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Tag: Rauf Aregbesola

  • Realignment in Osun as Aregbesola’s Omoluabi Group whittles

    Realignment in Osun as Aregbesola’s Omoluabi Group whittles

    Ahead of next year’s governorship election in Osun State, there is division in the Omoluabi Group headed by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and immediate past Minister of Interior, writes ASSISTANT EDITOR EMMANUEL BADEJO.

    Interesting times lay ahead of the Osun landscape. In quick successions, political news from the Southwestern state hits the newsstands. All major political parties to participate in the August 8, 2026 governorship will have their fair share.

    But, a political group that may lose out in the game may be the Omoluabi Progressives, headed by immediate past Minister of Interior, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola.

    The group has been reducing in its numerical strength, losing prominent members to other parties or political circles. Few days ago, the group lost a founding member and former Secretary of the state, Moshood Adeoti.

    Earlier, some former PDP and members of Omoluabi group had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), changing the political landscape of the state ahead of the election.

    Omoluabi’s beginning

    Omoluabi Progressives is a political “caucus” that emerged in August 2023, after internal strains in the ruling party. This followed disagreements within the APC. The faction laid the groundwork for alternative mobilization distinct from APC’s mainstream.

    During the launch of the group, Aregbesola said: “The Omoluabi Tendency is a caucus within the APC, actually one of the caucuses in the state. We are not a faction. We are the genuine foundation members of the party and we have no intention of abandoning the ship of the party as it navigates the most turbulent waters. We are not sprinters, but long-distance runners and we will still be standing when all the fair-weather weather have gone.”

    Aregbesola-Adeleke pact

    Many political watchers believed that the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, would not have trounced his strong contender, Alhaji Gboyeka Oyetola, but for the tacit support of Aregbesola, Adeleke, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, emerged the winner of the poll.

    Shortly after the election, Aregbesola, Oyetola’s predecessor, publicly moved against the second-term ambition of Governor Oyetola although they were both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Reacting to Adeleke’s emergence, in a statement, Aregbesola described Oyetola’s defeat as the work of God.

    Aregbesola wrote: “Osun Le Tente”. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” – (Daniel 4:17).”  Adeleke, 61, defeated Oyetola, 67, with a total of 403,371 votes against 375,027 scored by Oyetola – a difference of 28,314 votes.

    Also, two days after clinching a decisive victory, Governor Adeleke confirmed on television that Mr Aregbesola’s men worked for his victory. By insinuations and public demonstrations, the former Internal Affairs minister proved to Osun and Nigerians that he was indeed pivotal to the outcome of that July 16, 2022 poll.

    But, the alliance had since fallen apart as the former minister had publicly boosted to oust the incumbent, and Aregbesola’s political group keeps decimating in size.

    Omoluabi group quits APC

    Formally, the group left APC in 2025, citing “ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure.” That marked a decisive political break from being a faction within APC to becoming a distinct political force.

    In a statement by the Organising and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the group added: “Expressed dissatisfaction with the management of Osun APC’s intra-party crisis, which led to the party’s abysmal loss in the last election cycle, a situation they consented has waned its strength and popularity among the people of Osun.

    “The members were put to a voice vote by the leadership of the fold where they affirmed their readiness to switch allegiance to another political camp ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state,” Abosede’s said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeoti dumps Aregbesola, ADC over alleged plan to cede guber ticket to ex-speaker

    Abosede said Aregbesola, commended them for their commitment and steadfastness to the principles of character, integrity and good governance.

    Aregbesola, while commenting on the resolution to quit APC, noted that the time had come for the members to work aggressively for the success of Omoluabi Progressives and its vision to entrench good governance in Osun.

    He also assured that in no distant time, the results of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the tendency to properly position it for the task ahead would materialise.

    Adoption of ADC

    The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State in July collapsed its structure, pledging alliance with the Omoluabi Progressives.

    This followed the official adoption of the ADC platform by leaders of the National Coalition Group.

    Thousands of supporters of the ADC alongside their colleagues in the Omoluabi Progressives thronged to the Oranmiyan House in Osogbo, celebrating the official birth of the coalition to rescue Nigeria from the current hardship inflicted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In his remarks, Osun State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Charles Omidiji said members of the state working committee of the party are ready to coalesce with the Omoluabi Progressives to strengthen the opposition to reclaim power in the state.

    They also expressed their unflinching loyalty to the leadership of the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, assuring members of the public that the ADC will serve the interests of the masses.

    Responding, Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji appreciated the state executives of the ADC for their readiness to work with the tendency.

    Adesiji noted that efforts will not be spared in solidifying the ADC structure in Osun, as it prepares to present its formidable force in next year’s governorship election.

    He also called on members of the public who are willing to return Osun to the governance built on responsible leadership and service to the citizenry.

    Members of the new ADC family in the state expressed optimism to work together and win the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

    Group shrinks

     In mid-2025, a major setback hit former Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led Omoluabi Progressive Group and Peoples Democratic Party as scores of members officially defected to the APC in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State from Omoluabi’s Caucus. This strategic political realignment ushered in scores of PDP loyalists into APC.

    Receiving the defectors into the party in their hundreds, the Ejigbo APC Leader, Senator Mudashiru Husain, who promised fairness, inclusivity also noted it was delightful and awe-inspiring \ the party kept heaping more members and increasing its ranks despite being in the opposition in the state.

    The frontline governorship aspirant further emphasized the defectors have taken the best political decision because APC remained the only party that has deep connection with social welfarism, economic transformation and human capital development as being exemplified by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him, “The unprecedented number of people cross-carpeting from PDP and particularly, Omoluabi Progressive Tendency, is a product of purposeful and collective leadership for which I’ve been pushed forward to spearhead by other Ejigbo progressive leaders as the Apex Leader. Our teamwork has paid off and it’s just starting.”

    “Ours in Ejigbo progressive family is to unite ourselves as a strong force behind our leader, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and ensure we continue to gain more grassroots mobilizers that can put us ahead of other political parties in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, and especially, for the success of our father, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Government,  Ayegbayo Gbolahan, his counterpart from West LCDA, Hon. Olayanju Kolapo and APC Ejigbo LG Chairman, Hon. Lateef Adegoke appreciated the defectors for their thoughtfulness and pledged their unflinching commitment to working tirelessly for the growth of the party ahead of future elections.

    Speaking on behalf of Omoluabi defectors,  Wole Olajire said that their return to the mainstream progressive family was hinged on their decision to leave uncertainty for certainty, while declaring their unwavering allegiance to the party through active mobilization for the success of the party in 2026 and beyond.

    The leader of the PDP defectors, Kareem Mubarak expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling PDP for falling short of internal democracy and good governance, emphasizing that APC remains a party that prioritizes socioeconomic development and quality leadership that benefits all.

    Also, a few weeks later, Moshood Adeoti — a former Secretary to Osun State Government, co-founder and Deputy Leader of Omoluabi Progressives — formally withdrew from the group and from all its political activities.

    In a resignation letter, Adeoti cited “pressure from family” and a desire to “take a rest” from politics as reasons. He also acknowledged the investments he made building the group, making the decision “never an easy one.”

    ADC: Omoluabi’s internal crisis 

    Members of the Omoluabi Group have been battling with displacement in their new political family. Reports surfaced that several local government chairmen in ADC accused the “Omoluabi faction” of causing division: they alleged the group was withholding registration materials, engaging in secret registration drives, and sidelining existing party executives across the state.

    According to these chairmen, the group’s actions have “split the party into two in Osun,” raising alarm about a potential full-blown crisis.

    Meanwhile, the group’s publicly stated position — via its publicity secretary — denies any internal crisis, calling the allegations “mischievous and unfounded,” and describing the ADC as “one indivisible and united party.”

    Future of Aregbesola’s group in ADC

    The mass defections and withdrawal of a founding member suggest weakening cohesion and trust within Omoluabi Progressives.

    The infighting inside ADC could undermine the group’s ability to present a united front ahead of the upcoming election. There were       accusations by several local government-level ADC chairmen that the “Omoluabi-faction” within ADC is causing division: allegedly withholding registration materials, doing secret registration drives, sidelining existing executives, effectively splitting the party in Osun into two.

    This further heightens tensions between “old ADC structure” and incoming Omoluabi elements — internal power struggle; raises questions about the viability of the alliance.

    With former loyalists returning to APC and some leaders opting out, the group may struggle to mobilize grassroots support — a big blow if it had ambitions of being a major “alternate” force.

    The public war of narratives (denial of division vs allegations of internal sabotage) could damage the group’s credibility and scare off potential new recruits or allies.

    Signals of growing discontent within Omoluabi’s ranks and weakening cohesion suggest APC remains attractive to many, possibly for reasons of political survival or convenience.

    Loss of a senior founding figure, Adeoti, also undermines legitimacy and organizational loss of the group; internal morale is likely hit and loss of internal cohesion within the group. Losing foundational leadership often demoralizes remaining members, discourages new recruits, and complicates coordination.

    For Omoluabi Progressives, the loss reduces bargaining power: both internally (within ADC) and externally (in negotiating alliances or presenting candidates).

    As it stands, alliance with ADC looks fractured, and therefore risks becoming “faction within a faction”

    This conflict means that ADC’s local cadre may distrust or resist Omoluabi elements.

    As a result, even if Omoluabi insists on “unity,” on-the-ground coordination may remain weak or constrained.

    For voters/grassroots, seeing the struggle — not just against external opponents, but internal infighting — could diminish appeal, making the alliance look opportunistic or unstable.

    This will make the group’s new political party to reduce in negotiation/leverage power for the 2026 governorship contest in Osun.

    Given the backdrop of upcoming elections (governorship in 2026), a politically fractured group entering as a weak alliance stands to lose:

    Their ability to field credible candidates is hampered in the face of organizational disarray, defections, and an uncertain base.

    Political pundits say that rival parties, especially their former home, APC, can use the narrative of “instability and betrayal” to woo remaining or wavering supporters.

    Potential coalition partners may hesitate to align with them, fearing lack of cohesiveness or influence.

    According to them, what once might have seemed like a disruptive third-force alternative now risks becoming marginalised.

    They said that when a political group publicly denies troubles but evidence of defections and resignations accumulates — that contrast between narrative and reality can erode trust.

    Moreover, being seen as “party-jumpers” or as a “splinter group chasing relevance” could reduce long-term viability. In Nigeria’s politics — where patronage, stability, and networks matter — unpredictability and evident fragmentation are liabilities.

    What’s next for Aregbesola, associates?

    They may attempt internal re-organization by recruiting new leaders, re-establish trust, rebuild base — but that requires time and resources, and the window before 2026 may be narrow.

    They may negotiate reconciliation with APC (or another major party): essentially merging back or forming alliances under a stronger umbrella — but would require concessions and might dilute their identity.

    The option of persisting with ADC may be considered.  This will make the group to accept being a minority faction within a bigger party, and attempt incremental influence — but this risks marginalization if internal ADC hostility continues.

    By and large, pundits say none of these options guarantee success; each carries trade-offs between identity, influence, and political survival.

  • ‘Aregbesola’s call for party-nominated INEC officials misguided’

    ‘Aregbesola’s call for party-nominated INEC officials misguided’

    By Olalekan Adigun

    Former Interior Minister and current National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, recently stirred controversy by suggesting that Nigeria’s political parties should be allowed to nominate officials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Speaking at a panel session on electoral innovation hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in Abuja, Aregbesola argued that the current method of appointing the INEC Chairperson, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) is “deeply flawed.”

    According to him, parties with at least five members in the National Assembly should be empowered to nominate individuals to lead INEC, claiming that such a model would “solve all the issues” of bias and manipulation in Nigeria’s electoral system. In his words: “If the parties now betray themselves to allow one of them to run away with it, fine.”

    While Aregbesola’s critique of the current system has merit — particularly his point about the risk of executive overreach when the President appoints the electoral umpire — his proposed remedy is not only misguided but fundamentally threatens the very independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    There is no credible democracy in the world where political parties directly nominate election officials. The logic is simple: an election management body must be insulated from partisan influence to maintain neutrality, fairness, and credibility. Allowing political parties — the very contestants in elections — to nominate INEC officials would be akin to letting football teams select the referees who officiate their matches. It violates the principle of impartiality that underpins democratic elections.

    Moreover, Aregbesola’s suggestion directly contradicts the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which explicitly prohibits electoral officials from being members of political parties. The framers of the Constitution, in their wisdom, understood that even the perception of political bias in INEC could fatally undermine public confidence in elections.

    It is puzzling that a man of Aregbesola’s political experience — one who fought a long and hard legal battle to reclaim his mandate as governor of Osun State in 2010 — would now advocate a system that could easily have denied him that victory. Would Aregbesola have trusted an INEC dominated by officials nominated by the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? Certainly not.

    If anything, Aregbesola’s statement reflects the frustration many Nigerians feel about INEC’s recent credibility challenges, particularly after the 2023 general elections. However, the answer lies not in politicizing the Commission further but in strengthening its institutional independence.

    What Nigeria needs is not partisan control of INEC, but transparent and accountable appointment processes. Civil society organisations, professional bodies, and judicial councils should play greater roles in screening and recommending nominees, while the National Assembly’s confirmation hearings must be made more open and rigorous. The President should no longer have unilateral power to appoint the INEC Chair and Commissioners without meaningful checks.

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    Furthermore, INEC’s funding and administrative autonomy must be constitutionally guaranteed and practically enforced. An electoral body that depends on political goodwill to function can never be fully independent.

    Aregbesola’s call, though perhaps well-intentioned, would reverse decades of progress in depoliticising Nigeria’s electoral system. Nigeria must not trade independence for convenience. The credibility of elections rests on the impartiality of those who conduct them — and that impartiality must never be up for negotiation.

    The path forward is clear: reform INEC, yes, but do so through constitutional safeguards, institutional transparency, and public accountability — not through political capture disguised as innovation.

    Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if the lines between player and referee are blurred. Aregbesola’s proposal may ignite debate, but it should be firmly rejected as both impractical and dangerous to the survival of electoral integrity.

    • Adigun, a researcher and journalist, writes from Abuja. He can be reached via email: adgorwell@gmail.com or Twitter: @MrLekanAdigun

  • Adeleke, Aregbesola: opportunism trumps alliance

    Adeleke, Aregbesola: opportunism trumps alliance

    On the eve of Osun State’s July 2022 governorship election, former governor Rauf Aregbesola’s faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared that its members would remain progressives. The Osun Progressives (TOP), as they became known, neither confirmed nor denied whom they would support, Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or Gboyega Oyetola, the incumbent. Mr Aregbesola’s supporters, who had endured a bitter falling out with the APC’s Mr Oyetola, were noncommittal. They eventually worked for the ‘enemy’ in order to prove that alienating their leader could be catastrophic. Two days after clinching a decisive victory, Governor Adeleke confirmed on television that Mr Aregbesola’s men worked for his victory. By insinuations and public demonstrations, the former Internal Affairs minister proved to Osun and Nigerians that he was indeed pivotal to the outcome of that July 16, 2022 poll.

    That tentative alliance built on shaky foundations and subterfuge has finally collapsed. It was not an ideological alliance, for Mr Aregbesola is a pretentious socialist, and Mr Adeleke a hybrid conservative. It was also not founded on any firm convictions, for neither of the two leaders had ever demonstrated adherence to principles. Governor Adeleke is carefree and indifferent to ideas of any kind, and Mr Aregbesola is a bitter and vexatious politician who would seize upon any weapon or idea, no matter how contradictory, to execute his plans and overthrow his enemies. It was also not an alliance founded on anything enduring. Except to the excitable Mr Aregbesola, every other person in and outside Osun State knew that Mr Adeleke, as superficial as he seemed, was unsettled by his alliance partner’s politics. However, like every tactical politician, Mr Adeleke sensibly took advantage of a partner’s treachery, but recognised he would have to be on his guards against a newfound friend for whom betrayal was effortless.

    The governor’s fears have finally been proved right. His former partner has sworn to oust him from the State House in next year’s governorship election. Arriving back home in Osun last week to advertise his new political affiliations, the former governor, who is also the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had scorned Mr Adeleke’s political moves and promised that the ADC, which is the fulcrum of the Atiku Abubakar-led mega-coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu, would take over Osun in 2026. He had declared: “Those who know my value and worth gave me this new position, and now they (APC and PDP) are making noise. Their noise doesn’t concern me — they haven’t seen anything yet…Before we started this journey, they said there would be three political parties in Osun State. It is obvious he (Adeleke) is decamping now. We will meet in Abere — ADC will win the Osun governorship race in 2026.”

    Cut to the quick, Mr Adeleke unleashed a verbal fusillade at the former governor. Speaking through his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said: (Mr Aregbesola) is “a man who left a legacy of huge state debt, half salary, scam tablets, and several fanciful, inflated, and uncompleted projects…(His tenure was) the worst in Osun history…The empty boast of Mr Aregbesola about 2026 is a symptom of a troubled mind who sees wrong vision, who is battling his benefactor, and who is haunted by the pains and suffering he inflicted on millions of Osun people through his evil policies and programmes. A man who should be remorseful and tender public apologies for his years of maladministration has the audacity to threaten Governor Adeleke who is clearing the mess left behind by Mr Aregbesola after his eight years of anti-people, thoughtless leadership…Mr Aregbesola’s wickedness against workers, public servants, and Osun people knows no bounds while he wielded state power. A man who introduced half salary, misapplied contributory state pension fund, and misused state cooperative deductions fund should be ashamed of his temerity to attack a Governor who is now paying up the half salary affliction, clearing the unjustified debt and rehabilitating brutalised Osun workers…The Adeleke administration has paid 28 months out of the half salary left behind by Mr Aregbesola…”

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    Few Osunites saw this sustained piece of invectives coming from the dancing governor whom many believed couldn’t hold a grudge. But the suspicion is that Mr Adeleke, once he settled down into governance and weighed the enormity of Mr Aregbesola’s maladministration, waited for years to ventilate his feelings on the sordid mess he met on ground. The former Internal Affairs minister, not one to let bad enough alone, and too cocky and self-entitled to moderate his emotions or anticipate a trap, gave the governor the opportunity to disembowel him. After exhaling in that fusillade, Mr Adeleke probably felt his burden suddenly lightened. He has not demonstrated inspiring capacity in governance, but he is certain that Mr Aregbesola, of all people, can’t hold a candle to him. The governor might conceivably allow himself to play second fiddle to any other governor or former governor, but never to the preening Mr Aregbesola.

    Now that the opportunistic alliance in Osun has broken down irretrievably, Mr Adeleke can move on. He has insinuated he might be defecting to the APC, from whence he came in the first instance. But he is being resisted by APC housekeepers. If they can transcend their differences and kiss and make up, they will form a formidable pair. Mr Aregbesola has boasted about his invincibility; he is merely posturing. Neither he nor his supporters, nor yet the malformed and ambitious ADC, can stand before an APC into which the PDP in Osun has collapsed its structure. Fighting an incumbent electorally is not easy; fighting an incumbent who has migrated to the national ruling party would indeed be herculean. Not even the boastful and irascible Mr Aregbesola can pull a rabbit out of that Osun hat.

  • JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    Ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola has agreed to serve as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Aregbesola explained that he agreed to serve because Nigeria’s political scene is dominated by parties lacking clear ideological direction.

    On his verified Facebook page, Aregbesola stated that most existing political parties are mere hollow structures that merge and split not based on policy or principle, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.

    He said: “ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF  AREGBESOLA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE INTERIM NATIONAL SECRETARY, ADC – The party platform adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group – Tuesday, 1st July, 2025

    “Dear Party Leaders, Distinguished Members, Friends, and Fellow Citizens,

    “It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as  The National Secretary of our great party.

    “I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party and those who still believe that politics can be a force for good;  people who believe that parties form government and must control it; those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests; those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations; that parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.

    “Let me begin by saying this: a political  party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.

    “Throughout Africa’s history and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, a 113-year behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve. 

    The ANC  is not perfect, but it stands  for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.

    “Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.

    “That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve. As The National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass, a party that is absolutely committed to the people,  rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development. A party that listens and works for to the people, not only during elections, but every single day.

    “We must become an institution where:

     (1) Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.

     (2) Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just.

     (3) All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently.

     (4) Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.

            (5) All special and critical interests (security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc. must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.

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    “We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics. We will study what works, from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya and adapt to them into what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.

    “We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.

    “This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.

    “I ask for your support not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place – as a service to the people. Thank you, and may our work ahead be worthy of the hopes our people place in us.”

  • Prostrate and make peace with Tinubu—PDP Rep member Oke charges Aregbesola

    Prostrate and make peace with Tinubu—PDP Rep member Oke charges Aregbesola

    Oluwole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives for Ijesa North Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, to reconcile with his political mentor, President Bola Tinubu.

    In a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Oke described Aregbesola as a significant figure in Osun State’s political landscape and urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate reconciliation between Aregbesola and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to strengthen the party’s unity.

    According to his post “Egbon Rauf ‘Soji Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State and Minister for Interior is an enigma, a grassroot mobiliser, singer and a dancer. He is a factor and a bride in Osun politics truth be told. 

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    “If I am in his shoes, I will go and beg, prostrate and make peace with my Principal PBAT. Assuming am a member of APC in Osun State, I will make sure I reconcile Asiwaju, Gboyega Oyetola and Ogbeni . Ija o dola….”

    He admonished that “PDP needs to act fast and pay necessary dowry and take in this bride. Symbol as he is popularly called is not someone you allow to roam about. As our Governor then, I wasn’t in his Party AC, ACN and APC yet I won my elections the secret is just The Great People of Ijesa North. 

    “In Ife Ijesa Senatorial District, Ogbeni can still pull a minimum of 20,000 votes. in Ijesa North and Ijesa South , Ogbeni can put sand in any person’s Gari. Any politician who has the capacity to invite 10 to 20 persons(voters or politicians) to a meeting, feed them and give them a token after the meeting should not be ignored.“

  • Xenophobic attack: NSCDC deploys personnel nationwide

    COMMANDANT-GENERAL of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Abdullahi Gana has directed the immediate deployment of personnel across the country to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Gana gave the directive in a statement by Mr Emmanuel Okeh, the NSCDC’s Public Relations officer (NSCDC), on Thursday in Abuja.

    The commandant-general said that the deployment followed the directives of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

    Gana explained that the measure was to avert retaliatory attack on South African companies and people in the country.

    He said he shared the thoughts of the minister, who had condemned the reprisal attack by some Nigerians as an expression of anger over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    “This is not the solution to the crisis at hand because more lives of innocent Nigerians and properties worth millions of Naira would be lost in the process,’’ he said.

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    Gana said that, apart from deploying personnel to provide physical security, the NSCDC had engaged the Crisis Management Department (CMD) and the Peace and Conflict Resolution team to mitigate the crisis.

    “This is to immediately carry out enlightenment and advocacy programme to educate the citizens on the need to embrace peace and shun violence because of its dire consequences on our collective security,’’ he added.

    He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government and not allow the retaliatory attack to snowball into national emergency to avert its hijack by hoodlums.

  • Aregbesola promises consolidation of policies, reforms

    The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has pledged to continue with the policies and reforms embarked on by his predecessor, Lt.- Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd).

    He said the polices and reforms were in line with the “SET” objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration of improving security, economic revitalisation and entrenching transparency (SET) in the conduct of government business.

    A statement on Sunday by Mr Mohammed Manga, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, disclosed that the minister stated this at a reception in honour of Dambazau in Abuja.

    Aregbesola acknowledged that the former Minister has done creditably well, particularly in the area of repositioning the services under the Ministry.

    He said this was through ensuring that the services were given the needed support to aid them in the maintenance of internal security, in line with the mandate of the Ministry.

    Aregbesola added that the former Minister was able to provide the Ministry with a befitting office complex for the Minister.

    Read Also: Aregbesola directs NIS to issue passports within 48 hours

    He noted that all the reforms and policies that Dambazau initiated while in office were to ensure the provision of internal security for Nigerians.

    The Minister said this would helped in improving the economy and ensuring transparency and good governance for the citizens.

    Aregbesola said the ministry would collaborate with relevant security agencies through the sharing of information with the view to arresting all forms of security threats.

    He observed that there was no meaningful development that would take place without adequate security.

    “Therefore, Nigerians must begin to see security as everyone’s business if only the country is to move to the next level of socio-economic development,” he said.

    The Minister pointed out that corruption was also a cankerworm that Nigerians must fight headlong, as there is no country in the world that can attain meaningful development with corruption.

    “We must together fight this menace and ensure transparency in all our dealings,” he said.

    He emphasised that the issue of Security, Economy and anti-corruption does not begin and end on Buhari’s table alone.

    “It belongs to you, me and all Nigerians, We must all join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to address these issues, politics and sentiments apart.

    “We must begin to have a rethink that it is a battle that all Nigerians irrespective of their status in the society must together join hands with government to do away with them.

    “We must together join hands as a team to move the country to the next level,” he affirmed.

    Dambazau thanked Buhari for granting him the opportunity to serve, particularly in a Ministry that housed para-military officers.

    He said it accorded him the opportunity as a retired military officer to learn more.

    He dedicated his successes while in office to God, who elevated him to the peak of his career, both in the military and in academics and that it behoves on him now to serve the people.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, in her welcome address eulogised the former Minister.

    She described him as “a workaholic boss” whose innumerable achievements had led to the actualisation of Buhari’s Change Agenda in the sector.

    “These can be seen from the outstanding successes recorded by the Federal Fire Service through the acquisition of firefighting equipment, the Nigeria Prisons Service which culminated in the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service among others.”

    Ehuriah added that Dambazau’s achievements in the promotion of internal security could not be forgotten in the history of Nigeria too soon.

    “Many a man would have buckled under the pressure of the hydra headed security challenges confronting our beloved country.

    “But you fought like the General that you are and just yesterday, you gave a passionate treatise replete with strategies to be deployed to achieve peace in the North East and Lake Chad area,” she said.

    NAN

  • Aregbesola directs NIS to issue passports within 48 hours

    A new regime on the issuance of Nigerian passports appears to be on its way.

    Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola on Friday directed officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS )to explore the possibility of issuing the passports to  genuine and qualified applicants within 48 hours.

    With the deployment of state-of-the-art technology, the 48-hour timeline is achievable, Aregbesola said in Lagos while flagging off a retreat for NIS top officials.

    But he said those charged with the responsibility would have to first eliminate human contact and deal with racketeering.

    He said the pains which many Nigerians are subjected to in their bid to procure the important travel document must be stopped.

    Aregbesola said: “From information available to me, it is possible with the right technology in place for the Nigeria Immigration Service to issue international passports to applicants who have paid the official fees after 48 hours.

    “If there is any delay, the officials should communicate to the affected applicants. One of the ways to achieve this is to deploy the right technology and eliminate human contact in the passport issuance process.

    “This way, we eliminate sharp practices and racketeering built around the process. This is the way to go and all officials should shun all forms of corruption in the discharge of their duties.”

    Comptroller General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, agreed with the minister on the pains Nigerians go through in obtaining  passports.

    He said: “I must admit to the minister that many eligible passport applicants are currently not having any appreciable satisfaction in interfacing with our passport window while applying.

    “The process of acquiring our passports still remains not only very confusing and frustrating but also very fraudulent.”

  • Vigilante chief urges Aregbesola to prioritise internal security

    THE Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group in the Southwest, Alhaji Rilwan Yasalam Hussein, has urged the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to prioritise the re-arrangement of the nation’s internal security architecture.

    In a statement he personally signed, Hussein stressed that Nigeria’s internal security arrangement needs to be overhauled. The vigilante leader said an heterogeneous society like Nigeria cannot effectively police itself without the active participation of all members of the society.

    Hussein, who advised the minister to set up a virile committee that will monitor the nation’s porous borders and find a lasting solution to it, said the menace had contributed to internal security challenges.

    He said: “I am convinced that the new Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will take the issue of community policing serious and give it necessary attention and consideration, going by his antecedents in Osun State in the area of security.

    Read Also: Aregbesola vows to set new internal security agenda

    “By the mandate of his office, he must strive to come up with a robust arrangement for internal security that will make a difference and reflect community participation.

    “Paramilitary organisations, like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), among others, are strong agencies that could be used to effect formidable internal security arrangement in collaboration with communities.

    “The minister made this work in Osun State while he held sway as governor for eight years. He came up with virile security measures that gave responsibilities to all strata of the society to be vigilant and involve in policing their communities in collaboration with security agencies.

    “My group played a significant role in this arrangement, and it turned out to be a huge success as the state under Aregbesola was peaceful all through.

    “I will want him to work closely with the Ministry of Police Affairs and other security agencies to thoroughly fine-tune modalities for the implementation of community policing.”

     

  • Aregbesola calls for change of attitude by Nigerian youths

    Nigerian youths have been urged to change their attitude/values and pursue those things that will add to the development of the society.

    They were also advised to pursue their needs rather than wants so that they would not be involved in shady deals that could lead to unhealthy consequences.

    Former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated these at the launching of a book containing the opinions and suggestions of a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade on national issues tagged; “Eleniyan Perspectives.”

    The event held on on Wednesday at D’ Podium International Event Centre, 31B, Aromire Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Eulogizing Hon. Segun Olulade, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recalled that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not keen on contesting for governorship of Lagos State in 1998, but that he was encouraged to vie for the office by him and others and that a lady presented Olulade to the party as her son to work with them.

    He added that Olulade was one of the few young men that devoted their lives to ensure that Tinubu became the Governor of Lagos State then

    In his lecture titled, ‘You can be what you want to be’, Aregbesola, who was the chairman of the occasion stated that predators take all they want to take, and that while predators are few, the preys are many.

    He enjoined Nigerians, especially the youths to discover their needs and separate them from their wants. “Needs are the things you require daily such as food, water, shelter and others.

    “Wants are things like houses, cars and others. A car is a necessity in our society, but your choice of cars should be according to your capacity.

    “Many people pursue their wants and forget their needs. Wants are expensive, but needs are not,” he said.

    The minister designate reiterated that he didn’t receive salary for eight years as the Governor of Osun State and that he never operated a bank account anywhere throughout his stay in office.

    According to him, “I lived in a government house, I passed government roads, my security was provided by the government. “Also, my children are old enough and the government provided my clothes.

    “My guests are taken care of by the government. I didn’t have a house of my own in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State as Governor for eight years, so what did I need a salary for?

    “It is now I am thinking of getting a house in Osogbo and I have been contacting friends to help me.

    “I have friends that have houses in Ilesha, Osun State, my home town who are begging people to live in the houses. Building a house there is a want and not need for me.”

    “Someone like Bill Gates set a goal that was beneficial to himself and to other people. He fulfilled his goal and has gone to other areas as a philanthropist.

    “Chief Obafemi Awolowo set a goal of providing free education for the people of the South West, which gave a gap of 50 years between the people of the South West and those from other parts of the country.

    “Many of us desire to be political leaders such as president, governors, ministers, commissioners, local government chairmen and others it is very easy, but you must work for it.

    “While some people have opportunities and are not prepared, others are prepared, but the opportunity has not come. “You must be prepared so that when the opportunity comes you will grab it.

    “A lot of people are poor because they are consumers and not producers. They spend more than they earn anytime and the wisdom of being rich lies in earning more money than you spend.

    “There must be self-restraint. Don’t indulge yourself. You must learn to save and invest,” he said.

    He however, advocated that investment should be taught in Nigerian schools from primary to tertiary levels and that investment comes with a price and sacrifice.

    He said that productivity is the act of adding value to everything one touches or he or she is asked to work upon, adding that the efforts that is put into achieving this is work.

    He said: “If you don’t produce or work to add value then you are a parasite.

    “The future belongs to the youths. The youths are here for a long haul. We should therefore be more concerned about them.

    “Young people are setting the pace such as Bill Gates, Mark Zucherberg and former British PM, David Cameroun, who turned the world around as leaders in their young ages.

    “We have the likes of the late Anthony Enahoro, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alaba Lawson and others, who became leaders as youths.

    “But today, our youths indulge in internet fraud, rituals and other vices.

    “Our youths should be ambitious and separate entertainment from knowledge. The future is knowledge driven.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Segun Olulade said that it was a royal privilege to have the guests at the event.

    “I am indeed very grateful for the honour you have bestowed on me. In the 23 chapter book, I have detailed some of my thoughts on some national and international issues,” he said.

    The reviewer of the book, by Mr. Babajide Otitoju said that Hon. Segun Olulade had broken records by representing Epe Constituency 2 on two occasions in LSHA.

    Otitoju added that Olulade has hit a milestone on national discourse.

    He emphasized that”Eleniyan Perspectives” is a good book for the modern day fit for sale in any bookshop all over the world safe for some proof reading and editing in some areas.

    “The book is enlightening on critical political issues, and the writer spoke extensively on the legislature.

    “Hon. Olulade has enlightened the readers that debates are part of legislative activities.

    “His insight into power sharing formula is commendable. He reflects critically on political issues in the book.

    “The role played by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on nation building is well spelt out in the book.

    “He leveraged on the leadership prowess of Asiwaju Tinubu to develop the South West,” he said.

    Otitoju also commended Olulade for the role he said he played in Kogi State during the last governorship election in the state.

    “Olulade stood to ensure that good leadership comes out of Kogi State during the last election in the state.

    Present at the event were former speakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Speaker of LSHA, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa,  who was represented by Hon. Tunde Braimoh.

    Others were Majority Leader of LSHA, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, Hon. Rotimi Abiru, Vice Chairman of APC, Lagos West, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, star musician, Dr. Adewale Ayuba, and Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji.