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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu, Mimiko mourn House of Reps member, Omolafe

    Akeredolu, Mimiko mourn House of Reps member, Omolafe

    Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on Monday described the death of Adedayo Omolafe, member of the House Representatives, representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, as shocking and devastating.

    In a statement issued by Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Akeredolu said that no news of illness was heard about the lawmaker before his sudden death in the wee hours of Sunday.

    “Like every mortal, Omolafe is gone in fulfillment of the mankind’s inescapable debt. It is painful that such a bright star is gone too soon. For our dear state, this is a big blow dealt by the ugly sting of death. It is a devastating tragedy.He was renowned for his generosity, touching lives and making people smile with his act of giving. He was a grassroots politician. His death is a great loss to Akure kingdom and the state in general,” he said.

    Similarly, Mimiko, who is the immediate past governor of Ondo state also described the death of the lawmaker, popularly called ‘Expensive’, as a huge loss to the Akure people and Ondo State in general.

    Mimiko, in a statement by John Paul Akinduro, his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, said the death of the federal lawmaker has left a big vacuum that may be difficult to fill.

    “I am profoundly sad to learn of the passing to the great beyond of one of the most-loved and illustrious sons of Akure, Ifedayo Omolafe, also known as Expensive. “Although, death is inevitable, Omolafe’s exit is a rude shock. His incredible ability to connect with the people, the high and the lowly alike, is one major value he will be leaving behind.

    “Expensive had unquantifiable amount of street credibility and respectability uncommon among the elite.
    He was known and respected by the commoners, who he gave time and energy to court and serve,” the former governor said.

    Mimiko condoled his family, the people of Akure, his constituency and his political associates for the irreparable loss.

    Omolafe also served as an elected Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government in 2004.

  • Akeredolu warns against retaliatory attack over killings of Ondo indigenes in Plateau

    Akeredolu warns against retaliatory attack over killings of Ondo indigenes in Plateau

    Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has cautioned residents against carrying out retaliatory attack over Saturday’s killing of some Ondo indigenes in Plateau State.

    Akeredolu, who called for calm in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said an unconfirmed number of deaths have been recorded while some persons were severely injured in the said attack.

    The statement said the true identity of the victims would soon be unraveled.

    He said he has received call from Plateau Governor Solomon Lalong that it was a case of mistaken identity.

    The Ondo Governor, who urged residents to refrain from any hasty colouration of the incident cautioned them against taking laws into their hands.

    According to him: “The victims, according to preliminary reports, took a route where crisis between Muslims and Northern Christians had ensued for some time and that they may have been possibly, mistaken for aggressors. Accordingly, either of the two feuding groups in the area could be responsible in this regard.

    “I have spoken with my brother Governor in Plateau and he has assured me that the situation is under control. I want to plead with our people to remain calm.

    “From the report I gathered, it is clear some were killed while many others who are injured have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

    “Let me again make it clear that I was informed by my colleague that it was indeed, a case of mistaken identity.

    “I want to assure our people living in Plateau that they are not targets of any religion or ethnic crisis.

  • Ondo guber: Why I didn’t join Gov Buni in suit against Akeredolu – Jegede

    Ondo guber: Why I didn’t join Gov Buni in suit against Akeredolu – Jegede

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in last year’s governorship election in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, has said the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, was not joined as a respondent in his petition because of the immunity the governor enjoys.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that some legal practitioners including the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo (SAN) had said the only saving grace for incumbent Governor Akeredolu and the APC was because Jedege did not join the Yobe State Governor who also doubles as the party’s caretaker committee chairman.

    But Jegede in an obvious reaction to these statements said the tribunal would have struck out the petition at the first hearing, if Buni were joined in the suit.

    Speaking at a meeting with PDP leaders at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Jegede said Nigerian laws forbid governors to be sued because of the immunity they enjoy.

    He said: “Election matters have laws that govern them. Governor Buni could not have been a respondent; in fact, if we had joined him, our case would have been struck out on the very first day.

    “But the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and its verdict is final on all matters. I appeal to you to continue to have respect and place hope on our Judiciary. Only God is perfect in all things.”

    Jegede urged Ondo PDP leaders and members to give themselves a pat on the back for fighting a good cause aimed at strengthening and deepening the country’s democratic institutions.

    He said posterity would not fail to place him on the right side of history.

    Ondo PDP leaders who spoke at the meeting promised not to let Jegede down.

    Those at the stakeholders’ meeting included PDP State Chairman Fatai Adams, Ikengboju Gboluga, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, Chief Segun Adegoke, Dr. Tayo Dairo, Dr. Gbakinro, Col. Roland Omowa (retd.), Clement Faboyede, Lady Lydia Olafunmiloye, Mrs. Olufunlayo Edu, Mrs. Folake Sarumi, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, Senator Yele Omogunwa, Senator Omololu Meroyi, members of the Ondo State Executive Committee of the party.

    Others include Local government party leaders, party chairmen from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, United Non-Indigenes group in the state, represented by Chief Arthur Richard, and other stakeholders.

  • Supreme Court verdict: Why I can’t accept Akeredolu’s offer – Eyitayo Jegede

    Supreme Court verdict: Why I can’t accept Akeredolu’s offer – Eyitayo Jegede

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in last year’s governorship election in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, has rejected an offer by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to join his administration to develop the State.

    Governor Akeredolu had in his reaction to the Supreme Court judgement affirming his election called on Jegede to join hands with him to move the state forward.

    But Jegede who spoke through a statement signed by the spokesman of the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, described Akeredolu’s request as laughable.

    Jegede said he could not be part of a government that has thrown out many students of tertiary institutions in the State because their parents could no longer pay what he termed astronomical school fees charged by Akeredolu’s administration.

    He said he could not be part of the government that crippled the health care system and withdrew free shuttle buses for school children.

    Jegede urged Governor Akeredolu to channel his energies to improving the welfare of Ondo citizens instead of grandstanding and clicking of wine glasses over the Supreme Court Judgement.

    According to the statement: “It is unthinkable that Akeredolu can ask our candidate to join a government that has pauperised civil servants in the state through the payments of 30% salaries that are not even regular.

    “Civil servants now have to take loans to be able to pay house rents or send their children to school.

    “The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa Chapter has just embarked on an indefinite strike. What has been the government’s response to all these myriad of problems?

    “It is important to stress that, before the October 2020 election, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN and the PDP drew up a well-articulated manifesto on Education, Health Care delivery, Agriculture, Industrialization, Welfare of Civil Servants and much more in contradistinction to what is obtainable now in the state. To this extent, there is no meeting point between what was designed by the PDP and Akeredeolu’s scorecard.

    “The Supreme Court verdict has also exposed the impunity which is the trademark and the foundation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Government at all levels. All the seven Justices of the Supreme Court agreed that Mai Mala Buni acted in clear violation of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “This has become the talking point of the political space since the judgement was delivered. Our jurisprudence on election matters has been enriched and everyone is grateful to Eyitayo Jegede and the PDP for not allowing the APC to drown our democracy in the sea of their impunity.”

  • Ondo guber: Jegede sheathes sword, Congratulates Akeredolu after S’Court verdict

    Ondo guber: Jegede sheathes sword, Congratulates Akeredolu after S’Court verdict

    Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated Governor Rotimi Akeredolu following the judgement of the Supreme Court on the Ondo State governorship election.

    Jegede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and PDP’s candidate in the election, made the gesture on Wednesday despite his loss to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate at the apex court.

    “Now that we have explored the grievance procedure permitted by the constitution and the law, it is time to give glory to God,” he said in a statement personally signed by him.

    The senior advocate added, “With this outcome, our respect and reverence for the judiciary and our justices of the supreme court has not diminished.”

    He also thanked the legal team, led by Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), for their commitment, industry, and dedication to the cause, as well as for their sacrifice.

    Jegede commended the people of Ondo for their steadfastness, saying the decision to approach the apex court was for service and the collective interest of the majority of the people.

    “The outcome of today’s judgement should not deter good and well-meaning individuals from aspiring for leadership in our state and in our country. For all our people who have stood strong, we salute you.

    “We thank the national and state leadership and the generality of the members of PDP for providing us with great support. For our governors who provided the required leadership and kept faith with our aspiration, gratitude, history will judge you right,” said the PDP candidate.

    Jegede and his party had asked the Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State capital to sack Akeredolu, saying his nomination form was signed by a sitting governor, Mai Mala Buni (of Yobe State), who doubled as the Acting National Chairman of the APC.

    The appeal was filed in line with the constitutional provision that forbade a sitting governor from holding executive positions outside their statutory position as governors.

    But the appellate court struck out the appeal for lack of merit – a decision which made the appellants seek redress in at the Supreme Court.

    On Wednesday, a seven-man panel of justices of the Supreme Court had upheld the re-election of Governor Akeredolu in a majority judgement of four against three.

    The three justices disagreed with the majority judgement, stressing that Akeredolu’s candidacy in the October 10, 2020 poll was a nullity.

    They held that the appeal filed by the appellants had merit and ought not to be struck out by the appellate court.

    Governor Akeredolu polled 292,830 votes to defeat Jegede who scored 195,791 votes, and Agboola Ajayi of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) who came third in the election with 69,127 votes.

    It was the second time the governor would defeat his PDP rival candidate.

  • Ondo guber: What we expected of Supreme Court’s verdict in Akeredolu vs Jegede case – PDP

    Ondo guber: What we expected of Supreme Court’s verdict in Akeredolu vs Jegede case – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the majority judgment of the Supreme Court on the Ondo State governorship election.

    In a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP insisted that the nomination of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate was flawed.

    It stressed that the split judgment by the apex court on Akeredolu’s nomination proved that there was merit in the appeal against his election as governor.

    “While our party restates its utmost respect for the institution of the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, the PDP had expected the apex court to stand up as the conscience of our nation by halting the absurdities and impunities being entrenched in the political firmament by the APC,” the statement said.

    It added, “The party notes that the majority judgement, as presented by the Supreme Court, did not address the impunity in the action of the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, in functioning as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while at the same time holding office as a sitting governor, contrary to the provisions of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the constitution of the APC.”

    According to the opposition party, the fact that three justices out of the seven-man panel upheld its position on the illegality of Akeredolu’s nomination confirms his candidacy as ‘cancerous’.

    It described such an action as a brazen violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the constitution of the ruling party.

    The PDP noted that that the judgement of the apex court did not disagree with its position that Mr Buni, as Governor of Yobe State, cannot function as the national chairman of a political party and nominate a candidate for election to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    It explained that the quest for a legal pronouncement that would guide the sanctity of the nation’s electoral system was the reason it explored its point of grievance legally to the highest court in the land, in the interest of the nation and not just because of its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede.

    The party, however, urged its members in Ondo and across the country not to allow the development make them lose hope, but to remain calm and law-abiding in the general interest of the nation.

  • Akeredolu vs Jegede: APC risks being destroyed from “from top to bottom” if… – Keyamo raises alarm

    Akeredolu vs Jegede: APC risks being destroyed from “from top to bottom” if… – Keyamo raises alarm

    Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has raised the alarm over a looming destruction that might hit the structure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom if something drastic is not done.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Supreme Court judgement which upheld Governor Rotimim Akeredolu’s election as governor of Ondo State has thrown up a major controversy over the legitimacy of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the All Progressives Congress (APC) national caretaker chairman of the party.

    The Yobe governor was appointed after the removal of elected Chairman Adams Oshiomhole on June 16, last year for an initial six month period, which has been renewed indefinitely.

    Three justices of the Supreme Court – Justice Mary Peter-Odili, Justice Ejembi Eko and Justice Muhammed Saulawa, endorsed a minority judgment.

    The dissenting judgment was read by Justice Peter-Odili: “I do not agree with the majority judgment,”she said, noting that the APC, by Article 17(4) of its constitution has provided for how its affairs should be managed and what offices its members could occupy at a time.

    Justice Peter-Odili added: “This Article draws strength from Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution. Therefore, when the second respondent (APC) put up a person not qualified to author its nomination by virtue of the provision of Article 1z(4) of its constitution and Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution to do so, that document has no validity, and thereby void.

    However, in a swift reaction to the judgement, Keyamo said the party risked being destroyed “from top to bottom” by the judiciary, if it ignored what the Justices said.

    “We cannot gamble with this delicate issue. The time to act is now,” he added.

    The senior advocate, who said he was offering his “professional bit to the party,” explained that: “The little technical point that saved Governor Akeredolu was that Jegede failed to join Mai Mala Buni in the suit.”

    He added: “Jegede was challenging the competence of Buni as a sitting governor to run the affairs of the APC as chairman of the caretaker committee. He contends that this is against Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that a sitting governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever. In other words, had Buni been joined in the suit, the story may have been different today as we would have lost Ondo State to the PDP.”

    He then warned: “Any other person affected by the actions of the Buni-led Committee will henceforth, not fail to join him in any subsequent case in court. These include any subsequent election matter in any part of this country and all the APC congresses that are about to hold. The Supreme Court has just weaponised all those that would be aggrieved by the APC Congresses to proceed to court to challenge the competence of the Buni-led CECPC to organise the Congresses and national convention.”

    Keyamo said the APC should terminate the plans to hold its ward congresses on Saturday.

    In recommending what to do, he advocated the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC should meet urgently and reconstitute the caretaker committee to exclude those holding executive positions.

    He said since “we cannot vouch for the legality of any NEC meeting called by Buni now,” the safest is to get two-thirds of NEC members to sign an invitation to summon a NEC meeting”.

    The alternative, according to him, is for the Board of Trustees, which includes the President, to be activated to organize a national convention in line with Article 13 of the APC Constitution.”

  • Akeredolu reacts to Supreme Court verdict upholding his election as Ondo Governor

    Akeredolu reacts to Supreme Court verdict upholding his election as Ondo Governor

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commended the judiciary for upholding his victory in the October 10, 2020 governorship election in the state.

    The Supreme Court affirmed Akeredolu’s victory on Wednesday, striking out the suit filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, for lacking in merit.

    Reacting to the verdict at the Government House in Akure, the Ondo governor said the judiciary stood for the truth and did not yield to any influence.

    “I have every reason to thank God and to appreciate our judiciary for standing by the truth and for not yielding to any influence. I believe that we can still be proud of our judiciary in this country,” he said.

    “I just heard the news of the final decision of the final court on the election petition filed by my brother, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN. The supreme dismissed his appeal on a 4-3 basis and that in essence is that from the Tribunal up to the Supreme Court.

    “The justices have affirmed that the petition was most frivolous. As you know 12 Justices have affirmed in our favour and only three supported that petition, three at the Tribunal, five at the Court of Appeal, and four at the Supreme Court.”

    Akeredolu was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 10, 2020, Governorship election in Ondo State.

    The PDP and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede had earlier approached the appeal court to challenge the candidacy of Akeredolu, insisting that his nomination form was signed by a sitting Governor Mai Buni who doubles as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

    The appeal was based on the constitutional provision which forbids sitting Governors from holding executive positions outside their statutory position as governors.

  • BREAKING: Coast clear for Akeredolu as Supreme Court dismisses Jegede’s petition

    BREAKING: Coast clear for Akeredolu as Supreme Court dismisses Jegede’s petition

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the petition filed against the victory of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 10, 2020 governorship election by Mr Eyitayo Jegede, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The legal firework has now ended today as the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land upheld the election of the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Recall that Mr Eyitayo Jegede had in June appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal that validated the election of Akeredolu in the poll.

    It was reported on June 16, 2021, that the Court of Appeal led by Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua dismissed the petition filed by Jegede while affirming Akeredolu as the winner of the poll.

    In its verdict, the Appeal Court had out of 7 issues raised for determination resolved four and half in favour of Jegede and the rest two and a half in favour of Akeredolu.

    Not satisfied with the decision of the Appellate Court, both Akeredolu, Jegede, and INEC approached the Supreme Court for the invalidation of both the Election Petition Tribunal and Appeal Court judgements.

    The case came up for hearing today at the Supreme Court.

    The Seven Members of the Supreme Court Justices under the Chairmanship of Justice Mary Odili had initially adjourned till noon today (Wednesday) after listening to the arguments of all the lawyers of parties in the case.

    Upon resumption from the two hours recess, the court dismissed the petition with four Justices upholding Akeredolu’s victory against the dissenting judgement of three other justices led by Justice Odili who read the dissenting verdict.

    The majority said: “Jegede, the PDP candidate should have joined the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni in their case.”

  • Youths must struggle to take over political power- Akeredolu

    Youths must struggle to take over political power- Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has averred that there was a need for the consideration of greater participation of the youths in Nigerian politics.

    The governor said since the powers were not given on a platter of gold, youth must be determined and take positive steps that would guarantee their inclusion in politics and governance.

    He stated this at the Ondo State Progressive Youth Stakeholders Round-Table Discussion held at the International Culture and Event Centre, in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.

    The event, which was themed, “Patriotic Partisanship; Driving an Agenda of Inclusion and Collective Growth” was organised by a group within the APC, under the auspices of the Pentagon Movement Group.

    The governor urged the youths to be committed and remain focused while seeking leadership positions by participating in politics.

    He also challenged the youths in the state to chart a course for themselves without minding the influence of money-bags in politics, admonishing the youths to be focused and committed to the spirit of patriotism by putting the interest of the country first and above personal interests.

    He said, “Nigeria is desperately in need of a paradigm shift in the ideology of what political offices should be and birthing the new age of the Nigerian politician to focus primarily on the development of Nigeria and adding value to the social, economic, political and developmental facets of the country.

    “There is need to recognize the mindset of the Nigerian youth and come up with different approaches and means of engagement that target the management of their diverse perspectives.”

    The governor also noted that the time had come for women to take their place in the affairs of the country, saying “as the feminism movement continues to sweep through the world, Nigeria inclusive, we cannot be an exception.”

    “I am glad to disclose that our administration has been taking steps towards ensuring that more women take up political roles by insisting on a minimum 25 per cent representation of women both in government appointments and in the party structure.

    “As more and more women begin to show interest in active politics, there is the need to continue to identify the pitfalls, limitations and hindrances preventing women from taking up critical roles within the political space.

    “Of particular interest is the role of the young women in politics and in general, the upgrading of the roles of women from the African traditional beliefs to the one that is involved in decision making and other impactful political activities,” he stated.