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Tag: Ekiti State

  • APC Rally: Tinubu meets council of traditional rulers in Ekiti

    APC Rally: Tinubu meets council of traditional rulers in Ekiti

    Ahead of the APC campaign rally in Ekiti State, the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has met with the council of traditional rulers in the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Tinubu and his entourage arrived the popular Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti for a rally on Friday.

    Tinubu, who arrived at the rally at exactly 2:45 pm, was accompanied by Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi and Senator Dayo Adeyeye among other top chieftains of the party.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that earlier, Governor Oyebanji had said that the state was indebted to Tinubu and would pay back with massive votes during next month’s election.

    Oyebanji stated this during the inauguration of the 143-member APC State Presidential Campaign Council in Ado-Ekiti.

    He described the former Lagos State Governor as the indisputable father of progressive politics in the country who should be well supported for the nation’s number job.

    Ahead of the APC campaign rally in Ekiti State, the party's presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has met with the council of traditional rulers in the state. TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Tinubu and his entourage arrived the popular Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti for a rally on Friday. Tinubu, who arrived at the rally at exactly 2:45 pm, was accompanied by Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi and Senator Dayo Adeyeye among other top chieftains of the party. TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that earlier, Governor Oyebanji had said that the state was indebted to Tinubu and would pay back with massive votes during next month’s election. Oyebanji stated this during the inauguration of the 143-member APC State Presidential Campaign Council in Ado-Ekiti.

    The governor, who was joined at the inauguration ceremony by the immediate past Governor of the State, Kayode Fayemi, said Tinubu was a benefactor to the progressive family in Ekiti State, adding that his support for the progressives in the early years of the struggle was unquantifiable.

    He noted the APC Presidential Candidate as the most qualified among all the candidates jostling for the presidential seat in terms of competence, capacity, courage, experience and sagacity.

    “This time, we are searching for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Our Party, the All Progress Congress (APC) has presented the best man for the job. We are no strangers to the candidate of our party, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is the indisputable father of progressive politics in Nigeria.

    “He ticks all the boxes for competence, courage, character, excellence, experience and sagacity. In terms of political acumen, he is a living legend; and when it comes to his ability and capacity to govern, he is a mile ahead of his strongest rivals.

    “Here in Ekiti, he was our benefactor in the progressive family. He was politically there for us in our toddling years. It is time for us to feed the leader who once nursed us.

    “The duty is now ours to go from house to house, shelter to shelter, and place to place to ensure that our party and candidate win convincingly. For us in Ekiti, our target is to be the State that returns the highest percentage of votes to APC and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu come February 25, 2023.”

  • PDP lifts suspension on 2 Ekiti members

    PDP lifts suspension on 2 Ekiti members

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lifted the suspension slammed on two of its members in Ekiti State, Mr Funso Ayeni and Otunba Ajayi Samuel.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary on Saturday in Abuja.

    Ologunagba said that the action was sequel to the adoption of the report of the disciplinary committee of the party, which recommended the lifting of the suspension.

    “By the lifting of the suspension, the status of Ayeni and Samuel as members of the PDP and especially as PDP candidates for Ekiti North Senatorial District and Ekiti North II Federal Constituency respectively in the 2023 general election are fully restored.

    “The NWC urged all members, supporters and teeming members of PDP in Ekiti State to remain united and continue to work together for the success of the party at all levels in the 2023 general election,” he said.

    The NWC had on Jan. 20 approved the suspension of Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State) and Chief Chris Ogbu (Imo), Ayeni, Samuel and five others from Ekiti State over alleged anti-party activities.

  • Gov Wike heads to court over dissolution of Ekiti PDP exco

    Gov Wike heads to court over dissolution of Ekiti PDP exco

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has described the dissolution of the Ekiti State executive committee of the People’s Democratic Party by the Iyorchia Ayu led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party as an act of tyranny that he said would be challenged in court.

    The Governor, who dared the PDP national chairman, Ayu to suspend him or any of the G-5 governors, warned that the resort to despotism by the NWC will not do the PDP any good in the forthcoming general elections.

    The Rivers State governor stated this while speaking at the campaign flag-off rally by the State PDP Campaign Council in Bori, Khana Local Government Area on Saturday.

    Governor Wike explained that the reason why the dissolution of the Ekiti State working committee will be challenged in court is because there are still members of the PDP who believe in the rule of law and that the party should respect its constitution.

    “Let me also use this opportunity to say to Iyorchia Ayu and his team, your dissolving Ekiti State Exco will not help you in anyway. Your suspending people will not help you in anyway. The battle line has been fully drawn. As I speak to you, we will do everything legally possible to challenge any decision we know is illegal.

    He stressed that the Ayu led NWC resort to tyranny will do more damage to the PDP as far as the 2023 general election is concerned.

    “So, don’t think you can threaten people by saying so, so persons have been suspended. Rubbish! Completely rubbish. We are above that level that you think you can threaten anybody, intimidate anybody with whatever illegal decision you have taken.”

    The Rivers State governor dared Ayu and his cohorts to extend the despotic tendencies to the G-5 governors and see if they could withstand the repercussion.

    “So, we are waiting for you to announce my own and any other of my friend. Like I have said, when a man says you will not sleep, he too, will he sleep? Will Ayu sleep? Will those his cohorts sleep? So don’t worry, we have the capacity to pay back. We have the capacity to tell you that enough is enough.”

    Governor Wike urged Rivers State electorate in Khana to vote for the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, as well as all national and legislative candidates in the 2023 general election in order to consolidate on the achievements of his administration.

    The governor cautioned that people not to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship, Tonye Cole, who is facing criminal charges for his obnoxious role in the sale of Rivers State government assets by Chibuike Amaechi led administration.

    “Some people are shameless. A man who colluded with his master to strip Rivers State of its resources, sold our gas turbines which was constructed, installed by Dr Peter Odili’ administration. It was sold at the cost of $308M. So, we have filed criminal charges against Tonye Cole.”

    The governor described Cole’s claim that all the flyovers constructed by his administration are mainly in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas as hypocritical, since he lives in Port Harcourt.

    “Ask him how many flyovers did his boss, the former Minister do. It shows you he does not know about governance in Rivers State. His mentor told his people that he was going to construct Trans Kalabari road. Did he do it? Today, we are at the verge of commissioning the first phase of the Trans Kalabari road.

    “Again, we have agreed with Julius Berger to dualise from Emohua to Tema junction. So, ask him rather than to siphon Rivers state government money, what did they do. What has he contributed to the people of the State? Nothing.”

    Governor Wike announced that the State government has awarded contract for the reconstruction of internal roads in Bori in fulfilment of his promise during the recent commissioning of the dualisation of the Bori-Kono road.

    Rivers State PDP governorship candidate, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara said the PDP government under governor Wike has performed excellently well.

    It is on that basis, Fubara stated, that the consolidation team is soliciting votes from the electorate in order to engender continuity and consolidate on the gains made already.

    “We are not asking for your votes, for your support without a reason. We are here to ask for your votes because we have performed. Our party has performed, our leader has performed and we are taking up from there. We are not here to say support us because is our own turn, it’s not a business of turn, is a business of performance.”

    The Director General of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Felix Obuah thanked Khana people for coming out in large number to support the new mission of the party which is to deliver Fubara and his consolidation team.

    On his part, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor stated that there are about 259 political units in Khana and the people are ready to vote massively for Fubara and other candidates of the party.

    President of KAGOTE, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Deeyaah said in the last 24 years that democracy has endured, Khana people have continued to support the PDP. He stressed that the people will show their voting strength on election because they trust the leadership that has been provided to them.

    Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor presented the candidates of the party to the electorate, soliciting votes for them as he handed the party flags to them.

    Senator Barinada Mpegi spoke on behalf of the candidates and emphasised that we are proud of the Sakpenwa-Bori -Kono Road that has improved mobility and commerce in the area.

  • 2023: Fayose, Kolawole, others shun Atiku’s campaign rally in Ekiti

    2023: Fayose, Kolawole, others shun Atiku’s campaign rally in Ekiti

    Former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose; former governorship candidate, Bisi Kolawole; acting PDP State Chairman, Lanre Omolase; seven of the nine PDP National Assembly candidates and 20 of 26 House of Assembly candidates all shunned the Peoples Democratic Party presidential rally in the state.

    However, other members of the Party all trooped out to receive the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, for a campaign rally on Tuesday.

    Findings show that, earlier in the day, commercial vehicles and motorbikes had been off the roads leaving inter and state commuters stranded.

    Although the PDP members alleged that the transporters did not work in a bid to frustrate those who might want to attend the rally, the commercial transport operators said their action followed statewide prayers observed by their associations.

    Atiku, in his address to the rally, assured that if elected in the February 25 election, his administration would deploy all resources to attract socio-economic development, adding that he would be deliberate in the construction of roads leading to Ekiti State beginning with the Ado-Akure Road.

    According to the Waziri of Adamawa, his administration will be ready to give the state a facelift if he emerges the president of the country.

    He said “I am highly impressed with the huge crowd we are seeing here today despite antics of the APC government to cripple and sabotage the rally with artificial fuel scarcity and stoppage of drivers from Ekiti roads; let me assure you that we will make you happy for making us happy today.

  • 2023: What I will do to end japa syndrome – Peter Obi

    2023: What I will do to end japa syndrome – Peter Obi

    Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party(LP) on Thursday promised to end japa syndrome if elected in the February election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Peter Obi made the promise at the party’s campaign rally held at the Ekiti state Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

    The Labour Party presidential candidate said he would make Nigeria better and safer so that Nigerians will no longer have to travel out of the country to seek greener pastures.

    Peter Obi urged eligible voters to vote for all the party’s candidates for a better Nigeria, promising to end poverty, corruption and insecurity in the country.

    “I want to assure you that if you vote for me as the next President of Nigeria, I will unite and secure this country. I will end hunger, poverty and provide good jobs for our unemployed graduates in Nigeria.

    “My administration will move this country from consumption to production and bring the dividends of good governance to the door steps of our people. There will sure be a better tomorrow for all of us.

    “I will not only stop corruption, I will eradicate poverty in every states of the federation because our youths will be properly taken care of and will no longer be travelling out of the country for greener pasture.

    “Ekiti kete, please vote for Labour Party in the forthcoming Presidential election,” he said.

    Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Mr Julius Abure, thanked party supporters in the state for coming out enmass to show their love for the party.

    Abure urged them to vote for the party’s candidate in the forthcoming presidential election, describing him as reliable, dedicated, committed and ready to fight for the survival of the youths and Nigerians.

    Earlier, the State Chairman of the party, Mr Odunayo Okunade, advised party supporters not to sell their votes “for a pot of porridge”, reminding them of the current situation in the country.

    Okunade urged electorate to vote for Obi, “who is competent, tested, trusted and trustworthy to eradicate poverty, hunger, corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.”

    He assured them that the party’s presidential candidate would not disappoint them if elected as the next president of Nigeria.

    Labour Party chieftains, supporters and well wishers across the 16 local government areas of the state came out enmass to show their support for the party and it’s candidate.

  • 2023 will be a year of giant lift for Ekiti – Gov. Oyebanji

    2023 will be a year of giant lift for Ekiti – Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has urged the people of the state to look forward to 2023 with great hope and expectations for overall development and positive turnaround in all sectors.

    Oyebanji stated this on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti in his first New Year speech as the State’s Chief Executive.

    The governor expressed the hope that 2023 would be a “year of giant lift for Ekiti”, calling for  support of the people to make the dream a reality.

    He also assured the people of the state that they would witness massive improvement in security, infrastructure and government services as never seen before.

    Oyebanji expressed optimism that 2023 would be a glorious year of strong beginning for the government and people of the state.

    He congratulated the people for making it to the new year in spite of the numerous challenges and threats, saying that, “the miracle of daily existence in good health itself is a grace that must never be taken for granted,”.

    The governor reiterated his commitment to his administration’s six-point agenda of youth development and job creation, human capital development, infrastructure and industrial development, agriculture and rural development, arts, culture as well as tourism toward turning around the fortunes of the state in the new year.

    He said his administration was working hard to give Ekiti the desired face-lift which was evident in the aggressive pursuit of road infrastructure renewal in Ado-Ekiti metropolis through ongoing rehabilitation of major and nodal roads.

    Oyebanji also said his administration had spiced up massive deployment of street lights under the “Light-Up Ekiti Initiative” which would be replicated in other towns and villages in the new year.

    He said commendable transformation was ongoing at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort which had been concessioned to a private company to rebuild, expand and manage, describing it as “Ekiti’s most iconic tourism springboard for the tourism potential of the state,”.

    Oyebanji expressed the confidence that the resort and nearby Arinta Water Fall would be back in the international tourism site in 2023, bigger and better.

    He promised that his administration would also embark on the development of other heritage sites in the state.

    The governor disclosed that his administration was liaising with critical government agencies to facilitate access to cheaper funds to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises with the vision to ensure that artisans, market women and private sector players were linked up with cheaper funds to support their businesses in 2023.

    He thanked traditional rulers, religious and community leaders for the critical roles they played at all times.

    He craved for their continued support and cooperation in 2023 as the people of the state look forward to more opportunities for assistance and cooperation in moving the state forward.

    The governor, who explained that his campaign manifesto anchored on six pillars was carefully designed to position the state for peace and prosperity, also reiterated his commitment to the development agenda based on his conviction that they signposted Ekiti’s path to progress.

    He explained that both the Supplementary Budget and the 2023 Budget already passed by the State House of Assembly had  been projected to reflect the six pillars and their actualisation and thanked the state legislators for their cooperation.

    Oyebanji noted that the passage of the supplementary budget had empowered his administration to urgently intervene in some critical infrastructural renewal while the 2023 Appropriation Law assented to two days ago would help the government to hit the ground running from the first day of the year.

    He urged the people of the state to look forward to more Investments in education and knowledge economy which, he noted, the state had comparative advantage.

    Oyebanji described investment in the health sector as also critical to ensure a healthy populace as well as other sectors of the economy.

    “In the New Year, we will expedite effort on this and ensure all our health facilities at all levels are accessible, available, affordable and in good shape.

    “We want to jealously preserve our record as the state with the highest life expectancy rate in Nigeria.

    “We will continue to strengthen our primary, secondary and tertiary health system to keep this trophy.

    “Government is deeply concerned about the exodus of our health and medical professionals to other climes due to obvious present challenges.

    “I am, however glad to assure them that government will look into the issues with a view to reversing the trend in the New Year,” the governor said.

    Describing the last 75 days of his administration as exciting, Oyebanji appreciated Ekitis at home and abroad for their enthusiasm and cooperation since his assumption of office.

    “I am deeply touched by their show of love and solidarity through pieces of advice, prayers, suggestions and constructive criticisms,” he said.

    Oyebanji appreciated the people of the state for electing him to serve as their governor and his predecessors for being a source of encouragement to his administration.

    He appealed to politicians from different political divides to allow peace to reign and play politics of maturity during the forthcoming general elections while putting the overall interest of the state at heart.

    The governor also used the opportunity to canvass for massive votes for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential candidate, Asuwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s, National and State House of Assemblies candidates in the coming general elections.

  • Ekiti Deputy Gov, Afuye hails Gov Oyebanji’s tribunal victory

    Ekiti Deputy Gov, Afuye hails Gov Oyebanji’s tribunal victory

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, on Thursday hailed Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal.

    The tribunal ruled in favour of Oyebanji on Thursday in a case instituted by Mr Segun Oni, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the June 18 election.

    Responding to the verdict at Ado-Ekiti, Afuye commended the judiciary for preventing the will of the people from being subverted by the defeated opposition party.

    She told newsmen that “the victory at the tribunal amplified and firmly attested to the fact that Oyebanji won the June 18, 2022 governorship election fairly and squarely.

    She said with this resounding verdict, the judiciary, had again proven to be the bastion, fortress and great defender of democracy.

    Afuye insisted that Ekiti people gave Oyebanji their mandate freely, and that no force would be given the room to hijack the mandate.

    “As I salute the judiciary for mustering the vigour and acting valiantly to deliver a resounding judgment on the issue emanating from the conduct of the Ekiti governorship poll.

    “Let me call on the opposition to join hands with Gov. Oyebanji to take Ekiti to the deserved destination of prosperity, progress and development.

    “Ekiti belongs to all of us; let us join hands with the government of the day to make Ekiti better and greater,’’ she said.

    The deputy governor also commended opposition for heading to court rather than causing chaos.

    “We also appreciate and commend the opposition for not resorting to anarchy in seeking redress in the electoral matter. Resorting to court remains the best practice in democracy to seek redress on any contentious issue.

    “Now that the matter had been resolved, they should contribute their quota in building Ekiti of our dream.

    “I salute our party members, leaders across the state and Nigeria and all Ekiti people for standing by the governor. We are assuring you that we will not let you down.

    “Gov. Oyebanji and his team will revive the pedal of development by being diligent, transparent and zealously committed to good governance,’’ Afuye said.

  • Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal delivers judgment today

    Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal delivers judgment today

    The Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal on the June 18 governorship election will deliver judgment today Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Secretary to the Tribunal, Umar Abubakar, made this known on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.

    Abubakar said: “The Election Petitions Tribunal in charge of the Ekiti State Governorship  election will on Thursday the 29th of December, deliver judgment in the petition filled by Chief Segun Oni, challenging the victory of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji.

    “The judgment will hold at the Tribunal venue, located within the Ekiti State High Court, Ado- Ekiti by 9.00 a.m.

    “All concerned authorities are to take note.”

    The petitioner, Chief Segun Oni, also a former Governor and candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had challenged the election victory of Oyebanji of APC.

    Oni had also claimed in his petition that Oyebanji’s election was characterised with irregularities.

    He had argued that it was wrong for the Mai Mala Buni-led APC leadership to have supervised the primary election process that led to Oyebanji’s emergence as the APC candidate.

    After weeks of arguments and counter arguments, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had adjourned until Nov. 23 for the adoption of final written addresses by the parties.

    Kpochi urged the counsel to exchange their written addresses and replies, within the time-frame.

    The chairman of the three-member panel had reserved judgment, after all parties had adopted their final written addresses at the last sitting.

  • [Video] Kidnappers kill farmer in Ekiti after collecting ransom

    [Video] Kidnappers kill farmer in Ekiti after collecting ransom

    Ojo Jubril and Job Mathew, have confessed to the killing of a farmer Segun Adams, in Ekiti state after receiving a ransom payment of N1.5 million naira.

    it was gathered the victim was kidnapped on his farm at Kajola, a farmstead in Ado Ekiti.

    The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Sunday Ayemoni, while parading the suspects and six others on Friday, November 25, told newsmen that the culprits were involved in kidnapping, murder, conspiracy and armed robbery.

    “On November 23, 2022, at about 3:30pm, while the command operatives were on a rescue operation inside Ijan – Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area’s forest, they arrested two notorious kidnappers namely; Ojo Jubril and Job Matthew,” he stated.

    “Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that they kidnapped one Adams Segun, 55 years, in his Kajola Farm settlement, Ijan-Ekiti on November 16th, 2022.

    “The suspects confessed to various kidnappings in Ekiti State and mentioned one Daniel Matthew, Busuyi Popoola, and Daniel, second name unknown as their accomplices.

    “They confessed further that they were responsible for the killing of a Adams Segun, one of their kidnap victims.”

    Ayemoni said exhibits such as one cut-to-size single barrel and expended cartridge, were recovered from the arrested suspects.

    In a video trending online the suspects said they collected N1.5m ransom and later killed Adams because he recognised one of them.

    See video below:

     

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  • Why I stayed off Ekiti Assembly crisis – Gov. Oyebanji

    Why I stayed off Ekiti Assembly crisis – Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti said on Tuesday at Ado-Ekiti that he did not interfere in the crisis that engulfed the state’s House of Assembly in the last couple of days because of his belief in separation of powers.

    The House impeached its former speaker, Mr Gboyega Aribisogan who spent one week in office and elected Mrs Bunmi Adelugba, its first female speaker as replacement on Monday.

    Gov. Oyebanji spoke when members of the Assembly presented Adelugba and executives of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) to him.

    The governor thanked leaders of the APC for their intervention and for their efforts at resolving the issue, politically.

    Oyebanji said he decided to stay off the crisis so as to give the legislative arm the full Constitutional rights it has to administer itself without interference.

    He also described the crisis as a family affair that could be resolved amicably without external interference.

    Oyebanji assured the new speaker of his support, but reminded her of the need to work on the speedy passage of the state’s 2023 budget.

    Presenting the speaker earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akeem Jamiu, described the crisis that broke out in the House in the last few days as an embarrassment to members of the APC in the state and to the people of Ekiti generally.

    He said the House presented the new speaker to the governor as a mark of honour and respect for his exalted office.

    He said the House had corrected what he called an “anomaly’’ in the Assembly, and gave assurance that the House, under the new leadership, would continue to maintain peace.

    In her remarks, Adelugba expressed appreciation to all members of the House and to APC executives in the state for her emergence as the new speaker.

    She described the process that led to her becoming the speaker, as “a peaceful one’’ and promised to always maintain allegiance to the Constitution and to the people of Ekiti.

    Similarly, APC Chairman in Ekiti, Mr Paul Omotosho, distanced the party from the crisis that paralysed activities in the House in the last few days.

    “Let me remark here that the party does not have interest in who becomes the leader of the House; all what the party wanted was peace, and how the state would move forward,’’ he said.