₦airaland Forum

Abiodun Congratulates Akpabio, Abbas, says new NASS leadership final fulfilment of installation of transformational leadership

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday congratulated former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging as the President of the Senate.

Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State polled a total of 63 votes to defeat his closest rival, Abdulhasis Yari, also a former Governor of Zamfara State, who scored 46, while Barau Jibrin emerged as the Deputy President of the 10th senate unopposed.

The governor, who personally witnessed the elections both at the Senate and House of Representatives, also congratulated Hon. Tajudeen Abbas who emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives with Hon. Benjamin Kalu becoming the Deputy Speaker.

Abiodun, in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina, described the emergence of the new NASS leadership as the final fulfilment of the installation of transformational leadership in the country, which began with the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor added that the emergence of both Akpabio and Abbas as the leaders of the 10th NASS was in line with the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that it was a testament to the confidence reposed in them by the party and their colleagues to steer the ship of the legislative arm of government.

Describing the new leadership as a round peg in a round hole, Governor Abiodun said Akpabio has a wealth of knowledge to deploy in managing the affairs of the senate having been a governor and a minister.

Hon. Abbas, the governor added has garnered the requisite legislative knowledge for a smooth working relationship with the executive.

He said that the combination of Akpabio and Abbas will help President Tinubu in his transformation agenda for the country.

He urged the lawmakers to collaborate with the leadership in foisting on the nation, a vibrant legislature, while also calling for a harmonious relationship with the executive in the quest to reposition and transform Nigeria.

10th Senate: New Senate President must leave above board- Jackson Lekan Ojo advises Akpabio


A security expert and public analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo has congratulated the newly elected Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, imploring him to be truly independent and vibrant in the manner he discharges his leadership responsibility.

Ojo added that the emergence of Akpabio was ordained by God being the determinant of power and leadership, arguing that the four Senators that contested with him were equally eminently qualified to emerge as the Senate President.

Ojo, in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, opined that except those among his challengers who later chickened out of the race, the rest, especially Senator Yari campaigned with so much vigour and determination.

The security expert, however, reminded Akapabio that he is just the first among the equals, meaning that every other Senator in the red chamber has the constitutional right to be Senate President, adding that he should not see his present position as a vantage advantage to oppress his colleagues.

He explained that going by the composition of the Senate, in which the Senate President emerged by simple majority, Akpabio should be careful not to fall victim of impeachment by those disgruntled senators who were not in support of his emergence and could impeach him through the same simple majority.

Ojo said:" Power belongs to God, he contested very keenly, Yari contested very keenly, Orji Uzor Kalu contested very keenly, the same thing with Osita and Sani Musa from Niger State, except for Orji Uzor Kalu and may be another one that chickened out at the end of the day, Yari tried and the senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have the rights to elect their President and they have taken decision and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

"If it goes well with them, it is their decision if it is otherwise, it is their decision , but the only thing I want to say is that is not that Akpabio is not qualified, he has been former Governor and a minority leader in the 8th National Assembly but to me, when he was the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, he offended a lot of people including my humble self and there is no way he could have ameliorate it, then, he is there now as the Senate President, like I said earlier power belongs to God.

"As a Senate President, if I want to advise him I will urge him not to be a rubber-stamp like the 9th Senate, or see that position as vantage opportunity to oppress his colleagues, I am not saying he should be confrontational with the President but he must maintain independence as the head of legislature.

"He must not forget that only about 25 per cent of the senators have the requisite experience and acumen about legislative governance, the rest could be described as green-horns in the chamber, so when you are dealing with people like that you must be careful.

"Now, they have set a precedence, when the president or the party dabbled into the affairs of who becomes the Senate President, it is an aberration of the law, and when that happens, you are building monolithic Government that will bring about autocratic leadership.

"Well, in any case, I congratulate him and wish him well".

JUNE 12: OGUN PILGRIMS PRAY FOR MKO, TINUBU ABIODUN IN MECCA

Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has organized a special prayer in honor of democracy hero, late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, in the Holy city of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the prayer session, the State Amirul Hajj, Professor Kamaldeen Balogun said Abiola's name remain indelible as one who fought for the democracy being enjoyed by all
today, describing his love for the country as purely genuine.

He said June 12 is not just a day but a time to remember an hero who fought and sacrificed his life for Nigeria.

Prof Balogun thereafter prayed for successful tenure of the present administration in the State and the country.

In his contribution, the chairman Ad-hoc Committee, Imam (Dr.) Tajudeen Ashaye, eulogised MKO Abiola's kind of love for his country, to the extent of sacrificing his life for the people to enjoy dividend of democracy.

Also speaking, the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, said Late Abiola was being remembered as a result of his good deeds while alive, praying that Allah grant him Aljanah.

Lending his voice, one of the Ad-hoc committee member, Alhaji Olatunde Oladunjoye described late Abiola as a philanthropist who extended his love and support to many, praying that God uphold his family, just as he prayed for the present administration in Ogun State to achieve excellently all set goals.

One the pilgrims, Alhaji Tijani Nojeem, who also acknowledged the struggle of late MKO for democracy said he will forever be remembered appreciating prince Dapo Abiodun's administration in State for the welfare package for pilgrims, as he rated the accommodation, movement and other amenities as topnotch when compared to other states.

Vote buying: Your petition to IGP an afterthought, diversionary, group slams Adebutu, asks him to present himself for trial


A group, Ogun Integrity Vanguard (OIV), has asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, to present himself for trial instead of writing frivolous petitions to the police over his vote buying scandal.


According to OIV, it is disturbing that after the Federal Government had investigated their vote buying plot and charged them to court, Adebutu and some accused members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State are now writing petitions to the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, asking him to investigate Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for vote buying too.

The group made its position known in a statement signed by its secretary, Duro Thomas, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday.


Thomas said: “It is common knowledge that following their alleged role in facilitating vote buying during the March 18 governorship polls in Ogun State, the Federal Government charged Hon Ladi Adebutu and a leading Deposit Money Bank, Zenith Bank Plc, together with its Managing Director, Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, to court for conspiracy, bribery and money laundering.


“The charges, which were filed by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B Abubakar; the Assistant Chief State Counsel, Aderonke Imana and Senior State Counsel, Bagudu Sani, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, detailed how Adebutu and the co-accused “on or about 18th of March at Ibara, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire among yourselves to corruptly give gifts in form of verve prepaid cards which had inscribed on them ‘Dame Caroline Oladuni Adebutu Memorial Endorsement Scheme for Less Privileged’ in order to induce voters to endeavour the return of PDP candidates during the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Ogun State.

“Adebutu was further accused of providing 200,000 prepaid verve cards loaded with N10,000 each and inscribed with the same name “for the purpose of corruptly influencing voters to vote for PDP candidates” during the said elections.

“Given these incontrovertible facts, it is laughable that these people are desperately trying to push a counter narrative too late in the day. Pray,, when did they realize that APC loaded cards to buy votes? There is nothing like that in the Petition they filed.”

According to Thomas, when the PDP candidate took Governor Dapo Abiodun to the Ogun Election Petitions Tribunal over the outcome of the March 18 polls, he never pleaded vote buying by Abiodun and APC as one of the grounds of his appeal.

He added that it is trite law that in an election case, as indeed all civil cases, parties are bound by their pleadings and the court is not a Father Christmas that would grant them what they never pleaded for.

He stated that since Adebutu never took Abiodun to court for either ballot snatching or vote buying, he could not lead evidence on it, adding that this is settled law.

He said: “Adebutu’s pleading is that he won election, that votes were cancelled where he won, and that Governor Abiodun’s margin of victory was slim; he cannot make a 360-degree turn now and ask for something else.


“On the contrary, Dapo Abiodun and APC in their deposition mentioned his illegally acquire votes and vote buying plot through Verve cards to manipulate the electoral process, and the fact that suspects arrested by the Nigeria Police, NSCDC and NDLEA made confessional statements that indicted the PDP candidate.

“Strangely, Adebutu has now woken up after election to spew balderdash with a view to diverting attention away from himself.

“He was invited by the police but he has been on the run. Now he wants the same police to act on his behalf by going after his perceived enemies based on trumped up charges. How logical is that?


“He should realize that he cannot run away from the law forever, cciting non-existent threat to life, He should present himself for trial without delay.”

ADEBUTU, FUGITIVE ON THE RUN
- Ogun APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has called on the defeated People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the last governorship election, Ladi Adebutu, to return to Nigeria and face criminal charges filed against him instead of turning himself to a “big bundle of contradictions”.

In a statement signed by the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogunsanya Olusola Blessed, the party begged Ladi Adebutu to “please come back home and face his criminal charges because he cannot run forever”

The statement read further: “We do not wish to join issues with Adebutu on his baseless petition against the duly elected Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, but only to advise him to return home to face pending criminal charges against him and his cohorts. “Medical check-up” cannot be forever, just as he cannot run away forever from the law.

“At one point, the fugitive said his life “was being threatened”, at another point his lawyers, Ehi Uwaifoh and Co, wrote on May 2, 2023 to the police acknowledging police invitation to Adebutu to interact with the police same May 2, 2023. Surprisingly, as at yesterday, in some publications, the bundle of contradictions said he “was never invited by the police”


Ijo Uwaifoh and Co in its letter dated May 2, 2023 and addressed to the police wrote that: “we act for and represent Hon Ladi Adebutu and it’s on his instruction and behalf that we write you as follows: Our Client was informed on Saturday April 29, 2023 that he has a letter of invitation from your office inviting him for May 2, 2023.
Prior to the delivery of your letter, our client has left the country for his Medicals and his return date is dependent on his doctors”

“That is the same Adebutu, now at large, attempting to mislead the public via their pliable media smatterings that he was never invited by the police. He is nothing but a fugitive running away from the law. Ogun State would have become a laughing stock if an incompetent character like Adebutu had become Governor!

“In the Reply he filed in response to our pleadings at the Tribunal, he falsely claimed he has never been invited for questioning by any law enforcement agency. Yet he is in court against the AGF and others and in the processes filed, he exhibited a letter of invitation! This is even enough to convict him for perjury!

“We call on the PDP to demonstrate obedience to the laws of the land, by persuading its defeated candidate, Ladi Adebutu, to come back home and face his criminal trial and stop blabbing from self-imposed exile.”

Rather than blame others for his travails, he should be manly enough to take advantage of the opportunity offered to him by the law to answer to the charges. He alone decided, on the 27th of February to apply to Zenith Bank for the issuance of the 200,000 cards. He alone, beginning from the 6th of March 2023, started to take delivery of the cards from his account officer. He alone, on the 16th and 17th of March 2023, on the eve of the Gubernatorial elections, decided to fund the 200,000 cards with the sum of 10,000 Naira each from his personal account at Zenith Bank! These were the same cards he distributed, through his agents, some of whom were arrested, to voters on Election Day! Neither Governor Dapo Abiodun nor bthe APC asked, aided or encouraged him to do any of these things. So why blame others now for his fool-hardiness?

APC as a law abiding party will use all possible legal means not only to defend the mandate given to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by the good people of Ogun State, but will also ensure all those who flouted electoral laws are held accountable for their actions so as to serve as deterrent to others who in the future might be tempted to tread the same ignoble path.”

The wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Ayedatiwa, has described as blatant lies and total falsehood, that her husband, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, who is the incumbent Deputy Governor of Ondo State physically assaulted her severally in the public, saying such allegation was a mere imagination of it's purveyors.

Mrs Ayedatiwa added that the women group that made such allegation is faceless and fake, as she denied making any statement or complaint through any social media channel.

She further warned politicians in the State to desist from using her family to settle any cheap political score.

SEE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

Segun Sowunmi and the consequence of betrayal, political trading

The ugly event of Monday outside the premises of Customary Court at Isabo, Abeokuta, the venue of the governorship election petition tribunal in Ogun State has been a trending issue in the media space, especially the social media platforms, trailed by missed reactions and innuendos.

For those who are familiar with Sowunmi and his peculiar character, this development did not come as a surprise to them, however, for those who see the man at far, they might be confused about his person and what he stands for; especially the trend of his dwindled political career, having started on a very good path.

The mini drama outside the court premises on Monday, created by Sowunmi was practically revolved around him and his estranged political family in PDP, except for some handful members of APC and other political parties who were also got irritated by the arrogance and uncultured manner displayed by Sowunmi.

In the first place, Sowunmi, in his usual character did not visit the Tribunal to support the cause of PDP neither was he there in support of it's candidate, Ladi Adebutu; he was there deliberately to create scene and get public attention as a way of keeping himself perpetually in the news and by so doing continue his business of political merchandise.

Sowunmi, by his nature and psyche has never stand consistently for any thing in his entire life, the reason he is vulnerable to fall for everything as far as money is involved and there is inherent fame and other selfish considerations.

As a matter of fact, the disgraceful reactions he got outside the court premises yesterday was a fallout of the internal wranglings within the PDP and the spoiler role Sowunmi played in the lead up to the gubernatorial election in the State, going and coming out of court to frustrate the PDP candidate, Ladi Adebutu and the party.

The popular thinking among the majority of PDP members and chieftains alike was that Sowunmi traded his loyalty and commitment for money at the time the party needed him the most without minding the consequence.

The preponderant perception about Sowunmi within the PDP circle is of a man with unimaginable consciousness for money and cheap fame; which make many of them to despise him so much that they don't even want to exchange pleasantries with him not to talk of identifying with him at any gathering.

It is this popular perception among PDP members that culminated to the event of Monday. Majority of PDP members who ignited the resistance against Sowunmi at the venue were spontaneously reacting to his age-long act of betrayal and political trading.

It is now pathetic and disgraceful for the National Publicity Secretary of PDP to hastily issue a press release accusing APC of masterminding the reaction and alleged attack on Sowunmi, as he copiously lied that other people, including Journalists were assaulted, whereas, only Sowunmi was only booed by his party members and few others.

Iyiola Monsuru writes from Totoro, Abeokuta.

Sowunmi and the display of arrogance, self importance at the gate of Ogun Election Tribunal

By Olayemi Festus Oke

1. Sowumi should be held responsible for the short-lived commotion that took place outside the Isabo High Court venue of the State Election Tribunal which held its first sitting today.

2. He had no regard for the Tribunal and law enforcement agents as he insisted he must access the court premises well after the Tribunal had started sitting. Of course, other law-abiding APC and PDP supporters present resisted his insensitive display of arrogance, self-importance, over-bloated ego, and disorderly conduct.

3. Matters came to a head when some aggrieved PDP supporters started abusing and cursing him for allegedly partly causing the PDP's loss in the last governorship election in the state. They were more vociferous in insisting that he must leave the court premises. They were heard angrily asking in the Yoruba language: "Ki ni oloshi ati odale yi wa se ni bi?" That is, "What has this stupid man and traitor come to do here". They did not want him around and he was chased out.

4. From all indications, Sowunmi came with a mission to cause commotion and disrupt the proceedings of the Election Tribunal. But sadly, he met resistance from the more civilized supporters of both APC and PDP. He is clever by half by playing the victim and dubiously using the scene he deliberately created to castigate the APC-led government of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

5. Sowunmi had the time to come to the court earlier if indeed he wanted to watch the proceedings of the Tribunal. He met a peaceful atmosphere at the court on arrival, which he destabilized so much with noise that the Tribunal had to send words across to warn everyone outside the courtroom to be of good conduct.

6. There was also peace after Sowunmi the troublemaker was shamed, and he left the court hurriedly with his thugs, with his tail behind his limbs. No other PDP member was affected. Even the CSO to Ladi, a retired senior police officer, was at court throughout today's sitting of the Tribunal. He was seen exchanging pleasantries and banters around. He was neither harassed nor hounded due to his civilized comportment.

7. More instructively, the Tribunal rounded off today's sitting on a very peaceful note despite Sowunmi's failed attempt to disrupt proceedings.

8. The police should call Sowunmi to order, and further cause him to sign an undertaking to maintain good conduct any time he comes to the venue of the Tribunal. The police should also warn all troublemakers to stay away from the venue, and that nobody including the "imperial" and imperious Sowunmis of this world would be indulged to wait until the Tribunal has started sitting before trying to force their way in. The false sense of the importance of such persons will be badly bruised. They should be reminded that the commotion ensuing from an attempt by anyone to force himself into the courtroom after the commencement of the proceedings of the Tribunal amounts to disorderly conduct and contempt outside the Tribunal for which the person or persons concerned could be charged, prosecuted, and jailed.

The questions are :
How come notable PDP chieftains were in court attended proceedings and left without incident
How come it was Segun Sowunmi who is totally inconsequential in the scheme of things in Ogun Politics that was now purportedly attacked
Where are his supposed followers that were injured
The truth is that Segun Sowunmi came to outside the court premises to ferment trouble and cry wolf as why was there peace till got there this was obviously the script they planned to play
Party lost elections will lose at the tribunal..
What does anyone stand to gain by attacking Sowunmi
What electoral value does he possess
Except for blabbing like an empty barrel
The police must investigate this incident
Everyone knows Dapo Abiodun is synonymous with peace even at extreme provocation

Allegation of attack on Sowunmi, puerile, self-serving-Ogun govt

Ogun State government, on Monday denied any purported attack on Mr. Segun Sowunmi, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the premises of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Reports of an alleged attack on Mr. Sowunmi have been trending on the social media, with accusing fingers being pointed at the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But, the state government, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina denied the allegation that political thugs attacked the PDP chieftain, saying nothing could be farther from the truth.

According to him, no such attack happened at the premises of the tribunal, which is been protected by a retinue of security personnel.

Explaining what happened, the permanent secretary said that some members of the public, who had attempted to gain entrance into the tribunal to observe its proceedings were prevented from doing so as the tribunal members ordered that the gate of the Magistrate Court be shut immediately sitting commenced.

The statement said a large number of APC and PDP supporters, including other neutral observers who had arrived the venue late were affected.

According to the permanent secretary, Mr. Sowunmi later came and mounted pressure on the security agents at the gate to allow him access after identifying himself as a stakeholder.

The attempt to open the gate for him angered the crowd outside, which resulted in a mild protest and resistance to the move as the people felt he should not enjoy any preferential treatment.

According to the statement, the protest has no political colouration as it was spontaneous and carried out by all those outside the premises of the tribunal, including PDP and APC members and the general public, who felt that they are also important as well as stakeholders in the state.

The statement warned against the spread of fake and unsubstantiated stories that could plunge the state into political quagmire.

Allegation of attack on Sowunmi, puerile, self-serving-Ogun govt

Ogun State government, on Monday denied any purported attack on Mr. Segun Sowunmi, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the premises of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Reports of an alleged attack on Mr. Sowunmi have been trending on the social media, with accusing fingers being pointed at the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But, the state government, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina denied the allegation that political thugs attacked the PDP chieftain, saying nothing could be farther from the truth.

According to him, no such attack happened at the premises of the tribunal, which is been protected by a retinue of security personnel.

Explaining what happened, the permanent secretary said that some members of the public, who had attempted to gain entrance into the tribunal to observe its proceedings were prevented from doing so as the tribunal members ordered that the gate of the Magistrate Court be shut immediately sitting commenced.

The statement said a large number of APC and PDP supporters, including other neutral observers who had arrived the venue late were affected.

According to the permanent secretary, Mr. Sowunmi later came and mounted pressure on the security agents at the gate to allow him access after identifying himself as a stakeholder.

The attempt to open the gate for him angered the crowd outside, which resulted in a mild protest and resistance to the move as the people felt he should not enjoy any preferential treatment.

According to the statement, the protest has no political colouration as it was spontaneous and carried out by all those outside the premises of the tribunal, including PDP and APC members and the general public, who felt that they are also important as well as stakeholders in the state.

The statement warned against the spread of fake and unsubstantiated stories that could plunge the state into political quagmire.

Ogun Tribunal today and matters arising -By Sulaimon Sobiye

Reading through different narratives on social media on what transpired at the governorship election Tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital today, left me wondering how the menace of media sensationalism and misinformation have gone deeper into the fabric of our Society.

That political thugs invaded the premises of the court where the Tribunal was sitting was a blatant lies from the hottest part of the hell, I believe it was deliberately concocted by some disgruntled elements in the political circle to satisfy certain selfish political desire.

As an eye witness, members of the Tribunal in their wisdom ordered that the gate of the Magistrate Court should be closed immediately sitting commenced, which made large number of APC and PDP supporters, including other neutral observers who had arrived late to remain outside the gate of the court.

It was the same fate that befell the PDP aspirant, Segun Sowumi, who came around much later and started to mount pressure on the security agents at the gate to open the gate for him, after identifying himself as a stakeholder.

His violent agitation and reaction, which eventually compelled the security agents at the gate to change their earlier stance and wanted to open the gate for him draw the attention of other people standing outside the gate, who protested against the decision and resisted the move.

The people, who were amalgam of individuals from different political parties prevented Sowumi from enjoying any preferential treatment, as many claimed the man doesn't deserve such special treatment, while others said whatever is good for the goose is also good for the gander, adding that they were also very important in their own rights.

Infact, majority of those who booed Sowunmi and prevented his entry into the Tribunal premises were majorly PDP members, many of those who eloquently accused him of betrayal and started calling him all sorts of names.

So far so good, the Tribunal commenced on a very peaceful atmosphere without any blemish whatsoever, giving hope of justice without fear or favour.

Sulaimon Sobiye is a blogger and online entrepreneur.

Capital NO.

Stop your smear campaign against Ondo Deputy Governor, ADAPHAI warns group

A Civil Society Organization, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace &Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI) has slammed a group, Society for Women Empowerment (SWE) for what it termed a smear campaign against the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa.

The group has alleged Ayedatiwa of physically assaulting his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Ayedatiwa, calling for public apology from the Deputy Governor.

ADAPHAI, in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sulaimon Suberu, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Abuja cautioned the group against making itself available for political chess game, saying it's allegation against the Deputy Governor is politically motivated .

The CSO accused the SWE of acting a script of certain political gladiators in the State who are out to manipulate sequence of political arithmetic for selfish tendencies and hereby heat up the polity and cause anarchy.

It added that the alleged domestic violence raised by the group was totally unfounded and out of place, describing the group as mere instrument of propaganda and falsehood.

ADAPHAI, therefore, called on security agencies in the State to quickly beam it's search light on some politicians who are making evil calculation to hold the State to ransom and cause chaos.

The statement read in part:" We are taken aback by the low an unregistered group could go to become a ductile tool in the hands of political jobbers to the extent of defaming the reputation of a public office holder for pecuniary purpose.

"To start with, while Mr Ayedatiwa has the exclusive right of privacy with regards to every development in his household, the allegation of domestic violence leveled against the Deputy Governor is baseless and political, it is a calculated attempts by some political merchants in the State to alter some structure in the polity towards their evil anticipation.

"These desperate individuals and their co-travellers are hell bent to smear the character of the Deputy Governor and get him out of the way; such shenanigans must not stand.

"As a reputable organization with mandate for peace advocacy and harmonious co-existence among different communities in Nigeria, our investigation revealed a covert agenda by some people to cause palpable tension in the State for political reason.

"It is, therefore, worrisome that a group of women under a fictitious name could be available for this hatchet job of divisive notion.

"It is on that note that we call on security agencies in the State to quickly rise up and nip this dangerous trend in the bud to avert large scale crisis. Ondo State is peaceful and any attempt to cause unnecessary acrimony for political gains will be resisted vehemently".

JUNE 4, 2023.

PRESS STATEMENT

LEAVE GOVERNOR ABIODUN AND APC OUT OF YOUR MESS” – APC WARNS PDP


The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East senatorial district of Ogun State has urged the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and its defeated governorship candidate in the March 18 gubernatorial election, Ladi Adebutu, to “please leave out Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC in the present mess the PDP has found itself. ”


It will be recalled that the PDP in recent reaction accused the APC of being behind a letter addressed to Sir Kessington Adebutu by a PDP member, Israel Jolaoso, asking the billionaire business mogul why he wanted his son, Ladi Adebutu, to be governor of Ogun State, whereas he refused to allow the same son to run any of his companies.

The PDP in reaction to the letter, which went viral, accused the APC as being behind the letter, saying Israel Jolaosho, the author of the letter, was unknown to the PDP.

However, in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of APC in Ogun East Senatorial District, Biyi Oduyemi, on Sunday, the party wondered why every setback and self-inflicted injury of the PDP is always linked to the doorstep of APC”

“Our advice is that the PDP and the addressee should face the contents of the letter written by one of their members instead of making false claims that our party was behind it”.

The statement read further: “If the PDP will shamelessly deny the writer of the letter has it has done, will it also deny knowing Otunba Segun Showunmi, who on his own did not even ask a question, but said categorically in a published interview that Ladi Adebutu is the worst of the children of Sir Kessington Adebutu and the least qualified to aspire for public office

“ Also, not a few people including a former President who was also former Head of State have asked why Sir Kessington Adebutu, who has at least seven flourishing multi-billion naira companies but will not allow his son, Ladi Adebutu, to manage any of them, and in fact, the one given to him before was taken away from him due to maladministration, whereas the same son was being pushed and funded to become the Governor of a highly sophisticated state like Ogun.

Jolaoso asked categorically:
“Is it true that Lado has 77 bank accounts? Is it true that over 200,000 verve ATM cards were made and delivered to LADO just before the last governorship election? Is It true that LADO fled the country to evade arrest by the Police?
Sir, these are the questions that have occupied my mind in the last two weeks. The biggest of these questions is this: Sir, you have several companies locally and internationally, you have a foundation too. Why have you not allowed LADO to handle or manage any of your businesses? Why have you not allowed LADO to get near management of your foundation? Why was the family’s company involved in agriculture, which was initially handed over to LADO, taken away from him?”

“The questions posed by Israel Jolaosho and the verdict of incompetence and vote of no confidence on Ladi Adebutu by Otunba Segun Sowunmi are so simple and straight to the points. A simple answer or explanation is what was and still needed, not rabble rousing and shadow chasing.

“Our advice is that the PDP, it’s defeated candidate and financier should be honest and courageous enough to answer these questions instead of dragging APC and Governor Abiodun into every self-inflicted injury of the wobbling party”, the statement concluded.

OPEN LETTER TO SIR KESSINGTON ADEBUTU

1st June, 2023

The Odole of Ile – ife
Sir Adebutu Kessington
C/o KAF Building
Iperu,
Ogun state.


Dear Odole Sir,

WHY DO YOU HATE OGUN STATE?

I write this letter to you in all humility sir.
Since I was young, I have been hearing about your name, Sir Kessington Adebutu all over the place. You are a well-known philanthropist and your humanitarian gestures dot the land in Ogun state.

As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have had cause to review your support for our party, your preferred son, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and your passionate, long-standing ambition to become the “Father of the Governor " of Ogun state.

First, it was one of our leaders, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, who said sometime ago in one of his numerous interviews, that Hon. Ladi Adebutu is the most unqualified of your children to aspire for the office of governor of Ogun state. Otunba Sowunmi had wondered why out of all your industrious and successful children, it was "Lado" known for all his idiosyncrasies that you were supporting and financing to contest for the governorship.

Of course, I didn't take Otunba Sowunmi serious because of my love for our party and I knew your interest, though I have never collected a dime from you before.

However, after the last governorship election and the emerging facts, the question of Otunba Sowunmi came to my mind again.
There are also other questions that I am asking myself sir: Is it true that Lado has 77 bank accounts? Is it true that over 200,000 verve ATM cards were made and delivered to LADO just before the last governorship election? Is It true that LADO fled the country to evade arrest by the Police?

Sir, these are the questions that have occupied my mind in the last two weeks. The biggest of these questions is this: Sir, you have several companies locally and internationally, you have a foundation too. Why have you not allowed LADO to handle or manage any of your businesses? Why have you not allowed LADO to get near management of your foundation? Why was the family’s company involved in agriculture, which was initially handed over to LADO, taken away from him?

Sir, it is very ironical that your son that you will not allow to manage your company is the one you want to govern a sophisticated state like Ogun.

Sir, why do you hate Ogun state so much?

Israel Jolaosho
Ward 3, Remo North LG

Congratulations my benefactor

Congratulations to one of my benefactors, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju on your appointment as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state.

Until his appointment, Pastor Olanrewaju was the Group Business Editor of Nigerian Tribune newspapers.

He was the Education Editor when I sent my first story as a Campus Correspondent from University of Jos to the education page of Nigerian Tribune newspapers in May 2009.

He published my stories and encouraged me to be a better journalist even though I was trained as a social worker. The rest is now history.

Congratulations to you sir as I wish you a successful tenure in the office.

ADEBUTU’s 200,000 Cards for Votes …. Ogun people rejected being auctioned

By Olayemi Oke

From the outcome of police investigations into the criminal activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, and as widely reported in the media, it can be concluded without any fair of contradiction that he wanted to reap manifold blessings from outright fraud. He wanted to reap where he did not sow.



Going by the ongoing revelations from different security agencies, Hon. Adebutu distributed over 200,000 Verve ATM cards to buy votes across Ogun State during the governorship election of March 18. However, the bubble burst when many of his agents were arrested by security agents, with POS operators also testifying that they (agents) came to them to withdraw money with the cards preloaded with N10,000 each. That being the case, the number of votes Adebutu legitimately earned during the said election is contestable.




For him to have procured over 200k ATM cards, it means he wanted to have unfair advantage by having over 200,000 induced voters. It has been established that illegal, toxic votes amounting to this very figure are among his electoral haul. If the illegal, toxic and contrived votes are deducted from his electoral haul, what is left and legitimate is just under 62,000 votes. The rest were fraudulently procured and remain unlawful.







It is high time INEC and the security agencies sanitized our political process by ensuring that such characters as Adebutu do not pollute our political process. Apart from the Verve cards, he distributed money across the wards and polling units in order to corrupt the electoral process. Because his father is rich, he believes he can buy up Ogun State. Such people, if they ever manage to get to power, will be just like caterpillar and cankerworm: they will wreck the state.






I must sincerely state that the damning accusations and the means of commiting the crime greatly beat the imagination of many around the world. How could someone in this century be so aggressively desperate for power! I was taken aback when I read the Premium Times reports on these allegations, and the most unfortunate aspect of the shenanigans was the role played by a commercial bank like Zenith in the saga despite its years of operations in the banking industry.




There is no way Zenith Bank could claim that it didn't know that the original motive behind the request for 200,000 preloaded cards two days to an election in which its customer had interest was to bribe the electorate and flagrantly manipulate the electoral outcome in his favour. In fact, by this development, Adebutu, his PDP comrades and Zenith Bank have taken Nigeria's democracy back to the stone age.




Looking at Adebutu closely, he doesn't strike one as a serious personality with the requisite mental direction for governance; the basic fact about his person is that he is a desperate man in politics with little or no guiding ideology and political orientation as a compass for good governance.



Ogun State is known for setting the pace in all human endeavours and as a sophisticated people with a great culture, but Adebutu went so low to disgrace the state in the most odious manner. It is my belief that the good people of Ogun State must have known by now that their interests can never be protected by such a fraudster. Rather, those bunch of political bandits are out to milk the State and its people dry to satisfy their selfish and parochial interests. They should be banned from the political process and sentenced to long jail terms for their violation of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

Oke is a broadcast journalist in Abeokuta, Ogun State

ADEBUTU’s 200,000 Cards for Votes …. Ogun people rejected being auctioned

By Olayemi Oke

From the outcome of police investigations into the criminal activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, and as widely reported in the media, it can be concluded without any fair of contradiction that he wanted to reap manifold blessings from outright fraud. He wanted to reap where he did not sow.



Going by the ongoing revelations from different security agencies, Hon. Adebutu distributed over 200,000 Verve ATM cards to buy votes across Ogun State during the governorship election of March 18. However, the bubble burst when many of his agents were arrested by security agents, with POS operators also testifying that they (agents) came to them to withdraw money with the cards preloaded with N10,000 each. That being the case, the number of votes Adebutu legitimately earned during the said election is contestable.




For him to have procured over 200k ATM cards, it means he wanted to have unfair advantage by having over 200,000 induced voters. It has been established that illegal, toxic votes amounting to this very figure are among his electoral haul. If the illegal, toxic and contrived votes are deducted from his electoral haul, what is left and legitimate is just under 62,000 votes. The rest were fraudulently procured and remain unlawful.







It is high time INEC and the security agencies sanitized our political process by ensuring that such characters as Adebutu do not pollute our political process. Apart from the Verve cards, he distributed money across the wards and polling units in order to corrupt the electoral process. Because his father is rich, he believes he can buy up Ogun State. Such people, if they ever manage to get to power, will be just like caterpillar and cankerworm: they will wreck the state.






I must sincerely state that the damning accusations and the means of commiting the crime greatly beat the imagination of many around the world. How could someone in this century be so aggressively desperate for power! I was taken aback when I read the Premium Times reports on these allegations, and the most unfortunate aspect of the shenanigans was the role played by a commercial bank like Zenith in the saga despite its years of operations in the banking industry.




There is no way Zenith Bank could claim that it didn't know that the original motive behind the request for 200,000 preloaded cards two days to an election in which its customer had interest was to bribe the electorate and flagrantly manipulate the electoral outcome in his favour. In fact, by this development, Adebutu, his PDP comrades and Zenith Bank have taken Nigeria's democracy back to the stone age.




Looking at Adebutu closely, he doesn't strike one as a serious personality with the requisite mental direction for governance; the basic fact about his person is that he is a desperate man in politics with little or no guiding ideology and political orientation as a compass for good governance.



Ogun State is known for setting the pace in all human endeavours and as a sophisticated people with a great culture, but Adebutu went so low to disgrace the state in the most odious manner. It is my belief that the good people of Ogun State must have known by now that their interests can never be protected by such a fraudster. Rather, those bunch of political bandits are out to milk the State and its people dry to satisfy their selfish and parochial interests. They should be banned from the political process and sentenced to long jail terms for their violation of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

Oke is a broadcast journalist in Abeokuta, Ogun State

ADEBUTU’s 200,000 Cards for Votes …. Ogun people rejected being auctioned

By Olayemi Oke

From the outcome of police investigations into the criminal activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, and as widely reported in the media, it can be concluded without any fair of contradiction that he wanted to reap manifold blessings from outright fraud. He wanted to reap where he did not sow.



Going by the ongoing revelations from different security agencies, Hon. Adebutu distributed over 200,000 Verve ATM cards to buy votes across Ogun State during the governorship election of March 18. However, the bubble burst when many of his agents were arrested by security agents, with POS operators also testifying that they (agents) came to them to withdraw money with the cards preloaded with N10,000 each. That being the case, the number of votes Adebutu legitimately earned during the said election is contestable.




For him to have procured over 200k ATM cards, it means he wanted to have unfair advantage by having over 200,000 induced voters. It has been established that illegal, toxic votes amounting to this very figure are among his electoral haul. If the illegal, toxic and contrived votes are deducted from his electoral haul, what is left and legitimate is just under 62,000 votes. The rest were fraudulently procured and remain unlawful.







It is high time INEC and the security agencies sanitized our political process by ensuring that such characters as Adebutu do not pollute our political process. Apart from the Verve cards, he distributed money across the wards and polling units in order to corrupt the electoral process. Because his father is rich, he believes he can buy up Ogun State. Such people, if they ever manage to get to power, will be just like caterpillar and cankerworm: they will wreck the state.






I must sincerely state that the damning accusations and the means of commiting the crime greatly beat the imagination of many around the world. How could someone in this century be so aggressively desperate for power! I was taken aback when I read the Premium Times reports on these allegations, and the most unfortunate aspect of the shenanigans was the role played by a commercial bank like Zenith in the saga despite its years of operations in the banking industry.




There is no way Zenith Bank could claim that it didn't know that the original motive behind the request for 200,000 preloaded cards two days to an election in which its customer had interest was to bribe the electorate and flagrantly manipulate the electoral outcome in his favour. In fact, by this development, Adebutu, his PDP comrades and Zenith Bank have taken Nigeria's democracy back to the stone age.




Looking at Adebutu closely, he doesn't strike one as a serious personality with the requisite mental direction for governance; the basic fact about his person is that he is a desperate man in politics with little or no guiding ideology and political orientation as a compass for good governance.



Ogun State is known for setting the pace in all human endeavours and as a sophisticated people with a great culture, but Adebutu went so low to disgrace the state in the most odious manner. It is my belief that the good people of Ogun State must have known by now that their interests can never be protected by such a fraudster. Rather, those bunch of political bandits are out to milk the State and its people dry to satisfy their selfish and parochial interests. They should be banned from the political process and sentenced to long jail terms for their violation of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

Oke is a broadcast journalist in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Dapo Abiodun @63: An unassailable personality with rare grace

The conceptualization of 'Grace', according to the Oxford Dictionary literarily implies" smoothness and elegance of movement". In an extended interpretation, it connotes an unhindered motion akin to that of moving train. So, a man with rare grace is practically insulated against all sorts of landmines from every front ; he is a special being by all standards.

Prince Adedapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State is one man with exact definition of grace judging from his humble beginning and subsequent movement on the ladder of life, as well as his political expedition since the early 90s.

DA, as he is fondly called in the political parlance has been consistently focused on the ultimate goal of impacting humanity positively and making indelible footprint in the sand of time; the consciousness that informed his zeal to lead his people and change the old order of ineptitude and arrogance in power.

While his elegant movement was apparently visible as a product of grace in his private business where he rose to the apogee of his career, the murky water of politics almost derailed the smoothness of the movement, but for the superior power of his 'grace'. Abiodun weathered the storm of the turbulent political atmosphere without blemish, to the chagrin of many pundits and keen observers.

That the Governor of Ogun State has gradually and steadily become a political juggernaut of note in the State and Nigeria at large is inchoate, Dapo Abiodun by his innate culture of humility, simplicity, calmness, consistency and shrewdness has retired former demagogues and semi-gods in the political space of Ogun.

Abiodun's revolutionary philosophy in politics and governance will remain a reference point in the political history of the State, as his style of leadership worthy of emulation even for his contemporaries and coming generations of politicians across Nigeria.

In the precise manner Malcolm-X puts it," A good leader is the one who possesses self-awareness, garner credibility, focus on relationship -building, have a bias for action, exhibit humility, empower others, stay authentic, present himself as constant and consistent, and become a role model". Obviously, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in truth and indeed has proven it beyond any reasonable doubt to all and sundry that he is a good leader.

Certainly, it's not a coincidence that his triumphant inauguration for the continuity of his developmental drive in Ogun State in the next four years came today, the very day he turns 63. It is indeed a function of providence and intrinsically symbolic.

Your Excellency, as you add another year to your existence today, I wish you more glorious and eventful years ahead in sound health.

Happy Birthday, Sir.

Olaniyi Ajibola

Dapo Abiodun @63: An unassailable personality with rare grace

The conceptualization of 'Grace', according to the Oxford Dictionary literarily implies" smoothness and elegance of movement". In an extended interpretation, it connotes an unhindered motion akin to that of moving train. So, a man with rare grace is practically insulated against all sorts of landmines from every front ; he is a special being by all standards.

Prince Adedapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State is one man with exact definition of grace judging from his humble beginning and subsequent movement on the ladder of life, as well as his political expedition since the early 90s.

DA, as he is fondly called in the political parlance has been consistently focused on the ultimate goal of impacting humanity positively and making indelible footprint in the sound of time; the consciousness that informed his zeal to lead his people and change the old order of ineptitude and arrogance in power.

While his elegant movement was apparently visible as a product of grace in his private business where he rose to the apogee of his career, the murky water of politics almost derailed the smoothness of the movement, but for the superior power of his 'grace'. Abiodun weathered the storm of the turbulent political atmosphere without blemish, to the chagrin of many pundits and keen observers.

That the Governor of Ogun State has gradually and steadily become a political juggernaut of note in the State and Nigeria at large is inchoate, Dapo Abiodun by his innate culture of humility, simplicity, calmness, consistency and shrewdness has retired former demagogues and semi-gods in the political space of Ogun.

Abiodun's revolutionary philosophy in politics and governance will remain a reference point in the political history of the State, as his style of leadership worthy of emulation even for his contemporaries and coming generations of politicians across Nigeria.

In the precise manner Malcolm-X puts it," A good leader is the one who possesses self-awareness, garner credibility, focus on relationship -building, have a bias for action, exhibit humility, empower others, stay authentic, present himself as constant and consistent, and become a role model". Obviously, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in truth and indeed has proven it beyond any reasonable doubt to all and sundry that he is a good leader.

Certainly, it's not a coincidence that his triumphant inauguration for the continuity of his developmental drive in Ogun State in the next four years came today, the very day he turns 63. It is indeed a function of providence and intrinsically symbolic.

Your Excellency, as you add another year to your existence today, I wish you more glorious and eventful years ahead in sound health.

Happy Birthday, Sir.

Olaniyi Ajibola

Hurray! Dapo Abiodun is 63!

By Kayode Akinmade

IF the streets of Ogun State blare forth music and ecstatic crowds dance to their hearts’ content today, the celebrations would have been fully deserved. There have been hard times—it is the nature of life—but there is also a time for merriment, for song and dance, and for sheer delight; a time to count our blessings, name them one by one, and be pleasantly surprised at what The Lord has done. In a great testimony to the manifold blessings of God, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, clocks 63 today.


As is Governor Abiodun’s wont, today will witness thanksgiving for, as the Yoruba say, anyone who knows how to think critically will always know how to give thanks. The Yoruba also say that an ingrate is akin to a robber that makes away with one’s goods. The Iperu-born prince and fifth democratically elected governor of Ogun State has a lot to be thankful for: the sheer gift of life, sound health, a happy family, a prosperous populace and a promising future. What more can anyone ask for? It is The Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight.


It is not sheer coincidence that the governor’s birthday falls on this date when new governments are being sworn in across the country. As in other parts of the country, there will be a swearing-in today in Abeokuta, and no one but the People’s Governor will be formally renewing the contract with the Ogun people for yet another four years. As he takes the oath of office, millions of Ogun indigene will be in a celebratory mood, knowing the landmarks of the last four years, and the promise that the future holds.


By now, it ought to be clear that whoever the Almighty God has destined to wear a crown will do so. For Abiodun, perhaps the course of events has also been influenced by his name Adedapo, a multivariate term meaning “ the crown mixes together, two royals merging.” By birth, Abiodun is royalty; by conduct, he is nobility. He is an Omoluabi, the quintessential Yoruba personality; one who is dignified in outlook, word and deed; one who has learnt the art of moderation, an exemplification of the best qualities. Educated in Nigeria and the United States, Prince Abiodun, MFR, was until his assumption of office as Governor of Ogun State in May, 2019, Chairman and/or Chief Executive of several reputable companies which included Crestar Hydrocarbons Limited, OMS-Heyden Exploration and Production Limited, Heyden Petroleum Limited, Alarmnet and Innovative Ventures Limited, and First Power Limited.



For obvious reasons, his pathway to political power was paved with thorns. That is not fortuitous; gold, before it becomes refined, must pass through fire. It is a story captured in the motto of the Royal Air Force: Par adua ad astra, meaning “through difficulty to the stars.” Ogun State, Nigeria’s industrial hub, is apparently very calm today, ready to host a deluge of investments, but the story has not always been this enchanting. Time was when political violence and gross misconduct by political office-holders gave the state a poor image. Time was when political thugs literally ran the opposition out of town. Time was when grievous injuries and even fatalities were recorded in the state. Time was when the state was run by a warlord who, even after his tenure, conducted political revivals across the state running down his successor. Time was when wearing a yellow shirt showing support for a certain Abiodun could actually cost you a limb or two as marijuana-ravaged hoodlums enforced the orders of their leader. Today, thankfully, Ogun is peaceful and prosperous and proud of its good fortune.


Governor Abiodun truly passed through the fire of politics, but he has remained strong. He contested for a Senate seat under the defunct UNCP during the Sani Abacha regime but the transition programme never saw the light of day. And when democracy came calling in 1999, he strived to be a member of the Red Chamber, squaring up against the Afenifere chieftain of blessed memory, Olabiyi Durojaye. Durojaiye won, but this did not dampen his spirits. Now, during the PDP primary for the governorship election in 2003, many thought that he would be given the ticket, knowing that he was one of the biggest financiers of the PDP. But it was Gbenga Daniel who got the ticket.


In subsequent elections, Abiodun again contested the senatorial ticket twice but it was the late Buruji Kashamu that won the tickets. Even the last election, the 2019 elections, was supposed to be a senatorial run but the immediate past governor of the state played a devious game, trying to shut him out of the APC governorship primaries. This was when he threw his hat into the ring and clinched the ticket of the party. The rest, as they say, is history.


Having passed through that tortuous road, he first gave glory to God, knowing that it is God who enthrones leaders. As his name Oluwaseun implies, thanks must be given to God all the time. He recognizes that whoever God has been kind to must also live up to expectations. He promised to work for the good people of Ogun State, coming up with the acronym, ISEYA. And he faced the task with vigour, to the extent that in just 100 days, he had been able to initiate projects across the 20 local government areas of the state. He created agric initiatives that bettered the lot of young farmers. He curbed kidnapping and other crimes. He focused squarely on governance, ensuring that projects were evenly distributed across the state, unlike what happened in the past. Today, the states boasts of multiple housing estates for low income and high income earners, fully equipped state hospitals, a thriving tech industry, and increasing presence of foreign investors with gigantic projects. With his ISEYA (Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Wellbeing, Education, Youth Development and Agriculture and Food Security) mantra, he has turned around the fortunes of Ogun State. The Gateway State is now Nigeria's top investment destination. Foreign investors are pouring into the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, an emerging Aerotropolis, at Ilishan and Olokola Free Trade Zone.



He has lifted over 5,000 women out of poverty, built over 400 kilometres of road and rehabilitated at least 100; equipped primary healthcare centres with more than 50 ambulances, while furnishing the secondary and tertiary levels of care with state of the art equipment and distinguished health care professionals; kicked off a state-wide multimodal Transportation Masterplan with air-conditioned and wifi enabled buses, and created a one-stop-shop for business promotion, among others. He has built Tech Hubs to integrate the youth of the state into the latest technologies, laying 5000-kilometre fibre optic cables across the state. And the nation took notice with a deluge of awards: Governor of the Year in Education (National Body of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria), Governor of the Year in Digital Economy (New Telegraph and Daily Independent newspapers), the Most Improved State in Agriculture and Economic Empowerment 2020 ( BusinessDay), Governor of the Year in the Agriculture and Housing sectors back-to-back (international, independent organisations). He has also been honoured by Vanguard Media Limited as all-round Governor of the Year, 2021; Governor of the Year 2022 (LEADERSHIP Newspaper). ‘Distinguished Award for Industrial Revolution ( President Muhammadu Buhari, in October, 2022); and Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution for 2022 (Forbes).





Because Abiodun is a technocrat who doesn’t appreciate the hanky panky of politics, a lot of political actors are not happy with his honesty and transparency. Indeed, his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, openly declared that he would ensure that Abiodun did not win a second term. And, what is more, even those he helped to secure tickets quickly turned Judas, working against him during the March 18 polls. But just like his name suggests, he overcame all the adversaries. Today, he will be sworn in to continue his developmental programmes. Challenges are on the way but God will uphold him. As he clocks 63, his resolve is to serve God and humanity for the rest of his years. Here's wishing the people's Governor a blessed and happy birthday. Hurray!!!

Akinmade, former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State also a Consultant on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Alhaji Mohammed Khalifa(Galadima Borgu)convinced me to follow Tinubu- Jackson Lekan Ojo

Excerpts :

You 're a Chieftain of APC and a strong supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; you later changed your position in the lead up to the February 25th Presidential election to support the President -elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; what informed your change of position ?

Ojo: Politically, I can say I am very versatile and precise in my decision, though, I am a Chieftain of APC, but I started supporting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar because I have some things that are convincing me and things that are not really clear to me and not only me but but large numbers of people from the North West, North East, North Central, South East, South South and South West where i came from.

Bola Tinubu is in the position of a father , uncle and a leader, but that is not enough reason for me to support him because a lot of people around him are not very close to me, I don't have people who are very close to him that could educate me or give me education about who he is and why do I have to convince people to support him; until I eventually met Alhaji Mohammed Khalifa, the Galadima of Borgu kingdom.

I met Alhaji Mohammed Khalifa in Abuja during a business meeting and he said before we begin to discuss anything about business he asked me what is my political leanings and I told him that I am a Chieftain of APC but I was backing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, not on anti-party but based on personal conviction and he was able to convince me and many others in that meeting about Tinubu and why we have to support him.

Later in the evening, he invited us to a dinner, I think that was Galadima's birthday and we went there with a lot of our friends from PDP , Labour party and others and he gave us the history because we also asked him what drew him to Tinubu and he told us that his grand father gave him Tinubu the title of Jagaban of Borgu and said Tinubu is like a member of their family and he is also like a member of Tinubu's family too, not political family anyway.

That day he was able to convinced all of us, about hundred of us that attended to celebrate with him, about the person of Tinubu and why we have to support him, and that was the point we were convinced about the need to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and we have enormous respect for that man called Galadima of Borgu because he is from Northern Nigeria he is a traditional ruler from Northern Nigeria and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is from Northern Nigeria too but ethnicity and religion did not prevent him to continue his political evangelism to convince people why they have to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The issue of religion is only a political evil tool of some of our indecent political leaders employed whenever they want to deceive gullible characters in Nigeria.
If you are saying Hausa Fulani and Hausa Muslim, the onions you are eating in Osogbo are being planted by these people, would you say you are looking for onions planted by Northern Christians, Noo! Ethnicity and Religion do not matter. This man, Galadima, made us to realise this.

Let me tell you, Alhaji Mohammed Khalifa was the one that founded " Renewed Hope Assurance Organization ' to tell Nigerians that Renewed Hope is Renewed Hope that all what Tinubu has promised he is going to deliver it. Tinubu needs more of Alhaji Mohammed Khalifa in the Northern Nigeria to further showcase the person, character and qualities of the person of Asiwaju Tinubu.

Dangote Industries Ltd has been alleged of swindling a widow in connection with a 37 acres of land where lies the newly built fertilizer plant.

Giving details of the allegation, the widow, Mrs Foluke Onabanjo (55) stated that his late husband, Surveyor Victor Onabanjo owned the 37 acres by the virtue of the agreement - a plot of land per every acre surveyed - between him and families of Eriki and Caleb of Okunraye who commissioned him to do the perimeter survey of their 222.251 acres of land situate, lying and being at Okunraye, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

Unfortunately, according to Mrs Onabanjo, after the completion of the perimeter Survey and Documentation of the 222.251acres of land, before he could access his 37 acres, the surveyor, Mr Victor Onabanjo, died suddenly.

The widow lamented that because money lenders from whom her late husband borrowed the huge amount of money invested on the survey wouldn't stop mounting pressure on her inconsiderately, she approached and asked the two families to show her the exact location of the 37 acres that was allocated to her husband so that she can sell and use the money to offset the bad loans and takes care of the diseased children.

On getting to Eriki family, she was told that Dangote Industry Ltd has took possession of the whole Surveyed 222.251 acres, his husband's 37 acres inclusive, adding that the two families said neither the Company nor Government of Lagos State has paid for the piece or parcel
of land.

The widow, Mrs Foluke Onabanjo said, "this year 2023 makes it about five (5) years since the first of the several letters of appeal were written to Dangote. The management has been ignoring my pleas brazenly, at least to consider kindly the impoverished children of the deceased.

"Till this moment, Dangote has not deemed it fit to show any iota of humanity to the children, family and wife of the deceased upon whose landed property sits Dangote multi-mllion. dollar fertilizer plant!

"I had contacted some journalists in October 2022 for a press briefing to assist me in reaching out to Alhaji Aliko Dangote himself being the owner of the Fertilizer Plant which is built on the controversial piece of land from where the Company has been making profit but one of them, Simon FAKEYE the publisher of RazorTimes, told me to tarry awhile, saying that publishing such information may affect adversely the good repute of the owner who is known worldwide as a responsible father and a true Patriot. Since then, the journalist has been giving me hope perhaps not considering the fact that my condition is getting worse and unbearable day by day. For example, some minutes ago, you might observed that my daughter was talking to me. She pointed at her mates around, and asked if she would ever return to school.

"So far, the company's management has shown to me that Dangote Industry Ltd cares less about humanity. Its business mission is such that is unreasonable and cruel.

"In recent times, commiting suicide has been reccuring to me as a lasting freedom from the oppression, injustice, and swindling, at least to join my husband wherever he's gone to, but the agony of leaving behind his children to continue wallowing in abject poverty as has been our portion for 9 years now is my heartache.

"So, today, I told the journalists that if he can't help me I would go to the Secretariat, reason I am here today. I have heard a lot about what the people of Ibese in Ogun State are saying about Alhaji Aliko Dangote. My determination is to make sure I reach out to him believing strongly that if he find out the truth about the 41 acres, he would do justice.

"But if they would continue to abandon me, one of my plan B could be to carry out a protest, at the venue of the Commissioning of the Refinery coming up on Monday, 22nd of May, 2023, with the support of human rights activists and family members, still, I am so sure that if Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the owner of Dangote Fertilizer Plant, can get to read about my plight, he would put an end to the injustice before that day", Mrs Foluke Onabanjo stated.

Ladi Adebutu, a rogue running from his shadow

While discussions were ongoing about the controversial journey the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP's candidate in the March 18th governorship election, in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, claimed to have embarked upon for alleged threats to his life, in the face of plethora evidences against him concerning the role he played to manipulate electoral process and truncate democratic process; his recent act of chicanery quickly gave him out as a man of zero integrity and decency.

Since the court document filled by Adebutu at the Federal High Court, Abuja, dated May 19, 2023, to stop his arrest and possible prosecution surfaced online, many have continued to wonder why Adebutu, who gave contradictory excuses of traveling abroad for medical attention and at the same time for the reason of his safety against acclaimed threats to his life quickly approached the honourable court for cover, and protection from the long arm of law.

Adebutu, instead of addressing the core of his atrocities revolving around electoral fraud and money laundering, as substantially established by anti-graft agency and the police, he continued with his journey of falsehood and mischievously claimed he is being victimized in order to prevent him from pursuing his case at the tribunal; what a blatant liar!

It is rather unfortunate that Adebutu and his collaborators have forgotten that on the basis of natural justice, "He who wants equity must come with clean hands", this is a man that brazenly violated the electoral act by distributing preloaded verve cards worth of N2.4bn across all polling units in the State on the day of election, with criminal notion of coming to power through the backdoor of voting buying.

Rather than submitting himself to the law enforcement agencies honorably and allow the law to take it's cause or at least exhibit some level of remorse after realizing that his misdeeds are already in the public glare, Adebutu chose to abuse judiciary process by calling for protection against justice.

Indeed, Adebutu and his party, the PDP should be ashamed of themselves for orchestrating anti-democratic tendencies in the most disheartening manner; by their action and body language, they have eloquently told the people of Ogun State that they are not the type that could be trusted with power.

Of course, every action and utterance of the PDP's candidate in the pre-election period and after the election have exposed Adebutu as a man of unimaginable penchant for manipulation, dishonesty and violent reaction, he has not in any way showcased any iota of leadership strength and capacity.

I have no doubt in my mind that the honorable court will swiftly throw out his frivolous prayers before it and appropriately sanction him for his intent to abuse judicial process and waste the precious time of the court.

Timothy Tella writes from Ijebu-ode.

Ladi Adebutu is on the run, trying to evade prosecution for vote buying, money laundering--Investigation

Contrary to his claim that he left the country because of alleged threats to his life, the
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Hon Ladi Adebutu, actually travelled abroad to evade the long arm of the law over alleged criminal activities, sources have revealed.

Checks revealed that Adebutu left the country following security agencies' uncovering of a vote buying plot linked to him during the March 18 polls in Ogun State and the invitation extended to him to clarify issues.

According to the sources, Adebutu was alleged to have perpetrated bribery, conspiracy, undue influence contrary to sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act 2022, breach of electoral law prohibiting vote trading, deliberate facilitation of money laundering, and connivance to deliberately breach the monetary policy of the federation.

Sources revealed that in the letter made available to security agencies investigating his criminal activities, Adebutu had indicated that he travelled abroad to seek medical care, and had given no indication of threat to life.

Sources within the security services indicated that
their investigations showed that in the build-up to the election, Adebutu had contacted his bank and caused over 200,000 prepaid Verve bank cards preloaded with N10,000 each to be printed.

A credible security source confirmed, with clear-cut evidence that these Verve Bank Cards were delivered directly in two batches on the 16th and 17th of March respectively, by an accounts officer from Zenith bank


This, it was maintained, is a violation of Section 121of the Electoral Act (2022) which prescribes 12 months' imprisonment for any “person who directly or indirectly, by his or herself or by any other person on his other behalf corruptly makes any gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement or agreement to or for any person, in order to induce such person to procure or to endeavour to procure the return of any person as a member of a legislative house or to an elective office or the vote of any voter at any election."

The Verve cards, which were supposedly printed to honour the lawmaker's late mother, were however uncovered as vote buying instruments going by
the confessions of party agents and POS operators arrested by security agencies during the polls, which indicted the PDP guber candidate.

Adebutu was said to have applied for the Verve cards from Zenith Bank on February 27, two days after the presidential election which the PDP lost by a wide margin in Ogun State, following which the cards were delivered to him by his relationship officer in the bank.

Investigation further revealed that contrary to Adebutu's claim that the cards were issued during his mother's burial, they were actually issued few days to the election, raising the obvious question of collusion by Zenith Bank with a politically exposed person to perpetrate electoral fraud.

Also, the statements by some of Adebutu's polling agents that were arrested confirmed that he gave them the cards to manipulate the March 18 polls.


The sources described Adebutu's actions as well planned, carefully orchestrated and unprecedented electoral fraud made out of desperation after losing the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections using game-betting platforms and POS operators.


Adebutu and his agents were said to have
distributed the cards throughout the over 5000 polling stations and positioned POS operators at the same so each voter could receive money at the POS terminals.


The cards were said to have been funded on the 16th and 17th of March directly from Adebutu's account with Zenith Bank, with the lawmaker paying over N2.4bn directly from his account.


Said a source: "Checks at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) showed that the foundation in whose name the PDP candidate carried out his criminal activities were fictitious.


"We have it on good authority that following a petition written to security agencies over the incident, it was observed that Adebutu expended huge sums to manipulate the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State.



"Hon Adebutu caused prepaid Verve cards preloaded with N10,000 each and bearing such inscriptions as Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu Empowerment Scheme, Dame Caroline Scheme and “Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu Memorial Endowment Scheme, to be printed under the guise of honouring his late mother, but it was a vote buying gimmick, and these cards were used to buy votes on March 18.



"Luck, however, ran out on him when party agents and POS operators used to perpetrate the deliberate manipulation of the electoral process were arrested by the security agencies and made statements that indicted him.




"The financial institutions that collaborated with him have revealed that he contacted them to create the cards which were delivered to him two days to the governorship election.



"It was when he observed that all these things had come into the open that he suddenly disappeared into thin air in order to evade justice."



The security sources, which accused the PDP lawmaker of violating Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act (2022) which expressly forbid vote buying, said that it was regrettable that Adebutu had flagrantly violated laws meant to sanitize Nigeria's electoral process.

May 15, 2023

Tribunal dismisses two petitions against Abiodun, APC

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has on Monday, dismissed two petitions file by two political parties, Action People’s Party (APP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) against the reelection of Prince Dapo Abiodun during the March 18 governorship election.

The APP had filed its Petition challenging the return of Dapo Abiosunt as the Governor-Elect in the Ogun State Governorship Election held on 18 March, 2023. It however deposed in its application for discontinuation moved this morning that “upon the re-evaluation of the grounds and facts of the Petition, the Petitioner is not reasonably convinced about the sustainability of the grounds of the Petition as presently constituted before this Honourable Tribunal.”

APP declared that the withdrawal of the Petition is based on the fact that upon a further evaluation of the Petition, the Petitioner had found that the Respondent won the highest number of lawful votes as duly recognised by INEC and permitted by law.”

On its own, the NNPP Chairman in the state, Sunday Oginni had disclosed that the party, which filed a petition against Abiodun before the Tribunal over the alleged omission of the party’s logo on the ballot papers for the governorship election by INEC was ready to withdraw. “The New Nigeria Peoples Party, Ogun State chapter under the leadership of Comrade Olaposi Oginni Sunday hereby step out of court and withdraw the suit with petition number: EPT/OG/GOV/01/2023,” he announced.
“We came to realise that on that same date (March 18) despite the fact that the INEC did not comply with an electoral act that stipulated that the name and logo must be on the ballot. The electorates still manage to vote for some of NNPP’s candidates and some of our candidates won in some places. For example, in Kano State, the governorship candidate of our party and candidates of NNPP for the house of assembly and Reps were declared winners”, Ogini said.

The Chairman of the Tribunal upheld the applications of the two party and dismissed the petitions accordingly

FG approves Yahasalam's security outfit for private guard

A private security outfit, Giraffe Vigilant Guards Limited, established by a leading security expert in Osun, Alhaji Hussein Yahasalam, has been approved by the Federal Government.

The security outfit, which had been at the forefront of providing private guard to Nigerians and contributing to internal security arrangement across the country was registered as a corporate entity by the Ministry of Interior, through the office of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

By this new status, according to a top official in the Ministry, Giraffe Vigilant Guards is being recognized in the face of the law as a private guard, to complement the efforts of various security agencies in Nigeria towards safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian populace.

According to the source, the security outfit would do more of local intelligence gathering and tactical operation.

Speaking further, the head of the security outfit, Alhaji Hussein Yahasalam, appreciated the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Commandant General of the NSCDC for considering his organization worthy of registration to complement the efforts of formal security agencies.

He, therefore, pledged his unflinching commitment to security of lives and property of Nigerians in collaboration with government's security agencies in all communities of the country, through virile local intelligence gathering mechanism.

"I really appreciate the good gesture of the Minister of Interior and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for considering us worthy for registration as a private security guard.

"As someone with great passion and penchant for internal security surveillance through local intelligence gathering, I want to say that this recognition is an impetus for us to do more of what we have been doing in the last three decades", Yahasalam concluded.

Your light shall be permanent in Osun, OSEMA boss, Adejinle congratulates Gov. Ademola over supreme court victory


General Manager, Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) Mr Amos Adejinle, has felicitated Governor Ademola Adeleke over his victory at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, describing him as a shining light of immeasurable value.

Adejinle, in a congratulatory message he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, prayed that the shining light of the Governor in the State shall be permanent and with tremendous achievement.

He said the level of consistency and capacity displayed by the Governor in the last six months has clearly shown that he was ready for governance and purposeful leadership from the inception of his administration.

The OSEMA boss, added that with the pattern and content of developmental agenda of the Governor, the State would definitely experience uncommon development and speedy growth in all it's ramifications.

According to him, the promptness of response and zeal for policy implementation adopted by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke have stand him out as listening and friendly Governor, saying the State has been lucky to have his type at the helms of affairs.

His words: "I heartily congratulate our performing Governor in Osun, Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke, on his landslide victory at the apex court today.

"From all of us at OSEMA, we are greatly proud of you and your entire team; obviously, your style of administration and governance is a clear-cut departure from the past and a revolution in all ways.

"Also, we want to specially appreciate your prompt and speedy response towards array of our requests in the quest of creating succour for the downtrodden and vulnerable through robust emergency management mechanism in the State.

"We have no doubt in our mind that you are the best for this State at this critical moment of our political journey, as we wish you a successful tenure with indelible impacts ahead".

10th National Assembly: Yusuf Gagdi remains the best for speakership - Jackson Lekan Ojo

A leading security expert and social commentator, Jackson Lekan Ojo, has called on all Nigerians to rally support for a member of House of Representatives from Plateau State, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, saying the lawmaker possesses enviable traits of leadership above others.

Ojo, in an interview with newsmen on Sunday added that he was marvelled at the stellar performance and display of rare capacity of Gagdi, in all areas of governance and humanity despite being a first time member.

According to Ojo, Gagdi is the exact personality that Nigeria and the President -elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu need at this point in time for stability, harmonization and speedy development, through robust synergy between the executive and the legislature.

The APC chieftain insisted that though, all other candidates jostling for the position of speakership in the 10th National Assembly are respected members with capacity, however, Hon. Gagdi remains the best among them in all ramifications.

In his words, Gagdi has distinguished himself with strong liberal ideology that goes beyond ethnicity, religion or social status, with capacity to relate with all people of diverse backgrounds without blemish.

He said:" Though, the majority party by tradition always produce the leadership of the National Assembly in the past, despite the fact that this is not statutorily binding on them by constitution but by mere practice, however, such practice might be difficult to sustain now with multifaceted political parties in the House of Representatives.

"In view of this, the ruling party needs an exceptional personality that possesses requisite capacity and acumen to consolidate all interests and garner enough support across party lines.

"To me and by the account of a revered member of the House of Representatives, who has been adjudged as the most eloquent, cerebral and focal, Hon. Kazaure, who vociferously threw his weight behind a gentle man from Plateau, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, I consider the gentle man as the best for Nigeria to pilot the affairs of the House of Representatives.

"Listening to his narratives yesterday, I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria and by extension, the President -elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu need such a personalty to stabilize the country and engender speedy development.

"His gentility, generous disposition, humility, simplicity, transparency, accountability, and all other enviable traits he had displayed in just four years of his membership of the House stand him out as a rare being of dependable value.

"As a former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Gagdi surprised many Nigerians by sponsoring ten critical bills that were all passed by the house , in which six of it enjoyed the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari.

"Look at the way he spoke about changing the present pattern of oversight function of the National Assembly, by providing a better alternative of making that function more effective and efficient.

"To this end, I call on all Nigerians to speak to their representatives in the house, as well as all religious leaders and other critical stakeholders to rally support for Hon. Yusuf Gagdi as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. He is the one Nigeria and Nigerians need now for profound checks and balances for good governance".