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Tag: Ondo State

  • APC National Secretary reveals when Akeredolu will resume

    APC National Secretary reveals when Akeredolu will resume

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Iyiola Omisore, says he is optimistic that Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, will soon return to the state to continue attending to the developmental needs of the people.

    Omisore said this on Friday in Akure in what he called “solidarity visit” to Ondo State.

    He assured the government and people of the state that there should be no need for alarm, but prayers for Gov. Akeredolu, after sufficient rest.

    Omisore met with the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Working Committee, and Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.

    Others are; Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale, Members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, and other top government officials.

    Omisore said the national secretariat regretted the recent twist and expressed the best wishes and prayers of the National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, for the governor.

    He said that at no time did the National Chairman said the governor was incapacitated, lamenting that some section of the press only opted to be mischievous and reported “what they feel makes news”.

    The visit, he explained, was meant to dispel the misapprehension of the sincere and noble statement, and put the record straight.

    “Mr chairman only urged people to pray for the quick recovery of your governor; not on account of being incapacitated.

    “Our visit, therefore, is to reinforce the position of the national secretariat that we only prayed for the quick recovery of Akeredolu and not otherwise,” he stressed.

    Omisore further assured them that the national secretariat was on the same page with the state, and would always offer support, when necessary.

    Earlier, the State Party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, had dismissed the insinuation that the state chapter was in crisis.

    Adetimehin insisted that the party was as united as ever, under the leadership of Akeredolu.

    He explained that the state was still savouring its enviable contributions to the party’s victory at the last presidential election, and, therefore, had no place for bickerings.

    Responding, the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed appreciation to the team for the solidarity visit.

    Aiyedatiwa lamented unprofessional twisting of facts by some members of the press who opted for outright falsehood.

    He called on journalists to always cross-check  when in doubt to avoid embarrassing and misleading people.

    The National Secretary was accompanied by the Deputy National Secretary, Mr Festus Fuanter, National Vice Chairman (North Central), Bawa Muazu, and National Vice Chairman (South-West), Mr Isaacs Kekemeke.

  • Ondo Acting Gov opens up on Akeredolu’s state of health

    Ondo Acting Gov opens up on Akeredolu’s state of health

    Ondo State Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has opened up on the state of health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is said to be recuperating in a hospital abroad.

    Aiyedatiwa, speaking on Tuesday in Akure while reacting to some media reports he tagged as “faceless writers to fan ember of unity in the state”, disclosed he is in constant touch with Governor Akeredolu.

    The Acting Governor urged the general public, to as usual, ignore the unfortunate lies and subterfuge as the antics of desperate political gladiators across political divides.

    “You are aware of the message of the Governor to the people of Ondo State in which he thanked the people and other critical stakeholders for their support and loyalty.

    ”The Governor appreciates your prayers and good wishes for himself and the State, across board. He is in high spirit, recuperating and being expected back in office to continue with his laudable service to the State, as soon as he is certified medically fit by his Doctors.

    “I am in touch with him, the latest being on Sunday when he expressed appreciation to me and other State Executive Council Members for holding the fort while he is away.

    “I like to also join the governor to express our profound appreciation to you all for your unending show of love, solidarity.

    ”We should remain in this attitude of prayer and solidarity for the good of ourselves, the governor and the State at large” the statement read in parts.

    Aiyedatiwa urged the general public to ignore the unfortunate lies and antics of desperate political gladiators across political divides, assuring that it would not allow it to derail the focus and developmental policies of the current administration of Akeredolu.

    The acting governor said the tactics of the faceless writers and agents of provocateurs were intended to fan embers of discord, tarnish the hard-earned reputations of individuals in government circles and distract Government attention foe selfish politic gains.

    ”We crave for more cooperation and support from the good people of the State as well as ask for more restraints and circumspection on the part of groups and individuals whose actions and unwarranted vituperations in social circles and the media are capable of robbing off negatively on the image of the State.

    “We, therefore, assure the people of Ondo state that there is no gap in governance. The government of Ondo State is on course, construction works are going on across the state and other official activities are also running well in line with standard practices.

    “The security and welfare of the people being the primary constitutional mandate of government is enjoying top priority.

    ”The state government will not at any time renege on this important obligation to the people. We urge you all to continue to be law-abiding, peaceful and endeavour to pursue your legitimate businesses and activities unhindered,” the deputy governor said.

    The Ondo State House of Assembly on Monday confirmed the letter written to it by Gov. Akeredolu informing it of the extension of his medical vacation.

    The Governor who is ill and has been receiving treatment in the hospital had earlier informed the Assembly of his medical leave on June 5.

  • Adamu debunks comment on Akeredolu’s health status, says statement was misrepresented

    Adamu debunks comment on Akeredolu’s health status, says statement was misrepresented

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has debunked a report credited to the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is in a state of extreme incapacity, and hospitalised.

    The party in a statement issued by Iyiola Omisore, the National Secretary on Tuesday, said the headline, “Akeredolu in state of extreme incapacity, hospitalised”, bore a tinge of the usual mischievous, wicked and insensitive reportage, sponsored by desperate politicians.

    The statement reads:
    “The attention of the national headquarters of ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS has been drawn to a report, credited to the National Chairman; Senator Abdullahi Adamu, in the 11th July, 2023.

    ” The headline, “Akeredolu in state of extreme incapacity, hospitalised”, bore a tinge of the usual mischievous, wicked and insensitive reportage, sponsored by desperate politicians.

    “The National Chairman was indeed excited at the reports on the rate of recovery of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and urged all those present at the meeting to pray for his quick return.

    “It, therefore, smacks of mischief and unabashed abandonment of professional ethics for a reporter to present this gross misrepresentation, a mischievous twist, as news. At no time did the National Chairman mention that the Governor was in a state of “extreme incapacity” in the meeting of 10th July 2023 or anytime for that matter.

    “He is, evidently, not in any critical state that should warrant this clearly reprehensible conduct as he still sent a post to the Executive Council Committee platform yesterday.

    ” Members of the public are advised to ignore this news as the contents therein exist in the realm of the imagination of workers of iniquity.

    ” Mr. Governor is NOT incapacitated. He will return to his duty as soon as the doctors certify him fully fit to do so”, he Said.

     

  • Medical leave: Ondo Assembly receives Akeredolu’s letter for extension

    Medical leave: Ondo Assembly receives Akeredolu’s letter for extension

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has received a letter from Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu informing it of the extension of his medical leave.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Speaker of the House, Mr Olamide Oladiji made the disclosure on Monday.

    In a statement in Akure, Oladiji explained that the Governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    He stated that the Governor’s request for the extension of his medical leave followed his doctor’s advice to take adequate rest in order to recuperate.

    The Speaker further stated that the letter provides that Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the State Deputy Governor, would continue to act as Governor until there was a written declaration stating otherwise.

    The Speaker expressed appreciation to God for the recovery of the Governor, adding that he was optimistic that Akeredolu would soon resume his duties.

    Recall that Akeredolu had on June 5 written to the Assembly informing it of his intention to proceed on medical leave, which was to end on July 6.

  • Ondo: I will resume official duties once my doctors give me green light – Akeredolu

    Ondo: I will resume official duties once my doctors give me green light – Akeredolu

    Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has stated that he is in high spirit to return to official duties in the state as soon as his medical team gives him the green light.

    The governor, who has been on medical leave abroad for a while, stated that he was touched by the extraordinary outpouring of genuine affection, prayers and solidarity from the people.

    Akeredolu, who left for a 21-day medical leave abroad a few days ago, is scheduled to return home on July 6, 2023 (today), according to a letter he sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    In a statement by his Commissioner for Information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, Akeredolu said that the ceaseless evocation of prayers and messages of goodwill for his full recovery have been serving as a comforting salve and a revitalizing tonic.

    He also expressed his deep appreciation to the citizens of the state for their unwavering prayers and messages of goodwill, as he continues his recovery and strives to regain good health.

    According to him, the gestures have not only bolstered his determination to stand on his feet once again but have also served as a driving force for him to continue serving the people, particularly the esteemed residents of Ondo State.

    Similarly, he extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as his team members, party leaders, fellow Governors, and the members of the State House of Assembly.

    “This unprecedented display of genuine affection and solidarity have been a soothing balm and the reinvigorating elixir sustaining the determination, not only for the amiable Governor to stand on his feet, but also, and more importantly, for him to continue his service to the people, particularly the good people of Ondo State.

    The Governor thanks the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and members of his team, all party leaders, his brother Governors and the members of the State House of Assembly for their support.

  • Naval officers invade Ondo community to search for colleague’s killers

    Naval officers invade Ondo community to search for colleague’s killers

    The Idoani community in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State was on Tuesday invaded by men of the Nigerian Navy in a bid to search for the suspect linked to the killing of their colleague.

    However, the presence of the Naval officers created tension and panic among the residents of the commnunity.

    While trying to escape the wrath of the naval officers, a source said many adult males fled, adding that traders at shops and markets in the community refused to conduct business for fear of victimization.

    It was gathered that the dead Naval officer had an encounter with a motorcyclist.

    A source, however, noted that some hoodlums attacked the naval officer during an argument with a commercial motorcyclist in the community.

    After the attack, the source said the naval officer sustained varying degrees of injury and was rushed to a hospital in the community where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

    It was learnt that the motorcyclist linked to the crime was apprehended and handed over to the police, adding that a hoodlum also linked to the crime had been on the run.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, promised to get the details of the incident but had yet to revert to our correspondent as of the time this report was filed.

  • Gunmen kidnap 67-year-old Chief Imam

    Gunmen kidnap 67-year-old Chief Imam

    The Police in Ondo State have confirmed the abduction of Alhaji Ibrahim Bodunde-Oyinlade, the Chief Imam of USO community in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

    The 67-year-old Chief Imam was abducted on his farm at Asolo Farm Camp on Saturday afternoon.

    A family member said they reported to the police when Bodunde-Oyinlade did not return home by 2pm and calls to his mobile phone were not  answered.

    “The kidnappers have contacted the family but are yet to demand for ransome,” he said on condition of anonymity.

    SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, Police spokesperson in the state, however, confirmed the incident.

    He said policemen and vigilantes were combing the forest in search of the Chief Imam.

    Odunlami-Omisanya disclosed that the victim’s car and mobile phone were found at the farm.

    “It was at about 6pm that the family members came to report the incident at the police station in USO community.

    “The DPO, policemen and vigilantes are searching the area for possible rescue,” he added.

  • Ondo deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa accused of eyeing Akeredolu’s seat

    Ondo deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa accused of eyeing Akeredolu’s seat

    Ondo State deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been accused by some members of the Ondo State Executive Council for promoting illness and death rumours against the executive governor of Ondo state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Speculations are flying around that the deputy governor is eyeing the governor’s seat following Akeredolu’s illness.

    According to sources within the cabinet, the governor has become aware of the deputy governor’s alleged lack of loyalty and has grown increasingly uncomfortable with his purported ambition.

    Although the deputy governor hasn’t made any visible move to show intention to run in the 2024 gubernatorial elections, however, campaigns have started n earnest.

    Trouble started when Akeredolu went on vacation and left the deputy governor in charge of the governor’s office.

    During his brief stint as acting governor, the deputy governor was alleged to have prioritized his personal interests over that of the state and the governor.

    Furthermore, certain members of the exco have accused the deputy governor of being responsible for spreading stories about the governor’s health and subsequent rumours of his death.

    Sources within the exco, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the issue, disclosed that the deputy governor had initiated the rumours about the governor’s health.

    One of the exco members confirmed that Akeredolu’s health was not deteriorating while also expressing concern with the governor’s choice of deputy governors.

    “The deputy governor is behind all these circulating stories. What actually happened was that after the Cabinet meeting three weeks ago and the subsequent courtesy visits, the governor decided to take some time to rest.

    “The governor has been advised to deliberately spend quality time resting. So, the deputy governor went to Ibadan to visit him and brought along some files. However, he didn’t inform the governor or his close aides about his visit. Upon reaching Ibadan, the governor signed the files, which were then returned to him. But the governor didn’t wait to talk to the deputy governor.

    “When he returned to Akure, he started telling some of our associates that the governor should transfer power to him. He even attempted to persuade Exco members to support his position.

    “He deliberately initiated these rumours about the governor’s health to gain public sympathy and support. The deputy governor lied to us. It was only when we started contacting the governor ourselves that we learned the truth.

    “Just last Monday, the governor signed the May 2023 salary. The fact that the ministries are functioning should assure you that the governor is in charge and actively involved. At present, he is upset and pissed with these false stories.”

    But according to a government insider, the deputy governor already has his loyalists within the cabinet.

    “If their attempt to remove the governor from office is successful, the deputy governor has promised a Commissioner that he will be his deputy. In addition, he promised to name another cabinet member as Secretary to the State Government.

    “Unfortunately, two Commissioners are competing for the position of deputy governor in Aiyedatiwa. In addition, a Special Adviser has sworn allegiance to the deputy governor as part of her plot to be nominated for the position of NDDC State Representative.

    “All of these people are currently allied with one another and pushing for the governor to delegate authority to the deputy.”

    “The governor and the deputy governor met last week, and the governor signed several documents, including the salary for the Local Government. Why would the deputy governor keep quiet while the media was reporting unfavourable things about his boss? We know he is responsible for them.

    “In truth, he was persuaded to make a statement disputing these false reports, but he chose not to. It is quite distressing to see such behaviour from a deputy governor who the governor personally hand pick.

    “In fact, he was urged to issue a statement refuting these fabricated stories, but he declined. It is truly disappointing to witness such behavior from someone who was handpicked by the governor and made deputy governor,” he said.

    Reacting to the development, Aiyedatiwa’s Press Secretary, Kenneth Odusola, maintained that “this falsehood and its peddlers would have ordinarily been ignored at this time, but the need to halt further negative reports and rumours capable of creating needless tension in our state has necessitated this response.

    “The said allegation against the person of the deputy governor is a figment of the imagination of those behind it and their ungodly intentions to cause crisis in the State had been known for weeks and therefore such falsehood did not come as a surprise.”

  • Mimiko charge incoming govt on management of diversity

    Mimiko charge incoming govt on management of diversity

    The immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has charged the incoming administration on unity and managing diversity for a fair, just, and better nation.

    Mimiko made the call at the Change and Development Forum powered by the Dare Adeboye Foundation on Friday.

    It had the theme: “Good Governance and Accountability: Setting the Agenda for Nigeria’s Incoming Administration.”

    In his address, Mimiko emphasised steps to help the nation become better developed.

    “We must manage and confront our diversity. The ultimate management of diversity is to be fair and just to everybody. You must see this as your number one priority.”

    He also strongly recommended that different efforts must be made to make the public space more inclusive while recalling the incident of bigotry and nepotism during the 2023 general election.

    According to the former governor, the new administration must be creative, innovative, and deliberate.

    He added that we must plan and target, must protect our local and “adire’’ industry as well as begin patronising made-in-Nigeria products.

    On how to be more accountable, Mimiko reiterated the need to improve the quality of law enforcement agents and secure the nation.

    “Without security, we are talking about nothing. There is a consensus that a centralised policing system cannot secure Nigeria.

    “Since all the major presidential candidates have ascribed the evolution of policing to the sub-sectional, the government should quickly ensure that they place state police among other measures in securing Nigeria,” he added.

    On measures to develop the nation, he charged the electorate to hold the leaders accountable.

    “You must know the mechanisms available to you. That is where freedom of information comes in. It gives access to everybody to demand any information from any government agency.”

    As the keynote speaker, Mimiko underscored the need for Nigerians to know what to expect from the leaders.

    “We must be aware. If the leaders don’t know their responsibility, we must hold them accountable.”

    On his part, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi, said the state government has been accountable in its approach.

    He said: “As an administration, what we have done is that for any project, we call all stakeholders to give us a priority on the reparation of the road that is most important to them.”

    Talabi, however, commended the Dare Adeboye Foundation for the timely gathering on governance and development of the nation.

    Pastor Leke Adeboye, who is the CEO of the Dare Adeboye Foundation, described the foundation as kingdom advancement that focuses on youth empowerment, education, leadership and government, sanitation, and clean water initiatives.

    He highlighted that the foundation, In the last year, recorded many successes, including the donation of a block of eight bathrooms and toilets in Iwo and a community in Akwa-Ibom.

    “There was also a donation of a borehole with 10 water tanks in the exact location.”

    The foundation has also constructed a 3,000-seater hall/youth church in Ifewa called the Living Seed Church.

    “We have organised free training for more than 100 youth in web 3.0 skills blockchain and then NFT and cyber security, and trained about 100 youths in data science among others,” he outlined.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that The Dare Adeboye Foundation is a legacy and impact organisation created to immortalise Pastor Oluwadamilare Adeboye and to further his vision and deep commitment to impacting lives and communities all around Africa.

    Adeboye, 42, died in his sleep on Wednesday, May 4, 2021 in Eket, Akwa Ibom, where he was based with his family as an assistant pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35.

    He was the third child of Pastor Enoch Adeboye., General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

    He is survived by his wife and three children.

    The foundation is poised to continue the good works of Pastor Dare Adeboye in perpetuating effective change within Africa.

    This is in its quest to change the world and become a force for positive impact and sustainable development by leveraging partnerships and collaborations to deliver individual, community and nation-based impact.

  • Installation of 5 new Ijaw kings in Ondo excites INC

    Installation of 5 new Ijaw kings in Ondo excites INC

    Ijaw National Congress (INC), on Sunday, commended Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for recognising and installing five additional Ijaw kings in Arogbo-Ijaw kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

    The State government had, on Thursday, presented staff of office to the new kings for Ijaw communities.

    President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, gave the commendation in an interview in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    Okaba, who was reacting to the installation of five new kings, applauded Akeredolu for his inclusive governance style and even spread of development projects.

    He congratulated the newly-installed kings, urging them to keep the Ijaw flag flying by propagating and preserving its revered culture in a manner reflective of the multi-ethnic nature of the state.

    Okaba said with his action, Akeredolu had written his name in gold and shown exemplary leadership in recognising and harnessing the ethic diversity of the state for peaceful co-existence.

    According to him, the entire Niger Delta region needs such a leadership approach.

    “Ijaw National Congress is very pleased with Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu for recognising and elevating five new Ijaw kingship stools in Ondo and installation of five new Ijaw kings.

    “We express the appreciation of all Ijaws in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to the governor.

    “This development has given a sense of belonging to all Ijaws in the Niger Delta region and we feel a sense of duty to express our gratitude to the act of justice and equity to the Ijaws.

    “We therefore, call on Edo and Akwa Ibom governors to borrow a leaf from Ondo State governor and uplift the status of Ijaws in their respective states.

    “The ancestral domains of the Ijaws are endowed with oil and gas reserves, which provide derivation revenue being used to develop other parts of the states.

    “Authoritative historical, archaeological and ethnographic facts have shown that the Ijaw people are the oldest aboriginal settlers in the Niger Delta region and must be accorded respect in the states and local government areas they have been  arbitrarily balkanised into.

    “INC decries all acts of land grabbing, marginalisation, denial and distortion of the Ijaw cultural heritage under any guise which are ongoing in some states in the region,” Okaba said.