The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ONDO

  • Protests in Ondo over clearance of Senatorial candidates

    Protests in the three senatorial districts of Ondo state over the clearance of the incumbent senators in the three districts to retain their seats at the National Assembly beyond 2019 have remained persistent.

    The clearance was carried out by the National Working Committee, (NWC) of the ruling party on Tuesday.

    The aggrieved party supporters said the imposition could spell doom on the party ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Leader of the protesters in Akure,the state capital who is the APC Youth leader,Babalayo Olutayo criticised the national leadership of the party for not creating a level-play ground for all aspirants.

    Babalayo said “we are saying no to imposition, we are saying no to automatic ticket to any aspirants, there must be a room for everybody to accommodate. We don’t want criminality and impunity in our party, we ask for change and this is not the change we asked for.

    “When Adams Oshiomhole took the leadership from John-Odigwe Oyegun,we thought everything will change for good but things has gone to unbearable condition.

    “Oshiomhole has not really helped us. if you go to the APC constitution, article 20 states clearly that party primary must go either direct, indirect and consensus, there is no room for automatic ticket in our constitution and we want to know how the leadership came about the automatic ticket.

    Read Also: 2018 PDP Convention: Wike welcomes delegates

    Also,some of the aspirants including the Incumbent Senator representing Ondo Central, Tayo Alasoadura who is one of the beneficiaries of the automatic ticket said the NWC erred in screening them to become candidates of the party for senatorial contest ahead of 2019.

    However,Senator Boroffice maintained that he did not get the ticket through backdoor but because of his loyalty to the party.

    According to him,he had in the past won many elections and still have his supporters solidly behind him.

    Governor Akeredolu was said to have visited Abuja in connection with the crisis over the automatic ticket.

    Observers noted that Akeredolu was supporting Dr Tunji Abayomi for the North District,Lucky Ayedatiwa for the South District and equally have Senator Tayo Alasoadura in his good book to retain his position in the central.

  • Tanker explosion: Ondo orders agency to assess damage

    The Ondo State government yesterday mandated the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the level of damage caused by the tanker explosion that occurred on Wednesday night in Akure, the state capital.

    Some youths demonstrated against the explosion, which occurred at Onyerugbulem Junction on Ilesha/Owo road in Akure, the state capital.

    The incident was reportedly caused by a tanker conveying 33,000 litres of diesel.

    Four persons were said to have died while some vehicles and buildings near the expressway were destroyed.

    Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi who addressed the protesting youths, advised them to be calm and law-abiding.

    He was accompanied by the senator representing Ondo Central, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale and the Commissioner for Works, Mr Taofiq Abdulsalam.

    Agboola sympathised with the affected residents and assured them of government immediate help.

    The deputy governor promised the protesters, who were calling for the construction of a fly-over in the area, that before the government embarks on that, it would erect speed breakers on the road to control vehicles plying the road.

    He also assured the people that traffic controllers will henceforth be on the ground – from 6 a.m to 8 p.m – to control vehicles entering and leaving the area.

    Ajayi assured that SEMA would distribute materials to victims of the fire.

    A victim and soft drinks dealer at Shagari village junction Mrs Sola Adeala said she lost thousands of naira to the fire.

    She said: “I just took stock of assorted soft drinks running into several millions of naira I brought last weekend. They all perished in the fire.”

    The businesswoman urged the state government to assist her so she and her family can survive life.

    Another victim, Alex Umeh, said even though he lost his car, thanked God for surviving the fire.

    Umeh said he was returning from a church programme when he parked at Onyearugbulem Junction to see a friend nearby.

    According to him, he heard a bang accompanied by a fire, which consumed his car.

     

     

     

     

  • Ondo: APC returns Boroffice, others as Senatorial candidates

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has returned the senators representing the three senatorial districts in Ondo State as its candidate for the senatorial election scheduled for early next year.

    They are Prof. Ajayi Boroffice (Ondo North), Yele Omogunwa (Ondo South) and Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo Central).

    The party had earlier postponed the primary election scheduled to hold in the state on Tuesday.

    But the leadership of the party later gave a directive that the three serving senators should retain their seats after 2019 polls.

    Party delegates had earlier converged on the various polling centres of the party across the state before the postponement was announced.

    Few hours later, a directive was also given that the three serving senators should be returned, being the only ones that satisfied the
    requirements of the party and performed satisfactorily in the screening exercise conducted by the national secretariat of the party.

    Read Also: Abia PDP senatorial primary election: Orji, Ohuabunwa, Abaribe emerges winners

    Boroffice and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had been at logger heads over the control of the party in the state.

    It was also alleged that Governor Akeredolu supported Dr Tunji Abayomi to unseat Boroffice.

    Boroffice hailed the national leadership of the party for its wisdom in fortifying the party.

    He said the screening exercise conducted by the party was a welcome development,stressing that the party would retain the three senatorial seats after 2019 Senatorial poll.

  • Motorcyclist killed, another injured in accident

    A 30-year old man identified as ‘June’, an Okada rider on Saturday died after involving in a multiple motor cycle accidents which occurred in front of Akoko Anglican Grammar school, Arigidi Akoko  Ondo state.

    An eyewitness said the deceased died instantly while another motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and now in critical condition in private hospital in Ikare-Akoko.

    The ongoing strike was having an adverse effect as Ikare specialist hospital could not admit patients,

    Other passengers on the motorcycles sustained injuries.

    The Akoko unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC) Jimoh Basiru attributed the accident to impatience and refusal to wear crash helmets.

    He noted that his command had visited mosques,churches,market places and motor parks for sensitisation since the beginning of ember months on the need to adhere strictly to road regulations.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Okeagbe, Adetarami Ibitayo, a Superintendent of Police (SP) who visited the scene of the accident said many Okada riders were fond of drinking alcohol.

    The DPO said reckless driving usually kill than AIDs infection.

    A community leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani expressed sadness on the large number of lives that had been wasted this year alone along Agbaluku-Arigidi-Olokun junction up to Semusemu area.

    He said over six people have lost their lives this year alone to road accidents.

    Residents were worried on this sad development which necessitated inter denominational prayers.

    He urged the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in the state to construct speed breakers to reduce carnage.

  • Fayose: Osun election was a ‘show of shame’

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has described the governorship election conducted in neighbouring Osun State as a “show of shame.”

    He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly perfecting rigging plans with “compromised elections” in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and now Osun.

    Fayose in a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said “democracy is dead in Nigeria” with the outcome of the supplementary governorship poll held in Osun on Thursday.

    Read Also:Ekiti PDP aspirants vandalize secretariat, reject alleged imposition by Fayose

    He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of compromising with the APC and security forced to pervert the will of the Nigerian electorate.

    The Ekiti governor commended the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in Osun governorship poll, Senator Ademola Adeleke for “having fought a good fight.”

    Hailing Adeleke, Fayose said: “You did not lose but your mandate has only been stolen”

    Fayose said: “With the show of shame that happened in last Saturday’s Osun state governorship election in general and the Thursday rerun in particular, there is no other conclusion to draw than that democracy is now dead in our beloved country.

    “With what happened in Osun state, democracy is actually dead in Nigeria and we are in critical times.

    “The Osun supplementary elections was just a repeat of what happened in Ekiti state on July 14th. And it is unfortunate that, again, the will of the people has been perverted.

    “It was obvious even to the blind that the Osun election, as was the case with Ekiti, was a contest between the PDP and the security agencies supervised by a compromised INEC.”

    Fayose added that the University professors also used as returning officers by INEC have, ab initio, been compromised and only serve the interest of those he described as their pay masters.

    He added: “Therefore, we want to believe that conscionable Nigerians and the survival of this country as a whole are at the mercy of God and of the judiciary. And if the judiciary fails to rise up to the occasion, Nigerians will be among men the most miserable”

    He condemned the violence that attended the election, sympathized with the families of those killed and enjoined PDP members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

  • Ondo pensioners beg for payment of unpaid entitlements

    Pensioners in Ondo state have pleaded with the labour leaders in the state to help them fight for their outstanding entitlements.

    The state NUP chairman, Chief Raphael Adetuwo, said the unpaid entitlements have subjected pensioners to untold hardship in the state.

    Adetuwo hinged their outcry on the recent directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to governors on payment of salaries and pensions.

    He added that old age hazards and poverty are bitter experiences among them.

    The senior citizen disclosed that pensioners are yet to be paid pension and gratuities since 2012, adding that the 33 per cent pension increase has not been approved by the state government since 2014.

    Read Also: Osun victory shows APC is preferred party – Obaseki

    He said”15 percent pension increase paid to state pensioners in 2012 is yet to be paid to the local government pensioners including primary school pensioners

    “Arrears of monthly pension as a result of delay in the payment of monthly pension after retirement are yet to be paid since 2012. Gratuities to state pensioners who served Federal Government between 1972 and 1976 are yet to be paid.”

    The NUP chairman, who accused the state government of shirking away from those financial responsibilities, urged the labour leaders to come to their aid.

  • No plot can stop my re-election bid, says Boroffice

    …we will screen only authentic members – APC

     

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State,Prof Ajayi Boroffice on Wednesday said the verbal attacks between two factions of the party in the state over screening of aspirants and other related issues was illogical.

    The lawmaker representing Ondo North Senatorial District has however undergone screening exercise for the forthcoming primary election of the APC.

    A statement through his Press Secretary,Kayode Fakuyi said Boroffice had received clearance certificate to participate in the senatorial direct primary election scheduled for October in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The statement said “In line with the approval of direct primaries for Ondo State by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, Senator Boroffice is upbeat and ready for the election. Indeed, no plot can stop the re-election bid of Senator Ajayi Boroffice.

    However,the ruling party through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro maintained that only those who brought their forms through proper channel would participate in the screening exercise.

    It noted all bonafide members of the party were on the same page with its leadership on the coming primary elections.

    The party said ” Every aspirant who has bought forms from the right place will participate in the screening exercise.

    “It is the right of every member to go through the whole process,the aspirants that are authentically cleared would definitely be eligible to contest the primary elections in the state under the platform of the APC”.

    There had been a frosty relationship between Senator Boroffice and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the fall-out of 2016 election won by the latter.

    The leadership of the party alleged that the lawmaker worked against the interest of the party during the last governorship election.

    Besides,while the party insisted on indirect primary system to pick the National Assembly aspirants, Boroffice supported direct primary which was endorsed by the national leadership of the party.

  • Ondo Commissioner resigns appointment , joins Reps race

    A Journalist and Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning in Ondo state, Donald Ojogo has resigned his appointment to join the race for the House of Representatives ticket as directed in the circular signed by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to all aspirants holding political offices.

    Already,a group, Ilaje Justice Coalition (IJC) has backed Ojogo for the House of Representatives seat to represent Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency

    Chairman of the group, Tope Olowofoyekun expressed optimism that Ojogo’s membership of the National Assembly would be of immense benefit to the oil-rich federal constituency.

    He appealed to governor, Akeredolu to consider Ojogo option’ as he jostled for a position at the lower chamber.

    According to him,”We are urging Ojogo, to push for the House of Reps seat for Ilaje Ese-Odo Federal Constituency because of his pedigree.

    “We have observed with keen interest, the dynamics of the race as it has attracted numerous aspirants. While conceding to all such aspirants their right to aspire, including the House of Representatives seat, it has become very timely that we give our support to one of own.

    Read Also: Tax default: Oyo seals banks in Ibadan

    “Ilaje Justice Coalition is of the opinion that Apois having done eight years from 2007-2011 and Ilaje on the verge of competing their eight years from 2011 till date, it is only natural that the Arogbo axis of the Federal constituency produces the next occupier of the seat. Justice and fairness are our watchword.

    “It is only when we have this clear understanding and sense of justice that there can be a better society devoid of needless suspicion and marginalisation. This indeed, is a new approach to our age-long desire of unity and love in the federal constituency.“

  • Alleged Imposition: Ondo APC reacts to protest

    The All Progressives Congress(APC)in Ondo state has described the protest as unfortunate for party members that were not well informed to protest what they termed ‘imposition’ of candidates ahead of local elections.

    According to a statement by its spokesman,Alex Kalejaye,”the party does not, and has no intention to impose any aspirant, which is not even in the best interest of the people he aspires to represent.

    “Although it is a family affair, but we say categorically that the Ondo State chapter of the Congress has only allowed the process to run its course in the state and candidates emerged.

    Read Also: Protests in Ondo over ‘imposition’ of candidates

    “We are not unaware of the importance of democratic options that could promote cohesion and foster unity in the party”.

    The party appealed to members and teeming supporters in the State to exercise robust understanding and remain hopeful that the leadership of the party would always act within the confinement of the party’s constitution.

  • Protests in Ondo over ‘imposition’ of candidates

    Scores of aggrieved supporters and local council chairmanship aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ) from Akoko Northwest/East and Akoko Southwest on Friday invaded the state party’s secretariat to protest the alleged imposition of council chairmanship candidates in the areas.

    The protesters who came in many buses disrupted the free traffic flow around the Cathedral area of the APC secretariat, Akure.

    They carried placards with various anti-government inscriptions, stressing that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu should call the leadership of the party to order in order not ‘kill’ the APC in the state.

    According to a leader of the party leaders in Akoko Northwest, Adeniyi Olugbenga,who is a chairmanship aspirant,the imposition of unpopular candidates on the people would spell doom on the party during the coming local government election.

    Adeniyi,who is a former aide to the Commissioner for Agriculture,Adegboyega Adefarati said they would resist any act of imposition.

    Also,the party chairman in the local government,Elder Akogun Akinyele said if the issue was not addressed,many APC loyalists would move massively into another party.

    An Aspirant from Akoko Southwest,Group Captain Bola Owoeye(Rtd) lamented that after spending so much money,the Adetimehin’s led State Exco had decided to impose chairmanship candidates on them.

    He said” They are joking with the future of the APC,we will work against the party if the problem is not resolved immediately.

    Another chairmanship candidate from Akoko Southwest, Murphy Adamolekun,said the leadership of the party in the state led by Ade Adetimehin had earlier agreed on consensus candidate,but suddenly went ahead to write names of unpopular aspirants as party candidates in virtually all the local government areas especially in Akoko land.

    The aggrieved aspirants threatened to defect to other political parties that respect rule of law and tenets of demicracy
    to actualise their dreams with the support of their people.