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Tag: Oyo

  • Why I want to be Oyo House Speaker

    Why I want to be Oyo House Speaker

    After four years as a lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Olusegun Olaleye, representing Ibadan North II Constitutency, wants to lead the House as Speaker. A one time President, National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Olaleye spoke with TAYO JOHNSON about his ambition and vision for the 8th Assembly.

    Why exactly do you want to be the 8th Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly?

    I have been nursing the vision to be the speaker of the house for a long time, and that aspiration is centred on my desire to give quality service to the people of the state. It is my believe that the 7th assembly has set a standard, because there was peaceful cohesion between the legislature and the executive arm of government. There is a family co-existence between us, which I believe we need to consolidate on at the 8th assembly. We need to make sure there is peaceful cohesion, peaceful interaction between the legislative and the executive arms of government, there must be internal peace and sense of unity in doing our oversight function and our legislative duty. There will be a similarity between the 7th and the 8th Assembly. The 7th Assembly consist of three parties, while the 8th assembly consist of three parties also. If I emerge as the speaker through the help of all stakeholders involved, I will ensure we give room for more robust deliberation on the floor of the house, we need to give room for people to ventilate their constructive opinions on issues. The aim is to allow the deepening of our legislative duties as lawmakers.

    There are two of you jostling for this position, what is your cutting edge?

    It is not for me to determine my cutting edge, it is for the people out there to determine what my cutting edge is. The only thing I can say is to make reference to my background. I was a Minister at Kuti Hall for 1994/1995 set, I was University of Ibadan (UI), Student Union President for 1995/1996 session, I was the Vice-President of National Association of Nigeria Student (NANS), I was the President of NANS in 2000, I was at the constitutional reform conference in 2005 to represent the youth of this country. I have served in different capacities and worked with different NGOs and I have been in the state assembly since 2011 representing the people of Ibadan North II and I am the Chairman Committee on Public Account, Finance and Appropriation. This is the first time a lawmaker will be winning an election twice to represent the people of Ibadan North II. Just like the governorhas broken the second term jinx, I have also broken it in my constituency.  I am an activist cum politician, I have been in the human rights struggle during the years of the NADECO struggle. I was one of the people that brought the idea of stay at home protest when the military were killing the people. I have been in and out of political prison for 19 times during the course of my human right struggle days.

    Have you made your intention to the leadership of your party and what was their response?

    In any aspiration you need to make it loud. You need to talk to the party stakeholders, big players in our party. The party is above everybody because the party gave birth to everybody. It gave birth to all political office holders. APC is the party I respect so much and I have informed my leaders. I believe God will speak through the party and through the democratic people of the parliament itself. I believe God will make it happen. I know I have had a good representation at the 7th assembly and will perform better if elected as the speaker of the 8th assembly.

    Zoning is a factor to be considered, bearing in mind that the governor is from Ibadan, do you thing Ibadan deserves the speaker at ?this present time?

    I don’t think we have to bury competence, I do not think we have to deny merit on the basis of zoning. To a large extent the most important thing is to always look for the best in any system to handle leadership responsibility. In respect of the speakership, I believe that when you look at the house standing order, we talk about the fact that the speakership position should be given to a honourable member with a vast experience. When you look at APC as a party, we have five ranking honourable members and we are all from Ibadan/Ibarapa zone, so where do you want to zone to. So it is good to allow people to show their aspiration irrespective of where they come from and within the confine of this aspiration let us distil it, let’s ensure that we come out with the best choice.

    You are in the house for the second term, having broken the second term jinx within your constituency. What is the secret behind it?

    It is due to my quality representation and access to my people. I equally ensured that they are proud of my performance as an honourable member. I also ensure they get the dividends of democracy timely. I did not forget my root and where I am coming from.

    I am sure you have a blueprint for the job you are aspiring for. Can you share it?

    I want a house that will constructively partner and engage the executive arm of government. I want a house that will strengthen the programmes of the executive arm of government through the instrumentality of the legislative activities. My vision is to birth a house that will give room for robust debate without any prejudice to whatever anybody presents. My vision is to lead a house that will come with very viable and constructive laws that will enhace governance;  Amendment to laws that are already obsolete. My vision is to berth a house whereby the welfare of every honourable will not be in jeopardy, where all the honourable members can be able to access resources for the good use of the their constituent without any hindrances. My vision is to work collectively with my colleagues at the 8th assembly to bring about a rebranded house that will be a model, a house that is intellectually endowed, a house that is all involving for public participation and imput in our bills, laws, a house that will have a periodic public hearing,a house that will held enhance the opportunity for the Oyo State people to own government to see themselves as partners in governance, a house that will hold the government accountable, a house that will be respected. Although there was respect between the legislature and executive arm of the government in the 7th assembly but we need to work more on that. One good thing about Governor Ajimobi was that he was a former legislator, so most often times he does not try to choke the house in terms of his programes, because he himself believes in robust debate and likes engaging people constructively because he is an intellectual.

    Many people have misconstrued the role of lawmakers in the provision of infrastructural facilities, what is your experience like?

    A lot of people, to a large extent when it comes to legislative work think that it is to construct boreholes, taring roads, empower traders, and others. Even when some people are sick they will call the honourable that they are sick and they need money. Basic role of the legislative is to legislate, bring about laws that will ensure  good governance. Appropriate money for compulsory projects, carry out oversight function and ensure budget implementation, that is when you will be able to know how many boreholes the government had sunk in my constituent, how many roads, have they tared, how many schools have they constructed and re-constructed, how many hospitals have they built. As a legislator we do not have milions in our account but the metality of our people is that we should give them money and that we should come ourselves to build borehole and write your name there. We only have a token intervention fund and it is very little. It poverty that is affecting the mentality of our people and our nation is still backward in terms of orientation but the president elect, Gen Buhari will ensure a new orientation and rebranding for the nation.

    As the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, how will you access the budget implementation and performance of Governor Ajimobi administration, and what is delaying the passage of the 2015 budget?

    The performance of the budget so far has been very impressive, but unfortunately in the last one and half years, there has been shortage of funds from the federation account to the states and that has really affected the level of implementation of budget and it has really affected the execution some projects too. It is not only in Oyo State but some other states too. We just thank God that our governor is applying wisdom to ensure that he can be able to steer the ship of the state properly with the situation.

  • Oyo students hail Ajimobi

    Governor urged to pay bursary

    Congratulatory messages are still pouring in for the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, on his re-election  during the April 11 governorship poll. Ajimobi is the first governor to break the second term jinx in the state.

    The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter of the Federation of Oyo State Union (FOSU) hailed him on the feat, saying his re-election calls for more work to bring the state out of the woods.

    Its President, Babalola Davies, in a letter to the governor, urged him to work hard to justify the people’s support.

    Oyo people, he said, invested their hope and aspirations in the mandate given to Ajimobi, urging him to take the state to greater heights.

    The letter reads: “On behalf of the entire students of Oyo State studying in Lagos State, we wish to congratulate Your Excellency on the successful re-election as the governor of our dear state. As you look forward to the commencement of your second term in office, we urge you to be prepared to work harder to justify the fresh mandate given to you by the people.

    “Governance is a sacrifice even as we urge you to be magnanimous in victory and carry every body along in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.”

    The Commissioner for Education Solomon Olaniyonu, who received the FOSU executive on behalf of the governor, promised to deliver their message to his principal.

    The students appealed to Governor Ajimobi to facilitate the payment of their bursary, scholarship allowance and other benefits they enjoy.

  • Day of rage against APC members in Oyo

    Day of rage against APC members in Oyo

    Though the general elections are over, the scar left on the body and the mind of some people caught up in the violence that attended the exercise in some parts of Oyo town, Oyo State will remain forever. BODE DUROJAIYE and TAYO JOHNSON report on the bitter experience of some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 11, the day of Gubernatorial and House of Assembly polls in the hands of some alleged supporters of a rival party 

    April 11, 2015, the day the electorate in the ancient town of Oyo joined other voters in Oyo State to elect members of the state House of Assembly would remain indelible in the minds of residents of Isale-Oyo in the Atiba Local Government Area of the state.

    Shortly after the election and while voting materials were being taken to the collation centres at Ward 3, some youths believed to be members of the Labour party, gathered  at major roads in the area and started hurling stones at members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    They were also reported to have fired several shots with locally made weapons and pounded the windows and doors of some APC chieftains. Notable among them were the State Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, and former member, House of Representatives, Akinrogun Segun Taiwo.

    Scores of party members also sustained varied degrees of injuries from the violent attacks.

    •Hon Taiwo
    •Hon Taiwo

    Narrating the show of shame on the ill-fated day, Akinrogun Taiwo  said ‘’I was in my vehicle heading to the collation centre located at L.A. Primary School, Sabo, after the conclusion  of House of Assembly election. On getting to Oloko-nla area at Isale-Oyo, I saw some youths who were members of the Labour Party, gathered together and were shouting, thief, thief on  me. I decided to stay rather than run away since I neither did any harm to anyone nor meant evil. Before I alighted from the vehicle, they started hurling stones at me. I had no option than to take to my heels so as to save my life.’’

    He said while running away, his attackers increased in numbers carrying dangerous weapons such as guns, cutlasses, bottles, and axes.

    ‘’They were cursing both the State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, leader of the community, Alhaji Lasisi Ayankojo and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, saying any indigene of Isale- Oyo who support the duo is a bastard. I later ran into a pit where they got hold of me and hit me with a charm, in addition to injuries already sustained. While they were looking for a tyre which they will use to burn me, one of them said they should leave me because I will not survive because of the potency of the charm they had hit me with. Thereafter, I managed to crawl like a baby to a nearby fence which I climbed to the other side of the road where sympathisers came to my rescue and took me to the hospital.’’

    Taiwo who is an indigene of Isale- Oyo community, identified one Yemi Oke alias ‘’ewe’’ as the person who wanted to set him ablaze. He added that some minutes  before the attack, his wife had been trailing him with her telephone to inform about plans  by some people to assassinate him, hence the need to leave the town and seek protection at a neighbouring community.

    ‘’Early in the month, one Hezekiah Ojo had called me on the telephone in the presence of a newly elected member of the House of Representatives,  Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi and incumbent member, House of Assembly, Waliu Alagbon, threatening to set ablaze my hotel and filling station. This had been reported to the police. Substantial amount of money, wedding ring, two handsets, shoe, hand and neck chains were items carted away by the attackers. My vehicle was also damaged’’.

    He revealed that even though the police have made some arrest totaling about nine, many of the alleged political thugs who assaulted  him were still at large, “the case is now before the state Commissioner of Police, some arrests have been made. They have made nine arrests. I can identify some and those who rescued me can identify others. They are between 15 and 20, in number.

    “All I am saying is that the security agencies should allow justice to prevail and I am using this medium to appeal to National Human Rights Commission to come to my aid because I was seriously beaten like a guinea pig to the extent that I lost consciousness, I was in a state of coma for 30 minutes.”

    The victim also opined, “the only justice we can get is for them to cancel the Ward election and deduct the result from the whole result for the constituency  and declare Honourable Waliu Adekunle Alagbon, the incumbent Honourable member of the House of Assembly as the Honourable member-elect of the Atiba State constituency.”

    Speaking on the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed that nine suspects had been arrested over the issue. The suspects, he said would be charged to court shortly after investigation.

    Also commenting on the incident Honourable  Waliu Adekunle Alagbon, described the attack as ‘’ unfortunate and barbaric’’.

    Waliu called for a thorough and unbiased investigation of the attack by both the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, in order to fish out and prosecute perpetrators, as well as determine the validity of results collated in the absence of representatives of a major contender, who were chased away with dangerous weapons by the opposition.

    Political violence is part and parcel of a broader epidemic of violence that has devastated the lives of tens of thousands of Nigerians since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

    Since 1999, Nigeria has also seen hundreds of inter-communal clashes that were not overtly political in nature dividing Nigerians against one another along ethnic, religious, or other inter-communal lines.

  • Oyo: Folarin concedes defeat

    Oyo: Folarin concedes defeat

    As collation of results across the 33 local governments of Oyo State continued Saturday, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Teslim Folatin, has conceded defeat.

    He conceded defeat in a radio broadcast at about 9:30 pm Saturday, thanking voters for their support.

    Folarin, in the message aired on an Ibadan-based private radio station, Splash 105.5 FM, said feelers from his agents in polling units across the state confirmed that there was no way he could still win the election.

    “I thank our people for the support given to us during our campaign. It was humbling.
    “For the eventual winner, I congratulate him in advance and promise to personally call him when he is declared the winner. For us, the people have spoken and we respect their wish. Thank you,” Folarin said in the broadcast.

    The contest, as at press time, was among three former governors – Abiola Ajimobi, Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala.

    But Ajimobi was leading judging from unofficial results received by The Nation as at press time.

  • Elections: It’s APC all the way in Lagos, Kaduna, Oyo, Kano

    Elections: It’s APC all the way in Lagos, Kaduna, Oyo, Kano

    •Tambuwal, Amosun, Bindo, Sani Bello, Shettima, Masari, Ishaku, Ahmed also in early lead

    •Ortom ahead in Benue, wins in Government House, Makurdi

    The people spoke again yesterday loud and clear, casting  their lot  for  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the  majority of the South West, North West, North Central and North East states in the governorship /state assembly elections.

    From the early results across the states, candidates of the party in the four geo-political zones appeared to be coasting to victory.

    The situation was however the opposite in much of the South South and the Southeast where candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were largely favoured, although reports from Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta suggested massive violations of the electoral process by the party.

    Violence raged for much of the day in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states such that electoral officers had to go into hiding.

    At least11 people, some of them APC supporters were killed in the violence.

    Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the APC governorship candidate in Lagos State took a commanding lead, brushing aside Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the PDP who failed in his polling unit.

    Early results include the followings: Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) was in early lead at the yesterday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

    According to unofficial polls result, APC was leading in over 15 of the 20 local governments. In five councils, the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were appeared to be running neck to neck.

    The polls were relatively peaceful, although the exercise was generally marred by low turnout of voters.

    In Lagos State, the unofficial results are as follows:

    Ashogbon Polling Unit 049, Surulere:

    Governorship: APC 55, PDP 38,

    Amuwo –Odofin Unit 009:

    Governorship: APC 49, PDP 51.

    Lekki polling Unit 24:

    Governorship: APC 190, PDP, 112.

    Oworoshonki Unit 023:

    Governorship: APC 121, PDP,106.

    Agege Unit 071:

    Governorship: APC, 136, PDP,48.

    Mushin Unit 035

    Governorship: APC 102, PDP, 40.

    Alimosho Unit 053

    Governorship: APC 244, PDP 176,

    Unit 50: APC 180, PDP, 131.

    Unit 51, APC 183, PDP, 131,

    Unit 041, Ward D, APC 243, PDP, 105.

    Agbado Oke-Odo Unit 075, APC 137, PDP, 48.

    Ojota Unity Close, Unit 067, APC, 130, PDP,105.

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (A-L) House of Assembly: APC-31, PDP-38, APGA-1 Gov: APC-32, PDP-38

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (M-Z) House of Assembly: APC-30, PDP-53, APGA-2 Gov: APC-27, PDP-56, void-2

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU023 House of Assembly: APC-53, PDP-57

    Gov: APC-48, PDP-57

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (A-L) House of Assembly: APC-31, PDP-38, APGA-1 Gov: APC-32, PDP-38

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (M-Z) House of Assembly: APC-30, PDP-53, APGA-2 Gov: APC-27, PDP-56, void-2

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU023 House of Assembly: APC-53, PDP-57 Gov: APC-48, PDP-57

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU018

    Gov: APC-47, PDP-117

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU074 House of Assembly: APC-40, PDP-81,

    Gov: APC-49, PDP-80

    Ikeja Polling Unit 047:

    Gov:  APC 230, PDP 60

    Assembly: APC 233, PDP 60

    Ward G3, Unit 002, Surulere

    Governorship: 270, PDP 132

    Ashogbon Polling Unit 049, Surulere

    Governorship, APC 55, PDP 38,

    Amuwo –Odofin, Unit 009,

    Governorship: APC 49, PDP 51.

    Ikeja Unit 12, Ward 8

    Gov: APC 76, PDP 93

    Assembly: APC 89, PDP 81

    Polling Unit 017, Opebi, Lagos

    Governorship: APC – 51, PDP – 50

    Assembly: APC – 55, PDP – 44, APGA – 1

    Polling Unit 019 Idiaraba, Mushin

    Governorship:  APC 81: PDP 4, APGA 1

    Ward 09 PU34, Bourdillon

    Gov: APC 99, PDP 24

    Assembly: APC 91, PDP31

    Oworoshonki Unit 02

    Gov:  APC 121, PDP,106.

    Agege Unit 071, APC, 136, PDP,48.

    Mushin Unit 035, APC 102, PDP, 40.

    Alimosho Units, 053, APC 244, PDP 176,

    Unit 50,APC 180, PDP, 131.

    Unit 51, APC 183, PDP, 131,

    Unit 041, ward D, APC 243, PDP, 105.

    Agbado Oke-Odo Unit 075, APC 137, PDP, 48.

    Ojota, Unity Close, Unit 067, APC, 130, PDP,105.

    Orile-Agege Units, 28,

    Gov: APC 99, PDP, 89.

    House of Assembly, APC 101, PDP, 65.

    Unit 29: Governorship: APC 121, PDP, 71,

    House of Assembly: APC 105, PDP, 71.

    Kosofe Unit 044

    Governorship: APC, 136, PDP, 56.

    Polling Unit 042,Ketu

    Governorship: APC, 110, PDP, 51.

    Polling Unit 043

    Governorship, APC 92, PDP. 59.

    Bolodeoku, Ogba Polling Unit 051

    Governorship: APC 116, PDP 78

    Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki

    Governorship: APC, 531, PDP, 317.

    House of Assembly, APC 562, PDP, 279.

    Shangisha, Magodo, Polling Unit 008

    Gvernorship, APC 160, PDP, 93.

    Unit 001, Bogije Ward F. Ibeju-Lekki

    Governorship APC -531;  PDP – 317

    Assembly – APC – 562 , PDP – 279.

    Apapa Polling Unit  009

    Gov: APC 216, PDP 80

    Apapa LG, Apapa 11 Unit 002

    Gov: APC 131, PDP 62

    Lagos Island Polling Unit 009

    Gov: APC 213, PDP 57

    Polling Unit 012, Opebi

    Governorship: PDP 50, APC 126

    Oshodi Polling Unit 24

    Gov: PDP 131, APC 106

    Kosofe Unit 16:

    Gov: APC 213, PDP 45

     

    Ikorodu Unit 24:

    Gov: PDP 51, APC 135

    Polling Unit 049, Ikeja.

    Gov: APC 54, PDP 38, AD 1, APGA 1

    Mushin Ward G, Polling Unit 020

    House of assembly: APC 67, PDP 41

    Gov: APC 70, PDP 41

    Agege Polling Unit  058:

    Gov: LP 1, NNPP 1, APC 75, PDP 53

    Lagos Island Polling Unit 017

    Gov: APC 149, PDP 45, PPN 1

    Polling Unit 011 Savage

    Assembly: APC 101, PDP 75

    Gov: APC 97, PDP 85

    Arinola/Ori-Okuta Polling Unit 039, Ikorodu

    Governorship: APC 122, PDP 47

    Apapa Polling Unit 018:

    Gov:  APC 170, PDP 3

    IBA LCDA Polling Unit 032

    Assembly: APC 71, PDP 59

    Gov: APC 70, PDP 61

    Alimoso Polling Unit  24-03-11-002

    Gov:  APC 215, PDP 76.

    For Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State it is history in the making after appearing to break the jinx of a second term in the state.

    As at last night, he was ahead of his opponents –Accord Party’s Rasheed Ladoja, Labour Party’s Alao-Akala -in most parts of the state.

    Seeing the handing writing on the wall the PDP candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin went on air to concede defeat.

    He promised to congratulate the winner once INEC confirms the result.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State was also on course sweeping most of the votes in Ogun West and Central. The PDP performed better in Ogun East especially in Remo and Ijebu North.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who flew the APC flag in Sokoto was in early lead as were Mallam Nasir el’Rufai (Kaduna),Dr.Umar Ganguje (Kano),Alhaji Aminu Masari (Katsina), Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara),Governor  Kashim Shettima (Borno), Alhaji , Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger),Mr. Samuel Ortom  (Benue) and Senator Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa)

    The voting pattern is a reflection  of the outcome of the March 28 Presidential Election which was won by the party’s candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari

    Although the two leading candidates in Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Governor Ramalan Yero won in their polling units, the APC candidate (el-Rufai) was clearly ahead in the results of most of the Polling Units declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

    While el-Rufai polled 360 votes against PDP’s Yero 42 votes at his polling unit 024, Ungwar Sarki, Yero also won at his Kaura polling unit in Zaria city with 304 votes against El-Rufai’s 192 votes.

    Other results were Kawo Polling unit 031( el-Rufai  554 ,PDP 09) ; Tudun Wada  031(APC 255, PDP 01);  Kabala Kapuwa, APC 673 votes, PDP 09); Tudun Nupawa, (APC 286, PDP 03); Madawaki PU 022(APC 546, PDP 17 votes); Makarfi road,  Kawo PU 029(APC 495 votes,  PDP 21).

    Others are Kachia town PU 009 (APC 274, PDP 161); Kofar Sarki Badiko PU 009,  (APC 188,  PDP 17); Ungwan Rimi PU 025( APC 207,  PDP 47);  Gabasawa PU 023,  (APC 270, PDP 31); Ungwan Sarkin PU 024(APC 360,  PDP 42).

    Babban Dodo, Zaria 05 PU( APC 209, PDD 26); Zaria City A/juma PU020 (APC 291, PDP 53); Zaria A/juma pu016 (APC 397,PDP 48).

    It was the same song for the APC in all the local governments in Kano where Deputy Governor Umar Ganduje defeated the PDP candidate, Yusuf Takai in the results of the  polling units so far declared.

    Some of the results are as follows:  Sumaila Gala ward 006 (APC 197, PDP 3)

    Dala Kofar ward 024 APC 61, PDP 13); Dala Dogon Nama ward (APC 386, PDP 185)

    005 Booth (APC 222, PDP 54); Nassarawa Tudun Murtala (APC 155, PDP 39)

    Warawa  LG Kadawa 004 (APC 177, PDP 79); 005booth (APC 161, PDP 57).

    The APC candidate in Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello was ahead of  PDP’s Umar Gado Nasko  in most polling units in  Chanchaga, Bida, Shiroro, Magama, Kontagora, Borgu, Rijau, Rafi and Suleja Local Government Areas.

    The APC candidate was equally coasting home to victory in Lapai, Tafa, Edati, Lavun and Mokwa local government areas of the state.

    In Taraba State, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Arc. Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading in nine Local Government Areas last night.

    Ishaku sprang a surprise by forging ahead of APC candidate, Sen. Aishat Alhassan, in her opponents stronghold in Jalingo.

    Ishaku was leading in Wukari,Taken, Dunga, Ussa, Karim-Lamido ,Yorro, Zing, Kuremi and Jalingo.

    A governorship candidate in Adamawa State last night gave an  insight into the contest in Adamawa State.

    He admitted that it was apparent that APC candidate, Sen. Jibrilla Bindow was leading.

    He said: “Alhamdulilahi, we participated in the elections and remained consistent without abandoning our mandate half way.

    “From initial results, it is clear APC will form the next government in Adamawa State.”

    It was a comfortable lead for Governor Kashim Shettima in Borno State against PDP’s Gambo Lawan.

    The PDP candidate lost his polling unit in Mobbar Local Government Area of northern Borno State to APC.

    While Governor Shettima secured 118 votes, Lawan got 9 votes at Kareto Dispensary PU of Kareto Ward.

    Shettima however delivered his polling unit to the APC when he polled 196 votes at Shettimari Polling Unit in Lawan Bukar, Lamisula Ward, where the Governor voted near his late father’s house in Maiduguri. His main challenger, Gambo Lawan of the PDP got zero.

    Governor Abdulfatahi Ahmed had a calm day as he floored  the PDP candidate, Sen. Simeon Sule Ajibola in Kwara Central Senatorial District, especially Ilorin Emirate with huge voting population.

    Some of the results are Ajikobi Ward Polling Unit 006( APC: 291, PDP:56);

    Unit 005( APC: 297, PDP:24); Alanamu Ward PU 24(  APC:194, PDP: 60).

    The governor was also ahead in most polling units in Kwara North and most parts of Kwara South including his Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

    A major upset was recorded in Benue State where the APC candidate, Samuel Ortom defeated the PDP rival, Termhen Tazoor at the Polling Unit in Government House, Makurdi by garnering 145 votes to PDP’s 119.

    Ortom was also in the lead in most results from Makurdi, Guma, Otukpo, Kwande, Ushongo, Gboko, Buruku, Konshisha, Oju and Tarka Local Government Areas.

    For ex-Speaker Aminu Masari, it was an easy ride over  PDP’s candidate, Engr. Nashuni in most Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    Like electoral Tsunami, Governor Ibrahim lost to APC in his Ward in his hometown in Dutsinma.

    But the results of the governorship poll might be delayed because INEC has postponed the  conduct of gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections in Danmusa LGA.

    INEC vehicles were attacked by suspected thugs and election materials hijacked.

    As at press time, PDP was yet to win in any polling unit in Sokoto State in all the results so far declared making it a likely landslide for Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

    Desperate to cast her vote for APC candidate, a 50-year old woman, YarbabaYusuf Babangida died at Kofar Gidan Salisu Maska Polling Unit in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The APC and PDP were running a close race .

    Some of the results from the Polling Units indicated that the APC governorship candidate, Rochas Okorocha was leading in Njaba, Nkwerre, Onuimo, Okigwe, Owerri North, Owerri Municipal, Owerri West,  Ideato South and Ideato North Local Government Areas while the PDP governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, was ahead  in Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ezinihitte, Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema.

    The early results showed that both candidates won  in their party’s strongholds.

    PDP’s Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was leading in Enugu state.

    More results are being awaited.

     

  • Police make special plans for Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, others

    Police make special plans for Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, others

    The police have deployed Special Forces in Rivers State because of the tense political atmosphere, Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba said yesterday.

    In Rivers are: “32 units of Police Mobile Force (PMF), four unit of Counter Terrorism Units (CTU), four unit of Special Protection Units (SPU) and six crack teams of detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and complements of Intelligence officers.”

    Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections are slated for tomorrow.

    In Rivers State, no fewer than 56 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been killed in recent weeks, the party has claimed.

    The IG has also deployed Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police to supervise the elections.

    Six Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) are to coordinate security in the six geo-political zones.

    The deployments are contained in a statement by the Force spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu.

    The 16 AIGs are: “AIG Usman A. Gwary – Abia State, AIG Olufemi Adenaike – Kwara State, AIG Mbu J. Mbu – Ogun State, AIG Patrick Dey Dokumor – Kaduna State, AIG Tambari Y. Muhammed – Jigawa State, and AIG Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar – Gombe State.

    Others are: “AIG Ikemefuna R. Okoye – Oyo State, AIG Tunde Ogunsakin – Rivers State, AIG Jubril O. Adeniji – Bauchi State, AIG Yerima Irimiya – Imo State, AIG Baba Adisa Bolanta – Akwa Ibom State, AIG Lawal Tanko – Lagos State, AIG Ballah M. Nasarawa – Benue State, AIG Musa Abdulsalam Daura – Edo State, AIG Aderele T. Shinaba – Plateau State and AIG Bala A. Hassan – Sokoto State.

    Four Commissioners of Police were deployed as follows: CP Sam Okaula, Anambra State; CP E. J. Ibine,- Ekiti State; CP Adamu Mohammed Enugu State; and CP Valentine Ntomchukwu, Osun State.

    Abba also deployed Commissioners of Police to command each of the senatorial zones of; Gombe, Bauchi, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Benue, Edo, Plateau and Sokoto states.

  • Why Lagos, Ogun, Oyo should vote APC

    Why Lagos, Ogun, Oyo should vote APC

    Governorship elections will hold tomorrow in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. The three Southwest states are strongholds of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which swept the poll at the presidential election two weeks ago. The Southwest is regarded as the traditional home of the progressives. The performance of the APC governors in the zone has endeared the party to the people. The election will be fought on the basis of party programmes, the candidates’ pedigrees and their antecedents. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN writes

    The rapid development witnessed in Lagos State in the past 16 years is unprecedented. The foundation was laid by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. His successor, Governor Babatunde Fashola, has built on it. Fashola and his predecessor have been working towards changing the face of Lagos State. The two administrations have been applauded for the infrastructural renewal across the three senatorial districts.

     

    Lagos as pacesetter

    Legal luminary Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) said Fashola has established a modern, enlightened democratic and civilised state, while building on the legacy of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. According to Sagay, considerable attention have been devoted to the infrastructural and physical development, and transformation.

    He added: “The people of Lagos are beneficiaries of this physical transformation, which has introduced ‘another life’ in Lagos. Among these projects are the construction of the 10-lane Okokomaiko-Marina Expressway, with its light rail component; the Ikoyi-Lekki Cable Bridge; the beautification of Lagos, with the establishments of parks and gardens in locations that were hitherto the domain of ‘area boys’; the reconstruction of public utilities including the City Hall and the Freedom Park, have all contributed to restore Lagos to its glory.”

    The  Fashola Administration has invested heavily in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of new blocks of classrooms in public schools; the distribution of free text books; the provision of well-equipped laboratories and libraries; provision of buses for teachers to ease transportation problems; re-launch of uniformed voluntary organisations in public schools; and the implementation of Teachers’ Salary Scale (TSS).

    The same feat was recorded at the tertiary level, with the revamping of technical colleges and massive development of infrastructure at Lagos State University (LASU). The government has reverted LASU fee to N25,000 per annum as demanded by the students.

    The first major reform carried out by the government in 2007 was in the area of security. Criminal activities were so rampant in the state. More worrisome was the persistent cases of bank robberies. Thus, Fashola initiated the Safe City Project, which later metamorphosed into the establishment of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). This platform, driven by public -private partnership (PPP), became a mobilising force for corporate organisation and individual to provide equipment and resources for security agencies. This approach was a pragmatic response to the operational deficiency of the police and other security agencies.

    The collective investment in crime prevention has led to a lower crime rate in the state. The government has made judicious use of the fund. It has constantly provided patrol vehicles, motorbikes bullet-proof vests and other equipment to the police to combat crime.

    The APC administration has also scored a pass mark in the beautification of the environment, agriculture and transportation. For a state with a population of 20 million, effective public transportation is very imperative. Thus, the government implemented the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) to effectively address the transportation challenges. The success of this scheme has attracted the attention of other states. Even, the Ghanaian Government sent a delegation to understudy the scheme, with a view to replicating it over there. The water transportation also received a boost in the rural and riverine areas. Ferry terminals and support services to ease transportation along that corridor were provided by the state government.

    The administration also introduced the issuance of the Electronic Certificate of Occupancy and launched the Lagos Home Ownership Scheme (HOMS), a strategic intervention to deliver housing to citizens on a minimum of 10-year mortgage and a maximum interest of 9.5 per cent.

    Lagos State cannot afford to be in opposition now that the APC will take over the Federal Government on May 29. Since independence Lagos has been in the vanguard of the struggle to install a progressive Federal Government. Lagos State should reap the fruits of its labour by voting APC in the governorship and State House of Assembly elections on Saturday.

    The APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode had been part of Lagos success story in the last 15 years. But being a civil servant, he was neither seen nor heard. He was in the background along several others, designing and implementing many of the policies that stood out Lagos out from the rest of the country. Ambode as Auditor General of Lagos State designed the template that revolutionised revenue generation from N600 million to over N6 billion every month.

    The advantages of Lagos being in tune with the APC controlled Federal Government are many. The abandoned federal projects in Lagos State will be completed; the abandoned federal roads and properties on which Lagos State government used to spend billions of naira to maintain without being reimbursed will cease; the construction of the fourth mainland bridge will come to fruition; and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) may likely become full Local Government given the numerical strength of the APC in the next Assembly.

     

    Ogun

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun has turned around the face of Ogun through his five cardinal programmes that bordered on massive construction of standard roads, building of model schools, restoration of peace and orderliness, provision of health care delivery and clean and safe environment.

    Analysts ascribed the feats to purposeful planning, focus and commitment to development by the governor and his team and the support of the good people.

    On assumption of office on May 29,2011, Amosun hit the ground running because he was aware of the huge infrastructural deficit on ground and so, his government is committed to further developing people and he has been able to bring credibility to governance. That explains why the people are in support of his administration as evidenced in the developmental projects carried out across the country.

    Many have commended him for his exemplary achievements in four years. President Goodluck Jonathan once remarked that Governor Amosun “is a hardworking governor and has done wonderfully well in his two years in office”.

    The opposition parties and critics are not only having sleepless time regarding the pace of transformation in the state by Amosun but are also confused because of the precarious financial position inherited from the Gbenga Daniel administration.

    Everywhere he goes, brooms fill the air in acknowledgement of his good performance. Egba monarchs led by Alake, Oba Aremu Gbadebo paid tribute to the son of the soil, saying he has lived up to expectation. In particular, the royal father was impressed by the transformation of his domain. “We are here to testify that the past that the past three and half years of Amosun’s government have been like 20 years of development in our state. We have come to appreciate the politics of good roads, the politics of good schools and health facilities. We believe that the person who did all this within this short time will do more if given another opportunity because the best is yet to come”, he said.

    In Ogun West Senatorial District, leaders of thought and traditional rulers, including the renowned historian Professor Anthony Asiwaju, and the Olola of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Samuel Alade Adeluyi have endorsed Amosun’s  re-election bid despite the PDP candidate comes from the zone. They lauded the governor for opening the area with 110 kilo metre road.

    The opinion leaders noted that their communities, which were almost marooned from each other and from the rest of the state, have been connected with one another effectively through Ilara-Ijoun-Egua-Oja Odan-Ilase road that stretchs over four local government areas in the zone.

    The youths in Ogun West also endorsed Amosun for second term. They said they wanted him to continue because he has performed.

     

    Oyo

    Stakeholders in Oyo State politics believe Governor Abiola Ajimobi stands a better position to win a second term. They based their judgment on the performance of the governor in the last four years.

    Civil Rights activist Moshood Erubami said there is no doubt that the governor would be returned by the electorate. He said the governor has demonstrated enough courage to assist the people and ensure that governance meets their genuine desires.

    Erubami: “This is a governor that is daily adding value reconstructing the state, re-orienting the indigenes, restoring hope and transforming governance with demonstrated character of integrity. His style of governance has been posing questions to his predecessors about where the monies being committed to development during their administration were being put during their own tenure that nothing concrete was visible beyond fuji and juju fanfare on daily basis.

    “The face of Ibadan had remained, dirty and structurally defective in the last 40 years, with nothing to show for the years of government and governance in the state. This made it difficult to attract investors to site industry in the state, thereby reducing it to a teacher’s state without major platform for sustainable human development.

    “The environmental beautification effort of government is quite discernible to all as everyone can note the order being brought to motor garages, the changing face of our roads and reduction in traffic hold –ups. Past governments had created different security outfits to address insecurity and other societal decay, but none was as effective and mobile as Operation Burst, which is ever mobile and steadfast in curbing brigandage in the society. Never before has any administration introduced a security outfit that is as mobile and effective as Operation Burst.”

    Public affairs analyst Dr Goke Ajetunmobi said the governor’s activities have impacted positively on the lives of the people. “He has shown greater commitment to service through his Urban Renewal Programme, which had placed the major cities in the state on a new pedestal”, he noted.

    Ajetunmobi made reference to Ibadan, which hitherto was classified as the dirtiest city in West Africa, pointing out that Ajimobi has successfully changed the face of the metropolis. He said the governor has restored peace and security in Ibadan, which used to be a theatre of war between the warring factions of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Other achievements, according to him, are the dualisation of roads leading to all major cities and towns around the capital; youth empowerment scheme for unemployed graduates and free medical services for the people including surgical operations.

    The analyst argued that the ideal thing in a society where the performance is the criteria for re-election is to allow Ajimobi to have a second term.

    Ajimobi’s re-election bid has received the royal blessing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Odulana Odugade, and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagungbade. The royal fathers based their endorsement on what they described as unprecedented development that Oyo State has witnessed under the Ajimobi Administration.

  • 12 Gov’s candidates, 265 candidates for Oyo Assembly election – REC

    12 Gov’s candidates, 265 candidates for Oyo Assembly election – REC

    The Independent National Electoral‎ Commission (INEC), has disclosed that 12 governorship candidates and 14 political parties has presented 265 candidates to contest for the 32 seats in the Oyo State House of Assembly elections on Saturday.

    The Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Rufus Akeju stated this Wednesday during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Security meeting held in Ibadan.

    According to him, ballot papers will be distributed on the basis of permanent voters’ cards collected by voters, adding that it is aimed at preventing electoral malpractice that may occur with the excess ballot papers.

    Akeju disclosed that 47,254 ballot papers were rejected at the presidential election, stressing that:” A preliminary investigation conducted by this office revealed that a large percentage of the rejected votes came from voters that voted for parties that did not present candidates for the position.”

    He said smart card ‎readers will be fully deployed and utilised for the election, promising that wherever a card reader malfunctions, a replacement from the contingency arrangement will be provided.

    ‎Akeju said political parties and party functionaries making unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud against his office is yet to wake up or embrace the sanity in the electoral process.

    “Probably they are on an expedition, ultimate search for acceptable excuses for their anticipated electoral failure. The power to determine who receives any mandate lies with the voters, the election management body merely provides the enabling environment as stated in the electoral law with the active support of the security,” he said

    The INEC boss promised voters that the commission will provide needed materials in the required quantity with well -trained personnel for the Saturday election.

  • I didn’t endorse Folarin, others – Monarch

    I didn’t endorse Folarin, others – Monarch

    The Sarkin Sasa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin Katsina has dissociated himself from a reported endorsement of the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen Teslim Folarin or any other governorship candidates in the state.

    He said at no point did he ever endorse anyone governorship candidates in the state.

    Katsina, who is also the Chairman of Arewa taditional‎ rulers in 17 States in Southern Nigeria, spoke Tuesday at his palace in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    “I was just discharge from the hospital and I was surprised to hear in the news that I have endorsed Sen Teslim Folarin as the governorship candidate of my choice and that all Hausa’s and Fulani’s should vote for him, it’s a lie. Although all the governorship candidates have visited me to seek my support and I just bless them and urge them to desist from causing violence in the state.

    “Governor Ajimobi is my good son and I supported him in 2011 and I will never work against his second term ambition. I am not a politician but a royal father and leader, so I will never campaign for any politician. Anybody or politician using my name to campaign should desist from such or else I will be force to curse them. Its peace I want in all parts of this state. I don’t want tribal or ethnic crisis,” he said

    The Sarkin stated that he is happy with the victory of Gen Buhari, adding that it does not make him a politician but a supporter of good tidings in the country.

    He went further to thank the voters and citizens of the state for their peaceful conduct at the last presidential and national assembly election, urging them to emulate such at the upcoming governorship and house of assembly election in the state.

    He urged the Arewa people in the state to conduct themselves orderly at the April 11 election in the state and vote for any candidate of their choice without been bought over by politicians.

     

     

  • Ajimobi to Oyo voters: Don’t waste your votes

    Ajimobi to Oyo voters: Don’t waste your votes

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, Monday urged voters in the state to vote for him and all the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates in the Saturday governorship and House of Assembly election, saying a vote for other candidates will be a waste in view of APC’s victory at the centre.

    He made the appeal while speaking on an MITV programme monitored in Ibadan, the state capital Monday.

    The governor said any vote for Accord, Labour Party (LP) or Social Democratic Party (SDP) is a vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he said has already crumbled in Nigeria.

    He said having demonstrated their love for change and progressives by voting massively for the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and its National Assembly candidates in the state open March 28, Oyo State cannot afford to opt out and operate as an opposition state again.

    According to him, several initiatives of his administration which required the approval or cooperation of the Federal Government could not succeed because of Federal Government’s refusal to play its role. But now that the APC has taken over the Federal Government, Ajimobi urged voters to repeat the same massive support for him and the party in the April 11 election as demonstrated in the last election.

    Declaring that he was confident of victory in the Saturday election, the governor recalled that his policies have endeared him to the people of the state who appreciate his transformation, reformation and repositioning agenda.

    “We are confident of victory by the grace of God and by the love people have for us as demonstrated in the last election,” he said.

    He recalled that his administration has succeeded in enthroning peace, improving social infrastructure including construction of modern roads and improved water supply in Iseyin, Ayete, Saki, and Ibadan, among others.

    He also pointed out that eight big companies sprang up in the state in the last three years due to the enabling environment created by his administration.

    He expressed his appreciation to the people for the massive support for APC in the last election, stressing that Oyo State contributed most to the success of the APC in the entire Southwest. The party won the three senatorial seats and 12 out of 14 House of Representatives seats.

    “Oyo State people have demonstrated their acceptance of progress and change. They should repeat the same thing on Saturday.

    “Don’t waste your vote, I beg you. If you vote for Accord, it’s PDP. If you vote for SDP, it is PDP. If you vote for Labour. It is also PDP. And PDP has crumbled as you know,” Ajimobi said.