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Tag: Ekiti State

  • INEC must use Anambra, Ekiti guber polls to boost its image – Catholic Bishop

    INEC must use Anambra, Ekiti guber polls to boost its image – Catholic Bishop

    Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the coming gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti States to boost its image positively.

    The Clergy man, gave the charge in Ado Ekiti at the weekend, while delivering a lecture, entitled: ‘Ekiti Politics And The Search for Great Leadership’.

    The lecture was part of the activities marking the 2021 Annual Lecture/Award presentation of the Nigeria Union Journalists, Correspondent Chapel, Ekiti State Council, held at Prosperous Royal Hotel and Resort.

    Ajakaiye asked the commission to be above board and neutral in the conduct of the forthcoming Nov. 6, 2021, Anambra governorship poll, so as to keep its image from further dent.

    He admonished the electoral umpire to also replicate same in the June 18, 2022 governorship election in Ekiti, saying the image of the commission is central to achieveiving public confidence in accepting outcomes of election exercises, as credible, acceptable, free and fair.

    He also asked voters to avoid compromising their future through engaging in activities capable of aiding and abetting fraudulent practices that go against the norms of acceptable global standards.

    According to him, INEC must act as a truly independent body, and allow the votes of Nigerians to count.

    “I have observed that it is when election is coming that all manners of politicians begin to emerge.

    “They are one-off politicians. They will set up all manners of empowerment programmes and when the election is over, you won’t see them again. That is why we have to be careful,” he warned.

    Bishop Ajakaye stated that whoever emerged as a leader in the elections must eschew winner-take-all spirit, by accommodating members of the opposition and competent apolitical individuals in governance, for effective delivery.

    Speaking on the poor figures being recorded on election day due to voter apathy, the challenged Nigerians, especially those in Anambra and Ekiti to participate effectively in electoral exercise.

    “I humbly urge many of them to start mobilising and enlightening the people and sacrifice on election day, leave their comfort zone and come out like other people to vote”.

    Bishop Ajakaye advised Nigerians to be determined in fighting the problem of vote selling and buying, saying this remained the best way to prevent their future from being mortgaged.

    On the 2023 Presidential election, he urged Nigerians to elect competent President and Governors that would transform the country and all states beyond the present situation.

    Bishop Ajakaye added that while the controversial zoning agitations might not be out place, those who would emerge through such arrangement must be competent, energetic and sound intellectually.

    He advised that each state of the federation must resist all odds and elect responsible and committed individuals like Governors, who can bring about the needed growth and development in the area of economy and solve the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.

    The Cleric said: “We need competent Nigerians to emerge as President and Governors in Nigeria for us to be able to be where we ought to be.

    “For those agitating for zoning, the best must emerge from that zone to be Nigeria’s President, not recycled, weak and incompetent person.

    “Whoever wants to be Nigeria’s President must be strong both in body and mind.

    “We should not allow mediocres to be leading us and if we allow that, then we are in serious trouble,” the Bishop said.

    Awardees at the event include Bishop Ajakaye himself, Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, a Veteran Journalist, Chief Femi Ajayi, a member of the House of Representatives, Femi Bamisile, and the Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof. Eddy Olanipekun.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, NUJ Correspondents’ chapel, Ekiti Council, Victor Ogunje, said the lecture was organised to proffer solutions to seeming leadership deficit facing Ekiti.

  • Gov. Fayemi presents N100.8bn 2022 budget for Ekiti

    Gov. Fayemi presents N100.8bn 2022 budget for Ekiti

    Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has presented a budget of N100.8 billion for 2022, to the state House of Assembly for consideration.

    Fayemi presented the budget christened “Budget of Legacy and Consolidation” at Thursday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Funminiyi Afuye in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said that the budget was made up of N60.7 billion recurrent expenditure, representing about 60 per cent and N40.7 billion capital expenditure, representing 40 per cent.

    “The primary objective of the 2022 budget is to complete and consolidate on all our legacy projects and lay a solid foundation for the incoming government.

    “We will focus on projects that will fast track the economic growth of the state.

    “We intend to improve on our Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) by blocking loopholes and identifying new sources of revenue generation, thereby reducing our dependent on the monthly federal allocation,” the governor said.

    Fayemi said that the budget was based on the economic realities in the country and the world in general.

    He said that agriculture and rural development was allocated N2.2 billion, infrastructure and industrial development N28.6 billion, knowledge economy N19.4 billion, social investment N14.6 billion and governance N36.7 billion in the budget.

    Fayemi, who reiterated the commitment of his administration to the welfare of workers, said that the budget has provision for the clearing of backlogs of unpaid salaries.

    He said that the budget would also ensure prompt payment of pensions and gratuities to retired workers.

    He disclosed that more than 2,000,000 people were expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before the middle of 2022 as captured in the budget.

    He lauded the lawmakers for their usual cooperation, urging them to speedily consider the budget.

    In his address, Afuye, promised continued support of the House to the governor towards development of the state.

    Afuye assured that the House would work assiduously on the budget to ensure its passage before the end of 2021.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, representatives of traditional rulers led by Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti of Oye, market women and top government functionaries.

  • Alleged 6.9bn fraud: Court announces date to resume trial of Fayose

    Alleged 6.9bn fraud: Court announces date to resume trial of Fayose

    A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, further adjourned until Dec 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, continuation in the trial of former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose over alleged N6.9 billion fraud.

    The case, which was listed in the cause list for continuation of trial on Monday, was called at about 11.40 am, as parties were awaiting one of the defence counsel.

    When the case was eventually called, the Economic and Financial Crims Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court, that having waited until almost noon, it will be better to grant an adjournment, to enable parties to come back and face the trial

    Although, first defence counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun, SAN, had urged prosecution to begin examination of its witness, who was already present in court, the case was however, adjourned at the instance of prosecution.

    The judge had urged parties to take new dates within the year, especially as no progress had been made in the matter since resumption.

    Following agreement of parties, the case was consequently, adjourned until Dec. 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 respectively for continuation of trial

    Recall that Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offence.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    The defendant was subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

    He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

    The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

    During trial before Olatoregun. the prosecution had called witnesses, from several commercial banks, as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele, were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million, which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known, formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    He was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offence, the anti-graft agency said contravened the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

  • Ekiti judiciary announces Justice Fowe demise

    Ekiti judiciary announces Justice Fowe demise

    The Ekiti judiciary has announced the demise of Justice Adewale Fowe, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state.

    The announcement is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of Ekiti State Judiciary, Justice John Adeyeye, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti.

    Fowe, 65- year-old, until his demise was a High Court Judge. He was born on Nov. 25, 1956 and hailed from Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti.

    He had his elementary and secondary education in Ekiti, Kwara and Oyo States.

    Fowe bagged a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978 from the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and proceeded to the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, and was called to the Bar in 1979.

    He also worked as a private legal practitioner and later appointed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti, between November 1997 and May 1999.

    He was appointed a High Court Judge on Jan. 4, 2010 and served in that capacity until his demise.

    Adeyeye described the former commissioner as a very courageous, humble and forthright man in all his dealings.

    “The pain of the exit of Justice Adewale Fowe will greatly be missed by the Ekiti State Judiciary and all concerned,’’ the statement said.

  • Ekiti residents protest as gunmen again kidnap 4 persons

    Ekiti residents protest as gunmen again kidnap 4 persons

    Some residents of Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday protested in the state capital and lkere-Ekiti over the kidnapping of another set of four travelers on the axis by unknown gunmen.

    The kidnap incident allegedly took place late on Tuesday evening, in Goshen Land Community in Ajebamidele area of Ado-Ekiti, located on the way to Ikere-Ekiti.

    Sources in the community told newsmen that a couple, whose names were given as Mr and Mrs Falomo, and a man, said to be a pastor, were among the kidnapped victims.

    Mrs Falomo was said to have been trailed to her residence by the kidnappers who were said to be armed with AK-47 rifles. Her husband who came out on a rescue mission was also abducted.

    According to the sources, the kidnappers fired several gunshots into the air during the attack to thwart any attempt to rescue the victims.

    The other two victims were said to have been kidnapped as the gunmen were making their way out of the community.

    It was learnt that policemen from Ologede Police Division, along Ikere Road, arrived the crime scene shortly after the kidnappers had left.

    The angry residents, in their large number, trooped out in the early hours of Wednesday, to barricade the highway, lamenting that kidnapping was becoming too incessant in the state. They called for urgent action to stop the menace.

    They decried the level of insecurity in the state, and called on both the federal and state governments to urgently do something to save them from further apprehension.

    Some of their placards read “Save us from kidnappers,” “We are no longer safe, Government come to our rescue,” “Kidnappers have taken over,” “No movement on the road until government stops kidnapping”.

    Others are; “Citizens are no longer safe”, “What Is happening,” “Security is a dividend of democracy, give it to us,” “Ekiti must be free from kidnappers and robbers,” among others.

    Mr Samuel Fasua, Chairman of Goshen Landlords Association, said the protest was staged to draw the attention of government to the incident, to do something urgent to save the residents.

    Another resident, Emmanuel Ayodeji, who disclosed that his sister-in-law was among those kidnapped, disclosed that the abductors had called the family on Wednesday morning to demand for a ransom of N10 million.

    Ayodeji said: “My sister-in-law was among those kidnapped and they packed to this area not quite one month ago.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the period the protest lasted, all economic and social activities were paralysed, with shops and business centers closed.

    There were long queues of vehicles on both sides of the Ado-Ekiti-Ikere highway with police officers appealing to the protesting residents to allow a free flow of traffic, which they rebuffed.

    The road was, however, reopened to traffic at about 10.05 am after the Police succeeded in convincing the protesters to allow traffic to resume.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, ASP Sunday Abutu, said he would formally react to the alleged incident as soon as full details get to the command from the DPO in the area.

  • Ekiti Assembly amends State Electoral Law

    Ekiti Assembly amends State Electoral Law

    Ekiti House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the bill for the amendment of the State Electoral Law.

    The amended bill was tagged: “Ekiti Independent Electoral Commission (third amendment) Bill, 2021.”

    The amended was done at Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker pro-tempore, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, in Ado-Ekiti.

    Aribisogan’s nomination as speaker pro-tempore was due to the absence of the Speaker, Mr Funminiyi Afuye and his deputy, Mr Hakeem Jamiu.

    Aribisogan, who is the Majority Leader, was nominated by Mr Stephen Aribisogan (APC), Ikole Constituency II and seconded by Mrs Yemisi Ayokunle (APC), Ekiti South-West I, in accordance with Rule 27 of the House Standing Order.

    Contributing to the debate, Aribisogan said that the bill was an amendment to the existing law to make the commission performed effectively.

    Also speaking, the sponsor of the bill, Mr Bode Adeoye (APC-Ekiti West II), said that the amendment was a result of the recent creation of 19 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the state government.

    Adeoye added the bill was aimed at providing adequate legal framework as well as empowering the electoral body to operate smoothly, in line with the current reality.

    In their separate remarks, Deputy Leader, Mr Tajudeen Akingbolu (APC-Ekiti West I) and Mr Raphael Ajibade (APC-Moba I), said that the bill was coming at the appropriate time.

    According to them, it will enhance more commitment on the part of the electoral body.

    The assembly also passed a bill for a law to establish Ekiti Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2021.

    The passage followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Health, Human Services and HIV/AIDS read by its Chairman, Mrs Teju Okuyiga (APC-Gbonyin).

    Okuyiga said that the bill sought to establish an agency that would be saddled with the responsibility of ensuring regular availability of quality drugs and health supplies at affordable costs to all the health facilities in the state.

  • JSS1 student drags Ekiti Govt to court, seeks N15m damages

    JSS1 student drags Ekiti Govt to court, seeks N15m damages

    Miss Gift Agenoisa, a JSS1 female student of Mary Immaculate Secondary School , Ado- Ekiti, has dragged the Ekiti Government, before a state High Court, seeking N15 million in damages for breach of fundamental rights.

    In a suit number HAD/01/CR/2021 and sworn to, at the Ado-Ekiti High Court, on her behalf by Mrs Odunayo Agenoisa, the student claimed that her suspension from school by government, infringed on her rights.

    The plaintiff described as cruel and inhuman, the alleged treatment meted to her for coming to school with the alleged indecent hairstyle.

    Joined in the suit are the School Principal, Mrs Oluwasanmi F.M (1st respondent) , the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye(2nd), the Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission(3rd) and the Ekiti State Government (4th respondent).

    In the affidavit attached to the originating summons, the plaintiff claimed that she was singled out of Assembly on May 22, and given 20 lashes, on the order of the school principal for the alleged indecent hairstyle.

    In her originating summons deposed to by her counsel, Mr Timmy Omotoso and brought pursuant to Order 2 rules 1,3,4,5 and 6 of the fundamental rights enforcement procedure rules 2009 as preserved by Section 315 of the 1999 constitution, the applicant demanded N15 million damages for her suspension.

    She also demanded her immediate reinstatement back to school with unfettered access to all services being rendered therein.

    The plaintiff claimed that the beating she got that day, resulted in bruises, life-threatening scars and bloodstains on her uniform, adding that she fainted and was rushed to the police clinic in Ado- Ekiti, where she was resuscitated.

    She claimed further that her letters of protest to the wife of Ekiti Governor and some relevant government agencies were not responded to, hence, her resorting to legal action to seek redress.

    The plaintiff added that she was being denied access to the school premises and her class, on the orders of the principal since then.

    On May 22, the plaintiff’s father and a Police Sergeant, Elijah, allegedly mobilized four armed policemen to the school to manhandle some teachers for scolding his daughter who was said to have come to school with an indecent hairdo against the school rules and regulation.

  • Assembly passes Ekiti Local Govt Joint Account Bill

    Assembly passes Ekiti Local Govt Joint Account Bill

    The Ekiti House of Assembly has passed the state’s Joint Local Government Account and Allocation of Revenue (Amendment) 2021 Bill.

    The bill was passed at Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Funminiyi Afuye, in Ado-Ekiti.

    Contributing during the debate, the Deputy Leader of the House, Mr Tajudeen Akingbolu, said the bill would empower the local government auditor-general to scrutinise the accounts of local government areas.

    Also, Emmanuel Oso, APC member representing Ido/Osi 11, said the account belonged to the local government, and it behoves the local government auditor-general to scrutinise it.

    Ajibade Adeyemi, member representing Moba 1 APC, said that the Principal Law of 2002 empowered the state’s Auditor-General, but that if the amended bill is assented to by the governor, the responsibility would now be on the local government’s auditor-general.

    The House also deliberated on two other bills.

    They are: Ekiti Office of the Attorney-General 2021 bill and a Bill for a Law to ensure Food Security by ensuring Active Participation of Political Office Holders and Career Officers in Agriculture (otherwise known as Own a Farm Project and other Related Matters 2021).

    The bills were later sent to the House Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters and Committee on Agriculture for further legislative scrutiny.

    The House, thereafter, adjourned until June 23 for plenary.

  • 65-year-old man rapes 85-year-old step mother in Ekiti State

    65-year-old man rapes 85-year-old step mother in Ekiti State

    The Police Command in Ekiti on Thursday said it has arrested a 65-year-old man, Durodola Ogundele, for allegedly having canal knowledge of his stepmother.

    A statement by the command’s Spokesperson, Mr Sunday Abutu, in Ado-Ekiti, said Ogundele was apprehended by the Ido-Osi Divisional Headquarters of the command on Wednesday at in Ido-Osi, after committing the act.

    Abutu said the suspect had on June 15 allegedly had canal knowledge of his 85-year-old stepmother in her room.

    He explained that Ogundele is a son to the victim’s late husband.

    According to him, the suspect on the fateful day entered the victim’s room to assist her in applying herbal medicine on her legs to ease her of pain.

    “The victim alleged that after applying the herbal medicine on her legs, the suspect forcefully had sexual intercourse with her twice,” Abutu said.

    He said the Ekiti police commissioner, Mr Tunde Mobayo, had ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation.

    The spokesman said the suspect would be charged to court accordingly, if found culpable.

  • INEC fixes dates for 2022 Ekiti, Osun governorship polls

    INEC fixes dates for 2022 Ekiti, Osun governorship polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 18, 2022 for Ekiti governorship election and July 16, 2022 for same exercise in Osun state.

    The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this on Wednesday at the Commission’s meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

    Yakubu, said that commencement date of campaign and other detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the two elections were uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

    “In the sequence of off-season elections, the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections are holding next year.

    “In keeping with our policy of announcing the dates of elections in advance to enable early and effective preparations by all concerned, the Commission has approved that the Ekiti State Governorship election will hold on Saturday June 18 2022.

    “The Osun State Governorship election will hold one month later on Saturday July 16, 2022.

    “We implore political parties and aspirants to ensure rancour-free primaries and, thereafter, conduct peaceful electioneering campaigns,” he said.

    According to the timetable and scheduled of activities for the two elections, INEC would release notice for Ekiti State governorship election on Jan. 3, 2022.

    The commission also scheduled conduct of parties’ primaries for the state election between Jan. 4, to Jan. 29, 2022.

    He stated that campaigns by political parties would begin by March 20, 2022 and end on June 16, 2022, while the final list of candidates for the election will be released on May 19, 2022.

    For Osun state, the notice of election according to the timetable would be issued on Feb. 15, 2022.

    Alao, parties’ primaries and resolutions of disputes arising from the exercise are scheduled to hold from Feb. 16, 2022 to March 12, 2022.

    The campaigns by political parties for the state election is expected to start from April 17, 2022 and end on July 14, 2022.

    Yakubu stated that April 8, 2022 is scheduled as the last day for withdrawal/replacement of candidates by political parties, and June 16 2022 for publication of final candidates for Osun governorship election.

    Yakubu said that looking to the near future, the Commission was preparing to conduct the remaining off-season end of tenure elections ahead of the 2023 General Election.

    He said that already activities listed in the timetable for the Anambra State Governorship election were being implemented.

    “So too are those of the FCT Area Council elections holding on Feb. 12, 2022,” Yakubu said.