The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oyetola

  • Oyetola congratulates Fayemi, Ekiti people, APC

    A LEADING governorship aspirant on the platform of Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) , Mr.  Adegboyega Oyetola, has congratulated the people of Ekiti State for the victory of their governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the last Saturday governorship election.

    He also congratulated the Ekiti State APC, saying Fayemi’s victory was an affirmation of the competence and popularity of the governor-elect.

    In a statement by Dayo Fasola, the Media Officer of Ileri Oluwa Campaign Organisation, a platform for promoting Oyetola’s political aspirations, the people of Ekiti State were assured of a new lease of life.

    The statement reads: “We join other well-meaning Nigerians and all lovers and promoters of democracy worldwide to congratulate the new governor-elect of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, for a successful, free and fair election that produced you.

    “We believe your exemplary leadership qualities would see Ekiti State to greater heights. We thank the international communities and all the diplomats, who made sure they were fully on ground to monitor the election.

    “We also commend President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring that adequate security measures were put in place to enable a peaceful environment for the election’s conduct. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shown Nigerians that the confidence reposed in them as an unbiased umpire remains unshakable.

    “We also congratulate Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, whose first outing as Chairman of the APC has led the party to victory in Ekiti State. So, we hereby urged the opposition to join hands with the new leadership of government to move the state forward as the APC has made people to understand and benefit from good governance as well as dividends of democracy.

    “It was a case of mistrust and perpetual corrupt activities during the 16 years of PDP. On the contrary, the APC has brought smiles to the face of the people and that is why Nigerians home and abroad are joining hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to move the country forward.

    “We can confirm to you that the good people of Osun State are acting in the same oneness and believe in the sustenance of the great laudable legacy of Ogbeni Aregbesola, who has transformed the state immensely.

    “The trend of Ekiti election has shown that the masses are conscious that their interests are better protected by the APC.”

     

     

     

     

  • Ibiyemi withdraws for Oyetola in Osun APC primary race

    One of Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants from Ile-Ife, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, has announced his withdrawal from the race for Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola to win the July 19 primary.

    Ibiyemi told reporters in Abuja on Friday that the similarity in programmes of the two aspirants made him to step down for Oyetola, the Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola. According to him, he agreed to step down after examining his programme by APC leaders in Osun East Senatorial District, his campaign team, led by the former Deputy Governor Adeleke Adewoyin, and the campaign team of Alhaji Oyetola, led by a member of the House of Representatives, Famurewa Ajibola.

    He said: “There is no need to continue with the governorship race with the presence of Oyetola, since we share the same vision for the State of Osun containing similarity in programmes, projects and attributes as aspirants. It is better for me to support Oyetola in sustaining transformation of the state’s economy, started by Governor Aregbesola and make APC stronger.”

    Ibiyemi described Oyetola’s experience as a member of Aregbesola’s Exco as the best option for APC to win the election on September 22.

    He pledged to mobilise his delegates and supporters from Ife Federal Constituency to vote for Oyetola at the primary.

    He added: “Oyetola’s ideology and strategies are similar to mine. But his experience as the Chief of Staff to Governor Aregbesola places him in the best position, among the aspirants, to sustain and build on the legacies of Aregbesola, particularly on infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and industrial revolution.

    “I have promised to offload details of my programme and goodwill to support Oyetola in ensuring his success at the party’s primary on July 19 and on September 22 governorship election.

    “I am ready and committed to use my time and resources to support the victory of Oyetola in recognition of his plans to use experts in all areas within the party to govern Osun State.”

    Ibiyemi urged other aspirants to acknowledge merit and experience that Oyetola had acquired over the years as the qualities the APC will need to defeat the opposition.

    He said: “My fellow aspirants should follow my step by coming together to support Oyetola so as not to provide an opportunity for the opposition, led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This contest should not be a do-or-die affair. The unity of all aspirants of APC as a family is needed to ensure the victory of Oyetola. Zoning is not in the constitution of APC and should not be allowed to create disunity among party leaders and members.”

    At a meeting with Ibiyemi in Abuja, Oyetola lauded his kind gesture to step down and work for his victory during the primary, despite his wealth of experience in the military and the private sector.

    He said: “The decision of Ibiyemi to step down is a great sacrifice which should be emulated by other aspirants to put enemies of APC to shame.”

  • Osun: Oyetola promises continuity

    A leading governor-ship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, has described himself as Mr. Continuity. He said he was better positioned than his co-aspirants to sustain legacies of the Rauf Aregbesola administration and also do a lot more. Speaking in Olorunda and Osogbo local governments at the conclusion of his consultation tours of the nine federal constituencies in the state, Oyetola said “I have an idea of what to do without being briefed.”

    “This is a competitive world and we must ensure that competitive leadership is installed at all times in the interest of the future of the state. We can not afford to have non visionary and non purposeful leadership take over from a dynamic, courageous and pace setting administration which has shown direction for great and abundant opportunities for every resident in so shot a time in the face of harsh financial conditions.

    “I am offering my self for service because I know what it means lead. I have been engaged in the public service in the last seven and a half years with very great achievements and accomplishment that any reasonable person will be proud to associate with. Also, I was in the competitive private sector driven by target for over thirty years. So, there won’t be any excuse for me not to be driven by same, vision, passion and commitment, integrity and sense of mission for which the Rauf Aregbesola administration is known.

    “I thank you so much for your warm reception and very large turn out and show of solidarity for my candidature. I enjoyed same reception in all federal constituencies, including those in the Osun West senatorial districts. I assure you that immediately after my victory, I will become a citizen of all parts of this great state and work with diligence and without favoritism,” the aspirant told the huge gathering at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The Attoney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, while attesting to the readiness of Bashiru to continue where the incumbent governor will stop, said “wherever Aregbesola goes there I will go on the issue of who succeeds him because I hold the development so dearly.” Many others that spoke acknowledged “excellent performance of the Aregbesola administration, saying only the ingrates in and outside Osogbo will not appreciate the governor what he had done for people individually and collectively.

  • Oyetola salutes courage of Osun West residents

    A leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, has saluted the courage of residents of Osun West Senatorial District for identifying with his ambition to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    He spoke at Bode-Osi, Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area; Ile-Ogbo in Ayedire Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Iwo, the headquarters of Iwo Local Government Area, during his consultation tour of the senatorial district.

    Oyetola, who expressed happiness about the large turnout of his supporters in the three council areas, promised not to disappoint them if he becomes the governor.

    Assuring the people of better days ahead, he said: “You will never regret supporting me in any way. I will sustain the legacy of this government in all areas of development and take good care of party members. I have the detailed knowledge of what is good for our members.

    “I am not a greenhorn in party politics; I have been a party man for long, with utmost loyalty and financial supports. It may interest you to know that I bought the first vehicle for our party then, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), in my Boripe Local Government Area in 1999.”

    Oyetola debunked the rumour that he was more of a Lagos man than Osun, describing it as baseless and nonsensical.

    He said: “How could a sound man in a sound body look at me and conclude that I am from Lagos?  That is unthinkable, to say the least. I am from Iragbiji; I am a thoroughbred person with courtesy, good manners and native knowledge…”

  • Oyetola assures Osun of all-inclusive govt

    •Aspirant pays tribute to industrialist Ajayi

    An Osun State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, has assured the people that his administration, if he wins the election, will serve all the strata of the society.

    The aspirant, who was on a tour of the Osun East Senatorial District to sell his candidature, spoke at the weekend in Ibokun, headquarters of Obokun Local Government Area and Ijebu-Jesa in Oriade Local Government Area.

    Oyetola described himself as most fit for the job because of his involvement in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmers of the Rauf Aregbesola administration in the last seven and a half years.

    The APC chieftain also said he would be fit for the position because of his accomplishment in “a highly competitive private sector for more than thirty years”.

    He noted that governing Osun State is a serious business that must be entrusted in the hands of competent, efficient and spiritual personality like himself.

    Oyetola, who praised Aregbesola for laying a solid foundation for the incoming administration, stressed that he was ready for an all-inclusive government that will benefit workers, women, youths, farmers and students.

    He noted that though the Aregbesola administration had provided a template for good governance, innovation and creativity through courage, but the visionary leadership would wind up in a few months if it does not carefully allow competent hands to sustain his legacies and make more marks that can advance the fortunes of the state.

    To the political class, Oyetola said: “My government will also be for you, our leaders and members. So, don’t be deceived by those talking about dishing out money to sway you to their side only to give you a heartache in the end. Ours is an all-inclusive government that will harmonise all interests. Osun must never be allowed to retrogress.

    “When we set up our government, we will hold regular meetings with the communities to know your peculiar needs and attend to them at once. We will give according to what you desire to have. There will never be a misplacement of projects. So, it is important that everyone gets his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), which is your power to elect a candidate of your choice, not one based on money inducement but on competence and the capacity to rule.”

    Oyetola paid tribute to the late industrialist, Sir Dele Ajayi, whose remains were interred at Ada, his native town, on Friday.

    The aspirant described him as a broad-minded community leader.

    Addressing reporters at the First Baptist Church at Ada in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State after the funeral and thanksgiving service in honour of the deceased, the APC chieftain said the late Ajayi lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

    Oyetola said there was a lesson for Nigerians, particularly politicians, in the late Ajayi’s high sense community to his family, the community and humanity.

    He said: “I admire Baba’s broad-mindedness to issues and politics. He was never narrow-minded. You will never see him exhibiting a bias for the APC or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or being sectional in his relation with people. He saw issues beyond the smokescreen of emotion and sentiment. This is a big lesson for us all.”

     

  • Osun APC aspirant Oyetola seeks party cohesion

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, has urged party members to cooperate with the new National Executive Committee (NEC) to achieve cohesion and unity.

    Oyetola addressed reporters in Abuja, the nation’s capital, on the side line of the party’s national convention held at the weekend.

    The APC chieftain said the time had come for members of the APC to work in one accord for peace, stability and progress of the party.

    Oyetola congratulated the party’s new leadership under the chairmanship of former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola called for party cohesion, saying this is the only tonic for APC to make further progress.

    He said: “We must continue to reiterate our unwavering loyalty in the ideals and ideology of APC as this will further strengthen all members of the party across the country.”

    On his aspiration to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Oyetola noted that it is the will of God and that it would be a great opportunity to serve Osun State residents in the governorship capacity.

    He noted that governance is about careful planning and sustaining such plans.

    On a possible threat from the opposition in Osun State, Oyetola said APC remained the party to beat in the state.

    The aspirant listed some of the progress the party had made to stabilise the state, despite the numerous challenges, saying said governance requires creativity, adding that this is what APC brought to Osun State since it took over power about eight years ago. “This is why it will be difficult for any political group or individuals to match the records of the party in our state,” he said.

    Also, the Osun State stand at the national convention was dominated by supporters of Alhaji Oyetola.

    Hundreds of party men and women adorned uniforms with the Ilerioluwa2018 campaign logo and posters in every nook and cranny of the convention.

  • Oyetola congratulates Muslims

    A Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Isiak Oyetola (GIO) has congratulated Muslims on the completion of Ramadan and celebration of Eid-il-Fitri.

    Alhaji Oyetola said it is a thing of joy that Muslims and indeed non-Muslims alike have witnessed another Sallah celebration, stressing that it is a special privilege from Allah that our lives have been spared till today.

    He called on Muslims not to depart from their good ways, noting that the 29 days of spiritual exercise had drawn them closer to Allah with a lot of lesson learnt in the process.

    Oyetola urged the citizens to celebrate in moderation and show love to one another.

    According to him, the current situation in the country has made it imperative for Muslims and non-Muslims to live in peace and harmony and seek the face of God in prayer for divine intervention.

    He urged the citizens of Osun State to be more vigilant and continue to seek the face of God.

  • Oyetola congratulates Muslims on celebration

    A GOVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the Osun State All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Gboyega Isiak Oyetola (GIO), has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and every part of the world on the completion of Ramadan fast and celebration of Eid-el-Fitri.

    Oyetola, in a message to mark end of Ramadan, said: “It is a thing of joy that Muslims and indeed non-Muslims alike have witnessed another celebration of Eid-el-fitri. It is a special privilege from Allah that our lives have been spared till today.”

    He called on Muslims not to depart from their good ways and noted that the 30-days of spiritual exercise had drawn them closer to Allah with a lot of lesson learnt in the process.

    Oyetola urged the citizens to celebrate in moderation, show love to one another.

    According to the aspirant, the present situation in the country has made it imperative for Muslims and non-Muslims to live in peace and harmony and seek the face of God in prayer for divine intervention.

    The politician, however, urged the citizens of Osun State to be more vigilant and continue to seek the face of God.

    He added that prayers by all are needed more than ever for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country and of the state, even as he expressed confidence in God’s ability to bless and keep the country in answer to the prayers of His people.

     

     

     

     

  • Oyetola to continue Aregbesola’s Six-Point Action Plan, if elected governor

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, has promised to consolidate on the Six-Point Integral Action Plan of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, if he wins the party’s primary and the governorship election.

    Oyetola, who is the Chief of Staff to the Governor, addressed reporters on Tuesday while declaring his intention to run for the state’s number one job at his campaign office in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, the state capital.

    The aspirant said government alone cannot substantially provide infrastructure for the teeming masses without partnering with the private sector.

    He promised to work with the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to prioritise the socio-economic and other needs of the state.

    “Deploying a public private partnership (PPP) model, we will consolidate work on robust and strategic road map of Governor Aregbesola’s administration to totally industrialise the state and make it a better place to live in,” Oyetola said.

    He added: “I offer myself for service. I seek your support in my commitment to take our state to even greater heights. I seek your hand in partnership as a governorship aspirant of our party, the APC, in the next election. I want to build on the giant strides already made by the current administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola.

    “Having been a privileged member of the team that has brought the current transformation our state has witnessed these past seven and a half years, I know what the issues are. I know what our people need is an agenda of continuity and revitalisation that will deepen the current gains of infrastructural development.

    “I know what we need to continue to work and even harder to increase our revenue base to support the payment of salaries, pensions and other deserved emoluments for our teeming workers.

    “I believe I am the man for such a moment as this. I have the experience. I have the pedigree. I am dependable, accessible and, most of all, I am that person that will voice your concerns and represent each and every one of you at the right places.

    “I will serve you diligently. I will work for your progress. I am a loyal party man and, most of all, a true and committed son of this great state. I have the consummate private sector pedigree, exposure and network, and I will leverage this for monumental economic growth and development. Commitment and service is my promise to you. Your needs and problems confronting our state is what will propel me.”

    Oyetola pledged that if voted into office, his administration would be guided by the experiences acquired from the incumbent administration’s action plan.

    These, Oyetola said, include banishing hunger, poverty, unemployment as well as restoring healthy living and promoting functional education and enhancing communal peace and progress enunciated by the state government.

    According to him, his administration will be workers – friendly by making their welfare top priority.

    He said: “We shall pursue workers’ welfare with all the energy in us. We shall give prominent to workers’ salaries and pensions while we shall promote an enviable culture of excellence and service.”

    Oyetola debunked the rumour that some politicians were taking an oath of allegiance to support his ambition, saying it was a blackmail from the opposition.

    “I am a man of God and I believe in Him. And I want to enjoin the Press to always investigate their reports before releasing it to the general public. There was nothing like oath taking either in my house, office or anywhere in support of my ambition.

    “My ambition is not a do-or-die affair as I rely on the Almighty God and good people of the state,” he said.

    Oyetola also debunked the rumour that a stalwart of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as well as Aregbesola had endorsed him as the party’s flag bearer.

    He said: “I have been to every nook and cranny of the state for consultation. So, I don’t know where they have got their adoption statement. If I have been adopted, I wouldn’t have to do all the hard work.

    “I have consulted God and He said I should go ahead. So, if God is with me, who else will say no?”

  • Oyetola, Salam, Yusuff, Adeoti, 23 others vie for Osun APC ticket

    Twenty-seven aspirants will contest All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Osun State, Chairman of the party, Mr. Gboyega Famodun, has said.

    Famodun, at a meeting with the aspirants yesterday in Osogbo, said they aspirants could engage in consultation ahead of primaries for the September 22 poll.

    Notable among aspirants at the meeting are Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Lasun Yussuff; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam and Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

    Others include Secretary to Osun Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, and Chairman, Osun Civil Service Commission Mr Peter Babalola.

    Famodun said Expression of Intention to contest would attract N500,000.

    He urged aspirants not to see the primary election as a do-or-die affair.

    The chairman enjoined aspirants to abide by rules and guidelines of the party, and warned against hate speech and anti-party activities.

    He said the party would ensure free, fair and credible primaries.

    “I appeal to the aspirants not to conduct themselves in a way that will embarrass the party or make it to be as if we are at war with one another,” Famodun said.

    He went on: “Our rules of campaign is that you should have a decent and colourful statewide campaign for the mobilisation of members and promotion of the party and the government. You should not engage in hate speech, promotion or rancour and anti-war type sentiments. Do not malign the party and the government.

    “You should foster the unity of the party in all your activities and don’t encourage any factionalisation. Your campaign must reflect the state of our economy. You must have beautiful and well organised outings. No flamboyant or ostentation. You should launch your campaign from the party’s secretariat in Osogbo. Itinerary of campaigns must be approved by the party.

    “There should be maximum guarantee of security and safety. You must avoid any action or statement that can embarrass the party and the government. You must conduct yourself and team with decorum, pride and dignity always.”

    Responding on behalf of other aspirants, Salaam promised that they would abide by the rules and regulations during campaigns.