TheNewsGuru

Tag: Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu dares Presidency, says I’m buying arms to protect Ondo people

    Akeredolu dares Presidency, says I’m buying arms to protect Ondo people

     

    Disturbed by the response of the media aide to President Muhamadu Buhari, Shehu Garba on why would Katsina security outfit bear arms, Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu has replied declaring that he is buying arms to protect Ondo people.

    The Ondo governor queried the reasons adduced by Garba Shehu in his Press statement for the continued refusal to approve of the use of sophisticated weapons by state security outfits can no longer be plausible in the face of increasing security challenges being faced by the people.

    The assertion of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity on the use of automatic weapons by State Security outfits betrays the current realities across the country.

    His attempt to justify the use of AK47 by the Vigilantes of Katsina State for training stands logic on its head.

    The report by the TVC News that went viral showed the Kastina State Vigilante training with AK47. This is the same weapon whose approval has vehemently been refused for the use of Amotekun Corps and other State Security Outfits.

    The questions Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, asks are:
    i. Where did the guns come from?
    ii. Who approved their use?
    iii. Were the guns returned to the armoury after use?
    iv. The AK47, as seen from the TVC news report, was about usage. If not, what purpose does training with the guns serve?

    It is rather suspicious that Garba Shehu elected himself as the spokesperson for the Kastina State government. Whereas, the Katsina State has not come out openly to deny the statement of Governor Akeredolu on the use of AK47 by Vigilantes of Katsina State during training.

    Governor Akeredolu has reiterated that State Security outfits backed by law whether in Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any Northern State must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the criminals have. It is time to face down these enemies of the people.

    “It is illogical to continue to fight hardened marauders who bear sophisticated weaponry to kidnap and maim our people with bare hands. We cannot fight armed enemies of the people with our bare hands.

    “It is our firm belief that the government has a fundamental duty to protect the people. It is a task that must be accomplished without excuse.

    “Governor Akeredolu is determined to spare no efforts in protecting the people. He has vowed to explore every available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.

    “The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum has called for the establishment of a State Police.

    “The 19 Northern State Governors and Northern Traditional Rulers Council have also supported the call for State Police.

    “The call by the sub-national should be heeded and change effected where necessary.

    “Every Governor was sworn to an oath to protect the state and the people. The sub-national must be allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.

    “It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and restore the confidence of the people. We can not do the same thing time and again and expect different results.

    Governor Akeredolu is irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state. He will continue to speak up in defence of the people. He is very much committed to the realization of a constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities.

    #

  • Denying Amotekun right to bear arms exposes Southwest – Akeredolu

    Denying Amotekun right to bear arms exposes Southwest – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has fault the Federal Government’s objection to the proposed use of arms by the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun.

    He said the denial of the right of Amotekun to bear arm to protect the people of the State violated the tenents of federalism.

    Akeredolu said in a statement that equity and justice are required in Federal Government’s relationship with all the component units.

    He said:”The video making the rounds showing the equivalent of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) in Katsina, obtaining the approval of the Federal Government to bear arms is fraught with great dangers.

    “Denying Amotekun the urgently needed rights, to legitimately bear arms is a repudiation of the basis of true federalism which we have been clamoring for.

    “That Katsina was able to arm its state security force with the display of AK47 means we are pursuing one country, two systems.

    ” If the Katsina situation conferring advantages on some, in the face of commonly faced existential threats, it means that our unitary policing system, which has failed, is a deliberate method of subjugation which must be challenged.”

    Akeredolu added:”The Independence agreement was based on a democratic arrangement to have a federal state and devolved internal security mechanics.

    “We must go back to that agreement. Denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the Southwest to life-threatening marauders and organized crime. It is also a deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat.

    “We want to reiterate, that what is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander. Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity have decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the State, by acquiring arms to protect them. This is more so, given that the bandits have an unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.

    “The State Government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorised and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people.”

  • Tinubu reveals reason behind Akeredolu’s appointment as campaign coordinator

    Tinubu reveals reason behind Akeredolu’s appointment as campaign coordinator

    The All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given reason he appointed Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu Southwest coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

    Tinubu had in a letter appointed Akeredolu to head the Southwest campaign to push for his election as president in 2023.

    According to Tinubu in the letter dated August 8, 2022, said Akeredolu deserved the appointment, owing to his impressive political achievements and the exemplary leadership he had demonstrated as Governor of his state and as a party member.

    The letter reads: “By way of this letter, we are pleased to formally convey your appointment as the Zonal Campaign Cordinator (South West) of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

    “This appointment is fitting and appropriate given your impressive political achievement and the exemplary leadership you have demonstrated as governor of your state and as a party member.

    “We are grateful that you have joined our campaign team We know you will do your utmost in this new responsibility as we conduct an effective, message-driven campaign leading us to victory in the 2023 presidential election.”

  • Akeredolu’s mum, Queen Elizabeth share same righteousness, honour – Jimoh Ibrahim

    Akeredolu’s mum, Queen Elizabeth share same righteousness, honour – Jimoh Ibrahim

    Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, APC candidate for Ondo South Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, has condoled with Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on the death of his mother.

    Mrs Grace Akeredolu, aged 90 years, died in the early hours of Thursday in Ibadan.

    This is contained in Ibrahim’s condolence message on Friday in Okitipupa to Akeredolu and Prince Charles of Wales (the king apparent of England) over the passage of their mothers.

    Ibrahim described the transition of Akeredolu’s mother and Queen Elizabeth II of England, as an exit of the righteous in honour.

    Ibrahim, a business mogul who recently bagged a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Judges Business School, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, said there were great similarities in the death of the nonagenarians.

    “The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change. Likewise, our mother, Mrs Akeredolu died peacefully in her sleep early on Thursday morning at the age of 90 years.

    “Both of them lived an enviable life and were known as true apostles of Christ Jesus, propagating the gospel.

    “Mama Akeredolu lived a godly life. She was a leading example to up and coming mothers and a unique disciplinarian during her hay days.

    “She was a caring-mother which actually radiated till date in the lives of her children.

    “We are happy that Mama Akeredolu lived till a ripe age due to the grace she received from God Almighty but in spite of this, we will still miss her.

    ” May the souls of the Queen and Matriarch of the Akeredolu dynasty rest in peace.

    “I enjoin the king apparent of England and the grand-children and great grand-children of the Queen to take solace in the good life she lived.

    “I also condole with our governor and his siblings as well as the grand-children and great grand-children to rejoice in the Lord because Mama lived to witness them rise to the peak of their individual careers,” Ibrahim said.

  • I’ll be alright if Peter Obi is elected president in 2023 – Akeredolu

    I’ll be alright if Peter Obi is elected president in 2023 – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has insisted the next president of Nigeria must come from the South and will be alright if the Labour Party, LP presidential candidate Peter Obi wins the election.

    Akeredolu stated this on Wednesday night when he made an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

    According to him, he would be “alright” if either Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress, APC) or Peter Obi (Labour Party, LP) wins the 2023 presidential election.

    When questioned about supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC, Akeredolu insisted there were bigger issues to focus on.

    “Religion is not the issue now. We have other issues that should be at the frontburner in this country. The issue of restructuring, rotational presidency, etc.

    “Since 1999, there is an understanding that the presidency will be rotated between the North and South.

    “So if today, we have people who want to deploy manipulation to think they can change it, then we should not accept.

    “If you listened to my lecture, I said if (Peter) Obi is elected as president, for me that will be alright. If Bola Ahmed Tinubu is elected, that will be alright.

    “For me, it must come to the South,” Akeredolu said.

  • Why it is difficult for Tinubu to pick a running mate – Akeredolu

    Why it is difficult for Tinubu to pick a running mate – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has revealed the factors hindering the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in selecting a substantive running mate ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Akeredolu pointed out many factors making it difficult for Tinubu to pick a running mate.

    Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday evening, the Governor explained, “The circumstance Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu has found himself now, that’s a major of what I’ll call ground-wetting. For instance, he’ll not pick from the South. So he’s left to make a choice from the North.

    “Because he’s from the South he won’t pick from South-East or South-South, because he’s from the South-West he has to pick from the North.

    “And when you look at the North, a lot of factors will have to come into play. Some will say ‘pick from North West’ But North West, that’s where the President now comes from.

    “Will they have a second bite whether as vice or anything? Some will argue ‘why not pick from the North East?’ That’s a factor to be considered.

    “Others can argue, ‘why not pick from North Central?’ So, another factor to be considered is ‘okay, where do you get votes?’

    “So many factors, but under these circumstances, I think he is probably left with North Central and North East probably because so many factors can come into play.

    “So, in determining who you pick at the end of the day, you have to look at loyalty. Will this person be loyal or will he be there to undermine you? Those are issues you’ll have to consider very seriously.”

  • Owo attack: Akeredolu warns against visiting Southwest with war

    Owo attack: Akeredolu warns against visiting Southwest with war

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has warned that the people of the Southwest would not tolerate another unprovoked attack on the region under any guise.

    Akeredolu spoke on Tuesday at the Government House in Akure while receiving Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State, and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.

    The immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, also joined the entourage to pay condolence visit to Akeredolu over the June 5, 2022, terror attack in Owo Local Government Area.

    Akeredolu, who said the people of Ondo State and Southwest region at large, had always come to the country in peace and unity, described the Owo attack as “one too many”.

    He appreciated the governors for their solidarity, which he described as not just symbolic but important, and noted that the people of the Southwest region had always maintained peace and unity in the country.

    “We are part of this country and we have always come to this country in peace and we have maintained peace. We have been trying every time to maintain Nigeria because we believe in Nigeria.

    “Let someone point to an incident in which we left our enclave or we left this peaceful environment and went to cause problems in other places. Let them tell us.

    “We have come to this country in peace, and now people want to visit us with war. You want to maim and kill us; it is not easy.

    “It is a dreadful assault. I said to people that if we were at war and we were armed and faced ourselves, in one day 40 people would not die from our side. But this is not war, we were not at war.

    “This is an assault on us, on our psyche. We cannot continue this way. We believe in this place, we believe in South-Western region, we believe in Yoruba. Is Yoruba part of the Nigeria we believe in? Yes.

    “But I thank you for your solidarity. You have come all the time and we have always worked together, all of us,” he said.

    According to Akeredolu, “If you get to the scene, I’m sure it will bring tears out of your eyes. These criminals, these animals in human skin, what they did was horrendous”.

    “They did not come to kidnap, they did not come to steal, they took no dime. They went into the church and shot at everything within their sight,” the governor lamented.

    Earlier, Gov. Abiodun, who spoke on behalf of the other governors, said the attack was not just on the good people of Owo and Ondo State, but the entire people of the South-West region.

    He announced the donation of N25 million from each of the governors, totaling N75 million for the victims of the attack.

    Abiodun disclosed that the region would soon meet to take a position to further consolidate and improve the security architecture in the zone.

    “Of course, we have met and we have condemned this act which we find as most unfortunate. Your Excellency, this is an attack too many.

    “We know that you have been at the vanguard of ensuring peace and security for your people. In fact, you are the champion of the Amotekun in the South-West.

    “We, your brothers, wonder if this is more personal because of the role you have played in ensuring that our zone is secured.

    “One wonders if there is a particular reason this attack was launched in your hometown of Owo. We are deeply pained, we are deeply saddened and we commiserate with you.

    “We pray for the lives of the departed, we pray that the almighty God forgives their sins and accepts their souls.

    “We commiserate with their families, we sympathise with those that are still in the hospitals,” Abiodun said.

  • How reasonable people will see APC chair, Adamu’s decision on consensus – Akeredolu

    How reasonable people will see APC chair, Adamu’s decision on consensus – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has reacted to the announcement of a consensus candidate by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of APC, saying his decision will be considered dangerous to reasonable people.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Abdullahi Adamu on Monday announced Ahmed Lawan as the APC consensus candidate.

    He is at best embarking on a frolic which reasonable people will consider dangerous

    Akeredolu said this in a statement he personal signed, adding the speculation was rife that the Chairman took a flight of fancy and decided to make a pronouncement beyond his competence.

    “My attention has just been drawn to the expensive joke purportedly enacted by the National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

    “He has, allegedly, made public his preferred choice as the candidate of the APC for the Office of the President in the next general elections.

    “This alleged pronouncement runs contrary to the position of majority of Northern Governors in APC and their counterparts in the South. Our agreement is unanimous on this issue,” he said.

    Akeredolu said that the office of the President should be contested for by qualified persons from the Southern part of the country if the move to get a consensus candidate fails.

    “There has been no shift from this settled issue.

    “Let it be known that the Chairman or anyone who holds a contrary opinion does so at a personal level.

    “He is at best embarking on a frolic which reasonable people will consider dangerous.

    “We are grieving but have not forgotten that Power must shift to the south. On this we stand,” Akeredolu said.

  • 2023: Resign if you have political ambition, Akeredolu tells appointees

    2023: Resign if you have political ambition, Akeredolu tells appointees

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has directed political appointees and public office holders willing to contest for various positions in the forthcoming general elections to resign.

    The directive is contained in a memo dated on April 11, 2022 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.

    According to Akeredolu, they are to submit their letters of resignation on or before Thursday, April 14.

    “As you are aware, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari has signed the amended Electoral Bill into Law.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released guidelines on the conduct of the impending general elections thereby signing the commencement of intense political activities both at the Federal and State levels.

    “In line with the provisions of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, Political and Public office holders desirous of participating in electoral process either as contestants for elective positions or as delegates should resign their appointments on or before Thursday, 14th April, 2022.

    “This is for your information and strict compliance,” the memo read.

  • APC crisis: Apart from a few ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Govs, we are solidly behind Bello – Gov Akeredolu

    APC crisis: Apart from a few ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Govs, we are solidly behind Bello – Gov Akeredolu

    Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN has said apart from a few ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ governors in the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, others are solidly behind the emergence of Niger State Governor, Sani Bello as the interim party Chairman.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued by the Ondo Governor which he personally signed.

    The Ondo number one citizen also insisted that”no black market judicial procurement can stop convention as Buni, pocket-filling black legs in corridors of power tried to supplant president’s will.

    Read full release below:

    Press Statement

    Buni, Pocket-filling Black Legs In Corridors Of Power Tried To Supplant President’s Will

    *except a few ‘Yahoo, Yahoo Govs’ apologies to Former PGF DG, most of us are resolute behind Bello to salvage the party

    *no black market judicial procurement can stop convention

    “With nostalgia, one can recall the moments of our struggle as compatriots from all walks of life enunciated and berthed Nigeria’s most ingeniously successful political network. Without being immodest, APC’s birth was a novel instance. The party’s philosophical beacon woven around its ideological leaning was alluring.

    “Undoubtedly, the firm leadership, candour and honesty exemplified by Mr President who heads the administration that is the product of the APC deserve no less of support and complimentary responsibilities from all stakeholders.

    “The installation of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC was beyond a call to service. It was a child of necessity moulded to one, instill discipline in leadership and engender coherence among stakeholders and more importantly, to deepen the Rule of Law in our party.

    “However, the insidious and appalling happenings within our party in the last few months, especially under the immediate-past leadership clearly posit a huge embarrassment. Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is a unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.

    “Nevertheless, the courage and determination as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed, survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.

    “Succinctly, aside feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through.

    “We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the Will of majority of our Party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.

    “None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in armtwisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocketfilling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November, 2021) are despicable.

    “Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention as been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov. Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our FULL backing come Thursday, 17th March, 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting.

    “But as you know, this is ONLY for the conduct of the NATIONAL CONVENTION.