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Tag: Rotimi Akeredolu

  • Owo attack should not cause panic – Ondo Gov, Akeredolu reacts

    Owo attack should not cause panic – Ondo Gov, Akeredolu reacts

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said that the Wednesday shooting at the yard of the Craneburg Construction Company in Owo was aimed at destroying some of their equipment, and not to maim or kill anyone.

    Governor Akeredolu, who visited the construction site in the company of Heads of Security Agencies in the State, including the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Tunji Adeleye, urged the people not to panic.

    The Governor was also accompanied to the yard by the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu, and the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Strategy, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye.

    Governor Akeredolu said: “I want to allay the fear of our people. Clearly, what happened here on Wednesday night was not an attempt to kidnap anybody because they went away with nobody. And we have in the premises over hundred people living there.

    “Yes, there were sporadic gunshots at the wall but they never went inside to kill anybody. It is better for everybody to know. They didn’t go inside there to kill anybody. The only two people who had some gunshots were security men who they saw outside the premises.

    “So, it is clear to us that their intention was to attack one or two equipment here, which they did. Their explosives affected the tyres and the windscreen of another vehicle.

    “And we have close to 50 vehicles here. For us we are looking at it. We are not clear yet about their intention, but this is not one that should send unnecessary panic or fear into the minds of our people. This should not cause panic.

    “For the contractors, Owo is a relatively safe place for them. So, they didn’t have armed people here. Maybe we will have to support them to have armed people here to protect all their equipments and vehicles.

    “They have been here for over five years. They had the Ore bridge, they had other roads. So, they are doing so many things for us and they are doing well and we are ready to give them necessary protection.”

    The Governor also reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, stressing that the Wednesday night shooting was not anything near the June 5 attack in the town.

    “We will protect our poeple and their property. So, there should be no panic. Yes, there was shooting but it was not anything near what we had during June 5 attack at St Francis. This was not aimed to maim and kill. No.

    “I believe our poeple will understand better to know the difference. So, there is no need for any panic, no need. We have given them all the assurance, we will get this place protected. I will continue to support them.

  • Akeredolu signs first amendment to Amotekun law

    Akeredolu signs first amendment to Amotekun law

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has signed into law the first amendment to the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law code named Amotekun

    Akeredolu, who assented to the bill at the State Executive Chamber of his office, noted that the new amendment became imperative in light of the heightened insecurity across the state.

    The governor assured that the amended Law would enhance the security architecture of the state and help the Amotekun Corps to perform better.

    He appreciated the State House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill.

    Similarly, the Ondo State Executive Council has taken some far-reaching decisions to further shapen the course of governance for the well-being of people of the state.

    Addressing Government House Reporters at the end of the Council meeting, the newly reassigned Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju regretted that one more death was recorded as a result of the June 5 terror attack on St Francis Catholic Church,Owo .

    According to Ademola-Olateju, the number of fatalities is now 41 while 17 persons were still being hospitalised.

    While commiserating with the bereaved families and praying for speedy recovery of those still in the hospital, the Commissioner restated the commitment of the state government to having a memorial site built in honour of all the victims.

    Also at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye appreciated Gov. Akeredolu for assenting to the amendment to the law which established the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.

    He assured that the development would scale up the operational capacities of the state security outfit.

    Adeleye used the occasion to announce the procurement of the newly acquired operational vehicles to be distributed to all security operatives in the state including the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Directorate of State Security and Amotekun Corps to fortify the performances of security agencies in the state.

    Akeredolu on March 5, 2020 signed the bill into law. Akeredolu, at the brief signing ceremony, which took place at the State Executive Council (SEC) Chambers warned against any political colouration of the outfit.

    The signing came barely 24 hours after the House of Assembly passed the bill. Amotekun  was initiated by the six South-West  governors to tackle the security challenges facing the region.

    Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun Houses of Assembly also sign their states’ versions of the bill on the same day.

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Akeredolu storm PH to woo Wike

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Akeredolu storm PH to woo Wike

    Three Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday stormed Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital to visit the Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike as there seems to be no end in sight to the crisis currently rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the three APC Governors are the Governors of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The Governors, who arrived in the State capital in the afternoon met with the Rivers State Governor behind closed doors. The meeting is ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

    Although details of the closed-door meeting are yet to be known, however, speculations are rife that it may not be unconnected with the 2023 presidential election.

    Speculations have it that the APC Governors are in Rivers to woo the State Governor, following the fallout that occasioned the presidential primary election of the PDP and the eventual dumping of Wike for the position of vice presidential candidate.

     

    Details shortly… 

  • Owo terror attack fallout: Akeredolu signs order forcing churches, schools, banks, others to install CCTV

    Owo terror attack fallout: Akeredolu signs order forcing churches, schools, banks, others to install CCTV

    Following the terror attack on St Francis Catholic, Owo, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has signed an Executive Order for compulsory installation and use of close circuit television (CCTV) devices in all public and private institutions in the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, on Saturday in Akure.

    Akeredolu said that the order had become imperative in view of the increasing rate of insecurity in the country and the need to ensure security of lives and property in all public and private institutions as well as centres across the state.

    According to him, the order is pursuant to Section 176 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which vests such power in the governors, as the chief executives of their states.

    “The executive order shall be enforced at all religious places of worship, financial institutions (of all kinds), event centres, supermarkets and educational institutions (schools).

    “It will also be enforced in hotels/motels, guest houses, inns, restaurants, clinics and health centres, eateries (of all kinds), recreation or vehicular parks and other places regularly used by the public,” he said.

    The governor, therefore, called on owners, occupiers, managers and operators of public/private institutions within the state to instal, use and maintain CCTV devices and other secret cameras to monitor and keep surveillance on daily activities.

    Akeredolu said that the CCTV would monitor the ingress and egress of people and vehicles at the said places, venues and centres.

    “Apart from capturing all activities at the public/private institutions, it must also have data storage hardware, while data stored therein should be made available to security agencies whenever it is required.

    “The public/private institutions shall employ and maintain well-trained security personnel who shall man the entry and exit points to their various facilities/premises.

    “Where necessary, the owners and occupiers of public/private institutions shall erect well-fortified perimeter fences, with security posts at the entry and exit points,” he said.

    The governor further said that the order would be enforced by security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) and Department of State Security Services (DSS).

    He added that violators of the executive order would be prosecuted in accordance with Section 203 of the Criminal Code (Cap. 37), Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.

  • Owo massacre: Akeredolu weeps profusely at funeral, says we’ve failed our people

    …you didn’t fail – Bishop replies Ondo Gov 

    Tears flowed freely on Friday at the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5th terror attack at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu attended the funeral mass held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo.

    Governor Akeredolu, who wept profusely during his speech said the government failed to protect the victims of the terror attack.

    But in a swift response, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade declared that Governor Akeredolu has not failed in protecting his people.

    Bishop Arogundade said: “You didn’t fail. You are a strong soldier. Your determination to protect those who voted you into power is unquestionable. This was done by cowards. You have tried your best”.

    Governor Akeredolu stressed that the forces on the other side are evil, assuring that they will not triumph forever.

    “We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have support. They will not triumph over us forever,” he said.

    The Governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the Security architecture of the nation needs rejigging.

    “When I see the sea of heads that are here it speaks volumes. What has happened to us in Owo in Ondo state is indescribable. A lot of words are used to qualify it. Dastardly, horrendous. But I still believe there are words to use to describe it but I still short of those words.

    “We have just 22 (deceased) in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today. But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people.” Governor Akeredolu said.

    Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.

    He thanked the Governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happened has bloods on their hands.

    Meanwhile, the expansive hall of the Mydas Resort and Hotel was filled to the brim as families of the victims, people of Owo, and other sympathizers thronged the venue of the funeral mass.

    Members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. David Bamidele Oleyelogun also attended the service.

    Also, Members of the state executive council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were present at the  funeral mass.

    Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chieftain of the APC , Chief Olusola Oke,SAN,

    The local government chairmen were also led by the chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALCON) Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe.

  • Owo terror attack: Akeredolu extends mourning period in Ondo

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has extended the mourning period in the state to Wednesday.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Richard Olatunde,Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in Akure.

    Olatunde explained that the extension was sequel to the resolution of the Southwest Governors’ Forum to observe a 3-day mourning period, starting from Monday to Wednesday across all the Southwest states.

    “Gov. Akeredolu has also directed that all flags in the state must be flown at half-mast for the three days period.

    “Recall that the governor had directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast for seven days from Monday to Sunday.

    “Gov. Akeredolu appreciated the governors in the Southwest for the massive love and cooperation shown since the horrendous attack in Owo,” Olatunde said.

  • U.S. writes Gov Akeredolu over Owo terror attack

    The United States of America (USA) has condoled the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the last Sunday terror attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa street, Owo.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports 40 persons out of the 127 involved in the attack were killed, leaving 61 survivors currently on admission in different hospitals and 26 already discharged.

    In a letter to Governor Akeredolu, dated 7th June, 2022 and signed by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, the USA extended its heartfelt condolences to the people of Ondo State, and the Owo community.

    The USA condemned the attack in strongest terms, while expressing its concern over the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across Nigeria.

    The letter reads: “On behalf of the United States and the staff of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you, Ondo State, and the Owo community for the horrific event and lives lost at the St. Francis Catholic Church on Sunday, June 5.

    “This tragedy saddens us deeply and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.

    “The United States condemns this attack in the strongest terms, and we are concerned with the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across Nigeria.

    “We remain steadfast in our efforts to support Nigeria in enhancing civilian security throughout the country.

    “Once again, please accept our deepest condolences.”

  • Ondo Govt to provide land for mass burial of Owo terror attack victims

    …as Catholic Church plans memorial park

    …Gov Akeredolu gives update on death toll, casualty figures

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday assured that the state government will provide land in a good environment for the mass burial of the victims of the Owo terror attack.

    Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance while playing host to a team of Catholic Bishops from the South-West led by Most Reverend Leke Abegunrin. The team was on a condolence visit to the Governor at his Ijebu-Owo residence in Owo.

    This is even as the Catholic Bishop of Ondo,
    Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, said the Church will be organising a befitting burial for the lost souls.

    Governor Akeredolu noted that 127 persons were involved in the attack while 61 survivors are still on admission in different hospitals. He also disclosed that 26 persons have been discharged.

    The Governor added that the new figure followed the harmonization of the reports from the various hospitals including the private ones.

    He urged the people to discountenance the figures earlier rolled out.

    Governor Akeredolu explained that the state government has set up an account for donations following series of the calls and demand for an account number by well meaning individuals who are desirous of helping the families of the victims and the survivors.

    Arakunrin Akeredolu assured that all the donations made would be judiciously utilized for the purpose it is meant for.

    Governor Akeredolu said, “What we witnessed in Owo on that Sunday, I have been looking for a word to describe it but I’m not too sure I can find one because it is indescribable. There is no word to describe it. If you say horrific, dastardly, horrendous, all those ones are common words and we use them for many things.

    “But I have been looking for a better word to use because we have witnessed barbaric elements, animals in human’s skin. If you are humans you would not do what they have done. May be there are areas where they will do such a thing and they are not worried. But here were are worried because it is not something we are used to. Human life means a lot to us.

    “That is why one is moved. We will have a Memorial Park here where those who died in the attack will be buried. My Bishop sir, we will find a good place as a Memorial Park. It will also be my suggestion that even if there are people who have retrieved their family or members of their family, we must still have a symbolic grave there for them. And it will be there forever, it is not something we can forget and we should never forget it.

    On the update on the figures, the Governor said “the medical team led by the Commissioner for Health has sent figure to us, and it is slightly different. What I put out during my address on the broadcast to the State was wrong and we must accept it.

    “The figure I have now shows that 127 persons were involved, and that the number of death now is 40. On admission receiving treatment we have 61. 26 have been discharged. Those are the figures we have now from the commissioner for Health. So, government is not hiding anything.

    Earlier, Bishop Abegunrin, expressed his sadness over the unexpected attack, describing it as an attack on God.

    “We were saddened when watching on our small phones and later in the evening the whole episode as it was on the public television, it was really sad. The Bishop of Yoruba land in Lagos and Ibadan province are here to commiserate with you, Owo people, the people of Ondo State and with our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church and Ondo Diocese.

    “It is very painful, it can provoke people to retaliate and do what is ungodly but we are people of faith; we leave everything to God to judge but humanly speaking, we heard what you have been doing in the state that those people who did this havoc to us will be brought to book before long and we are happy about that.

    “For sometime now since Amotekun started we know what you have been doing in Ondo State, that you are protecting the people in cities and villages. Even with threat and warnings, you shun every threat to provide security for the people and their property.

    “They attack human beings, but our own interpretation is that they attack God and the consequences are awaiting them. Whatever you have to do to bring them to book l, I pray God to assist and protect you. We thank you for your action, you are not just a Governor but filled with action. You are articulate, you are not afraid. You made your place known loudly and openly that you are not for nonsense and that you are for your people and Nigeria”, the Bishop said.

    Also, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo,
    Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, said the visit was to comfort one another and also inform the Governor about the plan to organize a befitting burial for the lost souls.

    “We are gathered here to comfort one another, it has been very difficult and painful not just because the incident happened in Owo but in Ondo Diocese. We are preparing for the funeral of the people who died at the incident

    “You have always taken the Catholic Church so highly in everything, that is the kind of person you are because you love God and respect him and you are a man of your word, you are the kind of leader we look up to in Yoruba land and Nigeria”, he said.

    Members of the state executive council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu joined the Governor to receive the visitors.

    Richard Olatunde
    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
    June 8, 2022.

  • LAWAN: APC Chairman made a pronouncement beyond his competence- Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, made a pronouncement beyond his competence, by announcing the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as APC presidential consensus candidate.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that on Monday, the APC national chairman announced Lawan as the consensus candidate for the presidential ticket, but the party’s national working committee (NWC) led by Sulaiman Argungu, the national organizing secretary, said it would align with APC governors on power shift to the south.

     

    Reacting to Adamu’s choice in a statement issued on Monday, Akeredolu said the decision made by the national chairman is beyond his competence.

     

    He said the chairman’s choice runs contrary to that of the majority in the party, and as such it is dangerous.

    Lawan
    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu

     

    In his words: “My attention has just been drawn to the expensive joke purportedly enacted by the national chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. The speculation is rife that the chairman took a flight of fancy and decided to make a pronouncement beyond his competence.”

     

    “He has, allegedly, made public his preferred choice as the candidate of the APC for the office of the president in the next general elections. This alleged pronouncement runs contrary to the position of the majority of northern governors in APC and their counterparts in the south.

     

    “Our agreement is unanimous on this issue. The office of the president should be contested for by qualified persons from the southern part of the country if the move to get a consensus candidate fails. There has been no shift from this settled issue.

     

    “Let it be known that the chairman or anyone who holds a contrary opinion does so at a personal level. He is at best embarking on a frolic which reasonable people will consider dangerous. We are grieving but have not forgotten that power must shift to the south. On this, we stand.”

  • OWO MASSACRE: Tinubu donates N75m to victims, Catholic church

    Presidential hopeful, Bola Tinubu, has donated N50 million to the families of the victims of the gunmen attack in Owo on Sunday and another N25 million to the church.

     

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made this pledge on Monday, June 6 during a visit to commiserate with the governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the people of Owo.

     

    Unknown gunmen opened fire on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on Sunday, June 5, leading to the death of over 50 people and others fatally wounded.

    Owo

     

    Speaking at the Palace of Olowo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye in the company of Akeredolu, Tinubu condemned the heinous attack on the innocent worshippers and promised to collaborate with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to help the Owo Massacre victims.

     

    Taking to Twitter, Akredolu shared photos from the visit and revealed Tinubu donated N50 million to families of the victims and N25 million to the church.

     

    “Today, we received the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju @officialABAT accompanied by Former @HouseNGR Speaker, @YakubDogara and other eminent Nigerians who came to commiserate with us over the Sunday terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street in Owo.

     

    “We thank Asiwaju Tinubu for the 50million naira donation to the families of the victims of the terror attack and another 25million naira for the Catholic Church.” Akeredolu wrote on Twitter.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had reported that a yet to be confirmed number of persons were killed by unknown gunmen on Sunday, June 5, at a church in Owo, Ondo State.

     

    It was gathered that the attack occurred during a service at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

    Owo

     

    In a video that surfaced online, several persons were seen lying on the floor inside the church in a pool of blood.

     

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the killing of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church as barbaric and wicked.

     

    Rev. Anselm Ologunwa, the Chairman of CAN, in a statement on Sunday in Akure, condemned the attack.