TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ondo State

  • Tragedy as 13 burnt to death in ghastly Ondo highway crash

    Tragedy as 13 burnt to death in ghastly Ondo highway crash

    Aleast, 14 persons have lost their lives in a devastating auto crash on the Owo-Ikare highway at Abule Panu, Ose Bridge, Ondo State.

    According to reports, only one survivor sustained severe injuries in the accident, which occurred on Saturday morning.

    The survivor was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the charred remains of the victims were deposited at the hospital morgue.

    Confirming the tragic incident, Ondo State FRSC Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, said that the crash happened at about 10:14 am and involved two buses.

    “The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 am claimed thirteen (13) lives of commuters in two buses.

    “A total of 14 people were involved out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

    “Eyewitness account indicated that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to lost of control and a resultant head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

    “Immediately after the collision, the two buses went in flames.

    “The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue.

    “The injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo while the dead ones were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital,” Ibitoye explained.

  • 7 political parties ready for Ondo local government election

    7 political parties ready for Ondo local government election

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has verified seven political parties to participate in the upcoming January 18 Local Government Election in the state.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the commission, Mrs Bisi Lawani, on Tuesday in Akure.

    Lawani said that the political parties  were confirmed during the verification exercise for candidates contesting for the positions of chairman and vice-chairman held at the commission’s headquarters on Monday in Akure.

    “The political parties set to participate include Action Alliance (AA); All Progressives Congress (APC); Labour Party (LP); and Action People’s Party (APP).

    “Others are New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP); People’s Democratic Party (PDP); and Social Democratic Party (SDP),” she said.

    The spokesperson said that the election would be conducted across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    According to her, the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates of all the political parties underwent verification on Monday, December 23, 2024.

    “This critical process, conducted at the commission’s headquarters was aimed at ensuring that all candidates meet the eligibility requirements stipulated in the electoral guidelines,” she said.

    Lawani explained further that the same exercise for councilorship candidates would take place on Tuesday, December 24, at the various local government area offices of the commission in the state.

    According to her, the electoral officers will be supervised by ODIEC commissioners in those offices.

  • Stampede: Ondo AG issues crowd control directives

    Stampede: Ondo AG issues crowd control directives

    Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN)  Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has issued  series of directives  to law enforcement and local authorities to forestall tragedies at gatherings.

    Recall that the directives came on the heels of stampede in Okija, Anambra,  where some people lost their lives at a palliatives sharing center and the Ibadan, Oyo state tragedy where many children died from stampede at a fun fair.

    The directives outline improved crowd control measures to enhance public safety and order during gatherings in the state.

    Ajulo in a statement on Sunday, said  the guidelines, documented in Directive No. 01-1224, were aimed at regulating public gatherings and ensuring  protection of lives and property during events.

    According to him, the directives are anchored in the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State 2015, and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

    Ajulo said  the guidelines prioritised public safety while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

    “The directives include assessment of crowds: Law enforcement agencies are to conduct thorough risk assessments of any planned gatherings.

    “Factors to consider include expected attendance, location, and potential for unrest. Notification Requirements: – Organisers of public events must notify local authorities prior to the event.

    “Notifications should include details such as date, time, venue, and expected number of attendees.,” he said.

    He also included “deployment of personnel which is inclusive of adequate police and security personnel that must be deployed to gather intelligence and maintain order before and during events.

    “Crowd management teams will be responsible for monitoring the event and addressing any issues that arise,” he said.

    The attorney general said others included communication protocols:
    Establishing  clear communication channels between event organisers and law enforcement.

    “Regular updates should be shared to ensure swift responses to any crowd-related incidents. Use of Technology: Utilise surveillance and monitoring technology to observe crowd dynamics in real-time.

    “Drones and CCTV cameras may be employed where necessary to enhance security. “Public Awareness Campaigns: -Conduct campaigns to educate the public on safety measures during gatherings. Promote peaceful assembly and discourage violence or unlawful behaviour.

    “Emergency Response Plans: Develop and disseminate emergency response plans for potential incidents. All personnel must be trained on these protocols,” he said.

    Ajulo said that it also included Medical and Emergency Preparedness: ensuring that a  qualified medical team, emergency preparedness team, ambulances, and security personnel are present for events with over 300 participants, whether spiritual, physical, political, or social.

    “Position medical teams and security personnel strategically within and outside the venue. Provision of Essentials: Provide accessible packs of drinking water for participants.

    “Ensure mobile toilets are available, with a sanitation team to maintain cleanliness. Venue Accessibility:- Avoid venues with only one entrance or exit to facilitate smooth crowd movement.

    ”Legal Compliance: All actions taken must comply with all the laws in operations in Nigeria with full adherence and respect to the Constitutional rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.

    “Any violations of these directives may result in legal action against the organizers or participants,” he said.

    Ajulo stated that the directives also called for enhanced collaboration between event organizers, law enforcement agencies, and local government authorities.

    He said the importance of proactive measures, including communication protocols and venue accessibility to prevent incidents and ensure public safety cannot be over emphasised.

    The chief law officer of the state reiterated that the measures were designed to protect lives and property, urging full compliance from all parties involved.

    “These crowd control measures are a testament to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for public gatherings in  Ondo state.

    “Stakeholders are advised to familiarise themselves with the directives to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safer society,” Ajulo stated.

  • Candidates list for Ondo LG election released

    Candidates list for Ondo LG election released

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has released the approved list of candidates and their particulars ahead of the Jan.18 council elections in the state.

    Dr Joseph Aremo, ODIEC Chairman, made the disclosure while holding a meeting with the commissions electoral officers of the 18 Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Friday in Akure.

    Aremo said that the list of chairmanship candidates had been pasted at the headquarters of the commission on Friday.

    “Also, the list of councilorship candidates has been pasted at the various local government offices of the commission.

    “Meanwhile, the verification of chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates will be conducted on Monday, Dec. 23, at the headquarters.

    “However, the verification of councilorship candidates will take place at the various local government offices of ODIEC.

    “Also, campaigns by political parties will commence on Thursday, Dec. 26, and will run till Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

    “The publication of the list of validated candidates will be released on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024,” he said.

    According to him, anyone interested in working with ODIEC as ad-hoc staff should apply through the electoral officers of each LGA, or the office of the director of operations at the headquarters.

    “Electoral officers should act as impartial umpires. ODIEC is determined to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election that can serve as benchmark for Africa,” he said.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints new DG of OSRC

    Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints new DG of OSRC

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the dissolution of the board and management of the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC).

    The board and manangement was led by Mr Kunle Adebayo, the Director General (DG)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the station.

    Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, made this known in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

    The statement further said that the governor had also approved the appointment of Mr Keneth Odusola-Stevenson as the new DG/CEO of the station.

    “The dissolved management and board are to hand over all government properties in their care to the new director general with immediate effect.

    “Gov. Aiyedatiwa thanks the chairman and members of the dissolved board and management for their services and wishes them well in their future endeavours,” the statement reads.

  • Ondo Assembly holds public hearing on UNIMED’s status

    Ondo Assembly holds public hearing on UNIMED’s status

    The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, held a public hearing on the name change of the state-owned specialised university, the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, described the university as pride of the state, hence there was need to carry out some amendments in the law establishing the institution.

    Oladiji explained that at the establishment of the institution, it was named Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, but the University of Medical Sciences as a name was yet to be backed by the House of the Assembly.

    He stated that the lacuna had caused graduates of the institution a problem in being enlisted in the National Youth Service Corp( NYSC) and thereby deprived the institution some benefits.

    According to him, amendments to the law that created the university will bring more value to the institution.

    “If there’s going to be an amendment like this, there’s need for us to call for public hearing.

    “ Our children are there.  If at the end of the day, if a student should pass out of the school  and the result became useless, then I think that would have been an exercise in futility.

    “ So, what am I trying to say in essence is that it’s going to really add more value and to the image of the school. It is going to be a welcome development to every one of us,” he said.

    Also speaking, the  Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof.  Adesegun Fatusi, explained the principal reason for proposing the amendment was for the name of the university to be legally known as University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED).

    “If you go to the JAMB website of NYSC, you will not find University of Medical Sciences because, legal paper that established it was Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (OSUMS) at that point in time.

    “And at the point where we are now, ten years in history, it has now become extremely important that this name be legally established as UNIMED, because we have got to a point where some of our graduates are running into trouble when they present certificates outside the country, and they check JAMB website and cannot not find the name.

    “That is the major reason we have been pressing that we need a law to amend the name formally for JAMB to recognise it and also take another look at what the law provides, for minor amendment,” he stated.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Mr Chris Aiyebusiwa, said that the committee had  scrutinised the bill as expected, considering the present concerns, visions, hopes and aspirations of government and the institution.

    Aiyebusiwa, however, said that the sensitive nature of the bill required the contributions of well-meaning stakeholders in order to have an amended law that would stand the test of time.

  • Why PDP lost Ondo governorship election – Ex-Senator

    Why PDP lost Ondo governorship election – Ex-Senator

    A PDP Chieftain in Ondo State, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, says the party lost the Nov. 16 governorship election to lack of preparedness, a divided house and complacency by party leaders and supporters.

    Tofowomo, a former Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated this in an interview on Monday in Okitipupa.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of All Progressives Congress (APC) had polled 366,781 votes to defeat Agboola Ajayi of PDP who scored 117,845 votes.

    Tofowomo claimed that he was one of the party leaders whom Ajayi under-played their relevance and influence with their teeming supporters.

    He said that he was not carried along in the formation of the PDP campaign council in his senatorial district, in spite of his readiness to work for him and the party.

    The former senator said that the mass exodus of leaders and supporters from the party, including former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko and his 29 associates from PDP, also contributed majorly to the party’s loss at the poll.

    He said that the PDP governorship candidate did nothing to reconcile all the warring factions, adding that the result was the party’s poor showing in the election.

    According to him, there is nothing to contest in the just-concluded governorship election, as Aiyedatiwa won ‘convincingly’ in all the 18 local government areas in the state, with Ajayi losing, even in his Ese-Odo council area.

    “I cannot speak for Edo governorship election because it was marred with irregularities. But for Ondo State, the outcome of the election represented the wishes of the masses, because of APC’s readiness and the strategies it adopted.

    “How can you go to an election with a divided house, unpreparedness and lack of regard for influential party leaders and supporters and expect to win? That’s where Ajayi got it wrong,” he said.

    Tofowomo said that he was the only Mimiko’s associate who refused to join the mass defection to APC ahead of the governorship poll because he was a staunch party member and for some reasons best known to him.

    He added that he, his supporters and other party leaders were sidelined throughout the campaign period, stressing that he complained to another party chieftain, Dr Eddy Olafeso, about the situation but that nothing was done till the election day.

    “Mimiko and his associates’ defection also contributed significantly to Ajayi’s loss.

    “Mimiko is my leader for life, but I am one of his associates who decided not to defect for reasons best known to me and because I am a staunch member of the party.

    “I bear no grudge against Ajayi and I sympathise with him over the loss of the governorship election because it’s not his loss but that of PDP,” he said.

    The former senator, however, said that he was not engaging in any anti-party activity, urging anyone with such information to come out to challenge him.

  • Ondo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal receives 5 petitions

    Ondo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal receives 5 petitions

    The Ondo State 2024 Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has received five petitions challenging the declaration of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Nov. 16 election.

    INEC had, on Nov. 17, declared Aiyedatiwa winner of the election, having polled a total of 366,781 to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 117,846 votes.

    The APC and its candidate won in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Other respondents in the petitions are: APC, Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Mr Olayide Adelami

    The five petitions challenging Aiyedatiwa’s victory were filed by Action Alliance and its candidate, Mr Abdullahi Olowokere, as well as Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Chief Bamidele Akingboye.

    Others are: PDP and its candidate, Mr Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state; Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and its candidate, Kolawole Ogunfeyimi, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate, Mr Adeyemi Nejo.

    The petitioners are all seeking that the election held by INEC in the state on Nov. 16 should be declared invalid on grounds of non-compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act.

    Secretary of the tribunal, Mrs Nancy Zakayo, told NAN in an interview on Thursday that the petitions were filed on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.

    Zakayo said that the provisions of the Electoral Act required that the petitions are served on the respondents, who after receipt of it, are to file their defence within the time frame provided.

    She said that in line with the provisions of the act, hearing of the petitions would not commence earlier than late January when parties must have exchanged all their processes.

  • SDP rejects Ondo election results, heads to tribunal

    SDP rejects Ondo election results, heads to tribunal

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate in Saturday’s governorship poll in Ondo State, Chief Bamidele Akingboye, have rejected the outcome of the election.

    The state chairman of the SDP, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, who spoke at a press briefing on Monday in Akure, called for immediate cancellation of the election.

    Akinbuli, who described the election as a slap on democracy, alleged that voters were intimidated and harassed at Ward 10 Unit 19, Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that voters were offered between N7,000 and N10,000 at the polling unit where he voted. Akinbuli also alleged that agents of the party were chased from many polling units across the state.

    He stated that it was laughable for the party’s candidate to score two votes in Okitipupa where he hails from.

    “How come the SDP got zero votes in Ilaje? The thugs chased everybody away from the polling units. People were scared of coming out to cast their votes.

    “Security agents  at polling units could not do anything. They chased out our agents from the polling unit. We are saying the election was marred by gross malpractices, vote buying, and electoral intimidation.

    “We are going to court. We are asking for the cancellation of the election. It was a show of shame. It was buyers and sellers day in Ondo,” he stated.

    Akingboye, the candidate of the party, said he would ask the court to declare him the winner of the election. He said he was shocked at what happened during the conduct of the election.

    “What I saw yesterday was shocking to me. If you look at what the TVC played out on the news yesterday, even an APC chieftain was about beating me up, but I just had to play maturity. It was a sad story.

    “In my unit in Okitipupa –Ward 2, Polling Unit 10–  they were doing an open auction. I told them that as a credible person, someone who has integrity, I would never partake in unlawful acts in Nigeria.

    “I’m asking that they should declare me the winner of this election, because people were supposed to vote for me, but they chased all our party agents out of the polling units and thuggery was the act of the day.

    “I’m considering myself as the winner of this election and INEC should declare me the winner of the election,” he said.

  • Yiaga reveals analysis on Ondo election results

    Yiaga reveals analysis on Ondo election results

    Yiaga Africa, an election observer group, has lauded the credibility of Saturday’s governorship election in the 18 Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State.

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) polled 366,781 votes. Aiyedatiwa defeated his closest contender, Mr Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 117,845 votes.

    Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, the Chairman of the 2024 Ondo Election Mission, Yiaga, made the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

    Nwagwu explained that Yiaga’s statistical analysis revealed that the results announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in all LGA’s were consistent with the group’s Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT).

    “Had the official results been changed at various levels, the results would not have fallen within the estimated ranges of the group.

    “Because the results fell within the estimated ranges, governorship contestants, political parties and voters should have confidence that the election reflects the ballots cast at polling units.

    “INEC should take delicate steps to protect the secrecy of the ballot and enforce its guidelines in subsequent elections.

    “The commission should ensure that the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is consistently updated and upgraded to ensure optimal functionality.

    “INEC should also train its ad-hoc officials properly on disability provisions for each election. Such training will ensure that voters with disabilities are properly catered for.

    “Security agencies should prosecute election offenders arrested during the election and be more proactive in arresting and prosecuting perpetrators for voter inducement and vote buying,” he said.

    The chairman, therefore, urged Aiyedatiwa and all APC supporters to be magnanimous in their victory, while political parties and Nigerians should display political maturity and uphold peace.

    He commended the media, other observer organisations and the international community for their support in the election, and expressed Yiaga’s commitment to promoting credible elections and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.