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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Ondo Gov, Akeredolu loses at Supreme Court, to pay N500,000 fine

    The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for lacking in merit.

    Akeredolu had, by the appeal, challenged a July 2017 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which upheld an order by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of Federal High Court in Abuja, granting permission to Olusegun Abraham to serve Akeredolu through substituted means, court documents in relation to the suit he (Abraham) filed.

    Abraham’s suit is challenging the outcome of the primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which produced Akeredolu as the party’s candidate for the last governorship election in Ondo State.

    In a unanimous judgment on the appeal marked: SC/698/2017, a five-man panel of the Supreme Court held that Akeredolu’s appeal was without merit.

    Akeredolu has however described the court’s decision as a none-issue.

    Justice John Okoro, in the lead judgment, but read by Justice Paul Galinje, upheld the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal and awarded N500,000 cost against Akeredolu, in favour of Abraham.

    Justice Galinje said: “the appellant went to the Federal High Court to challenge serve of originating summons and other process on him. His challenge was dismissed. At the appeal to the Court of Appeal, his appeal was also dismissed.

    ”He further appealed to this place and filed six grounds of appeal and formulated four issues for determination of the appeal. My leaned brother considered all the issues submitted for the determination of this appeal and came to the conclusion that the appeal lacks merit and ought to be dismissed.

    ”The appeal is accordingly dismissed. Cost of N500,000 is awarded against the appellant and against the 1st respondent. “Justices Ibrahim Tanko, Olukayode Ariwoola, Kumai Akaahs and and Galinje, who were also members of the panel, agreed with the lead judgment.

    In a reaction to the judgment, Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, assured the people of the state that there is no cause for alarm over the supreme.

    “At best, the ruling only succeeded in correcting Abraham to serve Akeredolu through substituted means in relation to the suit he (Abraham) filed.

    Governor Akeredolu, therefore, wants to state equivocally that there is no cause for alarm over the ruling delivered by the Supreme Court,” Ajiboye said.

    The governor asks the peace-loving people to dismiss the ruling, adding that it is nothing to worry about and advised them to continue to support his administration in its determination to develop the state.

  • Akeredolu urges Senate to confirm Magu’s appointment as EFCC chairman

    Akeredolu urges Senate to confirm Magu’s appointment as EFCC chairman

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has pleaded with the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

    Akeredolu, represented by his Deputy, Agboola Ajayi, made the plea on Wednesday in Akure, while playing host to a team from the commission’s zonal headquarters, Benin Office.

    According to him, the Senate should resolve the lingering issue of confirming the appointment of Mr. Magu as EFCC chairman for the benefit of the country.

    The governor said Magu had been in acting capacity as chairman of the commission for more than two years.

    Akeredolu said that EFCC, under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, had achieved a lot in fighting corruption more than the previous governments in the country.

    “To fight corruption is more difficult than the fight against Boko Haram in the northern part of the country.

    “With the record of billions recovered by the commission in the country, it means God is with this country.

    “With the level of massive looting in the country in the past, I believe there is hope for Nigeria to get to the greater height,’’ he said.

    While commending the commission for its achievements in the last two years, he urged the team to extend its offices to states.

    This, he said, would enable the commission to recruit staff with apparatus to aid it to fight corruption at the state and local government levels.

    Earlier, the EFCC Zonal Head, Benin Office, Mallafia Yakubu, called for the support of the state government in the fight against corruption.

    Yakubu said that corruption had led to underdevelopment and employment.

    “We want to join hands with the state government to fight corruption as the commission cannot do it alone,” he said.

    Yakubu also solicited the support of the state government on the need to sponsor programmes at the grassroots to highlight the damage corruption had caused in the country.

     

  • International Women’s Day: Akeredolu’s wife rallies stakeholders against discrimination

    The need to continue to work towards effecting change in the social and cultural aspects of inheritance while exploring legislation and policies that will protect female inheritance in Nigeria was one of the issues that took the front burners at the inaugural one-day workshop put together by the Office of the Wife of the Governor and Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) to mark International Women’s Day Celebration at Babafunke Ajasin Hall, Akure, Ondo State.

    Addressing the gathering, the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu affirmed that for too long, social and cultural customs in Nigeria have constrained women from enjoying liberations accorded to them in terms of inheritance. Explaining the pertinence for women to understand their rights regarding inheritance which is the first step towards exercising and benefiting from their rights.

    Mrs. Akeredolu who noted that the system of inheritance in Nigeria is still patriarchal and discriminatory against women stressed that in this era of liberation and advocacy for equality and elimination of gender bias not just in Nigeria but worldwide, it was high time the advocacy finds expression in terms of inheritance.

    “This workshop is designed to enlighten us as women on our rights within the law and customs. It teaches us how to protect the widows from exploitation from rightfully succeeding possession from our husbands”. She added while thanking all those who provided support towards making the event a reality.

    In her remark, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Omowumi Olatunji-Edet expressed concern over the growing spate of discrimination meted out to women as a result of customs and tradition noting that it is important for women to know their rights.

    While stressing that women need to become inclusive in governance, she lauded Mrs. Akeredolu for taking women’s cause further by organizing the programme in order to empower women with the right information that will help them.

    The Guest Lecturer, Barrister Kehinde Adegbite while speaking on the topic: “The Nigerian Women and Their Right to Inherit Property’, highlighted some discriminatory laws that discourage women from inheriting properties across Nigeria under the customary law, stressing that the law mostly permits male children to inheritance.

    While noting that some females have however challenged such stands in the past and won against discriminations, he highlighted three types of marriages that are recognized under the law which include Customary, Islamic and Marriage under the Act.

    Bar. Adegbite who also talked about the need to write a ‘Will’ further observed that if a woman is working and has her own assets or assets jointly with her husband, she needs to write a ‘Will’.

    In his goodwill message, the Attorney General, Ondo State, Bar. Kolawole Olawoye charged women to become united and that with one voice, they will be able to form a formidable front stressing that without unity, they will be deceiving themselves even after having heard the lecture.

    He also charged women to ensure that they get married Under the Acts so that they remain protected under the law.

  • 2019: I will do everything to ensure Buhari secures second term – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has called on the people of the state to support President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

    The governor also endorsed the elevation of the Acting Chairman of the party in the state, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, as the substantive chairman.

    Akeredolu spoke at a rally in Akure as part of activities to mark the first anniversary of his administration in the state.

    Present at the rally was the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, who received some defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Alliance for Democracy.

    The defectors included the governorship candidate of the AD in the last election, Mr. Olusola Oke (SAN).

    Akeredolu said, “Here in Ondo State, we are supporting Buhari for a second term, and nothing can change that. We are with Buhari and Oyegun. I have to commend members of the state House of Assembly for tolerating me.

    “I also thank Ade Adetimehin, who is the only chairman of the APC in Ondo State. Any other one is a counterfeit. Anybody who wants to fight should fight. This is not a hidden support; we are declaring it openly.

    “I am one of the governors that will give everything it takes for him (Buhari) to secure a second term in 2019. I am open and frontal about my support for his second term.”

    Odigie-Oyegun urged the people of the state to support the APC government in the state.

    The governors of Ogun and Edo states, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Godwin Obaseki respectively, who attended the rally, asked the people of the state to support Akeredolu beyond his first term

  • Akeredolu signs N181.42bn 2018 appropriation into law

    Akeredolu signs N181.42bn 2018 appropriation into law

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Tuesday signed the N181. 42 billion 2018 appropriation bill into law.

    In his speech while signing the bill in Akure, Akeredolu that his administration would concentrate more on capital projects to bridge the huge infrastructure deficit in the state.

    He lamented the huge concentration of previous budgets on recurrent expenditure, adding that it was worrisome considering the low level of development in the state.

    Akeredolu assured that the budget would advance the course of development in the state and ensure that governance was spread to majority of the people not employed by government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that N80.92 billion of the budget, representing 46 per cent, was for capital expenditure while N78.588 billion, representing 43.3 per cent was set aside for recurrent expenditure.

    The budget was increased from N171.23 billion to N181.42 billion by the state House of Assembly.

    According to the governor, debt service will take N13.6 billion which is 7.5 per cent while statutory transfers to Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission and Local Governments is N8.30 billion, representing 4.6 per cent.

    “The sum of N78.58 billion which represents 43.3 per cent is set aside for recurrent expenditure.

    “Put simply, this amount will be expended on salaries, allowances and grants. This is still very much on the high side considering the state of our development,” he said.

    Akeredolu, who also signed the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme Bill into law, said the bill would allow every resident access to good health care services.

    He said the law would ensure that all residents of Ondo State have financial protectionand physical access to quality and affordable health care services

    “It will also protect families from the financial hardship posed by huge medical bills, regulate the rise in the cost of health care services.

    “It will ensure that the poor and vulnerable shall be guaranteed the basic minimum package as defined under the National Health Act,” the governor said.

    Akeredolu said the law ensured equitable distribution of health care costs across different income groups and maintain high standard of health care delivery services within the health sector.

    According to him, the law had made provisions for efficiency in health care service delivery and would encourage private sector participation in the provision of health care services among others.

    Similarly, the governor has also signed the Ondo State Social Protection bill into law, to promote the well-being of the people.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun, advised citizens of the state to see government property as theirs, and praised the assembly Committee on Appropriation for working as a team which ensured speedy passage of the bill.

  • Akeredolu’s wife challenges Nigerian Engineers on quality delivery

    Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was a special guest at the 6th Fellowship Conferment Lecture and Ceremony of the Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE held at Banquet hall, NAF Conference Center and Suites, Kado District, Abuja with the theme “Nigerian Content Oil and Gas Act: Extending the act to cover other Sectors of the Economy.

    Speaking to newsmen at the event, Mrs Akeredolu congratulated all the Fellowship Conferees, particularly the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Public Utilities, Engr Tunji Ariyomo and challenged them to live up to the expectations of the honor bestowed upon them by the NSE as fellows of NSE by employing their wealth of experience in Engineering principles towards tackling some of the challenges confronting our nation.

    While stressing on ensuring quality delivery on all projects undertaken by Nigerian Engineers, Mrs Akeredolu called on investors to take advantage of the Investment-friendly atmosphere in Ondo State and invest, describing the State as reap for investment.

    Addressing journalists at the event, the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Public Utilities, Engr Tunji Ariyomo expressed gratitude to God that the Society considered him worthy this year to be honored as a fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers and described the honor as a call to rigorous dedication and excellence adding that for one to become a Fellow of NSE you must have been considered worthy in character, learning, practice and experience.

    Ariyomo pledged to continue to work hard in accordance with the mandate Given to him by his boss the Governor of Ondo State.

  • Reduce your travels to focus on governance, APDA warns Akeredolu

    The Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in Ondo State on Tuesday advised Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to reduce his frequent travels outside the state to focus on governance.

    Mr Dele Ogunbameru, the State Publicity Secretary of APDA, in a statement in Lagos, said that the frequent travels of the governor were affecting governance in the state.

    Akeredolu, on Monday, Dec. 11, travelled to Paris, France, to attend a four-day summit on climate change by One Planet Summit.

    The governor had attended the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York held from Sept. 12 to Sept. 27.

    Ogunbameru said that since Akeredolu’s inauguration in February 2017, he had not stayed “at home to address the problems being faced by the people that voted him into power.’’

    “Aside from foreign trips, it is now a tradition for Gov. Akeredolu to leave the state on Thursdays and come back on Tuesdays, spending only two working days in the state.

    “This action has really caused hardship on the masses who queued in the sun to vote for him on Nov. 26, 2016.

    “As at today, Dec. 12, Ondo State workers have not received November salary aside from the five months salaries and pensions arrears owed the workers and retirees,’’ he said.

    Ogunbameru advised the governor to cut down on his incessant travels to focus on governance and reduce the hardship on the people, who he said, were mostly state workers.

    He said the current petrol scarcity in the state was artificial and urged the government to check the excesses of petrol stations as we approach the Yuletide.

     

    NAN

  • [Photos] Akeredolu’s wife launches forum, empowers women in Ondo

    Wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu – Akeredolu officially launched her initiative, Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) at a colourful event which witnessed display of cultures from across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

    The epoch-making event drew governors and politicians across the country such as Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the Chairman of the occasion, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Ajewole Agboola Ajayi, wives of past Governors in the state, royal fathers, among other leaders in the state.

    Addressing the gathering at the M.K.O Democracy Park in Akure, the initiator, Mrs. Akeredolu stressed some of the objectives of FOWOSO noting that it would help in developing and executing programmes that would build capacity in young and old women in the state.

    She explained that FOWOSO will stand for and create equal opportunity for women of the state so as to prepare them to take charge when called upon. While stressing the need to urgently address low representation of women in position of real authority and decision-making.

    Mrs. Akeredolu noted that women’s roles have grown to the point where it is a loss to the society to segregate them from economic activity and decision-making processes.

    Arabirin Akeredolu also expressed optimism that FOWOSO will become a lasting legacy that will continue to carry out projects aimed at empowering, establishing and encouraging girls and women to be more in the society even after she leaves office.

    “We as women are capable of leaving lasting legacy in the annals of time of this great sunshine state and the nation at large. We believe that FOWOSO can be one of such legacies, not mine but of all women in this state. We believe that FOWOSO will be here for a long time, even after I leave, providing unity amongst women in the state to carry out projects aimed at empowering, establishing and encouraging girls and women to be more and do more”, she added.

    The chairman of the occasion, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State in his opening address, expresse congratulations to Ondo State people saying that the Akeredolu led government is known for running its government on the principle of good governance.

    Alhaji Bello who was ably represented by Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, the Secretary to Kogi State Government commended the launch of FOWOSO noting that it is indeed a great platform that would help the spouses of the officials in the state to complement the efforts of their husbands.

    She urged members of FOWOSO to pay attention to issues that affects women and girl child as it has a way of influencing men noting that once the heart of the female constituency is captured, it will go a long way in bridging the gap between the government and the governed.

    Earlier, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his remark called for supports from members of FOWOSO while also expressing confidence that the forum will accomplish the purpose for which it was established.

    Governor Akeredolu who lauded his wife for her selfless services to humanity stressed that she is a detribalized woman who is willing to continue to advocate for the cause of women and girl children.

    In her goodwill message, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki acknowledged the good work being done in the state by the Akeredolu led government while also charging members of FOWOSO to support their First Lady to accomplish the goals of the forum.

    She also urged women to wake up and take up the challenge of becoming relevant in key areas as they have a lot to contribute to the development of their state.

    While also expressing congratulations to members of the state, two former First Ladies in Ondo State, Mrs. Grace Onyarugbulem and Olufunke Agagu solicited for supports for the success of the initiative by members of FOWOSO.

    The climax of the event was the distribution of empowerment tools such as sewing machines, hairdressing machine and as well grinding machines to women across the 18 local government areas of the state. There was also free medical check ups.

    Expressing gratitude for the empowerment, two of the beneficiaries, Ayodele Bosede from Akure South Local Government and Kaliyatu Olukoju from Akoko South West Local Government thanked Mrs. Akeredolu for coming up with the initiative noting that it would not have come at a better time than now when there is a growing need to be a pillar in their respective homes and provide support not only to their children but their husbands as well.

  • ‘Attack on Osun commissioner in Ondo barbaric’ says Aregbesola

    The Osun State government yesterday said the attack on its Commissioner for Regional Integration, Bola Ilori, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) restructuring summit is barbaric, reprehensible and an assault on the sovereignty of the state.

    Ilori was part of the delegation that presented Osun State’s position at the forum last Thursday.

    A statement by Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Media Adviser, Sola Fasure, said hoodlums’ attack on Ilori was said to be political motivated and sponsored by a top-ranking Ondo State Executive Council (Exco) member.

    The statement noted that the attack was indirectly meted out to Osun State, which Ilori represented at the programme.

    It said: “The statement credited to Yemi Olowolabi that ‘what happened is sad but it is avoidable. It is apparent the Osun delegates came prepared with thugs, charms, ammunition and cudgels to an event, which was supposed to be an all-APC event’ was highly undiplomatic and not expected from a commissioner of that status.

    “This state of affairs was far from the truth as Olowolabi made people to believe. The Osun delegate simply went armed with their intellect to marshal the position of the state.

    “Why would a delegate ?go with dangerous objects to a conference on restructuring when Ondo and Osun are not at war or in confrontation over any issue?

    “Ilori represented the government and people of Osun State. Therefore, he deserved to be accorded the courtesy and respect due to the state. He deserved to be protected by the Government of Ondo as well as security agencies at the venue of the conference.

    “All these safety measures were not in place. Rather, Ilori was exposed? to attack by some top government official, who reportedly had an axe to grind with him over election matters in the state.

    “The attack on Ilori is barbaric and reprehensible, to say the least. It is no doubt an attack on the people and Government of Osun, which Ilori represented at the meeting. We condemn this affront on the people and Government of Osun, which the attack on our delegate signposted.”

  • Akeredolu outlaws govt sponsorship of pilgrims in Ondo

    Akeredolu outlaws govt sponsorship of pilgrims in Ondo

    ONDO State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has announced the outright stoppage of sponsoring of intending pilgrims to Mecca and Israel by the state government.

    According to him; “It’s time to stop using pilgrimages for business trips.’’

    Akeredolu speaking while playing host to the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Uja Tor Uja attributed the stoppage to paucity of funds.

    He noted that paucity of funds and need for prudent management of the state resources necessitated the outright stoppage.

    The governor added that it has become a government policy not to be involved in sponsoring pilgrims.

    According to him the state Christian Welfare Board would soon be constituted to encourage churches and wealthy individuals to sponsor intending pilgrims.