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Tag: Rotimi Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu a failure in Nigeria educational development – NANS

    The Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu as the worst performing governor in the area of educational development in Nigeria.
    NANS national president, Danielson Bamidele Akpan made this known in a press conference on Wednesday.
    Akpan said it has become imperative for the leadership of the students’ body to examine and analyse critically certain political leaders whose actions in recent times have made life unbearable for the  citizens under their watch.
    The full text read below;
    “It is no longer news that the government of Ondo State under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, a supposed Senior Advocate of Nigeria is today championing an agenda that takes education out of the reach of the poor.
    “Without any dubiety, before his emergence as the Executive Governor of Ondo State, education since 1999 under Governor Adebayo Adefarati through Olusegun Agagu and Olusegun Mimiko was free from primary to secondary level.
    “However, a governor who claimed to have fought alongside others during his days at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife against the reversal of the great benefit of the Awolowo education policy is today making education, an exclusive right of the rich, thereby creating class differentials amongst the people he governed over.
    “Education in Ondo State is now fully commercialised. Secondary school Students who hitherto enjoyed payment of WAEC/NECO fees under the past admistrations now have additional burdens placed on their parents by the insensitive Akeredolu anti-education government that have scraped the payment of WAEC/NECO fees for SS3 students. This deliberate policy by past democratic administrations have now been abolished and the hopes of many families dashed.
    “Let it be known to the entire public that undergraduates of state owned Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State are daily dropping out of school due to increase in their various school fees which their parents certainly cannot afford.
    “How can we explain that a supposed progressive government, increased arbitrarily, fees of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko from 33,000 to 150,000? Students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo has their fees increased from 63,000 to 108, 000 while those in Ondo State University of Science and Technology has their fees inceased to 200, 000 from 70, 000.
    “Lest we say that the Akeredolu government did not only defraud students at the School of Nursing but breached their trust by deceiving them into paying higher fees in exchange for Nursing degrees awarded by the University of Medical Sciences established by the immediate past administration of Olusegun Mimiko. We know as a matter of fact, that since the increment, the students from the school of nursing have been made to understand that their certificate will remain the same despite the agreement reached with the government to award them degree certificate from the  University of Medical Sciences haven paid the new tuition fees forced on them for that purpose.
    “Today, Governor Akeredolu is globally junketing with tax payers money in order to create awareness for legalisation of hard drugs and narcotic use. What a confused Chief executive! For once, we should be worried that it takes someone who purchases, uses and is addicted to hard drugs to know it’s economic prospects without caring about lives and its negative impact on the society.
    “For a governor who has refused to make education a top priority to now lead an advocacy for legalisation of banned drugs that distorts thoughts and stability reveals his level of denigration of governance.
    “Isn’t it a pity that in  a state where education is more or less an industry and a pride, Governor Akeredolu has proven that he is on seat to retard the progress of the youths by encouraging the plantation of cannabis(Indian Hemp) against the pursuit of knowledge? This obviously is the height of his incompetence and insensitivity to the needs of the youths.
    “We condemn in totality the managements of the state owned institutions who joined the governor in this inglorious journey, for example, the Vice-Chancelor of Adekunle Ajasin University who implemented a policy of no school fees, no test about two weeks ago which was vehemently resisted by the students that lead to the closure of the Institution. To this end, NANS will resist any form of intimidation, oppression or threat to the life of any of our member who are resolute in pursuing their rights and privileges.
    “We also use this medium to call on UNESCO, other national and international agencies including progressive minded and well meaning individuals to prevail on Governor Akeredolu who have threatened kill and maim our members who will come out and protest against his obnoxious education policies cum commercialization of education in Ondo State.
    “Let it be known that NANS is relentless in her pursuit of total reversal of all fees increased by the cannabis indulging governor of Ondo State.
    “We refuse to buy into this life threatening advocacy of addiction and retardation through promotion of hard drugs. We demand that Governor Akeredolu subject himself to a clinical drug test to determine his mental state.
    “While appreciating the support and endurance of Ondo Students in peacefully demanding for reversal of the obnoxious and satanic increment in their fees, we wish to as a matter of honour, in respect of on-going final rites for the revered Olowo of Owo kingdom who passed on, put on hold our proposed mass protest against the increments until immediately after the traditional rights scheduled for this week. This unjust education policy will surely be challenged and we shall do so upon the completion of late Olowo’s passage rights.
    “We challenge Governor Akeredolu to a public debate with NANS where he can lay bare his educational policies for Ondo people. We are constantly embarrassed by his seeming threat to wipe off Ondo students for daring to speak out against his anti- educational policy. We view his threat as a test of our resolve to once again lay an irrefutable claim to our heroic struggle for the enthronement of the democratic rule he’s today diminishing without his active participation. We would have reported him to his professional colleagues who side by side fought with us and defended many of our victimized leaders under the military but understanding that he’s now a suspended member of the highest bar gathering in Nigeria.
    “Another option would have been to report him to his political party, the All Progressive Congress, under whose platform he governs the state but we are also reliably informed that he has been suspended for various offenses, therefore we are left with no other option than to face the unrepentant oppressor of the students.”

    The Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu as the worst performing governor in the area of educational development in Nigeria.
    NANS national president, Danielson Bamidele Akpan made this known in a press conference on Wednesday.
    Akpan said it has become imperative for the leadership of the students’ body to examine and analyse critically certain political leaders whose actions in recent times have made life unbearable for the  citizens under their watch.
    The full text read below;

    Read Also: Obaseki sets world-class target for Edo varsity

    “It is no longer news that the government of Ondo State under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, a supposed Senior Advocate of Nigeria is today championing an agenda that takes education out of the reach of the poor.
    “Without any dubiety, before his emergence as the Executive Governor of Ondo State, education since 1999 under Governor Adebayo Adefarati through Olusegun Agagu and Olusegun Mimiko was free from primary to secondary level.
    “However, a governor who claimed to have fought alongside others during his days at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife against the reversal of the great benefit of the Awolowo education policy is today making education, an exclusive right of the rich, thereby creating class differentials amongst the people he governed over.
    “Education in Ondo State is now fully commercialised. Secondary school Students who hitherto enjoyed payment of WAEC/NECO fees under the past admistrations now have additional burdens placed on their parents by the insensitive Akeredolu anti-education government that have scraped the payment of WAEC/NECO fees for SS3 students. This deliberate policy by past democratic administrations have now been abolished and the hopes of many families dashed.
    “Let it be known to the entire public that undergraduates of state owned Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State are daily dropping out of school due to increase in their various school fees which their parents certainly cannot afford.
    “How can we explain that a supposed progressive government, increased arbitrarily, fees of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko from 33,000 to 150,000? Students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo has their fees increased from 63,000 to 108, 000 while those in Ondo State University of Science and Technology has their fees inceased to 200, 000 from 70, 000.
    “Lest we say that the Akeredolu government did not only defraud students at the School of Nursing but breached their trust by deceiving them into paying higher fees in exchange for Nursing degrees awarded by the University of Medical Sciences established by the immediate past administration of Olusegun Mimiko. We know as a matter of fact, that since the increment, the students from the school of nursing have been made to understand that their certificate will remain the same despite the agreement reached with the government to award them degree certificate from the  University of Medical Sciences haven paid the new tuition fees forced on them for that purpose.
    “Today, Governor Akeredolu is globally junketing with tax payers money in order to create awareness for legalisation of hard drugs and narcotic use. What a confused Chief executive! For once, we should be worried that it takes someone who purchases, uses and is addicted to hard drugs to know it’s economic prospects without caring about lives and its negative impact on the society.
    “For a governor who has refused to make education a top priority to now lead an advocacy for legalisation of banned drugs that distorts thoughts and stability reveals his level of denigration of governance.
    “Isn’t it a pity that in  a state where education is more or less an industry and a pride, Governor Akeredolu has proven that he is on seat to retard the progress of the youths by encouraging the plantation of cannabis(Indian Hemp) against the pursuit of knowledge? This obviously is the height of his incompetence and insensitivity to the needs of the youths.
    “We condemn in totality the managements of the state owned institutions who joined the governor in this inglorious journey, for example, the Vice-Chancelor of Adekunle Ajasin University who implemented a policy of no school fees, no test about two weeks ago which was vehemently resisted by the students that lead to the closure of the Institution. To this end, NANS will resist any form of intimidation, oppression or threat to the life of any of our member who are resolute in pursuing their rights and privileges.
    “We also use this medium to call on UNESCO, other national and international agencies including progressive minded and well meaning individuals to prevail on Governor Akeredolu who have threatened kill and maim our members who will come out and protest against his obnoxious education policies cum commercialization of education in Ondo State.
    “Let it be known that NANS is relentless in her pursuit of total reversal of all fees increased by the cannabis indulging governor of Ondo State.
    “We refuse to buy into this life threatening advocacy of addiction and retardation through promotion of hard drugs. We demand that Governor Akeredolu subject himself to a clinical drug test to determine his mental state.
    “While appreciating the support and endurance of Ondo Students in peacefully demanding for reversal of the obnoxious and satanic increment in their fees, we wish to as a matter of honour, in respect of on-going final rites for the revered Olowo of Owo kingdom who passed on, put on hold our proposed mass protest against the increments until immediately after the traditional rights scheduled for this week. This unjust education policy will surely be challenged and we shall do so upon the completion of late Olowo’s passage rights.
    “We challenge Governor Akeredolu to a public debate with NANS where he can lay bare his educational policies for Ondo people. We are constantly embarrassed by his seeming threat to wipe off Ondo students for daring to speak out against his anti- educational policy. We view his threat as a test of our resolve to once again lay an irrefutable claim to our heroic struggle for the enthronement of the democratic rule he’s today diminishing without his active participation. We would have reported him to his professional colleagues who side by side fought with us and defended many of our victimized leaders under the military but understanding that he’s now a suspended member of the highest bar gathering in Nigeria.
    “Another option would have been to report him to his political party, the All Progressive Congress, under whose platform he governs the state but we are also reliably informed that he has been suspended for various offenses, therefore we are left with no other option than to face the unrepentant oppressor of the students.”

     

  • S’ West leaders must change tactics to actualise restructuring, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said the Yoruba race needs to be more tactical to actualise the call for restructuring.

    Fayemi urged the proponents of the policy in the region to change strategy and reach out to other regions on how to actualise the dream of Nigeria being restructured economically and politically.

    Fayemi spoke in Ado Ekiti on Saturday at the opening session of the 2019 National retreat of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG).

    Fayemi said: “There are those who entertained fear on this issue of restructuring and whether this is legitimate or not, we must reach out to them, because we are not an island onto ourselves.

    “We don’t need to be shouting on the roof top before we get it, but if we want to do it alone, the agitation will fall,” he warned.

    Expressing regret over voter apathy in the southwest, Fayemi said a situation where the total number of votes cast in all the states in the region was less than 50 percent of the total registered voters is worrisome.

    “In the last presidential poll,  Ekiti registered 909,000 voters , only 381,000 voted, 0sun 1.67million , only 737,000 voted, Ondo, 1.8m registered , 586,00, Oyo, 2.7m registered , 891,000 voted, 2.36m registered  in Ogun, 605,000 voted and Lagos with 6.3m, only 1.56m voted,” he stressed.

    He said whatever might be the reason for the low turnout of voters must be critically examined to properly correct the situation.

    “This might be caused by deficit of trust or fraudulent multiple registration, but whatever the case was, as long as we remain a constituent part of this country, ARG should reflect on this and act appropriately.

    “If it was as a result of deficit of voter education, then the ARG and governments need a lot to do.”

    Fayemi said the Yoruba Academy and the DAWN Commission should also help look into issues that directly affect the region including voter apathy, influence of religion, economic development among others.

    Also speaking at the event, Governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu and his Osun State counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola, said all the distinguishable traits of the southwest region initiated during the old western region must be brought back in the interest of the zone.

    The Osun governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, said: “The Yorubaness in us and those things that separated us from others are our developmental drives, our intellectual rigour, our brilliance, circumspection  and those values however, have  not really taken us to where we deserve”.

    Read also: We have recorded success against Boko Haram – Army

    Oyetola also appealed to the southwest governments to  leverage on its human capital in the diaspora and bring them home for the benefit of all.

    Akeredolu, represented by Commissioner for Regional Integration, Prof Bayonle Ademodi, added that the southwest is also facing serious economic and political crises that needed to be addressed.

    “We have to be really worried that the instability and insecurity in the Sahel has started affecting us and we need to get worried.

    “We knew we had  to think outside the box in the southwest on how to bring our own paradigm and we thought of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to work on how to put us back on the right track.

    The National Chairman of the group, Hon Wale Oshun, reiterated the issue of restructuring and advised that it should be taken back to the front burner to benefit the Yoruba race.

    “The Yoruba people are progressive people. We are lovely and we care for each other. We are welfarists and we remain the same despite out stand in the just concluded governorship and legislative elections.

    “All we want as a people is to ensure that our interests at the national level are protected and that we get a fair deal in the scheme of things”.

    Oshun, however, expressed feat that Yoruba language is fast going into extinction due to paradigm shift caused by globalisation and laxity on the part of some parents.

  • GIZ partners with Ondo State, emerging communities Africa, to host largest Hackathon in Nigeria

    Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH partners with Ondo State Government and the technology NGO ‘Emerging Communities Africa’, to host a policy and solutions Hackathon tagged #EmergeOndo Hackathon, with the goal to identify state-led solutions to encourage entrepreneurship and increase employment outcomes.

    The partnership with Ondo State is driven by Make-IT in Africa, a programme GIZ is implementing on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Make-IT already works in close collaboration with more than 30 corporate and financing partners, social enterprises, hubs, and networks to support an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs, to enable better access to finance, markets, and skills.

    The #EmergeOndo Hackathon will take place in Akure, Ondo State, from 6th December to 8th December 2018 across three technology hubs within the state where teams of 6-10 individuals will contest for up to $5,000 in prizes as well as an opportunity to incubate their solution in partnership with one of the three innovation hubs in Akure. Following the incubation period, the Ondo State government aims to adopt the solution across relevant agencies.

    Each team is expected to work on one of the four thematic areas prioritized by the Hackathon, which include:

    Agricultural accessibility
    Business linkage
    Renewable and clean energy
    Education

    Each participating team is expected to come up with solutions and policy recommendations in each of their chosen thematic area with winning prototypes expected to be adopted by relevant government agencies within the state.

    According to Chiemelie Umenyiora, the Regional Coordinator for Make-IT in Africa, “Make-IT is already prioritizing interventions on the policy level with relation to our work with the National Technology Development Agency to support policies that would drive entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria. It was only natural that we would be interested in supporting Governor Akeredolu’s efforts to increase youth employment within his state. The EmergeOndo Hackathon will be the first of its kind in the state and we’re keen to see what solutions come from the public and how these solutions would be implemented by the state.”

    In his remarks, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu stated that “ the innovation in governance hackathon is a great avenue for us to unleash the youthful innovative energy of the state and harness it towards our collective growth and development. This, first of its kind event in our State, intends to bring all stakeholders to address four thematic areas which address most of the cardinal points of this administration in particular; job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialization and provision of functional education and technological growth. Our administration’s drive to become change evangelists, inclusive with the zeal to entrench long lasting change in Ondo state is what compels us to see this hackathon initiative through and we guarantee the prompt adoption of all reasonable outcomes from the event. I welcome all guests from all parts of Ondo and Nigeria to join in the deliberation which we are sure will produce impactful change, because changing the lives of our people is a goal worthy of our best efforts”.

    Joel Ogunsola, co-founder ‘Emerging Communities Africa’ while speaking to the significance of the #EmergeOndo innovation in governance Hackathon noted that innovation remains a critical part of ensuring that our communities continue to develop and leapfrog, ensuring that citizens can easily access government services as well as ensure that most importantly the human capital index continues to grow.

    Software Developers, Creative designers, Education enthusiasts, Agriculture enthusiasts, Business enthusiasts, Policy enthusiasts, Sales enthusiast and Power enthusiasts are encouraged to apply to participate in the Hackathon.

    Application closes by 11:59 PM on Tuesday 4th December 2018

    Interested individuals and teams can register for the hackathon  via http://bit.ly/EmergeOndoHackathon

  • Ondo Assembly accuses Akeredolu of interference over Paris Club Fund

    The Ondo State Assembly has accused the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu of interfering with the legislative functions of the State Assembly over Paris Club Fund recently released to the State.

    Majority Leader of the State Assembly, Hon. Araoyinbo Olugbenga, while addressing the media at the weekend in Abuja blamed the Governor for inducing selected lawmakers to reorder the 2018 budget solely because of the fund.

    The lawmaker queried why the State Governor had to use the minority members of the State Assembly including two suspended and allegedly impeached Speaker of the Assembly to hurriedly recall and further passed the state 2018 appropriation.

    Olugbenga, who spoke alongside the Chairman, House Committee on Information,  Rt. Hon. Olotu Fatai described the act as illegal and such that could jeopardize interest of the state.

    According to him, the recalled budget was passed by eight lawmakers who were less than two third of the entire Assembly, thus unconstitutional to laws of the state.

    Read Also: Akeredolu urged to intervene on Ilaje chieftaincy tussle

    His Words: “Ondo state people are not incapacitated not to ask deep questions about the Paris club fund after thought explanation. The fact that six members and two suspended and impeached ones presided over the financial matters call for questions.

    “Minority members cannot reorder the budget so speedily even as government urged and induced them financially to do so. There were spending incurred outside the existing 2018 appropriation law. We asked to be allowed to vet the budget performance for proper accountability in line with rules out the house but the government became jittery.”

    He alleged further that, “the impeached and suspended leadership have been too compromising against the interest of the masses. All the invasions done to ensure the forceful passage of the governor’s reordering is in direct connection with the NURTW illegal activities within the hallowed chamber”.

    However, the lawmakers called for the intervention of appropriate authorities and urged the state governor to obey the principles of separation of power in government.

  • APC primaries exposed Oshiomhole’s incompetence, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries exposed the incompetence of its chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

    He described the primaries as “political charade”, saying they not only exposed the “sheer incompetence” of APC’s national leadership, but revealed “a shocking proclivity towards banditry and impunity”.

    Akeredolu said recent events justified his opposition to Oshiomhole’s choice as party chairman.

    According to him, those who feel aggrieved reserve the right to demand justice, including calling for Oshiomhole’s removal.

    The governor, however, restated his commitment to work “assiduously” for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, who he said is loved by the people of Ondo who see his re-election as a “patriotic duty”.

    Akeredolu, in a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy Dr Doyin Odebowale, was reacting to an allegation that three governors, led by Akeredolu, was bent on sabotaging the party.

    During a pro-Oshiomhole protest at the APC Secretariat in Abuja, Akeredolu’s name was mentioned as the “leader” of “conservatives” bent on working against the re-election bid of President  Buhari the removal of Oshiomole as APC chairman.

    But, Akeredolu, who described organizers of the protest as “opportunists”, denied the allegation that he led governors of Ogun, Kaduna Adamawa and Ekiti States against Oshiomole’s leadership.

    Akeredolu said he found the report laughable and distracting, adding that as a fiercely independent personality, he was not about to change his attitude to please any person or a group of persons.

    “There is no truth in the whole contrivance. The governor has been pre-occupied with matters of governance in Ondo State for which he was elected,” the statement said.

    Read Also: No development without unity, says Akeredolu

    Akeredolu recalled his “noble interventions” as Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President at critical moments in the cause of the progressives, including in restoring Oshiomole’s stolen mandate.

    The statement said: “The Governor had expressed preference for someone else during the contest for the office of the Chairman of the Party.

    “He did not hide his opposition to Mr Oshiomole’s aspiration for the simple reason that the leadership of a party, especially the one just emerging from a merger, should distance itself from egregious and inherently destructive narcissism.

    “Recent events seem to justify this position as prescient. Only sycophants will fail to see the obvious. Mr President would not have expressed worries over the crises in the Party if everything had gone on smoothly.

    “The handlers of the mob strive in vain to set the President against certain government functionaries considered antagonistic to their pernicious scheme for dominance.

    “Their devious plot to outsmart those perceived as opposing their expansionist tendency compelled them to take desperate measures. Anyone endowed with an attitude of sobriety should have seen the need for calm.

    “Rather than retrace their steps and display genuine contrition, their desperation pushes them to embrace measures capable of not only hurting the Party, but, regrettably, the President, whom they pretend to love so much.”

    Akeredolu said it was ludicrous that anyone would consider him a conservative.

    “Those who collected varying and humongous amounts as fees from aspirants during the last grandiose charade called primaries and submitted names dictated to them by a cabal, notorious for capturing political power for unbridled pillage, should be bold to explain their real motives to the people. They should be honest enough to deal with the issues.

    “Events, which took place across the country during the political charade, have exposed not only sheer incompetence on the part of the national leadership of the party, but painfully, it has revealed a shocking proclivity towards banditry and impunity.

    “It is becoming clear, increasingly, that party leadership at that level is seriously challenged in terms of capacity for serious engagements.

    “Arakunrin Akeredolu, SAN, does not need to move from ‘North’ to ‘South’ to collect signatures from victims of electoral heist. He was in Ondo State throughout last week.

    “He was at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, to deliver a lecture on restructuring a few days ago. He is at presently in Canada on a working visit.

    “Only the mob and their hirers can explain the imagined movement from North to South. However, those who feel aggrieved reserve the right to demand that justice be done. If this includes the removal of Mr Oshiomole, so be it.

    “May we seize this opportunity to reiterate the fact that the people of Ondo State are favourably disposed to the second term bid of Mr President.

    “Our people are unique; they are unwavering in their support for justice. They alone determine what is in their best interest at all times. The President is loved by the people of Ondo State.

    “All of us shall work, assiduously, for the President’s victory at the polls next year. We do not need any band of mendicants ready for hire to remind us of this sacred patriotic duty,” the statement added.

  • Abdulsalami,Soyinka,Akeredolu,others in BEARD identity

    NOBEL laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, veteran actor Pete Edochie, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and star actor Richard Mofe-Damijo have one obvious thing in common: their perfectly groomed beard. Although they are renowned for their outstanding accomplishments in different fields, their signature beards are as familiar as their names.

    It is no secret that long and medium beards have become one of the most popular trends for men. Perhaps because of their ability to change one’s looks and carve a unique kind of identity, more and more men tend to be embracing the idea of wearing a beard.

    However, most men above the age of 60 tend to see the idea of keeping and maintaining a beard as a mere waste of time. But not so for these stylish oldies who started keeping their beards in their younger days and have stayed faithful to them.

    By sporting and maintaining their enviable beards over the years, they have transformed not just their appearances but their styles, carving peculiar niche for themselves.

    The remarkable thing is that there is a beard style for every man. Whatever style you want to rock, whether it is the handsomely rugged one like Soyinka’s or the soft and subtle type like Richard Mofe-Damijo’s, you are sure of an identity that sets you apart from the crowd.

    So, young and upwardly mobile men seeking a new look this season can opt for one of these oldies’ looks to redefine their appearance. Whether you choose a short, medium or a long beard, regular maintenance is key.

  • Buhari, nine APC governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed doors with nine governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The governors that met with the President included Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

    Other are Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Sani Bello (Niger).

    Also at the meeting are Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa).

    Most of the governors have issues with the primaries held in their states.

    They were led out of the President’s office after about two hours’ meeting by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

    Kyari followed them to the entrance where they entered their vehicles.

    Read Also: NJC recommends dismissal of two judges

    He also drove in his vehicle and followed the governors as they moved out from the administration gate.

    But before the governors entered their vehicles, Okorocha spoke briefly to State House correspondents on the purpose of the meeting.

    He said: “We came to review the various crises characterizing our primaries especially the APC with a view to finding solution.

    “So, we are looking for a way out in this regard. We are going to find solution, our party believes in justice, equity and fairness.

    “We are requesting that let the right thing be done and let everyone contest the elections,” he said.

  • Rumblings in Ondo over APC’s disqualification of Akeredolu’s men from NASS Primaries

     

    …Action Illegal, A Declaration of War Against APC Constitution – Akeredolu

     

     

    …NWC should return Our Money or risk Mass Action- Adetimehin

     

     

    …Oshiomole has committed impeachable offence- Northern Governor

     

     

    … Edo Voters will vote those you imposed on Ondo people, group tells Oshiomole   

     

    The last minute controversial decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disqualify all aspirants loyal to the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from participating in the National Assembly Primaries of the party that is supposed to hold today across the state is currently causing palpable tension in the sunshine state.

     

    The party had on Monday in a statement by its Acting National Working Committee announced disqualification of all Aspirants running for Senate and House of Representatives where there’s an incumbent.

     

    The party disqualified a Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan from contesting to return Professor Robert Ajayi Borofice unopposed to run for third term among others across the state.

     

    But party executives from war to state level, cabinet members, party members and groups loyal to Akeredolu as splitting fire, warning the Adams Oshiomole led NWC of the party to be ready to face dire consequences if the action is not rescinded.

     

    Their grievances, amongst many things is that the last minute disqualification of Aspirants from participating in the primaries after fulfilling all requirements known to law to allow incumbent Senators and Reps to return unopposed is not only illegal but fraudulent, surreptitious, clandestine and irresponsible.

     

    Accusing the NWC of the party of breaching the party’s law and acting dictatorial, Akeredolu in chat with our correspondent on Wednesday asked APC’s NWC rhetorically “where do they derive powers to disqualify aspirants duly screened and certified  fit to stand for election under the guise of giving automatic  ticket to incumbent Senators and Reps members from”

     

    Buttressing his affirmation, a totally embittered Akeredolu fired another salvo “This is a declaration of war against our party constitution. The decision to rig out our loyal and committed members from exercising their right after collecting money for nomination form from them was taken by few individuals.

     

    “Legally, if such a fundamental decision is to be taking, it would have to be ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on behalf of the convention since the convention cannot be convened now. It is NEC that acts on behalf of the convention. But from nowhere, a gladiator of illegally took a decision to ban my people from exercising their rights and they expected me to comply? This action will certainly boomerang if not addressed” Akeredolu threatened.

     

    Corroborating Akeredolu, the Chairman of APC in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin said his people have given the NWC of the party 24 hours to withdraw the action or face a never-seen-before mass protest.

     

    “All we are saying is that APC in Ondo State does not agree with the position of the NWC. We met here and decide in favour of Indirect Primaries as method of selecting our candidates as stated in our party constitution but NWC overruled us; we complied, now, Abuja is saying no primaries again, they have imposed people, some of whom are not even our members in the face of law to fly our ticket. This is unacceptable.

     

    “Let me say very expressly that we shall wage war against the decision of some few cabal to turn our party to a rogue party. You cannot encourage people to obtain forms at such extravagant amount and then overnight tell them they aren’t allowed to contest. On what ground? This is fraudulent and an act of stealing by tricky.

     

    Exploding like a valiant soldier without a dint of fear, Adetimehin asked “why collecting money from party member for nomination form since you knew you wanted to give automatic ticket to some people? We demand a refund with accrued interest paid.

     

    “But let me say for the sake of clarity and without any fear or favour that this totalitarian action was not unilaterally taken by NWC, it was a decision of a few individuals acting the script of an oligarchy.” Adetimehin averred.

     

    In a related development, a Political Pressure Group, Change Nigeria Movement (CNM) has sent a sticker to the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole over the disqualification of all members of the party loyal to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from participating in National Assembly primaries, describing the action as a humiliation taken too far against a sitting Governor.

     

    Read also:New twists in battle for National Assembly tickets in Ondo

     

    The group wondered what the offence of Akeredolu is that he cannot be forgiven despite his unalloyed loyalty and tremendous commitment he has shown to the growth and sustenance of the party since it was founded years ago.

     

     

    In a statement on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, the National Secretary of the group, Comrade Adeniyi Bankole advised Oshiomole against running APC like Labour Movement, stressing that his action against loyal party members is an antithesis of all tenets known to democratic principles.

     

     

    The group who accused Oshiomole of causing division in Ondo APC, warned that the former President of Nigerian Labour Congress and Immediate past Governor of Edo Strate must be ready to bring voters from his country home to vote for those he imposed against the people of Ondo State in next year general election.

     

     

    “If truly the power of the people is the utmost in a democracy, we can assure Oshiomole that only his people from Edo State would vote for those he has imposed against our people in Ondo State. We declare him a personal-non-grata until he reversed his autocratic decision.”

     

     

    Furthermore, a governor from North West who does not want to be quoted for now told our reporter over the phone on Wednesday that Oshiomole has committed an impeachable offence. He said “It is at variance with the agreement reached between the Chairman of the party and the governors that everyone will be allowed to go and contest. The decision taken in Abuja was for everyone to go test his or her popularity at primaries.

     

     

    “The decision to disqualify so many people under the pretext of giving some people automatic ticket is antithesis of democracy because neither the APC constitution nor democracy allows that you give automatic ticket unless it is unanimously taken. You can only give automatic ticket if the people you are representing agree and that is what the constitution of the party defines as consensus.”

     

    Speaking further, the Governor said “If you have a preference for a candidate, the constitution allow you to support your candidate to win. There is no provision in the APC constitution that allows for automatic ticket.

     

    “As i am talking to you, 10 governors are aggrieved against Oshiomole but we shall see where it will all end. Ondo is boiling, there’s war in Niger, there’s no peace in Ogun State, Kebbi is not at ease, all with no thanks to Oshiomole” the governor said with an emotion-laden voice.

     

    Our correspondent gathered that APC Governors will meet later tonight or tomorrow to protest meet in Abuja to protest imposition of candidates by Oshiomole, threatening to fight it by all means necessary.

  • ‘Why Ondo commissioners, advisers are frugal’

    Former Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Health, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye has explained why government aides are not funded from the treasury.

    He said commissioners and special advisers now make use of civil servants instead of political appointees, adding that the proactive measure is boosting the Ondo State profile.

    He explained that backlog of salaries, gratuities of pensioners have been settled through the system.

    Adeyeye said the Akeredolu led administration was careful in defining the path for the people to follow, noting government was mindful not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

    He said: “When Governor Akeredolu cabinet was inaugurated, we met a debt of about N220 billion, seven months of arrears of salaries and pension unpaid. We met several billions of gratuities. But today, the government of Akeredolu does not owe salary and pension.

    “We now operate a lean cabinet, none of the state commissioner is allowed to engage personal assistant, outside the state civil service. All of us are working by ourselves and we chose civil servants as personal assistant that was a deliberate attempt not to increase the state wage bill.

    “You cannot imagine how much we save doing that, it unimaginable to say no council chairman, no commissioner; nobody should have personal assistant or special assistant.

    More importantly since this administration came on board, we refused to buy new vehicles.

    “We make do with the vehicles we met on the ground which have been abandoned. Things are looking better, because the IGR of the state has increased and it is steadily improving.

    “As I speak to you, the equipment for mining are being manufactured and being shipped into the state for installation. We have worked on many roads in the state, we initiated process to build a road from Araromi to Southern part of the state, very close to Igbokoda to Ibeju  Lekki .

    “It will shorten the distance from Ondo State to Lagos, we have initiated projects with NDDDC, and we are going to contribute our quota to make sure that the roads are completed, even if these are the only two things we are able to do in four years, it will change the economy of the state.”

    Adeyeye said he would contest for the House of Representatives to stand for Ondo Federal Constituency in 2019, noting that the people deserved better than what they currently have.

    According to him, only experienced hands in lawmaking could lobby to get the desired results, stressing he was in better position to achieve it.

    “It will be a disservice to my people, if I do not aspire to go to represent them. I mean looking at my experience as a former lawmaker in Lagos and having risen to the level of Majority Leader, it will not be a good thing for somebody like me to ignore the call to serve.

  • ‘We are not part of protest on power outage’.

    A youth group under the aegis of Ikale Development Initiative (IDI) on Wednesday dissociated itself from the protest over power outage NY a coalition of youths from Ondo South senatorial district over power outage.

    In a statement jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the group, Messrs Afolabi Ebilala and Denis Adeoye respectively, the group described the protest as politically motivated thereby disassociating itself from such sabotage.

    According to the statement, the brains behind the planned protest are individuals exploiting the plight of the people of the district to attack the state government in advancement of their parochial political interests.

    It reads “We, members of Ikale Development Initiative (IDI) hereby dissociate ourselves from this infantile and politically sponsored protest. We are particularly appalled that certain individuals could turn the plights of our people to a political weapon against the state government.”

    IDI described the timing of the planned protest as wrong and unwarranted most especially when the state government last week approved commencement of power intervention initiative through establishment of mini power grid in some communities in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

    The group reasoned that protests were not initiated by these individuals when the state government had not announced the approval of its power intervention initiative, thereby describing the move by the politicians as dead on arrival.

    Read Also: ‘Our husbands abandon us over six yrs power outage’

    “Without making noise and with all sense of measured decorum, our group, which comprises of Ikale youths from different parts of Nigeria, has lobbied the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Transmission Company of Nigeria and we have engaged the Ondo State government through the Office of Public Utilities where we received assurances that the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration is working on initiative to power some of our cri

    “We have carried out investigation and we now know two politicians who are using these individuals to portray the Ikales and the rest of the people of Ondo South as ungrateful impressionable beings.”

    While appreciating the state government for the intervention, IDI urged the contractors to move to site immediately.