TheNewsGuru

Tag: Seyi Makinde

  • BREAKING: Official report of Ibadan explosion released [SEE DETAILS]

    BREAKING: Official report of Ibadan explosion released [SEE DETAILS]

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has received the official report of the Jan. 16, explosion that occurred at Adeyi Avenue in Bodija, Ibadan, in which five persons died.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Fatai Owoseni, made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen shortly after the presentation of the report to the governor.

    Owoseni said that three persons of interest have been identified in connection with the cause of the unfortunate incident.

    He added that the identified persons will face prosecution based on the investigation carried out.

    Owoseni also revealed that the character of the explosive is known as ‘Water Gel Type Based Explosive’ and that the explosion was triggered by an electric spark.

    He explained that a Closed Circuit Television in one of the affected houses gave footage of how the incident happened.

    Owoseni, the former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, assured that the state government would bring the perpetrators to book.

    He added that the government would also  check the immigration status of all the people of interest since  majority of the suspects quizzed were from Mali.

    “We have been able to report that the swiftness with which security was deployed to the epicentre had so far successfully made the state to fully secure the environment.

    “And with the security that was provided, the state has also been able to prevent untoward happenings, especially opportunistic crimes that hoodlums always take advantage of such situations to carry out.

    “We would recall that an emergency situation centre was put in place by the governor, and was located at the premises of Oyo State Housing Corporation, Ibadan.

    “The EOC has so far collated information, data of things that happened there and some of the data collated include census of the respective houses and the fatalities that were affected including the extent of losses suffered.

    “As of 6 p.m, Feb 3, which was the 18th day of the incident, a total of 335 affected persons registered at the emergency situation centre.

    “These include 16 companies or business operators, churches, mosques, three schools and the UCH also approached the centre to report on their losses.

    “The losses reported also include fatality, injuries of various degrees, damages ranging from total collapse and submerging of houses, houses that suffered collateral damage and the ones that suffered minimal damages,” Owoseni stated.

    The chairman, Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers, Mr Mbim Okutinyang, who is also the lead coordinator of the team that carried out structural integrity on the affected houses, also told newsmen that 282 houses were affected.

    He however said that only four of the houses would have to be demolished due to the degrees of the damage.

    Okutinyang added that the seismic report was still being awaited.

    On his part, the Head of the Emergency Operation Centre, Prof. Temitope Alonge, said 80 victims in total were managed across various hospitals following the incident, but only five patients were on admission as of the time of the press briefing.

    Alonge explained that four of the patients are being treated at the University College Hospital (UCH) and were at various levels of recovery, while one patient is at the Redeemers Hospital being managed for a spinal cord injury.

    He said that most of the cases at UCH will likely be discharged within the next one week.

    The head of the EOC added that some of the affected victims that experienced medical disorder such as respiratory illness had been treated.

    He also explained that those with symptoms suggestive of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder were being attended to by clinical psychologists from UCH.

    Giving an update on the tests for radioactivity, Alonge said the site of the incident had been cleared in terms of radioactivity, as the EOC invited the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) to conduct another screening.

  • Ibadan explosion: Victims share sad tales as Peter Obi visits Oyo

    Ibadan explosion: Victims share sad tales as Peter Obi visits Oyo

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State welcomed to the State, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 General Elections, on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obi was in the State to commiserate with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo over the explosion that occurred on January 16 in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    Speaking when he received the Labour Party presidential candidate, Makinde revealed Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was yet to reach out to him over the explosion.

    The Governor said that, apart from President Bola Tinubu, who reached out by phone, and Peter Obi, who made a condolence visit, no other major presidential candidate in the 2023 election commiserated with him.

    “I want to thank you especially for the visit. Out of the 3 major candidates who contested the 2023 election, only Atiku Abubakar, my own leader and our candidate hasn’t called to commiserate the state.

    “I am saying this openly so that our leaders will know that we have time for politics and others. I want to thank you once again for coming,” Makinde said.

    How we’ve been coping after Ibadan explosion – Victims

    Meanwhile, some victims of the Bodija explosion in Ibadan, on Monday, told hard tales of lives after the incident and how they have been coping with the new reality.

    The victims, who live at Dejo Oyelese Street, the epicentre of the explosion, in an interview on Monday in Ibadan, said that life had been challenging for them since the explosion.

    Recall an explosion  on January 16 rocked Bodija area of Ibadan metropolis, with no fewer than five deaths recorded, 77 people sustaining injuries, while several houses were destroyed.

    One of the victims, who is mentally-challenged, Olagoke Odia who communicated with the help of his neighbour, said life had not been the same since the blast.

    He stated that the house left for him and his brother by his parents was levelled by the explosion, adding that he had since been sleeping anywhere he could lay his head.

    “I slept on the street last night because my brother told me that the government has asked us not to come back to where it provided for the victims and we have stayed there for three days.

    “We were told that another place located at Akobo has been provided for us but I could not go there because it is far from Bodija where I stay, as it will cost me N1,000 to and fro,” Odia said.

    Another victim, Mr Taiwo Salami, stated that his life and that of his family had never been the same again, as they had to squat with his brother because his house had been damaged by the explosion.

    Salami said that his wife, who was badly injured due to the blast, had just left the hospital.

    “My wife was injured because the burglar proof got removed from the window and pinned her to the wall, thus rendering her completely unconscious. We didn’t even know that she was bleeding on her leg.

    “My daughter was on the bed when the whole ceiling just collapsed on her and she had to find her way out of the debris. She looked for her mum and dragged her out.

    “There were broken glasses everywhere but they didn’t even care when they came of the debris, as everything had been blown off.

    “The car had been damaged and she could not drive it. She dragged her mum the road and was looking for anybody who could help to take her to the hospital,” Salami said.

    He said that his business outlet was also damaged along with his house, adding that life had been extremely difficult for him and his family.

    “You were already used to your comfort zone but now, you have to be squatting. You don’t know where your belongings are. It is a very terrible situation.

    “Life is extremely difficult, especially for the older ones who have lived in their houses for 40 to 50 years. Where are they going to go now?

    “It is also devastating for the younger ones, as they have been mentally-traumatised by the incident.

    “They have not been able to go to school for a couple of days now and for me, I don’t know where my drugs are. I have to buy new ones, new cosmetics and clothes.

    Other victims: Mrs Bisi Olasope and Chief Dayo Morakinyo, both residents of Dejo Oyelese Street and Mr Rauf Isola, of Awosika Avenue, recounted their experiences, which they described as devastating.

    They called on the government to be sincere with the integrity test set to be conducted on the houses around the area so that they would not further lose their property.

    The residents also appealed for government’s continuous support so that people could be able to pick the pieces of their lives and stabilise.

    FG should prioritise critical sectors – Obi

    During his visit, Obi commiserated with Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the explosion.

    Describing the incident as “unfortunate”, he commended the State Government “for responding promptly when the explosion occurred”.

    He used the opportunity to urge the federal government to prioritise critical areas of the economy, such as education and health, in view of the present global reality.

    Speaking with newsmen shortly after paying the condolence visit Makinde at the Government House, Obi also called for a drastic cut in the cost of governance, especially at the federal level, saying that the way things were going was not acceptable.

    He charged the Federal Government to initiate measures that would pull Nigerians out of poverty, saying, “Elections are over and governance is the key thing”.

    The former Anambra governor charged Nigerians to contribute their quota toward turning around the fortunes of the country, saying that everyone should be involved in the task of developing the country.

  • Oyo State House of Assembly confirms 2 appointments by Makinde

    Oyo State House of Assembly confirms 2 appointments by Makinde

    The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the appointment of former Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr AbdulRahman AbdulRaheem, as the Chairman, Oyo State Education Trust Fund.

    The House also confirmed the nomination of Dr Nureni Adeniran as the Chairman, Oyo State Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    The confirmation of the duo followed the presentation of reports by the House Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) and that of Education, Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology.

    Gov. Seyi Makinde had on Wednesday forwarded the names of the two nominees to the Oyo State House of Assembly for confirmation.

    The report by the House Committee on Education, Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology, read by the Committee Chairman, Mr Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, found AbdulRaheem worthy of the appointment.

    It thereby recommended him for confirmation by the House.

    Oluwafowokanmi said the confirmation was because he satisfactorily answered questions put to him by the committee.

    ”We also considered his sterling and unprecedented performance in the education sector in the state, especially as a former Commissioner for Education.

    “The Committee hereby recommends that, pursuant to Section 12 of Oyo State Education Trust Fund, the House confirms the appointment of  AbdulRahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem as Chairman, Oyo State Education Trust Fund,” he said.

    In the same vein, the second report read by the House Committee Chairman on Education (Basic and Secondary), Mr Johnson Ogundele, described Adeniran as a seasoned administrator.

    It said he performed well during his tenure as the immediate-past chairman of SUBEB, and therefore deserved to continue on in that position.

  • BREAKING: Gov Makinde releases fresh update on Ibadan explosion

    BREAKING: Gov Makinde releases fresh update on Ibadan explosion

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in fresh update on the explosion in his State capital, Ibadan, has disclosed a person of interest has been identified for the explosion.

    Governor Makinde also disclosed that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate of a mining company indicted for Tuesday’s explosion in the Bodija area of Oyo State showed some foreign names as owners.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Makinde made these fresh disclosures on Wednesday when he featured on Channels TV Politics Today programme.

    Speaking on the incident that has claimed the lives of three persons thus far, the Governor clarified the explosion has nothing to do with banditry and insurgency, but illegal miners that stored explosives in a residential area.

    “We are trying to uncover the identities of the people. We’ve done a few fact-finding on the company involved and yes, there are indeed some foreign names on the CAC documents of the company involved but these are still early days. We don’t have anything to cover.

    “It is not anything that has to do with banditry and insurgency but illegal miners that stored explosives in a residential area,” Makinde said.

    The Oyo State Governor stressed investigations are ongoing and that all those found culpable for the act will be brought to book.

    Makinde, however, confirmed that one person was rescued alive from the rubbles of the explosion.

    “We recovered one individual alive today (Wednesday) under the rubble. 60 of the 77 people hospitalised have been discharged,” he said.

    Makinde said he would seek presidential approval for miners to store explosives with the military, and that he would sign an executive order in the coming days to that effect.

    He also disclosed that those whose houses were destroyed had been provided temporary shelter in hotels in Bodija and in the Agodi areas of the State capital.

  • Gov Makinde seeks N150bn loan

    Gov Makinde seeks N150bn loan

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday sought the approval of the State House of Assembly to assess a loan of N150 billion from the Afrexim and Access financial institutions.

    Twenty  lawmakers out of the expected 32 were in attendance to consider the request at the Assembly’s  first plenary in 2024.

    The Governor said the loan facility was to accelerate completion of the ongoing Rashidi Ladoja circular road and to reduce traffic gridlock within Ibadan metropolis.

    The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, read the message from Makinde during plenary.

    He noted that it was important to support the state government in its drive to improve on the current state of roads and infrastructure generally in the state.

    “The House needs to be furnished with details of the loan repayment plan and other necessary information that will aid legislative considerations.

    “The Chairman of House Committee on Works and that of Appropriation should deliberate on the implications of the loan, find out the current state of the state’s debt profile and the pay-back mechanism of debts already acquired.

    “How long will the project take, brief on the road, and how many sections of the road will the loan take care of?

    “Find out if the road project will add to the state’s internally-generated revenue (IGR) and how long the project will take and the benefits of the road construction to the people of the state,” the speaker directed.

    Ogundoyin said those questions would help the House in its deliberations over the loan.

    The Governor also sought the state legislature’s confirmation of Abdul-Raheem Abdul Rahman as Chairman, Oyo State Education Trust Fund (OETF).

    He also asked for the confirmation of Nureni Adeniran as Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

    The Speaker directed the two nominees to appear before concerned House Committees for their screening.

  • Gov Makinde reveals cause of Ibadan explosion

    Gov Makinde reveals cause of Ibadan explosion

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has attributed the explosion recorded in Ibadan, the State capital, on Tuesday to explosive devices stored by illegal miners.

    Governor Makinde disclosed that two persons died as a result of the explosion, which occurred at about 7:44 pm on January 16 while about 77 persons were injured.

    At about 7.44pm, Tuesday, January 16th, a loud explosion was heard in different parts of the state capital leading to panic and confusion..

    In a press release shared on his verified X page on Wednesday morning, Makinde explained that the preliminary investigations revealed that illegal miners  stored explosive devices in one of the houses in Bodija, causing the blast.

    “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, January 16, 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan.

    “This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties.

    “We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations.

    “These operations will continue throughout the night.

    “Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident.

    “The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.

    “Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

    “In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and two fatalities.

    “May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.

    “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast.

    “The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

    “I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference,” Makinde stated.

  • Makinde approves 35% salary increase for legislative workers

    Makinde approves 35% salary increase for legislative workers

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved a 35 per cent salary increase for all legislative staff in the State government’s workforce.

    The Assembly Speaker, Mr Debo Ogundoyin, made this known on Tuesday during the 2024 inter-faith service for civil servants in the state.

    Ogundoyin said the approvals include 35 per cent basic salary, legislative duty allowance and 30 per cent of other allowances under the Negotiated Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure.

    He added that 10 per cent of annual basic salary would be reinstated as leave bonus.

    The Speaker while commending the governor for the gesture, implored him to encourage other governors to give priority to the legislative arm of government in their respective states.

    He said prioritising the welfare of legislative workers would enhance a stronger, more effective and sustainable state legislative institution across the country.

    Ogundoyin also requested for “a future increase in the 30 per cent negotiated CONLESS.

    “Our aspiration for Oyo State is to lead in the full implementation of CONLESS in Nigeria.

    “We also request for the digitisation of assembly chamber and offices to enhance live plenaries,” he said.

    The Speaker reassured the people of Oyo State that the 10th State House of Assembly was committed to protecting the cordial relationship that exists between the Legislature and the Executive as well as the Judiciary.

    He noted that such cordial relationship would make Oyo State the pace setter state in its real and true sense.

  • N3.4bn debt: Oyo A-G faults Makinde’s claim of lack of funds to pay

    N3.4bn debt: Oyo A-G faults Makinde’s claim of lack of funds to pay

    The Accountant-General (A-G) of Oyo State, Mrs K. O. Adegoke, has faulted claim by Gov. Seyi Makinde that the State lacked capacity to pay the N3.4 billion debt owed to former Local Government Areas (LGAs) chairmen and councillors sacked on assuming office on May 29, 2019.

    Adegoke’s position is contained in a fresh document filed by one of the state’s bankers before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a garnishee proceeding initiated by the  ex-council chiefs.

    The garnishee proceeding was initiated against Makinde, Oyo State and others, following the Dec. 8, 2023 judgment of the Abuja Court of Appeal, ordering the governor to pay the debt, which now stood at N3,425,300,000.

    In the court document, the Oyo A-G revealed that there were sufficient funds in the state’s account with First Bank of Nigeria Limited and that the bank had been directed to set aside the  N3,425,300,000 for the settlement of the outstanding judgment debt.

    The Supreme Court had, in a judgement on May 7, 2021, declared Makinde’s sack of the council officials, before the end of their three-year tenure, as unlawful.

    The apex court also ordered him to pay them the salaries and allowances they ought have earned for the tenure, which the Oyo State government later estimated at N4,874,889,425.60.

    The governor authorised the payment of N1.5 billion in 2022, leaving an outstanding sum of N3,374,889,425.60 (about N3.4 billion).

    Makinde later applied to the High Court of the FCT, via a motion filed on April 3, 2023, praying to be allowed to pay the outstanding debt in instalment of N300 million every six months, a request Justice Anote Ebong rejected.

    He had, in the motion, claimed among others, that Oyo State had no resources to pay the judgment debt and that the state would be unable to meet its obligations should the debt be paid in a manner deferent from what he proposed.

    Justice Ebong,vin a ruling on April 27, 2023, ordered one of the state’s bankers, First Bank of Nigeria, to immediately pay the ex-council chiefs N1,374,889,425.60 and directed Makinde to pay the remaining balance of N2 billion in instalment of N500 million every six months, with the first instalment payable on July 31, 2023.

    But Makinde appealed Justice Ebong’s decision at the Court of Appeal, Abuja and repeated his claim that his state was broke and would be unable to meet its obligations should it comply with the order by the FCT High Court.

    In a judgement on Dec. 8, 2023, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal dismissed Makinde’s appeal; ordered him to comply with Justice Ebong’s order and awarded N50 million cost against him.

    Armed with the Dec. 8 judgment of the Court of Appeal, the ex-council chiefs led by Bashorun Mojeed Ajuwon, went back to Justice Ebong’s court for an order attaching Oyo State government’s accounts in 10 banks in a fresh garnishee proceeding.

    It is in response to the court’s order for the banks to show cause why the garnishee order nisi should not be made absolute against them that one of the banks tendered the letter by the Oyo State A-G.

    In the letter, Mrs Adegoke said: “We wish to inform you that First Bank of Nigeria Ltd has already set aside the sum of N3,425,300,000.00 on Oyo State Joint Local Government Allocation Account,” in respect of the garnishee order by Justice Ebong.

    First Bank, in its response to the garnishee order, confirmed that it had sufficient funds in Oyo State’s account to cover the judgment debt.

    It added that “Oyo State has an account with the bank with funds sufficient to cover the judgment sum of N2,050,300,000.00.”

    At the resumed hearing in the garnishee proceedings on Jan. 5, Makinde’s lawyer, Alfred Akinjo-Nelson, told the court that his client was unhappy with the Court of Appeal decision and has appealed to the Supreme Court.

    When asked by Justice Ebong what his client’s grievance was with the judgment debt, Akinjo-Nelson said Makinde and the other judgment debtors were not contesting the judgment debt, but were uncomfortable with the mode of payment ordered by the judge.

    The lawyer also faulted the suggestion by Solomon Umoh, SAN, a lawyer to Access Bank Plc, one of Oyo State ‘s bankers, that other banks affected by the garnishee order nisi should be excused in view of the revelation that sufficient funds had been reserved with First Bank to defray the judgment debt.

    Although lawyer to the judgment creditors (the ex-council chiefs), Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, agreed that the other nine garnishee banks be excused, except First Bank, Akinjo-Nelson disagreed with the submission.

    Akinjo-Nelson, therefore, sought time to respond to some applications filed by the judgment creditors, including one in which they are seeking to play a recording of an alleged media chat by Makinde, where he was said to have commented on  decisions by the various courts on the case.

    Justice Ebong adjourned the matter until Jan. 18 for  hearing  in the pending applications and possibly continuation of the garnishee proceedings.

  • Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde declares three days mourning for Akeredolu

    Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde declares three days mourning for Akeredolu

    Following the demise of Rotimi Akeredolu,  the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde has declared three days of state mourning in the state.

    Until his death, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Makinde made the declaration on Thursday.

    Makinde also ordered that all flags at public offices in the state be flown at half mast for three days.

    The governor made this declaration in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

    The statement read, “Oyo State governor and vice chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared three days of state mourning for the deceased Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    “The governor, who gave this directive on Thursday, equally ordered that all flags at public offices in the state be flown at half mast for three days.”

  • Sacked Oyo LG officials flay Gov Makinde

    Sacked Oyo LG officials flay Gov Makinde

    The local council chairmen sacked in Oyo State by Gov. Seyi Makinde say his reaction to the Supreme Court judgment on their unpaid allowances is “a clear deception and deliberate misinformation”.

    The group of sacked chairmen and councilors, led by its chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, stated this in Ibadan on Wednesday while addressing newsmen over the governor’s recent utterance on the matter.

    Recall that Makinde had on Saturday claimed that the former local government chairmen and councilors were distracting his government.

    Abass-Aleshinloye said such should not be when their group has lost 27 members to death in the last four years.

    He said this was due to lack of money to take care of their health challenges, owing to non-payment of their entitlements.

    “The court that ordered Makinde to pay our money is the Supreme Court of Nigeria and not any other court.

    “So, his contention that he is going back to the Supreme Court is a clear deception and deliberate misinformation.

    “The court gave its judgment on May 7 in 2021, a day on which it equally gave a similar judgment against the Governor of Katsina State. It suffices to say the latter has since complied with the judgment of the apex court.

    “Makinde knows that the Supreme Court, which ordered him to pay in the first place, can no longer order him not to pay. This is just an exercise in futility,” Abass-Aleshinloye said.

    Abass-Aleshinloye, who disclosed that the total entitlements was reduced to N4.8 billion from N7.2 billion, said the Makinde-led government only paid N1.5 billion in two tranches.

    “The actual entitlement is N7.2 billion, but they pleaded and we agreed that we will collect N4.8 billion in the interest of our dear state.

    “They only paid N1.5 billion in two batches. One in 2021 and the other in 2022. Since then, they have refused to pay.

    “As law-abiding citizens, we will continue to explore all legal means to get our entitlements. We are engaging our legal and technical advisers to get the entitlements as good citizens.

    “We leave it to the conscience of every citizen of the state to judge the level at which both parties have shown respect for the rule of law,” he said.