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Tag: second term

  • Dickson in make or mar contest for second term

    Dickson in make or mar contest for second term

    THE battle over who occupies Creek Haven, the nickname for the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenogoa, the capital city, come February 14, 2016 has intensified with the recent announcement that the governorship election will take place on December 5, 2015. The race for the Government house has been on even before the recent general elections. But, it was only after the March and April polls that it became more pronounced. With the general elections concluded, the two major parties, the Peoples’ Democratic party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have started working towards the December election.

    The spate of defections in recent times from the PDP to the APC has set the stage for the December 5 election. Politicians are leaving the PDP in their numbers, to realise their political ambition in the APC, which is growing in popularity in the Southsouth state. For instance, scores of such politicians defected to the APC at the weekend, including a two-time member of House of Representatives Chief Warman Ogoriba, some former aides of incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson and their supporters. In recent times, former commissioners, such as Charles Opuola, Nelson Belief, Sylvanus Abila, and Ayiba Nelson have dumped the ruling party. Other party bigwigs such as Adolphus Ofongo, Lucky Yeboah, Romeo Ebizimor, Williams Ofoni, John Ebikake and Moses Tariebe have also joined the APC train. The Bayelsa chapter of the PDP has described the defectors as “traitors and enemies of the Ijaw nation”.

    Coming on the heels of the recent defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the state, the December election in Bayelsa is generating a lot of interests. Like Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi and Osun, there was no governorship poll in Bayelsa State during the last general elections. This is because of the nullification of the election of the election of former Governor Timipre Sylva in April 2008 by the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which necessitated the conduct of a fresh one.

    Sylva, again running as the PDP candidate, was overwhelmingly elected on May 24, 2008, with 588,204 out of about 598,000 votes cast. He was sworn in again three days later on May 27. Nevertheless, on January 27, 2012, his tenure was terminated by the Supreme Court with an acting governor appointed to oversee the state until the election of February 2012. One feature of previous elections in Bayelsa is that there were no keen contests; they were dominated by the ruling party.

    But, this time around, indications are that it is going to be a different ballgame. Observers say Jonathan’s defeat and the larger than life image of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of the APC appear to have altered the dynamics of politics in the state.

    The defeat of Jonathan at the polls has brought internal crisis in its wake within the state chapter of the PDP. This has elicited an element of disloyalty among its members. Others have even left the fold to join the APC, which is growing popular in the Southsouth state. Depending on who emerges as the party’s flag bearer, one cannot rule out a political tsunami that will see the ruling party at the centre wrestling power from the PDP.

    Governor Dickson had declared with confidence that Bayelsa will always belong to the PDP, despite the defeat of the former president. But, this can no longer be taken for granted with the recent incursions made by the APC into the House of Assembly, following the defection of four members and a senator from the state. The defections have ignited the fear of a possible tsunami during the governorship polls.

    Aside from Jonathan’s defeat and the rising profile of the APC, another factor that will shape the contest is the sentiment that the Southsouth is the last stronghold of the PDP. The Ijaw ethnic group that populates Bayelsa may want to go along with other states in the region that is predominantly PDP.  Indeed, the PDP and Governor Dickson seem to be a step ahead in terms of structure and finance.

    The defeat at the recent general elections notwithstanding, indications are that Jonathan will always remain a factor in Bayelsa politics. He has always been the stabilising factor in the PDP and the politics of the state. For many political appointees and elected representatives, the former President will always be their benefactor. In recent times Dickson has taken it upon himself to lead the party in the absence of the president. The Dickson-led PDP is battling to weed away perceived moles and parasites within the party, taking the bull by the horn and moving against perceived political enemies and those involved in alleged anti-party activities during the general elections.

    The move by the governor, which is generating tension among perceived opponents, is alleged to be an in-house cleaning process to flush out those loyal to the wife of the former president and those against the governor’s second term bid. This has generated internal crisis within the PDP chapter. In the last few months, some party stakeholders have been up in arms against the incumbent governor over the in-house cleaning process.

    For this reason, Dickson has personalities like the former Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Heineken Lokpobiri, his counterpart in Bayelsa Central, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Senator Ikisikpo, who has since defected to the APC and the former Senior Special Assistant to ex- President Jonathan on Domestic Matters, Wariponmowei Dudafagh, to contend with to realise his second term ambition.

    Dudafagh, according to reports, is the preferred candidate of former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, to succeed Dickson. Obviously aware of the opposition arrayed against him, the incumbent governor appears ready to go for the broke. Some weeks ago, the Bayelsa PDP, allegedly acting on Dickson’s promptings, suspended some members of the party, while others led by Dudafagha were out-rightly expelled for alleged anti-party activities.

    The main opposition party, the APC, is the major beneficiary from the crisis within the ruling PDP. Against the background of the defections from the ruling party to the APC, observers are in agreement that the December governorship race will no doubt be the toughest so far for the PDP, which has been at the helm of affairs in the state since the return of civil rule in 1999.

    Since the March 28 presidential elections, when the former president was defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the profile of the Timipre Sylva-led APC in Bayelsa State has been rising. Today, the APC is believed to be shopping for viable candidate to face the incumbent Governor Dickson at the polls. The open-door policy adopted by the party has attracted many viable contenders into its fold.

    The big names that are being mentioned in connection with the race for the APC ticket are: Sylva, former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and former managing director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe. Others are: former commissioner for health Frank Akpoebi; permanent secretary in the ministry of power, Godknow Igali; state APC chairman, Tiwe Oruminighe; Preye Aganaba, who recently lost his senatorial bid; General Manager of the State Transport Company, Ebitimi Angbare; and the Convener of the Nigeria Professionals Leadership Forum, Moses Siasia.

    Other candidates interested in running for the state’s number seat include Timi Alaibe, a former managing director, Niger Delta Development Commission and the former Bayelsa State commissioner for health Frank Akpoebi.

    Sylva

    For now, Sylva, who is the leader of the Bayelsa APC chapter, is believed to have excluded himself from the list of possible candidates for the December 5 governorship race. But, this based on the understanding that he may be given an appointment to serve in the administration of President Buhari.

    Alamieyeseigha

    There are strong indications that Alamieyeseigha is seeking to govern Bayelsa State again. It was learnt that this time around, Alamieyeseigha, who in his first tenure, was called ‘Governor General of Niger Delta,’ wishes to actualise his ambition on the platform of the APC.

    Alamieyeseigha became the first civilian governor of the state in 1999 and was re-elected for a second term in 2003. He was later convicted of corruption and money laundering, leading to his impeachment by the state House of Assembly. He was subsequently prosecuted and convicted. But, he was pardoned by President Goodluck Jonathan, who described him as his political benefactor.

    He is believed to be holding high-level consultations with APC stalwarts, to consider the possibility of running under the APC platform. He is trying to exploit the alleged frosty relationship between the incumbent governor and former Niger Delta militants. He has assured the APC leadership that with him as governor, the militants will feel comfortable.

    Alaibe

    Alaibe, who had sought the ticket of the PDP twice in 1999 and 2003, was again denied the ticket of the party by those considered his political fathers. His decision to seek the same governorship ticket on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) was thwarted allegedly by the former President Jonathan. Political observers are of the opinion that he may a good choice for the APC, if the party is serious about its intent to end PDP’s era in the state.

    Before his sabbatical from the politics, Alaibe was a prominent politician who came close to clinching the 2007 PDP governorship ticket. He was allegedly asked to step down for Jonathan by the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Anthony Anenih, the former Chairman, Board of Trustees. Though Alaibe stepped down from the race, he never got on well with Jonathan who won the 2007 governorship election. His political profile further took a downward slide following the surprise emergence of Jonathan as President in 2010.

    Nevertheless, Alamieyeseigha and Alaibe are yet to publicly declare for the APC.

    Anagbare

    Anagbare is the General Manager of the State Transport Company. Angbare, who has been quiet and hardworking aide in the Dickson’s administration, was the flag bearer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) during the 2007 governorship race in Bayelsa State. He created an upset, by getting the court to annul the election of Sylva. The re-run ordered by the Federal Court of Appeal, was however won by Sylva. Incidentally, the Counsel to Angbare during the election petition tribunal was the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Others

    Others in the shopping list of the APC for the December contest are: former Commissioner for Health, Chief Frank Akpoebi; permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknow Igali, the APC state chairman Tiwe Oruminighe; the Convener of the Nigeria Professionals Leadership Forum, Moses Siasia; and Preye Aganaba, who recently lost his senatorial bid.

    Given the mounting opposition, Dickson is believed to be fighting dirty to realise his second term bid. The Dickson camp has dismissed insinuations that the APC is on its way to ending the PDP’s 16-year reign in Bayelsa.

    The governor, the group maintained, promised the people in 2012 that if voted into power, he would embark on accelerated infrastructural development, provide robust education, transparency, security and reforms in the governance structure and the public service. It insists that since he won the election, he has largely delivered on his election promises.

    The defeat of Jonathan at the polls has brought internal crisis in its wake within the state chapter of the PDP. This has elicited an element of disloyalty among its members

     

  • ‘My second term ‘ll be better than first term’

    ‘My second term ‘ll be better than first term’

    Correspondent ADEKUNLE JIMOH, who witnessed the swearing in of Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for a second term, examines the challenge that will confront the administration and how the governor intends to tackle them.

    It was a colourful ceremony. Yet, it was a low-key event. Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was basking in the euphoria of victory. At the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin, the state capital, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters were jubilating.

    Scores of police men and other para-military security personnel were on hand to ensure their protection.

    The Senator from Kwara North, Alhaji Shaaba Lafiagi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, a member of the House Representatives, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed, ex-sports minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullah, and other dignitaries witnessed the ceremony.

    The Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Kawu, administered the oath on the governor and his deputy at noon.

    Indeed, May 29, the ‘Democracy Day,’ was a historic day.  Attesting to this, the governor said Kwara has re-elected a progressive administration. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki, other party leaders and the people for reposing a huge confidence in him.

    Ahmed said:  “I address you today humbled by your confidence in me, aware of the tasks that confront us and grateful for your trust.

    “On this Democracy Day, we remember the sacrifice of those who fought for our right to express our will, those who sacrificed so we can have a better tomorrow, those who laid the foundation of the democracy that we currently enjoy. For me, this day has added significance.

    “On this Democracy day, we welcome a new dawn. Today, we are witnesses to a shift in the national mood from despair to hope; from seeming helplessness to cautious optimism. On this day, we begin the job of building a new Kwara state, one that our people desire, and one that we all deserve.

    “I am also grateful to our leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, party stakeholders, members and supporters for finding me worthy to serve as your governor for a second term.”

    The governor hailed the electorate for giving him a fresh mandate to build on his first term record. However, he said:  “the real victors are the people who voted us with a conviction that we will do a much better job of making their lives better and more prosperous. And to them, I say a big thank you. By the grace of God, I will not let you down.”

    Ahmed urged Kwarans to make sacrifices as the challenges ahead are as enormous as they are daunting.

    Said he: “By now, most of you know the challenges we face. Our national economy is on its knees. Global oil prices, the mainstay of our economy, are dropping daily, limiting our ability fulfill our obligations. These challenges are enormous but we refuse to give in to despair. We must all be prepared to tighten our belts, to make sacrifices, and moderate our expectations of government.”

    The governor added that his administration’s priority remains the people’s welfare.

    Unfolding his plans, he said: “We will build more schools, roads, hospitals, power projects and structures needed to get more of our youths working, businesses growing, food on more tables and greater prosperity for everyone who calls Kwara state home.

    “This administration will upscale development and boost entrepreneurship to get a greater number of our youths working. Starting from today, we will begin the work of transforming our state to the North Central’s economic hub.

    We will create a new frontier of prosperity where everyone has the opportunity to better their lives subject only to their willingness to apply themselves.

    “We intend to enhance functional education and expand access to formal education. We will overhaul an initial 120 secondary schools across the state by building 1,274 new classrooms and rehabilitating 2,000 existing classrooms.

    “Also, we will open new campuses for the Kwara State University, KWASU in Ilesha-Baruba with the establishment of the College of Agricultural Science and another one in Osi where we will locate the new College of Architectural and Environmental Studies.

    “Furthermore, the International Vocational Center, Ajase-Ipo will be fully equipped and operational this year in line with our determination to provide our youths with critical vocational skills for entrepreneurship.

    “In keeping with our determination to bring portable water within the reach of all residents, we will expand the Malete and Okuta Waterworks and begin work on Oyun Water Works to meet the needs of an estimated 180, 470 people in seven communities.

    “Also, the final phase of the Ilorin Metropolis Water Reticulation and Distribution Network will be completed to bring piped-water to every connected home in Ilorin and environs.”

    On the health sector, he promised to expand the state’s health system with the establishment of two primary health care centers, four comprehensive health centers, and remodeling of an extra five general hospitals across the three senatorial districts.

    He said: “We will therefore upscale the existing urban electrification programme with solar streetlights along major access roads in Offa, Omu-Aran, Lafiagi, Patigi, Kaiama, and Share-Tsaragi.

    “We will restore existing public-powered streetlights across the Ilorin Metropolis. Still in the power sector, we will complement existing investment strategies with the establishment of a 100-megawatt Independent Power Plant in Kwara North.

  • How Ajimobi broke second term jinx

    How Ajimobi broke second term jinx

    Oyo State is a politically sophisticated state. It is a complex state to govern. This assertion was made by the late Chief Bola Ige in his book: People, Politics and Politicians of Nigeria.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi experienced the complexity in his first term. The governor encounted serious challenges due to the opposition to his policies and programmes from unexpected quarters. Some of the challenges include the upsurge in political violence, the unrest over the increment in tuition fees of state institutions, the opposition to his second term bid and the socio-economic implications of the flooding in the state, particularly the capital city of Ibadan.

    A day after his inauguration in 2011, students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan took to the streets to protest the hike in their tuition fees. Ajimobi inherited unpaid salary of the workers. He also inherited the face-off between Oyo State Government and the Osun State Government over the ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho (LAUTEC).

    The governor described the move by the students as a politically motivated protest because they did not allow the new government to settle before embarking on the protest. Analysts said it was a good protest at the wrong time. The governor was compelled to order the management of the institution to revert to the old school fees to avoid chaos.

    The Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the discontinuation the outrageous fees was meant to end the crisis. He explained that the governor gave the order following the misunderstanding of the details of the earlier order for a reduction of the fees by 50 per cent, by the authorities of the school. On the other hand, the LAUTEC crisis, which had lingered for close to three years, was resolved in less than six months of his assumption of office.

    As the government was settling down, some Ibadan residents were displaced by heavy rains and flooding, which also destroyed some bridges, on July 16, 2012. The government, in collaboration with some private sector operators, lodged the displaced persons in some school premises before reconstructing their houses.

    Areas worst hit included Apete and a link road that leads to Army Barracks, Odo-Ona Elewe and Sabo area of the state. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Bosun Oladele, said there was no casualty. He said government had to demolish some structures that were damaged as a result of the rainstorm.

    Oladele added: “It seems as if we are driving the water; it is finding its way. Some of the structures that were not marked for demolition before were being exposed and the government would have no choice than to continue with the demolition. But, on the whole, we thank God that no casualty was recorded.”

    In 2012, there was a rumour that the governor’s wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, was arrested by the London Metropolitan Police for money laundering. Mrs. Ajimobi arrived Nigeria the following day, saying it was a mere rumour. She told reporters on arrival: “I am here live as you can see. I have never had any encounter with the London Metropolitan Police and I know I will never have.

    “This has shown the true test of any human being’s ability to stand firm in times of crisis and controversy. My arrest is just a rumour and I think the time has come for us in Nigeria to stop playing dirty politics.”

    Ajimobi courted more controversy in his effort to embark on his urban renewal programme. In the process, some structures affecting the free-flow of traffic in the capital had to be demolished to ease traffic.

    As a result, traders took to the streets to register their displeasure. The Otun Iyalaje of Ibadanland, Chief Victoria Coker, led the traders to the Governor’s Office to register their grievances.

    Ajimobi had challenged those whose houses were mistakenly demolished by agents of the government to come forward. The governor said on his last appearance on his monthly programme on television, E pade gomina (meet your governor) before the recent general elections that, since he has been urging people to come and lodge complaint about houses that may be unjustly demolished, nobody responded because his administration did not actually demolish houses that may have been unjustly, but rather had built more houses and shops. He called on the people playing dirty politics to desist from such behaviour.

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has made history by breaking the second term jinx. JEREMIAH OKE highlights the factors that aided his victory at the poll.

    When former Governor Alhaji Lam Adesina died after a brief illness Ajimobi became the party leader and he was of settling disputes in the ruling party. This is because the late Adesina was also the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. This made governance and party affairs tedious for  the governor. Thus, during the campaign for his second term, Ajimobi was playing dual role of the leader of party and government in the state.

    The governor was accused by opponents of inflating projects. Former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who later contested the governorship election against Ajimobi, alleged that the governor inflated the cost of the fly-over at Mokola Roundabout, in the capital city. Drama ensued at a Governorship Debate organized by Ibadan’s first private radio station, Splash 105.5 FM, when the moderator, Mr. Edmund Obilo, called on Ajimobi to confirm or refute the allegation.

    The governor was calm in his response. He said: “I think there is the need for education here. Now, if you go and check the records, Mokola Bridge was conceived in 1976. It was in the report of Dr. Olunloyo (former governor); it’s not even a bridge. It is a flyover, and the flyover should be constructed. And during Senator Ladoja’s government, they produced estimates and so on and so forth. Based on what they produced, we called the engineers, the same engineers in the ministries and they studied it and they brought their estimate. In fact, it was very close to each other, except that inflation of cost, the price of cement in 2004 and 2005 is different from the price of cement now. So, you don’t expect the same price. However, every contract must be done at an estimated cost by the ministry. So, the ministry provided the cost of N2.1 billion for that flyover. In between the cost estimate, there was a price increase of petroleum products. Hence, the price jumped by about 40 per cent. When I was building my house, cement was N3; today cement is no longer N3. So, the price was adjusted. The cost of living index also increased by over 50 per cent. In this case, the price with all the other adjustments became N2.9 billion. When you compare your cost of projects, if you are an engineer, and, if you understand project costing, you will know that the cost of any project depends on so many factors and your cost elements, the infrastructure of the road you are doing, the furniture of the road you are doing, the areas of requirement, in terms of moving. So, generally speaking, my answer is without any reservation, the price of that flyover, when you compare it, relatively speaking, even with Ogun State, is a very competitive price.”

    When Ladoja was given the chance to respond again, he said: “I want to say that my brother is very good at giving statistics. But, what we are saying is that we compared Ogun State flyover, which is double lane and one and a half times our own, and we discovered that, for every N1 Ogun State spent, we spent N6. That is why we cried out. Secondly, we said Ogun State allowed trailers to pass through theirs because it was pile foundation, ours was raft foundation. Two things we complained about: the Molete Bridge was built decades back; they provided for trailers to pass through, it was double lane and Ogun State was also double lane, nearly one and a half times our length here and it cost them less than our own. That is what we are saying. Is he saying the terrain of Mokola is worse than that of Ogun State, which is very close to the Ogun River? I still insist that the price was not correct.”

    He said, some people were sacked in the ministry because they refused to endorse the bills.”

    The governor responded, saying: “Ah, egbon, nobody was sacked for not signing. If you look at the papers, everybody signed but let me answer your question. The difference between a flyover and a bridge…” Ladoja however briskly interjected that “Ogun State was also a flyover”.  Ajimobi later said: “When you are doing comparisons, you must compare apples and apples”. It got to the peak when the governor pointed out that the flyovers being compared were handled by the same contractor and Senator Ladoja described that as “the pity of it”. Ajimobi explained further: “Let me explain now. Ee ni information egbon. (You are ill-informed my elder brother). I want you to go and check the records, the width for our own flyover is about 10 metres, Ogun State flyover is 11.2 metres, our own length is about 540 metres, their own length is 360 metres. Go and check, you are lying egbon, iro le npa.

    Ajimobi also revealed how political opponents forced him to flee from the Government House to his private residence, in Ibadan.

    He said opponents directed evil traditional sacrifices (known as ebo in Yoruba) at him. Speaking during the eighth-day Fidau prayers for the late Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Baosari Haruna, Ajimobi said some desperate politicians tried to send him out of the Government House through many devilish means.

    His words: “They first came to you as Alfas to give them prayers that will send me out of office. But, my own Alfa’s prayers superseded theirs. Every morning, I go out for exercise. If you know the Government House very well, it has many interchanges, popularly called orita, I see all kinds of sacrifices (ebo) placed at these junctions.

    “Worried by these developments, some of you, my Alfas here, advised me to move out of the Government House to render their evil plots useless.’’ The governor said he had to leave “to thwart the evil plots of these desperate politicians.”

    All these factors almost affected his second term ambition. But, his achievements helped him to overcome the challenges. But, with all the gimmicks by his opponents, Ajimobi recorded unprecedented achievements in the last four years.

    Oyo State used to record a high number of violence before Ajimobi became governor. But, today, people can go to bed with their two eyes closed. A members of the House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Adigun-Hammed, said, if the present administration did not achieve anything, it achieved peace. He added: “If Ajimobi did not achieve anything, at least he achieved peace which is the bedrock of development in any given society. In terms of road network, Ajimobi has done well. Education has improved, compared to what we used to have in the past. Ask those who are campaigning against Ajimobi the rate of violence during their time. Ask them what they were able to achieve during their time. Their machinations did not work during the last elections. I think we are ripe enough to see through the politics of bitterness that was unleashed against the governor.”

    A member of House of Representatives from Ibadan North Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Dada-Awoleye, hailed Ajimobi’s achievements, saying it was the main reason why he was re-elected.

    According to him, the road constructed by Ajimobi is of international standard and cannot be compared to the sub-standard ones constructed by his predecessors. He said: “Ajimobi has set a prototype of governance for those who are coming behind on how to be a leader. What we are experiencing today is beyond what people expected. Let me start with the Mokola fly-over, nobody believed that place could be managed well, in such a way that eased traffic flow. The people of Oke-Ogun voted for him because of the standard of the roads he constructed in the area. The three campuses of the Polytechnic, Ibadan have been given autonomy, so as to stand on their own.

    “The transportation scheme in the capital and other major towns has also helped to ease the movement for our people. He built markets across the state and promised to build more. A trader from the South Camp, prayed for the governor, saying he is a man of God. Ajimobi bought vehicles to convey the civil servants from the secretariat to their houses. Before he came on board, Oyo State used to be among the dirtiest cities in Africa. Today, we have improved. Nobody has ever done such a thing in the annals of the Oyo State history.”

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who pleaded for anonymity, disagreed with the lawmaker on the issue of education. He however, commended the administration in other areas. He said: “The problems we had during our (PDP) time were that we did not get our priorities right. In that respect, I want to give it to Ajimobi and his party. But, on the issue of education, I disagree with you. Are you telling me that primary and secondary education have improved, when some of our teachers are yet to receive their salaries? When most of our students are going to school with their chairs and tables? When the school structures are dilapidated. When our position in the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) is dropping? Let me tell you, any government that failed in the area of education has failed in all aspect.”

  • My plan for second term, by Ajimobi

    My plan for second term, by Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has broken the second term jinx. In this report, BISI OLADELE, who covered the swearing-in at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, the state capital, gives an insight into the governor’s plans for the Pacesetter State  in the next four years

    Residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, particularly those living around Liberty Road, will not forget Friday May 29 in a hurry. A carnival-like atmosphere pervaded the area, as a procession of dignitaries, politicians, supporters, ordinary folks, traders, beggars, itinerary drummers, entertainers and security operatives took over the streets. Guests and supporters parked their vehicles up to one kilometre away from the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), venue of the swearing in ceremony for the Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his deputy. Only few vehicles were allowed to drive to the venue.

    There was congestion around the main gate to the venue, as pedestrians struggled to gain entrance into the main bowl of the stadium. Pandemonium was almost let loose when Governor Ajimobi drove in. People struggled to catch the glimpse of the man a former Deputy Governor, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, described as “a man of history”. Ajimobi happens to be the first governor to win a second term in the state.

    When the ceremony got underway, they were not disappointed. They listened to the governor with rapt attention, as he eulogized them for their support and also laid bare his plans for them for in the next four years.

    After taking the oath of office with his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, he assured everyone that he would be fair to all residents of the state, irrespective of their political leanings. He added that his victory for second term humbled him.

    In a long address laced with rhetorical fervour, Ajimobi emphasized: “One thing I assure you all is that, I will be the governor of all; the governor of my friends and foes. I will offer all my shoulders to lean on in time of your sorrow and my palm for a ‘high-five’ in your moments of exciting happiness. I will care for the vulnerable in our state, protect those afflicted by existential hazards and misfortune and bring smiles to the faces of those hit by the harsh sun of the time.”

    The inauguration ceremony was, however, low-keyed, reflecting the economic situation in the country. Ajimobi, who arrived at the stadium in company of his family members around 11:36 am, took his oath of office at exactly 12:33 pm. The oath was administered by the state’s Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ladipo Abimbola.

    While expressing his gratitude to God and to the electorates for giving him the opportunity to be the first governor to take the oath twice, Ajimobi said his victory was a call to re dedicate himself to the good people of the state. His words: “I am eternally grateful that you rose above the massive hate and smear campaigns designed to demonize our huge sacrifices and achievements of the past four years. You cared not for the tale that no governor was ever re-elected in our state. You would not allow that past history to determine your approaching future. You chose not to succumb to fear or fable. You voted as your conscience and beliefs led you. You used your votes to break the alleged jinx that hovered over our politics.

    “We clearly heard you when you said that, like every human being created by the Most High God, our human limitations as individuals and as an administration were inconsequential, placed side by side our monumental commitment and passion to make a difference in Oyo State. We heard you clearly.

    “Since 1976 when our state was created, seven of us have stood before you to take the governorship oath; 26 in all have administered our state, either as the defunct Western Region or its eventual reincarnation as Oyo State. The Almighty, in His wondrous ways, ably assisted by the audacity of your votes, has made me the only of those numerous men to take the governorship oath a second time.”

    Thereafter, he rolled out a six-point agenda for his second term, in line with the manifesto of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor laid bare his plan to consolidate on his achievements in six cardinal areas. These are: peace and security, transparent governance, infrastructural development, quality education and healthcare, financial re-engineering and agriculture.

    He said: “The policy thrust of the government from 2015-2019 shall be guided by the manifesto of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as our personal desire to leave imperishable legacies that will carve out immortality for us as individuals and government. We will productively utilize our learning curves of the first four years to transform Oyo State into a place of pride. The cardinal thrust of our administration from today till May 29, 2019 shall be: Consolidation of peace and security in the state; deepening inclusive and transparent governance; widening the scope of infrastructure development and upgrade of the 2015 Urban Renewal Initiatives; Human Capital Development founded on quality education, skill acquisition and healthcare delivery; re-engineering of our socio-economic infrastructure for economic emancipation and progress, with a goal to repositioning the finance of the state; and revitalization and development of agriculture and agro-allied industry for value addition.

    “In a bid to achieve these, we will make human capital development the cornerstone of our policies. Indeed, every of our cardinal programmes shall be founded on a solid superstructure that is fixated on human capital. Thus, none of the programmes shall be executed without firmly prefixing within them the quest to better the lives of our people.

    “We will take seriously the upgrade of schools to functional, modern models of learning. Their physical infrastructure will be ensured and our commitment to the mental development of our children, as well as upgrade of their teachers, will be irrevocable. We will rededicate ourselves to a healthcare programme that is premised on qualitative health for a greater number of people.

    “Our urban renewal initiative will be consciously primed on the need to create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed people in the state, as well as capitalize on the need to ensure a surging traffic of investors keen on platforming on the transformation of the state into an urban metropolis. Our urban renewal programme will be founded on a waste-to-wealth initiative that will utilize waste for generation of electricity and exploit its urea by-product

    “With the realization of the paucity of funds from the federal purse, we will re-engineer our finances and economy towards the financing of our lofty milestone projects. We will in this wise restructure our finance to improve the economic viability of the state and reduce our dependence on federal allocation without which we, at present, cannot meet our financial obligations, not in the least payment of salaries and wages.

    “In all these, the widely tested and effective Public Private Partnership will be explored in bringing development to our people. We will utilize the effectiveness of the tripod of purposeful political leadership, unalloyed commitment to a peaceful Oyo State and exploration of the God-endowed arable lands at our disposal for the realization of our goals.”

    Despite the low-keyed nature of the ceremony, dignitaries and residents of the state from all walks of life trooped out in large number to witness the historic event.

    Dignitaries present at the ceremony include: the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, who was represented by High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul-Ganiyu Ajinase Ologunebi; legal luminary, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) and industrialists Chief Bode Amoo and Chief Kola Daisi.

    Others are; Oyo State Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade; Chief Adebayo Akande, Archbishop Alaba Job; Pastor Samuel Abiara;  Bishop Taiwo Adelakun; Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul-Ganiyu Agbotomokekere; former military administrator of the state, Col. Ahmed Usman; heads of security agencies in the state, politicians, artisans teachers, civil servants and the masses.

    As usual, traders enjoyed good business around the stadium on the day.

  • Ajimobi and challenges of second term

    Ajimobi and challenges of second term

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi made history when he won his second term election on April 11. He became the first governor to break the second term jinx in the state. As he takes another oath of office on Friday, BISI OLADELE takes a look at the daunting challenges before the man of history in the next four years.

    The April 11 governorship election came with much anxiety in Oyo State. Many voters were gripped with fear. They thought the outcome with cause confusion because the major contenders were crowd pullers. Of the pack of contenders,  five were notable. They were Ajimobi, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Sen. Teslim Folarin and Seyi Makinde. Ajimobi was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ladoja was the Accord candidate. Alao-Akala was of Labour Party (LP). Folarin was for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Makinde ran on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Aside Folarin and Makinde, the others are former governors.

    Each of the candidates ran successful campaigns, making the result too close to call. But, after the exercise, Ajimobi was declared winner, beating his closest rival, Ladoja, with over 70,000 votes.

    But, now that Ajimobi begins a second term on Friday, the challenges before him will overshadow the joy of the unique victory. He faces huge tasks – politically, economically and socially.

    Unity APC

     The rank of the APC in Oyo State is widening by the day with new entrants. Many are defecting to the ruling party. Others are joining the party afresh. This is largely due to the party’s appeal and the success of its primaries for all categories of aspirants before the election. Added to this is the growing number of professionals within the party and the good leadership being offered by Ajimobi and others in position of authority.

    Besides, the party’s success in the presidential and governorship elections is pulling many politicians into the APC.

    The governor may also receive hands of comradeship from those he defeated in the election in alliance in their quest for continued political relevance.

    With the growing strength of the party, Ajimobi faces a huge task of having to patronize the various units that make up the whole. A similar scenario played out in 2011 when it took him about three months to set up his cabinet.

    Oke-Ogun bloc

    Related to this is the implication of the voting pattern in the election. For producing the highest number of votes’ in terms of percentage that gave Ajimobi victory, the Oke-Ogun zone, which comprises 10 out of the 33 local governments that make up the state, may expect more reward. Every time, there is a logjam in the scramble for political appointments and privileges.

    Also, the departure of Senators Femi Lanlehin and Ayo Adeseun, which gave room for three new senators to emerge on the platform of the party, as well as absence of any other political leader after Lam Adesina’s death, left Ajimobi as the leader of the APC in Oyo State. Though he has successfully done this since 2012 when Adesina passed on, combining political leadership with governance for another four years will not be an easy task.

    Raising a successor

     It is expected that the governor will begin to give a thought to grooming a successor. The reasons are clear. He needs to groom a candidate that can win election for the party and sustain good legacies.

    Dwindling revenues

    A few projects, which the governor started, need to be completed or sustained. Yet, he may want to consider some he could not start in the first term due to certain factors. For instance, the governor would want to complete the pipe borne water project he started in various zones in the state. In Ibadan, he renovated the popular Asejire Dam and Eleyele Dam to revive the era of stable water supply. He repeated this in Oke-Ogun and Ayete area of Ibarapa zone. The efforts resulted in improved water supply. But, requires more funds to fully execute. A total stoppage would return water supply to the near zero level of the pre-Ajimobi days.

    Another example is the urban renewal project, which has seen major parts of Ibadan, the state capital, beautified and looking cleaner. But, dwindling federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have combined to stifle the sustenance of the lofty project.

    Ajimobi may have abandoned his dream to construct a circular road around Ibadan. The project, according to him in 2012, would have development corridors with advantages, including transforming the economy of the state, job creation and traffic ease all round the city. These and other projects have been affected by the paucity of funds. These may also constitute a challenge for the governor during his second term.

    Juxtaposing voters’ high expectations on provision of social amenities, particularly roads, bridges and hospitals in the city outskirts, rising number of the state’s workforce due to recent employment of 5,300 teachers on the one hand and dwindling revenue on the other, presents another challenge for the governor.

    Consolidation

    Ajimobi succeeded in many areas in his first term. He was particularly outstanding in the areas of security and infrastructures development. He made some landmarks in education, including granting autonomy to three tertiary institutions. He built modern markets and many primary Health Centres across the state while he also offered huge help to traders, artisans and other small scale entrepreneurs.

    The situation requires that he consolidates his previous achievements, particularly in health, education and agriculture.

    All these requires huge funds which are dwindling by the day.

    Having managed the affairs of the state successfully for four years, it is believed that the governor would take his time to tackle the challenges as a true modern-day leader.

    “With the growing strength of the party, Ajimobi faces a huge task of having to patronize the various units that make up the whole. A similar scenario played out in 2011 when it took him about three months to set up his cabinet”

  • Gov. Amosun deserves second term

    SIR: It is an acceptable norm that a democratically elected government must aspire to meet the needs of the people that voted it into power. It is also mandatory for the same government, to listen, carry along and feed the people back about its activities. The strength of a good government lies in its legitimacy that comes from the ballot box.

    When a government voted into power refuses to perform or meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people, the electorate have the right to reject such government by voting it out of power in subsequent elections. This means that when a government becomes destructive and retrogressive, the same people that empowered it with their votes can abolish or terminate such government.

    Now getting back to the main issue, which is Senator Ibikunle Amosun: This amiable governor has within three and half years of being in the saddle proved critics wrong by being responsive and progressive in the discharge of his duties to the people of the state.  Upon his assumption of office and in his address to the people of the state, he openly exposed the debt profile of the state, and how government properties were being sold out with impunity.

    But he came into power with his reform agenda and managerial acumen to rebuild and recover the lost fortunes and glories of the state. Today, the common man is not only happy in the gateway state, but peace which once eluded the people some years ago has totally returned. Today the entire three senatorial zones in the state are witnessing massive reconstruction and rebuilding process with roads, schools and healthcare institutions top the list of agenda.

    Also, Senator Amosun has done very well to reposition the economy of the state. He has further demonstrated the servant role of a government to its people. The governor has taken the Internally Generated Revenue

    (IGR) to an enviable and sustainable position, thus deriving some funds to embark on infrastructural development. A government is worth protecting and supporting for continuity if it met the yearnings of the people. The people have seen this in the government of the day in Ogun state.

    No nation or state survives without paying major attention to its educational

    sector. Here in Gateway State in which he has given the primary, post primary and the state tertiary institutions very good attention, by increasing their funding and stabilizing the academic calendar. Students now learn in a

    better and more conducive environment.

    The people of the state can now see what the government is spending their money on. Amosun has further proved the essence and importance of taxation to rural and urban development, through the provision of essential services like good road network, water, health facilities and the rest to the people.

    In life, you don’t loose a winning team; rather you encourage them to do

    more. Senator Ibikunle Amosun has so far done well. We can only encourage him to do better, through mobilization and support for continuity beyond 2015.

     

    • Ademola Orunbon

    Federal Housing Estate, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

     

  • Imo 2015: Can Okorocha beat strongmen to second term?

    Imo 2015: Can Okorocha beat strongmen to second term?

    Governor Rochas Okorocha has done well and is campaigning for reelection on this score. But he has to stave off serious oppositions from strongmen to achieve his aim, reports Sunday Oguntola 

    Left to the common folks, Governor Rochas Okorocha is as good as reelected. They are impressed with his giant, visible projects in the state, which have elevated their living conditions and restored their confidence in good governance. Okorocha, an astute philanthropist, knows how to connect with the grassroots.

     

    His scorecards

    Long before he was elected governor, Okorocha has been running many projects and programmes to touch the common folks. His schools in Jos are attended free of charge by the downtrodden in addition to several mouth-watering projects for their pleasure. Since his administration came into being, Okorocha has taken populist policies to an incredibly high level.

    His novel initiatives have wowed even his staunchest critics. The checklist can be intimidating for the boldest opponents. It includes an asphalted 1,000km of roads, though his aides claim he has done even greater kilometers. Each of the 27 local governments has a brand new general hospital, a move that has brought healthcare closer to the masses.

    All the electoral wards can boast of 305 classroom blocks, courtesy of the current administration. Okorocha has also built the Ecumenical Centre, Douglas Souvenir House, Freedom Square, Hero’s Square and Bongo Square. The Government House is wearing a new look after intensive renovation by the governor; so is the former legislators’ quarters.

    Surely, his most audacious policy is the free education scheme across the primary and secondary schools of the state. The policy has increased school enrolment, though critics point out it has also reduced the quality of education as exemplified in the poor showing of the state in external examinations. He took the free education to an unimaginable level two years ago when he introduced the scheme to tertiary institutions. Initially restricted to indigenes, the scheme has since been expanded to include non-indigenes, who enjoy 100 percent tuition-free education.

    Many indigent students and their parents have indicated they will support Okorocha’s reelection bid to forestall the possibility of policy reversal. The governor has won their hearts and they would do anything to retain him in office. The Community Government Councils (CGCs), which he introduced to the grassroots has also given common folks a sense of belonging in his governance.

    Tagged ‘local governors’, the community liaison officers have become powerful forces in the improvised town unions with traditional rulers, leading to massive, rapid community development. Though the initiative pitched him against forces in the state, Okorocha has weathered the storm in an amazing manner that has justified the innovation.

    Based on these, ordinary Imo indigenes have no qualms with Okorocha winning a second term. He also has the incumbency factor in his favour. But a second term takes more than populist programmes and policies. There are formidable forces arrayed against the governor’s bid to return to power.

     

    The battles against strongmen

    The first is the quality of opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which lost the seat to Okorocha in 2011, remains formidable in the state. Its governorship candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is a politician with intimidating credentials. He is the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives with lots of war chests. In him, PDP has found a man who can truly challenge Okorocha for the governorship race.

    Ihedioha has told everyone who cares to listen that Okorocha’s achievements are artificial. He said the governor has only been playing to the gallery without addressing the real issues. If elected, he promised to take Imo to its rightful place of pride in the nation. While his campaigns have been very visible, the crowds that fill the venues, critics say, are mostly rented.

    Much as he remains optimistic, Ihedioha’s election bid is bedeviled by party internal wrangling. The PDP, in the state, has been enmeshed in a bitter supremacy battle since the disputed December 8 primary. A faction believes that Senator Ifeanyi Ararume won the contest. The former senator has gone to court and the case is still pending.

    Last week, supporters of Ararume told our correspondent that the battle has reached a no-retreat stage. Despite pleas and appeasements from the national secretariat of the PDP, Ararume and his supporters have refused to be assuaged. They claim the ticket was wrongfully delivered to Ihedioha and vowed to fight the injustice.

    Ihedioha has to address the ‘civil war’ in his party to have any serious chance of contending for the governorship seat. How far he can do that remains to be seen. He is also seen as aloof and arrogant. Many believe he is not a grassroots politician, having been in Abuja as a federal legislator for 12 consecutive years. His empowerment projects, his critics, say are anything but popular.

     

    The zoning controversy

    But he has certain advantages over Okorocha. One, the zoning arrangement in the state favours him. It is believed that it is the turn of Owerri zone to have a shot at the governorship. To pro-zoning ardent, Orlu zone has been on the driver’s seat for 12 years since 1999. Achike Udenwa, from Orlu, was governor from 1999-2007.  Okigwe zone got the seat through Ikedi Ohakim from 2007-2011. But Ohakim lost out at the primary, dashing his zone’s hope of completing an eight-year stint.

    Those in support of zoning sniff at the prospect of having Orlu zone doing 16 years on the saddle should Okorocha be re-elected. This is more so when Owerri zone has not had a shot at the seat since 1999. Being from Owerri, Ihedioha is favoured by the zoning arrangement. Mbaise, his hometown, is noted for large voting population. His choice of Chuma Nnaji as running mate is also considered an advantage.

    Nnaji was Deputy Speaker in Imo from 2003-2007. He also served as a commissioner. Their combination is perceived as a major plus for legislative governance in the state.

     

    Ihenacho joins the fray

    But the governorship contest is not a two- horse race. There is also the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which is fielding Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, a former Minister of Interior. Though a late entrant into the race on the account of a debilitating eligibility suit; Ihenacho is not an upstart or an opposition to just wish away. APGA still retains some support base in the state, like in most South-East states.

    Ihenacho, from Emekuku in Oweri-North Local Government Area, is also favoured by the zoning factor. But it is believed that the eligibility suit against him that was just dispensed had taken off shine from his campaign. His critics said he is coming into the race a bit late and battered.

  • ‘Okorocha’s policies ‘ll guarantee him second term’

    ‘Okorocha’s policies ‘ll guarantee him second term’

    The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of Imo State University (IMSU), Prince Alex Mbata, says Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s  policies will earn him people’s vote at the election. He spoke with reporters in Owerri, the state capital.

    What is your view on the governor’s policies? It has received a lot of bashing with some of his political opponents saying it is not working?

    You need to go to Imo State and ask the people if it is working or not. It is not enough for some people to stay in Lagos and throw stones instead of commending the good job Owelle is doing. The truth is that Imo has never had it so good not just in education but on all fronts. But if there is any area the governor has scored close to 100 per cent, it is in education. His free education program alone is enough to give him second term in office. Students in the state primary and secondary schools are not just going to school free but getting stipends and things like uniform and sandals. The people of Imo are no fools , they know a government that has done well and would do everything to ensure continuity with their votes. Education is the biggest industry in Imo state and Owelle’s government has invested heavily in that area and as I said earlier that alone is enough to bring him back to Douglas House. In fact, as things stand now there is no vacancy there. Outside education, the governor has equally done well. For the first time since after Mbakwe, we are having a government that is developing every part of the state simultaneously. Go to Orlu, Okigwe , Uguta, the story is the same. So, why won’t such a governor get a second term. What Imo people should rather be praying for is for the governor to keep doing what he has started when he returns. His rescue mission agenda must continue. Imo can’t afford to return to the land of Egypt when we are on the march to the promised land.

    Whatare your plans for the university?

    I must start by saying a big thank you to Governor Okorocha for the appointment, which came late last year. I m happy the governor deemed me fit to serve the state in that capacity and I won’t disappoint him and the people. First, my vision is to take the university to the next level. I m by his grace a very successful entrepreneur. Whatever I touch becomes gold and this is courtesy of God’s grace and now that I m involved in the state university, I will do my best to ensure that it becomes one of the best in the country. You know many employers don’t want to engage graduates of state universities, but IMSU will be different. You know the governor is passionate about education and with his support we will make IMSU a real citadel of learning. I have held meetings with the authorities of the university and we are going to ensure that the problems of the university are solved.

    So far, what have you identified as the major problems of the university?

    As you know the university is a young one when compared with the first generation universities like UNN , ABU and UI. So it would understandably  have the problem of infrastructure, that of hostels to accommodate the students etc. But, the state government is doing all it can to change all that. The governor deserves a pat on the back over what it has done to the University’s Teaching Hospital in Orlu. A lot more will be done to the other programmes of the university. My vision is for the university to have world class facilities and we are on the same page with the governor on this.

    How can the youths be prepared for a better future?

    Well, I’m the CEO of AMB Global group of companies, which has interest in Oil and Gas, real estate, manufacturing and hospitality industry. Ours is a fast growing outfit with corporate headquarters in Lagos. We are investing heavily in Imo State in line with the appeal made by the state government for the state industrialists to come home and invest. ABM now has one of the biggest industries in Imo state and we have only done the first phase of the industry. My vision is to employ as many Imo youths as people as a way of reducing unemployment in the state. If that is done the crime rate in the state will reduce and let me also give the governor a pat on the back in the area of security because he has done al lot in that area. You will agree with me that the rate of kidnapping in Imo has gone down, thanks to the security measures and network put in place by Okorocha

  • Ajimobi and second term jinx

    SIR: In recent political dispensations in Oyo State, what started as a mere political routine was allowed to be turned to a jinx. Unfortunately, that jinx has almost graduated to a taboo. That is the so-called second term syndrome. It is very ridiculous that those who are now attempting to turn it into a taboo did not deify it until they themselves failed in their second term bid. If it was a taboo, why did they themselves seek a re-election bid the first instance?

    First of all, the record must be put straight. Between 2003 and 2011, the PDP had a second term in Oyo State. If because of his administrative ineptitude, Rasidi Ladoja failed to get the second term ticket of his party, should the gods of Oyo State be blamed for that? Should the burden of his inability to manage his success between 2003 and 2007 be put on the people of Oyo State? Certainly not. His political indiscretion at that time indicated his inability to manage a cordial relationship with the state House of Assembly.

    In the case of ex-Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala his successor, his priority was the consolidation of his grips of the party structure in the state. He did that bearing in mind the fragile nature of his emergence from the moment of Ladoja’s impeachment. This was further complicated by his sudden political orphanage with the death of Adedibu. Suddenly, he found himself in the forefront of the battle against Ladoja.

    At that stage, he had to resort to extraneous agencies of political pressure groups in order to fortify himself on the political landscape. The first port of call was the drivers union – the NURTW. That group was not only factionalized but polarized. The state of unease in which the state was thrown into can never be forgotten by the good people of Oyo State in a hurry. It was in that state of socio-political insecurity that the 2011 election took place. The people of the state who were eagerly looking for a respite from their heightened anxiety found solace in the then ACN and Ajimobi, its flag-bearer.

    The question to ask in respect of the much talked about continuity in Oyo State is what is it for Ajimobi to continue in Oyo State. The first and the most precious is the peaceful serenity across the state at the moment. The point must be stressed that it is this serene atmosphere in which the state has been breathing that gives room to the socio-economic stride of the state in the last four years of Ajimobi administration.

    There is also the need for continuity in the road networks which Ajimobi had opened across the state. This can be quantified in various dualizations and over-head bridges which he had embarked on. Another area where continuity is desired is in the attraction of business investments. The Technical University which remains a pet project of the Ajimobi administration also needs to be brought to fruition.

     

    • Agboola Sanni,

  • Why Ajimobi deserves a second term

    SIR: Predictably, the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will be returned to office for a second term in an expectedly keen governorship election contest. The interesting thing about this election is the fact that it has presented us with a unique opportunity for a multi-layered assessment of the governor’s signature achievements in the last four years.

    What is more interesting is that this assessment has brought to the fore that good governance, coupled with integrity and resourcefulness, can break the yoke of political spells like a second term jinx; that political god-fatherism and monetary inducements to sway voters in Oyo state politics is fast eroding in the face of evolving sophistication of the electorate who are hardly swayed by monetary inducements.

    The people are now more than ever politically mature and well informed to determine conscientiously who leads them with their votes.

    This is why the consensus of opinion across the Oyo State political spectrum and even beyond is that the tested and trusted Abiola Ajimobi deserves a second term as governor and his continuity agenda will be most appropriate and beneficial to all and sundry in Oyo State.

    Indeed, a seamless transition of the Ajimobi administration to second term in office would provide a continuum of progress, stability, sustainability and consolidation of an unchanging quality of people oriented programmes, policies and projects.

    In the spirit of good governance and purposeful leadership that characterized his first term in office, Ajimobi has pledged to work with conscience and integrity for the good people of Oyo State, to continue to uplift their socio-economic wellbeing and ensure that a lot of them move from the lowest rung of the ladder to at least the lower middle class by reducing the poverty level considerably .

     

    • Gbenga Alli,

    Akuru, Oluyole Extension, Ibadan