You're on a snail slow speed - Segun Sowunmi slams Ogun Gov, Abiodun

The spokesperson of Atiku Presidential Campaign, Segun Sowunmi, on Saturday, called out the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, saying his government “is going about things in a rather snail slow speed, which suggests a lack of preparedness.”

Sowunmi, in a statement did a review of Abiodun’s six months in office, comparing same with what occurred under his predecessors – Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun.

He also put Abiodun side-by-side with his Oyo and Zamfara counterparts; arriving at the conclusion that Ogun has never had it so disappointing.

The Ogun State-born politician berated Gov Abiodun for his failure to form his cabinet in six months, even when neighbouring states like Oyo, Lagos have moved beyond that stage; saying “there is the suspicion that those who do not form their cabinets on time are people who desire to run the resources of the state with their cronies, and without input from a cabinet.”

Sowunmi spoke further that, “The words on the streets of Ogun State are not favourable. Average opinion is that the Governor has taken on a responsibility that he is not prepared for. I find that extremely hard to accept for I recall his desire to be governor as far back as the 2001/2002 season.”

Read the full statement below:

“Ever conscious leaders and citizens of our beloved Ogun State, I greet you all. I trust that you all must be concerned about the development of our beloved state just as I am.

“The activities in our common patrimony demands of us the need to speak out, in the hope that things will be corrected; and in the unlikely event of that not happening, at least, it will be on record that we spoke.

“It is about the peer review of our Governor, HE Dapo Abiodun, relative to his handling of affairs in the last six months since he mounted the saddle of authority in Ogun State.

“To make things less cumbersome, I will speak under thematic headings and make comparisons with the past governors and also with a few good ones in this present class. For the past, I will be limiting the comparison to HE Olusegun Osoba, HE Gbenga Daniel, and HE Ibikunle Amosun.

“For those on the saddle right now, I will limit myself to HE Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and HE Bello Mattawalle of Zamfara.

“Areas to be reviewed:

1. General perception of capacity in office

2. Stabilisation of governance

3. Quick-wins

4. Recommendations going forward.

“I make bold to say that in terms of the general perception of capacity, there is no gainsaying that Ogun has never had it so disappointing. I refresh your minds to how it was in the class of 1999 when Chief Olusegun Osoba was the leader, not only in the South West, but was also revered by many Nigerians as one who moved with clarity. You may need to remember how often his voice was heard, not just on Ogun State issues but also on the issues around the progressives in Nigeria.

“Within six months, it was already clear that the Osoba government would take development to the fringes of the state and that the rural areas would get connected with activities. His Commissioner for Works, Segun Adesegun, had settled in office, and his office had become a beehive. At about the same time of six months, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, during his time, had become the wonder boy in government and project development. The entire country knew that something was up in Ogun State. Computerisation of the civil service had commenced. Also, structures and projects were already commissioned. Need I say that Daniel’s pace of work was, till then, unmatched in our country. Ogun State was in the news for all the right reasons.

“Senator Ibikunle Amosun had, undoubtedly, within the period under review, showed his hand firmly around his strength in road constructions. He had opened up the Ogun State economy for the influx of private sector investors in a way that had not been done before. It is on record that the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration opened more industries in Ogun State than any other state in the country. And needless to say that there was a purposefulness that brought skilled Ogun indigenes in the private sector on board. He had also commenced without delay the review of the Daniel administration. He proved that government is a sacred trust that must be reviewed and accounted for. In six months, the Amosun administration had the full structures of government in place.

“Moving on to the present administration, with the activities of HE Dapo Abiodun, perhaps it may seem that he is up to something. But what is with this winking in the dark? What are his handlers doing relative to what we are used to in Ogun State? The continuous statements about public-private partnerships seem to me that the Abiodun government has no clear agenda of its own. And in case it does, it is going about things in a rather snail slow speed, which suggests a lack of preparedness. And to think his government put together such a large committee with a few good names to look at things is baffling to a patriotic citizen and lover of Ogun State.

“Compare HE Dapo Abiodun to HE Seyi Makinde and tell me you are not concerned. I have no recollection at any time in this republic that commenced in 1999 that the people of Oyo State ever outpaced us in Ogun; not Lam Adesina, not Ladoja, not Akala, and certainly not Ajimobi. But can we say not Makinde? To say that will be to leave ourselves open to the butt of jokes. HE Abiodun has zero excuses for he has almost everyone, perhaps with the exception of HE Amosun, available to offer insight and suggestions. In our Yoruba proverb: Omo to ba ma je Asamu, kekere lo ti ma senu samu samu. (‘The morning tells the day’ , or ‘make hay while the sun shines’).

“2. Stabilisation of Government:

Is it not strange that Ogun State has not put Commissioners in place and populated its statutory commissions and boards? Ogun has never had it so late. There is no excuse nor justification for this. What is not being considered is that not having full structures of governance in place, limits the ideas and energy that the government has to draw from. How can we watch the previously slow Federal Government put its cabinet in place, yet our beloved Ogun State, under HE Dapo Abiodun, will now be grouped alongside states that do not get settled in time to work?

“There is the suspicion that those who do not form their cabinets on time are people who desire to run the resources of the state with their cronies, and without input from a cabinet. Whatever be the excuse, it is clear that on this score, one would have to wonder what has become of us. All our neighbours, Lagos and Oyo states, have their cabinets in place, why not Ogun? I am sure his party faithful and supporters are at a loss as to the real reason behind the delay.

“3 Quick-Wins:

Anyone who desires to govern the people must know that humans are animals of short attention spans, and they tend to make up their minds quickly. As such, the champions of each era must understand that people want to see the direction and benefit of development immediately. Again, take a look at Oyo State and take a look at Zamfara and do a media audit of how those governors are perceived; then compare your audit findings with the situation in Ogun State. You will most likely return with the verdict that HE Dapo Abiodun needs to be worried.

“The words on the streets of Ogun State are not favourable. Average opinion is that the Governor has taken on a responsibility that he is not prepared for. I find that extremely hard to accept for I recall his desire to be governor as far back as the 2001/2002 season. I am more persuaded to think that the challenge might be Abiodun’s lack of team spirit – a case where someone courts everybody but really does not desire to work with anybody. I doubt that between Osoba, Daniel, Team Lagos, Isiaka, Team Yayi and the numerous blocks that are in his largely needless humongous coalition, what we have seen in six months is the best that is possible. So much more is expected and so much more must be done.

“Recommendation:

HE Abiodun needs to review things comprehensively and remember that the class of 2019 governors are going to be under unprecedented pressure. This is because from what I sense, the 2023 race may start way too early, that is if it has not begun already, with all the rumoured ambitions for presidency coming from the stable of the ruling APC. The early start to 2023 elections will take its toll on governance, and, therefore, if the Governor is not careful, he may go down as the worst person to govern Ogun State and what exactly is to be gained from that? Nothing. When our elected representatives perform, they perform for all of us, but when they fail, oh la la, they fail in their names and with enormous consequences. HE Dapo Abiodun has no reason to fail, and he must be encouraged not to.

“Passing Words:

Rarely have I seen a situation where doing less than the other guy is a good strategy. – Jimmy Spithill”

Ogun cancels monthly environmental sanitation

The Ogun State Government has cancelled the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state. The Government said it has also lifted the restriction of movement order.

This, the State Government said would enable secondary school students across the state to take part in the on-going National Examination Council (NECO) examinations. 

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin.

Abiodun, while giving the approval, said the decision was arrived at after reviewing the challenges that the restriction of movement order would have on the Mathematics paper in the NECO exams schedule for Saturday and which coincides with the timing of the monthly sanitation exercise.

“It has become expedient that the interest of the students be considered. Mathematics is a general subject and we need to facilitate hitch-free preparation and movement of students, teachers and NECO officials and examiners to various centres where the exams would hold within and outside the state”, the statement said.

Gov Abiodun, however, implored all citizens to ensure that the cleaning exercise is observed at their various houses, irrespective of the non-restriction of movement during the period of the exercise. 

He further noted that it was imperative that all drainage channels be kept free of silts and refuse to avoid flooding of homes that could lead to the destruction of lives and properties.

“Cleaning should not be one-month affair. We need to take care of our personal hygiene and clean our environment regularly and on a daily basis to avoid outbreak of cholera and other preventable and communicable diseases that could lead to epidemics,” the statement further said.

The Governor mentioned that the Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) have been mandated to go round and collect refuse generated during period of the exercise, while Environmental Health Officers have also been directed to ensure compliance with Public health regulations and bring offenders to book.

Breaking: Arsenal finally sack Emery, appoint new coach

Arsenal have sacked manager Unai Emery following the disastrous sequence of results that culminated in Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League in front of a largely empty Emirates Stadium.

The club’s board had publicly backed their manager during the recent international break saying he was “the right man for the job” but that “things need to improve”. 

However Saturday’s toxic 2-2 draw with struggling Southampton and Thursday’s Europa League defeat seem to have forced their hand.

Freddie Ljungberg will take temporary charge of the team.

Free Education: Headteachers still collecting fees from pupils - Ogun Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Dare Kadiri, on Wednesday, lamented that some headteachers and principals of public primary and secondary schools in his constituency were collecting fees from pupils.

The lawmaker said this was contrary to the free education policy of Governor Dapo Abiodun and his directive that no fee should be collected from pupils in public schools across the state. 

This is coming barely a month after DAILY POST reported that pupils in public schools and technical colleges in Ogun State have resumed payment of the controversial Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) levies. 

Kadiri, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from  Ijebu North II (Ifelodun) constituency, reported that some parents of pupils in his Constituency complained of alleged collection of levies from pupils.

The Deputy Speaker, speaking during plenary, alleged that the headteachers were extorting parents under the guise of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) levies.

But in his reaction, the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Olakunle Oluomo, said  the Gov Dapo Abiodun-led administration remained committed to running free education programme in all its primary and secondary schools. 

However, Oluomo clarified that even though the free education programme subsists, it did not prevent the Parents and Teacher Associations (PTAs) from carrying out certain projects, noting that whatever fees charged by the PTA, subject to approval by the State’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, should not stop any pupil from enjoying free education in the State.

According to him, no school principal or official should, on account of such fee, send children away from attending classes.

Source: DAILY POST 

Constables recruitment: Tension as court announces day of judgement

The Federal High Court Abuja will on December 4, deliver judgment in the suit filed by the Police Service Commission against the Nigeria Police Force over the recruitment of 10,000 constables.

This has aroused tension among the recruits who have since begun training in various police colleges across the nation. 

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date on Wednesday,  after hearing arguments from counsel representing parties in the suit.

Arguing on behalf of PSC, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN) held that contrary to arguments earlier canvassed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, the fourth defendant in the suit, there was no distinction between recruitment and appointment.

“The fourth defendant has tried to distinguish between recruitment and appointment but recruitment simply means the filling of vacancies by appointment of people not already in the public service, there is no distinction between the two,” Agabi said.

Agabi further argued that there was no constitutional provision to back the claim that “recruitment of police personnel from time immemorial has been done by the Inspector-General of Police”.

He said it was the responsibility of the PSC to recruit police personnel and not that of the IGP and that allowing the IGP to conduct recruitment, would be usurping powers of the commission.

Agabi prayed the court to grant all the reliefs sought by his client in the suit.

Mr Alex Iziyon, SAN, canvassing arguments on behalf of the first to third defendants, the Nigeria Police Force the IGP, and the Minister of Police Affairs, described the suit as frivolous and scandalous.

He urged the court to dismiss the suit saying it was an abuse of court process.

For his part, Mr Terhemba Agbe, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, insisted that there was a distinction between recruitment and appointment.

Agbe told the court that the AGF had advised both parties to work in harmony, that the IGP should conduct recruitment into the police and the names of those found worthy would be forwarded to the PSC for an appointment.

After hearing arguments from all parties, Justice Ekwo fixed December 4 for judgment and ordered that on the day of judgement, no employee of the police or PSC should be in the court gallery.

He ordered that only legal counsel, those designated to represent both organisations and the media should be present in court.

Punch 

Buhari confirms APC NEC meeting for Friday

President Muhammadu Buhari  has  confirmed the All Progressives Congress National Executive Council meeting for Friday.

However, the party’s  National Working Committee  is expected to hold an emergency meeting  today in Abuja.

The Peoples Democratic Party will  also hold an emergency meeting today to deliberate on   Saturday’s  governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, which they lost.

Also on Tuesday, Rivers  State Governor Nyesom Wike made a veiled reference to the APC’s victory in the Bayelsa governorship poll, saying Rivers would be the next target of the party by “the enemies”.

Our correspondent learnt  that the APC’s  emergency meeting   was aimed at  setting  agenda for the National Caucus meeting on Thursday.

A top member of the party told our correspondent on Tuesday that  the NWC meeting  “is strategic” as it would lay foundation for deliberations at the caucus meeting.

Vacant leadership positions in the party are also expected to be on  the front burner as new occupants could emerge this week subject to  ratification by the NEC.

The source said, “We are meeting tomorrow (Wednesday)  to set agenda for the caucus meeting because some of us  (NWC members) are not members of the national caucus so have we have to lend our voice to the position that will be taken to the caucus meeting.”

Another NWC member confirmed to our correspondent that zonal chairmen had been asked to come with the  names of candidates for the vacant positions in their zones for deliberation first at the NWC meeting, then at the caucus meeting.

 “The positions have been zoned and micro-zoned to states but we have a situation that lobbying has been intense to jettison the arrangement so the caucus is playing a key role in the final outcome before the ratification by the NEC,” the source said.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, could not be reached on his mobile line on Tuesday for comment.

He had also yet to respond to a text message on the agenda of the meeting as of  the time of filing this report.

Punch 

If you applied for Ogun teaching job, read this urgently

Did you submit application for  the Ogun State Primary School Teachers’ Recruitment Exercise?

The second stage of the exercise is about to begin. 

To confirm if your application was successful and you are qualified for the next stage, please go to 

https://jobs.ogunstate.gov.ng/subeb-status, log on with your Labour ID or Phone No and follow the instructions carefully.

Hurry up and complete the form as deadline for submission is Tuesday Nov 19, 2019.

Announcer:

SUBEB/ Ogun State Min. Of Education

Breaking: Ogun guber: Akinlade heads for Supreme Court

The governorship candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in Ogun State on Saturday said he would be "approaching the Supreme Court for justice."

Akinlade disclosed this while addressing his loyalists at the APM Secretariat, Abiola Way, Leme, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. 

Akinlade had dragged the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the Appeal Court, sitting in Ibadan. 

This was after the Justice Yusuf Halilu-led governorship election petition tribunal in Ogun State on September 14 dismissed Akinlade's petition; declaring Abiodun as the winner of the March 9 election.  

Upholding the decision of the lower tribunal, the Appeal Court on November 11 also dismissed the petition. 

But Akinlade said he would approach the Supreme Court to test the strength of his case.

He said this was unanimously agreed by elders and leaders of the APM, who he said met yesterday for a review of the entire process. 

"Our conviction and believe in the legal system is unshaken despiter the two previous judgements. Yesterday the 15th of November, 2019, elders and leaders across the state met and unanimously agreed that we must approach the Supreme Court to test the strength of our case," Akinlade stated. 

Sanwo-Olu begins payment of N35,000 as minimum wage to Lagos workers

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that his administration would commence payment of N35, 000 minimum wage from November.

The decision was taken after series of meetings and discussions between the Lagos State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Lagos State Government, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Friday.

Disclosing this, Comrade Rasaq Adio Falade, State Chairman of JNC, said necessary terms of settlement and agreement were reached at the meeting.

The National Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (NJPSNC) and the Federal Government’s Negotiations and Consequential Adjustment of Salaries had produced the following figures on Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS): GL. 01-06=N30,000; GL. 07=23.2%; GL. 08=20%; GL. 09=19%; GL. 10-14=16% and GL. 15-17=14%.

But, Falade said the government agreed to pay N35,000 as minimum wage.

Falade stated that the state government had agreed to pay GL. 01-06=N35,000.09;. GL. 07=30%; GL. 08-10=25%; GL. 12-14=22.5% and GL. 15-17=20%.

He stressed that payment of allowances peculiar to certain professions/sectors such as health workers, medical personnel, teachers, and so on, embedded in their respective Consolidated Salary Structures (e.g. CONHESS, CONMESS, CONTISS, etc) shall be paid for those stated items (e.g. Hazard, Call, Shift, etc) at such rates as provided in the various salaries of government approved in 2011.

According to Falade, the payment of the New Minimum Wage at the consequential adjustment rates shall commence in Lagos State in the November, 2019 salary cycle.

“The New Minimum Wage Act came into effect on the 18th April, 2019 as such, it was agreed that payment of the six and half months arrears shall be be made and concluded by the first quarter of year 2020,” he said.

Below is the breakdown:

LAGOS STATE SALARIES CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT/INCREASE

a. GL. 01-06=N35,000.09

b. GL. 07=30%

c. GL. 08-10=25%

d. GL. 12-14=22.5%

e. GL. 15-17=20%

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SALARIES CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT/INCREASE

a. GL. 01-06=N30,000

b. GL. 07=23.2%

c. GL. 08=20%

d. GL. 09=19%

e. GL. 10-14=16%

f. GL. 15-17=14%

Amosun defends South West Development Commission bill, says it was agreed by all Senators from SW

Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday gave the rationale for the introduction of a Bill to establish South West Development Commission (SWDC).

Amosun, who was responding to questions from Senate correspondents in Abuja, said the Bill is meant for the development of Southwest and its people.

“If a part of a whole is not well, then the whole will not be well,” he said.

A Bill to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC) scaled first reading in the Senate yesterday.

The Bill titled: “South West Development Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2019” was sponsored by former Ogun State Governor Amosun.

Following the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and North East Development Commission (NEDC), other geopolitical zones have been clamouring that a similar intervention agency be created to take care of their needs.

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) was on Wednesday reintroduced in the Senate by Senator Stella Oduah representing Anambra North.

Amosun, while justifying the Bill, said it was sponsored by all senators from the region.

He said: “Clearly every part of Nigeria should feel concerned about the need to develop their place.

“If all of us develop our place, of course, we will have a beautiful country that everybody will be proud of.

“So to that extent, this is not just my Bill, it is being co-sponsored by all of us (senators) from the Southwest.

“If you look at even the population of Nigeria, just look at how many are we from the Southwest.

“I am saying this with all sense of responsibility, there is no part of Nigeria that is not important. All of us are.

“All Nigerians have something that they are bringing to the table, but of course, you will notice that there is no way the Nigerian nation can be described without some kind of prominent mention to those from the Southwest and what we contribute to Nigeria as a nation.

“Look at just the contribution of Lagos State to Nigeria as a nation. So I think there should be some kind of special status but not just for Lagos alone now.

“Of course, we are saying whatever happens in Lagos, happens in Ogun State. For me, Ogun State is the industrial hub of Nigeria.

“You know the population that we have and what we are contributing to Nigeria. There are some parts of Nigeria that we know – this is not probably by their doing – for example our people from the Northeast, there is no sane person that will not want to support the (North East Development Commission) particularly with the destruction that has happened there.

“We don’t want any place to be left behind. But in doing that we should not be oblivious of the fact that we need to continue to develop too and this is why we are bringing this Bill.”

Sen. Amosun said that the Bill was jointly agreed on by all senators from the Southwest.

“Indeed, we had a meeting and everyone agreed that it is a good Bill that must quickly be put in place and that was why this morning it was read for the first time.

“I know that we are going to more or less incorporate the Bill that Senator Gbenga Ashafa brought the other time, and I think it has even been represented now.

“But I know that anywhere in the Southwest, if it is good in Lagos, Ekiti or in Osun, I will be happy and I am sure that there is no way it will be good in those places that it will not be okay for us in Ogun State.

“This is not because similar agencies have been created in the Northeast or Southsouth, everybody should look out for how they can improve the well-being of our people,” he said.

The Nation 

Ogun, Lagos, others get new police Commissioners

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered the immediate posting/redeployment of some Commissioners of Police to man some states. 

Acting Commissoner of Police Olusegun Odumosu has been appointed to head Lagos.

Odumosu, who was in charge of security in the Presidential Taskforce on Apapa congestion, would take over headship of Lagos police from Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zubeiru Muazu.

According to a signal by the Police Force’s Secretary on behalf of the Inspector General (IG) Mohammed Adamu, the appointment was with immediate effect.

Six other Commissioners of Police (CPs) were posted to head Kano (Habu Ahmadu); Cross River (Nkereuwem Akpan); Ogun (Imohimi Edgal); Akwa Ibom (Kenneth Ebrimson); Edo (Lawal Jimeta) and Bauchi (Sule Maku) States.

Over 10 other Acting Commissioners of Police were posted to head various units and departments all geared towards consolidating on internal security gains.

A statement by police spokesman Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner (DCP), said the IG charged the newly deployed officers to improve on public safety and crime fighting.

“He also directs the new Commissioners of Police to work with relevant stakeholders in adopting aggressive, proactive and community based crime prevention strategies to combat crime in their areas of responsibility.

“In addition, the Inspector General of Police enjoins the citizens of the affected states to accord the Commissioners of Police maximum cooperation to ensure they succeed in the realisation of their mandate,” he said.

APC has no governorship candidate in Bayelsa, court declares

The Federal High Court, Yenagoa, on Thursday declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have a governorship candidate in the forthcoming election in Bayelsa State.

This development is coming two days to the election.

The court was presided over by Justice Jane Inyang.

The court declaration, on Thursday, was part of its judgement in a case filed by Heineken Lokpobiri, one of the APC governorship aspirants.

Mr Lokpobiri, a former minister of state for agriculture, had approached the court, asking it to declare him, and not David Lyon, the authentic candidate of the APC.

“The court pronounced that the governorship primary conducted by the APC in Bayelsa state was not done in compliance with the guidelines and the constitution of the party, and, therefore, the party has no candidate.”

Mr Lokpobiri’s lawyer, Fitzgerald Olorogun, told reporters immediately after the court ruling.

A shocked Mr Olorogun said the court declaration was not part of their prayers. “It’s strange,” he said.

Asked what was the next option for his client, Mr Olorogun said “We’ll do the needful. But for now, the pronouncement of the court is that APC has no candidate.”

There was heavy police presence within and outside the court premises. The main highway way leading to the court was barricaded by the police. 

Visitors, including journalists, were frisked before they were allowed to enter the court building.

Mr Lokpobiri, before now, has been urging the people of Bayelsa to vote for the APC in the November 16 election, despite his court case against Mr Lyon and the party.

“I’m a very strong member of APC and I came today to formally tell our chairman and to speak to Nigerians, in particular, the electorate in Bayelsa that all of them should vote for APC regardless of what happens in the court case in which judgment is slated for Nov. 14, 2019,” the former minister said in Abuja after a courtesy visit on the national chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

“I told my supporters even before I came here that no matter what happened, I will remain in APC having served as a minister under this administration.

“There is no way the outcome of the governorship primaries will make me leave APC. We are working and campaigning at different levels.

“I always advise that anybody that is grieved, the only place to go is the court.

“So, whatever happens in the matter that is pending in court will not be an infraction on any part of our party’s constitution,” he said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday had disqualified Mr Lyon’s running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, from participating in the forthcoming election on the grounds that he provided conflicting information on the documents he presented to INEC.

The case against Mr Degi-Eremienyo was filed by the PDP.

Premium Times 

Amosun sponsors bill for establishment of South West Development Commission

Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun Central, is seeking the establishment of South West Development Commission.

The bill “South West Development Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2019” was read for the first time during plenary on Thursday.

A bill seeking to establish the South East Development Commission (SEDC) was reintroduced a day before.

The south-East bill, which scaled first reading on the floor, was passed by the eighth Senate but failed to receive presidential assent.

Amosun's will is expected to be debated at the next senate plenary. 

Osinbajo accused of allegedly praying for Buhari's death in church

• 

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo’s spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, has denied allegations that his principal visited a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God where he and other congregants allegedly prayed for the death of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Akande, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity (Office of the Vice-President), said this in an article published in reaction to columnist, Dr. Festus Adedayo’s opinion piece.

Adedayo had, in an article published on Sunday in several online platforms, titled, ‘The Trials of Brother Osinbajo,’ said he received information that Osinbajo, who is a Senior Pastor with the RCCG, had, in a gathering with members of the church, prayed for the death of the President when the latter was away on medical leave.

The columnist said a confidante of Buhari, who was at the gathering, informed the President of Osinbajo’s “sinister plan,” hence the breakdown in the relationship between Buhari and Osinbajo.

In his reaction, however, Osinbajo’s spokesman challenged Adedayo to state where the alleged prayer session took place and the date.

Akande wrote, “He (Adedayo) claimed that the Vice President, together with some Redeemed Church ‘accomplices,’ gathered to pray at some place unstated in his home state of Ogun, at a date that was not indicated, for the purpose of interceding for the VP to become President, and by extension, hoping for, or seeking the death of the President.

“So, where exactly in Ogun State did this prayer session take place, and when? Was it in a church, in which case there would likely be an audio recording?

“Who are the prominent pastors or other persons involved that can testify to what transpired — what are their names?

“Who is the ‘strong Buhari ally’ who made a surprise appearance at the gathering and brought the story back to Mr. President?

“If, as Adedayo claims, the VP has been hounding and haranguing this Buhari ally since then, why is it so difficult for him to cry out and publicise his strange discovery?”

Akande also rubbished claims by Adedayo that Osinbajo, as acting President, had an ulterior motive when he sent the name of the then acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to the Senate for confirmation.

He wondered how Osinbajo would have wanted Onnoghen to sack Buhari.

“Who primed Onnoghen to package Buhari inside a judicial casket during the 2019 elections? And to whose benefit?

“If, for any reason, the Buhari election was nullified by the judiciary, how would that benefit his running mate, since they contested on the same ticket?” Akande asked.

The Vice-President’s spokesman said it was unfortunate that some elements were being sponsored to drive a wedge between Osinbajo and Buhari.

There have been reports about a friction between the President and the Vice-President in the last three months.

So far, the President had reduced the responsibilities of his deputy and had also sacked 35 of his aides.

Culled from The Punch

Constables recruitment: What happened in court today between IG and PSC

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned till Nov. 20 for the Police Service Commission (PSC) to respond to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)’s counter-affidavit in a suit to stop the recruitment of 10, 000 police officers.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who adjourned the case on the instance of the PSC, said the development was to allow its counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, to respond to the counter-affidavit.

Justice Ekwo, therefore, adjourned till Nov. 20 for the continuation of the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PSC had taken the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to court over the recruitment of 10,000 constables.

In the motion on notice filed on Sept. 24, the commission is praying the court for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from ”appointing, recruiting or attempting to appoint or recruit by any means whatsoever any person into any office by the NPF pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

While the PSC is the plaintiff, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Muhammed Adamu, the NPF and the AGF are defendants in the case.

Justice Ekwo had, on Nov. 4, ordered the parties in the case to maintain status quo in respect of the earlier interim order issued against the recruitment exercise.

NAN reports that on Oct. 23, the judge ordered parties in the suit challenging the recruitment to stay any action in the interim.

Ekwo held that this was necessary since parties have submitted themselves to court for settlement of the matter.

The judge gave the order after Counsel to the PSC, Barth Ogar, who held brief for Agabi, told Justice Ekwo that in spite of the court’s order restraining the I-G from continue with the recruitment exercise, the police had gone ahead with the process.

“My Lord, the police has gone ahead to carry out the recruitment exercise in spite of the court’s order.

”The recruited officers have been asked to report to various Police Training Schools in the country,’’ he said.

Ogun guber: Gov Abiodun wins in court

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State today ruled on the governorship appeal involving Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his challenger, Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The court dismissed the appeal filed by Akinlade, upholding the decision of the lower tribunal. 

The tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, had earlier dismissed Akinlade’s petition challenging the victory of the governor.

It was reported last week that the Appeal Court had reserved judgment on the appeal filed by Akinlade. 

Kumuyi joins politics, becomes party leader

A former Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi has been elected as a leader of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.

Kumuyi, who served as the state Chief Judge during the tenure of former Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, was elected as the leader of the party in the northern senatorial district of Ondo State by delegates at the party’s senatorial district meeting held in Ogbagi-Akoko, Akoko North West local government area of the state.

After retiring from active service in 2017, Kumuyi delved into partisan politics when he pitched tent with Mimiko’s political structure in the state.

One of the delegates, a former Commissioner for Natural Resources in Ondo State, Tunde Atere said the “meeting reviewed, with satisfaction, activities of the party in northern senatorial district as led by Kumuyi.

“He is a trusted and dependable leader with the capacity to lead our party in the northern senatorial district,” Barrister Tunde Atere explained as he nominated the former Chief Judge.

Reacting, Kumuyi said the party will continue to uphold the principles of social democracy as demonstrated by its national leader, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, during his tenure as governor of Ondo state.

Two 'Revd Sisters' travel to Africa and return with pregnancy

It could just be a miracle, but the Catholic church is investigating how two nuns became pregnant while on separate missionary trips in Africa.

The two women, who belonged to different orders in Sicily, Italy, both became pregnant while visiting their home countries, according to the Italian outlet ASNA.

One woman, a mother superior, discovered her pregnancy while working with “fallen women and their children” and left Italy for her home country of Madagascar, the ASNA report said.

The second woman complained of stomach pains upon her return to Italy and discovered via an ultrasound that she, too, was pregnant, according to the ASNA report. Both women are unsurprisingly expected to leave the order to raise their children.

The church announced that the investigation would prioritize the welfare of the children over the nuns’ violation of chastity vows.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis spoke about widespread abuse in the Catholic church, including sexual abuse of nuns by male members of the clergy, calling it a “serious, grave problem.”

DAILY NEWS

Akpabio wins in court

Godswill Akpabio has been declared winner of the senatorial election for Akwa Ibom North West District.

The former governor was first elected senator from the district in 2015 when he concluded his two terms as governor.

He was appointed into President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet in July, serving currently as the Niger-Delta minister.

Chris Ekpenyong of the Peoples Democratic Party was initially declared winner of the election by INEC, but Mr Akpabio challenged the decision at the election’s tribunal.

He lost at the tribunal and challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, which declared him the winner today, effectively ending the long and tenuous battle for the senatorial seat.

Premium Times 

Why we sacked Osinbajo's aides - Presidency

The Presidency has come up with reasons 35 aides attached to the office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, were dismissed during the week.

A report emerged during the week indicating that over 30 aides attached to the VP had been sacked with their names and portfolios published.

A statement signed by Garba Shehu, a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, and made available to newsmen on Friday, said, “The Presidency wishes to confirm that there is, on-going, an unprecedented overhaul of the nation’s seat of government, arising from which a number of political appointments have either been revoked or not renewed in the Second Term.

“The exercise, which has been ordered by the President, is to streamline decision-making, cut down multiple authorities and reduce the cost of administration.

“It is also an appropriate response to the general perception that the Presidency has an oversized and bloated workforce which acts as a drag on efficiency.

“As may have been noticed by discerning members of the public, a number of political appointees among the few that served in the office of the President were not returned for the Second Term.

“The office of the Vice President, His Excellency Yemi Osinbajo has, in compliance with the directive of the President, equally been shed of a number of such appointees.

“In carrying out these exercises, the overriding objective is to save taxpayer money and deliver needed service to the public. As far as the President is concerned, there is no scope for an excuse for administration after getting a huge mandate to run the country for four more years.

“In the light of this, the Presidency wishes to strongly deny rumours of a rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent and trusting. Together, they will script a glorious future for the nation.

“The media reports of a soured relationship are originating from the minds and mouths of mischief-makers, who are desperate for entertaining stories from the Aso Rock Villa with which to titillate the public. This ulterior motive is the basis of the wrong interpretation given to the recent exercise in the Presidency.

“There has been a streamlining of staff going on for a while. The President has always had fewer staff than the Vice President, and there were always plans to reduce the number of staff at the Villa.

“The streamlining was not personal or targeted to undermine the Vice President’s office, as the so-called insider sources quoted by the media appear to make it seem.

“The President is in absolute control of his government. The media should stop attributing non-existent powers to some people. There cannot be anyone too powerful for President Buhari to control.”

Sen. Akume of APC lost in Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State capital has dismissed the appeal filed by former governor of the state, Senator George Akume challenging the victory of Barr Emmanuel Orkejev as the senator representing Benue North West.

The court dismissed the petition of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Akume and upheld the election of Orkejev of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

The Tribunal had earlier dismissed the petition filed by Akume challenging the election of Barr Okejev in the March 9 elections.

Unsatisfied with the tribunal ruling, Akume approached the Appeal Court challenging the judgement of the lower court.

The Justice I. G Mbaba led Appeal Court panel in a judgment read by justice, Louise Otis, J.C.A on Friday upheld the judgment of the Tribunal on grounds that the appellant’s Appeal lacks merit, the appellant was also not able to prove his case.

The court concluded that all evidence wear based on Hearsay evidence.

I raped her for refusing to date me - Man tells police

Police in Ogun State on Monday arrested a 27-year-old man, Adam Kunle of Makogi area in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government, for forcefully having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 38-year-old woman.

DAILY POST gathered that the suspect was arrested following a report by the victim (name withheld) at Ibafo Police Station that while she was sleeping in her room at about 12:30PM, the suspect who lives in a house not too far to hers’ sneaked into her room where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her against her wish.

Upon the report, police said the DCO of Ibafo Police Station, SP Akindele Andrew, quickly led dectectives to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested and taken to the station.

“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime, but claimed to have been making advances to the victim for quite sometime of which the victim has been rejecting his offer.

“He stated further that he took advantage of the lady being the only person at home on that day to have his way on her,” Ogun Police Spokesperson, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said in a statement.

Oyeyemi said the victim had been taken to the hospital for medical attention and report.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Polic, CP Bashir Makama, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and prosecution.

Buhari sacks Osinbajo's aides: See why

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dismissal of some of his aides who were attached to the Office of the Vice-President.

Osinbajo, it was learnt, had more aides than President Buhari. Some of them were appointed while Osinbajo was acting as President when Buhari was out of the country for over 130 non-consecutive days in London in 2017, according to Punch.

A top source at the Presidency said, “It is true that many of VP’s aides were given termination letters last night. However, I cannot confirm the exact number because it was not done in public. But you know it is political.

“Some of those dismissed are those who have been made redundant since the VP’s duties have been reduced and some of the social investment programmes have been put under other ministries.”

The VP, who was saddled with the responsibility of running the economy as well as the social investment programmes in the first term of the President, is believed to have twice the number of aides that work directly with the President.

Aides to the Vice-President as of 2017 according to Premium Times was about 52 while that of the President was 25.

However, other appointments were said to have been made for Osinbajo which were never made public.

Some others, it was learnt, were being paid by donor agencies and not directly from the Federal Government’s purse.

The President appointed additional aides for Osinbajo in August 2019. They include Ahmad Zakari as Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, as Senior Special Assistant on Education Interventions, Louis Odion as Senior Technical Assistant on Print Media, and Ajuri Ngelale as Senior Special Assistant for Public Affairs in the Presidency.

There have been reports about the attempts by the ‘cabal’ within the Presidency to water down the power and duties of Osinbajo since the second term kicked off.

Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, had said on Tuesday that the Vice-President had been made redundant as he was no longer a relevant member of Buhari’s government.

The President has also failed to transmit power to Osinbajo anytime he travels for long periods as he had done in previous years.

Abiodun thanks GNI for working against Ogun West agenda by rejecting collaborations with Akinlade

Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reportedly appreciated Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka for refusing to collaborate with Hon. Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in the March 9 governorship election in Ogun State, Tribune newspaper reports. 

Abiodun, it was learnt, said this while hosting Isiaka and leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC in his office on Monday.

Tribune newspaper said, "Reliable sources within the meeting quoted Governor Abiodun to have expressed great satisfaction with the development.

"While addressing the group, the governor said “Isiaka displayed great sportsmanship in the last election” describing him as a “man of integrity and character.”

"Abiodun commended the ADC stalwart for resisting offers to collaborate with the Allied People’s Movement (APM) or the Ladi Adebutu faction of the PDP in the last election, noting that this singular act was crucial to his own eventual victory at the polls."

Abiodun's comment, as reported by Tribune newspaper, is an indication that Isiaka was in the race to make Abiodun win, thereby spoiling the chances of Ogun West. 

Abiodun recently boasted during Sagamu Day Festival that his tribe Remo would continue to lead Ogun State, praising God for giving Remoland another chance another rare privilege to rule Ogun State again after former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who ruled from 2003 to 2011. 

African Advocate reports that Akinlade and Isiaka are from Ogun West, the only geopolitical zone that has not ruled Ogun State since it was created 40 years ago. 

During the election, Isiaka, on a radio programme, said he rejected offers from the then Gov Ibikunle Amosun to join forces with Akinlade, even after Hon. Ladi Adebutu, has declared his support for Ogun West. 

Political observers in Ogun State have since opined that the refusal of Isiaka to team up with Akinlade was the reason why Ogun West lost another brighter chance to rule Ogun State. But his followers have given different reasons for his refusal to work with Amosun.

In the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission said Abiodun polled 241,670 votes, Akinlade scored 222,153 votes and GNI came third with 110,442 votes. 

Meanwhile, Isiaka has hinted that he would officially announce his defection to the APC soon with his Believe Movement members. 

This would mean that Isiaka, who has contested to be governor of Ogun three times, has given up on the race. 

GNI buries Ogun governorship ambition as he leads supporters to APC

A three-time governorship candidate in Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, appears to have buried his ambition to be governor of the Gateway State.

DAILY POST gathered that Isiaka, on Monday evening, led leaders and members of his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to meet with Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, allegedly for talks on how to perfect their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former aspirant who has contested the governorship position under the African Democratic Congress for three consecutive unsuccessful attempts said he had confidence that the present administration will take Ogun State to a higher pedestal.

While explaining the reason behind his support visit to the governor, Isiaka also known as GNI in the political circles expressed optimism that something positive would happen between his group and the APC very soon.

“We came to see our Governor as a way of moving our relationship forward. We had interactions with our people all over the State and they mandated us to come and talk with our Governor. All the areas that needed clarification, we have gotten them. So we need to go back to them and within the next couple of days, the full outcome of this meeting will be made known to the public.

“We are very confident because the morning shows the night from what we have seen in five months. If we had not seen positive signs, we probably would not have graduated our relationship. I have come with the leadership of my political structure all across the State. This is to signify the fact that we are very confident and happy with the way government is going about putting the state on a greater scale,” he said.

The Imeko-born politician explained that there were positive developments between his group and the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that it was not for him to disclose because his team would be reporting back to their superiors.

“I am not here on behalf of the ADC, but I have come as a leader that led a political movement into the ADC a few months ago and so I have come here on the platform of that political movement. Majority of us are members of ADC, but I am not here to talk of ADC because the party has its procedures.”

Meanwhile, Gov Dapo Abiodun who confirmed receipt of Chief Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and team in his Oke-Mosan Office explained that the APC will be furthering its relationship with other parties in collective service to State.

“I received in my Oke-Mosan Office yesterday, (GNI), who led his political movement on a visit. Chief Isiaka is the leader of the Believe Movement and candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last Ogun State governorship election.

DAILY POST recalls that Isiaka, who was the anointed candidate of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, contested under the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in 2011, after losing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to Tunji Olurin. He lost the 2011 election to Sen. Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

It was the same scenario in 2015 when Isiaka, who contested under the platform of the PDP, lost again to Amosun of the APC.

His last outing in 2019 was under the ADC, but his performance was far below expectations as he lost to the incumbent Gov Abiodun of the APC.

However, the duo of Isiaka and Abiodun have continued to build a political relationship after the election to the surprise of many Ogun indigenes.

It will be recalled that Isiaka and his brother, Wasiu Isiaka were members of Abiodun’s transition committee, fuelling speculations that there might have been a political agreement between Abiodun and Isiaka prior to the governorship election.

It was also gathered from reliable sources that Isiaka has submitted to Abiodun, his list of nominees for appointment into his government.

DAILY POST