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  • I can run 2.5 kilometre race, Tinubu declares

    I can run 2.5 kilometre race, Tinubu declares

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned from London yesterday after three months of absence for medical attention.

    He described his absence as the longest since 1993.

    Tinubu said he is hale and hearty challenging anyone to dare him in 2.5 kilometre race.

    Speaking in an interview at the Executive Jets Hangar wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, he said: “This is the first ever and the longest period of my absence from Nigeria’s political scene since 1993, it has never happened. The only time something like this happened was when I was in exile.

    “Since, 1999 that we returned I have never been away for more than one week not even personal vacation. I am glad that I am back, I am fit and able, I can run 2.5 kilometre, if you want to try me, I will get down, and we can run and see who wins.”

    He continued, “It is a great joy to be back, it is good that we are back and I really appreciate your concern and this great gathering, I am returning today, having travelled overseas for medical attention, among those who contributed to this are great Nigerians, well qualified, who have moved out of the country because there are no facilities, no equipment. No such opportunities in Nigeria, now the surgery was successful, among them physiotherapists who did the job that I must get well quick and return to the country. “

     

  • Yobe massacre one too many, says Tinubu

    Yobe massacre one too many, says Tinubu

    •‘Nigeria is under attack”

    Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday reflected on the killing of over 40 students by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe State. He described it a “one massacre too many”

    In a statement from his media office, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader said “Nigeria is under attack.”

    The statement, which is a follow up to a letter he wrote to Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, said:

    “As a father and leader, I am deeply saddened by the senseless killings of innocent students. It is unacceptable and indefensible under any guise. It is an act that must be punished.

    “The recent carnage in Borno State and now at the College of Agriculture in Yobe reminds us of the sinister nature of the enemy our nation now faces.

    “There should be no mistake at this sombre moment. Those who launched these attacks did not launch them at the people they killed.  They knew not the names of their victims or who they were.

    “The dead were just unfortunate souls who happened to be close enough to murder. The real targets of these massacres were our nation, society and any semblance of civilized, modern life.  Nigeria is under attack and the earlier those in charge realised this, the quicker the situation can be arrested. In terms of security, the present is not safe, neither is the future secured.

    “The killings at the College of Agriculture were particularly jarring. Under cover of darkness, evil crept unto a campus of higher learning, turning it into a place of slaughter.

    “These murderers snatched the lives of young people who were just entering the fullness of life. The attackers fell upon them so early that many of the students were still in bed.

    “These young people only wanted an education to improve their future and that of the nation. They were armed only with this desire and with the tools of students. They had done no one any harm.

    “Yet, their attackers executed them in the cruelest fashion.  This is terror in its basest form.  By this act, the crazed and armed menace we face tells us that attending school, attempting to get an education, is now a capital offence. Those guilty of seeking to learn are to be executed.

    “This is a dire affront to fundamental humanity. It is also a frontal attack on our quest for economic development and social progress. Those that did this seek to cast a veil of fear and ignorance over Nigeria. We must remain steadfast in the belief that enlightenment and progress is best for our people.

    “These killers want us to hide in the shadow of fear and live in the cave of ignorance. We must be brave enough to tell them “no.”  No matter how they try to frighten us, we shall walk in the light of learning, justice, hope and tolerance, unity and progress.

    “What we face is nothing less than a contest for the soul of the nation.  We dare not lose the contest. These young people died just because they wanted to learn and live better.  We can’t allow their deaths to be in vain. “Thus, we must rededicate ourselves that all of our children shall learn and live better because of the education they shall receive.

    “We must look beyond the deaths and spilled blood of these innocent children.  In times like these, it is easy to give up and recede into our fears. Yet, we must be of good courage. We must not give way to sorrow or despair.  We must forge ahead with our best plans and preparations for the people.”

    That said, we must beseech the federal government to tend better to our security.  I make this not as a partisan jab. I make this as a Nigerian who sees the larger danger lurking behind these attacks. These murderers seek to shutter the educational system in the north. Should they accomplish this, they will only attack another social institution, then another, until all are flattened. They intend to make Nigeria desolate. In their warped minds, this will be paradise. Paradise for them will be purgatory for the rest of us.

    With grim determination that Nigeria shall overcome this pestilence and that justice shall ultimately prevail, we cannot give up and retreat from the task of governance and building this nation.  We must be of good courage. We cannot allow their violence to dictate the path that we must go.

    They see a nation they want to destroy. I see a nation we should build. We shall win. They may have guns and terror. But they lack the moral force to stop us from building the nation we seek.  We have justice and right.  We shall win.  They shall lose and get swept into the wash of history.  The only issue is how long will it take and how many lives will be lost before this evil folds. Again, this is where the federal government must become more proactive in developing a comprehensive law enforcement, intelligence-gathering and economic incentives strategy that checkmate this plague.

    On such a grave matter of national security, there is no partisanship.  We are all Nigerians.  We stand ready to help in this fight. We await the call of the Federal Government to do so.

    Our condolences are extended to the governor of Yobe, the people of the state, and the families of those killed. Your grief is heavy and thick because of the senselessness of this tragedy.  But you don’t carry this grief alone. All Nigeria grieves with you. Those were our children, too”.

  • Tinubu to Gaidam: be of good courage

    Tinubu to Gaidam: be of good courage

    Former Lagos State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sympathised with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State over Sunday’s murder of 41 students of the College of Agriculture in Gujba by suspected Boko Haram militants.

    In an emotional letter sent to the governor, Tinubu said he was moved to “deep sorrow and anguish indignation” upon hearing the news of the tragedy. He said the wanton murder of the students “jars the conscience and reminds us of the sinister nature of the enemy our nation now faces”.

    In one of the most horrific attacks carried out on defenseless people by the Islamic militants, gunmen on Sunday invaded the hostels at the school and shot dead more than 40 students while they were sleeping. The attackers also set the school buildings on fire as they retreated after the attack.

    Tinubu wrote: “ I dare not ply you with words of false comfort and consolation for there is no genuine solace to be had at a moment like this. Evil crept through the darkness to snatch the lives of young people who were just entering the fullness of life.

    “Their purported crime was that they wanted to improve their lives and help the nation; for this, they should be commended. Instead, their lives were snuffed short,” the APC leader said.

    Tinubu also assured the governor that though the grief is heavy, Nigerians share in the tragedy of this moment. “ You are the father of all residents in your state, thus you carry the heavy grief of a father; but you don’t carry this grief alone; all Nigerians grief with you. Those taken are our children too.”

    The former governor also urged Gaidam and the people of Yobe State never to bow to the intimidation of the attackers but overcome this tragedy with determination and persistence.

    Tinubu told Gaidam: “You must look beyond the death and spilled blood of these innocent children. In times like these, it is easy to give up and retreat into the shadows these evil forces have created. Yet we must be of good courage, we must forge ahead with our best plans and preparations for the people.”

    The APC leader also warned of the dire consequences of giving in to terror. He urged the governor to remain steadfast in providing quality education, enlightenment and progress for the people describing the attack as a contest for the soul of the state and the nation.

    “ This is a contest for the soul of the state and the nation; we dare not lose it. These murderers seek to shutter the educational system in your state. Should they accomplish this, they will only attack another institution, then another, until all are flattened,” he said.

    Tinubu called on the Federal Government and the law enforcement agencies to work closely with the state government to devise a strategy that better protects targeted institutions saying with the latest attack, it is now clear the acts of terror is not directed at a particular religion but to all Nigerians.

    While offering his assistance to Gaidam, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to standing by the people. He said: “I want you to know that I stand by you, if there is anything I can do to help overcome this terrible moment, please call on me. You are my brother and I will come to help as a man does when his brother is in need.”

     

  • Akande, Tinubu for Olusi’s book launch

    Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande and leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are among the eminent personalities expected to grace the launch of Do not be a low mean man: The Story of a Prince of Peace, the autobiography of National President of the Zumratul Islamiyyah Society of Nigeria, Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi.

    The 358-page book will be presented to the public on October 13 which coincided with the 77th birthday of the former National Vice- Chairman (Southwest) of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    In his foreword, former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande said the book is not just an autobiography but the story of a public man in every sense of the word.

    “It is a story of religions in Lagos. It is a story of Lagos politics. It is a story of education. It is a story of commerce. In this long story, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi has lived a life of honour and service for which he gives the credit to his father”.

    “Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi is a man of integrity and a trustworthy political associate. He is indeed the prince of peace” he said.

    The book captures the birth of Olusi into the royal family of Oba of Lagos, Sanusi Matiku Olusi. It also talks about his education, his sojourn into politics under the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo. It also talks about his achievements as a federal lawmaker in the House of Representatives during the Second Republic as well as Commissioner for Commerce in Lagos State under the military regime of Olagunsoye Oyinlola. It also gives readers a vivid picture of events before, during and after the June 12 1993 presidential election and so on.

     

  • Tinubu for honour

    Tinubu for honour

    Former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu will receive the Millennium Defender of Democracy Award (MDDA) at a leadership and educational summit, organised in honour of the first civilian Governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

    The maiden edition of the annual summit, themed: “Leadership and Educational Development”, will hold tomorrow at the Oranmiyan Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola is expected at the event, which is organised by the Old Students Association of Odo-Obara High School, Epe.

    Also expected are Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) and Prof. Abubakar Momoh of the Lagos State University, who is the guest speaker.

    National President of the Old Students’ Association, Feyi-Abiodun Oyeniyi, said the summit was to thank Jakande for making education available to the masses.

    He said: “As beneficiaries of his administration’s free education policy, members of the association decided to organise the annual summit to celebrate his enduring legacy in the educational sector.”

    Oyeniyi said a N250 million Education Endowment Fund for the school would be inaugurated at the summit.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Education Olayinka Oladunjoye and Airtel Telecommunications would also be honoured at the event.

  • ‘Aregbesola is not acting for Tinubu’

    ‘Aregbesola is not acting for Tinubu’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has condemned the newspaper report that Governor Rauf Aregbesola has taken over the party’s national leadership in the absence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is abroad for medical treatment.

    In a story, titled: “Aregbesola takes over as APC leader…Osun gov in charge in Tinubu’s absence”, The Sun yesterday said Aregbesola would act for Tinubu.

    In a statement by its Media Director Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, APC said it was surprised by “such a wild and baseless speculation, which is aimed at causing acrimony and tension in the APC”.

    The party said: “We are miffed by this totally wild speculative report, especially by a paper of The Sun’s standing. It is baseless and uncalled for. We do not know how Tinubu’s absence could cause any vacuum in the APC’s leadership.

    “With the current communication technology in the world, how does Tinubu’s physical absence at meetings inhibit his contributions to the affairs of the party? And if they must know, Asiwaju is not in any way incapacitated. He never hid the fact of his knee injury, for which he has sought adequate medical attention.

    “We challenge those behind the report to ask themselves where they would place other party leaders, like Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Audu Ogbe, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and other governors.

    “The speculation about Aregbesola becoming the APC’s leader cannot be taken seriously by discerning minds. It is the handiwork of mischief makers bent on causing disaffection in the party, knowing that APC is the party to beat in the next general election.”

     

  • Youths to honour Tinubu, Soyinka, Okorocha, others

    Youths to honour Tinubu, Soyinka, Okorocha, others

    The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths (formerly National Council of Yoruba Youths) will begin the third edition of its seven-day leadership summit on Sunday.

    The summit is to mark the Yoruba National Day (September 23).

    The programme will end with a Dinner/Award Night on September 28. It will be chaired by former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who will be honoured with the Life time Achievement Award in Politics.

    Also to be honoured are Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka; Globacom Chairman Mike Adenuga; activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN); Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Aare Afe Babalola (SAN); Chief Olu Falae; Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Chris Ngige; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda; Senator David Mark and Mrs. H.I.D. Awolowo, among others.

    The award will be held at the Centre for Black Arts and Culture, Osogbo, Osun State, by 5pm. Gen Alani Akinrinade is the father of the day. The Alaafin of Oyo is the royal father of the day.

    Public lectures will be delivered by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu; Prof. Bolanle Awe and Chief. Folake Solanke (SAN) on September 24 at the Centre for Black Arts and Culture, Osogbo.

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi is the special guest of honour at the lectures.

    There will be a Youth Interactive Session with Houses of Assembly in the Southwest on September 25. An arts exhibition, fashion parade and cultural dance competition will hold on September 27.

    The group, which came into existence in October, 2001, aims to promote unity, peace, stability and development in Yorubaland.

     

  • Jonathan,Tinubu, Northern govs, others mourn Agagu

    Jonathan,Tinubu, Northern govs, others mourn Agagu

    PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday led prominent Nigerians to pay tributes to former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, who died at 65 last Friday.

    He described the ex -Minister of Aviation and Power, Dr Olusegun Agagu, as a man whose exemplary decorum, poise, urbanity, finesse and loyalty in the conduct of politics will be greatly missed.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Dr. Agagu’s family, the government and people of Ondo State, as well as Dr. Agagu’s friends, political associates and colleagues in Ondo State and other parts of the country.

    “The President joins them in mourning the distinguished academic whose exemplary decorum, poise, urbanity, finesse and loyalty in the conduct of politics will be greatly missed by all, especially his colleagues and associates in the Peoples Democratic Party.”

    Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described his death as a blow to the renewed struggle to restore sanity to the nation’s politics.

    He said: “Once again, the cold hands of death have snatched an illustrious man of great character and devotion to country.

    “Agagu was a good man, a bridge builder who never let the bitterness of defeat or political disagreements rob him of his patriotic spirit.”

    Tinubu described Agagu as a man with a noble heart and a politician who placed national interest above self interest.

    “His death will slow down this new movement but others will pick up from where he stopped.”

    The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also paid tribute to Agagu, saying his death marked the end of a glorious era.

    Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, described the late Agagu as a true nationalist.

    A statement by Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, said: “From Agagu’s stint as a lecturer at the prestigious University of Ibadan, through his tenure as Minister of Aviation, to his election to the position of the Governor of Ondo State and his life in retirement, the former Governor remained with the people.”

    Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, described Agagu’s death as regrettable.

    The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, said: “He died at a time when the nation should have benefited more from his wealth of experience as an intellectual, politician and public servant.”

    The governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, said Ibadan, the South West and indeed Nigeria had lost one of their most cerebral and intellectual politicians ever.

    Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, recalled that Agagu left imperishable legacies in Ondo State where he was governor between 2003 and 2007.

    According to him: “Dr. Agagu can never die; when the people tread those roads constructed by his administration in Ondo State, when they pass by those imperishable legacies he left.

    “The foremost Geology teacher will live in their hearts and they will confront his great love for the people of the state afresh, even decades to come.”

    Former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, said: “His exit at this period was a great setback for the nation due to his wealth of experience in political engineering.”

    A former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, described Agagu as a consummate politician, who played a key role in the socio-political development of Nigeria.

    Orji, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, said: “No one can take it away from Agagu that he did his best as governor of Ondo State.

    Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, expressed grief over the demise. Imoke, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, recalled his time with the late governor as Minister of Power.

    He described the deceased as an astute administrator, a consummate professional and a team player.

    Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the death of Agagu was a “blow below the belt” for the political class.

    He said: “He served as a very loyal deputy governor under our revered father, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, and the legacies of that administration are still there for all to see.”

     

  • Council chief hails Tinubu

    Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon.Jide Jimoh, has referred to Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubuas his role model and mentor who he would forever be grateful to.
    Hon. Jimoh said that the national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, has liberated many from bondage and oppression.
    He described Tinubu as a ‘Tutor-General’ whose intellect and wisdom have been a guiding light to Nigerian politics for an enduring change that will stand the test of time.
    The council chief said these in an interactive with session with the media on the Continental Good Governance and Peace Award which the national executive of Nigeria Pro Wrestling Federation went to give him during the final ceremony of the 3rd BRF Wrestlemania in Lagos. Hon. Jimoh said the wisdom of Tinubu and other notable progressive leaders in the country brought about the merger that brought about APC, which he wants all Nigerians to embrace because the party is the solution to the myriad of problems confronting the country and a God-given alternative to Peoples Democratic (Party PDP) government.
    He said that he is working tirelessly to see that he leaves a legacy of integrity at the end of his tenure, adding that he has been running a government that carries the council’s legislative arm, officials and the people along.
    “Yaba LCDA plays host to at least eight higher institutions, a large portion of land that contain Atan Cemetery, the state’s Criminal Investigation Department, CID, headquarters of West African Examination Council, WAEC, a world class psychiatric hospital, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission office and many others. All these show how important the LCDA is to the economy of Lagos State. I’m happy to say that we have been able to maintain peaceful co-existence among people in this area without problem,” said the chairman.
    Jimoh said that he was not surprised with the award given to him by the professional wrestlers because the independent assessors that came to the LCDA were able to see the dividends of democracy his government has been given to the people.
    “We have done a lot to uplift the life of our people. At least 100 elderly people are given N10, 000 for their welfare every month, which will amount to N36m in three years. Yaba LCDA is the first local government to operate free ambulance service in the country. The first LG to equip schools with first aid facilities.
    We also built boreholes for 33 schools and many other projects. I think these and many others things are what the wrestlers saw that made them extend the international recognized award to me and my people,” he said. Jimoh, who played football, table tennis, handball, volleyball in his school days.

  • Tinubu stresses selfless service as Omojola turns 75

    Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has proposed the establishment of a foundation to be called ‘Baba Omojola Foundation’.

    He said it was to inculcate, preserve and expand the ideas and values of selfless service, which Comrade Oluwide Omojola, a progressive and activist, stands for.

    Tinubu, who was represented by Prof. Adebajo Williams, made the proposal at the 75th birthday celebration of the activist in Lagos at the weekend.

    Urging well meaning Nigerians to donate selflessly to the cause, he described Omojola as a rare gem, who has spent 60 of his 75 years on earth fighting for the good of all Nigerians without asking for any form of compensation.

    Comrade Frank Kokori, who chaired the event, hailed Omojola for standing tall, despite the hassles he went through fighting for the emancipation of the Nigerianstate from the colonial masters and later from the military and corrupt politicians.

    Kokori said it was common these days in Nigeria to find people organising frivolous birthday parties for people who have done nothing for the country, but who, through dubious means, found themselves in one political office or another.

    He said it was a waste of public funds and part of the corruption besetting our nation, when people in their 40s or 50s in public offices, who have not contributed anything to the country, waste so much funds on birthdays.

    Kokori said Omojola is a hero of democracy and is worth celebrating at 75 because he facilitated changes in many aspects of our nation’s life, “having dedicated the best part of his years to working for Nigeria’s economic and political growth”.

    The Secretary-General of the Coalition of Odua Self-determination Group, an umbrella body of the six self-determination groups in Yoruba land, Comrade Rasaq Olookoba, said since he met Omojola in 1989, he has had no cause to regret knowing him.

    He described the septuagenarian as an inspiration to everybody who comes in contact with him.

    Olookoba said: “Baba’s life is an inspiration to some of us, who have devoted our lives to making the world an egalitarian society. His life style is recommended for everybody who means well for the society. If his life style is followed, the society will be better for it.”

    He said though Omojola was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he took to a hard life to help the down trodden in the society, adding that he has never regarded himself as an influential person.

    Olookoba said: “He has dedicated his scholarship, wealth and energy to the struggle to make Nigeria a better place for all of us and for our country’s liberation. Someone like Omojola, who has been to so many fronts fighting for Nigeria and Africa, is worth celebrating. He did not pursue wealth or position, even though he had many opportunities to dump the struggle and go for those things as others did.”

    In a lecture titled: “An overview of the progressive movement in Africa”, Dr. Nkem Onyeke of the Department of History and International Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), said for one to be called a progressive, he must have the political consciousness and ideology aimed at changing the status-quo for the benefit of the majority.

    Nkem said while conservatives work for the benefit of a few, progressives ensure that the resources are used for the good of the greater number in the society.

    He said the progressive movements in Nigeria are mainly concerned with how to capture political power.

    Nkem advocated the devolution of more resources to other tiers of government, stressing that this would ensure rapid development as opposed to the present concentration of resources at the centre, coupled with corruption.

    He urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reach out to people with progressive minds in other parties to form a national government to work for the majority.

    Another member of the lecture panel, Prof. Idowu Awopetan, said the current progressive politics in Nigeria refers to those who are out of power and are looking for a way to get back. He said what is lacking is proper coordination of youths to participate actively in politics.

    Awopetan said: “We need to create politics and ideology on the way our economy should run for the people and not the way it is now.”

    Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) Ayo Opadakun said if the Nation fails to reward Omojola’s contributions to national growth, God would reward him.

    Omojola told The Nation that he was exposed very early in life to activism to liberate Nigeria from the colonialists.

    He regretted that over 50 years after independence, Nigeria is yet to be economic independent and is still propagating the economic ideas of its former colonial masters in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Omojola said the country needs home—grown policies to develop. He advocated the convocation of a national conference where Nigerians will decide “if we are to stay together and how”.