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  • Osun 2022: I’ll not boycott APC primary – Aregbesola’s anointed candidate, Adeoti

    Osun 2022: I’ll not boycott APC primary – Aregbesola’s anointed candidate, Adeoti

    Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, a factional Governorship aspirant in the Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship primary in Osun said he would not boycott the exercise.

    Adeoti, who is enjoying the backing of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, also the immediate past Governor in the state, made this known at a news conference on Friday in Osogbo.

    The aspirant said in spite of his doubt that the exercise would not be free and fair, he along with all his supporters, would participate in the exercise.

    “My supporters and I are going to participate in the primary election tomorrow.

    “We are not going to boycott it. I want to urge all the APC members to go to the Collation Centres in their various wards to vote for me,” he said.

    Adeoti alleged that the primary election had been schemed in favour of Gov. Oyetola, because of his membership of the National Caretaker and Extra Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (NCECPC) of the party.

    He said the date of the primary election, which had earlier been slated for March 5, was reversed by the NCECPC to Feb. 19, to favour Oyetola.

    Adeoti, a former Secretary to the State Government, said, “We have it on good authority that the NCECPC was influenced by Oyetola to reverse the date to have the primary before the National Convention coming up on Feb. 26, 2022.

    “It is believed that Oyetola is afraid of contesting a free and fair primary election to be conducted by an objective committee after the convention.

    “In the spirit of fair play, objectivity and natural justice, Gov. Oyetola is not supposed to remain in the membership of the NCECPC,” he said.

    Adeoti further alleged that the governor had refused to release the register of the party members expected to be used for the primary election.

    The aspirant, however, called on the security agencies in the state to provide adequate security for the people during and after the exercise.

    Aregbesola had declared his support for Adeoti, as his preferred candidate to fly the party’s ticket.

    Oyetola is seeking to win the party’s ticket to actualise his second term bid.

    The moves in the camps of the two leaders had heightened tensions in the political situation in the state.

  • Only Ademola Adeleke can win Osun for PDP – Omisore

    Only Ademola Adeleke can win Osun for PDP – Omisore

    Ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Bankole Omisore, a former Special Assistant (New Media) to ex-senate President, Bukola Saraki on Saturday advocated that Senator Ademola Adeleke is the best choice to clinch the party’s ticket and help defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    Omisore, took to his official Twitter, @MrbanksOmisore to warn PDP stakeholders on the dangers of disrupting the party’s process amidst reports of alleged interference in the affairs of the Osun State Chapter of PDP.

    His words, “No gubernatorial aspirant except for Sen Ademola Adeleke in Osun PDP has the popularity, war chest, name recognition, and ability to put together a solid team to wrestle power from APC/Oyetola come July. So why are folks that can’t win one LG election doing a pissing contest?

    “#Osundecides is the last major election before 2023 general elections. All hands must be on deck to win. For that to happen, egos must be set aside
    @OfficialPDPNig must use our best hand. Senator Ademola Adeleke showed he can win in 2018, no brainer he should be the candidate 2022”

    Recall a faction in the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, supported by Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo over Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged meddling in the affairs of the party.

    The protesters bore placards with inscriptions such as ‘Seyi Makinde please keep off affairs of Osun PDP,’ ‘Give NWC breathing space to run affairs of the party,’ among others, were led to the party-state secretariat by ex-chairman, Irewole local government, Dr. Lere Oyewumi.

    Similarly, a chieftain of PDP in Osun State, David Ayodele Asalu spoke against the campaign of calumny targeted at Senator Ademola Adeleke.

    “Those who want our Party (PDP) to fail in the upcoming election are busy spewing falsehoods against Senator Adeleke and igniting a crisis that will make it impossible for us to focus.

    “This will never benefit anyone except for the marauders who are obviously working for the APC.” Asalu said.

  • 2022: Osun Devt Association raises alarm, says great danger lies ahead guber poll

    2022: Osun Devt Association raises alarm, says great danger lies ahead guber poll

    The Osun Development Association, ODA has raised alarm that there’s impending danger ahead of the July guber poll in Osun State if not quickly checkmated.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a release issued by ODA and signed by the chairman, Dr Segun Aina and Dr Tunde Aworanti Chairman General Secretary respectively appealing that:

    “Political parties must strengthen their internal structures to ensure that their processes do not create problems for other law- abiding citizens.

    “ODA condemns in the strongest terms unnecessary political brigandage that could make intra party and interparty misunderstanding snowball into full bloody crises.

    ‘The Association offers its platform for conflict resolution which we have deployed to successive State administrations since the Association was founded in 1995 and calls on all people of goodwill within and outside Osun State to broker peace for sustainable development.

    “We urge all Stakeholders involved to exercise great restraint in their utterances and conduct to prevent further escalation of a breach of peace.

    Read full text below:

    PRESS RELEASE DATED THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY, 2022. OMINOUS CLOUD OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE: A CALL FOR PEACE 1.

    ” The Osun Development Association (ODA) a non-partisan and development focused organization made up of eminent indigenes of Osun State from all works of life views with serious concern the current tension and anxiety in the state with regards to political activities preceding the Governorship election planned to hold in the State in July 2022.

    “We are justifiably troubled that the evolving situation is creating a major breach of peace and order in our State 2. For all peace loving citizens of the state, the full dividends of democracy can only be enjoyed in an atmosphere of law and order.

    “This is the basic requirement for our State in the quest for sustainable development. However unfolding events of the past few weeks seem to suggest that great danger lies ahead. Therefore there are reasonable grounds for apprehension as political thuggery and violence associated with intra party primaries are being presented as an ugly precursor to the mayhem that may characterize the main election.

    “This is certainly unfair to the peace-loving people of Osun State, which the politicians are aspiring to serve. 3. The struggle for the control of political party structures, the process of choosing party flag bearers and the election of the State Governor are normal processes that must be part of every electoral cycle.

    “Political parties must strengthen their internal structures to ensure that their processes do not create problems for other law- abiding citizens.

    “ODA condemns in the strongest terms unnecessary political brigandage that could make intra party and interparty misunderstanding snowball into full bloody crises. The Association offers its platform for conflict resolution which we have deployed to successive State administrations since the Association was founded in 1995 and calls on all people of goodwill within and outside Osun State to broker peace for sustainable development.

    “We urge all Stakeholders involved to exercise great restraint in their utterances and conduct to prevent further escalation of a breach of peace.

    “The windows of reconciliation must be kept open to keep our State peaceful. 5. ODA welcomes the recent peace pact signed by representatives of the major political parties facilitated by the Osun State police command. Through this instrument the representatives of the parties committed themselves to eschew violence from the electioneering process we urge all party members and their followers to live up to the letters and the spirit of these peace agreements.

  • Osun: Rauf Aregbesola vows to work against Oyetola’s reelection

    Osun: Rauf Aregbesola vows to work against Oyetola’s reelection

    Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the immediate past governor of Osun and current Minister of Interior, on Thursday vowed to work against the reelection of his successor, Gboyega Oyetola.

    Aregbesola said this at a political gathering in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary on Saturday would determine Oyetola’s fate in office.

    According to reports Aregbesola is at loggerheads with Gov Oyetola.

    Aregbesola has declared his support for the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, as his preferred candidate to fly the party’s ticket.

    Oyetola, on his part, is seeking to win the party’s ticket to actualise his second-term bid, and moves in the camps of the two leaders have heightened tensions in the state.

    Aregbesola, who spoke in Yoruba, said Oyetola had been in battle with him since assumption of office.

    He said, “Those we assisted are now against us and we have reported them to God. He (Oyetola) will not return for second term.

    “Saturday’s primary election will determine his fate. The party has already said that we should conduct election after four years.

    “I campaigned passionately for him under the rain, but he is now my enemy. I begged him for two years and even sent people to him but he refused. Everything we did together for eight years, he destroyed.

    “When I saw that he was firm on this enmity, I told God about it. Even if Bola Ige comes back to this earth, he will join us,” he said.

    Aregbesola, who urged the people to vote massively for Adeoti on the July 16 gubernatorial election, said he (Adeoti) did not insult or speak against him when he was angry with the party.

    But the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, said Aregbesola is not God and cannot determine the fate of his principal.

    Omipidan said that his principal had absolute faith in God and the people of Osun, adding that in the last three years plus, the people can tell the difference in terms of responsible and responsive governance and politics.

    He said, “The general belief among most Africans that a man’s life is preordained and ruled by God, has continued to play out in the political trajectory of Oyetola.

    “From 2011 when he was appointed Chief of Staff to 2018 when, against all odds, he emerged, first as the candidate of the APC, and later, Governor of the State, at a time when many thought it was all over for him, it was obvious that he was on a divine political course.

    “My Principal has absolute faith in God and the people of Osun. In these last three years plus, the people can tell the difference in terms of responsible and responsive governance and politics.

    “Therefore, it is God and Osun people that will determine Oyetola’s fate, not an individual trying to play God,” Omipidan said.

    Also, the Chairman of Osun APC Elders’ Caucus, popularly known as ‘Igbimo Agba’, Mr Sola Akinwumi, condemned Aregbesola’s attitude, describing it a display of thuggery and hooliganism that is unbefitting of his personality.

    Akinwumi said this while receiving the governor at his residence in Ilobu, Irepodun Loca Government Area of the state.

    Akinwumi, who noted that Aregbesola was acting like a baby politician, commended Gov. Oyetola for his display of maturity and competence in handling the matter.

    He called on the aggrieved members of the ruling party to return to the party and stop being deceived by those who have nothing to offer them.

    Akinwumi noted that the APC remains one and united family in the State, saying anyone doing otherwise is just a joker of the century.

  • No plan to assassinate Aregbesola, Osun State govt. declares

    No plan to assassinate Aregbesola, Osun State govt. declares

    Osun State government on Tuesday denied a claim that there was a plan to assassinate Minister of Interior and former governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

    Sunday Akere, Special Adviser to Gov. Gboyega Oyetola on Political Matters, gave the denial while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) party members at the residence of Chief Bisi Akande, in Ila-Oragun in the state.

    Akere said that there was no truth in the claim, adding that some political hoodlums were only trying to cause crisis in the state.

    Abiodun Agboola, Publicity Secretary of the APC faction loyal to Aregbesola, had in a statement, alleged that there was a plot to assassinate the minister.

    “We wish to inform the general public and security agencies of a plot to kill the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, by default by the state government-sponsored political thugs.

    “We say by default because the plan is to lay ambush for the minister’s entourage and deal it massive attacks on his way to visit Iwo on Tuesday,’’ Akere had alleged in a statement.

    Addressing party faithful, however, Akere said: “There is no truth in the claim that there are plans to assassinate Aregbesola.

  • Police refute claim of attack on Aregbesola’s convoy

    Police refute claim of attack on Aregbesola’s convoy

    The Police Command in Osun has denied the report that the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was attacked and shot at by hoodlums in Osogbo.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Yemisi Opalola, in a statement on Monday in Osogbo, said that it was some of the minister’s escort that shot into the air without provocation, causing people to scramble for safety.

    “Today, Monday, at about 5.40pm, the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola was moving in convoy of personnel of NSCDC, Correctional Service, Immigration, as well as some unidentified armed people, suspected to be political thugs along Orisumbare/MFS Road, Osogbo.

    “Suddenly, some of the security escorts of the minister started shooting sporadically into the air without any provocation nor attack, thereby causing members of the public to scramble for their safety.

    “Thirteen empty shells of G-3, assault and AK-37 rifle were recovered along the road after the minister’s departure.

    “No casualty, however, was recorded”, the PPRO pointed out.

    She, however, said that the report of the incident was still sketchy, adding full report would be made available at the end of investigation.

    According to her, the situation is under close monitoring and normalcy has returned.

    The Publicity Secretary of a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Abiodun Agboola, had in a statement alleged that Aregbesola’s convoy was attacked by some armed political thugs at Orisunmibare, Osogbo ,while coming from Ilesa.

    “Today’s attempt on the life of the minister is a confirmation that Osun is no longer a safe state.

    “We can only pray that the Almighty would keep the good people of Osun and her well wishers safe”, Agboola said.

  • Osun 2022: Babatope, Ijesha Elders Endorse Ademola Adeleke

    Osun 2022: Babatope, Ijesha Elders Endorse Ademola Adeleke

    Former Transport Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and top leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ijeshaland today warmly received and endorsed Senator Ademola Adeleke for the governorship primaries of the party slated for March 7.

    From Ilesa to other parts of Ijeshaland, party faithfuls trooped out to host Senator Adeleke who had tagged his tour as both a consultation and a thank you tour visits.

    The former minister of Transport, Chief Babatope while hosting the Senator prayed for God’s guidance for the aspirant, restating his support as a continuation of the unfinished business of 2018.

    Babatope noted that Osun PDP today needs a man of the people like Senator Adeleke whom he described as godly and humane with a clear understanding of the needs and aspiration of Osun people.

    Calling the July election a must win for PDP, the Elder statesman said Senator Adeleke has all the requisite qualifications and experience to lead the party to victory.

    Responding, Senator Adeleke assured Chief Babatope and Ijesha Elders of his commitment to work hard for the victory of PDP when elected the governorship candidate of the party.

    “Let me assure our elders, leaders and supporters across Ijesha land that I am more than prepared for this upcoming contest. My competency is a function of training and experience. I have learnt a lot from business, schooling and political participation.

    “The totality of my experience prepares me for state leadership. Our team will rescue Osun from the mess APC has plunged it into. Our blueprint will address aspirations of the people and take the state to a new height”, Adeleke said.

    Delegates for the upcoming primary across the federal constituencies pledged their votes and support for Senator Adeleke.

  • 35-year-old doctor joins Osun guber race

    35-year-old doctor joins Osun guber race

    Dr Ademola Bayonle, a 35 -year- old medical doctor, has joined the race for the July 16 Osun governorship election, under the platform of Young Progressive Party (YPP).

    Bayonle said this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after receiving his nomination form at the YPP’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Saturday.

    He said that youths were in a better position to change the narrative of Nigerian politics through active participation.

    “Osun election is giving the youth an opportunity to set the pace for Ekiti election, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    “We need to take the bull by the horn to ensure that the older generation leaves behind a good structure, because if we allow them to continue to make decisions for us, thirty years from now when they are gone, we will be the ones to suffer the consequences.

    “So now is the time to join and make an impact for the future we want for ourselves and for the next generation,” he said.

    Bayonle urged youths to join the YPP, because it was the party for them.

    “A mistake often made by youths is believing that taking part in politics involves money to pick tickets to run for offices.

    “Participation goes beyond running for offices, participation means joining rallies, campaigns, engaging in dialogues and others. There are so many false perception about joining politics or participating in politics.

    “Politics goes beyond money, some people started the “Not-Too-Young-To-Run” campaign and that is participation.

    “Some people start conversations on social media and people listen to the and learn they learn one or two things and that is also participation.

    “So, I encourage youths to join vibrant political parties like the YPP and to be in positions where even if you are not contesting and picking a form as I am doing today, but you are engaging with other youths on politics,” he said.

    Bayonle added:“For those who want to run for any office they should come and out and then people can support them even financially.

    “And even if they do not support them financially, they will support in other capacity which is also participation.”

    He urged the Osun electorate to give other political parties other than the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the opportunity to present fresh ideas and innovation through their candidates.

    Bayonle said that the YPP would set a new standard in governance in the state, promising to unlock the potential of the state if elected as governor in July.

    “From our analysis, we have come to understand that we have not really given the electorate choices when it came to election in the country and in Osun.

    “The people think that the two big parties are what they needed which is not true.

    “But YPP has been on the ground for over a year now and the people are extremely happy to have us and we want to give them a better alternative,” he said

  • Osun Attack: Aregbesola’s faction of APC calls for transfer of Police Chief

    Osun Attack: Aregbesola’s faction of APC calls for transfer of Police Chief

    A faction in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, supported by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has called for immediate transfer of the state Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode, accusing him of bias.

    The factional Chairman, Mr Rasaq Salinsile, made the call at a news conference on Friday in Osogbo, saying that series of attacks on members of the group reported to the commissioner, were not treated.

    According to him, Olokode was usually quick in attending to the complaints by the people in authorities against members of my group.

    Salinsile, also accused some leaders of the faction supported by Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of sponsoring attacks on Aregbesola’s supporters.

    He said leaders and members of his group had been exposed to series of attacks.

    Salinsile said that while the perpetrators were known and a petition was written, no concrete action was taken by the security agents, especially the police.

    “We had intelligence reports of the IleriOluwa faction’s plan to attack us, and we promptly passed the information to the Commissioner of Police in particular and all other security agencies, but nothing was done about it till now.

    “We, therefore, plead with the Inspector-General of Police to please expeditiously transfer Olokode from Osun with immediate effect.

    “Olokode, to the best of human understanding is incapable of carrying out his job impartially as demanded by the constitution,” the factional chairman said.

    Recalled that suspected armed thugs had at about 5.30 p.m on Thursday attacked the Campaign office of Aregbesola, popularly known as “Oranmiyan House” in Osogbo.

    The wall of the building was reportedly riddled by bullets, while the gunmen burnt some canopies within the premise.

    Meanwhile, the Osun Command said it would carry out intensive investigation to fish out the perpetrators of the attack on the Aregbesola’s Campaign office.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola, said in a statement that anyone arrested in connection with the attack would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    Opalola said the state Commissioner of Police had visited the scene for an on the spot assessment, assuring that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

    “Consequent upon the attack on the Oranmiyan House, located along Gbongan/Ibadan Road, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, has visited the area for an on the spot assessment.

    “The CP assured the people that the perpetrators will be brought to book, and directed the Command’s Tactical Teams to embark on rigorous and intensive investigation to fish out the perpetrators for them to face the full wrath of the law.

    “The CP, in his spirited efforts to fight crimes to a standstill, has rejigged the command’s security action plans in tackling any form of crime in the state. He admonished the political gladiators to play the game according to the rules.

    “The CP also urged the people of the state to continue with their legitimate businesses as police personnel, jointly with the local security outfits, have been charged and drafted to the areas to maintain absolute peace.

    “The CP further implores members of the public to give timely and actionable information to the police,” Opalola said.

    Also, the state government has dissociated itself from the attack on Aregbesola’s Campaign office.

    Mrs Funke Egbemode, the state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, said the Commissioner of Police had been charged to fish out the perpetrators of the attack and bring them before the law.

    “The accusation that the government of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola had anything to do with Thursday’s attack on the Oranmiyan House is sad and laughable.

    “It defies reasoning that a man who has invested so much in the peace of Osun in the last three years will descend that low,” she said.

  • Osun gov, Oyetola says confident of re-election victory

    Osun gov, Oyetola says confident of re-election victory

    The Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot threaten his second term ambition.

    The governor who stated this on Friday in Abuja after submitting his form at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said his achievements of the past three years is there for everyone to see.

    Oyetola claimed the ruling APC remained the party to beat in the forthcoming election in the state

    His words, “Well I can talk about my party the APC, it remains the party to beat anytime, any day. I don’t see them having any extraordinary chance of doing what we are doing.

    The work and infrastructure that we have done are there for everyone to see. We have also received so many ratings from the people who are to decide in terms of what we have been able to do.”

    The governor stressed that his background in the private sector prepared him very well for the job, saying rather than lamenting the paucity of funds, he had to be creative in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

    He added: “First of all, let’s give credit to the almighty God. Given my background in the private sector, I was well prepared for this job. Running a government is like running an enterprise, the only difference is that one is for profit-making while the other is for service. If you get your variables right it will look so easy. That is why I can’t be lamenting about the paucity of funds. I only have to look for creative ways of delivering on the mandate given to me by the people.”

    Oyetola said as part of his determination to serve the people, his government set up a micro-credit agency that disburses loans to SMEs.

    Oyetola said his government has been paying the salaries and pensions of the people on a monthly basis since the inception of his administration.

    “We have actually supported our people in the areas of agriculture and health schemes for the less privileged and vulnerable. Taking care of the vulnerable using the social register.”

    The governor noted that his government has revitalized 320 primary health care centres across the state, stressing that the intention was to ensure that the people have access to health care by having at least a health care centre per ward.

    Oyetola said all the general hospitals in the state have been fixed, while health insurance schemes to take care of the vulnerable have been set up to ensure no one in the state is denied access to quality health services because he or she does not have money.