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Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo APC to opposition parties: why we stopped WAEC fees, Hajj sponsorship

    Oyo APC to opposition parties: why we stopped WAEC fees, Hajj sponsorship

    THE Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended why Governor Abiola Ajimobi suspended payment of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for the final year students in public secondary schools and sponsorship of people on holy pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia and Israel.

    The party was reacting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord over their joint condemnation of the state government’s decision.

    It noted that the APC-led administration had been footing the bills of WAEC fees for students of public secondary schools and sponsoring selected individuals on Muslim and Christian holy pilgrimages.

    The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Olawale Sadare, yesterday, said the measures were parts of the plans being introduced to help the state cope with its financial squeeze.

    It reads in part: “The governor had stated that the measures were temporary as the palliatives would not only be restored soon, but many more are to be added to better the lots of the people.

    “The two painful decisions were taken as the last resort in view of the desire to take the state out of the current economic imbroglio as quickly as possible.

    “In all honesty, Governor Ajimobi deserves accolades for resisting the temptation to agree with some concerned individuals and groups who had come up with pieces of advice considered inevitable for the state to jerk up its internally generated revenue at all cost.

    “But the governor, out of his love for the masses, declined to accept most of the suggestions made as he was of the opinion that such would aggravate the suffering of the common man.

    “We recall that the state government had earlier taken major measures in that direction and these include; reduction of cost of governance, which brought about the pruning of ministries from 23 to 13, stoppage of daily feeding of fasting residents at Government House and distribution of food items to the needy during Ramadan fast, postponement of all political appointments, turning down of sponsorship requests from many partners and non-governmental organisations.

    “Interestingly, all of these had little or no direct negative effect on the common man and it was when further measures were needed to be introduced that the governor considered the options of WAEC fees and pilgrimage stuff.”

    The party added: “In view of the foregoing, it amounts to sheer hypocrisy and a height of irresponsibility on the part of the opposition elements if they chose to take the advantage of the current situation to display their hatred for the people.

    “The question on the lips of the people is that; what difference did the PDP make in the life of the state in its eight years combined rule? Between 2003 and 2011 that the PDP was in the saddle; values were not only eroded and peace did not only vacate the land, resources of the state were plundered while its economic base was badly depleted.

    “That was an era when shares of government in blue chip companies were sold and proceeds siphoned even as government lands and properties were taken over by private individuals. The consequences of all these and many more left the state stranded as it began to survive only on hand-outs from the Federal Government.”

  • Oyo Tribunal: Ladoja calls 26 witnesses

    Oyo Tribunal: Ladoja calls 26 witnesses

    Oyo State Accord candidate in the April 11 governorship election Senator Rashidi Ladoja has called 26 witnesses at the hearing of his petition filed before the state governorship election petition tribunal.

    Ladoja is challenging the declaration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election in the suit filed before a three-man panel.

    The witnesses were drawn from some of the state’s local governments, which results were being challenged by the petitioner.

    They were later cross-examined by the counsel to Ajimobi,  Olumuyiwa Aduroja; APC lawyer Babatunde Aiku; and Yusuf Ali, representing the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Results of 21 local government areas are being disputed and electoral materials used in the councils have been admitted and marked as exhibits before the tribunal.

    The petitioner’s counsel, Richard Ogunwole, has spent eight of the 10 days allotted to him to call his witnesses and present his evidence.

    He will close the appearances of his witnesses today.

    The respondents’ lawyers are expected to open theirs on Monday.

  • Oyo APC confident of victory at tribunal

    •Party: Ladoja’s forensic expert is laughable

    Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) is confident of winning in Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s suit brought before the governorship election petitions tribunal.

    The party said already, its members and well-wishers were assured that the outcome of the April 11 governorship election was the “actual reflection of the majority votes cast by the people”.

    Its spokesman Olawale Sadare, in an interview with The Nation, said there was no cause for alarm because the party actually won the majority votes at the election.

    Sadare hailed the tribunal for dismissing Ladoja’s application seeking to invite a forensic expert – to stand as witness.

    Ladoja, who was the candidate of Accord in the election, is challenging the declaration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the APC as the winner.

    Sadare noted that the listing of a cashew farmer by Ladoja as forensic expert in the tribunal was laughable.

    Sadare said: “Before now, they had listed one Mr. Bimbo Adepoju as their forensic analyst and the court had admitted that. Now, they want to bring in another set of individuals, whose names were not included in the list of witnesses after the pre-hearing had been concluded. This, according to law experts, is fundamentally wrong. On that premise, the tribunal declined to accommodate their request.

    “Now, they are left with a man who our lawyers cross-examined and found to be a cashew farmer to function as a forensic expert.

    “I don’t know how a farmer can qualify to be a forensic expert. Even, if they were allowed to bring in any forensic expert – whether he is an expatriate or a local – we have a rock-solid case, which they can never win.”

  • Oyo stops payment of WAEC fees

    The Oyo State Government yesterday announced stoppage of payment of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for public school pupils in the state.

    The decision is among the measures taken to address the poor performance of students in the public examinations being conducted by the West African Examination Council (WARC) and National Examination Council (NECO).

    Head of Service Mr Soji Eniade, in a statement yesterday, pointed out that the measure would enhance quality education in the public school system.

    Consequently, each pupil us to pay N3,000 as Education Development Levy per session.

    The statement entitled: “Efforts of Oyo state government to Address Poor Performance of Students in Public Secondary Schools”, said: “Government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/2016 academic session. This is as a result of poor financial status of the state government coupled with the lackadaisical attitude of parents and students to promotion of quality education”.

    On the education levy, the HOS said, “A sum of N3,000 only will be paid per student on annual basis as Education Development Levy. Payment would be in three equal installments of N1,00” per term. Fund gathered would be utilized to complement government’s effort in the improvement of infrastructure in public secondary schools”.

    Aside the financial aspect of the repositioning, the government said there would be enforcement of 80 per cent attendance of pupils in schools; cancellation of automatic promotions; re-invigoration of extra-mural classes, as well as establishment of zonal education monitoring committees to bring a halt to truancy among students, “

    The release noted that government has perfected arrangements to partner with stakeholders in the management of public schools.

  • ‘In Oyo, better days are ahead’

    ‘In Oyo, better days are ahead’

    A chieftain of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC), Niyi Adeagbo says for the country to overcome her economic woes, there is an urgent need to carry out a re-assessment of the potential resources for maximum exploitation. In this chat with TAYO JOHNSON AND SIKIRU AKINOLA, he maintained that some of the ways to enhance the country’s economic fortune are to widen her tax base and subsuming the informal sector into the formal. Excerpts:

    You aspired to represent Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2011. One expected that you would present yourself for election in the 2015 general elections. What happened? 

    Well, in life there is time for everything. Loyalty is one of the foundations on which successful and self-sustaining human institutions are built. I am loyal to my people, I am loyal to my party and our leaders and I am unflinchingly loyal to my governor. Politically, everything else is subject to this declaration.

    I have grown enough in experience to know how to balance political decisions in line with the wishes of the people in my constituency and that of my leaders. I trust that our leaders have the interest of the party and the people at heart. If they had decided that I should have contested, then that would have been my decision too. I believe there is more to come and it will manifest itself in due time.

    What are your future plans with regard to politics?

    As I said earlier, I am always a willing servant of my people and my party. I have my own dreams but that is subject to the exigency of my party and my leaders. Personally, I am ready to give my best in the service of my people. In life opportunities will always come. It is my job to be prepared to take advantage of those opportunities so that I am not found wanting.

    However, we all know that it is one thing to dream and aspire, even beyond our supporters’ decision or that of the leaders; it is all by the grace of God. He is the one who enthrones and dethrones. It is all in his hands, our responsibility is to prepare ourselves for the opportunities He will send our way. I am prepared to show what I have to offer.

    If you are given an opportunity to serve in any capacity, what will your people stand to benefit?

    Opportunities are not rights; they are privileges which, to me, could be a once-in-a lifetime chance. If I am fortunate to have an opportunity this time, I will not only prove my worth, I will be at my very best and prove my worth to my employer who trusted me enough in the first place and also to my people. It will not be business as usual. It must come with so much difference in service delivery compared to whatever they have had before.

    For instance, in my local government, there is practically no formal economy, and nothing highlights this more than the fact that there is not a single commercial bank in the whole local government. Apart from the negative commercial implication of that fact, it highlights a very salient issue; it means the commercial banks as business entities don’t consider Itesiwaju’s economy as viable enough to warrant the opening of branches. Yet, this is an area that is blessed with abundant untapped resources that can be harnessed for an economic miracle.

    There are various models we can employ to cause a turnaround in the economic fortunes of the local government if given the chance.

    As there are no banks in your local government, how does this affect the economic fortunes of your people?

    Human beings are resilient. Nigerians are a positive proof of this fact. Our coping mechanisms and ability to “manage” and “get by” is the stuff of legends. Consider the stress people in Itesiwaju Local Government Area go through to pick up money from banks in neighbouring local government areas and the attendant risks and the economic implications. Members of staff of the local government travel out of the council to pick up their salaries, yet they accept their fate and keep getting by. This is because they believe it will be better and one day, solutions will come.

    However, the economic implication of this “financial tourism” to neighbouring local governments is that the little funds that come through allocation into Itesiwaju that should be used to improve its economy, ends up being spent in developing the economies of neighbouring local government areas such as Saki, Iseyin and Okeho at the expense of Itesiwaju.

    If you are in a position of authority, what difference would your people experience?

    There is need for a paradigm shift in the administration of Itesiwaju. The council must transform from a resource sink to a value-creating net exporter of resources. This might seem like strong economic theory for just a council but I think it is possible. Itesiwaju is blessed with abundant natural resources that can be harnessed to transform the local economy and even that of neighbouring councils. There is need for fresh committed leadership that is ready to look inward and make and implement necessary policy changes that will unlock the latent potential of Itesiwaju. This will happen if I have the opportunity.

    Specifically, what practical economic steps would you take to enhance business activities if given the chance?

    griculture alone can be used as a potent weapon of economic transformation, even at the local government level with little support from the state government. Itesiwaju Local Government Area covers over 1,500 square kilometres of land and over 70 per cent of it is arable and fertile.

    The local government, in conjunction with private investors can work on the entire supply chain from production to marketing and sales to create local value which will transform to Naira and Kobo in the pockets of Itesiwaju people. It can form the basis for growth and development for other economic sectors in the council, a ripple effect of sort. The more money available in the local economy, the faster the growth rate becomes. Jobs will be created and there will be more purchasing power, among other benefits. These are basic components of economic prosperity and it is very achievable.

    You are among those who believed that the re-election jinx in Oyo State would be broken by Governor Ajimobi. What informed the confidence?  

    That question provides its answer. Only the blind or deliberately mischievous would not be able to answer the question. Here is a man who set unprecedented records in the history of the state. His works spoke for him and the people had no alternative than to hand him the mandate to keep delivering.

    There is no denying that he is a competent, dedicated and committed leader that performed excellently well, especially in the area of infrastructural development which was evenly distributed across all zones. The bottom line is, he was and he still is the best man for the job.

    With the economic situation in theý country, what do you think government should do to get the economy out of the woods?

    My humble advice would be based on a three-pronged approach to economic rejuvenation that can bring results in the medium term as there is no quick fix to the situation on ground.

    Firstly, there is an urgent need to look inward and carry out a re-assessment of the potential resources available within our state for maximum exploitation.

    Secondly, there is need to widen our tax base. Urgent steps have to be taken to subsume the informal sector into the formal.

    The days of over-dependence on oil money are gone, especially with dwindling global oil prices. If our dear state and even our great nation must rise from the ashes we find ourselves in and set our feet on the path of development, every taxable citizen has a role to play.

    We cannot expect to reap from where we have not sown. Governance has to be all-inclusive with everybody playing their part. If this is achieved, the citizens will be in a better position to hold its government accountable. This brings me to the last point.

    I believe the last element is prudence on the part of government. Oil money is free money. Most people don’t even know what crude oil looks like or what it smells like. We just get funds from the Federation Account every month without having made any investment. There is bound to be some wastage in funds you didn’t work for.

    However, the good news is that, forward thinking government like that of our great state, headed by our performing governor, is already taking prudent steps to checkmate wastage. This is very heart-warming and fosters hope that in Oyo State, better days are ahead.

  • Oyo governorship poll: Lawyers fault exhibits tendered by Ladoja

    Oyo governorship poll: Lawyers fault exhibits tendered by Ladoja

    •Accord’s lawyer slumps in court

    Lawyers to defendants in the governorship petition filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord party against the election of Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi have faulted the “several inconsistencies” in the evidences tendered by the ex-governor before the tribunal handling the suit.

    Ladoja is challenging the election of Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the tribunal.

    He joined the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, as co-respondents.

    Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) is the lawyer for Ajimobi and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) represents the APC. Sikiru Sanni represents the INEC and Mr. Richard Ogunwole (SAN) is counsel to Ladoja and Accord.

    The “inconsistencies” were discovered during cross-examination of the star witness, Bimbo Adepoju, at the weekend.

    Lawyers to APC, INEC and Akeju identified discrepancies in the figures entered in the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) form from the INEC and the record of analysis made by the witness.

    A total of 192 documents had been tendered and marked ‘exhibits’ by the tribunal.

    Adepoju had earlier affirmed in court that his exhibits were error-free.

    But the counsels to the respondents referred him to “various errors, unsubstantiated and inconsistent claims and contradictory facts contained in his exhibits”.

    For instance, the number of total valid votes, total votes cast and the number of rejected votes in the chief witness’ analyses were faulted as inconsistent with the figures he recorded in forms EC8A as an expert that analysed INEC materials used during the governorship election.

    Adepoju added that the inconsistencies grew from the figures in the PVCs used for collation analysis in the EC8A.

    The total votes cast with the valid and invalid votes in some records of analysis done by the witness were different from those in the INEC Form EC8A.

    In Iludero Unit of Atiba Local Government for example, 501 votes were recorded in the witness’ analysis. It was 489 in the Form.

    A total of 611 votes were recorded for Ward six in Akinyele Local Government whereas there was no voter register available.

    In Oyo West, total votes cast was 258 and it was 161 in the form.

    In Ibadan North Unit 005, 317 votes were recorded in the witness’ analysis, but 185 appeared in the form. Total rejected votes in the analysis of Oyo West Unit 001 was three, but it was 44 in the INEC form.

    Taking his turn, Akeredolu (SAN) told the tribunal that the analysis done by the witness and the party was inconsistent with the exhibits provided.

    But the witness insisted that some forms such as the incident form, which validates his claim, were not released to him by INEC.

    But tragedy was averted at the weekend as Mr. Biodun AbdulRaheem, the lead counsel to Accord’s candidate in March 28 House of Representatives election in Ibadan North East / Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Mr. Olugbenga Adewusi, slumped during a tribunal sitting in the Oyo State capital.

    He was, however, revived by a team of lawyers led by Adebayo Mutalubi, the former Commissioner for Justice and counsel to the defendant, Dapo Lam-Adesina.

    Mutalubi was said to have rushed to attend to Abdul-Raheem  after another lawyer, I.O Opeyemi, drew the attention of the tribunal to Abdul-Raheem’s unconscious state.

    He was led out of the court by other lawyers. The plaintiff’s counsel later asked his driver to take him to his doctor.

  • Oyo residents scoop petrol from fallen tanker

    Danger was averted yesterday when residents of Boluwaji area on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway in the Oyo State capital scrambled to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.

    The tanker, with registration number DBT 375 XA,  veered off  and fell in-between the median of the road.

    The Nation gathered that its driver slept off, thus losing control of the vehicle.

    A source said: “We just have to thank God because the vehicle fell on top of a heap of refuse littered with used tyres, which is always on fire. Imagine what would have happened, if the refuse was on fire as it used to be.

    “The driver slept off and was unable to control the vehicle, which veered off the road and fell in the median.”

    As soon as the incident happened at 9am, police officers from Boluwaji station and men of the Federal Road Safety Corps were deployed to the scene to control traffic and avert danger that might occur as a result of theft of fuel from the tanker.

    The hoodlums, it was gathered, were dispersed by the policemen.

    The security agents diverted traffic to manage the situation.

    A witness added that the men of the state fire services did not respond promptly to emergency calls, until about 3.00pm.

    It was learnt that it was after policemen at Boluwaji station provided diesel for the fire-fighters’ truck that they deployed a vehicle to flush water on the tanker.

    The area, before the fire-fighters’ arrival, was already choked with fume from the fuel that wasting away.

    As at the time of filing this report, colleagues of the driver’s transport company were already making arrangements to transfer fuel from the tanker to another one.

    The policemen, the FRSC officials and the fire-fighters, however, brought the chaotic situation under control.

    But it caused heavy traffic from Soka area of the Lagos/Ibadan expressway to Olomi Academy under bridge area.

  • I’ve lost a confidant, says Oyo deputy governor

    Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo has said the death of the Borno State Deputy Governor, Zannah Mustapha, has robbed him of a confidant and a brother.

    Adeyemo, in his condolence message to the government and people of Borno State, expressed sadness at the passage of Zannah. He described the incident “as a tragic loss.”

    The deputy governor urged the bereaved family to seek solace that the deceased lived a good life and died in the service of his people.

    His words: “He was a personal friend, a complete gentleman and a devoted servant-leader. The deputy governor would be missed by all.”

  • Oyo APC passes vote of confidence on Ajimobi, party chair

    The All Progressives Congress(APC), Oyo State chapter, yesterday passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and the chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke.

    The party described Ajimobi and Oke as good political players whose wealth of experience and managerial acumen facilitated the victory of APC in the last general elections in the state.

    In a statement, Director of Publicity and Strategy of  the party, Olawale Sadare,  denied  speculation about an alleged internal crisis in the state chapter of the party, noting that the rumour was the handiwork of some misguided elements.

    According to the statement; “the well attended executive session at the South West office of APC was the first in the last few months and it reviewed a number of critical issues such as consideration of the reports of the last general elections as well as those of the committees set up to recommend appropriate disciplinary actions for erring members including some members of the National Assembly.

    ”The meeting lauded the proactive steps taken by Senator Ajimobi and the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party which were enough to resolve the leadership crisis that threatened the smooth inauguration of the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly. The steps prevented what could have thrown the state into another round of intractable infighting in the legislative chamber.”

  • Intensive lobby begins for political positions in Oyo

    Intensive lobby begins for political positions in Oyo

    SOME members of Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) have started intensive lobbying for appointments into the state’s political positions.

    The lobbying came on the heels of the list of appointees to oversee the 33 local governments being compiled by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The state government is conducting verification exercise for the state’s civil servants to prepare for payment of outstanding salaries.

    After payment of the salary arrears, reliable sources informed The Nation that the governor would announce appointees to oversee the local councils.

    Members of the councils’ caretaker committees were dissolved on May 29.

    But it was gathered that a list of new council caretaker chairmen was being put together by the governor, prompting party members to begin to lobby their leaders for inclusion.

    It was learnt that Ajimobi was consulting party leaders to get some of the best individuals to head the councils pending the conduct of election later in the year.

    It was, however, learnt that most of the caretaker chairmen in Oke-Ogun area “are likely to return to the caretaker committees”. The decision might have been hinged on the huge votes Ajimobi polled in the zone during the April 11 governorship election.