₦airaland Forum

Easter: Ogun PDP governorship hopeful Jimi Lawal felicitates Christians

A governorship hopeful on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of this year's Easter celebrations.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday, Lawal rejoiced with Christians for the grace and strength to fast all through the 40-day Lent. This, he said, culminates in the Easter celebrations.

The statement reads in part, "By observing the 40-day spiritual exercise, Christians imbibed Jesus Christ's virtues of discipline, love and sacrifice, culminating in his death, burial and resurrection for the common good.

"As Christians all over the world and Ogun state, in particular, celebrate the Easter, we must not lose sight of the lessons of discipline, love and sacrifice which the life and ministry of Jesus Christ exemplify.

"We must be ready to get out of our comfort zone, live a life of love and sacrifice for the good of the greatest number of people. That is why I always say the best way to worship God is to serve humanity.

"In the midst of the Easter celebrations, let us spare a thought for our dear country and state; and pray to the Almighty God to intervene in our situations and systems, and give us leaders after His own heart even as we begin the processes of choosing a new set of leaders.

"If ever there was a time we needed men 'who possess opinions and a will; men who have honour...tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog in public duty, and in private thinking...', this is the time. And we need the guidance and intervention of the Supreme being to lead us aright. So, let us take time out to pray along this line even as we celebrate the Easter."

Lawal also enjoined the people "to seize the opportunity of the Easter celebrations to put smiles on the faces of the resource-challenged in our families, neighbourhoods and communities."

OGUN 2023: JIMI LAWAL’S DECLARATION AND ITS REVERBERATIONS
By Dr. Nath Igbimo
Not in recent times has Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun state, witnessed the gathering of party faithful, chieftains, leaders and elders as was seen last Thursday. It was a carnival of some sort. Dubbed the official declaration of Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL, as he his popularly called) for the Ogun state PDP governorship ticket, the atmosphere from the adjoining roads at Sapon to Isale Ake and its environs was electrifying.
As early as 9am, men, women and youths from the 20 local government areas in state started trooping into the Ake Palace Grounds. They were resplendent in the customized green Ankara which had PDP logo, Jimi Lawal’s pictures and the inscriptions “Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal for Governor, Ogun State 2023”. Others wore T-shirts and face caps to match.
Supporters of other aspirants also took advantage of the large gathering of party faithful, leaders and elders to literally market their preferred candidates for the 2023 general election.
The shouts of “Jimi Lafe” (which means it’s Jimi we want) rented the air as the duo of Musiliu Haruna Ishola and Gboye Best churned out instructive and classical tunes in praise of the aspirant and the need for the electorate to elect him as governor of the state.
Earlier, plans had been made for JAL to be led from his campaign office at Ijaiye area of Abeokuta by a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles. But, as a very simple man and a stickler for time that he is, JAL literally pulled the rug off their feet. Before they knew it, he was at the Ake Palace Grounds venue of the event. He rode in company of his police escort and an associate and before anyone could say “Jack Robinson”, he alighted from his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and walked briskly into the venue. Not for him all the grandiose and grandiloquence associated with such an entry. He walked round to greet the people, wave at the others and took a middle seat on the right hand side of the podium. Moments after, the Master of Ceremonies (MC), Mr. Yemi Shodimu took the centre stage and began to direct the affairs of the day.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of party faithful on the occasion, the Oyo State PDP chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, said PDP is the only party that can salvage the nation from its present challenges, imploring the people not to hesitate to return the party to power in Ogun state.

Ogungbenro said, “For instance, everyone in Oyo state has already agreed that Engr. Seyi Makinde deserves another term because, as a governor elected on the platform of PDP, he has continued working for the good of the people, he prioritizes the welfare of the people unlike APC that is making life difficult for Nigerians. All government workers in Oyo state know that they get paid their salaries on the 25th of every month. In Oyo, we are enjoying dividends of democracy and when Jimi Lawal becomes governor of Ogun State in 2023, you will also enjoy same. We will take over all the South-West states and the Federal Government in 2023.”

In the goodwill message of the South West Zonal Exco of the party, which was represented by a 17-man delegation, including the Zonal Legal Adviser, Barrister Ola Kukoyi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, JAL is the right man for a better Ogun state.

For the Chairman of the PDP in Ogun State, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, the occasion presented him another opportunity to reassure all aspirants of a level-playing field ahead of the 21st of May, 2022 governorship election primaries. This was seen as an attempt to denounce the insinuations that one of the governorship aspirants controls the party structure in the state.

An elated Ogundele said he was happy that the party had attracted a strong and credible character like JAL, adding that with the spectacle at the event, the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be in trouble at the poll.
Ogundele described the APC-led government as “visionless, clueless and wicked.”

He said, “Whoever supports the APC in 2023 needs to be checked psychiatrically. They need to have their brains checked. What will the APC use to campaign for Nigerians. Is it the price of food stuff? Or prices of petrol? Or is it the price of makeup (cosmetics)? They have messed up this country and disappointed Nigerians.”

Giving his remarks, which he made extempore, Lawal urged party members and delegates to vote for a candidate with good character, political experience, and good academic qualifications as the party's governorship candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the state.
"Let us vote for experience, character, and good qualifications. This is very important for us as a party to win the minds of the people,” he said.
The aspirant added that voting a competent governorship candidate as the party's flag bearer would give the party an edge to defeat the ruling APC government in the state.
Lawal, a British-trained banker and lawyer, seized the moment to unveil his five-point agenda.

"We have five cardinal programmes we have mapped out as our priorities. These cardinal programmes are Economic Development, Human Capital, Infrastructure, Security & Justice, and Governance. Poverty and unemployment are visible in the state. Our government will ensure to eliminate poverty. After Lagos state, Ogun state should be number two in Nigeria if we have good government.

"On Human Capital Development, there is healthcare and there is education. Our government will revamp the healthcare system in Ogun state and take it to the grassroots by building and equipping healthcare centres in all the 236 wards. We will work hard to drastically reduce child-maternal mortality rate. Our government will do free and compulsory education up to secondary school level. Our government will pay for JAMB, WAEC, so that there won't be reason for any parent to complain of lack of money to send their children to school.

"We will give free education to pupils between the ages 6-18year. No child should hawk during school hours…Can you say this present government is doing this? If they are not, that’s the more reason we have to vote out this government,” Lawal said.
The governorship hopeful, who was until recently the Chairman of Kaduna State Economic Development Council, vowed to eliminate or reduce to the barest minimum the social vices of cultism, kidnapping and other security challenges, adding that only the state should have the right to the use of force, arms and ammunition.

The governorship hopeful noted that activities of cultists who murdered about 16 persons recently have rendered the state insecure and residents live in palpable fear.

Lawal then referred the people to back page of the pamphlet made for the event which summarised his five-point agenda. It also has his detailed profile and testimonials from those who had worked with him in both the private and public sectors, especially Kaduna state where he was charged with the responsibility of running the state’s economy since 2015.

But, beyond all the trills and frills of the event, those who witnessed a similar event at the same venue about a week ago said JAL’s declaration was better planned, well-attended and more glorious. They say it bears an eloquent testimony to the managerial prowess, mobilization capability and organisational skills of JAL in spite of all the panicky efforts by a jittery and threatened aspirant to make it fail. A night before the event, he orchestrated and mounted serious pressure on party leaders and delegates not to attend the event but he was ignored. As seasoned politicians, they know too well that politics is a game of intrigues and subterfuge. The days and weeks ahead would tell where the pendulum will swing. Until then, the reverberations from public the public declaration of JAL, the Omoluwabi Pataki (a thoroughbred personality) would continue to the discomfort and discomfiture of the one who sees JAL as his main opponent.

• Dr. Igbimo, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

2023: PDP assures aspirants of level-playing field as Jimi Lawal joins Ogun governorship race

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state has assured that it would create a level playing ground for all aspirants in the state seeking to clinch the ticket of the party for the 2023 polls.

Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, the state Chairman of the party, gave the assurance in his address at the official declaration of Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) for the 2023 gubernatorial race in Ogun state under the platform of the PDP.

About four aspirants are now jostling for the party governorship ticket, namely Lawal, Hon.Ladi Adebutu, Prof. David Bamgbose and Mr Segun Sowunmi.

Ogundele stated that the party would not hinder any eligible member to aspire or contest for any position, adding that it would be fair to all.

"We thank God for the peace that we now enjoy in our party after the reconciliation and we will be transparent and fair in the selection of the party's flag bearers for the various offices.

The chairman also dismissed allegations that the party had been pocketed and hijacked by moneybags.

"Let me allay your fears over misconceptions and wrong judgement concerning the party's activities in Ogun.

"The party is for all of us and nobody has pocketed it.

"I, as the Chairman will never say, do or be party to anything that will destroy the PDP in Ogun," he said.

Ogundele, however, urged all the party chieftains and members to supports aspirants who might emerge as the party's candidates from it's primary elections.

Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro,.the PDP Chairman in Oyo state, urged the party members to ensure that the PDP regained power in Ogun in order to lift the state to an enviable height.

He stated that the PDP - controlled Oyo state had been transformed since Engr.Seyi Makinde became the governor of the state.

Lawal, in his address, expressed readiness to turn the state around if voted into power.

The aspirant who identified untapped resources of the state, explained that he would use its commonwealth to create even development in the state.

While unveiling his five- point agenda, Lawal explained that his vision would centre around economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure, security and good governance.

Governors, ex-Ministers, Others Storm Abeokuta for Jimi Lawal

No fewer than four governors of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), three former Ministers under past PDP administrations and corporate players will storm Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital on Thursday to formally welcome back into the party, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL), a former Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

He was until recently the Chairman of Kaduna State Economic Development Council (KSEDC), thereby being in charge of the state's economy and driving its investment activities.

Lawal, a British-trained banker, lawyer and public servant, who hails from Ijebu Ode in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of the state, is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP. He recently picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms after joining the party at his ward.

A statement issued by Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO) said, "The event will afford the good people of Ogun state the opportunity to literally hear from horse's mouth about his agenda for a better Ogun state.

"He will speak on his five-point agenda with the theme "EHIGGS" which stands for Economic Development, Human Capital Development (Health & Education), Infrastructure, Good Governance and Security."

The governorship hopeful has over three decades of international merchant banking experience across three continents of Africa, Europe and North America along with twelve years of public service at the top echelon of government.

Apart from having had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors where he held senior management positions in multi-national banks, he is a thoroughbred professional, an entrepreneur and employer of labour that has founded several companies, including an investment banking form,a major real estate development company and an approved educational institution.

For further information, please contact:

Austin Oniyokor
0708 229 8082


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Governors, ex-Ministers, Others Storm Abeokuta for Jimi Lawal

No fewer than four governors of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), three former Ministers under past PDP administrations and corporate players will storm Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital on Thursday to formally welcome back into the party, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL), a former Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

He was until recently the Chairman of Kaduna State Economic Development Council (KSEDC), thereby being in charge of the state's economy and driving its investment activities.

Lawal, a British-trained banker, lawyer and public servant, who hails from Ijebu Ode in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of the state, is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP. He recently picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms after joining the party at his ward.

A statement issued by Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO) said, "The event will afford the good people of Ogun state the opportunity to literally hear from horse's mouth about his agenda for a better Ogun state.

"He will speak on his five-point agenda with the theme "EHIGGS" which stands for Economic Development, Human Capital Development (Health & Education), Infrastructure, Good Governance and Security."

The governorship hopeful has over three decades of international merchant banking experience across three continents of Africa, Europe and North America along with twelve years of public service at the top echelon of government.

Apart from having had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors where he held senior management positions in multi-national banks, he is a thoroughbred professional, an entrepreneur and employer of labour that has founded several companies, including an investment banking form,a major real estate development company and an approved educational institution.

*By Bamidele Rasaq*


Saturday, the 26th of March, 2022 would remain indelible in the annals of the Ogun state chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). It was a day that members of the State Executive Committee (Exco) played host to the British-trained banker and lawyer, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL), who is aspiring to govern the Gateway state on the platform of the PDP.

Earlier, he had sent tongues wagging when he picked up the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the governorship ticket of the PDP a few hours after the party announced the sale of forms for the 2023 general election on the 17th of March, 2022.

Since then the political barometer within the PDP and the state at large has not been the same again.

For the PDP, it was widely thought that the party's ticket was already in the pocket of an individual. As a matter of fact, those who should know said the individual had always boasted that the party's ticket was already in his pocket and that he had sealed it with the erstwhile National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who reportedly assured him that only one governorship form would be sold to Ogun state!

You can then imagine how fast things happened and how quick the table turned when Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) happened on the scene. Not a few wondered why he would leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he wields a lot of influence for the PDP.

On the other hand, many PDP stalwarts and stakeholders who, though were not pleased with the shabby treatment they were getting from the so-called leader of the party and presumed sole aspirant, were literally stuck with him, especially in the absence of a better alternative.

Then like thunder from the blues, JAL appeared on the scene and gave a ray of hope. Since then, things have changed and the one who treated them with scorn and disregard is doing everything to court them again. But, the question on the lips of many is: can the leopard change its spots?

Addressing the party faithful, JAL told them that having joined the party at his ward in Ijebu Ode, he thought it wise to visit the state party secretariat and interact with the State Exco.

He went down memory lane to acquaint them with his background, accomplishments in both private and public sectors.

In the private sector, he told them of how he floated a bank alongside others and became its Managing Director in his 20s. In public service, he was the Economic Adviser to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2003 and 2007. In 2015 when El-Rufai was elected as governor of Kaduna state, he appointed him as Senior Adviser and Chairman, Kaduna State Economic Development Council (KSEDC); thereby driving all the economic policies of the state government.

Lawal spoke of his five-point agenda of Economic development, Infrastructural development, Human capital development (Health and education), security and good governance.

Under his economic development plan, every ward is expected to have a Community Development Association (CDA) that will form a company and decide on its area of comparative advantage that it will invest in. The state government will be an enabler/provider of the resources to be invested in the chosen businesses and thereby create jobs.

He also told the party leaders and elders about his plan to create Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA) and see to the development of Olokola Sea Port. To make the economic development initiatives of the government to get to the grassroots, the independence of the LGAs is sacrosanct. Not a dime will be deducted from local governments' monthly allocations.

On infrastructure, every ward is expected to identify three rural roads just as every local government will identify five urban roads. The government will identify local contractors that will be put on retainership. The roads are to come with a five-year maintenance package. And the youths will be trained as the roads are built and eventually charged with the responsibility for their maintenance.

On good governance, he told his hosts of how he intends to instill budget discipline in public finance by ensuring a 60:40 ratio in terms of capital-to-recurrent expenditure and ensuring that the state's government overhead does not exceed its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

As part of human capital development policy, Lawal said there will be free and compulsory education up to secondary school. This is to be backed up with a Child Rights Law because he believes like Nelson Mandela that, " there are two ways to break out of poverty. The first is by formal education, and the second is by the worker acquiring a greater skill at his work and thus higher wages."

Thus, to complement formal education, he intends to establish Technical and Vocational Education Centres (TEVEC) across the three senatorial districts.

For health, at least one Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) will be built in each of the state's 236 wards and the management and control of the PHCs are to be put under a community management board who are to employ nurses and midwives. This is meant to reduce child-maternal mortality rate.

Lawal told his audience of how he plans to overhaul the security architecture of the state and make it community-based and Intelligence-driven such that intelligence officers will be recruited across the 236 wards in the state.

He solicited the support and votes of the state Exco based on his character, education, exposure, experience, track record of performance and vision for a better Ogun state.

Responding, the Chairman of the PDP in Ogun state, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele expressed his gratitude to the aspirant for visiting the State Exco and promised to guarantee a level-playing field for all contestants.

He said there would be no imposition of candidates like it happened in the past, adding that the failure of party to give all aspirants equal opportunities led to the crisis that almost tore the party into shreds.

Ogundele said the PDP would conduct a free, fair and credible primary elections to pick worthy candidates who can win elections.

He dispelled rumours that a governorship aspirant literally has the party in his pocket, stating "nobody has hijacked the structure of the party. This party has not and cannot be pocketed by anybody".

The party boss noted that the PDP has learnt from its mistakes and repositioned itself to win the 2023 elections.

Ogundele said, "Our joy is to have so many credible and outstanding members like my brother (Lawal) in the party. The doors of our party is open to everybody. I assure you that the party will conduct free, fair and credible primary elections for all positions. I promise to give all of you (aspirants) a level playing ground. Anybody is free to contest for any position and the best will win."

*Rasaq writes from Abeokuta, Ogun state*

Jimi Lawal, Ogun PDP governorship aspirant, greets Muslims at Ramadan

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) has rejoiced with Muslims on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to reports, the yearly holy month of Ramadan, which is marked by dawn-to-dusk abstinence from food and drink, begins tomorrow, Saturday, 2nd April, 2022.

In a statement he issued in Abeokuta, the British-trained banker, lawyer and public servant said, "The commencement of this year's Ramadan is significant in many ways for us as a people and a nation. It coincides with the preparations for leadership change across all levels.

"Therefore, this year's holy month of Ramadan offers us a golden opportunity as a people and a nation to seek the face of the Almighty Allah to guide us in making the right choice of leaders.

"We should use the opportunity of this season of spiritual reflection and growth to rededicate ourselves to nation building and love for the common man.

"As we abstain from all vices in this holy month of Ramadan, let us make pious living and discipline a way of life, going forward. As a people and a nation, we must commit ourselves to ennobling virtues that would make our immediate environment, the nation and the world at large a better place than we met it. The holy month of Ramadan gives us a lunch pad to these virtues and we must latch on to it."

The governorship hopeful also enjoined the Muslim faithful to ensure that they use the period to show love and care to others, especially the poor and needy.

Ogun PDP governorship aspirant Jimi Lawal condemns cult-related killings

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) has condemned the renewed fight between rival cult groups in the state.

The supremacy battle between the rival cult groups was said to have resulted in the death of about 15 people - eight in Sagamu and seven in Abeokuta - in the last one week.

Lawal, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday, said, "The increase in the spate of crime and violence in our dear Ogun state is becoming alarming and unacceptable. We can no longer gloss over it or pretend that all is well.

"Whilst not justifying the resort to crime, violence and killing under any guise, it is a common saying that an idle hand is the devil's workshop. There is no gainsaying the fact that we need to consciously engage our youths and help them to channel their energies to productive ventures that would be beneficial to them and the society at large.

"It is also important to overhaul the whole security architecture of the state to make it more grassroots-oriented and intelligence-driven. That way, the security measures would be proactive instead of being reactive."

The governorship hopeful empathized with the bereaved and prayed the Almighty God to comfort them even as he urged the Police to urgently nip the situation in the bud and ensure that the course of justice is served.

Youths in the Ogun State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of Progressive Youth Agenda (PYA) have told Reno Omokri, a former social media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, to stay clear of politics and affairs of the Ogun state chapter of the party.

Rather, they urged him to advise his people in Delta state. Omokri hails from Delta state

The group in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by Asiwaju Lekan Ashimi took a swipe at Omokri "for dabbling into the politics of Ogun state and state's chapter of the PDP that he knows little or nothing about."

The statement reads in part, "We are particularly surprised that Omokri would be holed up somewhere abroad and launch verbal attacks and unsubstantiated accusations against one of the finest and illustrious sons of Ogun State in the person of Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) all because he took the bold step to join the PDP.

"It is inconceivable that a time when well-meaning leaders and elders of the PDP are going out of their way and doing everything possible to woo credible people and members of the other party into the PDP, a certain Omokri would want to disparage and discourage them from joining our party. No other disservice can be more than this. This is akin to a situation where some are labouring and gathering, and the like of Omokri are scattering.

"Contrary to Omokri's outlandish claims, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) is his own man, an accomplished lawyer and banker who became the chief executive officer of a bank in his 20s. He brings to the table several decades of experience in both private and public sectors garnered since the 80s.

"He served with the current Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai when the latter was Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the PDP administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2007; after which he returned to his private businesses.

"When the politics of 2015 began which had to do with the re-election bid of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, many PDP chieftains and stakeholders who disagreed with the re-election bid of Jonathan left the PDP to join forces with other like-minds who floated the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"Many of those who did so have since retraced their steps and returned to PDP, including Omokri's former paymaster. If Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) has now decided to toe the same step and return to PDP where he started his public service from, we do not know why that should be a headache for Omokri and his sponsors. After all, is it not said that 'in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interests?'

"If Reno Omokri sees Jimi Lawal and El-Rufai as some of those who were responsible for the loss of his meal ticket in the PDP government of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, then it speaks volumes about the quality of these men. He should no longer rue the loss but brace up, roll up his sleeves and join other well-meaning leaders and elders of our party to get more people to come into the party so as to send the APC packing in 2023. There is no better way to do it than to have those who have tasted both sides tell of their experiences.

"For us in Ogun State and particularly in the PDP, we think that there must be something invaluable about Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) for the sharp-minded Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to have kept him all through his years as Minister of the FCT and Governor of Kaduna State. Indeed, he not only appointed him as a Senior Special Adviser on Investment Promotion, he made him the Chairman of Kaduna State Economic Development Council; thereby being in charge of the State’s Economic and Investment activities.

"We are happy to have him return home, not just to Ogun State but into the PDP - the party that will form the next government in Ogun State, by the grace of God".

"If Reno Omokri and his sponsors are scared because Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) is interested in joining the governorship race under the platform of the PDP, then it calls to question their so-called popularity. Instead of throwing tantrums and inadvertently making Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) the issue in PDP and the state, they should work on testing their popularity at the primary election."

ASUU Strike Evidence of Rot in Education Sector - Oladunjoye

A former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, has advocated a resolution of the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He said industrial action was a reflection of the rot in the nation's educational system, adding that this was against the ideals and programmes of the sage, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Delivering a lecture Tuesday on the topic, "The Awolowo Way: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", Oladunjoye said Awolowo's achievements in education, agriculture, housing and infrastructural development remain unbeatable.

The lecture was held in commemoration of the 113th memorial birthday of the sage. It was organized by the Afenifere Movement in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.

Oladunjoye said, "My approach to the subject at hand is to pick some thematic areas to address Awo’s thoughts, ways and works (yesterday), do a comparative analysis on what we have on ground (today) and conclude with projections towards the future (tomorrow)."

On education, the guest speaker said, "Awo’s contributions in the area of education is the greatest achievement that remains a reference point and a pride of Yoruba race all over the world till date. Awo and his parties (Action Group of Nigeria (AG) and later Unity Party of Nigeria - UPN) implemented Universal Free Education in the Wester Region of Nigeria. I am glad to be among the beneficiaries. I could remember how I got free text books supplied to me as a pupil of St. John’s Primary School, Ijebu Itele between 1972 and 1978."

Oladunjoye added, "As at today, Nigeria’s educational system is in shambles. Even as I speak here today, the members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are on strike. Our universities are on strike! A commentator recently said on a national television programme that it has become part of the achievements, while in office, for any President of ASUU to go on strike during his own tenure...

"Funny as it may sound, that is the saddening reality of our educational system today. And between the lecturers of universities and those of other tertiary institutions; between the academic and non-academic staff of our tertiary institutions, going on strike has become like songs and choruses, as one is pausing or resuming from strike, the other is embarking on strike. It is like what the Yoruba call Egbirin Ote bi a se n pa kan, ni kan n ru (hydra-headed problems, as you are sorting out one, another is rearing its head (ugly head at that!)."

On agriculture, Oladunjoye recalled that, "Awo, his party and government organised farmers into cooperative societies, while Marketing Boards were established to regulate pricing and mitigate against revenue loss by the farmers. Farms Settlements were also established, and successive governments after Awo still use those facilities cited in different parts of the Southwest till date.

"Prior to the commercial discovery of oil in 1956, Nigeria was renowned for its prowess in agriculture, ranging from the towering groundnut pyramids in Kano in Northern Nigeria, to palm oil in the Eastern parts and the cocoa revolution in Chief Awolowo’s Western Region."

On housing and infrastructural development, he submitted that Awolowo pioneered affordable residential housing estates at Bodija, and Ikeja.

"He also initiated Ikeja industrial estate. Awo saw the future clearly with unimaginable and extraordinary clarity and he pursued same with dauntless commitment. Awo invested massively in infrastructures and properties which till date, continue to yield high revenue for the Southwest states. In fact, the Abuja House in London at 2, Campden Hill, Kessington was part of the property of the Western Region of Nigeria bought during the tenure of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the Premier. The property was seized by the central government through a decree promulgated by General Yakubu Gowon," he said.

Oladunjoye lamented policy inconsistencies and lack of continuity of pro-people policies and programmes by successive administrations.

"Today, the estimated housing deficit is about 22million and the figure, according to the World Bank, is predicted to double-up in about ten years. Abandoned housing projects by government and private developers, dot the landscape of this nation.

"In my recent article on housing titled “Ogun Housing Model” published in the mass media, I commended the Dapo Abiodun-led Administration on the quality and spread of its housing projects across Ogun State and the commendable synergy among agencies in the housing sector.

"I also commented that: 'Previous initiatives in the housing sector have not been vigorously pursued and sustained, thereby leading to serious apathy on the part of the citizens. The government, in this part of the world, has confidence-deficit among the citizens; and justifiably so. It is either previous efforts are not sustained, or cancelled by succeeding administration or private sector collaboration collapsed as investors took loans and then disappeared into the wind. From experience, many governments’ housing projects do not go beyond tokenism or populist propaganda, with much noise in the air and little on the ground to show as accomplishments',” he said.

Oladunjoye canvassed synergy between the political class and civil service so as to witness the success and rapid development witnessed in the Southwest during the Awo era.

"Though we have had some glimpses or flashes of Awo’s rays here and there in the Southwest, but they remain what they are: flashes. If Awolowo’s era is juxtaposed with present day reality, there is no doubt that we will all pray for a return to the Awo era," he said.

PDP leadership tussle: Court Dismisses Suit, Upholds ex-Party chairman's Suspension

...Awards N10million Against Him

The tussle over the leadership of the Ogun State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has been laid to rest as the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, on Friday dismissed the suit of Mr. Samson Bamgbose (a.k.a Imisi) challenging his suspension.

It would be recalled that Bamgbose and five others were on the 9th of November, 2020, suspended as members of the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee of the PDP over anti-party activities.

Bamgbose and others had approached the court in Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/112/2020 seeking to have their suspension upturned.

He sued loyalists of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu - Dr. Remilekun Bakare, Mr. Adeleke Shittu, Mr. Boladale Sanni - as well as PDP, the Inspector-General of Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At some point in the suit, the State Youth Leader, Mr Oyejide Sunkanmi, a PDP chieftain, Hon. Kayode Mohammed and State Treasurer, Chief (Mrs) Nike Ejioye joined the suit as interested parties.

The defendants through the counsel, Mrs Ifeoma Esom of TRLP Law, filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, asking the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction because the suit relates to internal affairs of the PDP.

They also contended that the Bamgbose and his cohorts having been suspended lack the locus standi to institute the action on behalf of the Ogun State Executive Committee of the PDP.

Ruling on the Notice of Preliminary Objection on Friday, the trial judge, Hon. Justice Joyce Obehi Andulmalik, agreed with the defendants that it lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as the original jurisdiction of the Federal High Court is clearly stated in Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

The court held that in determining whether or not a court has jurisdiction, reliance is placed on the claims of the plaintiffs and the affidavit in support of same, adding that upon a careful perusal of the originating summons and affidavit in support of it, it was clear that the suit relates to the intra-party tussle between two factions of the PDP following the suspension of Bamgbose and others.

"Consequently, I have no restraint in holding that the suit is not justiceable...The 5th (INEC) and 6th (IGP) defendants were added as a decoy to deceive the court," it was held.

The court further declared that the fact that the plaintiffs filed the action against the 4th respondent (PDP) showed that they are not representing the interest of the party in the state.

It wondered why Bamgbose, who claimed to be a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP did not take his matter to the body instead of rushing to court.

The court advised politicians to either abide by the decisions of their political parties, leave or retire from any party they are not in agreement with instead of bothering the court with frivolous suits.

Consequently, the court dismissed the suit and awarded a total cost of N10 million against Bamgbose at N2 million each in favour of the five defendants.

With the latest ruling of the court, the leadership tussle that rocked the late Senator Buruji Kashamu political family within the Ogun State PDP has been resolved.

Recall that shortly after the death of the late Senator Kashamu some impostors led by one Segun Seriki and Bamgbose had moved to trade off the structure for pecuniary gains, a move which led to their suspension from their positions and party.

All efforts to have the suspension reversed have failed.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court, Abuja, as per the Hon. Justice M.O. Olajuwon, had on the 22nd of June, 2021, affirmed Bamgbose's suspension.

It also entered as judgment of the court the terms of settlement executed by Barrister Taiwo Shote (a.k.a Pepe) on behalf of the Kashamu political family.

Now, the terms of settlement brokered by the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee of the party and executed on the 18th of March, 2021 by Shote with the Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele-led State Executive Committee, which has been further entered as judgment of the court, the tussle over the leadership of Ogun State PDP has been finally laid to rest.

DAY GOVERNOR ABIODUN MADE PRESIDENT BUHARI PROUD

BY TUNDE OLADUNJOYE

Not a few people doubted whether President Muhammadu Buhari would visit Ogun State as expected last Thursday, though the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his team continued in feverish pace the last-minute preparations to receive the President.

The air of doubt arose from the fact that the presidential visit had earlier been cancelled a day before the scheduled visit as a result of a clash with other presidential schedules. Pronto, the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, issued a statement wherein he apologised for all inconveniences arising from the cancellation and assured that a new date would be announced soon.

Therefore, it was a soothing relief when, on Monday, January 10, the Presidency issued a statement confirming that President Buhari will be in Abeokuta on January 13 to commission “landmark projects of the Dapo Abiodun Administration.”

The press release, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, titled “President Buhari to commission landmark projects in Ogun State”, confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari will undertake a one-day official visit to Ogun State on Thursday, January 13, 2022, to commission landmark projects undertaken by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
“The President will commission the 42km Sagamu Interchange – Abeokuta dual carriageway, the new Kobape Housing Estate, located on the Sagamu - Abeokuta Interchange, and the first phase of Kings Court Estate, Abeokuta, developed by the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC). President Buhari, who will use the opportunity of his State visit to interact with some stakeholders, will return to Abuja the same day”, Adesina said.

The presidential statement became the needed elixir, for party leaders and members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to finalise plans to give Mr. President a rousing welcome to Ogun State, a state President Buhari has always described as his second state because of his stay at Lafenwa Barracks, Abeokuta, during the early period of his military career.

Last Thursday, all roads led to the Ogun State end of the 14-kilometre-long Ijebu-Ode–Epe Road, constructed by the Dapo Abiodun Administration. The party members, in their thousands, trooped out in large numbers as early as 7am, adorned in different shades of Adire and Ankara attires, in different styles, but with a touch of yellow.

The yellow colour, which is among the official colours of Ogun State, is synonymous signature-colour of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led Administration and this is evident on all the projects of the present government. The security operatives had a hectic time controlling the enthusiastic crowd.

President Muhammadu Buhari was welcomed with a thunderous ovation and shouts of “Sai Baba! Sai Baba!” and “DA Continuity”, as he arrived the commissioning venue of the 14-kilometre newly constructed Ijebu-Ode – Mojoda- Epe Highway in company of the host Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

On the entourage of Mr. President were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, APC National Caretaker Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, among other top personalities, top government functionaries and many others.

The royal fathers from the Ijebu axis, under the auspices of the Ijebu Traditional Council (ITC), were led to the epoch event by Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, the Dagburewe of Idowa, who stood in for the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Also present were former and serving members of the National Assembly, members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Local Government Council Chairmen, Party Chairmen, market women, students and many more.

President Buhari wasted no time at all, as he proceeded straight to cut the tapes to commission the road and thereafter led the dignitaries to Sagamu Interchange.

At the Gateway City Gate, even a more tumultuous crowd welcomed President Buhari and his entourage as it turned from a carnival to a festival. On arrival, Mr. President led dignitaries to move round the City Gate to feel and admire the ambience and splendour of the iconic tourist centre situated at the Roundabout that connects the three senatorial zones of the Gateway State, namely Ogun East, Ogun West and Ogun Central.

The Gateway City Gate could be rightly described as the heart of Ogun State and its outpouring infrastructures with beautiful embrace of nature. It was a beauty to behold. It is a place that tourists and lovers alike would not be in a hurry to depart from.

It was at the Gateway City Gate that President Buhari paused briefly to interact with stakeholders of Ogun State before proceeding to cut the tapes to open the reconstructed Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, which has been renamed President Muhammadu Buhari Way; the Kobape Housing Estate and the luxurious Prince Court Estate in Abeokuta.

Admiring the Gateway City Gate Project, President Buhari remarked that: ‘‘It is not just a Park beautification project. It depicts that something new is happening in Ogun State, a welcoming entrance into the State Capital at the centre point of the State.’’

He added that the project was also an icon depicting the joining of hands for building the future of Ogun State in togetherness.

It was a very elated President Buhari that addressed the people of Ogun State while also using the occasion to pour deserved encomiums on Governor Dapo Abiodun, for delivering visionary and trail-blazing projects for the people, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing Abiodun as the ‘‘performing Governor of Nigeria’s Gateway State,’’ the President said he is a worthy example of ‘‘promises made, promises kept.’’

The President noted that the lofty projects: the Gateway City Gate; the 42-Kilometre Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta Road; the 14km Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway and two Housing Estates for low, medium and high income earners at Kobape and Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, respectively, “could not have materialised without the State government’s huge investment and commitment to security of lives and property.”

‘‘This has made Ogun State one of the safest and most peaceful States in the country and investors’ destination of choice. You (Prince Abiodun) have justified the mandate of the people of Ogun State. You have represented our Party very well,’’ the President said.

The President expressed delight that the 14km Ijebu Ode-Mojoda-Epe Road, he earlier commissioned that day, was reconstructed into a modern expressway by the State government. He posited rightly that the road would complement the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Sagamu-Benin Expressway that the Federal Government is currently reconstructing and which will be commissioned this year.

Mr. President added: “Just across the road is the 42-kilometer Sagamu-Interchange-Abeokuta Road which the state Government has reconstructed and equipped with street lights.That road enjoys a direct linkage with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that the Federal Government is rebuilding and due for completion later this year.

‘‘I am particularly impressed by the quality and standard of your road projects, and the creative way you have deployed resources to reconstruct and rehabilitate them. It is significant to note that the two road projects being commissioned today are federal roads. This is an example of constructive engagement, cooperation and collaboration between the States and Federal Government.

‘‘These roads also fit well into our rail transportation master plan that connects Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital to Kano, with Ogun State having more rail stations, along the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor.’’

On the housing programme of the Ogun Governor, the President commended its inclusiveness, saying it is equally heart-warming that it cuts across different social strata, capturing the low, medium and high income earners.

‘‘Your Excellency, well done! I am proud of what you have done for your State and your people. You have made our great Party, the APC, proud too. You are a worthy example of promises made, promises kept. These lofty projects could not have materialised without your huge investment and commitment to security of lives and property.’’

The State Governor, not wanting to miss the opportunity of the August visit in the month of January, urged the President to accord Ogun State a special status and also give priority to the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and the Sango-Otta-Idiroko roads respectively.

Responding, the President assured the people of Ogun State that these roads will receive Federal Government's attention. He announced that the Federal Government would consider extending tax credit, as funding option, for the reconstruction of these roads, as done for the 100km Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro Road.

Similarly, the President promised to consider the approval of the reconstruction of Sagamu-Ogijo Road by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited under the tax credit scheme.

The President thanked the residents of the State for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage in the Gateway State, which was his first visit to any State in the New Year.

‘‘This welcome by the large crowd brings back the nostalgia of my first arrival on this soil as a young infantry officer in the Nigerian Army at the then Lafenwa Barracks in Abeokuta, not long after independence. The traditional hospitality of the people of this State has not waned a bit. Today, I am “Omowale” (which literally means a child who returned home) and very happy at this homecoming to meet my brothers and sisters whose goodwill I have always enjoyed. Thank you.’’

He also congratulated the people of Ogun State for having such a “focused, deliberate and inclusive Administration under the watch of Prince Abiodun”, urging them to continue to support the governor for the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda of his Administration.

‘‘The reward for success is more hardwork to meet the increasing expectations of the people. When state governments deliver impactful projects, in consultations with stakeholders, like we have witnessed in Ogun State, the trajectory of our national development will be enhanced.’’

Governor Dapo Abiodun then presented a big symbolic key to President Buhari, bestowing on him the ‘‘honourary indigeneship’’ of Ogun, and for which the President was very happy.

An elated President Buhari enthused: ‘‘It is also with a sense of responsibility that I receive and cherish the honourary indigeneship bestowed on me as symbolized by the presentation of the key to the Gateway State by Governor Abiodun. I will leave Ogun State with fond memories and look forward to enjoying the privilege of my honourary indigeneship.”

President Buhari did not end his speech without canvassing support for Governor Abiodun.

He said: “I congratulate the people of Ogun State for having such a focused, inclusive and deliberate Administration under the watch of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun. I enjoin you to continue to support him for the successful implement of the Building Our Future Together Agenda of his Administration. Your support is required to ensure more delivery of projects that will ensure social and economic development of the State and individual prosperity of the citizenry.”

The Chairman’s of Ogun State Council of Obas, who is also the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, who spoke on behalf of all the Royal fathers in Ogun State, thanked the President profusely for the visit.

The royal father did not fail to pour royal blessings on the presidential endorsement of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The Akarigbo said: “Your Excellency, Mr. President, we want to assure you that Ogun State is in good and indeed safe hands of our son. This is a man that is just, a man that is fair, a man that is credible. I am bold to say that the development in Ogun State (during the current Administration ) is unprecedented.”

It was indeed a glorious day. For about the eight hours or so that Mr. President spent in the state, the good people of Ogun State knew that we had an August visitor. From Ogun East to Central and West, everywhere had the feelings and trappings of a carnival, nay festival, with people adorning either the yellow or blue adire and caps to match. They sang, danced and leapt for joy, not just for the landmark projects that were being commissioned but also the peace, security and tranquility that pervaded the Gateway State.

Many recalled with nostalgia how tortuous the journey to Oke-Mosan was for Governor Dapo Abiodun. Fortuitously, some of those who said "nay" were among the people who joined Governor Abiodun and other well-meaning citizens of Ogun State to welcome Mr. President. They witnessed the commissioning of the landmark projects by the President even when some of their hirelings had gone to town with rumour that the President would not honour the state's invitation. For a moment, one wondered what would be going on in their minds as the President not only came and commissioned landmark projects but capped it all with uncommon commendations and endorsement for Governor Dapo Abiodun for a job well done - for the people and posterity.

*Oladunjoye is the Publicity Secretary of APC in Ogun State.*

Sylvester Oromoni: The Unanswered Questions

By Tombra Ebikeme

After going through the legal advice released by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in respect of the late Sylvester Oromoni, of Dowen College, some questions kept agitating my mind. This is so given the hoopla and uproar that greeted the news even before the public became aware of the facts. Most commentators rushed to conclusions based on the one-sided stories they were fed with and literally called for the heads of the accused.
Now that the legal advice from the DPP’s office is out and it has exonerated all the accused, what shall we say?
On the one hand, the students were accused of murder, involuntary manslaughter and maliciously administering poison with intent to harm. On the other hand, the school and its officials were accused of negligent act causing harm.
Recall that the legal advice was based on the facts contained in the duplicate case file sent to the DPP’s office by the Police, the two autopsy reports conducted in Warri and Lagos respectively and witnessed by the Police and representatives of the families of the late Sylvester Oromoni and the accused students (even though the interim autopsy, which was witnessed by only the Oromonis and the Investigating Police Officer, had some missing gaps)
The document reads in part, “The outcome of both post-mortem examinations conducted in Warri and Lagos were in agreement as to the cause of death, namely: Septicaemia, Lobar Pneumonia with Acute Pyelonephritis, Pyomyositis of the right ankle and Acute Bacteria Pneumonia due to severe Sepsis. The result of the Toxicology is also not indicative of any toxic or poisonous substance in the body of the deceased.”
Given the above findings and conclusions vis-à-vis the hue and cry that greeted the news of the alleged bullying and beating of the deceased, one is compelled to ask Mr. Oromoni and his social media mob some questions, viz:
1. While I empathize with the Oromonis on the painful but avoidable loss as a parent and fellow Deltan, who supported in calling on the authorities to get to the root of this matter, I will be failing myself and my conscience if I do not point out some inconsistencies in his account of the incident when juxtaposed with the findings of the Police, the autopsy reports, the toxicology reports and the legal advice issued by the DPP.
2. Didn’t Mr. Oromoni tell the whole world that his late son told him that he was beaten by the accused students? If true, at what point did the story change to same being told to a “family friend” as disclosed in the Police report? From the report of Police investigation, the autopsy reports and toxicology results, the late Sylvester didn’t die as a result of trauma arising from beating. What do the Oromonis and their army of wailing wailers have to say about these findings?
3. In the viral interview that Mr. Oromoni granted via Zoom, he claimed that his son was beaten by five boys whereas Police investigation and incontrovertible facts have established that two of the boys are day students while one of them was not in school the weekend that Sylvester was said to have been beaten. All these were verified by the Police and can still be confirmed by independent investigators who may be interested in this matter. Is it possible for day students to access the hostel or for someone who was released to go home over the weekend to be in school at the same time? Can someone be in two places at the same time? Has this singular fact not cast a big pall of doubt over the whole allegations?
4. From the autopsy report, it has been established that there was no single bruise on Sylvester’s body? Is it possible for five boys to beat a 12-year old with belt, kicking and slapping him, as claimed by Mr. Oromoni, without any physical injury on his body?
5. How come no one has corroborated Mr. Oromoni’s account of the incident – be it a student, employee or parent?
6. When was the video that showed Sylvester limping recorded by the family?
7. On the 23rd of November, 2021 that Sylvester was released to his family was he taken out of the school in an ambulance or he walked by himself into the hostel to pack his belongings?
8. Also, where did the story of attempt to initiate the deceased into a secret cult emanate from?
9. How about the alleged forceful ingestion of chemical substance?
10. Now, that the results of the toxicology conducted by the pathologists in Warri and Lagos have said no toxic or poisonous substance was found in the body of the deceased, what do we make of these allegations?
11. Why wasn’t the late Sylvester taken to any hospital for proper medical attention by his parents either in Lagos or Warri? Why was the poor boy allegedly treated at home in Warri by an unnamed or invisible family doctor? Why was it just x-ray and scan that were done on him and on whose advice?
12. Do these lend credence to the insinuation that the Oromonis are members of Myeri Jesu, a religious group that does not encourage its members to seek medical attention?
13. Is it not safe to conclude that Mr. Oromoni was negligent and therefore complicit in the death of his son?
14. Based on the Police report, the autopsy reports, the toxicology results and the DPP’s advice, the Oromonis still have a lot of questions to answer. They should provide convincing answers to the few questions that have been raised, then the others will follow. And if in good conscience, they cannot provide answers to these first set of questions, they should hold their peace and allow the soul of the poor boy to rest in peace, instead of further misleading Nigerians and whipping up sentiments that are lacking in details, facts and logic!

MY DECISION TO QUIT NURTW

Many people have queried my decision to quit NURTW
Many people believe it was a work of bribery, some elderly people like baba ifo came and started prostrating that I should not forget my position.
Daily, I continue to receive people appealing that I shouldn't forget mine post and my labour in National union all these have compelled me to state my case in a public domain.
NURTW is my blood, I laboured vigorously to spread NURTW in Ogun State.
I laid down my life and sacrificed everything I had to tackle those powerful men like Alhji YS, Adeola, Shabi, Alhajpi Adeyi when others were afraid of facing and tackiling the order that NURTW would not be able to function in Ogun State.
I single handedly went to court to get judgement. That was in 1996, nobody was with me. The judgement was delivered by Justice Shomolu of Ogun State High Court 2.
1. In 1998 when a military Governor banned NURTW in Ogun State.
I single handedly rose against the decision of the Governor, I have written records and pictures for everything. So also I have won many cases for NURTW in some police formations.
I decided to quit NURTW when people who contributed nothing hijacked NURTW, beside that we decided to tackle Iyeru simply because he invited politician but today those people criticising Iyeru are now dinning and winning with those politician we condemned him for and we have discovered that without the intervention of those politicains NURTW cannot operate in Ogun State. Then I see no reason I shouldn't listen to Iyeru's appeal to me.
Iyeru is my brother and a person who loves me too much.
if I continue to hate him, it means I don't like his progress despite his appeal to me.
I therefore promise to give him every help I can render. Have discovered that if we want NURTW to work in Ogun state we should honour Ogun state Governor by installing Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin as Ogun State NURTW Chairman.
Those people we have sent away from national union, have contributed to the progress of national Union in Ogun state, people like Ajuwon, Ajagbe and Aruno Adekunjo, Jamiu Ilaro and others .
I am happy that thousands of our members in NURTW have agreed to follow me in helping Iyeru.

*DOWEN COLLEGE STUDENT'S DEATH: KASHAMU's FAMILY EMPATHIZES WITH THE BEREAVED...CALLS FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION*

The Kashamu family has been inundated with enquiries, calls and messages over the unfortunate incident at Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, which led to the untimely death of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of the College.

While we empathize and commiserate with the family of the late Sylvester Oromoni over the irreplaceable loss, we wish to appeal to all and sundry to hold their horses until the Police and the Lagos State government have completed their independent investigations and established the truth.

Most commentators have rushed to conclusions based on assumptions and false information, including the allegation that our son Adewale Micheal Kashamu was in anyway involved in the bullying or beating of Sylvester Oromoni.

Since the news of the unfortunate incident broke, we have made our own private enquiries and carefully questioned our son about his involvement. This is why we did not rush out to respond to the cyber-stalking, name-calling and negative commentaries that have taken over the social media about our son’s alleged involvement in this sad incident.

Some of the true facts now slowly emerging from under the mass of lies are that:
1. Our son, Adewale Michael Kashamu, had acted as a school father for the late Sylvester in his first session in the school at the request of Sylvester’s sister who is also a student of the school.
However, in the 2021 session commencing in September 2021 Adewale Michael Kashamu was moved to a different floor in the boarding house and engrossed in his own studies and activities, he was no longer as close to Sylvester as in the previous session.

2. Adewale Michael Kashamu is a compassionate and considerate boy.

3. Sometime last session, some boys had been accused of beating Sylvester with belts and seizing his foodstuff but Adewale Michael Kashamu was not involved at all. He was in fact in sympathy with Sylvester over that incident.
On that occasion, Sylvester’s parents made a report to the school and the affected students were questioned and one of them at least was suspended.

4. Adewale Michael Kashamu is not aware that an identical incident occurred again this year leading to Sylvester’s injury and death.

5. Adewale Michael Kashamu had seen Sylvester limping sometime late in November and (assuming he might have been injured playing football) merely empathized with him and advised him to go to the school clinic.

6. Other students who knew the circumstances of Sylvester’s leg injury have all testified that he was injured whilst playing football.

7. Whilst he was in school, Sylvester had no visible injury to his lips or face. Sylvester’s family has admitted that the Sylvester’s swollen, blistered and bloody lips (as shown in videos and pictures, now viral on the internet) were reactions to medications given to Sylvester after he had been taken from the school by his parents.

We feel and can relate to the pains of the Oromoni family and all those genuinely concerned about this unfortunate incident. That is why we wish to express our readiness to cooperate with the parents of the deceased, the Police, the Lagos State government and other relevant stakeholders to get to the root of this matter so that the cause of justice will not only be served but manifestly seen to have been served.

However, it is regrettable that of the five names that were mentioned in relation to the incident, it is only Kashamu's name that seems to ring a bell. Consequently, the family and its late patriarch (Senator Buruji Kashamu of blessed memory) have been the butt of irresponsible, falsehood-based and unwarranted attacks even when the full details of the incident are not yet known.

There is no denying the fact that Adewale Michael Kashamu is one of the children of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu. But, no family or parent will send a child to school to be involved in any form of crime or criminality; just like no parent would be happy to be informed that a child he or she sent to school to learn has been molested or killed under any guise.

That is why we wish to appeal for restraint on all sides. The cyber-bullying of our family will not help in any way to solve the bullying in schools that society through the ages has desired to stop.

The larger society should start by setting a higher standard.

We reckon that the bereaved family has related the account of the incident as narrated by the deceased.

On our part, we have continued to engage our son, Adewale Michael Kashamu, and he has continued to maintain his innocence.

Now that the Lagos State government and the Police have waded into the matter, we shall fully cooperate with them so that the truth will be established and the cause of justice served - justice for the deceased and his family, justice for the accused students and their families and justice for the society.

At this juncture, we want to encourage the management, parents and pupils of Dowen College (and indeed anyone) who may have useful information about this incident to please volunteer same to the Police and the Lagos State government - in the interest of justice.

Thank you.

*Signed*
Mr. Mutairu Kashamu
*For the Kashamu family*
5th December, 2021


Sent from my iPhone

*CHIEF ADERINOKUN MOURNS DEATH OF OGUN NUJ CHAIRMAN*

Akinruyiwa of Owu Kingdom, Chief Olumide Aderinokun has conveyed his deepest sympathy to the Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists and the family of Soji Amosu, over the demise of 'a true leader'.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Chief Aderinokun said he was saddened by the sudden demise of Mr. Amosu and he prayed the Almighty grants his family and friends the strength that they need at this difficult moment.

"I send my heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Soji Amosu and the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ogun State on the departure of a true leader," Chief Aderinokun noted.

"I also want to commiserate with members of the NUJ body in Ogun State because I can't over-emphasize his presence at the Iwe-Iroyin secretariat of the NUJ in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

"May the Almighty shower His mercies upon the deceased and grant him peaceful and eternal rest."

Iyeru greets Alowonle on his birthday



ABEOKUTA: The Chairman Park Management Services Ltd (PAM), Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin popularly known as Iyeru on Thursday felicitated with the Chairman Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), Alhaji Nurudeen Aina Alowonle on the occasion of his birthday.


Iyeru in a statement from his media Office he lauded Alowonle's outstanding contributions to the transportation sector and development of Ogun State since he was elected the chairman of the union.



"Alhaji Alowonle's immense contribution to Ogun state transportation sector and the development of Ogun state is in no small measure. He has used his managerial skills to reposition AMORAN.



"Under his watch, it is no longer business as usual, he has rejigged the organisation and most importantly he has contributed vastly to the development of Ogun state under the leadership of  Gov. Dapo Abiodun.



"Alowonle is humility personified, a goal getter and a great team player. On the occasion of his birthday, I wish him long life, good health and may the arms of God our father reach down and hold him close as he begin another year of walking in his light," Iyeru said.

National Convention: Bamgbose-Seriki Loses As Court Refuses To Stop Ogun State PDP Exco, Delegates

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today (Wednesday) refused an application to stop the consent judgment-produced Ogun State Executives of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and other delegates from attending the National Convention of the party slated for 30th of December, 2021.

The Honourable Justice M. O. Olajuwon refused to grant the application for preservative orders which was brought by I.N. Matesu of the firm of Messrs Ricky Tarfa & co. on behalf of Mr. Samson Bamgbose (a.k.a Imisi) and others who are being used by one Segun Seriki to destabilize the party.

Bamgbose and others had been removed and replaced as members of the Ogun State PDP Exco for anti-party activities, including taking the party to court.

"This court had given a ruling and entered a consent judgment. The order and judgment made in that matter remain valid," the court held.

In a related development, the same court yesterday (Tuesday) dismissed a suit filed against the consent judgment given by the court on the 22nd of June, 2021, in spite of the opposition by the counsel to Bamgbose (a.k.a Imisi), who urged the court not to grant the application because they had joined issues with the plaintiff/applicant.

It would be recalled that the same court had on the 22nd of June, 2021, found that Bamgbose (a.k.a Imisi) had been suspended as chairman of the party.

It also entered as the judgment of the court the terms of settlement executed by Barrister Taiwo Kabir Shote (a.k.a Pepe) on behalf of the Kashamu political family.

The consent judgment, which is based on the terms of settlement brokered by the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee of the party and executed on the 18th of March, 2021, by Shote on behalf of the Kashamu political family, has become the judgment of the court with respect to the Ogun State PDP.

With the latest development in court today, the coast is now clear for members of the Ogun State PDP Exco and delegates to attend the National Convention on Saturday.

Group to EFCC, Akume: Don’t Cover Up Gbajabiamila, Others over TSA Corruption

An Abuja-based non-governmental organization, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Minister of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, not to shield from investigation the Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila and some top members of staff over allegations of massive corruption, abuse of office and fraudulent diversion of public funds.
The group, in a statement signed by its Director in-charge of Welfare and Logistics, Mr. Akumabi Ojogbane, said it was regrettable that in spite of the several petitions and weighty allegations of corruption against Gbajabiamila, “he was still being kept in office and protected by some powerful Nigerians because of his deep pocket and connections”.
It recalled that through a petition dated 6th of July, 2020, which was addressed to the Minister of Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, EFCC and other relevant bodies, it highlighted some of the allegations against Gbajabiamila but up till now, nothing much has been done.
The group alleged that its scrutiny of the books of NLRC in 2020 revealed how over N100 million was withdrawn from the account of the commission using about 20 members of staff who are very close to the Director-General.
“In 2017, over N500 million was spent from the Commission’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) without appropriation. In 2018, over N960 million was spent from the Commission’s Internally-Generated Revenue without appropriation. In 2019, over N1billion was spent from the Commission’s Internally-Generated Revenue without appropriation (as against N75 million appropriated as administrative expenses). In 2020, over N1billion was spent from the Commission’s Internally-Generated Revenue without appropriation.”
The group wondered why an appointee of the President would “flout with impunity and reckless abandonment the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal Government and dip his hands into the commission’s IGR without consequences.”
Part of the statement reads: “A cursory look at the Audit Report for 2018 reveals chains of unapproved expenditures and spending sprees calculated to milk the NLRC dry. As a gross abuse of office, you (Gbajabiamila) authorized that your Personal Assistant (Bomodeoku Oyebode Olatunde) and Special Adviser (Akeju Olafadeke Iyabode) be paid the monthly emoluments of N65,041.75 (Sixty-Five Thousand, Forty-One Naira, Seventy-Five Kobo) as well as N450,000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), respectively from the IGR having listed them in the Main Payroll of the Commission. This is notwithstanding the fact that the employment of those staffers are predicated upon your own appointment as Director-General and their fringe benefits have been monetized according to the Federal Circular with Reference Number SGF.19/S.47/C. I/III/143 dated 13th July, 2007.
“Furthermore, the Commission has in 2017 lost revenue amounting to N39,000,000 (Thirty-Nine Million Naira) through arranged waiver in favour of Mobicards International Limited. The records showed that the Company in a letter addressed to you, dated 10th October, 2017, paid N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) out of its total indebtedness to National Lottery Trust Fund being N89,000,000 (Eighty-Nine Million Naira). In what looks like a pre-arranged situation, you did not hesitate to grant a waiver of N39,000,000 (Thirty-Nine Million Naira) for the company the same day that the letter got to your desk. This was done without the input of the Board and Management. You have no authority whatsoever under the law to grant waivers without recourse to the Board, Secretary to the Government of the Federation or the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, which oversees the Commission.”
The group faulted the claim of increased revenue performance at the NLRC, saying that the lottery and sports betting industry was doing far below its huge potentials when compared with smaller African nations “largely because of mindless insider abuse and collusion which put personal interest above national interest. Since Gbajabiamila became the DG of the commission, he has not done more than 50% of his projected revenue. In 2017, the budgeted revenue was N4 billion but only N1.4billion (representing 35% budget performance) was recorded as actual revenue. In 2018, N1.8 billion (representing 30%) was realised out of a budgeted revenue of N6 billion. In 2019, N2 billion (representing 50% budget performance) was realised out of a budgeted revenue of N4billion. The year 2020 is yet to be accounted for even when the 2021 financial year is about winding down.”
It added that “Nigerians are waiting to see whether the weighty allegations against Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, who is the younger brother of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and ally of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been making rounds in Government circles to suppress the matter and promote his brother for a second term in office will be swept under the carpet or not. We were all in this country when the likes of Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman and Mr. Adebayo Somefun were suspended indefinitely as the Chief Executive Officers of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over corruption allegations. After all, is it not said that what is good for the goose is good for the gander?”

2023: Pro-Ijebu Group Emerges

Ahead of the 2023 general election, a socio-political pressure group known as Ijebu Solidarity Movement (ISM) has been formed.

The group, which held its inaugural meeting at the weekend in Ijebu Ode, the headquarters of the old Ijebu Province, with representatives from the six local government areas that make up Ijebuland, said it was imperative for all sons and daughters of Ijebu land to be united.

This, it said, will help the group to create the much-needed political engagement and awareness across the state.

The group said it was committed to ensuring that the best among Ijebu sons and daughters are put forward to represent Ijebuland at various political fora and government offices.

Addressing the group at the weekend, the Protem Chairman, Otunba Remi Onasanya, who stood in for the Chairman, Pa... Banjo, recalled that the last time an Ijebu man was at the helm of affairs in Ogun State was in 1984 during the civilian administration of the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo.

"In the light of the above, one can safely say since then our people in Ijebu have not enjoyed what it means to be in government in terms of infrastructure and human capital development. This is in spite of our size, population and contributions to the development of our dear Ogun State," he said.

The group expressed its readiness to identify and work with Ijebu professionals various fields to arrive at a workable and sustainable development plan for Ijebuland and the state at large.

It advised political parties to instill discipline and party supremacy within their folds.

The group recalled the days "oba mewa" when the wise counsel of the elders and leaders were strictly adhered to, in the overall interest of Ijebuland.

It feared that if an Ijebu man does not become the governor of Ogun State in 2023, it might take another 20 years before it would happen.

The group added that if the above scenario plays out, it would be against the principles of equity, justice and good brotherliness bequeathed by the founding fathers of the state.

The stakeholders who attended the meeting from the various local government areas in Ogun State are Alhaji Bashiru Anibi (Ijebu Ode), Engr. Bayo Awosanya and Mrs Abolaji Adesanya (Ijebu North East), Alhaji Yinusa Olatoye and Hon Adefisan Adesola (Ijebu North), Hon Ogunfadebo Olaniyi and Chief S. A. Adebanjo (Ijebu East).

The duo of Chief Gbenga Adeodun and Alhaji Abdulwaheed Bolodeoku from Ogun Waterside and Odogbolu local government areas respectively sent their apologies but assured of their presence at the next meeting of the group.

KASHAMU COMPLETES ORU/ILAPORU POLICE STATION

The Oru/Ilaporu Police Station being built by the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the Senate, Prince Buruji Kashamu has been completed and it is now ready for commissioning.

The project, which was embarked upon with a view to curbing the security challenges in the communities, was built in fulfillment of the promise made by Senator Kashamu to the communities during the campaigns in 2015.

The police station, which is one of the many personal projects embarked upon by the lawmaker, contains a counter, two offices, two cells with three toilet facilities.

It also has a motorised borehole for steady supply of potable water.

The Senator's initiative has been commended by leaders in the communities as a giant step towards ensuring the security of lives and property.

Although no date has been fixed for the commissioning and handing over of the Police Station but it is now ready for occupation and usage.
#SPBKcares

KASHAMU: ANOTHER 365 DAYS OF SELFLESS SERVICE AT THE SENATE

By Austin Oniyokor

Today marks the second year anniversary of the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly. Fortunately, Senator Buruji Kashamu (Ogun East Senatorial District) was one of the 109 Senators inaugurated on the 9th of June, 2015.

Exactly one year ago, an account of his first one year in office, which included several developmental projects and initiatives, was rendered.
In the last 365 days, he has continued on the path of selfless service, effective representation and philanthropy as shall be seen presently.

Irrespective of whatever the naysayers may want to say, there are visible achievements – collectively and individually – that the 8th National Assembly, and the Senate in particular, has achieved.

Let us begin with the collective achievements. For the first time in about 25 years as a democracy, the 8th National Assembly has, in keeping with its promise and deference to public opinion, published the details of the budget of the National Assembly.
An ancillary benefit is the culture of prudence, transparency and accountability that is now being entrenched in the National Assembly even when it is common to hear some who had been used to the old ways of doing things grumble, there is no gainsaying the fact that there is a clear break with the past.

There are also the various legislations meant to promote the ease of doing business, block wastages and jump- start the nation’s weak economy; spend our way out of recession by improving our capital allocations in the 2017 budget.

This 8th National Assembly, particularly the Senate, has also ensured the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which had suffered several devastating blows fifteen (15) years after it was originally introduced.

Not a few industry watchers in the oil and gas sector have applauded the stride and hoped that it will herald a new dawn for the economy.
On the individual plane, Senator Kashamu has recorded a number of achievements in the last two years that are worth chronicling; more like an account of his stewardship in 24 months.

During the 2015 campaigns, he promised effective representation to the people of Ogun East Senatorial District by lobbying for the creation of Ijebu State, the resuscitation of Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Cargo Airport projects, the loss of power by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) changed all that.

Undaunted, Senator Kashamu began to explore ways of making the best out of the prevailing political realities and situation.

To be sure, the job of a lawmaker is well cut out for him. It includes legislation, performing oversight functions and effective representation/constituency activities.

While the legislative charge speaks to making laws for the good governance of the country and the oversight function seems more of a toothless bull dog that can literally bark and not bite, the effective representation/constituency activities is the one that has direct bearing on the lives of the constituents. More often than not, this is based on direct feedback and needs assessment of the constituents.

On the legislative front, Senator Kashamu has four bills to his credit. They are the Mental Health Bill, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act Amendment Bill, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Amendment Bill and the National Security Tax Fund Bill.

While the Mental Health Bill seeks to provide a modern legal framework for mental healthcare in Nigeria since the first and only one was passed in 1902, the NESREA Act Amendment Bill is meant to tweak the enabling Act setting up the agency and bring it in tune with the present realities as they concern the environment.

The FRSC Amendment Bill is meant to ensure a proper description of the areas of operation of the FRSC and state traffic agencies. Simply put, when passed, the Bill will restrict the operations of the FRSC to “Trunk A roads” and leave the “Trunk B and C roads” exclusively for the state and local governments as provided for in the Constitution.

The National Security Tax Fund could be said to have drawn inspiration from the gains of the Security Trust Fund in some states of the federation. It is the hope of the lawmaker that if passed into law, the Bill, which will help to voluntarily garner a pool of resources from high net worth individuals, corporate and multinational organisations, will serve as an additional source of funding for the security agencies. This will make them to be efficient and responsive to the emerging security challenges.

Recently, he and his colleagues in the Senate Committee on Works came under needless media attacks for allegedly seeking an increase in the pump price of petrol whereas all they sought to do through the National Road Fund Bill was to provide the legal framework that will compel the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to remit N5 that it ought to be remitting out of the current N145 pump price to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the maintenance of our roads.

This decision was reached after several debates and public sittings where stakeholders agreed that it would be inadequate to rely solely on appropriations as the only source of funds for road maintenance.
In the area of effective representation/constituency activities, Senator Kashamu has also not lagged behind.
As a grassroots politician who constantly relates and interacts with his constituents, he has been able to attract various landmark and identifiable projects to Ogun East Senatorial District based on his constituents’ requests and priorities.

The projects cut across the educational sectors, healthcare, rural electrification and the provision of potable water to communities. He has also been able to facilitate the distribution of various mobility aids, equipment and tools to his constituents.

In the educational sector, over nine schools have either been built or rehabilitated and furnished – one in each of the nine local government areas that make up Ogun East Senatorial District – as part of his constituency projects.

Some of the school projects included the construction of a block of three classrooms and furniture at Community High School, Ibiade, Ogun Waterside LGA; construction of a block of three classrooms at United Anglican Primary School, Iworo, Ijebu North East LGA; construction of a block of three classrooms at Christ Disciple Primary School, Atikori, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North LGA and the construction of a block of three classrooms and furniture at Ijebu Mushin Comprehensive High School, Ijebu East LGA.

Others are the construction of one block of three classrooms and furniture at Odogbolu Grammar School, Odogbolu, Odogbolu LGA; construction of one block of three classrooms at St. Bernabas Anglican Primary School, Ilishan, Ikenne LGA; construction of a block of three classrooms at Methodist Comprehensive High School, Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North LGA and construction of a block of three classrooms and furniture at the LG Primary School, Eluju, Remo North LGA.

They also include the construction of a block of three classrooms and furniture at Agbele Community High School, Sagamu LGA; rehabilitation of a block of three classrooms at St. Paul’s Primary School, Ijoku, Sagamu LGA and the rehabilitation of Ansar-Ud Deen Primary School 1, Ijebu Ode LGA.

The projects in the healthcare sector include the construction/renovation of primary healthcare centres, supply of drugs, equipment and provision of ambulances. Such initiatives are the rehabilitation of Community Health Centre, Ogijo, Sagamu LGA; supply of various hospital equipment, drugs and ambulance vehicle for the newly rehabilitated/constructed Community Health Centre, Itele, Ijebu East LGA and the Community Health Centre, Ogijo, Sagamu LGA respectively.

On the provision of potable water, several communities have benefitted from Senator Kashamu’s effective representation of Ogun East Senatorial District as no fewer than ten (10) motorized and solar-powered boreholes have been sunk in various communities.
Some of their locations are beside the Central Mosque, Oni, Ogun Waterside LGA; Iperu Motor Park, Ikenne LGA; Lekuti Market, beside Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Ijebu Ode LGA and Abule Oyo Market, Ijebu North LGA and Agboro village in Ode Remo, Remo North LGA.

In the area of rural electrification, eleven (11) transformers are due to be distributed to various communities within the senatorial district.
These and many more are the result of the quality representation/constituency activities of Senator Kashamu in the 2016 fiscal year.

Based on the needs assessment programme embarked upon by him, he identified and ensured the inclusion in the 2017 budget of many community-based projects such as the grading of rural roads in all the nine (9) local government areas in the senatorial district, rural electrification, construction of skill acquisition centres, provision of potable water and the procurement of tricycles and motorcycles.

Others include the construction of roads, erosion/flood control projects, supply of sewing machines, grinding machines and wheelchairs for the physically challenged, all geared towards empowering and enhancing the standard of living of his constituents.

Again, consistent with his belief that government alone cannot meet the needs of the people, Senator Kashamu has been using the platform of Omoilu Foundation to reach out to many people within Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State and beyond.

The foundation has embarked on various initiatives such as the granting of interest-free micro-credit scheme, scholarship, payment for surgeries and hospital bills, and several other empowerment schemes.

With these and several other initiatives too numerous to capture in a single piece, Senator Kashamu has continued to show that he is a rare breed and an uncommon leader and politician whose ears and heartbeat resonate with the yearnings and aspirations of the people, especially the down-trodden, whether it is the season for politicking or not. He lives for the people. Little wonder he is called “Authority, the People’s Senator”.

Oniyokor is the Media Adviser to Senator Buruji

Kashamu mourns Osotimehin

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruji Kashamu has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria's former Minister of Health and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin.

In a statement he issued today (Tuesday), Kashamu described Osotimehin as a thoroughbred professional, a gentleman and a great physician who was passionate about child and maternal mortality issues.

Recalling his days as the Minister of Health, Kashamu said: "He demonstrated an uncommon commitment to his job by working assiduously towards raising the bar and ensuring qualitative health care services to Nigerians in both the private and public hospitals."

He added that: "Ijebu Igbo, Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State, Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world has lost a role model and an exemplary medic. Prof. Osotimehin shall forever live in our hearts.

“On behalf of our community in Ijebu Igbo (Prof. Osotimehin and Senator Kashamu hail from the same town), the good people of Ogun East Senatorial District, I hereby express my heartfelt condolences to members of his immediate family, the management and staff of UNFPA, and the Government and people of Nigeria, on this great loss."

Prof. Osotimehin, the former Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), passed on in his home in New York on Sunday, June 4, 2017. He was 68 years old.

...says Fayose is depressed
 
The senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu, has said there is no case of extradition against him. 

He also described as wrong Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose’s call for President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation.

Kashamu, in a statement yesterday, said the Ekiti State governor’s call was unfortunate coming at a time eminent Nigerians were praying for the president’s recovery.

He said: “It is most unfortunate that while eminent and responsible Nigerians are praying for the quick recovery of our dear President, all a misguided state governor could do, apart from chasing the shadows of an illusionary elongation of his tenure, is to call for the resignation of the President. Is there any vacuum in governance? No!

We are all living witnesses to the marvelous work that the structure that has been put in place by this government is doing seamlessly. Anybody can be sick. Fayose himself is the one acting like a sick person; his erratic and unpredictable nature gives the impression of someone who lives on anti-depressant drugs. This is confirmed by his irrational call for the president’s resignation and compulsive rhetoric in the guise of opposition.

Fayose should concentrate on the task of governing Ekiti State; per chance he might end up accomplishing something meaningful.   Unfortunately, he burns his energy on unimportant things instead of using it to serve his people and fight for the interest of the Yoruba race. 

He cannot leave the reins of power for anyone because he is power drunk. He cannot also trust anyone with power. The cloak of seeking to complete the seven months that he was denied in 2006 when he was impeached is a tall dream – an impossibility!”

Kashamu described as sensational a news report about the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) saying they would halt extradition moves against him until all the court cases are disposed of.

The senator said: “It is all mischief and over sensationalism by some reporters. As judicial reporters, they should know that there is no extradition case anywhere against me. I was the one who went to court to commence contempt proceedings principally against the NDLEA when I learnt of their collusion with others to either kidnap or abduct me, in defiance of subsisting court judgments and orders from both home and abroad. But, good enough they came to court and denied the plan and stated on oath that they will respect court decisions and abide by the Rule of Law. Hence, my lawyers decided to withdraw the case. Moreover, in the latest court order issued on the 30th of May 2017 by a Federal High Court in Abuja, the court agreed with my lawyers that ”…the judgments of this Court have provided sufficient protection to the Applicant from being kidnapped...”

“Let me say it loud and clear: in the face of the law, I do not have any extradition case to answer. Political manipulation and wizardry is deadly in Nigeria; people can kill for power and pull down people for being upright and daring to stand up to the truth.

Politicians in Nigeria, especially of the Yoruba stock are wicked and evil-minded; they can do anything to cripple you. We do not have the fear of God. You can hardly see a Northerner pull down another northerner. I want to draw the attention of Nigerians and the whole world to the fact that there isn’t ANY pending extradition case against me in ANY court either here in Nigeria or any part of the world; nor any attempt to extradite me per say. What I have been fighting is any attempt to abduct or kidnap me in the guise of an extradition.

The purported extradition case that was filed against me in May 2015 was dismissed for being an illegality. In fact, the courts found it incomprehensible that any government official or agency could want to take any step or collaborate with some foreign agents under any guise to perpetrate an illegality after several courts had given judgments against such an action.”

On the way forward for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said: “Our party should adhere to the rule of law and remove all corrupt people from its midst. It is a known trend all over the world that if a party loses election due to issues of corruption and bad governance, the set of people who were in power when the party lost cannot be vying for leadership in the same party. The same set of corrupt people cannot be jostling for positions of leadership again.

“I am not by any stretch of imagination saying that this approach is the magic wand that will attenuate and atone for years of wrong done to our people. We must engage ourselves in a process that will restore the integrity of our party. We must identify genuine and selfless leaders and stoic loyalists all over this country.

It is also imperative to begin a rapprochement with the grassroots and also identify “strong minds, great hearts and ready hands”; men and women of honour and character whom the spoils of office cannot corrupt or derail. Revelations of the good, the bad and ugly of leadership are being made and the consequences are devastating; such revelations are as perilous as an outright revolution.

Perhaps it is for this reason that despite all the efforts to return the immediate past administration, Nigerians chose President Muhammadu Buhari whose integ integrity is unimpeachable.”

WHY YEMI OKE CAN'T BE SAN, BY GROUP



Chief Registrar of Supreme Court/Secretary

Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee,

Supreme Court of Nigeria,

Three Arms Zone,

Supreme Court Complex,

Abuja.

 

Sir,

 

COMPLAINT ON THE SUITABILITY OF DR. GANIYU ADEYEMI OKE FOR THE CONFERMENT OF THE RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA:

 

Organizing For Nigeria Initiative (ONI) is a civil society organization with objectives to promote good governance and integrity in the conduct of private and public life in Nigeria.

 

In the Public Notice/Advertorial published in The Nation newspaper of Friday, May 19, 2017 by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee,Dr. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke (also known fondly and generally as Dr. Yemi Oke) was   listed as one of the candidates who qualified to be awarded the prestigious rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) under the Academic Category. His name was listed as No. 1 under the category.

 

We write your Committee to show that by the antecedents, character, reputation and the general disposition of Dr. Yemi Oke in the way and manner he has conducted his legal practice and his dealings with the public in general, he is lacking in the requisite integrity, reputation and competence for this prestigious award.

 

Our position finds support in section 18 (2) and 19 (1) of the Guidelines For the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria 2013 to the effect that a candidate for the award of SAN “must be of good character and must have no pending disciplinary case or complaint relating to professional misconduct against him.” These sections also provide that a candidate who is adjudged by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee to be of bad behavior, whether in or out of court, poor temperament or propensity to insult or assault people or cause them harm or put them in state of fear of bodily harm; or who has evidence of moral depravity or other socially unacceptable behavior; or given to abuse of legal trust such as embezzlement or mismanagement of client’s funds is not eligible for the rank of SAN.

 

Premised on the above, we complain against the candidacy of Dr. Yemi Oke for the rank of SAN on the following grounds:

.

1.            Character, Reputation and Disposition of Dr. Yemi Oke:

 

Dr. Yemi Oke is not a stranger to the politics of Ogun State being a card- carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He served as the Legal Adviser and Executive Member of the Ogun State chapter of the PDP sometime in 2011. In the discharge of his duties as the Legal Adviser to the Chapter, he was found wanting in character, candor and professional disposition. For this reason, a panel constituted by the national leadership of the party disqualified him as an aspirant for the primaries for the Abeokuta South Federal Constituency to the House of Representatives in the following terms:

 

“The three contestants who were last Friday disqualified by the screening panel headed by Gen. A.B. Mamman from contesting the PDP primaries for National Assembly asprants for their alleged roles in the political crisis in Ohun State ….. Oke was also disqualified on the basis that he failed to use his superior knowledge of the law to advise the party properly, thereby orchestrating the crisis in the party, using his position as a lawyer to destabilize the party and cause disunity contrary to desirable qualities and code of conduct for party members.”

           

Attached and marked asAnnexure I is the certified true copy of The Punchnewspapers which reported the disqualification of Dr. Yemi Oke. Against the back ground of his conduct as legal practitioner which had been deprecated in a court’s ruling as would be shown shortly, we hold the view that Dr. Yemi Oke will be a burden and an embarrassment to the Inner Bar.

 

2.            Abuse of Client’s Trust, Judicial Process and Duplicity:

 

In the discharge of his professional duties as a Legal Practitioner, Dr. Yemi Oke has not only abused the legal trust reposed in him by his clients, he has also encouraged parties to take steps that would ultimately result in the abuse of judicial process. He has once advised adverse parties in a case on steps and strategies, which if adopted, will frustrate his client’s case and position. In Suit No: FHC/L/CS/605/16 Chief Pegba v Otemolu vs. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors, as Counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the 2nd party in the said suit, Dr. Yemi Oke, instead of pushing the case of his client, was caught advising Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, the major driver and financier of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP challenging the legality of Ali Modu Sheriff, the Acting Chairman of 2nd defendant.

 

The 2nd defendant became aware of the antics and unethical conduct of Dr. Yemi Oke, in a text message sent from his (Dr. Yemi Oke’s) telephone number:08023148096 meant for Governor Ayo Fayose but which was sent in error to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the Acting National Chairman of PDP. This abuse of trust, betrayal and duplicity culminated in Dr. Yemi Oke being changed as counsel for PDP. Enclosed herewith is the Further Affidavit of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff in support of the Notice of Change of Counsel, marked as Annexure II, which speaks eloquently about the duplicity of Dr. Yemi Oke in the handling of his client’s case. (See paragraphs 2 – 5 thereof).

 

 

3.            Unethical Conduct and/or Professional Misconduct:

 

Dr. Yemi Oke is on record as, a part of the gang of Legal Practitioners, who have no qualms in filing frivolous appeals which serve no purpose other than to delay proceedings and give an advantage to his clients which the judicial process does not envisage. In doing so, it does not matter to him, if the judicial process and the trial Judge are brought into disrepute.

 

a.      In order to stall the proceedings of the 15th day of August, 2016 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016: Dr. Ali Modu Sheriff &Ors vs. Independent National Electoral Commission &Ors, Dr. Yemi Oke, for and on behalf of one Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, a total stranger to the proceedings, filed an application praying the trial Judge for leave to appeal against a purported ruling of the court. One Dolapo Kehinde Esq., who held his brief applied for the case to be adjourned or otherwise stood down to enable Dr. Yemi Oke, who pretended to be held up somewhere at the airport from appearing in court personally to take charge of the day’s proceedings.

 

b.     Based on what he, Dr. Yemi Oke in his wild imagination termed a ruling of the trial Judge, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/464/2016, an appeal was filed to the Court of Appeal. In the said appeal, which he lacked the courage to pursue to conclusion, he joined the trial Jude, Hon. Justice O. E. Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja personally as the 1stRespondent. The said Notice of Appeal is hereto attached and marked as Annexure II.

 

c.      Just to satisfy his client and put the exalted judicial office of a Judge into disrepute, Dr. Yemi Oke did not have any qualms in accusing the trial Judge of bias and making him a party personally in his said appeal, a practice which has been roundly condemned by all, including the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court as not only unpardonable but also tantamount to gross misconduct.

 

d.     In his Ruling in No. FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016,the trial Judge spared no words in condemning this unethical conduct of Dr. Yemi Oke, for  filing the appeal when no appealable decision had been taken, and particularly, for the more ignominious practice of joining a trial Judge, personally, as respondent in his purported appeal. The Committee is invited to read through the record of proceedings of the 15th of August hereto marked asAnnexure III, pages 7 – 9, 13 – 14, and particularly, pages 27 – 31 thereof for what the trial Judge said of the antics of Dr. Yemi Oke:

 

“Again another counsel, Dolapo Kehinde announced appearance for Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, a total stranger to the proceedings not being a party to the suit and filed a motion from nowhere dated 3rdday of August, 2016 praying the Court for leave to appeal against the ruling of the Court dated 28th July, 2016 on a purported findings made by the Court in that ruling that was not an appealable decision. The finding was not properly quoted from the ruling of the Court. The findings he made reference to was not related to the ruling of the Court. He relied on a purported findings allegedly made by the Court in the Court’s ruling on 28th July 2016 based on his own imagination. ….. The stranger to the proceedings even filed a notice of appeal without leave of Court and made my humble self a party to the incompetent appeal not binding (minding) the judicial immunity conferred on the Court having regard to the provisions of section 188 of the Evidence Act and also contrary to the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case NKOP VS ETUK supra to the effect that no judicial officer can be sued on the issue relating to the discharge of judicial duties.”

 

e.      The above portion of the trial Judge’s Ruling, appropriately captures Dr. Yemi Oke, the lawyer, his practice, conduct and respect for the judicial process, and exalted positions of Judicial Officers, if any. The conclusion of the trial Judge at pages 30 – 31 of the said Ruling is quite instructive in profiling Dr. Yemi Oke and his unsuitability for the rank of SAN. According to the trial Judge:

 

“The said application is hereby dismissed. Heavy cost would have been awarded against Hon. Ogundele for his unholy conduct unbecoming of a person who claims to be civilized. The lawyer that assisted him in filing these frivolous processes, Dr. Yemi Oke was conscious of his unethical conduct (sic) and failed to appear in Courtand rather sent a junior to Court to receive the consequences of his unethical conduct save for the intervention of Chief A. Akintola (SAN).”

 

f.       The unethical conduct of Dr. Yemi Oke as captured by this Ruling holds him out as a person unfit to be honoured with the prestigious rank of SAN, an award designed to celebrate excellence in the legal profession. We have no doubts whatsoever that the kind of unholy and unethical conduct displayed by Dr. Yemi Oke, who knowing the enormity of his actions rather preferred to set up his junior to receive the bullets while he stays away under the pretense that he was held up on the way, is unbecoming of any lawyer who aspires to put on the silk.

 

g.      The Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen (now CJN) of the Supreme Court in the celebrated appeals by one faction of the PDP against decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division to the Supreme Court to determine the party’s candidate for the governorship of Ondo State in 2016, described a SAN who joined Justices of the Court of Appeal, personally as respondents in an appeal like Dr. YemiOke in the instant case as “a disgrace to the legal profession”.

h.     This unethical conduct and/or professional misconduct associated with Dr. Yemi Oke; his lack of respect and regard for the due administration of justice and judicial officers; and his willingness to abuse his position as a minister in the temple of justice if that will help him stall the course of justice and give his clients pyrrhic victory, are not qualities that commend a lawyer to be honored with the rank of SAN.

 

4.            Dr. Yemi Oke’s Penchant for Abuses and Insulting Judges:

 

We need to add also that a lawyer like Dr. Yemi Oke who in his public statements have no qualms in describing judicial officers as “corrupt judges” and “paid judges”, not minding that the National Judicial Council (NJC), the only official organ with power to investigate and sanction such judges, has not condemned them is not a fit and proper person to be conferred with the rank of SAN. We attach and mark as Annexure IV, a publication of Dr. Yemi Oke on the social media entitled “UN-SENATORIAL MIS-STATEMENTS OF A MISFIT SENATOR IN THE RULING OF HC OF OGUN DATED 24/9/16” where he has deployed terrible and very demeaning appellatives in describing innocent judicial officers, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. This type of conduct which we also consider unethical does not commend Dr. Yemi Oke as one worthy of any type of honour by the legal profession.

 

5.            Pending Complaint Against Dr. YemiOke:

 

From the public utterances and writings of Dr. Yemi Oke who has a penchant for telling anyone who cares to know that all the pending complaints of unethical conduct and/or professional misconduct associated with his person and legal practice before the NBA Disciplinary Committee would amount to nothing, we came to know that there are unresolved complaints calling for disciplinary action against him. Our inquiry at the NBA Secretariat confirmed the pendency of several complaints against Dr. Yemi Oke, brought by lawyers and other highly-placed citizens since 2016. Most, if not all of the complaints are yet to be determined by the NBA. We are unable to attach some of the petitions and Dr. Yemi Oke’s response, as annexures herein, due to our inability to obtain copies from the NBA. But the NBA National Secretariat, as headed by the General-Secretary of the NBA, is well aware of the pending and unresolved petitions. The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee may wish to call for such complaints and responses for and against Dr. Yemi Oke.

 

6.            Involvement in the Panama Papers Scandal:

 

It is also public knowledge that Dr. Yemi Oke was named as one of the lawyers involved in the infamous Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca scandal, who was alleged to have helped incorporate shell entities to evade tax and sell secrecy in perpetration of financial fraudulent dealings. We also attach a publication of Premium Times to the effect as Annexure V. 

 

 

Our Conclusion

 

A proper appraisal of each of the matters raised against the candidacy of Dr. Yemi Oke for the award of the rank of SAN shows that he is serially caught by the provisions of section 18 (2) and 19 (1) of the 2013 Guidelines for the said award. We therefore urge the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee to investigate these matters, all of which are in the public domain and in consequence thereof disqualify Dr. Yemi Oke from being honoured with the rank of SAN.

 

We are hopeful that your Committee will duly consider the matters herein raised and come to a decision that will save the inner Bar from the likes of Dr. YemiOke who, by his professional misconduct and/or unethical conduct, disposition, and dealings with the public, and unguarded utterances, does not possess the requisite character, reputation and good disposition to represent the best in the Nigerian Bar.

 

Accept the assurances of our best regards.

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

Mr. Uche Nnadozie

Executive Director (ONI)

Again, Kashamu's Omoilu donates vehicle to community leader

A community leader, Alhaji Moshood Adeshina, of Elere Onigbedu village in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, has become the the latest beneficiary of the Senator Buruji Kashamu-inspired Omoilu Foundation empowerment programme when he was presented with a Mercedes-Benz C240 on Wednesday.

It was a moment of unspeakable joy for Alhaji Moshood as he rushed into enter into the car to feel its comfort.

Speaking after collecting the car keys, Alhaji Moshood described Senator Kashamu as a friend of the masses and a giver who does not expect reward from anybody.

According to him, Kashamu is generous and honourable, in words and action, describing him as a philanthropist of note, a man whose passion to touch lives through Omoilu Foundation is unparalleled, a leader of substance and integrity and one that is fully committed to the cause of the down-trodden.

Moshood described the lawmaker as “a philanthropist whose antecedents and actions remain the improvement of the socio-economic lives of the down-trodden. He takes delight in wealth creation and distribution, thereby developing the country from bottom up.”

He admonished well-to-do Nigerians to emulate the lawmaker, adding that it is only when they empower the citizens that a better society for all can be guaranteed.

Again, Kashamu rebuilds Mosque

In continuation of efforts geared towards improving the socio-cultural infrastructure in Ijebu North Local Government Area, the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has completed the rebuilding of Olowu compound Mosque, Oke Shopin in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

A member of the Ijebu North Local Government Alfas in council, Alfa Jamiu Adegbesan commended the lawmaker for the gesture, saying that it will boost the growth of Islam and its propagation.

Alfa Adegbesan further stated that: “We should all go back to God and live our lives according to Islamic injunctions. We should always endeavour to take daily stocks of our lives and fear God. This mosque has been here for so long, before Senator Kashamu voluntarily came to rebuild it, we have been reaching out to well-to- do Muslims in Ijebu North Local Government Area to assist in renovating it, no one seems to care about it,’’

Adegbesan also urged Muslims to properly use the mosque and endeavour to assist each other .As at the time of writing this report, the Odogbolu Central Mosque in Odogbolu Local Government Area is currently going through some major renovations as part of the lawmaker's personal contribution to the enhancement of socio-cultural infastructure in the local government area.

When will these rabble rousers stop this their wild goose chase? By now they should know that this man is God sent, they should please stop playing God, you can mock God. Tell your paymasters to concentrate on how they will gain the trust of the masses once again.

Like a very good friend of mine use to say; dead on arrival, this watery piece is not an exception.... It is dead on arrival.

Long live our distinguished senator.

Long live Buruji Kashamu.

Community leader praises Kashamu for renovating Mosque

A community leader in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Pa. Ibrahim Adesope has expressed delight at the pace the senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu is fulfilling the promises made to the people of the local government area during the 2015 election campaign.

Adesope is particularly thrilled by the ongoing upgrade of Odogbolu Central Mosque by the Senator, noting that it is noteworthy that the gigantic project is the lawmaker's personal contribution towards the growth of Islam in Odogbolu.

"This is a massive project. I went there to see the level of work. We now have aluminum windows everywhere; tilers were also busy fixing the floor tiles. The mosque is completely wearing a new look. It is the first of its kind in Odogbolu. This is commendable.

"For so long, we have been waiting for this to happen. Allah will surely reward him for his good deed," Adesope said.

Adesope called on well-to-do individuals in the country to emulate the lawmaker in embarking on legacy projects that outlive them, adding that that was the only way our world can be a better place for all.

Anxiety as Supreme Court hears PDP's appeal tomorrow

*Makarfi lacks the right to appeal in PDP's name, says Sheriff

*No, National Convention empowers me, says Makarfi


The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given reasons why the Supreme Court cannot hear an appeal marked: SC/133/2017 brought before it by the sacked National Caretaker Committee of the party led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Ali Modu Sheriff (as Chairman), Prof. Wale Oladipo (as Secretary) said the Makarfi Committee, having been declared illegal by the February 17, 2017 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, lacked the powers to take decisions for the party, including initiating court proceedings in its name.

The PDP leadership stressed this position in a written arguments it made in support of an application it filed on March 21, 2017 seeking the striking out of the appeal filed on February 27, 2017 by the Markafi Committee against the February 17 Appeal Court’s judgment. The written submission was filed on May 10 in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive on May 4, 2017.

The PDP leadership is contending that the Makarfi Committee did not obtain the necessary authorisation of the PDP to appeal in its name and on its behalf, because the PDP under the current leadership, was comfortable with the Appeal Court judgment and did not intent to challenge it.

It further contented, in the address written by a group of lawyers led by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), that since the Court of Appeal, in its February 17 judgment, declared that Sheriff-led NEC as the authentic leadership organ of the PDP, the Makarfi-led Committee could no longer pursue an appeal in the name of the party.

The Sheriff-led PDP leadership argued that the decision of the Makarfi committee to file an appeal in the name of the PDP without its (the party’s) authorisation was not only illegal, it violated the party’s constitution.
Relying on the provisions of Chapter 5, Articles 35(1), 36(1) and 42(1) of the PDP constitution, it argued that the party, with a corporate personality, could only act through the principal national officer, whose powers and functions are stated in the constitution.

It referred to a May 18, 2016 judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1443/2016, ordering a return to status quo as at May 18, 2016 and the subsequent ruling of the Federal High Court in suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016, to the effect that only the Sheriff NEC could instruct lawyers for the party, and urged the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, had in the extant ruling dated 30th June, 2016 held that, "Any action taken by the Senator Makarfi caretaker committee having regard to the subsistence of the orders of the ‎Lagos Division of this court inclusive of the authority to issue letter of instructions to Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) or any other person as counsel to act for Peoples Democratic Party is unlawful, illegal and according declared null and void...Unless the order of Lagos division of this court is set aside,Senator Makarfi led caretaker committee of Peoples Democratic Party acts in vain in affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party...Dr. Alimodu Sheriff is the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party inclusive of the authority to appoint a counsel to represent it in court."

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court Court in Lagos had given two earlier orders forbidding PDP from removing Sheriff, Oladipo and others.

The first was on the 12th of May, 2016, which stated as follows: "An order of interlocutory injunction is granted to the plaintiffs/applicants restraining the 2nd defendant/respondent from conducting any election into the offices of the national chairman, national secretary and national auditor occupied by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit."

The second order was made on the 20th of May, 2016, which was to the effect that: "An order is made directing the parties herein not to take any step that will foist a fait accompli on the Court."

It was based all these subsisting orders and judgment, which are yet to be appealed or set aside, as well as the alleged violation of the PDP Constitution on the process leading to the removal of party officers that the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal in its 17th February, 2017 judgment nullified all the actions taken at the controversial 21st of May, 2016 National Convention of the PDP and sacked the Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee.

The court held thus: "It is my holding on this issue that the purported National Convention held on 21/5/2016 was in contravention of a lawful court order and its own constitution, therefore all the decisions taken thereof are hereby set aside by me. Parties are ordered to maintain the status quo ante bellum, as pronounced by Mohammed J., in Suit No: fHC/Hc/CV/1443/2016..."

The Sheriff-led PDP leadership noted that it has not by its argument said the Makarfi Committee cannot appeal the May 17 judgment of the Appeal Court, having been parties in the case from the trial court, it (the Makarfi Committee) or its members could only appeal as interested parties after first, obtaining the court’s leave to so appeal.

In a counter argument, the Makarfi Committee, represented by a group of lawyers led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), wants the court to discountenance the Sheriff NEC’s arguments and proceed to hear its appeal, in which it among others, urged the Supreme Court to set aside the Appeal Court judgment of February 17.

In its reply argument dated May 15, 2017, the Makarfi Committee queried the legitimacy of the application filed by the Sheriff-led NEC and argued that it was not only strange, but intended to frustrate the hearing of the main appeal.

It argued that it was wrong for Sheriff and others, who had briefed Akin Olujinmi (SAN) to represent them in the substantive appeal and had filed a respondents’ brief, in which they also made similar arguments in relation to the competence of the appeal, cannot again, brief Fagbemi to ask the court not to hear the appeal but to strike it out.

Relying on Order 8 Rule 6 (1), (2) and (4) of the Supreme Court’s Rules, the Makarfi Committee faulted the March 15, 2017 letter of the Sheriff-led NEC applying to withdraw the appeal and the subsequent application for its strike out. It argued that since the appeal was not filed by Sheriff and others, they lacked the right to apply to withdraw it.

In a response on point of law, filed by Fagbemi on May 18, the Sheriff-led NEC faulted all legal arguments by the Makarfi Committee, urged the court to discountenance its contention and hold that it lacked the locus standi to file an appeal in the name of the PDP, having been sacked by a subsisting judgment.

On the issue of representation, they explained that while Fagbemi and others are representing the‎ PDP as a party, Olujinmi is leading a team for Sheriff and Oladipo, sued in their personal capacities and representing the National officers, NWC and NEC of the PDP.

In the substantive appeal, among other issues, it is the contention of the Sheriff's lawyers that the appeal should either be dismissed or struck out because the supposed appellants (Makarfi's PDP) did not ‎obtain neither the leave of the Court of Appeal nor that of the Supreme Court before filing the the appeal which is based on facts or mixed law and facts.

The Makarfi Committee has, however filed processes, seeking to regularise their processes. But, this was done after parties had joined issues and briefs exchanged.

Meanwhile, it was learnt over the weekend that the Supreme Court has rescheduled the hearing of the appeal relating to the PDP leadership dispute for tomorrow (May 22).

The court had, on the last date, May 4, 2017 ordered the filing of the written briefs and adjourned to May 25 for hearing. It could not be ascertained what informed the court’s decision to bring the date forward.

Kashamu Pays Condolence Visit To Slain Shaykh Yussuf Family

...says killers will know no peace

The senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu on Saturday, paid a condolence visit to Shaykh Ahmad Salam over the death of his son, Shaykh Yussuf Abdul Salam.

The lawmaker was received by the late Shaykh's Father, Shaykh Ahmad Abdul Salam ( Khalifat Ipamurin) and the entire Zumuratul Muhmin world wide.

While consoling the family, Senator Kashamu described Shaykh Yusuf's death as a bitter pill to swallow.

“Shaykh Yussuf was a good Islamic scholar and a gentleman according to the information at my disposal; he did his best in propagating Islam in Ijebu Ode and beyond, this unfortunate incident is difficult to come to terms with, it is a hard one for the people of Ogun State.

“His killers will know no peace, they have murdered sleep and they will never sleep, by the grace of God, Police will find his killers and they shall be brought to book. Almighty Allah will give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, the lawmaker said.

Shaykh Yussuf Abdul Salam, his wife and four children were shot dead in Ijebu Ode in the early hours of Tuesday by gunmen suspected to be assassins.

Kashamu was accompanied by the special adviser to the PDP National chairman on media, Senator Alimodu Sheriff, Prince Segun Seriki, the Ogun State Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Otunba Niyi Osoba, Ogun PDP chieftains, Prince Ade Alatishe, Alhaji Bisi Quadri, Chief Taiwo Fetuga amongst others.

GARLANDS TO A GREAT LEADER @ 59

Our amiable Chairman, Engr. Adebayo Dayo, on behalf of the State Working Committee and the whole PDP family in Ogun State, heartily felicitate with our irrepressible Leader, Distinguished Senator (Prince) Buruji Kashamu on your 59th Birthday anniversary.


Sir, you have demonstrated time and again that you are a reliable and dependable leader. Your unusual passion for the party remains a motivation for us all and your uncommon milk of human kindness have distinguished you as a rare human breed sent to comfort this generation.


We pray Almighty God to continue to preserve, increase and keep all that you hold dear in life. We are proud and happy to be associated with you Sir. 


Signed: 

Bolaji Adeniji
(State Publicity Secretary)

For: Ogun PDP Family

OMOILU SALUTES KASHAMU @ 59

The board and management of Omoilu Foundation has congratulated its founder, Senator Buruji Kashamu, as he marks his 59th birthday today.

The Foundation, in a statement by its Media Officer, Mr. Oyejide Sunkanmi, said: “The Ogun State Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Otunba Niyi Osoba, on behalf of the board, management, staff and members of the Foundation across the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, celebrates a quintessential democrat, a philanthropist of note, icon of humility, a remarkable man of peace and friend of the masses, Senator Buruji Kashamu as he turns 59 today."

The statement further read: "Distinguished sir, the board, management, staff and members of Omoilu Foundation across Ogun State join your family in giving thanks to the Almighty Allah for His numerous blessings in your life as you celebrate this milestone.

“We are indeed proud that in various ways you have demonstrated that the true essence of leadership lies in applying its uncommon values to the general good rather than self and that one could get to the very top and yet remain honest and humble.

“As you mark your birthday today, we pray God to continue to grant you good health, wisdom and many more years so that mankind will continue to draw
from your wealth of experience, forthrightness, benevolence and exceptional statesmanship.

“May Almighty Allah ceaselessly prosper you and bless you with robust health as you continue to give of yourself in the service of our dear Ogun State.”