem of alienation by her colleagues in the hallowed chamber.

    Mrs Olaseinde, who is still observing the mandatory period of mourning after losing her husband some months ago was alleged to have kept some fetish objects in her former apartment, an allegation which she vehemently denied.

    The leadership of the House headed by Hon. Samuel Adesina consequently set up a five-member committee led by Mr Olotu Fatai to probe the allegation and come out with its findings within two weeks.

    However, with the controversy running into several months without any action from the probe panel, Mrs Olaseinde approached the court to seek redress.

    After several months of protracted arguments and submissions by her lawyers, the Akure High Court 1, presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi on December 18, 2013, struck out her case  based on five major points.

    He particularly said the suspended lawmaker failed to substantially prove that she was not given a fair hearing as alleged.

    Justice Kumuyi said the House has the right to discipline erring member that put its integrity into disrepute and embarrassment.

    He said the offence committed by Mrs Olaseinde was not personal as a public officer, stressing that her case lacks merit.

    The Chief Justice contended that it was a crime as stipulated by law, for anybody to be in possession of fetish objects even if it is meant for personal protection.

    According to him, the embattled lawmaker should have waited for the outcome of the investigation panel set up by the House before considering legal option.

    He consequently struck out the case, stressing that the plaintiff could not prove her case beyond any reasonable doubt.

    However, the plaintiff’s counsel, Adetunji Osho who expressed dismay over the judgment maintained that his client would proceed with the case at the higher court.

    A physically disturbed Mrs Olaseinde said she was dissatisfied with the judgment and would pursue the case to a logical conclusion.

    She said, “we have started with the lower court and we will pursue it to the climax. We still believe in the sanctity of the Judiciary and we are convinced, we will get justice at the higher court”.

    Olaseinde lamented that she had waited for the outcome of the committee’s findings for over four months without any head way, while she was being deprived of all her benefits at the State Assembly.

    The embattled lawmaker wondered why she should be persecuted over an offence she did not commit, stressing that truth will prevail eventually.

    Many of her supporters from Idoani community and Ose constituency who always thronged the court during each sitting said the judgment of the High Court was below expectation.

    They lamented that her constituents were the worst hit, because, since June 18, last year, they have been deprived of any representation at the State Assembly because of what they termed “unsubstantiated allegation”.

    According to them, it is unfortunate that the ruling Labour Party (LP) administration in the state could pay back their representative in such a cruel manner in spite of her immense contributions to the success of the party in the area during past elections.

  • Ondo marks first working day of 2014 with prayers

    Ondo marks first working day of 2014 with prayers

    Not a few among government workers in Ondo State would attest to the fact that the year 2013 was not a particularly good one for them, especially the 10,000 workers that were laid off on account of age falsification.

    When 2,000 of them were recalled and told to ‘sin no more’, it was like a divine intervention and they were particularly grateful to Governor Olusegun Mimiko for the gesture.

    So, when the governor called them out on the first working day of 2014 to come and thank God for His mercies, they not only answered the call, but also listened to his admonition to them to re-dedicate themselves to serving the public and device means of generating more revenue to enable government sustain its numerous social services in the New Year.

    During their trying period running to 10 months, the workers had their salaries and other personal emoluments put on hold, making the up keep of self and families difficult.

    Speaking at the state general prayer meeting held at the Governor’s office complex in Akure, Mimiko said the drive for revenue generation became imperative considering the dwindling federal allocation to states.

    Besides, he enjoined workers to see their engagement in the public service as a special privilege which they must guard jealously by re-dedicating themselves to service and showing appreciation to God for the privilege.

    Mimiko urged them to make year 2014 a year of true service, stressing that performance indicator of workers would be prioritised this year,

    According to him, discipline in the service would also be enhanced.

    His words: “We must in the year 2014 look inward to further generate revenue that will drive some of our social services which the people of the state now consider as their entitlement.

    “For us to sustain this, we must look inward and generate revenue to drive our programmes.

    “It is important for us to re-dedicate ourselves to service, everybody that is employed must know that it’s a special privilege and you have the responsibilities to show God that you appreciate His grace in your life. When you give service to man, you are giving service to God”

    The Pastor-in-charge of Ondo Province 4 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Sanya Kolajo, at the event charged  workers to work conscientiously in the year.

    According to him, many more qualified people are out there looking for the opportunities given to them by God.

    He also offered prayers for the workforce, the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ondo State chapter, Bishop Joshua Ketiku, members of the State Executive Council, top government functionaries and civil servants.

     

  • Why Ondo lawmakers shunned 2014 budget presentation

    Why Ondo lawmakers shunned 2014 budget presentation

    For the first time since the inception of the present Labour Party (LP) administration in Ondo State, the annual ritual of budget presentation to the House of Assembly was devoid of pleasantries and exchange of banters by the party stakeholders.

    At the hallowed Chambers, only nine out of 26 lawmakers were on seat to receive Governor Olusegun Mimiko and some of his colleagues in the State Executive Council.

    The Speaker, Samuel Adesina (Odigbo Constituency) was conspicuously absent, though on ground of ill-health according to sources.

    His deputy, Dare Emiola from Akoko Southwest 1 presided over the session.

    Three members were also said to be on official assignment outside the state during the budget presentation, but this was however denied by a source within the Assembly.

    One of the lawmakers representing Ose constituency, Mrs Fola Olaseinde has been on suspension for over five months over alleged misconduct.

    Therefore, 17 out of the 26 lawmakers that make up the Assembly were not on seat to receive the N162billion budget estimate by Mimiko. The Assembly is dominated by the Labour Party (LP) with 25 members while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has only one seat.

    It was gathered that the most of the lawmakers who shunned the presentation were aggrieved over the failure of the executive to consult with the Assembly on the budget presentation and also on what they described as poor implementation of the 2013 budget.

    The only principal officer at the session apart from Emiola was the majority leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinnu (Ondo West 11).

    Others like chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Fidelis Akinwolemiwa (Ondo East), his vice, Akindele Adeniyi (Akure North), chairman, House Committee on Information,  Oyebo Aladetan from (Ilaje I) and the minority leader,  Akpoebi Lubi (Ese-Odo) were absent at the event.

    Though, the majority leader, Akinsoyinu blamed the poor turn out  on  official assignment, but the aggrieved lawmakers said no member was on any official assignment as they were celebrating the New Year festivities with their families within the state.

    They maintained that they ignored the sitting because they were not properly informed by the governor on the annual exercise.

    Though, many of the lawmakers refused to speak with reporters but one of them who spoke in confidence said members of the Assembly were dissatisfied with the level of implementation of the 2013 budget by Mimiko’s government.

    He said: “We are not happy with the level of development in Ondo State. Projects have been moving in a snail speed and the governor has failed this year.

    “What is happening in the state is unfortunate, since the inauguration of the present administration for second term tenure on February 2013, the wheel of progress has stopped”.

    Unconfirmed report said the issue on ground goes beyond shunning budget presentation.

    It was learnt that majority of the lawmakers, though members of the ruling party were not comfortable with the pace of development and are now contemplating dumping the Labour Party for any of the opposition parties.

    But another source said what happened on the floor of the House on December 31, 2013 was not enough to cause a crack in the Assembly to the point of some members defecting to other political parties.

    He, however, admitted that the executive arm was overriding the State Assembly powers, because there is no virile opposition to the government.

    “For now, we can tell you categorically that the leadership of the House is not contemplating on any option of its members defecting to other political parties as being rumoured.

    “What actually happened at the Assembly during the 2014 budget presentation was to tell the Executive arm that we are no fools and we know our rights under the law of the land”.

    According to him, “the tension is now over as efforts are being intensified to settle the disagreement permanently with Governor Mimiko. We have been meeting to find amicable resolution to the misunderstanding”.

    Also, the minority leader, Hon. Lubi said, the lawmakers are not satisfied with the implementation of the 2013 budget which was rated at 30 percent.

    Lubi revealed that the lawmakers had on December 24 rejected a re-ordering budget of N1.5billion sent to the House by the state governor.

    He described the budget presentation ceremony as illegal, adding that the governor needed the two-third majority of the members of the House before he could present a budget.

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) who begged for anonymity commended the lawmakers for standing against illegality being perpetrated by the present government.

    He alleged that Mimiko has been mismanaging the state funds and urged the lawmakers to begin the impeachment process of the government.

    His words: “Ondo State people are regretting that the governor still retained the seat after October 20, 2012 poll, we are not happy, and our people are suffering.

    “I will like to commend the lawmaker for standing against continuous illegality which this present administration-led by Mimiko build its foundation upon”

    Also, the former state secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Adegboyega Adedipe expressed fear over what would be left of the state after the exit of Mimiko’s administration in 2016.

    Adedipe challenged Mimiko to tell the people what he has achieved with the implementation of last year’s budget.

    He said, “We are not surprised that the 2013 budget was scored 30 percent by the lawmakers, we are aware about how he had been mismanaging the funds.”

    However, Mimiko described the 2014 budget tagged “Caring Heart Phase 5”, as the consolidation of the modest gains achieved by his administration in the last five years with the expected delivery of most of the ongoing projects already initiated.

    According to him, the budget is N9.5billion higher than that of 2013 which was N152.5billion.

    He said the budget consists of N69.681billion allocated to recurrent expenditure, while the capital expenditure was put at N92.319 billion.

    The projection of the budget he said was predicated on some of the assumptions contained in the 2014-2016 fiscal strategy document of the Federal Government which include the assumption on oil benchmark price of $77.5 per barrel.

    Mimiko said the budget would be financed from statutory allocation which was put at N43billion, Internally Generated Revenue N15billion, Value Added Tax N10billion, rolled over fund N7billion, mineral derivation fund N20billion, SURE-P N5billion.

    Others are NNPC fund N2billion, Bond N23billion, loans/leases N15billion, grants/credits from development partners N6billion, refund from Federal Government on repair of federal roads N2billion, excess crude account N10billion, education endowment fund N3billion and sundry income/divestment N1billion.

    He explained that out of the N69.681 allocated to recurrent expenditure N35.371billion had been earmarked for personnel cost, while overheads would gulp N5.184billion, recurrent grant to parastatals and tertiary institutions N7.457billion  and special programmes N13.469billion.

     

  • NGO lifts women group in Ondo

    NGO lifts women group in Ondo

    Better days are ahead for womenfolk in Ondo State as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Nigeria Women Empowerment and Poverty Eradication Initiative (NIWEPEI) has empowered women groups in the state with the disbursement of a loan totaling N17.5 million.

    NIWEPEI is an organisation dedicated to assisting women groups in the country in the area of self-reliance, economic integration, cooperation and growth.

    At the ceremony, the group’s coordinator, Olasupo Olakunori said the NGO has taken it as a responsibility to partner with Nigerian women particularly in Ondo State in the area of economic empowerment for poverty eradication and self-reliance.

    He said the decision to collaborate has yielded a fruitful result with the disbursement of the fund.

    Besides, he said the Ondo State Cooperative Women Alliance (ONCOWA) has disbursed about N13 million to about 60 women groups in Akure.

    He commended some beneficiaries of the phase one of the programme for their impressive performance on a similar loan disbursed on September 14 this year. The Coordinator also commended the Oredegbe Micro-finance Bank for assisting in creation of jobs, small scale business and development of human resources.

    Olakunori thanked the state president of NIWEPEI, Mrs. Bosede Oyewole and the government for providing enabling environment for the project to succeed.

    He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to allow the office of the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) to oversee NGOs across the country.

     

  • Administrative stalemate in Ondo local govts

    Local government, the third tier of government after Federal and State governments is going through trying time in Ondo State.

    As the government closest to the grassroots where the bulk of the populace reside, the constitution designed the local government to be independent of the other tiers but that has regrettably not been the case for some time now in the Sunshine state as the councils administration are more or less being run by the state government through state appointed caretaker chairmen.

    Not too long ago, the State House of Assembly again extended the tenure of caretaker chairmen in all the 18 local government areas of the state for another six months. The lawmakers gave the directive at their plenary sitting in Akure, the state capital.

    This is the fourth time the tenure of the caretaker chairmen would be extended by the assembly since the inception of the Dr Olusegun Mimiko administration.

    The Labour Party (LP) administration in the state has not conducted local government election in the almost five years due to protracted legal battle.

    The decision of Governor Mimiko on the legal tussle attracted scathing criticisms from observers who have roundly condemned the extension that has completely stalled developments in the councils.

    During the administration of late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, there was complete autonomy for local government chairmen to develop at their own pace as there was no interference from any quarters.

    The local government councils had executive chairmen, unlike in the past five years when council administrators have remained figure heads taking order from above.

    Gone are the days when council chairmen executed laudable projects even to the extent of tarring some kilometers of roads and met up with many other obligations with their meagre monthly allocations.

    Local Government elections have been on hold in the state following the suit filed in 2009 by the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON) then headed by the former Chairman, Akure South Local Government Chairman, Mr Adedayo Omolafe against the state government.

    Mimiko dissolved the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in the local government shortly after his victory at the Appeal Court, Benin, Edo State on February 23, 2009 which forced the council chairmen to seek legal redress which is still pending more than four years after.

    The present caretaker chairmen in the 18 local governments are mere stooges in the local councils, as they cannot take decisions on their own because they are tied to the apron of the State Executive Council hence the slow pace of development in the towns and villages.

    Apart from this, there is no peace among the workers of the local government councils under the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

    The problem was the fall-out of its recent election won by Mr Bunmi Eniayewun who has not been allowed to resume work since, thereby paralysing all activities in NULGE and the local government councils.

    It was alleged that the state government was interested in the said election, but failed to have its candidate emerge, hence the crack in the rank of the local government workers.

    This led to the formation of a splinter group ‘Association of Local Government Workers (AOLW) led by Mr Isaac Fasina that eventually pulled out of its parent Union, NULGE.

    All the aggrieved members who were against the emergence of the new NULGE boss refused to pay their check off dues being used to run the affairs of the association.

    Unfortunately, Eniayewu and some top officials at the local government councils are on interdiction for about seven months now instead of the constitutional three months over allegation of fraud in the local government councils.

    This according to sources was the fall out of the screening exercise conducted in the local councils by the state government which eventually led to the disengagement of over 10,000 described as ‘ghost workers’

    When The Nation visited NULGE secretariat, opposite Ilesa Garage, Akure, the whole building was desolate, tables and chairs were dusty, an indication of long holidays.

    The embattled chairman, Eniayewu in a chat urged the appropriate body to come out with its findings on the probe to bail him out of his present predicament stressing that he was not guilty of the allegation leveled against him.

    He denied committing any fraud, lamenting that the interdiction placed on him should not be more than three months, but now going to seven months when he has been placed on half month salary without committing any offence.

    Many observers who spoke with our reporter decried the situation at the local government councils in the state, stressing that reasonable number of local government have not received their salaries in the past three or four months.

    According to them, the on-going Christmas and New Year festive period will be bleak for majority of council workers in the state.

     

  • Kingmakers flee Ondo community over attempt to install new monarch

    Commercial activities at Idoani community in Ose Local Government of Ondo State was paralysed last weekend following an alleged attack on traders by some suspected hoodlums.

    Shops and stalls were forcefully locked at the main ‘Oja Oba’ market in attempt to install a new monarch which is being ruled by a regent since three years ago.

    Besides, majority of the kingmakers have fled the town following alleged attacks on their houses by these suspected hoodlums.

    The kingmakers accused some honourary chiefs led by one Chief Timothy Akinbode and a former Regent who is also a former member Ondo State House Assembly, Princess Asake Olubitan (nee Falade) as those behind the attacks.

    They alleged that the duo wanted to force them to install one of the candidates jostling for the stool, Prince Agunloye Falade, who is from Sadibo lineage and also an elder brother to the former lawmaker as the new Alani of Idoani.

    It will be recalled that the battle for the stool have been persisting since 2010 between three lineages; Ologbosere, Sadibo and Owusi all from Obasunloye ruling house.

    Already, six candidates are battling for the stool and they are Prince (Major-General) Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), from Ologbosere Lineage, Prince Adeniran Adebiyi, Prince Agunloye Falade and Prince Ademola Falade from Sadibo lineage. Others are Prince Ademola Atewogboye and Prince Samuel Aladesunkanmi from Owusi lineage.

    It was gathered that it took the intervention of some military personnel who are indigenes of the community who came home for Christmas and New Year celebration before normalcy was returned.

    A kingmaker who spoke from hiding with The Nation, High Chief Gideon Adelana, the Ashewa of Idoani alleged that they wanted to kidnap him but he escaped from his abductors’ hands.

    Adelana, who revealed his ordeal, said, “they wanted to kidnap me so that I will be forced to crown their candidate, who is Prince Agunloye Falade as the new Alani of Idoani. I saw some five men led by one Akinremi Obado popularly known as Uri ordering me that Chief Akinbode, who is a honourary chief wanted my presence in a meeting. Immediately, I responded that I will not attend a meeting that I did not receive its circular.

    “When I detected that their plans was to kidnap me, I told them that I have agreed to follow them to the meeting but they should allow me to take my bath. I escaped through another door in my house. When they could not find me, they mobilised themselves and destroyed my house. My wife reported this to the police but up till now, the police have not come to our rescue.

    “What we are demanding from the Sadibo lineage is that they should allow us to follow the due process. We are still waiting for the council chairman to fix a date for the selection, we have written a letter to him.  They can’t impose an Oba on us when we have six candidates jostling for the seat from the three lineages. They were even saying there is nothing like Kingmakers in Idoani and if there is nothing of such, why are they after us?

    Another kingmaker, High Chief Sunday Oludosi said the hoodlums have prevented him from entering his house by dropping some leaves in the front of his house which according to him was against the custom of their land.

    Akinbode when contacted denied the allegation that he was behind the violent attacks. According to him: “it was the princes that met last Friday and made a decision that a new king must be installed. It was during that meeting they ordered that the market should be closed. It was the youths who trooped out to stop the traders from operating.

    “The fact is that General Olutoye is behind the delay of the selection of new Alani of Idoani. Majority of the kingmakers have compromised. They are backing Olutoye and also delaying the selection of the new king. We are meeting on this issue without delay”.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)at the state Police Command, Akure, Wole Ogodo said he has not been briefed on the crisis.

     

  • Ondo lawmaker offers scholarship to indigent boy

    Ondo lawmaker offers scholarship to indigent boy

    Apparently worried by the plights of many indigent children, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olatunji Dairo has stressed the need for well-meaning Nigerians to always assist the less-privileged.

    This, he said would rid the society of social vices being perpetrated by indigent youths.

    Dairo spoke with reporters in Akure, the state capital while offering scholarship to Master Timilehin Folorunsho, a 12 year-old apprentice generator repairer with no formal basic education

    The lawmaker explained that he was moved to help Timilehin, who he saw walking the street of Oluwatuyi in Akure one day seemingly with nowhere to go and when he asked why he was not in school, the boy explained he had no parents again. He accompanied him to where he lives with his grandmother and from there the story that would change his life for good began.

    Dairo, who is also the chief whip of the House of the Assembly, explained that “I told him (Timilehin) it is possible he would be one of the greatest engineers the country will produce in the future and he agreed.

    “Because of this development, he was taken to the Nursery and Primary School to start his education. I am happy that the boy is doing well academically. I have been responsible for the boy school fees, feeding and other necessities”.

    He pointed out that if well-meaning Nigerians could emulate such gesture, the society would be better off.

    Timilehim is now in primary one at Height Nursery and Primary School, Akure, with the lawmaker promising to sponsor his education to university level.

    The proprietress of the school, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adewumi affirmed that the boy is doing well as he concentrates more on his studies.

    The kid, Timilehin expressed gratitude to the lawmaker while his grandmother, Mrs. Aduke Folorunsho said she could not afford to send the boy to school as his father died when he was an infant. The Septuagenarian woman thanked the lawmaker for the good gesture.

     

  • Bleak Christmas likely in Ondo

    Bleak Christmas likely in Ondo

    As Christmas festivities in Akure, the Ondo State capital, gather pace, traders are expressing mixed feelings over the turnout of customers. Residents are lamenting over scarcity of funds. LEKE AKEREDOLU, who went round the town, observed that people may celebrate bleak Christmas and New Year due to economic recession.

    As Nigerians prepare for Christmas and New Year celebrations, the people of Akure, the Ondo State capital are not left out as residents make a last minute rush to shop for the event.

    Already, some sections of the Sunshine State capital are wearing new look as they have been decorated with Christmas lights.

    These areas include Governor’s House and Government House Garden, Alagbaka where residents of Akure and neigbouring communities normally visit during the Christmas period.

    This Garden, which serves as relaxation centre was constructed by Governor Olusegun Mimiko for people in Akure to have fun during the Christmas.

    Others areas include the Adekunle Ajasin Road and some parts of Alagbaka areas. The most popular road in Akure, Oyemekun-Oba-Adesida road was yet to be decorated. This will be the first time in the history of the present administration when this road will not be given a Christmas outlook.

    Reason for this is yet unknown as at the time of this report. When “The Nation” visited the popular Oja-Oba Market along  Adesida road to monitor the shopping trend people were seen at the market buying goods of their choice in a last minute rush hoping to get good bargain. From one stalls to the other, people moved around to buy fowls, frozen chickens and turkeys. Some patronised boutiques to purchase shoes, bags and other accessories. Some traders are enjoying the season with impressive turnouts of buyers.

    But for some traders, it has not been easy most especially those at the Erekesan market whose shops were closed in line with Akure tradition following the death of the Deji, Oba Adebiyi Adesida. While the closure lasted, many of them had to look for make shift shops to ensure that they sell the goods they have in stock for Christmas.

    They lamented bitterly about the low patronage, stressing that people are complaining of little or no money in circulation.

    Mrs. Iyabode Akinmorola, a trader at NEPA Markets said only few of her customers have patronised her so far this Christmas period, stressing that majority of them who are civil servants are demanding that the goods should be sold to them on credit till New Year.

    This was not unexpected as the bulk of workers in the state are civil servants employed by the government and most have not been paid their Christmas bonus.

    It would be recalled that during the first term of Mimiko’s government, workers always enjoyed their Christmas and New Year with 50 percent bonus which was normally paid around middle of December in order for them to have enough time to buy goods for the celebration.

    But in 2012, the government slashed the workers Christmas bonus to 25 percents and no excuse was given for the reduction.   A government source said the situation is not likely to improve this Christmas as the government is contemplating paying each worker N15,000 flat instead of the normal bonus.

    It was gathered that the rice and vegetable oil usually distributed to workers and Labour Party (LP) members by the government during the Christmas may be put on hold this year as there was no sign that such items and hampers had been purchased.  In fact, a circular has been issued to all ministries that they should not expect rice and vegetable oil this year.

    A teacher at Aponmu Grammar School in Akure, Mrs. Eniola Akinyemi lamented over what she described as dearth of funds, saying they are still hopeful that the governor will pay them before Christmas.

    Akinyemi said: “With the look of things, we are not sure if our Christmas bonus will be paid before the Christmas Day because up till now the information is not favourable to the workers. Last year, it was 25 percent, we don’t know if this year will be 15 or five per cent.

    “We don’t even care the percentage, what we are after is money that will allow us feed our family during this yuletide period. I have a mother who counts on me during this Christmas and I don’t know what to do now.

    “We are appealing to our caring governor to look at our side. After last year governorship election things have changed but we hope by next year governance will improve again in the state.”

    A civil servant, Mr. Akinbobola Samuel said, he had informed his three children that he would not be able to buy Christmas and New Year clothes for them due to lack of fund.

    Akinbobola said: “We are still waiting for the government response but with the look of things we are not sure if the government will pay our Christmas bonus. I have told my children that they should bear with me this time around and that I will make up with them. I know how they will feel because seeing their colleagues wearing new cloths and they are putting on old ones. But I promised to make it up with them”

    When contacted on if the governor will still pay the workers their bonus before Christmas Day, his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Eni Akinsola did not reply the text message sent to his mobile phone.

  • Court dismisses suspended Ondo lawmaker’s suit

    An Akure High Court yesterday struck out the suit filed by the suspended member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Fola Olaseinde, challenging her indefinite suspension by the House.

    Mrs. Olaseinde, who represents Ose Constituency, was suspended on June 18 for allegedly leaving fetish objects in her former apartment.

    The House raised a five-man panel, headed by Mr. Olotu Fatai, to probe the matter and submit its report within two weeks.

    But till date, the committee has not submitted its report to the House. This prompted the suspended lawmaker to seek redress in court.

    The State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi, based his verdict on five grounds.

    He said Mrs. Olaseinde failed to substantially prove that she was not given fair hearing.

    Justice Kumuyi said the House has the right to discipline any member that put its integrity to disrepute.

    He said Mrs. Olaseinde’s “offence” was not personal because she is a public officer.

    Justice Kumuyi said it is a crime, as stipulated by law, for anybody to be in possession of fetish object(s), even if it is meant for personal protection.

    He said the embattled lawmaker representing Ose Constituency should have waited for the outcome of the Assembly’s investigative panel before approaching the court.

    Justice Kumuyi said the plaintiff could not prove her case beyond reasonable doubt and struck out the case.

    Mrs. Olaseinde and her counsel, Adetunji Osho, said they would appeal the ruling.

    They said: “We have started with the lower court and will pursue the case to a logical conclusion. We still believe in the sanctity of the Judiciary and we are convinced we will get justice at the higher court.”

    Olaseinde lamented that she had been waiting for the committee’s report for a long time and is being deprived of her benefits at the Assembly.