Oyetola's victory, Aregbesola rejoice with the State of Osun call for Consolidation amongs Supporters

It was jubilation galore for All Progressives Congress party faithfuls in Osogbo, the state capital as they trooped out in their large numbers to celebrate the victory following the announcement from the Apex Court, Abuja, affirming Governor Gboyega Oyetola as the Governor, State of Osun.

As early as 9am in the Saturday morning, Nelson Mandela Freedom Park was agog as various political groups have gathered in their numbers to solidarise with people's governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

In his victory message to the people of the state, former governor, Rauf Aregbesola applauds the efforts of all and sundry for their loyalty throughout the Court rulings.

He admonished people of the state to consolidate with governor Gboyega Oyetola to actualize his dream of uplifting the state.

He also charged party faithfuls to consolidate among themselves for the betterment of all.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola in his remarks was full of praises to Almighty Allah for answering his supplications day and night.

He applauds the support of all the good people in the state for allowing peace to reign throughout the courts jurisdictions.

Governor Oyetola pledged that all his election promises will be attended to, urging the people to support his administration, adding that the victory belongs to all the good people of the state of Osun.

Speaking earlier, the speaker, Osun Assembly, Honourable Timothy Owoeye and APC state chairman, Prince Gboyega Famoodun praised party loyalists for their unrelenting support.

The duo prayed for a successful tenure of office for Governor Gboyega Oyetola and admonished party faithfuls to be more prayerful, focused and determined so that dividends of democracy will be delivered to all.

*R-Connect Congratulates Governor Gboyega Oyetola and All APC Faithful*

"We the entire members of R-Connect, congratulates our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Gboyega Oyetola, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun and Nigeria at large over today's Supreme Court Judgment"

"We believe this judgment has cleared all the deliberate moves by the opposition party in the state and its incompetent candidate to thwart the good work that Osun has been enjoying since 2010 when our party came to power"

"From the depth of our hearts, we say a big congratulations to you, your deputy and the people of Osun"

*Appointment: R-Connect Congratulates Ibraheem Jamiu Omookose as Special Assistant to Governor Gboyega Oyetola*

"We use this opportunity to congratulate one of our own and a pioneer member of R-Connect, Ibraheem Jamiu Omokoose over his appointment as the Special Assistant to Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Photography.


"Most importantly, we thank Governor Gboyega Oyetola for considering one of our own for this wonderful opportunity while we are optimistic of more of it, as we have many competent hands in all areas of endeavour who are committed and dedicated to the course of progressives"

"Omookose's appointment is a round peg in a round hole considering his pedigree, competency, very rare skills which he puts to his work all the time"

"Ibraheem Jamiu Omokoose was for many years the official photographer of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme(OYES) attached to the office of the state commandant where he performed brilliantly well and was able to compete favorably well with other eminent photographers in the state and beyond"

"With the right guidance and counsel, he has successfully created a niche for himself in the photography profession while also learning on the job to better his skills."

Congratulations Ibraheem Jamiu Omookose!

From all of us at R-Connect

Osun Government launches war against criminals

To effectively combat the rising incidence of kidnapping in the State, the Osun State Government has launched a strategic plan to flush-out perpetrators.
The strategic plan is a result of intense collaborative efforts between the government and the leadership of security agencies, in consultation with key stakeholders across the State.
During a meeting with top security officials on Wednesday, chaired by the Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, the situation was reviewed and a decision to halt further attacks in any part of the State was taken. The meeting was attended by leadership of the Police, the Army, the Air Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
Although in-depth review of the situation revealed an exaggeration of the few incidents that took place, the officials nevertheless agreed that it has become imperative to tackle the situation decisively.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Adeniyi Adesina, said the Osun State Government has put its full weight behind the joint security patrol teams of the police, the military and paramilitary outfits to patrol the dark spots in the state and rout out criminals from their hideouts.
The mandate of the joint patrol team is to support the activities of the Police Operation Puff Adder which has raised the stake in the battle against kidnapping and other forms of attacks on the people.
Intelligence gathering has also been stepped up to give the necessary backing to the operations of the joint patrol teams.
Governor Oyetola has given the needed logistics to the security operations to guarantee success
A zonal joint action against the rising spate of insecurity and criminality has also been taken by the Governors of the South West states of Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos. A meeting to fine tune the arrangement will hold in Abuja on Friday, June 7, 2019, after the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting.

*R-connect Media Group Congratulates New Osun Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye and Members, Urges them to learn from the 6th Assembly*

The renowned media group in the State of Osun, R-Connect has congratulated the newly elected Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly and other members as they were inaugurated today .

This was contained in a congratulatory message signed by the Director General of the R-Connect media group, Mr. Ajiboye Maruff and released to newsmen today in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Mr Ajiboye Maruff described the 5th & 6th Assembly under Speaker, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam,as an unquestionable Contrivance in the development of the state.

Mr Ajiboye Maroof further illuminates that, what Osun achieved in the last Eight years of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and as well achieved in the first six months of the incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola is due to purpose driven legislation maintained and sustained by the lawmakers.

The Director General expressed appreciation to the All Progressives Congress National Leader, Chief Bisi Akande and former Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for ensuring the path of the Progressives Continues in the Osun Assembly.

He also used the medium to remind the speaker and all the legislators that all eyes are on them as regards the protection of interests of the people of Osun rights as stakeholders, just as he equally charged them to continuously standardise the process of legislation and to believe in the path of Continuinity which they must not derail.

Mr. Ajiboye also urged all the newly inaugurated house of Assembly members to be loyal to the people and also to the party that gave them the opportunity to run for the election otherwise, they will face the dire consequences of betrayal as epitomized in some outgoing house of Assembly members who worked against the interest of the party in some notable instances. But in all, God vindicated the All Progressives Congress, the R-Connect DG said.

“The Director General further reaffirmed the groups' absolute confidence in the New Speaker, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the State of Osun Governor, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and his Deputy to deliver on their manifestoes and take our dear State to the desired Next Level.”

Aregbesola advocates for birth control to reduce poverty.

The immediate past governor of the state and celebrant Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has strongly made a case for the nation to cut down on its population.

Speaking at the birthday colloquium organised by Friends of Rauf in Osogbo, Ogbeni Aregbesola hinted that Nigerians need to realise that the nation is poor and they should reduce population and live prosperously.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to mobilize themselves to work and stop thinking that the country is still rich.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola reminded the FG that the nation still needs proper identity management system to be able to harness and rally resources that are dwindling.

He thanked Governor Gboyega Oyetola and his wife Mrs Kafayat Oyetola for being faithful to the continuity agenda.

The immediate past governor paid tributes to his mentors Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for mentoring him, clarifying that both constructive criticism and the pull-him-down-syndrome had made him what he is.

*R-Connect Celebrates Aregbesola @62, Describes him as an Icon of Good Governance*

A renowned social media group in South Western Nigeria, Regional Connect has celebrated with the immediate past Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola as he clocks 62nd today.

The group in a press statement released to newsmen earlier this morning in Osogbo, the State capital by its Director General, Mr. Ajiboye Maroof Akinlabi, described Aregbesola as an icon of good governance and evident in his unprecedented performance in eight years administration of the state.

The statement reads "Aregbesola has shown the world that Africans are capable of solving myriads of problem confronting her without any recourse to external interventions if the crops of leaders in the helm of affair are sincere with the people"

"He has used his very sound ideological understandings to deliver social welfare programmes for all class of citizens through his Elderly cash transfer for the aged citizens of Osun, the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme which has taken thousands of graduates out of poverty, their restored and dignity, and the O- Calisthenics, for elementary and more schools students of the state which has tremendously developed not only their mental alertness but also their capacity to solve problems and made them a reckoning force in the society"

"On infrastructure, unarguably, Aregbesola is the architect of modern Osun considering his huge investment on physical development, from roads construction to urban renewal, state of the art schools among many others"

"We cannot also forget major reforms in critical sectors of the economy, the huge investment in health care service which made the state to qualify for the $20 million Federal Government/World Bank Grant, and also the security which resulted in seamless peace and harmony under his leadership"

"Your many achievements were just too numerous to mention but we are delighted that most of your programmes has became models for other states of the federation, the federal government of Nigeria, local and international organisations as tool for poverty alleviation and good governance"

"For us at R-Connect, we are very grateful to Almighty God for His mercies over you and for sustaining you to witness another year today, we, however, besiege God to continue to protect you, your family and also enlarge your coast so as to serve humanity better", the group concluded.

GAVEL OF SUCCESS TO CHANGE HAND AS RT HON Najeem Folasayo Salaam PhD SET TO GLORIOUSLY EXIT THE CHAMBER AND TAKE A NEW COURSE

Valedictory Speech of Mr Speaker:
PROTOCOLS
Distinguished Honourable Colleagues, it is with heart full of gratitude that I give this valedictory speech. Indeed, I have always been looking forward to this day from inception of the time I was beckoned upon to serve as Speaker of this House of Assembly. And I must state that my 8 years of service (the fifth and sixth assembly) in leading this parliament worth it with the cooperation of you my colleagues, members of other arms of government as well as the good people of the State of Osun. To every beginning, there must be an end. Hence, a day like this is inevitable.

Distinguished Colleagues, you would recall that I was not the best among you but you saddled me with the responsibility to lead the parliament. I do not take the privilege for granted or lightly. More so, after giving me such privilege, you stood by me through thick and thin to ensure we succeeded together. This was evident in your selflessness, dedication to service and decorum demonstrated throughout our legislative debates and committee deliberation sessions of this House. You are all, indeed, wonderful.

Through our collaborative efforts in legislative governance, Henry Ford’s saying kept resonating in me that: coming together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. It is on this premise that I would like to state that despite our challenges, we actually achieved some sterling feats. A few of these achievements include: the Staff Autonomy which became more efficient through the State House of Assembly Commission; the facelift of the Assembly Complex; the Assembly Chapel; and the Assembly Electronic Library which facilitates Honourable Members’ access to quality information resources on legislative procedures and democratic governance. All these are aside the invaluable Bills enacted by this parliament under my stewardship which, for instance, have helped to strengthen our security system as well as enhance access to healthcare facilities and other developmental polices in our great State.
It should also be borne in mind, Respected Colleagues, that your judicious understanding which became manifest in letting go of some statutory benefits as lawmakers was fascinating. Specifically, I would like to appreciate your cooperation in the regard that we deprived ourselves entitlement to official cars in a bid to cut the cost of governance and ensure the meagre resources the State had were channelled to infrastructural development, youth employment and the school feeding programme. I must commend you all because this selflessness was instrumental to the replication of the State noble programmes at the national level; for example, the N-Power could be likened to the O-YES; and the school feeding programme which has endeared many of our children to schools began in this Land of Virtue.

Likewise, I need to say that throughout my stewardship as Speaker, this House of Assembly had never been in the news for any negative reason. There had never been any fisticuffs, mace theft or kickboxing in this Parliament. It was not because I knew it all while we had our legislative sittings; but rather your high level of thoughtfulness and decorum engendered our unbeaten records as lawmakers worthy of emulation. I have no doubt that this would continue in subsequent assembly with a view to continuing the good legacies we have all laid down.
Also, I cannot underrate the God factor. God has been Kind to us all. And that is why religious programmes which are held in the Assembly mosque like the Ramadan lecture and at the chapel like the Easter Retreat and Christmas Carol should be continued under my successor. Doing this will go a long way to strengthen our strategic spiritual intelligence which has valuable effects on our physical, emotional and cerebral intelligence. More so, we must not forget the counsel of Abraham Lincoln that, “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

Likewise, my candid pieces of advice to whomever becomes my successor as Speaker of this House is to be very patient in all his dealings, just and be a listening leader to all sides of the divides. I was in no way perfect but having listened to all divides with rapt attention and objectivity within and outside the chamber greatly enriched my political and administrative knowledge base. I must confess that the journey so far with all my colleagues here was really worth it and eye-opening to your depth of understanding and grasp of issues bothering on governance.

At this juncture, I would like to recognize the personalities with whom I have served. Notably, our former Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for the fruitful working relationship. I do understand that while we worked together, some people called us all sorts of names ; some even tagged us ‘Rubber-Stamp Assembly’. Meanwhile, if working with him to pursue the interest of the State and its continuous development was rubber stamp, we were not in the least deterred. More so, our great party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) has its blueprint and manifesto on governance to which we had all subscribed to see to fruition; and I am glad that we indeed gave our best in the pursuit of progressive programmes for our dear State. Therefore, I encourage my successor to work with other arms of government with a view to enhancing the development in the State while also upholding the independence of the legislature.

Additionally, I would like to thank my Deputy Speaker, Hon Akintunde Adegboye, for his supportive relationship throughout our service to the State. Despite the age difference, he never looked down on me but gave undiluted support always. I am very grateful, sir. Importantly, my sincere appreciation also goes to all members of the House of Assembly with whom I have worked tirelessly to ensure we leave great legacies in the sands of time.

Equally, I thank the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, for all he is doing and will do for the State. Also, I am thankful to the State Party Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, and all members of our party for their commitment to seeing us soar higher. Keep the flag flying as the APC remains the party to continue leading the State and our nation with progressive ideologies and policies.
I, humbly, show my heartfelt gratefulness to my constituent (Ejigbo State constituency) who entrusted me with their mandate to serve in this parliament; as well as all constituencies of the State. Without your mandates, we would not have made our marks in our service to humanity. Through your mandates, we came, we saw and indeed, we conquered. We thank you greatly. Also my appreciation goes to staffs of the House of Assembly civil service commission and House of Assembly, you have been supportive over the years, May almighty God grant all your heart desires.

Lastly, I want to thank my family members for their understanding and forbearance while official duties took me far away from them. I do not take your understanding for granted in any way; and now that I have served, my coming back home would be filled with delighted moments. To all my staff who have gradually become part of my one big family, thank you for your demonstrated professionalism and enthusiasm in the face of official challenges. You all have been amazing people to work with.
In the end, I would like to say: to err is human and to forgive is divine. Wherever I have erred, I do seek your indulgence to overlook because no one walks without the head shaking; and wherever I have done greatly too, it is certainly with the help of Almighty Allah.
Thank you and God bless you.

Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam Phd

*The World is Moving to a Knowledge-Based Economy - Hon. Tunde Lekan Olatunji*

A member of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Lekan Olatunji, representing Ife North State Constituency has urged well-meaning Nigerians, successful corporate industries and government at all levels to take investment in human capital development serious, just as he said, the world is now moving to a knowledge-based economy.

The economic and financial expert dropped this hint yesterday at Ataoja Government High School, Osogbo, the state capital shortly after he offered a full university scholarship to an extraordinary student of the school from a poor background, Master Kamarudeen Ridwan, who scored 319 in the recently 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, and intends to study medicine at the University of Ibadan.

This commendable gesture was part of the Ife North State constituency legislator numerous efforts to empower brilliant but have not students in society.

The newly re-elected parliamentarian described the knowledge-based economy as a form of modern economy referring to a specific structural transformation, where the fast creation of new knowledge and the improvement of access to various knowledge bases increasingly constitute the main resource for greater efficiency, novelty, and competitiveness.

The youth-friendly parliamentarian was in the school to dedicate his over four decades birthday celebration on Earth which coincides with that of the young girl, Lean Sharibu, who is still under the captive of the dreaded Boko Haram and shares the same birthday with the philanthropic honorable.

In her reaction and show of gratitude, the principal of the school, Dr. Taiwo Adeagbo, expressed her gratitude to Almighty Allah for making her intention on the boy to see the reality of the day. In her words, she said " just yesterday, I called Ridwan and asked him his performance in UTME and he told me, he scored 319. "I assured him that I will reach out to Old Students Association and the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi for assistance on his matter. " I am so happy, this just came miraculously", she concluded.

The over joyful principal, however, appreciated Honourable Olatunji for the kind gesture and prayed for the humanitarian legislator while also wishing that God Almighty will grant all his heart desires.

It is important to also note that there is another pupil of the school, Adeyemi Ifeoluwa, an SS1 student, who Honourable Olatunde has adopted before now and has been making a huge financial investment on her.

Bola Tinubu thanks Muhammadu Buhari over JUNE12 DEMOCRACY DAY....

"President Muhammadu Buhari deserves our thanks and congratulations for taking another important step towards fully recognising June 12 as Democracy Day in our country. The government moved the second term inauguration ceremonies to June 12 while events on May 29 would now be low-key swearing ceremonies in order to comply with the constitutional requirements covering the length of term for elected office-holders.

“By this wise yet visionary decision, the president has scored double: first he has accorded respect to the Constitution, which recognises May 29 as the date to inaugurate new terms of office while at the same time ensuring the country moves on the rightful path to formalising June 12 as new Democracy Day. This decision soundly balances current legal requirements with the quest for political justice.

“For this feat in moving the country in the right direction, President Buhari and the Federal Government deserve commendation.

“June 12 represents an important milestone in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic journey. It was the day Nigerians shunned ethnicity and religion to vote for that leader of their choice in an election adjudged clearly free and fair.

“To complete this process, that the president has started via Executive Order, we hope that the National Assembly act with reasonable dispatch in cooperation with the presidency to assure that the requisite constitutional amendments are enacted to fully establish June 12 as Democracy Day.

“As Nigerians we have a role to play: rededicate ourselves to democracy, peaceful co-existence, togetherness and the hope for a greater future, all of which June 12 represented.”

BOLA TINUBU

Hon. Tunde Lekan Olatunji Adopts Kamarudeen Ridiwan, Ataoja High School School Student who Scored 319 in 2019 UTME


The Member of State of Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Lekan Olatunji, representing Ife North State Constituency has again done the unusual today in commemoration of his over four decades birthday as he adopted one Kamarudeen Ridiwan, an SS3 pupil of Ataoja High School, who scored 319 in the just concluded 2019 UTME exercise.

The highly cerebral parliamentarian, who was in the school to celebrate and remember the Dapchi School Girl, Sharibu Lean, who is currently being held in the captive of the dreaded Boko Haram since two years ago as who's birthday coincides with his, today 14th May, 2019.

But why the Lean Sharibu birthday celebration and public sensitization was coming to an end, the principal of the school, Dr.(Mrs) Taiwo Temilade Adeagbo, shared the story Kamarudeen Ridiwan, an extraordinarily brilliant SS3 student, who scored 319 in the just concluded UTME, had distinctions at WAEC GCE and aspiring to study medicine at the University of Ibadan but had no financial backing as he came from a humble background, whose father is a bricklayer while his mother sells fufu, a locally made food product from cassava.

Touched by his story, the unusual legislator, directed the Principal to call the young lad and after brief interrogation, he pledged to sponsor his University education.

While speaking with newsmen, the principal of the school, Dr. Taiwo, expressed her gratitude to Almighty Allah for making her intention on the boy to see the reality of the day. In her words, she said " just yesterday, I called Ridiwan and asked him his performance in UTME and he told me, he scored 319. "I assured him that I will reach out to Old Students Association and the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi for assistance on his matter. " I am so happy, this just came miraculously", she concluded.

The over joyful principal, however thanked Honourable Olatunji for the kind gesture and prayed for the humanitarian legislator.

It is important to also note that there is another pupil of the school, Adeyemi Ifeoluwa, an SS1 student, who Honourable Olatunde has adopted before now and has been making huge financial investment on her.

On why he embarked on such philanthropic gesture, the Ife North State constituency legislator said the world has moved to knowledge based economy and there is serious need by stakeholders in Nigeria including privilege individuals in the society to also key into it, so that Nigeria would not be left behind.

EL RUFAI’S NAPOLEON COMPLEX - In Touch,

By Sam Omatseye
The Nation newspaper, 13/05/2019

Far be it from me to dabble into definitions of Malam El Rufai as a short man driven by fear. I will not denigrate his gubernatorial “briefness” as OBJ did in his book, My Watch, where he ran the man down with a rhetoric of contempt. I will not compare him to Oscar, the dwarf in Gunter Grass’ novel Tin Drum, who crashed everything in sight by screaming. A public desperado banging his shoes to gain attention.

I met him the other day at Eko Hotel, and he called me a “journalistic terrorist.” I shot back and said he was a “gubernatorial terrorist.” And I am right. But first, a short history of betrayal. He is the serial genuflector, who knows how to bow and betray. First, it was Atiku Abubakar, who could do no wrong. Done with him, he swivelled to Obj on his knees. His “royal briefness” did same to Yar’Adua. His great mentor is now Buhari, who tolerates him like a worshipful pest. He said he retired four godfathers but is too cowardly to name them. He knows his claim is apocryphal. I don’t know of any godfather in Kaduna. We know of Kaduna mafia, but that was a metaphor for northern military oligarchy now expired.

He said he wanted men of the Bridge Club to amass cash to unseat Lagos godfather after a tendentious question from his fellow traveller Muiz Banire. He said he would encourage his folks to woo two million of the five million on the voter register who didn’t vote and win them over. Really? In Kaduna where he earned about one million votes, over 3.9 million persons were on the register, and over 1.5 million did not vote, more than his votes. How could he determine that if they voted, he could not be a former governor today?

He spoke as though Lagosians are morons. There is a reason why they vote the way they do. Is Lagos not ahead of Kaduna in development, far and away? Other than bulldoze his foe’s houses and deploy statistics to divide Christians against Fulanis, he has not made glorious headlines. He was one of the few who quietly plotted to push his presidential candidacy when Buhari was ill. Here is a man who spent fewer times praying for his mentor when he was ill than he spent plotting to replace him. And did I not see him many a time at Bourdillon and Freedom House in Lagos where he paid obeisance to Tinubu, because he wanted something. Now, the same man who paved the way for a platform for him to be governor is now a sinner? He knelt under Buhari, who reached down to raise his hand. Buhari should watch out. Someone he is feeding might bite his fingers.

Election Tribunal: All APC candidates will win if we influence Judges ─ Presidency

Source: Nigerian Tribune.

The Presidency has frowned on what it said was the attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to drag its name into maligning the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, over the court’s decision on the Osun State gubernatorial election

It said that if it influences court judges in the country, all candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) will be declared elected.

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday: “If the Presidency had any influence on election petition tribunals, APC candidates wouldn’t have lost a single case before the courts.”

It warned the main opposition party to refrain from dragging the Presidency into their current “sponsored media smear” campaign against the President of the Court of Appeal.

The statement said that reports claiming that an agency of the government, the Department of State Services (DSS) has indicted Bulkachuwa of corruption are the latest of this sponsored campaign aimed at causing disaffection between the Executive and the Judiciary, the two arms of government that had operated smoothly under the present dispensation.

The Presidency added: “While the PDP and its candidates are free to exercise their right to challenge the results of the 2019 presidential election, it is unacceptable to drag the name of the President or other organs of the executive branch into the campaign of character assassination against the President of the Court of Appeal.

“The DSS doesn’t conduct its duties in the manner so described and you can’t use a fake security report to drag the presidency into a smear campaign against the President of the Court of Appeal.

“Attacking judges because the outcomes of cases don’t favour you and keeping quiet when the verdict is in your favour smacks of insincerity, double standard and mischief.

“Intimidating and impugning the character of judges in order to force them to bow to blackmail is against the spirit of an independent judiciary.

“The PDP praised the verdict of the Osun gubernatorial election tribunal because it favoured them, but they are now singing a different tune because they lost their appeal.

“We cannot keep changing the definition of an independent judiciary to suit our political convenience and bias without ultimately creating chaos in the system.

“If the PDP continues to blackmail and smear judges with fake news stories, we will ultimately find ourselves dealing with a situation where judges may be afraid to handle cases, thereby creating delays in the dispensation of justice.”

R-CONNECT CONGRATULATES GOV. OYETOLA, HAILS THE APPELLATE COURT FOR DOING TH E NEEDFUL

A leading online media group in South Western Nigeria has congratulated Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola over his victory at the court of appeal held in Abuja earlier today.

The congratulatory message was contained in a press release signed by the Director General of the group, Mr. Ajiboye Maruf, and released to newsmen in Osogbo, the State capital.

The group described the judgment as one that right the wrong of the tribunal that arrogated the power it didn't possess to itself.

Mr. Ajiboye said, today's judgment would now allow Governor Gboyega Oyetola to concentrate the more on how to bring dividends of democracy to the people of the State, who freely gave him their mandate in the 2018 gubernatorial election of the State.

The renowned media group, however, commended the appeal court justices for their bravery despite calculated attempts by the Peoples Democratic Party and its gubernatorial candidate to rubbish their work.

The group expressed confidence that the Supreme Court which is the last phase of the legal fireworks would affirm the decision of the appellate court.

BOLA ILORI JOINS ILLUSTRIOUS YORUBA MEN DERIDED BY GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU THROUGH A SACKED FORMER LECTURER – DR DOYIN ODEBOWALE

It’s not in Yoruba’s character to respond to mentally challenged individuals. Rather than be annoyed, one should merely sympathies with the old man that his health status has deteriorated over time. It would be recalled that Dr Doyin Odebowale was sacked from University of Ibadan for lack of character and frivolous allegation occasioned by unstable mental condition. His depression was telling badly on him before he was rehabilitated by Governor Akeredolu. The Ogun state man is now weaponised against Ondo state indigenes as an attack dog unleashed at will by the vindictive governor.

SAMPLE OF HIS ATTACKS:
1. Adams Oshiomole (APC National Chairman) -“sheer incompetent with a shocking proclivity towards banditry and impunity” – Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale

2. Bola Tinubu (APC National Leader) – A foreign god. A menace to Nigeria. - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

3. Afenifere (Pan Yoruba Group) - Largely responsible for the leadership backwardness and under- development in South West Nigeria. ¬ Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

4. Yoruba representatives at the 2014 National Confab - a gathering of thieves and fraudulent personalities - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

5. Yinka Odumakin - Thieves and fraudsters. - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

6. Gani Adams - a mere carpenter who became successful through thuggery. - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

7. Professor Niyi Akinnaso - A journalistic carpenter - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

8. D. I Kekemeke - Lacklustre leadership, deluded and withdrawn from reality. He cuts a pitiable picture with assault on logic and decency - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

9. Ondo State NLC – Untruthful and distorter of facts - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

10. Femi Odere - vacuity propelled by sycophancy. Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

11. Odere Family - Named after inconsequential bird Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

12. Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko – Shameful reminder of Vestige of Fulani incursion in Yorubaland - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

13. Bola Ilori – Nonentity! - Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

14. Alhaji Ali Olanusi (Ondo State, Ex Deputy Governor) - A man who must survive on Government lavish patronage with momentary delusion- Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

CONCLUSION: If one man, who spent over 20 years in academia without becoming a professor, can label over a dozen illustrious Yoruba sons listed herein as inanities, need we examine his mental status again? It’s called delusion of grandeur in psychotic profiling. Schizophrenics thinks he is on top of the universe when he speaks highfalutin words with small or no substance. He has been forever irritable, angry and verbose in thoughts, and even in language. Kindly read his latest outburst against Bola Ilori – much in furry and communicating nothing, he did not even address the core allegation against his master, which is the case of anti-party acts. Those are some of the symptoms of his medical condition.

It’s not for people to blame the handicap man, but a Governor that has turned the Ondo State Government House to a psychiatric home with Dr. Doyin Odebowale as the High Priest of Colony of Vengeful Hallucination.

FINALLY, Bola Ilori can only be congratulated for joining the pantheon of greats as inaugurated by Governor Akeredolu through Dr. Doyin Odebowale!

Oladipo wrote from Ondo City

AREGBESOLA’S 8 YEARS: VERDICT FROM UNDP, UNICEF, AFDB AND WORLD BANK

Category: observer Published: 03 December 2018.

These verdicts are not from social media but from reputable international organizations. The World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF and Africa Development Bank gave their verdicts of the 8 years of Aregbesola’s administration in Osun State. The African Development Bank (AfDB) hailed the Rauf Aregbesola administration in Osun State for economically developing the state through the implementation of its people-oriented policies and programmes. The AfDB scored the state high on its social investment programmes.It described the programmes as most laudable, impactful and commendable in the democratic history of Nigeria.

The leadership of the AfDB, led by its Country Director, Mr Ebrima Faal, gave the commendation during a visit to Governor Aregbesola at Government House in Osogbo, the state capital. Faal lauded the state’s Six-ýPoint Integral Action Plan, which he said was in line with the organisation’s objectives. AFDB rated the social investment was done through initiatives such as Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES), Osun School Feeding and Health Programme (O’MEAL), Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP) and Osun Ambulance services. According to Aregbesola, his government has performed creditably well in delivery on its electioneering campaign promises to the people of the state.

Governor Aregbesola of Osun State has shown creativity, flexibility in human-centric vision of the future of work that recognizes people’s knowledge, talents, creativity and skills as key drivers of a prosperous and inclusive economy. The Governor has set aside not less than 26% of Osun budget for education and 16% for health according to United Nations mandate. The budget to GDP has not be less than 5%. Aregbesola has operated an investment budget in the past 8 years in Osun.

Aregbesola believes in investing in human capital which is necessary but not sufficient for sustainable development. Aregbesola has strengthened the two pillars of human capital — education and health — which turn populations into the skilled workforces needed to make them the greatest assets for their countries, these efforts mean little without a conducive policy framework for people to reach their full potential. Aregbesola has at different fora highlighted the importance of investing in education and health with special focus on power structures.

The State of Osun in south-western Nigeria raised fund for educational development which is the foundation of human capital and used to finance infrastructure projects in human capital. The funds were used to finance human capital projects in the construction of education projects, among other development initiatives with which Aregbesola hopes to lay a solid foundation for the future of the state.


UNICEF had led top government officials drawn from 17 states in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria to Osun for a four-day learning tour of its various social investment programmes and building human capital. Consequently, Osun developmental programmes have also impacted on the socio-economic profile of the state as reported by reputable institutions. In 2015, The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) rated Osun 2nd Highest in Human Development Index among the 36 states in the Country.

IPolicies by the government of the State of Osun to revamp the economy and banish poverty in line with its six point integral action plan is yielding fruits with the latest report of the United Nations Development Programme UNDP with verifiable facts from the National Bureau of Statistics NBS placing Osun as the state with lowest poverty rate. Poverty levels fell considerably more slowly in Osun State and other parts of the world. Extreme poverty is now mainly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa. In absolute terms, the highest number of people living in poverty is found in Nigeria and India.

The World Bank has commended the Osun State Government over the execution of projects of Osun Rural Access & Mobility Project which are World Bank and French Development Agency assisted Projects. It became effective on 22nd November 2013 after several years of preparation. The beneficiaries are the rural poor who derive livelihood from farming.
The World Bank Task Team Leader explained that the officials were on due diligence mission to inspect the ongoing projects of Osun Rural Access & Mobility Project which are World Bank and French Development Agency. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done in the state as there was value for money and commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the World Bank was pleased to partner with Osun State Government.

The Computation of Human Development Indices for the UNDP Nigeria Human Development Report (2016) which was released by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently rated Osun the lowest state in the ‘Incidence of Poverty showed that a better government like Governor Aregbesola of Osun State can eradicate poverty’. Stressing that policies and strategies to eradicate poverty were required as an ethical, social, political and economic imperative of humankind, the observer for the Holy See told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) this afternoon that the eradication of poverty must now become an essential chapter of all economic theory. A representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that despite the considerable social progress in the world’s poor countries, more people were living in absolute poverty today than in any other time in history. Eradicating extreme poverty in Osun was a realistic goal that could be achieved in the early twenty-first century, but it would require determined efforts at the national level and by the international community. Economic growth alone was not enough to eliminate poverty; changes in income and asset distribution were needed to allow poor people to contribute to and benefit from economic progress.


History will remember Rauf Aregbesola for indeed four major developments in Nigeria, school feeding programme, sukuk bond for national development, first governor to embrace 4th industrial revolution and Nigerian chocolate. Aregbesola has encouraged the issuance of sukuk in Nigeria because we needed to diversify the instrument in the bond market. Aregbesola worked hard to introduce sukuk fund for education in Nigeria. Osun took the initiative and helped in introducing it to Nigeria. The greatest lesson is that when Governor Aregbesola adopted Sukuk, an Islamic bond to help the state execute educational projects, his critics were calling for his head. Many said it was part of his ploy to islamize Osun.

The Federal Government took an example from Aregbesola by taken N100bn sukuk bond for the financing of 25 road projects being handled by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing across the country. The sukuk proceed would unlock the potential of Nigeria. The minister said, “This is the first sukuk bond issuance for Nigeria. It is about financial inclusion and deepening of our financial markets. The proceeds are used to support government capital spending for 2017 – the construction and rehabilitation of 25 key economic roads across the six geo-political zones of the country. Each of the geopolitical zones of the country is expected to receive the sum of N16.67bn for road projects in the respective zones. The North Central and South-South Zones accounted for five each of the 25 key economic road projects, while the North East, North West and South East have four road projects each
Aregbesola single headedly took school feeding programme and sukuk from Osogbo to the Federal Government in Abuja. To enhance security of lives and properties, the State Government provided about 125 patrol vehicles to security agencies such as the Army, Police, FRSC, NDLEA and the Civil Defence. 25 armoured personnel carrier, the first in the history of the state have been provided to fight incessant robbery attacks. It is also noteworthy that the state has acquired one helicopter for area surveillance and ‘’quick emergency response’’ in the state. Since this noble initiative, crime, especially bank robberies has reduced significantly to the barest minimum in Osun.

Governor Aregbesola has brought innovation and localized the processing of cocoa products in the 14 cocoa producing states in Nigeria. With over twenty million cocoa farmers in Nigeria, Osun-China’s cooperation over Ede cocoa processing plant and production of chocolate which has given lifeline to Nigerian cocoa farmers who could not export their products before now.

Aregbesola has embark on global initiative aims to support capacity building in Osun and the rest of Nigeria to advance future leadership focusing on sustainable global development by investing in human capital. As a symbol of national development, Aregbesola introduced sukuk Islamic bonds issuance programme to help fund big infrastructure needs in Africa’s biggest economy, aiming to tie the transaction to one of several projects
The interventions in education include: the provision of international award winning digital text books known as Opon Imo – Tablet of Knowledge to students in the high schools that deals with 4th industrial revolution, free school feeding programme called O MEAL, payment of external examination fees, construction of modern schools and introduction of discipline into the schools. Opon Imo was launched in 2013 by Aregbesola. It contains e-textbooks, past questions (WAEC and JAMB) and virtual classroom for all approved subjects from SS1 to SS3.

The Osun State Government in 2017 signed an agreement worth N216bn with a Chinese firm, Jiangsu Wuxi Taihu Cocoa Food Company Limited, on the establishment of an industrial park in the state. Aregbesola stated that the partnership with the Chinese firms would support the state on six different investments which include cocoa bean processing; chocolate and food processing; salt processing; cassava starch processing, gold mining and power plants and it represent a model of economic which has transited into diversification in Nigeria. While there is a decline in Nigeria’s annual production of cocoa, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, has encouraged cocoa farmers in Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta and other southern states to boost production and this has led to the expansion of Ede cocoa processing plant, which is the only functioning plant in the country today.

#OndoPolitics

Bola Ilori does not need to reply a lugubrious weed smoker who was dismissed from University of Ibadan.

After reading through a spurious; senseless, nonsensical, ludicrous and unintelligent statement released by one Dr Doyin Odebowale, a crestfallen weed smoker and mentally unstable lecturer who was dismissed from service at the University of Ibadan and disgracefully sent out of the institution quarters, I came to this considered conclusion that Hon Bola shouldn't descend to respond to this lugubrious aide that was helped out of vexation and depression by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

In his ignorantly invented and megalomaniac lexical to entertain his gullible admirers and dishonest minions in Aketi's camp, 'he said, he won't descend so low...' Can you ask this dismissed lecturer who acquires knowledge without its equivalent wisdom his rank in the ongoing political skirmish?

I patiently read to see where this cipher will deny Governor Akeredolu's involvement in anti-party activities, I thought he would be intelligent with words to explain why Aketi worked against President Muhammadu Buhari and APC rather, he absconded important matter to verbose a senseless rejoinder without meaningful conclusion. No wonder why he was unsuccessful in his chosen career before politics rescued him from frustration

In a government of right thinking person, a dismissed lecturer would be treated as pariah. But Aketi who is known for warehousing political destitute employed this half a intelligent PhD holder, assigned him a barking role and put him out to hunt people who are miles ahead and out of his reach.

If a man boast of going to 3 decades in academia yet, remains stagnated as mere Dr, do I need to say he has become a conclusive failure in his chosen vocation even before he was sacked with ignominy? Whereas, many that joined academia decades after his lacklustre years are today brilliant and intelligent Professors.

Dear Dr Odebowale, I am seeking your consent to call you a fool, slowpoke and blockhead for accepting a barking role in a government that has Abena as secretary. In furtherance to your derisory exit from UI, don't you think you're ridiculing the collegiate of PhD holders for playing a porker in a rumble of decent men who are hierarchically your political leaders?

The real cipher and idiot is he who possesses certificate without proportional wisdom.

You will read from me again...

My name is
Wale Alabi

SPEECH BY GOVERNOR, STATE OF OSUN, ALHAJI ISIAKA GBOYEGA OYETOLA, AT THE 25TH ANNUAL PRE-RAMADHAN LECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS MUSLIM ALUMNI (UMA), HELD AT PROF. J.F. ADE-AJAYI AUDITORIUM, ON 28 APRIL 2019 (23RD SHA’BAN 1440AH).

Www.R-connect.com

Protocols

I would like to appreciate the organizers of this programme for the honour bestowed on me to chair this august occasion – the 25th University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) Annual Pre-Ramadhan Lecture. I congratulate all Muslims and Unilag Muslim Alumni in advance on the blessings of Ramadan.

As a Muslim alumni of UNILAG, I am indeed very happy that there are strong Muslim associations for students and alumni alike. They are critical communities to keep us grounded in our faith and a reminder of our obligations to Allah, our fellow men and women and the rest of creation.

I shall remain grateful for the opportunity UNILAG has given me. I recall with nostalgia that the Jumat Mosque we left here as our set exited in 1978, was neither a tenth nor as big or as beautiful and magnificent as the one we have now. Alhamdulillah!

Today’s topic, Managing Diversity: Wither the Muslims? Is a subject of grave spiritual importance and one that demands intellectual rigour and a deep understanding of tolerance in the face of diversity and differences.

In light of recent violent killings at places where God is worshipped from the Synagogue in Pittsburgh America to the Mosque in Christchurch New Zealand to the churches and hotels of Sri Lanka, intolerance and the ignorance are a twin disease that could wipe out the real essence of humanity in us if we do not take heed of the words of Allah – our creator.

Allah’s dominion over a plurality of the world and diversity in creation is the first substantive truth we learn in the Qur’an and in Suratul Hujrat, Allah said explicitly: “O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female, and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is knowing and acquainted.”

Allah has created multitudes where each individual or creature or phenomenon is unique in and of itself. It is this same diversity we mean when we say Nigeria is a multiethnic nation.

The earth is populated by a beautifully diverse array of disciplines and human endeavors including, law, medicine, nursing, engineering, Political Science, Sociology and a host of others that see the world from a different perspective. This is what university education taught us – to fit into the world which Allah has created with inherent diversity.

Unfortunately, we engage in the negativity of intolerance in diversity, hence we have Xenophobia, ethnic and religious chauvinism, which is often wrapped around religion to justify these evil and un-Islamic positions. We all know that negative theological impulses emphasize mostly on what you can’t do or shouldn’t do rather than what you should love to do for Allah and for your fellow man for a mutually beneficial co-existence. These negative and exclusive impulses are not inherent to Islamic traditions as some scholars with a narrow perspective of the world will rather make us believe.

Hate and extremism, therefore, is not intrinsic to Islam and was never a part of our spiritual DNA. If we are to promote diversity, we must chain this beast called extremism.

In Nigeria, thousands have lost their lives to mindless nihilistic violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, who are simple bandits parading themselves to be Muslims. Again in another clime -The white supremacist zealot-Brenton Tarrant shocked the world when he gunned down 50 Muslims from diverse backgrounds and countries in cold blood as they prayed in Mosques in New Zealand just a few weeks ago, and about 25 years before Tarrant went on his rampage, in the very year this Ramadan lecture started, one Baruch Goldstein, a Jewish zealot, gunned down Palestinian Muslim worshippers killing 29 and wounding 125 on February 25th, 1994.

We must therefore call out governments engaged in discriminatory policies that promote extremism as we call out extremists engaged in violence. I am a Governor today of the State Of Osun, ruling over Millions of Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers. I owe them all fairness, justice without discrimination while affirming the diversity that Allah the creator of the world has entrenched within his creations.

We should note today that we Muslims are well placed to lead change against such noxious perceptions.

How can we do this?

This is what I believe the wisdom and enlightenment of today’s speakers shall help us clarify.

I wish to conclude this remark with the beautiful lessons from the life of the revered scholar of Islam Imam Shaafi (one of the four Imams) on the ethics of disagreement which diversity often presents:

“Whilst sitting in Imam Shaafi’s class one day, his student, Yunus, differed strongly with him on an issue so much so that he got so angry that he left the class and went home. That same night, Yunus heard a knock on his door and asked who it was. The one knocking answered, “I am Muhammad Ibn Idris!”

Yunus thought of everyone who he knew by that name except the Imam. Upon opening the door, he was shocked to see Imam Shaafi who he was angry with earlier in the day.

I want you all to listen to the words of the imam and I quote:

“O Yunus! Hundreds of issues unite us, and only one issue divide us. Don’t try to be triumphant in all differences; sometimes, winning hearts is more important than winning situations. Don’t demolish bridges you built and crossed, for you may need them again one day for your return. Always hate what is wrong, but do not hate the one who makes the error.

Hate sin with all your heart, but forgive and have mercy on the sinner. Criticize speech, but respect the speaker because our job is to wipe out the disease, not the patient.”

This is truly one of the best pieces of advice in diversity I have ever read because it is so easy to lose our sense of decorum. It is so easy to burn the bridges and it is so easy to hate others or even take vengeance.
But where does that get us?

It only makes us bitter, empty and anti-human, which is not the essence of our creation!

I must at this juncture express assurances that our able speakers are equal to the task of informing us regarding how Muslims have fared under existential diversities and how they have been able to manage emergencies consequent upon the divergences locally, I mean within Nigeria, territorially and globally.

I beseech Allah to enable us to reap the benefits of this lecture here in this world and the hereafter. I wish you all a blessed Ramadan in advance.

Wa salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh!

LEAVE TINUBU OUT OF YOUR WOES, YOU ARE BEHIND APC TRAVAILS IN ONDO’
– Bola Ilori Tells Akeredolu.

Permit me the use of the very deep but apt Yoruba onomatopoeia, “Agabagebe” in order to drive home the very point I am out to make in this piece; a response to the ranting of the Governor of Ondo, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and his minions.

By the way, the word Agabagebe was first thrown into our political lexicon in Abeokuta, Ogun state courtesy of the ever-fearless boss and political strategist, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. We will never forget how his spontaneous use of that word to graphically capture the treachery of in-house viruses that sought to kill the APC restored the hopes of the APC members in Ogun right in front of President Muhammadu Buhari when the enemies within carried their anti-party oddities beyond imagination.

Akeredolu’s vengeful and vindictive attitude is the cause of all the troubles in Ondo APC. Conscience is an open wound. It would be strange for a man that has become Governor for years to still be bellyaching over an intra-party primary that preceded his tenure, if not for the fact that his conscience is never at rest with the open exposure of the fraud that lined his way to the Government House.

It will be recalled that the party’s Appeal Panel annulled the primaries that produced Akeredolu due to glaring fraud. The NWC of the party never agreed to the emergence of Akeredolu but the Oyegun/Saraki conspiracy of the era unilaterally submitted the name of Akeredolu to INEC and subsequently mobilized huge funds for his “see and buy” victory thereby imposing a made-in-Abuja Governor on Ondo state.

Some of us could not stand such shenanigan led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. We followed the party's internal mechanism, but it was unilaterally terminated by the then National Chairman. Subsequently, we left the party in the expression of our democratic rights on the platform of another party in agitation against the clear injustice. We lost the elections. It was reported on national headlines that the vindictive Governor organized an attack on me at the venue of an official government assignment. We were to go to court, but some elders of the party led by Chief Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Pius Akinyelure and so on intervened and appealed to all aggrieved against the gubernatorial election processes to drop all further agitation and return to the party and embrace unity. The Governor thereafter organized a unity rally and I attended.

Chief Olusola Oke has since been working hard for the success of the party and was the South West Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign, while I, who was his Director General in the Alliance for Democracy was the Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (Field Operations) Door – Door Campaign throughout the Country. Akeredolu’s anti-party activity would have been justifiable as a payback were it to be that their mischiefs were directed against either Chief Olusola Oke or Bola Ilori, but neither of us were on the ballot but President Buhari and our National Assembly members. So it was a deliberate sabotage against the fortune of the party.

I laugh at how, in their confusion and desperate search for justification, they misguide themselves with falsehood and hope it will turn to truth in an era of Google Search Engine. Let me put it on record; if they are too lazy to Google, I was not holding any position in the party or government six months before and after the 2016 elections, contrary to their claims that I was in Osun Government while in AD, Osun had no cabinet for about 16 months at the time. So, dragging Aregbesola into their justification of treachery is not only based on falsehood but pure mischief.

I also wish to place on the record that, as the Director General of the Alliance for Democracy campaigns in 2016, I don’t have any record of funding received from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola or Senator Ajayi Boroffice for the AD. I dare Akeredolu and his team to come up with such fact. Let it be noted that neither Asiwaju Tinubu nor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola directed us to the AD nor funded the party. They did not campaign for the party to the best of my record also. If any of Akeredolu minions is in possession of substantive evidence against any of our leaders let such fellow come forward with it.

Rather than the Governor to openly apologize for his treachery against the President, the party and the people, he has continued to hold on to the straw and towing the path of arrogance that has led to the dwindling fortune of the party in Ondo state since his emergence as Governor.

We that he claimed to be copying did not act cowardly like him. We moved to another party and expressed our democratic rights. We never indulged in anti-party activities like he did and still doing. We never perpetrated 'agabagebe' by staying in APC and working against the party like they did even while holding party and government positions on the platform of the party.

Governor Akeredolu; we must tell the whole world, is only being tormented by his own arrogance, vindictiveness and 'agabagebe', not Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Chief Olusola Oke or Bola Ilori that he is ever quick to blame.

Bola Ilori

APC, Ondo

https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/25/leave-tinubu-woes-behind-apc-travails-ondo-bola-ilori-tells-akeredolu/

https://thenationonlineng.net/apc-stakeholders-in-verbal-war-over-buharis-loss-in-ondo/

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/206897/

ATIKU CANNOT WIN BY SUBTERFUGE WHAT HE LOST AT THE POLLS (BEING THE TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE HON. MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED, IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY, 11 APRIL 2019)

Good morning gentlemen, and thank you for honoring our invitation to this press conference

2. As you must have noticed in recent times, posters bearing the picture of former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, with the inscription: ''THE PUKKA, H.E. ATIKU ABUBAKAR, THE REAL AND THE RIGHT'', have surfaced across major streets in Abuja.

3. The appearance of these posters coincide with the media report that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has hired a US lobbying firm to convince the United States not to recognize the re-election of President Buhari until the Supreme Court has ruled on the suit by the PDP presidential candidate

4. The posters and the hiring of US lobbyists, the latest of such by the PDP candidate, have triggered questions about what Alhaji Abubakar is up to. Is he starting a fresh campaign after the elections have been won and lost? Has he rescinded his decision to challenge the results of the presidential election in court, perhaps after realizing that the results he claimed to have obtained from the INEC back server are cooked? Is he now going for self-help? What really is Atiku's motive?

5. Gentlemen, we are aware of media reports that the PDP presidential candidate on Wednesday distanced himself from the posters that are circulating in Abuja. He also reportedly denied hiring US lobbyists, claiming tongue-in-cheek that the APC fabricated the report. If the media reports are right, it means that the former Vice President has suddenly realized the grave implication of his actions, hence has decided to beat a quick retreat before it is too late. As a self-avowed democrat, he should realize that the only lawful channel
for challenging the result of an election is through the courts.
Resorting to self-help, as he seems to be doing now, is an act of desperation and the consequences are dire.

6. There is no doubt that the PDP presidential candidate, out of desperation, is thinking of replicating the Venezuelan model right here in Nigeria. But he should realize that Nigeria is not Venezuela, and that the situations in both countries are not the same.

7. President Muhammadu Buhari won the Feb. 23rd 2019 presidential elections fair and square, with a margin of 3,928,869 million votes. The election's credibility was attested to by local and foreign observers.

8. There is no doubt that President Buhari's victory is well deserved. As I said at a different forum, it represents the triumph of the ordinary Nigerians over the elite. The election is a direct contest between ordinary Nigerians and the elite, most of whom are rent seekers. Of course, the ordinary Nigerians have won. This is not a surprise, considering the pro-poor policy of the Administration. Despite the antics of the naysayers, Nigerians demonstrated that they appreciate the giant strides that have been made by the Administration, whether in the areas of economy, fight against corruption or in tackling insecurity.

9. This is a government that has done so much with less in restoring decency and integrity to governance. Like the New York Times said, the re-election of President Buhari is a referendum on honesty. Of course you know that the policies of the Administration endeared President Buhari to the ordinary Nigerians: The government feeds 9.3 million school children everyday; 500,000 unemployed graduates have been employed under N-Power; 300,000 families are benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer; Interest-free loans of between N10,000 and
N100,000 under the TraderMoni and the MarketMoni Schemes, respectively, to small business owners;Pensioners who have been left in the lurch are being paid - ex-workers of the Nigerian Airways, NITEL and former Biafran Policemen; Fight against corruption is being institutionalized with a number of policies that include Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Whistle-blower policy that has led to the recovery of huge amounts of money as well as property from looters.

10. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has the right to do whatever is lawful to challenge the outcome of that election. But he cannot get through the back door what he couldn't get through the front door. That will be a pipe dream.

11. If he believes hiring a foreign lobbying firm will advance his quest, we wish him the best of luck. But seeking US recognition as the winner of an election that he lost by almost 4 million votes is unconscionable. Recall, gentlemen, that after the result of the presidential election was announced, the U.S. joined other countries to congratulate President Buhari.

12. Let me read a part of the statement by Michael Pompeo, the US Secretary of State: “We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the election and condemn those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process. We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities. Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.” I think that says it all

13. Yes, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has lost an election. But he will not be the first or the last person to lose an election, and he should realize that losing an election is not the end of the world. He has challenged the result of the election in court. That's just as well. However, he should not give the impression that he does not have confidence in the judicial process, which is what resorting to self-help implies. He should stop overheating the polity and quit trying to instigate a political crisis in Nigeria. No citizen, no matter how highly placed, is above the laws of the land. Enough is enough!

*State of Osun Government is Committed to Sustenance and Promotion of Indigenous Culture - Alhaji Fatai Kolawole*

The Government of the State of Osun under the leadership of Governor Gboyega Oyetola has reiterated its commitment to the sustenance and promotion of indigenous culture through the present administration continual support for all kinds of programmes and innovations geared towards sustaining the culture of our forbearers in order to avert indigenous culture to go into extinction.

This was made known through the Permanent Secretary, State of Osun Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Fatai Adesina Kolawole while fielding questions from newsmen on Thursday 4th of April, 2019 at the grand finale of the 3rd ÀSÁ DAY, a day event set aside in Osun schools academic calendar to showcase different Yoruba culture such as folklores, drama, music, mode of dressing, story telling, and some other Yoruba ways of life by the students of Elementary and middle schools in the State held at expansive hall of Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo, the State capital.

The SUBEB helmsman revealed the rationale behind the event which he said was as a result of government observation that Yoruba language and by extension the indigenous culture is being relegated to the background in favour of foreign language which he opined was not good enough for education itself because everybody thinks first in their indigenous language.

He said, the importance of ÀSÁ DAY is to ensure that the pupils and younger generations are adequately taught in Yoruba and English languages at the same time so that the talents embedded in them will blossom since they think first in their original language.

While linking the synergy between indigenous culture and economy, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole said "our economy is tied to our environment through constant patronage of locally made attires, fabrics, and other indigenous accessories which has a value chain because of many operators that are involved and it will empower all those operators economically", he concluded.

He however beseeched the elites in the society to bring up their children by using indigenous language to teach their children and give them needed support, just as he appealed to the students of Osun to shun violence and other social vices such as drugs, alcoholism, bad gangs, cultism etc as government of the State of Osun has provided an enabling environment to nurture their talents.

The event which was declared opened by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, who represented Governor Gboyega Oyetola had in attendance the Head of Service of the State, Dr. Oyebade Olowogboyega, His Royal Majesty, Orangun of Okee-Ila, Oba Abolarin, Mr. Omotunde Young, Hon. Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Dr. Isiaka Ayodele Owoade, Member, Education Management Committee, Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin - Bamisayemi, Chairman State of Osun House of Assembly Education Committee, Hon. Awolola, Hon. Tunde Lekan Olatunji, Mrs. Mujidat Kolawole, Wife of Osun SUBEB PS, Tutor generals, Mrs. Ajiboye, a retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs Raji, Senior Special Assistant on vocational education and other stakeholders in the education sector.

The highpoint of the event was the discovery of talented students whose performance was beyond human thinking as they entertained the audience to satisfaction.

*R-Connect Felicitates With Hon.Bola Ilori on his Birthday, Describes Him as an Icon of Hope*

A leading media group in the South Western Nigeria joins the world to celebrate the birthday of one of the Progressives master strategists, Hon. Bola Ilori as he clocked another year today.

This was made known in a congratulatory press release sent to newsmen today by the Director General of the Group, Mr. Ajiboye Maruff Akinlabi, who described Bola Ilori as an icon of hope to the entire members of R-Connect and thousands of people out there.


He stressed further that "truth be told, the birth of our Group R-Connect might not really come to fruition if not for Hon. Bola Ilori who stood by the group at his own discomfort when there were calculated attempts by vested interests to ensure that the idea of this group didn't come to limelight".

Mr. Ajiboye further said, where there seems to be no way again or a dead end, Hon. Bola Ilori through his God given strength and masterful skills would just create many opportunities out of nothing just to empower the people around him.


The group however prayed to God to give the political icon healthy life, peace of mind, abundant blessings, prosperity and all that are good for a good living in this world and beyond.

Hon. Bola Ilori Eulogises R-Connect, Commends the Group's Loyalty and Steadfastness to Government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and All Progressives Congress



The Honourable Commissioner for Regional Integration in the State of Osun, Hon. Bola Ilori has commended the efforts of the social media group, R-Connect towards the group's consistent efforts towards disseminating and educating members of the public both within and diaspora about the activities, policies and programmes of the government of the State and that of the party, All Progressives Congress in Nigeria.

The Honourable Commissioner made this known today August 2nd at the Bola Ige House, the State Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo.

The Group was on a courtesy call on Hon. Bola Ilori to intimate him of the proposed project of the group for the candidate of All Progressives Congress Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State tagged "Omo Osun #LetUsContinue. The programme is a street engagement and grassroots sensitization initiative where members of the public will be persuaded, educated and enlightened on the need to support the APC led administration in the State of Osun.

While addressing the group, Hon. Bola Ilori enjoined members of the group to continuously make use of every opportunity at their disposal to prepare themselves for future challenges and opportunity.

Dear sir.

Wale Alabi

On your birthday, I'd like to say thank-you for the right skills and knowledge that you’ve given us and other future leaders in team R-CONNECT. Thank you for caring about our career and well-being. You have always been eager to help no matter what we needed — a brainstorm partner or a coffee buddy.

You have inspired us in so many ways. I'm thankful that you're in our life — I hope you have a memorable birthday and many more years of success congratulations sir.

Yours sincerely,

Ajiboye Maroof Akinlabi D.G R-Connect.

SOCIAL MEDIA DRIVES POLITICS IN CONTEMPORARY WORLD - PRINCE GBOYEGA FAMODUN

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun, Prince Gboyega Famodun has eulogized the important roles social media plays in contemporary politics.

The Chairman of the ruling party in the state dropped this hint today Sunday 29th, July at his residence in Osogbo the State capital while receiving members of R-Connect, a social media group that has been consistently enlightening, educating and defending the government of All Progressives Congress in the South Western Nigeria and beyond.

In his words, the APC State Chairman said the roles of social media cannot be underestimated as it is a veritable tool that provides real-time information, ideas and opinions within the shortest time in which it ultimately guide the opinion of the members of the public.

Prince Gboyega Famodun also commended the team for putting up their talents, skills and resources to broadcast the programmes and policies of the government of APC without a specific corresponding benefits.

He however charged the team to continue to work harder for the success of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state as he assured that better days is ahead.

R-Connect Meets Osun APC State Party Chairman, Launches Campaign Project for Osun Gubernatorial Election

A social-media group in the State of Osun, R-Connect has met the Chairman of State of Osun All Progressives Congress today Sunday 29th July at his residence in Osogbo, the State capital to discuss issues relating to the just concluded primary election of the party and how the party will emerge victorious in the September 22 gubernatorial election in the State.

However, as part of the R-Connect contributions to the campaign of All Progressives Congress and its candidate, the group launched a sensitization programme tagged Omo-Osun #LetUsContinue. This programme is a street-walk where members of the public will be persuaded, educated and enlightened on the need for continuity of APC led government in the State of Osun.

R-Connect Declares Support for APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, Says Party Supremacy Wins

The leadership and entire members of the R-Connect, a social media group in the State of Osun has formally declared their support for the candidate of All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola who emerged as the flag-bearer of the party in the just concluded primary election of the party held on Friday, 20-07-2018 .

This was contained as part of the resolutions of their meeting held on Sunday in Osogbo which was made available to newsmen. The group noted that months before the primary election, it was resolved that all members of the group who has one aspirant or is approached by an aspirant vying for the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress should work with such personality but with the mindset that once the gubernatorial candidate emerged all members of the group is duty bound to work for the success of not only the flag-bearer but also the party at the main election.

It is against this backdrop that our members worked for different aspirants of the party during the events that led to the conduct of primary election of the party.

However, since a candidate has eventually emerged in person of Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, in the spirit of dedication and loyalty to the party and its leadership, we hereby throw out weight behind his candidature.

As a group we will do all that is possible to add value to his candidature and sell his personality in the most simplest form to all the people of Osun most especially the teeming electorates in the forthcoming election.

Police dismiss SARS operatives for robbery, other crimes Published on July 22, 2018 By Wale Odunsi

AIG Adamu Ibrahim, in charge of Zone 2 Command, has approved the dismissal of four policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State, over alleged robbery and other crimes.

CSP Dolapo Badmus, the zone’s spokesperson, confirmed the dismissal in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

According to Badmus, the dismissed officers are Sgt. Adeoye Adekunle; Sgt. Adekitan Adebowale; Sgt. Agbi Lucky and Sgt. Odighe Hehosa.

She said that the four policemen were dismissed and subsequently charged to court for armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful detention, intimidation and threatening violence.

Badmus said that the panel recommended them for dismissal based on the report of the investigation carried out on a petition against the policemen.

She said that a petition was written against them by Mr Chukwudi Godwin Odionye, popularly referred to as ‘Bishop’ on May 2, 2018.

“The petitioner stated that on June 4, 2017, he was in his house around Alagbado area of the state when four armed men stormed his house to effect his arrest on the allegation of performing ‘FAKE’ miracles.

“He stated that after his arrest, he was taken to one hotel at Agege where he was detained and threatened to be killed if he fails to cooperate.

“He explained further that the following day, June 5, 2017, he was taken to the bank where he was made to transfer N7 million to the account of one of the operatives.

“On receipt of the petition, the AIG ordered investigation into the case.

“On the strength of investigation, it was revealed that no proper police procedure for investigation was followed in Mr Chukwudi’s arrest.

“The four SARS operatives actually abducted the man from his house and unlawfully detained him in the hotel under the guard of the suspects for personal gain,” Badmus said.

Aregbesola has created an atmosphere of political tolerance, says Bayelsa gov, Seriake Dickson

The Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, on Sunday lauded the Osun State Government for creating an atmosphere of peace, stability and political tolerance.

He stated that the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola has justified the essence of leadership and reflected the same in all economic strata, particularly in the security sector.

Governor Dickson gave the commendation while paying a courtesy visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola at Government House, Osogbo.
Dickson who was primarily in Osun in his capacity as the Chairman Primary Election Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 22 gubernatorial election in the state, said his visit has exposed him to good legacies built by the Aregbesola's government.

He described his presence in the state as adventurous and rewarding in view of peaceful atmosphere, stability and comfort created by the present administration.

Dickson said the Aregbesola's administration has demonstrated high sense of commitment to good governance and extended a hand of fellowship to ‎all.

According to him, I am very happy to be in Osun, this is a state of my good brother, a hardworking and performing governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

"I have been in Osun since yesterday to oversee the conduct of my party gubernatorial primary election and since we have arrived, we have been experiencing the peaceful atmosphere here and there.

"We have seen the high level of security put in place by the Aregbesola's administration, we have enjoyed peace even with the little time we have spent as our visit to Osun has in no doubt exposed us to the high sense of commitment to security of lives and property of the citizenry by the present administration.

"Governor Aregbesola and I are friends, we are brothers and we can't come to Osun and enjoy all these peace, joy and comfort without visiting the state governor.

"So, we thank Mr. Governor for the enabling environment created, we laud the state for the reigning peace, stability and atmosphere of tolerance.

"We are proud of him, we are proud of his government; we are equally enthused by his noble countdown device constantly reminding him of the days he is left with in office.

"This shows his rare commitment to democratic tenets, good governance and to the fact that one cannot be in government for life.

"So, we are very proud of you, we are proud of your government and we are proud of the people of the state", Dickson added.

‎In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended the leadership quality of Governor Dickson, describing him as a noble Nigerian, astute and advocate of good governance who means well for the country.

Aregbesola said the visit of Governor Dickson ‎was a manifestation to the fact that Nigeria is democratically advancing and improving.

He lauded Dickson on the successful completion of the PDP's primaries in the state, describing the outcome of the primary‎ as a clear testimony of an improved internal democracy.

Aregbesola made an advocacy for political tolerance, saying it is time for politicians and leaders to eschew politics of acrimony, hatred, do-or-die and intolerance.

According to him, it is expected for politicians to bicker and compete on ideologies before election but at the level of governance, there shouldn't be room for party affiliations.
"It is in light of this that I appreciate this visit. It shows that we are building internal democracy, we are looking beyond party-politics", Aregbesola added.

I congratulate Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaq Oyetola for his overwhelming victory at the Osun APC primary.
In taking the party forward to the general election, we have the arduous task of reuniting the party and working harder than in the primary.
I thank the members of our party for peacefully expressing their preference. We must stay united in the coming general election on September 22.
I thank the electoral committee, INEC, the security agencies for their respective services in the conduct of the exercise
I thank my supporters who stayed firm and committed and pray that God will recompense them. Also, my campaign team (Agbajoowo) who stayed dedicated, expended invaluable time and energy in pursuing our dream and vision. May God reward you immeasurably.
To my family, friends and others who gave freely their money, other material resources, time and especially their cherished prayers and love, you have been generously supportive and wonderful. God bless you.
To my colleagues in chambers, your unstinting loyalty and support is deserving of every commendation. Well done and thank you!!!
It has been a very interesting experience. I have no regret and am thankful to God for my good health and peace of mind.

To my town, Ede and her people, I thank you for your support.
Lastly, I thank God for His mercies and favours always. Alhamdulilah.

Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka-Layonu SAN

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH OF GBOYEGA OYETOLA ON HIS EMERGENCE AS THE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE OF THE APC IN THE SEPTEMBER 22ND ELECTION

Protocols,

Today, you the esteemed members of our party, the All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun made history.

Your state was chosen as the ground for the litmus test of participatory democracy applied through the Direct primaries for elections. You did not fail or faulter.

In your large numbers you trooped out to exercise your civic rights as enshrined in the APC constitution nay Nigeria. Osun demonstrated what was possible today by voting peacefully and exercising their democratic rights. The success of the direct primaries in Osun has placed our party, the APC on a path of democratic rejuvenation and a rebirth of membership faith in the party. So let me begin by thanking all the card carrying members of the APC in the state of Osun who voted and contributed to making the exercise a success. How can I forget the excitement I saw on the faces of thousands who queued up with their cards to vote.

From Iwo to Ede, from Ede to Ejigbo. From Osogbo to ijebu jesha, from Ada to Iragbiji, the story is the same - proud APC members happy to exercise their rights. I am humbled by the fact that I have emerged the winner of the contest. It was made possible by you the party members and your votes.

With deep humility and a sense of duty I accept your verdict that I should carry forward the torch of our party in the next elections. I assure you that your choice will not be wasted. You have settled for a man steady in his ways, firm in his convictions about the purpose of government, which is to promote the welfare of the people, protect their rights and provide good governance.

Let me recognize all that came on this journey with me. They ran a keen contest and in the spirit of our party shunned violence. I salute them and stretch out my hands of fellowship and brotherhood to each and every co-contestant for this ticket. The victory is for all of us and as we continue our party's bid to win the election and keep on the good works of moving our State up the global development level, I invite all my co-contestants to join me in the task of winning the election of September 22 and running a people oriented government.

We have only won the battle. The war lies ahead of us. Our opponents from other parties increase their arsenal to fight with us. But we are ready. We are tested. Like the broom sweeping away the rot, we are set and ready. The 60 days plus ahead will not be easy but i am confident in our ability to protect what we have.

To our quintessential governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, how can I begin to extol and thank you. Working with you has been like constantly jugging and through you serving the people has had a different meaning. I can assure you that all you have laboured to achieve for the goodness and well being of the people will not be in vain. We shall work assiduously to ensure continuity and consolidation of your efforts.

I thank Gov. Abdul Azeez Yari who lead the team from the APC headquarters to conduct the primaries. Under your watch the people of Osun and our great party witnessed the opening of a new chapter and the needed filip for a rebound of participatory democracy.

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, thank you for standing by the people of Osun. You have strengthened the Omoluabi bond that we share.

Thank you and God bless!

Gboyega Oyetola
APC Governorship Candidate
State of Osun,
20th July, 2018.

Osun2018

Direct primary will deepen internal democracy — Tinubu

All Progressives Congress stalwart, Sen. Bola Tinubu, says the decision of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) approving direct primaries for electing the governorship candidate in Osun will deepen internal democracy in the party.

Tinubu expressed the view in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday entitled ‘Internal Democracy: Improving the Nomination Process’,

A copy of the statement was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Tinubu’s Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman.

According to the APC chieftain, the party’s Constitution provides for both direct and indirect primaries, but the direct option is more democratic and more participatory.

Tinubu said that the decision was a ground-breaking step, as it affirmed the party’s democratic inclinations.

He said that the involvement of all APC members in candidate nomination would ensure that the party chose the candidate of the people.

“It will also serve to galvanise the party membership for the general election that lies ahead.

“Moreover, direct primaries will serve as a future deterrent to those who might have tried to corrupt the delegate system of obtaining nominations.

“With that system, the temptation to ‘buy’ delegates was an ever-present weakness. Now, such a venal undertaking will prove much too costly and uncertain to be entertained as feasible strategy.

“I am sure party members in Osun welcome this decision for it shines the rays of democracy more fully upon them.


“May this decision not be peculiar to Osun, but stand as the new way of our party. The nation and the APC will both be better for it, ” he said.

Tinubu said that the decision took courage and conviction, as it bucked the old ways to bring about something better and new.

“When the history of this moment is written, those looking back on this decision will say that it was an inevitable natural consequence of party evolution, ” he said.

Tinubu commended the party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for leading the party toward greater democracy.


According to him, increased participation of all party members in key decisions that affect them is commendable.

“From inception, our party has held to principles of internal democracy, and by the open and fair conduct of our conventions, we have distinguished ourselves from all other political parties.

“While we have achieved more than others with regard to internal democracy, there is still more to be done in order to perfect our internal procedures and mechanisms.

“This consideration was a key factor in the election of Oshiomhole as party chairman.

“Core to that mandate is the improvement of democracy within the party so that we may become even better representatives of the people, ” Tinubu said.

NAN reports that the APC said it would adopt direct primary method in Osun State in choosing a candidate ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The national chairman of the ruling party, Oshiomhole, said this on Monday in Abuja after the screening of aspirants interested in flying the party’s flag in the Sept. 22 election. (NAN)