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Tag: Rauf Aregbesola

  • Aregbesola advises corpers to resist being used for rigging

    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Monday advised corps members in the state to resist being used for rigging by politicians, in the Sept. 22 gubernatorial election.

    Aregbesola gave the advice at the closing /terminal parade of the orientation course for the 2018 Batch B Stream II corps members, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun.

    The governor, who was represented on the occasion by Mrs Folakemi Adegboyega, Commissioner for Employment and Youth Engagement, said it was necessary to continue to admonish the corps members, especially those who would be engaged as ad-hoc staff for the election.

    Aregbesola advised them to be neutral and should not betray the trust reposed in them.

    “You all have been rightly informed during the swearing-in ceremony of your role in the forthcoming election in the state.

    “Ensure to abide by the advice which came to you through seasoned officers of the scheme and its collaborating agencies, when you are called upon for participation in the election process in the course of your service year.

    “Shun violence and corruption, ensure that the votes of every citizens at the polling units counts and do not allow yourselves to be used by anyone to perpetuate rigging during the process.

    “Remember your family, the scheme, and the nation at large are looking up to you; and so, do not let the trust reposed in you by these people be at naught,” he said.

    Mr Emmanuel Attah, State Coordinator of the NYSC in Osun, in his own address, assured the people of the state and Nigerians that the scheme would continue to play its neutral role in the Nigeria electoral process.

    Attah said the scheme had given credibility to past elections in the country and it intended to maintain it.

    He, however, warned that the NYSC would not take it lightly with any individual or group of persons who attempt to intimidate or harm any corps member (s) in the name of political thuggery.

    Attah advised politicians to stay away and not induce the corps members, adding that they were well-trained and sensitised not to listen or take anything from them under any guise.

  • PDP kicks as Osun commences payment of salary arrears

    The Osun State Government on Tuesday  said it has commenced payment of full salary and arrears in line with available resources.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, in a statement, said the development was in line with the government’s agenda and fulfillment of its promise to prioritize workers welfare.

    The Oyebamiji said the decision was taken at the meeting of the Fund Apportionment Committee led by Comrade Hassan Sumonu with labour leaders and government representatives in attendance.

    The commissioner explained that Governor Rauf Aregbesola directed payment of four months salary arrears and 2016 leave bonus to workers.

    He added that the governor has equally directed regular payment of salaries henceforth.

    “With this, Government of the State of Osun has commenced gradual disbursement of Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (19,801,328,271.22) as salaries and other entitlements to its workers.” The statement read in part.

    Read Also: Ex-Osun Assembly speaker resigns PDP membership

    Oyebamiji commended labour unions and their allies for supporting the government and for believing in its capacity to honour its promises.

    It pledged to always put workers’ welfare above other considerations as the government enters its final phase.

    But the chairman of the state’s chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Soji Adagunodo, has urged civil servants in the state not to be deceived by the approval of money to offset part of the salary arrears being owed by the Aregbesola administration.

    Adagunodo said the panicky measure by the governor only goes to confirm that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party of deceit which takes joy in inflicting pains on the poor to make them them exploitable during election seasons.

    Adagunodo, in a statement, said: “The PDP wondered why the accumulated salary and allowances of workers which is being hurriedly paid was warehoused in dubious accounts without being paid for several months…

    “We find it very distasteful that a government would be this inhuman to deny poor citizens of their legitimate earnings for close to three years and now turn around to pay part of the arrears in a manner suggesting it was doing them a favour.”

    While calling on Osun state workers and pensioners to remain resolute in their determination for a better deal with the PDP, Adagunodo said the party and its candidate, Sen. Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, will not fail to redress all the alleged wrongs committed against workers in the last eight years.

  • I vouch for Oyetola’s competence – Aregbesola

    The Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday vouched for the competence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 22 Osun governorship election, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, to succeed him.

    He assured that he would consolidate on the achievements of his administration.

    At a rally of the IleriOluwa Campaign Organization in Iperindo, the headquarters of Atakumosa East council area and Ijebu-Jesa, the headquarters of Oriade Local Government, Aregbesola further assured that he had no doubt that Oyetola would perform to expectation of the people of the state.

    According to him, some of his celebrated programmes, including the school feeding initiative tagged O’MEAL, the youth empowerment initiative known as the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) would be sustained.

    He rallied support for the APC candidate, saying votes for Oyetola would further stand Osun out as one of the performing states.

    Read Also: Bureau releases figures of schools Aregbesola built

    Aregbesola, who warned the residents of Osun not to allow the state to retrogress, advised the people to vote for Oyetola and “sound future of the state.”

    Speaking, Oyetola assured he would advance the fortune of the state, saying “A good foundation” had been laid by the Rauf Aregbesola administration and that he was prepared to consolidate and break new grounds.

    Oyetola said: “My words are my bonds. I have the competence, the integrity and the pedigree. I will run an all-inclusive government. Workers would enjoy the best of time in my tenure. I believe the time has come for all us to come together and ensure the best government is installed for all us to reap the fruits of our labour. Together we can promote good governance when we vote for the competent, experienced and more importantly some one that we lead the state with fear of God.”

    Many trooped out to show solidarity for the APC candidate and his campaign team in the two council areas.

  • Osun has lowest index of unemployment – Aregbesola

    The Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said the state has the lowest index of unemployment in Nigeria because of the youth engagement programmes of his administration since his assumption of power in 2010.

    Addressing the reporter shortly after the fitness walk organised for the newly absorbed 20,000 youths into the state Youths Empowerment Scheme (O-YES) in Osogbo, the state capital, the governor said: “What you are witnessing today, the O-YES scheme, started in 2010/11, 100 days after our inauguration and we are still running it.”

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 22 governorship election, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, and his running mate, Gboyega Benedict Alabi, participated in the health walk.

    The governor continued: “Because we are not just a conventional administration like the previous governments, we have designed and empowered our young ones to cater to all needs of the people.

    “It is clear that no government have the capacity to employ all youths but we have, through the O-YES scheme, created opportunities that will engage and take the youths out of vices.

    “Two-third of youths in the O-YES are either in one employment or the other or self-employed. This explains the results of all surveys, political, social, undertaken nationwide which throws up the fact that Osun has the highest index of happiness, lowest unemployment rate in Nigeria, as well as the 7th largest economy in the country.”

    Aregbesola, who said no family regardless of party affiliations had not benefited from the OYES programme, maintained that Osun has set a pace for other states, especially in the area of youths empowerment.

    He further said the OYES was the first in the African continent, adding that the success of the programme attracted the attention of the World Bank, which studied it and certified it to be a viable and sustainable solution to the problem of youth unemployment in Nigeria.

    He, therefore, enjoined the youths on the need to canvass vote for APC, also to come out en mass and cast their votes for APC, Oyetola comes September 22, 2018.

    Read Also: Not too young movement decry high cost of nomination forms

    Meanwhile, Oyetola said the OYES was a laudable scheme which he intends to keep and improve on if elected governor.

    According to him: “The scheme has taken, cumulatively, 80,000 youths off the streets and provided them with a platform to do something productive.

    “The state is very peaceful because the youths are engaged and because they have something to do, they are not vulnerable. The government is encouraging the youths through the scheme to embrace hardwork, to shun vices and also remove vulnerability.”

    The head of the O-YES programme, Col. Enibukun Oyewole (rtd), lauded the state government for setting up the scheme, which he said has transformed the lives of lots of youths in the state.

    Oyewole said a lot of the OYES cadets had been sent abroad for training in various skill acquisitions, stating that a sum of N3.6 billion is expended on the scheme annually.

  • ‘Oyetola ‘ll win Osun governorship election’

    Osun State House of Representatives aspirant, Olalekan Badmus, says Governor Rauf Aregbesola will hand over power to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Adegboyega Oyetola, in November this year.

    A statement by Badmus, who is eyeing the ticket of the ruling party for the Irepodun-Olorunda-Orolu-Osogbo federal constituency, said Oyetola was head and shoulders above the other contestants seeking to succeed Aregbesola.

    He described Oyetola as a successful technocrat who assisted Aregbesola in achieving landmark success in education, economy, road infrastructure, security and wealth creation in the last eight years.

    As Chief of Staff, Badmus said Oyetola was a reliable interface between government and various publics in Osun.

    He said, “You can’t build something on nothing. Oyetola has the best track record among the contestants, and they all know it.

    “His success is not unknown to his rivals but they won’t just admit it publicly. But the people of Osun know Oyetola’s worth and they are prepared to vote him into the Osun State Government House on September 22, 2018.

  • Bureau releases figures of schools Aregbesola built

    The Osun State Bureau of Statistics has released figures of schools built and reconstructed by the Rauf Aregbesola administration in the last eight years.

    A statement in Osogbo, the state capital, by the state’s Statistician-General, Prof. Alagbe Wasiu Gbolagade, said the bureau came up with the figures after conducting a survey on distribution of schools by senatorial district and local government areas.

    According to him, the survey also covers the availability of modern and world-class facilities in the schools.

    Gbolagade said: “For instance, the Osun East Senatorial District had 583 elementary schools, 106 middle schools, 54 high and 67 middle/high schools. The Osun Central Senatorial District had 308 elementary schools, 91 middle schools, 50 high and 29 middle/high schools. In Osun West Senatorial District, we recorded 482 elementary schools, 45 middle schools, 23 high and 52 middle/high schools.

    “The total numbers of newly built schools in Osun are 1,373 elementary schools, 242 middle schools, 127 high and 148 middle/high schools. The grand total of newly built schools with ultra-modern facilities is 1,890.

    “Forty staff common rooms were built for elementary schools, 22 staff common rooms were also built for middle schools while 78 staff common rooms were built for high schools.

    “In addition, 20 multi-purpose halls were built for elementary schools, 22 multi-purpose halls for middle schools and 13 multipurpose halls for high schools. Twenty food courts were also built for elementary schools, 22 food courts for middle schools and 13 food courts for high schools. Twenty libraries were built for elementary schools, 22 libraries for middle schools and 13 libraries for high schools. Twenty sickbays were built for elementary schools, 22 sickbays were built for middle schools and 26 sickbay for high schools.

    “In elementary schools, we have 240 toilets for pupils while 80 toilets are for the teachers. In middle schools, we have 264 toilets for pupils and 264 for teachers. For high schools, 624 toilets were built for pupils while 104 toilets are for teachers.”

  • 2019 Senate poll: Tough battles ahead for Shettima, Okorocha, Yari, other 2nd term govs

    In the next few months, some state governors in their second term will end their tenure and bid bye to exotic villas where they had called the shots for eight years like the Lord of Manor. But Their Excellencies are not tired. They still want to be relevant, they want to remain in the limelight. In the next dispensation, they are eyeing the Senate. In this piece, our Managing Editor, Northern Operations, YUSUF ALLI, examines the battle ahead for the affected governors.

    In the next couple of months, 11 out of the nation’s 36 governors will no longer be eligible to be governors as they would be in office for the mandatory eight years. Those affected are Governors Kashim Shettima( Borno); Ayodele Fayose(Ekiti); Ibrahim Dankwambo(Gombe); Rochas Okorocha(Imo); Abdulfatah Ahmed(Kwara); Umaru Tanko Al-Makura(Nasarawa); Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola(Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo).

    For senators and members of the House of Representatives who became governors, returning to the National Assembly is a familiar turf.  But for those outgoing governors seeking to be senators for the first time , it may be a different ball game. Yes, the constituency is smaller, but the battle is tougher as the variables may also be different.

     

    The situation at present

    In the 109-member of the 8th Senate , 20 are ex-governors. They are the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki,   Theodore Orji (Abia); Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom ); Andy Uba (Anambra); David Mark  (Benue); George Akume (Benue); Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti); Danjuma Goje  (Gombe); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Ibrahim Gaya (Kano); Adamu Aliero (Kebbi); Muhammed Lafiagi (Kwara); Abdullahi Adamu  (Nasarawa); Jonah Jang  (Plateau); Aliyu Wammako  (Sokoto); Bukar Abba Ibrahim  (Yobe); Danladi Abubakar Sani (Taraba); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); and Ahmed Sanni Yerima (Zamfara).

    A report by a newspaper had indicated that out of the former governors, Senators Andy Uba, Abiodun Olujimi, and Theodore Orji have sponsored an appreciable number of bills.

     

    Saraki stood tall among them having learned the legislative tricks enough to win the much prized seat of the President of the Senate. Many of them are bench warmers because the transition from executive mansions to hallowed chambers is a Herculean task for them.

     

    What are the chances of the 10 governors eyeing the 9th senate?

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that political realities in the affected states have shown that it won’t be a tea-party for most of them. The challenges before the governors , among others, include clamour  for power shift, ethnicism, disdain for godfatherism.

     

    Shettima(Borno)

    Ordinarily with his modest achievements in office in the midst of insurgency, Governor Kashim Shettima should have an easy ride to the 9th Senate but he faces some hurdles, the latest being where he hails from in Borno. He is either expected to contest for the senatorial seat in Borno Central District (the platform he used to be governor) or Borno North District where bitter politics in the state has led to the discovery of his real origin. Whatever it is, he will slug it out with Sen. Kaka Garbai (from Borno Central who may not relinquish his slot without a viable alternative like the governorship ticket) and Abubakar Kyari representing Borno North. Shettima, widely seen as a “central  boy, ” requires much of serious political calculation and negotiation before taking a leap for the Senate. The governor’s major headache is how to rehabilitate Garbai in a commensurate measure.

    A source , familiar with the state’s politics, said: “Kashim Shettima was born in Maiduguri, located in Borno Central. His mother is from the central, but his father is a Mallam from Ngazai in Borno North Senatorial District. His associates had mooted the idea that he runs for the seat from the North.  But sensing the danger, especially because Kyari, the incumbent, is very popular and formidable, the idea was dropped. To displace Kyari from the Senate would mean to hand him the governorship ticket.

    “So at it is, his posters are everywhere for Borno Central Senatorial District. For now, it is certain he will run from the central. The incumbent, Garbai, is his friend. Without Shettima’s prompting, Garbai would not have run in the first place when the seat became vacant shortly before the inauguration of the Senate in 2015. Hon. Umar Kumalia had wanted to run then ; he, however, gave way when it became obvious that the governor preferred Garbai, who incidentally is Kumalia’s friend too.

    “For now, apart from Shettima, no one has shown interest in the seat within the APC. And even with the PDP, no visible aspirants for now. But should the Abuja politicians within the APC decide to move against Shettima, getting someone to run against him within the party won’t be too difficult.

    “For the north, the only strong person from PDP who can challenge the APC candidate is Sen. Sanusi Daggash (a former Minister of National Planning). But Daggash has been on the quiet side politically in recent times.”

     

    Al- Makura(Nasarawa)

    Were it constitutionally possible to have a third term in office, the people of Nasarawa State would have allowed Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura to continue . But the reality has dawned on everyone; the governor has to leave the Executive Lounge for a shot at the Nasarawa South Senatorial District seat. He will be on the turf against the incumbent Senator from the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe( a third term Senator); a PDP member representing Keana/Doma/Awe in the House of Representatives, Ogoshi Onawo; and Husseini Egyegbola of the APC, who was elected as a senator in 2015 before the Election Petitions Tribunal upturned his victory.

    Getting APC ticket by Al-Makura is taken for granted. But he has an ethnic barrier at hand and he has to work very  hard to sell his candidature .  There are five local governments in Nasarawa South Senatorial District namely; Doma, Lafia , Awe, Keana and Obi. The district also harbours about 20 ethnic groups which are contending for power, including Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri, Mighili, Gwandara and Alago among others.  Governor Al-Makura comes from Kwandere in Lafia Local Government Area. He is a Gwandara by tribe, which is  a minority in Lafia LGA and the Senatorial District.  According to findings, three of the local governments areas(Doma, Keana, and Obi ), are controlled by Alago tribe  of Sen. Adokwe, Onawo and Egyegbola.

    The battle is basically between Alago ( where late Governor Akwe Doma hailed from  ) and other ethnic groups in the district. It was only in 1999 that the Alago allowed the late Haruna Abubakar(a Kanuri), who was a  Deputy Senate President to late Chuba Okadigbo, to  represent the district.

    For Al-Makura, history beckons on him to break another electoral jinx again in the state as a minority. His God-fearing, good and fair-minded nature has fetched him a rare political goodwill like the case in 2011 when he became a governor as a minority. If he gets his political strategy right, he might secure the Senatorial ticket. Once Al-Makura can secure the huge votes from Lafia Local Government Area(LGA) and about 5% to 10% in other four LGAs, he will ride to the Senate with less sweat. The huge votes from Lafia, Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon crowned him as a governor seven years ago.  And he can defeat his opponent in a landslide if he retains his cosmopolitan look and make his campaign issues-based rather than playing ethnic politics. Surely, all eyes will be on Al-Makura if he secures the APC ticket.

     

    Ahmed(Kwara)

    Will the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, compensate Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for his loyalty? As the outgoing governor of Kwara State, Ahmed’s ultimate desire is to be a senator for Kwara South Senatorial District. He is seeking the ticket currently held by Senator Abdulrafiu Ibrahim, who has been a long standing loyalist of Saraki. It is a hard knot for Saraki to untie but if performance is anything to go by, Sen. Ibrahim has a little edge over Ahmed, who has spent eight years to create political liability for Saraki due to his low performance in office. Saraki is battling to clean the Augean Stable at a higher cost to his political career. But going by the PDP’s Right of First Refusal for defectors, the ticket will automatically go to Ahmed leaving Ibrahim in a quandary.

    Whoever is anointed by Saraki will face a tough contest with a renowned architect, Lola Ashiru, whose ingenuity led to the design of Skye Bank structures all over the country and other architectural works. Ashiru, who is from Offa , which has not produced a senator  since 1999, has the war-chest to give Ibrahim or  Ahmed a good fight. The last time Offa produced a senator was during the aborted Third Republic.

    Another silent contestant is the US-based Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun from Esie in Irepodun Local Government Area, who is determined to prove a point that a first timer can make a difference. Apart from palace rivalry in Saraki’s courtyard, Governor Ahmed has the people of Kwara South to contend with. They are enlightened, conscientious and detest money politics. The governor has to sell himself  for any electoral breakthrough. The Kwara south PDP senatorial primaries will be an interesting race

     

    Ajimobi(Oyo)

    It is a straight fight between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other aspirants for Oyo South Senatorial District ticket. Despite the recent electoral upset for APC in Ibarapa East Constituency in Oyo  House of Assembly, which it lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, Ajimobi may regain  his seat without sweat. Up till now, he has not known his opponent in either the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) or any of the emerging coalitions in the state. But he has an opponent in APC, Sen. Soji Akanbi, who might not get the party’s ticket because Ajimobi has a firm grip on the structure of the party. Where Akanbi is not “well accommodated”, he might seek refuge in another party. So far, Akanbi is keeping his game plan close to his chest.  A former chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, said: “The governor will defeat any party’s candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District. He has performed well to earn a return ticket to the Senate.” The district comprises Ibadan North, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibadan North East, Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East,  and Ido.

     

    Fayose(Ekiti)

    Still struggling to survive the pains of the defeat of his political godson at the recent governorship poll, Governor Ayodele Fayose faces an uncertain political future. He has spoken less of either his presidential ambition or the alternative of going to the Senate. His obvious choice is to vie for  Ekiti Central District Senatorial ticket with Sen. Fatima Raji Rasaki. But it will be a disaster and the end of the road for Fayose if he loses again. While he is considering the next step in his turbulent political career, his associate, Obafemi Adewale(a former chairman of NBA in Ekiti State), is aspiring for Ekiti Central District ticket. Whether or not the aspiration of Adewale is in trust for Fayose, time will soon tell.

     

    Rochas Okorocha(Imo)

    Owelle Rochas Okorocha,  no doubt, is facing a massive gang-up in the state by forces within APC and those in PDP over alleged plans to foist his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as the governorship candidate of APC in the state. He wants to make it a double-edge sword by aspiring for the senatorial ticket of Imo West Senatorial District. He wants to take over the seat of Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who is interested in the governorship race. In February, Okorocha said: “I have decided to run for the Imo West Senatorial zone because if I don’t, bad people will take the position. If my name appears on the ballot paper as contesting for the Senate, it will boost APC’s chances in the state. And many from my zone have said they will not contest if I am interested.” But he has a match in a  business mogul and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State, Chief Charles Ahize and others who seek the same office.

    Noted for a refrain, “My people, my people,” it will soon be judgment day for Okorocha when the Imo citizens will decide whether Okorocha can eat his cake and have it. If Okorocha has his way, he would be highlighted  in the Guinness Book of Records but if otherwise, history will be unkind to him forever.

     

    Yari(Zamfara)

    The battle in Zamfara West Senatorial District will depend on the outcome of any accord or unwritten agreement between Governor Abdulaziz Yari and his godfather, Ahmed Sani Yerima, who was an ex-governor of the state. Yerima, who has been in the Senate since 2007, is in dire straits because he wants to produce Yari’s successor and at the same time retain his senatorial slot. But the governor, who was once a member of the House of Representatives, is interested in going to the Senate. He is from the same zone with Yerima. It was learnt that Yerima would not mind  sacrificing his senatorial ambition to be allowed to pick the next governorship candidate of APC (Yari’s successor) in Zamfara State. Yerima is said to be interested in the current Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad, who was his former Commissioner for Religious Affairs. The deputy governor comes from Zamfara Central, which has never produced the executive of the state since the return of democracy in 1999. On the other hand, it was learnt that Yari favours  his most powerful Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muttaka Rini, who is from Zamfara West. Unless tact and diplomacy prevail, Yari and Yerima may lock horns  in the end. But a source said: “Whatever it is, Yerima still holds the ace in Zamfara politics. Yari needs to engage in a lot of reconciliation to win back the hearts of the people of the state.” It will be interesting to know in the next few weeks what manner of accord the two gladiators will reach.

     

    Gaidam  (Yobe)

    This is a slippery terrain.  Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and his godfather, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim have to test the waters over Yobe East Senatorial District ticket.  Although one Dr. Almajiri Gaidam is also interested in the senatorial race, the contest is really between the governor and his mentor. For Governor Gaidam, the next venture is the Senate but he is from the same district with Ibrahim who has been in the Senate since 2007. There are seven local governments in the district, including Gujba, Gulani, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Geidam and Bursari. While Sen. Bukar Abba  hails from Gujba, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is from Yunusari, although he was brought up in Gaidam.

    The power game has been  a quiet political war in Yobe State since 1999; the struggle for Yobe North East by the two titans might redefine politics in the state if not maturely handled. Old prejudices/ sentiments  are being whipped up. For Gaidam, he had wanted to be a senator in 2003  after the demise of Senator  Adamu Usman  of the defunct ANPP but he was denied the ticket by Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who was then the governor of the state. Sen. Abba was said to have rated Gaidam as unfit to be a councillor. This time around the governor, who has hijacked the structure of the party,  does not want to suffer fools gladly.

    His godfather will also not let go his seat. Recently, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim said: “In sha Allah,  I will be seeking re-election back to the Senate in the forthcoming election and I do not see anybody as a threat.

    “ I have no problems with my constituency and the electorate. I have not been recalled by those who voted me to represent them and I am physically and mentality fit. All I know is that by 2019, I will be re-elected back to the Senate.

    “The governor has not told me that he is interested in the seat after the expiration of his tenure next year and I don’t need to bother myself about it since I know that there would be no vacancy because I am re-contesting for the position next year and I will continue to offer myself to my people for the position as long as I have the energy and sound health to represent them.

    “I will stay in the Senate until death do us part. Everybody tells me that I’m senator for life. I’m going to be in the Senate for life…”

    On his part while planning subtly, Gaidam said: “My becoming governor is not by my power or the making of any other human being. It’s destiny because somebody said I would not even be a councillor in Yobe. Today, God has made me the governor, who knows where I will be tomorrow?”

     

    Amosun(Ogun)

    The man to beat for Ogun Central District seat is Governor Ibikunle Amosun, whose performance might give him an edge. With the party’s structure in his kitty, Amosun,  who was a one-time senator,  already has the senatorial ticket in his pocket. But he will have to slug it out with his godson, Sen. Lanre Tejuoso(who may defect to ADC), Sen. Gbenga Obadara, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Amusan(PDP)  and a former commissioner in the state, Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu (PDP). Obadara has, however, added a caveat to his aspiration when he said he night step down if Amosun is interested in the race.

    Although the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, is being speculated to be interested in the senatorial seat, it was unclear if he is serious or merely flying a kite.

     

    Dankwambo(Gombe)

    The purchase of governorship nomination form by ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Bayero Nafada on Friday has confirmed a swap deal between Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo for Gombe North Senatorial District, if the governor does not get the presidential ticket of PDP. Nafada, who represents Gombe North District, has left the Senate for good. It is a different ball game if Dankwambo will keep to the secret pact with Nafada by ensuring that the former  Deputy Speaker emerges his successor.

    For Dankwambo, who  has been accused of using his presidential aspiration as a smokescreen, the battle for Gombe North District might be between him and Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who was  elected as a PDP Senator  in August 2010  after the death of Sen. Kawu Peto Dukku. He was also re-elected in the April 2011general poll. Alkali was a former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Danjuma Goje.

  • Aregbesola commends UNDP for supporting nation’s democracy

    … Rallies support for Oyetola

    The Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has  commended the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) for providing support for the nation’s democracy.

    He said the support would ensure sustainable development in the country.

    The governor spoke on Monday at the opening ceremony of a “High Level Stakeholders’ Dialogue for Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Political Leaders and Civil Society on Peaceful Gubernatorial Election in Osun State,” sponsored by  the UNDP in conjunction with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    However, the governor advised voters to screen the candidates of the participating political parties for the September 22 Osun governorship election before making their choice.

    The governor also called on  traditional rulers and leaders of Christian and Muslim faiths in the state to support the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, to build be able to consolidate on the gains of his administration.

    Aregbesola, who described Oyetola as “brilliant, cool, calm, attentive and capable” of surpassing him in bringing more development to Osun State, said it was important that people should ensure the state is not governed by “someone who does not know anything about governance.”

    Stressing the need for peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the election, Aregbesola tasked the traditional rulers to ensure there is peace in their domains.

    Read Also: Eid El-Kabir: Aregbesola, Oyetola, felicitate with Muslims

    According to him, only when there is peace will the Monarchs  perform their roles as royal fathers.

    In a peaceful atmosphere and warned against returning the state to the era, he said people could not walk at night in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Aregbesola, who recalled how 2007 governorship he contested with the former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was rigged, blamed the insecurity that characterised the period to the insistence of some people on subverting people’s wish for change in governance.

    He advised all stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible election on September 22, plead with the traditional rulers  to ensure the candidate of the APC is elected to guarantee continuation of various initiatives his administration introduced.

    He said: “When I wanted to contest in 2007, I could not talk to any royal father openly. Even inside their palaces, they could not talk for the fear of being attacked. I have done a lot in the last 8 years to ensure peace in Osun. Osun today has more Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) than Lagos.

    “Not minding our meagre resources, I ensure security across the state. At Gbongan Junction, my friend was killed by armed robbers. Whether those in government knew about it or not, I can’t say. That cannot happen now. Those thieves that came to Ikirun to rob were killed because we equiped the security. For 5 years, my administration paid all security agents in the state monthly allowance.

    “In each of our local government areas, my administration tarred 10kilometres. We are the first government in Nigeria to give computer tablets for learning to our secondary school students. In the area of road construction, go to Osogbo and see wonders we did. Bisi Akande Trumphet Bridge is at Gbongan junction. All these can only continue, if the right is elected to succeed my administration.”

    In his welcome address, the country Director of the UNDP, Mr. Samuel  Bwalya, said the workshop was organised in conjunction with Osun State government to ensure peaceful conduct by all citizens in the run up to, during and after governorship election.

    Represented by a top official of the UNDP, Mr. Matthew Alao, he said the peaceful election is key, not only to the inhabitants of the state, but to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria globally.

    According to him: “Peace holds the lever to the continuous sustainable peace and stability of the state and a strong indicator of what to expect in 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

    “We all therefore have critical roles to play to ensure that the election is conducted in the atmosphere of peace, stability and in the spirit of sportsmanship by all the contestants, their teeming supporters and the civil populace.”

    Participating at the 3-day workshop include the traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of political parties and civil societies, non governmental organization and representatives of the media.

  • Osun 2018: We are not deterred by defections from APC – Aregbesola

    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun says he and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state are not deterred by the defections of some party members to opposition parties.

    Aregbesola made the remark at a rally organised by the Speaker, State House of Aseembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, in Ejigbo, Mr Sola Fasure, the media aide to the governor, said in a statement on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some APC members in the state had defected to opposition parties in the past few weeks ahead of the Sept. 22 governorship election in the state.

    However, the governor said the party remained strong on account of its wide acceptance by the people of the state, adding that the defections would not in any way affect the party’s victory in the forthcoming election.

    He said that members of the party were committed and united, regardless of gale of defections from the party.

    “This defection has made us to know those that are genuinely with us and those that are not with us.‎

    “We have known friends, enemies and cunning individuals among us by this defection but we are not afraid of their antics as we remain united, strong and committed.

    “We are confident of victory. We know God is on our side and we believe in Him; we believe He will lead us to victory”.

    Aregbesola said his party was working hard to sustain the tempo of continuity, which according to him, can only set the state on the pedestal of all round development.

    He said that APC is the only political party that can turn around the socioeconomic fortunes of the state and Nigeria for the better and urged the electorate to vote for the party in all elections.

    He commended Salaam, who was one of the 17 aspirants that contested the APC governorship primary which Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola won, for always abiding by the party’s decision.

    He described Salaam as a pillar of support to APC in the state and beyond, noting that his position had been diligently used to effect positivity in the party and for its loyalists.

    Earlier, the APC state Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, enjoined party loyalists to remain committed, noting that the party had a better chance to win the governorship election.

  • Eid El-Kabir: Aregbesola, Oyetola, felicitate with Muslims

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for September 22 Osun governorship poll, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, and the federal lawmaker, Senator Babajide Omoworare, have sent goodwill messages to the Muslim community on the celebration of the 2018 Eid El-Kabir Festival holding on Tuesday.

    In the goodwill message by Aregbesola’s Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, the governor urged the Muslim faithful to uphold their obedience to Allah in the spirit of forgiveness for one another.

    Aregbesola described Islam as a religion that upholds the spirit of love, peace and charity and preach harmonious living relationship with other religions adherents.

    He commended the Muslim community in Osun for supporting his administration and for being good citizens.

    The governor urged Muslims to expand the spiritual benefits of Sallah by ensuring and promoting peaceful co-existence with each other and people of other faiths and shun violence and religious conflicts in whatever form they may manifest.

    Read Also: Osun 2018: ‘Oyetola is best to succeed Aregbesola’

    He enjoined Muslims to pray for and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the September 22, governorship election, noting that it is only Allah who enthrones and anyone who wants to forcefully enthrone himself can only do so in vain.

    Also, the APC governorship candidate, who congratulated Muslims on the occasion, advised them to co-exist peacefully with their neighbors at all times.

    In a statement by his Media Assistant, Dayo Fasola, he enjoined Muslims and other Osun indigenes to rededicate themselves to service of humanity and meditate on lessons of the festival, which he said include piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, and sacrifice for the benefit of all mankind.

    Oyetola said: “I am grateful to God for his mercy in preserving our lives to see another Eid el Kabir. And I am thankful for the advancement recorded in the state of Osun in the last eight years under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

    “I urge us all to continue to uphold the tenets of both  Islam and Christianity which is peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and understanding of our differences. May God preserve us to witness many more in good health, prosperity and happiness.”

    The Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District,  Omoworare, advised Muslims to explore the spiritual sobriety of “this season to pray for peace and progress of the State of Osun and Nigeria.”

    The Senator, in a press release by his media assistant, Tunde Dairo, said: “This is a period of celebration and spiritual engagement with God. It is very important that we allow the lessons of faith, obedience and sacrifice which season of celebration represents to guide our ways.

    “We owe ourselves a duty to maximize the opportunities provided by God to seek his face and obtain his favour by praying for ourselves, family and not forgetting to pray for peace and progress of the State of Osun and Nigeria especially at this electioneering period.”