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Ondo REC must be removed to avoid 1983 crisis – Ajayi

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November 12, 2024

Ondo REC must be removed to avoid 1983 crisis – Ajayi

Former deputy governor of Ondo State and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, Agboola Ajayi, tells PETER DADA about his chances at the poll, among other issues

The election is just a few days away. How has your campaign been so far?

The campaign has been both hectic and joyful. It is hectic because people are generally frustrated with the system. They have lost confidence in the electoral process and in politicians. They (people) feel it’s a waste of time to participate in the process because they haven’t seen the impact of government.

But for us, it’s also been joyful because the people believe in us. They have confidence in our capacity to make a difference and are eager for change. They appreciate what little we’ve been able to achieve, even in the face of challenges, and they’re showing massive support for us.

With what you have gathered from the people in the campaign, do you have any worries about this election?

Yes, the only worry is the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola. Our party has raised an allegation against her. One organisation alerted us that Oluwatoyin has been having a series of meetings with the All Progressives Congress government, especially the governor and the party chairman, and we found out that it was true.

The government has enough; they have their way of accessing and getting information. If they want to be honest, they know what we are saying that it is true. So, we felt that this woman is partisan. So, she can never be fair. We know she was born and brought up here; she is an Ondo State indigene. I don’t know how else they want us to prove that.

Since Oluwatoyin was born, she has never spent a night at Gbara Odo. She has lived all her life in Akure here, her parents live in Akure here.

Oluwatoyin was residing in Akure until she was appointed. I don’t know why INEC should post her here. Maybe they didn’t know this information before.

We have told them to remove the woman because she cannot be fair. So, that one alone created a lot of suspicion, but we are going to resist it.

But with your clamour, the woman is still in the office. Does that mean that INEC turned deaf ears to your request? What will you do if she is not changed till the election day?

She must be changed. We won’t keep quiet, and if they make any attempt to allow her to conduct the election, the people of the state will not take it lightly with INEC. I want to appeal to INEC not to allow a repeat of what happened in 1983.

They cannot continue to do this. So, that one alone has created suspicion. We said for the credibility of this process, they should change this woman and bring in another person who is not from this area. If they bring anyone from anywhere who is not from this state, we are fine, but they should allow a level playing ground.

For a candidate to say they want to use the template they used in Edo. What a shameful society! Everybody condemned the election in Edo State, but they are saying they wanted to use the template of Edo State, and INEC could not come out to say, ‘No, you are on your own. We are going to conduct a free and fair election.’ The days are numbered, and we are here watching the process.

But INEC chairman was here in the state, and I think he said the commission had learnt its lesson from the Edo State election, and that the Ondo State election would be an improvement. Don’t you still trust INEC with that statement?

Do you believe him? It’s an immediate thing. I’m afraid I’m going to be at a stakeholders’ meeting. I’m going to cancel all my engagements and be there. I will tell him (INEC chairman) that the problem of this country is INEC. I will do so because when you don’t elect a credible leader who has integrity, what do you expect? The life of this state is in the hands of this person. The moment we miss it, we will be affected as a state.

I am a beneficiary of free, fair, and credible elections. When we had an election then, here in Ondo State, no single person raised an eyebrow. My opponent was the first person to address me, and he said the contest was free and fair, and that Agboola Ajayi won squarely. He congratulated me. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Why must our election continue to end up in litigation every time?

When are we going to have the processes that are supposed to produce credible people? I think INEC should live up to expectations. If they cannot do it, they should tell us that they can’t do it. I’m going to tell (Mahmood) Yakubu, ‘You should not come and set Ondo State on fire because we are not going to accept it’. It’s not possible. Nobody can intimidate us. This is our state, and we will not allow it to burn anymore.

The issue of vote-buying is now rampant in the electoral system in Nigeria. People accuse the PDP and APC of involvement in the menace. What is your reaction to this?

Well, I don’t know about that. Is it not somebody receiving N1.2bn monthly that can do that? Do I even have the money to buy votes? I don’t even have the money to do it.

Friends were the ones spending money for my campaign, not me. I think the issue of vote-buying will not happen in this election and the security agencies should be on alert. If you see anybody with money to buy votes, they should collect the money and prosecute that person. That’s how it should be.

What measures have you put in place to curb rigging against your party in the forthcoming election?

That’s my secret. We are going to the election, and we are going to win. So, don’t worry about that.

You seem to have much confidence in winning the election. Why is it so?

We have won already. Don’t worry yourself. Is it not Saturday, November 16 election? Have you seen how an incumbent governor is panicking like this before? I was happy that it was on a live programme. I asked him (Lucky Aiyedatiwa) questions and he said he has not borrowed money since he became governor. I said, well, for me, even if I become governor today, if there is a need for me to borrow money for development, I will borrow.

There is nothing bad if a government borrows money for development. Get me right; I won’t borrow money to pay security vote. I won’t borrow money to be eating sardines. But if there is a need for a government to invest and borrow money for development, why won’t you do it? That’s one aspect.

Secondly, I said, ‘It’s fine, and we thank God he (Aiyedatiwa) has not borrowed money and he equally confessed that the allocation has increased in a very fertile way. We thank God you have collected so much money, more than N150bn and you can’t show us one kilometre of road that you have tarred, and no single project has been inaugurated, not even a health centre of N2m.

My brother, our people are tired of the clueless government, and they can’t wait for election day to come. I was born and raised here. So, I understand the people’s needs intimately. I know what’s lacking in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and general governance. I’ve practised politics here; I’m not a stranger coming in to try and understand the landscape.

I understand the plight of our people and the kind of transformation we need across sectors – whether it’s education, health, transportation, or agriculture. My focus has always been on systemic change, not on blaming or criticising anyone, but on moving the state forward with a fresh and workable agenda.

This is the second time you are contesting a governorship election in this state. From your perspective, what will you say is the major problem facing the state?

The major problem we’re facing is the lack of genuine leadership. When you have someone in a position of power who lacks the understanding of how to lead, then the people will suffer. We’ve seen mediocrity persists, and it’s weighing heavily on the development of the state. There is so much potential here, but it’s being hampered by poor leadership. This is why I’m in the race to bring a change and to ensure that we put an end to this mediocrity for the sake of the people.

What are your plans to bring a change to the people of the state?

In our agenda, security is a priority for me, and for a good reason. I was part of the team that developed the regional security framework, the Amotekun, which has had some successes today. But I believe we need to do more to keep our people safe. One of my initiatives would be to create specialised security units for different localities based on their unique challenges and vulnerabilities.

Also, leadership has to be more transparent about security votes and how they’re used. People deserve to know how their resources are being allocated, especially when it comes to something as crucial as security.

Health is also a critical area. We’ve seen life expectancy decline due to treatable conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and malaria, which are common here. I want to tackle this head-on.

On education, I am going to declare free education in primary and secondary schools. If a governor in a month is taking N1.2bn, the subvention of (state-owned) Adekunle Ajasin University when I was the deputy governor was N232m. With this new minimum wage, maybe it has increased to N350 or N400m. From that N1.2bn, I will give them N150m as an additional subvention; do the same thing to UNIMED (the state-owned University of Medical Sciences). Give N100m or N200m to Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.

So, when you spend about N700m or N600m from that N1.2bn, you still have enough money for security. Anybody who thinks he wants to be governor to be rich, the person is going to miss it, and that’s what’s happening to them. So, in terms of money, we have a lot of money that can be enough for all of us. I assure you that teachers will be recruited, and I will train and retrain them to gain capacity. I will impact positively in the area of education in Ondo State.

All these programmes involve money. How do you intend to fund them in light of the ongoing economic downturn?

Honestly, funding is indeed a challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. My approach will be to cut down on wasteful spending and increase efficiency in governance. Additionally, we will attract investment by creating a stable, transparent environment that appeals to both local and foreign investors. Revenue generation is possible with the right policies. When people see that their money is being used effectively, they will cooperate.

What have been the roles of the PDP national leadership in your ambition?

I must be sincere with you; I have been enjoying tremendous support from the party, the PDP. The two PDP South-West governors have been wonderful. Governor (Ademola) Adeleke (of Osun State) was the first. He came to inaugurate the committee before going back. Governor (Seyi) Makinde spent five days with us.

Governor Adeleke was in town for some days, and we campaigned for three days. The national campaign committee will spend three days in Ondo State before the election. They are ready. So, we’ve been enjoying tremendous support from the party. We appreciate that because they know the importance of Ondo State.

What is your message to the people of the state?

It’s for them to prepare and they should not be frustrated by any reflection that they will rig the election. They must come out and vote en masse for us. All the threat is a way of saying ‘Don’t come out’. No, they should come out and vote and stay with their votes on that day (November 16) and their vote will count.

FCT residents lament bridge turned to refuse dump

Metro

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November 12, 2024

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FCT residents lament bridge turned to refuse dump

Residents of Kubwa, a suburban community in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have lamented the dumping of refuse by cart-pushing waste collectors, otherwise known as the ‘Baban bola’, calling for the government’s intervention in proper waste collection and management.

One of the major areas that the residents said had become an eyesore is along the Arab Road and bridge, where cart-pushing waste collectors almost perpetually dump refuse despite its proximity to residential houses, schools, and businesses.

Some residents who spoke to According to Metro on Monday also slammed the complacency of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Satellite Towns Development Department in ensuring proper waste collection and disposal in the community.

“There used to be a time when garbage trucks from the AEPB would pass by I think twice a week. Recently, we don’t see them anymore. What we see are these “bola” guys who go around to collect the trash early in the morning. I thought perhaps they were commissioned by the AEPB, but if they are disposing of trash by the roadsides and on the bridge, then it can’t be.

“Those heaps can only be described as an eyesore. They deface the community, and when it rains, it stinks. Not to mention the diseases that are easily transmitted. We have tried to get across to the FCTA several times, to no avail”, a resident of Arab Road, Kubwa, Mr Ifeanyi, told our correspondent.

“These ‘bola’ people dump their refuse here, and it smells a lot. Some time ago, those who lived closer to the place and around that community fought against it. And they cleared it. But the fight wasn’t taken seriously. After a while, they started dumping refuse there again”, another resident in the community, Umar Faruk, explained.

Another resident, Adejoh Ameh, expressed concern over the health hazards caused by the refuse, especially during the rainy season, noting that there was also the challenge of breeding rodents, flies, and mosquitoes.

“Unfortunately, we are learning to live with it. And I say that on a sad note. During the rainy season, that place is a breeding ground for rats, mosquitoes, and even flies. And if you look around, there are schools, community markets, and residential houses all around, which means it is a health hazard. We beg the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, the coordinator of Satellite towns and AEPB to help us”, he lamented.

Meanwhile, some of the waste collectors, who spoke to our correspondent, denied being responsible for disposing of the waste along the road.

“We are not the ones who dump refuse here. We only throw cartons and paper waste here”, one of them, Danjuma, declared. “Those of us who are here know each other. We are not the ones who throw dirt here. If you come another day, you may meet them,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, several attempts to reach the Director General of the AEPB, Osilama Braimah, proved abortive as the line was repeatedly engaged. Similarly, the Coordinator of the AEPB, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, could not be reached as his number was unreachable. Our correspondent left text messages that were yet to be responded to.

Opposition parties unpopular, stand no chance in Ogun LG polls — Abiodun

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November 12, 2024

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Opposition parties unpopular, stand no chance in Ogun LG polls — Abiodun

One week ahead of the November 16 local government elections in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun declared on Sunday that, based on his administration’s performance over the past five years, opposition parties are “clearly unpopular and invisible” and therefore stand no chance in the upcoming council elections.

The Governor added that the quality of candidates the ruling All Progressives Congress is fielding in the election would make it the party to beat, predicting a landslide victory across all 20 Local Government Areas in the State.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Kayode Akinmade, over the weekend, Abiodun explained that his administration has transformed Ogun’s previously volatile political landscape, creating an environment conducive for opposition parties to operate without hindrance or intimidation.

According to him, rather than using intimidation tactics, his administration has marginalised opposition parties through sterling performance and innovative development ideas.

Governor Abiodun urged APC members in the state to show increased commitment and work together to build on the achievements of the past years, ensuring a resounding victory in the November 16 local government elections.

“With the quality of candidates our party is presenting in the forthcoming local government election, APC remains the party to beat. We have consistently and diligently made significant impacts in the lives of our people, and this is indeed our selling point.

“Without resorting to intimidation tactics against opposition parties, our administration has overshadowed them with our impactful projects, innovative ideas, and prudent governance, earning us a leading position among other states.

“It is now incumbent upon every APC member across the 20 Local Government Areas to sustain the enviable achievements our party has recorded over the past five years by showing greater commitment and working in unity for a victory come November 16,” Abiodun said.

Lagos removes 54 illegal shanties, dislodges 84 occupants

Metro

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November 12, 2024

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Lagos removes 54 illegal shanties, dislodges 84 occupants

The Lagos State Government has begun the removal of shanties and dislodging of illegal squatters across some bridges in the state.

According to Metro learnt that the latest exercise occurred on Monday under the Elegbata bridge by Apongbon.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the operation on his X.com handle on Monday.

“Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial dislodged illegal squatters under Elegbata bridge by Apongbon”, he disclosed.

Similarly, the head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, LAGESC, Ajayi Lukman, in a statement on Monday, revealed that the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps removed 54 illegal shanties and eight makeshift toilets under the Eko Bridge, displacing 84 occupants.

According to him, the initiative aims to join the ongoing effort to significantly reduce environmental nuisances in the metropolis, minimise pollution and improve the overall environmental quality.

“In consolidation of existing efforts aimed at reducing the spate of environmental nuisances to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps popularly known as KAI effected the removal of 54 illegal shanties which harboured 84 illegal occupants and eight makeshift toilets beneath Eko Bridge at the Ebute-Ero area of the state on Monday,” he stated.

Lukman disclosed that the Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), led the dislodgement operation, targeting illegal occupants of the Elegbeta Water Channel under the Eko Bridge, as the area had become a site for dumping refuse and criminal activities after a seven-day abatement notice was ignored.

He said, “The disclosure was made by the Corps Marshal of the agency, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), who led the dislodgement operation.

According to the Corps Marshal, the Elegbeta Water Channel which spans the Lagos Lagoon right under the Eko Bridge around the Ebute-Ero axis turned home to miscreants, illegal occupants occupying the waterfront, usually in the habit of promoting indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the lagoon, activating the base of the bridge as a criminal hideout and enjoining open defecation, urination and we swung into action after serving a seven-day abatement notice which was not adhered to.’’

He appreciated the leadership of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stressing that the mandate of the agency to maintain a cleaner and greener environment as enshrined in the THEMES+ agenda of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained paramount and sacrosanct to the collective cleanliness of the State’s environs.

He further warned environmental offenders against illegal dumping, unauthorised structures, and not obtaining waste collection contracts stating that the law would take firm action against those who violate the state’s environmental regulations.

“The Corps Marshal also sounded a strong warning to environmental defaulters usually in the habit of indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and water bodies, erection of illegal structures on road setbacks, lay-bys, curbs, medians, verges and the refusal of public and private premises to obtain a valid waste collection contract, which he highlighted as infractions and maintained that the law will take its due course and deal decisively with flouters who show clear disregard for the State’s environmental laws,” he said.

Reps deputy spokesman backs Tinubu’s tax reforms, urges transparent system

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November 12, 2024

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Reps deputy spokesman backs Tinubu’s tax reforms, urges transparent system

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has stated that his decision to lead parliamentary support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, currently before the National Assembly, stems from the need to stimulate the economy and establish a streamlined tax administration system, free from multiple taxation.

On September 3, 2024, the President submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele, to review existing tax laws.

The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aimed at providing a fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which seeks to offer a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes, reducing disputes.

The other bills are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which proposes to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which would create a tax tribunal and tax ombudsman.

The executive bills have faced opposition from state governors, who requested their withdrawal a fortnight ago to allow for more consultation, a proposal rejected by President Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Agbese, a known supporter of the President, expressed his conviction that the reform bills would stimulate the economy if enacted and implemented.

He said, “I am one of the strongest advocates of President Tinubu’s tax bills because I am a reformer and believe in changes that will benefit the country. I have studied the document and am convinced beyond doubt that it will help to improve the nation’s economy.”

Agbese noted that he is lobbying his colleagues to highlight the importance of the bills, adding that if implemented, the proposals “will not only benefit Benue State, where I come from, but will also benefit everyone who generates and dutifully pays taxes.”

He continued, “Those who are afraid fear accountability and transparency. These bills will bring awareness to taxpayers, and once people understand what they pay to the government and what the government earns, there will be a greater demand for accountability.”

He urged the 36 state governors to reconsider and support the Federal Government, highlighting that over-taxation complaints are widespread, and a significant number of businesses fail to remit taxes to the government.

“Everyone talks about nations that provide social services to their citizens. Those citizens pay their taxes promptly. The truth is, in recent years, many Nigerians have raised concerns about multiple taxation, and these proposed reforms aim to address that.

“Additionally, some companies operating in this country exploit gaps in our tax laws to evade taxes, leading to substantial revenue losses for the government, which must be addressed. Therefore, I appeal to our respected state governors to support these bills because, ultimately, Nigeria will benefit,” he added.

Customs seize N46bn illicit drugs at Onne port

Metro

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November 12, 2024

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Customs seize N46bn illicit drugs at Onne port

The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State has seized containers bearing illegally imported drugs including fake tablets of Gonorrhoea antibiotics all worth over N46. 399bn.

This is as the command said it had raked in revenue of over N500bn so far in 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Ndede, disclosed this at a media briefing in Onne where he displayed the seized drugs and tablets to newsmen.

Ndede said it was exactly two months and seven days ago that the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, was in Onne Port where he showcased a series of significant seizures, including arms and ammunition made by officers of the command.

He stated, “The security concern from the series of seizures of contraband goods made through this port led to the declaration of a three-month state of emergency where the command has been granted the authority to scrutinise all suspected containers, regardless of the presence of their owners.

Ndede said the proactive approach was to ensure that no illegal substances could evade discretion.

He said, “In line with the Controller General of Customs policy thrust of consolidation and collaboration, more successes have been recorded.

The command, working with sister agencies such as the NDLEA, the DSS, Quarantine and NAFDAC, among others in implementing the state of emergency, has made yet another significant seizure of 20 40-foot and one 20-foot containers laden with illicit drugs which pose a severe threat to public health and safety.

“Then, we have one 20-foot container lade with donkey skin.”

The Customs Area 2 Command, Onne Controller, gave the breakdown as follows: 2, 624, 053 bottles of 100ml Cough syrup codeine and 7, 530, 000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac.

Ndede further listed 3,500, 000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, 27,048, 900 tablets of 225mg Royal Tapentadol/Tamil, 7, 665, 000 tablets of 200ml fake/counterfeit Gonorrhea antibiotics without NAFDAC number, among others.

Continuing, Ndede disclosed, “The duty paid value of the 21 containers totals N46, 399, 199, 810, while the duty paid value for the donkey skin is N441, 000, 000.”

While noting that the seized materials were intercepted at the point of entry by vigilant officers, he said some of the drugs were concealed under plumbing materials and local grinding materials to evade arrest.

Ndede said the seizures underscored the command’s unwavering commitment to combatting illicit medicine and ensuring public safety.

According to Ndede, “The implementation of this state of emergency by the CGC has proved effective in enhancing our operational capabilities and ensuring that we can act decisively against those who seek to undermine our nation’s security,

“Still on anti-smuggling activities, the command, under my stewardship this year, has made a total seizure of 63 containers comprising 844 rifles and 112, 500 pieces of live ammunition,” among others.

He disclosed that the duty paid value of the seizures made so far, among others for violations of various customs laws and breaches of procedures standards was N130,562,660,407.

He noted that export plays a crucial role in promoting Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation and provides favourable balance of trade and exchange rate for the naira to the dollar.

“In the command, a total of 2, 436,408,33 Metric tons of goods with a free onboard value of $826, 613,015,87 was processed through the command, “ he stated.

On revenue generation within the past months of the year, Ndede said, “The command as of this morning has generated a total revenue of N550, 431,559,598,41bn.

“This translates to 89 per cent of the annual target of N618bn given to the command.”

Ndede said two suspects were arrested in connection with the latest seizures while an investigation was ongoing.

Reject vote trading, Peter Obi urges Ondo voters

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November 12, 2024

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Reject vote trading, Peter Obi urges Ondo voters

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has called on the people of Ondo State to shun acts of vote trading in Saturday’s governorship election.

Obi who expressed concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria said those buying votes were using stolen money to perpetrate the act and must be resisted.

The former Governor of Anambra State stated this while speaking at the governorship campaign rally of the LP in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Monday.

According to him, the Nigerian democracy was suffering and it had been turned to transitional politics. He called on everyone to be involved in the rebuilding process of Nigeria.

He said, “We are here for the campaign of the gubernatorial election coming up on Saturday. We know democracy is suffering in Nigeria; we know they’ve turned democracy into transitional politics, but we still insist that we continue to campaign and tell Nigerians that this is time to start building a new Nigeria.

“A Nigeria where a child of nobody is somebody, a Nigeria where there will be equal opportunity, a Nigeria where we put people out of poverty, a Nigeria where our children will be in school, where our hospitals will work.

“We don’t want people to give us money that they’ve stolen from us, and thereafter, they continue to steal more. We want to stop the stealing and start the rebuilding; we want to stop the destroying and start the rebuilding; we want to move this country from consumption to production so we can create jobs. That’s why we are here campaigning.

“Ondo electorate should shun vote buying and selling because it’s money that they’ve stolen that they are using to buy them. We must resist them.”

Addressing the party supporters, who wore orange colour attire singing and dancing, at the rally, the governorship candidate of the party, Mr Sola Ebisen, described LP as the only party that can transform the state, calling on the people to vote for the party.

“Labour Party is the most popular political party in Ondo State. This is a party that the people of Ondo State voted for twice and was in power in this state between 2009 and 2017. Our programs policies and even projects are everywhere, and you know it. Everywhere you go in Ondo State, all the projects you see are in the colour of the dress I am wearing.

“I am deliberately wearing the orange colour, which is the colour of the Labour Party and the colour you will see in every project. Our presidential candidate is here to give support and to let Nigerians know that the Labour Party is the party to vote for”, Ebiseni boasted.

US places $25,000 bounty on fleeing Nigerian on murder trial

Metro

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November 12, 2024

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US places $25,000 bounty on fleeing Nigerian on murder trial

The United States of America has offered a $25,000 reward for anyone who could provide it with information that could facilitate the arrest of a Nigerian, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, who is reportedly facing trial for the alleged murder of his child.

According to Metro gathered from a statement credited to the Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, Don Freeman, and obtained from the agency’s website on Monday, that Olawusi has also been named among the 15 most wanted fugitives in the US.

Freeman noted that Olawusi, who lived in Rhodes Island, US, was arraigned on two counts bordering on first-degree murder caused by inflicting bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

He added that the incident occurred on April 3, 2017, after police operatives and firefighters found the three-month-old child and rescued him at the hospital where it was discovered that the child had suffered injuries in 18 parts of his body. The discovery was said to have led to the arrest of Olawusi.

Upon his arrest, Olawusi was charged in court on April 20, 2017, but his whereabouts became unknown after he was released the same day while the trial was pending.

Freeman added that the infant died six months after being hospitalised as a result of the injuries he had allegedly sustained from his father’s abuse which prompted the prosecuting department to include a murder charge in the ongoing trial.

He said, “A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives list with an up to $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.

“Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, was charged in Providence with first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child after Providence Police and Fire personnel found his three-month-old son bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence on April 3, 2017.

“The child was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated to regain a pulse. An examination at the hospital noted 18 injuries at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of long-term abuse. These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, significant brain injury, and fractures of the child’s ribs, clavicle, legs and arms. He was placed on life support but died six months later.

“Providence police arrested and charged Olawusi on April 20, 2017, with first-degree child abuse. He was released the same day and subsequently fled. The murder charge was added following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017.”

The US Supervisory Deputy Marshall noted that after frantic efforts to locate Olawusi, it was discovered that he had fled the country on June 20, 2017, while stressing that further investigation revealed that he was receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria.

He added that the suspect has been placed on the wanted list because he could pose a danger to children and other members of the public and the US would deploy all its resources to ensure that he faces justice.

“Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice. We have placed Mr Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes he’s committed and the threat he continues to pose to the public. The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community.

“Olawusi, who uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App,” Freeman concluded.

From PDP Obaseki to APC Okpebholo, Edo governance jigsaw continues

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November 12, 2024

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From PDP Obaseki to APC Okpebholo, Edo governance jigsaw continues

Expectations are high as Senator Monday Okpebholo takes over the reins of power in Edo State today, after winning the September 21 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, writes ADEYINKA ADEDIPE

Edo State people are expecting the dawn of a new era when Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress is sworn in as the next governor of the state on Tuesday (today). The people expect the ‘new sheriff’ and his team to hit the ground running and come up with implementable ideas that can move the state forward.

Okpebholo, who has been described as a humanitarian, will have to up the ante to ensure that he meets the expectations of the people who are eager for a quick fix for whatever issues they consider germane.

The outgoing government, headed by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has done its bit. Despite criticisms from the APC and political leaders in the state, some of the milestone it achieved is what the new government would be expected to build on. As typical in this clime, governor-elect Okpebholo will also jettison some programme he considers not suitable for the state. He must, however, be mindful of what he tinkers with, so, he doesn’t take the state backward.

A programme like the paperless governance, which eliminated the use of paper and carrying of files from one office to another in the state should be encouraged among other laudable deeds of the Obaseki government, while other programmes that moved the state forward should also be improved upon.

However, what is worrisome that both sides (the outgoing Obaseki and the incoming Okpebholo) could not work together for a smooth transition as the acrimony generated by the electioneering campaign and the feud between the political class and Obaseki festered without abating.

On the eve of the inauguration, there were accusations and counter accusations over the N5bn projected for the inauguration.

The APC said it had not demanded or borrowed such funds for the inauguration, adding that Senator Okpebholo had made his personal funds available when he found out what the state was putting into the event was on a high side.

Obaseki also raised the alarm that he had been sidelined from today’s event as he was not invited to the inauguration, which the APC said was laughable, noting that the governor should be the star of the occasion and needed no invitation to be at the event. More so, the APC was amused that a governor who they said had refused to cooperate with the APC transition committee was making the bogus allegation.

The outgoing government has also been able to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue through effective taxation and the use of e-payment platforms while the debt profile of the state has increased due to different projects it embarked upon. The incoming government must take advantage of this as it needs funds to prosecute its programmes and projects.

Despite the fact that the monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee has improved since the removal of oil subsidy, the resultant effects has made life difficult for the people with the federal and state governments looking for ways to cushion the effect of these problems. So, the incoming government will have to be extra ingenious to seek funds to prosecute projects it promised the people while campaigning.

Not many envy Okpebholo, who is coming in at a time the country is witnessing an unprecedented economic downturn. However, Okpebholo has his job cut out and he must prove critics wrong and show that he has what it takes to lead a complex state with varying needs like Edo. The incoming governor must also be wary of politicians who may want to derail his administration.

Speaking of his expectations and how Okpebholo should operate, the Edo Chairman of the Conference of Registered Political Party, Samson Isibor, said the governor must carry the people along. He noted that the people’s needs should be prioritised while embarking on projects that would touch majority of the people in the state.

Isibor stated that the governor must also adhere to the dictates of the constitution, have a cordial working and personal relationship with his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, and ensure that the three arms of government functioned effectively.

Isibor said this would give everyone involved in the running a sense of belonging and minimise rancour and bickering that could derail the government.

He called on the incoming governor to tackle insecurity, kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes and other issues that could lead to lose of lives and properties, the breakdown of law and order, urging him to work with all the security outfits in the state.

He said, “For me, and I think for every discerning Edo person, my expectation will be for the governor to carry the people along in the formation and implementation of his programmes and project because the people are the ones who, whatever the state government wants to do, is meant for. There must be a deliberate effort to implement projects that will impact the people, such as tackling the insecurity challenges facing us.

“Due to the activities of killer herdsmen, farmers can no longer gain access to their farms. The high cost of living in the state is unbearable. The government should also build and rehabilitate the dilapidated schools; children should no longer sit on bare floor to learn while intra-city roads and those leading to the farms should be put in good condition.

“To be able to perform optimally, he should not allow so-called godfathers dictate to him because it has become a major problem in the country. He should be in tune with current trend, stick to his principle, and avoid controversial statements and action that will offend the psyche of the people. Finally, the party leader should give him a free hand to appointment those that he knows can work with him to deliver his electioneering promises.”

A political analyst, Donald Inwalomhe, said that the new governor should learn from the project of the outgoing governor, which has opened up the state for business opportunities, noting that Okpehbolo must have a meeting with Obaseki to learn from the past

He said, “The Governor-elect should learn from the legacy projects of Governor Godwin Obaseki, which includes the Edo Modular Refinery, Benin River Port, CCETC-Ossiomo Power Plant, among other infrastructural projects executed to boost the state’s economy and better the livelihood of the Edo people. The 5500bpd Edo Modular Refinery, which is completed; the 55MW CCTEC-Ossiomo Power Plant, which has been completed and the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park, which is ongoing and the Benin River Port, for which preliminary works are ongoing, among other legacy projects of the Obaseki-led administration, should be part of his focus.

“The Edo Production Centre, an industrialisation programme located along the Benin-Sapele road axis, is where Small and Medium Enterprises operate. Ossiomo power plant is also meant to attract investments into the state, improve the sector for better performance, and create competition in the power supply industry.

“Benin Enterprise Park is an industrial complex. It is being built to be easily accessible, affordable, and to have an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity. This is done to ensure that businesses in the area can operate efficiently and predictably. The industrial centre encompasses 997 hectares of land.”

Inwalomhe added, “Governor Obaseki has initiated huge investments into the palm oil sub-sector to address Nigeria’s palm oil deficit, which is more than $600m. Nigeria spends more than $600m on palm oil importation annually. Obaseki has observed that the money could be saved and injected into the economy if successive governments gave the palm oil sub-sector due attention. The investments in the state’s oil palm sector have risen to $660m, with new projects proposed by Canada-based Sunora Foods worth over $100m, and crude palm oil imports into Nigeria dropped sharply. Overall, imports saw a precipitous slump.

“The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020-2023, while imports reached its peak. From 2015 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a lower rate and the development is coming following the $560m investment in the Edo State Oil Palm Programme by Fast Moving Consumer Goods companies and other private investors.

“My advice for the governor-elect is to have a one-on-one meeting with Obaseki so that he can learn from the past.”

Despite the achievements of Obaseki, social critic, Osa Igunbor, stated that the absence of a smooth transition may hinder the ability of the incoming government to build on whatever was on ground. He said it’s disappointing that both teams couldn’t work together ahead of the inauguration.

He stated that though the governor-elect had his manifesto and idea of how he wanted to run the government and deliver projects to the electorate, his rate of success would have been boosted if the transition committees of the state government and that of Okpebholo worked together.

He said, “I am sure the new governor has his plans for the state. During the campaign, he must have seen what he needed to do to improve the state. The outgoing governor has done his best and the onus is now on the new governor to take it up from there.

“However, the new government will need about six months to settle down due to the fact that there was no transition as all efforts to collaborate was futile. I believe that no matter the situation, the incoming government will have no excuse not to perform.

“Now that we have an APC government in Edo, hopefully they can collaborate with the government at the centre to fix the Benin-Auchi road and other federal roads that are in deplorable state in Edo. The new governor has a huge task in his hands and he should not surround himself with incompetent people if he hopes to succeed. While he may want to compensate people who helped him realise his ambition, he must be sure that they are competent people.”

Okpebholo has already made his intention to hit the ground running known by appointing Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary on Monday. The appointment, the first of the incoming administration, takes effect today, according to a statement personally signed by Senator Okpebholo.

Itua is a distinguished journalist with a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun newspapers. His proven track record in journalism, coupled with his dedication to maintaining high standards in public communication, will serve as crucial assets to the new administration as it aims to fulfill its mandate for the people of Edo State.

This appointment reinforces Okpebholo’s commitment to fostering transparency and effective communication within his administration, ensuring that the voices and needs of the citizens are prioritised.

While the incoming governor must as a matter of accountability look into the books of the former government to have an idea of what needs to be done to move the state forward, he should not be seen to be pursuing vendetta against the immediate past government as he may lose focus. Such a move might be counterproductive for his government and dim the peoples’ expectations.

FUOYE students storm FERMA office, protest bad roads and colleagues’ deaths

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November 12, 2024

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FUOYE students storm FERMA office, protest bad roads and colleagues’ deaths

Students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, on Monday, stormed the office of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, to protest the ongoing accidents and deaths of their colleagues due to the poor condition of the Ifaki–Oye–Ikole Road.

The placard-carrying students gave FERMA and the Federal Government a 48-hour ultimatum to commence repairs on the federal road or face consequences, as they threatened to occupy the road, making it impassable for other users.

Led by the Students’ Union Government President, Mary Abiodun, FUOYE students lamented what they described as “the severe harm caused to our student population, resulting in the loss of over 10 students in fatal accidents,” including the death of a recent graduate last week.

Among the inscriptions on their placards were “FUOYE students’ lives matter,” “Repair Oye-Ikole federal road now,” “Enough is enough,” “President Tinubu, save our students’ lives,” “Stop neglect of our infrastructure,” and “FERMA in Ekiti State is useless.”

In a position paper delivered by Abiodun, she stated, “We vehemently condemn the deplorable condition of the Oye–Ikole Road. This road has become a daily death trap for students, staff, and the indigenous people of Oye Ekiti. Despite numerous attempts to highlight this critical issue, FERMA’s inaction has jeopardised the safety and well-being of road users, recently resulting in the tragic death of our beloved alumnus, Ohonsi Williams Ehigie.”

“The Oye–Ikole Road is a crucial link between the nation’s capital, Abuja, and several southwestern states, including Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, and Ondo. This road is heavily trafficked by large vehicles such as petroleum tankers and 18-wheel trucks transporting goods.

“Tragically, this road has been in disrepair for an extended period, leading to numerous accidents, loss of lives, and untold hardship. We cannot tolerate FERMA’s negligence, which endangers the lives of FUOYE students, staff, and the local community.

“Immediate action is imperative. We can no longer endure the brutal loss of our students due to improper road maintenance and the absence of necessary palliatives. We can’t take it anymore,” the SUG president said.

FERMA’s Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Simon Adeniyi, apologised to the students for the losses and the road’s condition, stating that the Federal Government had already awarded the contract for the road’s repair, and work would soon begin.

Adeniyi said, “If you listened to the news, about a month ago, the same road was awarded by the Federal Government, and I assure you that any moment now, the contractor will resume.

“It is not going to be a flexible pavement like asphalt; it will be a concrete road. On the same road, FERMA has a palliative measure that will start soon,” he said, adding that the Federal Controller of Works had mentioned the palliative work could be done while waiting for the main construction to start.