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Tag: Seyi Makinde

  • Oyo: I’ll probe last-minute contracts, Makinde insists

    Oyo State Governor-elect Seyi Makinde yesterday insisted that he would probe last-minute contracts,  being allegedly awarded by the outgoing administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    This came as he denied attacking Ajimobi after the election.

    In a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Makinde said his recent comments on the fresh contracts being allegedly awarded by the state government was borne out of concern for the state’s financial health rather than an attack on the person of Ajimobi.

    The governor-elect said he accords Ajimobi due respect, not only as governor but as his senior.

    Read also: Ajimobi to Makinde: shun politics of bitterness

    “But governance being a serious business, Makinde cannot look on while direct instructions are given to local government councils to spend all monies in their care, including stabilisation accounts, which are traditionally reserved for emergencies and natural disasters, even when there are no cases of emergency anywhere in the state,” Makinde said.

    He reemphasised that he would reverse any fresh contract and also punish perpetrators.

    Ajimobi had accused Makinde of attacking him personally after winning the election instead of laying bare his administration’s blueprint for the people he intends to govern.

  • Makinde vows to probe last-minute contracts in Oyo

    Oyo State Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday insisted that he would probe last-minute contracts being allegedly awarded by the outgoing administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    This came as he denied attacking Ajimobi after the election.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Makinde said his recent comments on the fresh contracts being allegedly awarded by the state government was borne out of concern for the financial health of the state rather than an attack on the person of Governor Ajimobi.

    The Governor-elect said he accords Ajimobi due respect, not only as governor but as his senior.

    Read also: March 2019 FGN bond auction oversubscribed

    “But governance being a serious business, Makinde cannot look on while direct instructions are given to local government councils to spend all monies in their care including stabilisation accounts, which are traditionally reserved for emergencies and natural disasters even when there are no cases of emergency anywhere in the state,” Makinde said.

    He re-emphasised that he would reverse any fresh contract and also punish perpetrators.

    Ajimobi had accused Makinde of attacking him personally after winning the election instead of laying bare his administration’s blueprint for the people he intends to govern.

  • Photos: Makinde receives Certificate of Return in Oyo

    The governor-elect of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde has received the certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    He was given the Certificate of Return on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

    Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,Barr.Mutiu Agboke;Wife of Deputy Governor Elect,Mrs.Bola Olaniyan her Husband Engr.Rauf Olaniyan;National Commissioner Prince Adedeji Soyebi;OyoState Governor Elect,Engr.Seyi Makinde and his Wfe Omini during the Presentation of Certificates of Return held at Premier hotel Ibadan
    Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,Barr.Mutiu Agboke;Wife of Deputy Governor Elect,Mrs.Bola Olaniyan her Husband Engr.Rauf Olaniyan;National Commissioner Prince Adedeji Soyebi;OyoState Governor Elect,Engr.Seyi Makinde and his Wfe Omini during the Presentation of Certificates of Return held at Premier hotel Ibadan
    Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,Barr.Mutiu Agboke;National Commissioner Prince Adedeji Soyebi;OyoState Governor Elect,Engr.Seyi Makinde and his Wfe Omini during the Presentation of Certificates of Return held at Premier hotel Ibadan

     

  • Ajimobi to Makinde: shun politics of bitterness

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised the incoming People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration to focus on developmental issues instead of its renewed campaign of calumny against his person, family and administration.

    The governor, who spoke yesterday in a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, said the renewed campaign of calumny was aimed at rubbishing his eight-year selfless service.

    But, the governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, said it would be unnecessary and unhelpful to embark on a campaign of calumny against the out-going governor.

    Ajimobi said more than two weeks after the general elections have produced winners and losers, the opposition parties ought to start talking about their plans for the state and how to build on the foundation of development laid by his administration.

    The governor said he was appalled by the unprovoked media attacks by the opposition parties, especially sympathisers of the PDP and its governorship candidate, who were still practising politics of bitterness that Oyo State, under his tenure, has since left behind.

    The governor appealed to the traditional and online media practitioners to be circumspect in churning out unverified information being supplied to them by their unscrupulous sources, who were bent on spreading inflammatory rhetoric.

    He said the purveyors of falsehood have recruited some online medium to carry out some of their nefarious activities.

    Ajimobi said: “Now that elections have been won and lost, there should be an end to acrimonious and incendiary comments. Political discussion has moved from the pre-2011 era. Our focus is on politics of issues and development.

    “That is what we expect from them, not personal attacks and falsehood-laced statements indicating their unpreparedness for governance.

    REad also: Oyo govt, APC tackle group over vote of confidence in Ajimobi

    “I’m not unaware that during campaigns some politicians adopted the campaign of calumny as strategy believing it would give them undue advantage, but such does not last. What the electorate expects is to be educated on their blueprint for the development of the state.”

    However, the governor-elect, while replying Ajimobi, denied any campaign of calumny against the present administration, saying such would be unnecessary and unhelpful at this point in time.

    He said: “We deny campaign of calumny against Ajimobi. Such won’t be necessary and it is unhelpful.

    “Our major grouse is that awarding fresh contracts worth over N30 billion in one fell swoop and under mischievous circumstances will be a disservice to our state, if we do not cry out.

    “We do not need the outgoing governor to tell us to inform our people what we want to do for them because they already know during the course of the campaign.

    “What the people never knew was the extent to which the outgoing government will go to attempt to empty government coffers to leave frustrate the incoming administration.”

     

  • I ’ll bring simplicity to governance, says Makinde

    Oyo State Governor-elect Seyi Makinde has assured the people of the state that he will bring simplicity to governance.

    Makinde also pledged to do everything within his power to prevent violence from commercial drivers, when he eventually takes the reins of power on May 29.

    The governor-elect, who won on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gave the assurance on Southwest Political Circuit, a live interview programme on Ibadan-based Fresh FM radio.

    The governor-elect said the most important value that would mark out his administration is simplicity, adding that he would use everything he has to make the state better.

    “I will keep the business of governance very simple; without any complication. We will communicate and communicate with the people. We will lead with the fear of God. I want to be remembered for simplifying the business of governance. We will work very hard for the people of Oyo State and they will be the judge. We will use everything we have to make Oyo State better,” he assured.

    Makinde also promised to protect the sanctity of any contract signed by the outgoing administration to protect investors and assure them that their investments are safe in Oyo State.

    He added that he would be transparent in all dealings, stressing that he would not witch-hunt anyone, group or organisation.

    On how he intends to further build the state’s economy, Makinde promised to look into how to improve electricity supply, build a vibrant and skilled workforce as well as sustain the peace and security across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    He assured that he would not politicise decisions.

    But, the, Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Makinde to stop chasing shadows and prepare for the art of governance, which will start on May 29, 2019 after the completion of second term in office of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The party said it expected Makinde to be brainstorming and focus on how to further raise the bar of governance and deliver on his electoral promises instead of raising unfounded, malicious and mischievous allegations of emptying the Oyo State treasury by his spokesperson.

    The party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde explained that the mandate of Governor Ajimobi will not lapse until 12 midnight on May 28, 2019 and he is expected to perform his responsibilities as the governor accordingly.

    He stressed that Makinde should wait for his turn to govern the state at which time, he is at liberty to scrutinise the finances of the state.

    Olatunde said the party would have ignored the rantings of Makinde’s spokesperson but for the sake of the general public who will be misled with the inflammatory and alarmist remarks.

    He added that opposition should be based on facts and issues and not mudslinging and character assassination for which the spokesperson of the governor-elect has a track record.

     

     

     

  • I’ll simplify governance, prevent NURTW violence in Oyo, says Makinde

    The Oyo State Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, has assured the people of the state that he would bring simplicity to governance and also do everything to prevent violence from commercial drivers when he eventually takes the reins of power on May 29.

    Makinde, who won on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gave the assurance on Southwest Political Circuit, a live interview programme on Ibadan-based Fresh FM radio.

    The governor-elect said the most important value that will mark out his administration is simplicity, adding that he would use everything he has to make the state better.

    “I will keep the business of governance very simple; without any complication. We will communicate with the people. We will lead with the fear of God. I want to be remembered for simplifying the business of governance. We will work very hard for the people of Oyo State and they will be the judge. We will use everything we have to make Oyo State better,” he assured.

    Makinde also promised to protect the sanctity of any contract signed by the outgoing administration in order to protect investors and assure them that their investments are safe in Oyo State. He added that he would be transparent in all dealings, stressing that he would not witch hunt anyone, group or organization.

    On how he intends to further build the economy of the state, Makinde promised to look into how to improve electricity supply, build a vibrant and skilled workforce as well as sustain the peace and security across the nooks and crannies of the state. He assured that he would not politicize decisions.

    He said: “We are here to bring progress to Oyo State. We will dialogue with people in all sectors to find solutions to every problem in the state. We will be a listening government. We won’t cancel any ongoing project that is good for the growth and development of Oyo State. We will listen.”

    On the potential violence that may be foisted on the state by leaders and members of the state’s chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Makinde said he would not allow them to bring back violence because he would dialogue with them continuously.

    “I have sent messages to the NURTW to avoid violence. They don’t have my support. We want peace in Oyo and efforts are on to dialogue with them and ensure there is no resurgence of violence.”

  • Seyi Makinde: A child of circumstance

    The governorship elections have come and gone, but the dust kicked off by them, are yet to subside, with threats of moving to the courts for resolution of some candidate’s headaches.

    But if any of the results of the governorship elections stand out as spectacular, it is Seyi Makinde’s emergence as the governor of Oyo State – the third youngest, at 52, in the history of that epicentre of politics in Yorubaland from the Western region era, after Chief Obafemi Awolowo (45), Dr Omololu Olunloyo (48) and Chief Bola Ige (49).

    It is spectacular because no whiff of protest was heard after the INEC announced the result that proclaimed him winner of the governorship election. Another spectacle in it is that although I have heard his name being touted over the last few years as a potential governor, not many outside Oyo State, or Ibadan, to be more precise, ever gave him a chance in the governorship race.

    But in the end, Makinde emerged the bookmakers toast, not because he paraded any manifesto better than his opponent’s or because he came from a party any more popular than the ruling party in the state but because he profited from the widespread disdain many Ibadan, nay, Oyo State people have for outgoing Governor Ajimobi.

    People used to make copious reference to Bola Ige and his caustic tongue in his lifetime. None knew or thought any other politician could relegate the “Cicero of Esa Oke” to poor second in the arena where looseness of tongue was the vogue, until the emergence of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    Read also: Ajimobi to Makinde: beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony

    Sad lesson in all of this is that Adebayo, the APC candidate and son of Ibadan’s most celebrated politician, Adegoke Àdelabu “Penkelemesi”, wasn’t evaluated to be deficient in policy formulation or in manner of speaking. But he suffered defeat at the polls because of mere association with his leader, who has earned popularity, oh, sorry, notoriety, for his sharp and unguarded tongue.

    Seyi Makinde, an engineer who is into dredging, excavated the hubris in Ajimobi, lapped on to this major flaw and exploited it to maximum advantage. “We don’t care if this Makinde knows nothing about governance, but we’ll rather vote him in than anyone associated with Ajimobi” was the refrain in the build-up to the governorship election, and not even the last ditch effort put up by caustic-mouthed Ewi (poetry) singer, Ologundudu, could launder Ajimobi’s public image back to acceptance in the state. Like the Yoruba would say, aso o ba Moye mo; Moye ti rin’hoho w’oja (it’s too late for the mad woman that dances naked into the market square).

    The votes garnered by Makinde essentially were more of protest votes than anything else, lending credence to the general opinion that Seyi Makinde, as a governor, is a child of circumstance. Such children have equal chance of survival or otherwise. Massive public goodwill has been invested on this likeable new man on the block. He has a golden opportunity to prove that he’s a genius waiting to be discovered.

  • Ajimobi to Makinde: beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised the Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, to beware of praise-singers as he prepares to take over the state administration on May 29.

    The governor also enjoined Makinde to avoid acrimony and attract people from both his party and across other parties to help him in managing the state’s affairs.

    He gave the advice yesterday when playing host to the governor-elect, who visited him at the Agodi Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Also yesterday, former President  Olusegun Obasanjo advised the governor-elect to run a democratic system.

    Obasanjo said Makinde has the onerous task of striving to transform the capital of former old Western Region, urging the people to keep supporting him to succeed when he eventually take over.

    The elder statesman gave the advice when he received the governor-elect, his deputy, Akeem Ademola and others at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    But, Ajimobi, who received the visitors in the company of top government functionaries, urged the incoming administration to sustain the peace and security brought to the state by his administration among other achievements.

    He also urged Makinde to adjust in the areas his genuine intentions might have been resisted and opposed.

    He hailed Makinde for initiating the visit, saying such was a departure from the norm and urged the incoming government to sustain the level of relationship and cordiality.

    He assured the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of his readiness and availability to ensure the success of the government in the interest of the people.

    Ajimobi said: “I congratulate you on the opportunity nature has given you to serve humanity. For me, it is a matter of changing baton and I commend your noble move, which is different from the past when after someone lost the election, they will start making troubles and abusing each other.

    “To me, I am so happy that we are moving this state to a high level. Our own was relatively peaceful and for you to say you want to come and greet me, it is a departure from the past. For me, we must continue on this path.

    “The peace and security that we have created must be sustained and I know you as a man of peace, who is not criminally-inclined. I commend you for coming and for me, it is a reflection of your kind of person.

    “I will advise that in the spirit that you have started, reach out to all and sundry and make it all inclusive to bring in everybody, particularly your party members and others in Oyo State that can add value.

    “We have done our best in Oyo State, especially in terms of security and you must sustain it. In the last eight years, Oyo State has been ranked as one of the most peaceful in the country.

    “We will be available to you should you need our advice.

    “Beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony. It is always better to leverage on relationship instead of dwelling in acrimonies.”

    Makinde said the visit was to see the governor first hand since after the conclusion of the elections and also said the incoming administration would be requiring the help of the incumbent in the interest of moving the state forward.

    The ex-Head of State also advised Makinde to shun corruption.

    “Be transparent and embark on developmental projects, which would be a delight to the people of Oyo State. Please run a government that will be making them to ask, where has this type of government been all these years in Oyo State.

    “You must give them something (positive), you must give them good democracy and not that one of my younger brothers will call democratic so sa po’ (pocketing democracy).

    “Where there is misunderstanding, call yourselves (your people) together and make peace in the overall interest of Oyo State.”

    He promised to support the incoming new government and be available anytime his service is needed.

    Makinde said the visit was meant to appreciate Obasanjo and seeks wisdom from the elder statesman.

    The governor-elect admitted that Oyo State was “in a bad shape but pledged to apply wisdom to make things better”.

    Former Deputy Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, who facilitated the visit, said he called Obasanjo barely 24hours ago to fix the appointment.

    Some of the personalities in the entourage of Makinde include a former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola; business mogul Femi Babalola, PDP state chairman Kunmi Mustapha, his Campaign Director General Bayo Lawal and campaign team’s spokesperson Prince Dotun Oyelade.

    Others are Mr. Olayemi Buhari, Mrs. Bosede Adedibu, Mr. Dare Adeleke, Mr. Akin Fagbemi, Mr. Tunde Tijani and Chief Jacob Adetoro.

     

     

  • Ibadan Obas-in-Council greets Makinde

    The Ibadan Obas-in-Council has congratulated Oyo State Governor-elect Seyi Makinde, admonishing him to walk his talk in terms of electoral promises.

    Rising from their meeting at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the Obas-in-Council, consisting the promoted members of Olubadan-in-Council and the promoted Baales in Ibadanland, rejoiced with Makinde over his victory at the polls held across the state last Saturday.

    Makinde of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) defeated his closest rival, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

    Read also: Ajimobi to Makinde: beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony

    In a message signed by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on behalf of the council, the governor-elect was asked to run an all-inclusive government that would reflect the combined efforts of the forces that saw him through the excruciating election.

    Ibadan Obas said: “We are happy for the governor-elect that at last, the Almighty creator crowned his efforts of many years back with this victory. We enjoin him to be magnanimous in victory, seeing the entire state as his constituency without any form of discrimination.”

  • Obasanjo to Makinde: Don’t pocket Oyo state govt.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday advised the Oyo State Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, not to run a Democratic system that would put the government of the state in his pocket.

    Obasanjo said Makinde has the onerous task of striving to transform the capital of former old Western Region, urging the people to keep supporting him to succeed when eventually sworn-in.

    The elder statesman gave the advice when he received the Governor-elect, his Deputy, Rauf Olaniyan, Oyo state chairman of PDP, Kunmi Mustapha, Bose Adedibu, wife of late Lamidi Adedibu, Lagos state PDP chairman, Dominic Agboola among others at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun state.

    The ex-Head of States described such government that serves narrow interest as “democratic so sa po”, meaning pocketing democratic system for personal gains against true democratic system.

    He also advised Makinde to shun corruption.

    “Be transparent and embark on developmental projects, which would be a delight to the people of Oyo state. Please run a government that will be making them ask, where have this type of government been all these years in Oyo state.

    “You must give them something (positive), you must give them good democracy and not that one my younger brothers will call democratic so sa po’ (pocketing democracy).

    “Where there is misunderstanding, call yourselves( your people) together and make peace in the overall interest of Oyo state.

    “He cannot do it alone and since you have supported him now, you should continue to be together. You should be mindful that Oyo people are fearless and they don’t mind, whose oars is gored, that is why you are there now,” Obasanjo stated.

    He promised to support the incoming new government and be available anytime his service is needed.

    In his response, Makinde said the visit was meant to appreciate Baba Obasanjo and seeks wisdom from the elder statesman.

    The Governor-elect admitted that Oyo state was “in a bad shape but pledged to apply wisdom to make things better.

    “He had warned against corruption and transparency. We are very much aware of this too. With God, Oyo state will never be the same again. This is the type of visit that will give us the needed tonic to forge ahead positively in Oyo state,” he said.

    The former Deputy Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George who facilitated the visit, said he called Obasanjo barely 24hours ago to fix the appointment.

    “I want to thank him for granting us audience within the short notice,” George said.