₦airaland Forum

Foundation offers scholarship to indigent student

In continuation of its spirited efforts to ameliorate the hardship indigent students face in attaining formal education, the Senator Buruji Kashamu-inspired Omoilu Foundation on Tuesday presented a cheque of 150,000 to one Ogunbanjo Olawale of the Computer Science department of Abraham Adesanya Polythecnic to cover his tuition fee of N105,000 and N45,000 for his upkeep.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director-General of the Foundation in the Southwest zone, Otunba Adeleke Adekoya said the Foundation is ready to do everything possible towards assisting indigent students.

"This gesture is in line with the Foundation's undying commitment to ensuring affordability of qualitative education for indigent students in tertiary institutions and our distinguished Senator Kashamu who is the chairman of the Foundation is always ready to commit his hard-earned resources towards achieving this feet," he said.

At the presentation of the cheque to the beneficiary, the Ogun State Coordinator of the Foundation, Otunba (Comrade) Niyi Osoba, described education as the greatest gift that any generation could bequeath to the younger ones, adding: “It is in recognition of this fact that Senator Kashamu have been persistently giving out scholarships to indigent students since 2008. Senator Kashamu's passion for education can be seen through the various educational development programmes he has initiated as a philanthropist.

"Apart from the tertiary institutions scholarship, Senator Kashamu has placed over 30 indigent students on scholarships at various international private secondary schools.These students are mostly orphans, a category of people that the society think will never amount to anything and neglects.

“His interest is predicated on the fact that we can only have a better society if we have the right people who possess the good education. He believes youths are the future of the country and the future of Ogun State. This is why he lends a helping hand to the poor through Omoilu Foundation,” he said.

The beneficiary, Ogunbanjo Olawale lost his father 6 months ago and could not proceed to higher institution to further his education because her mother could not afford the fee.

Hon Giwa preaches love, peace at Christmas

All Progressive Congress (APC) Aspirant for the Chairman of Epe Local Government Area, Hon. Giwa Idris (ALOMA), has enjoined the people of Lagos State and Epe Local Government Area to embrace the love of Jesus Christ and shun bitterness in their relationship towards one another, as Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a statement made available to journalists in Epe, Hon. Giwa (ALOMA) extolled the virtues of Jesus Christ, saying such life should be an example for everyone who seeks the greatness of Epe land and Lagos State.

“The life of Jesus Christ is characterized by great virtues that include love. The love of Jesus Christ to mankind is immeasurable and can only be understood through his works that is known to be filled with compassion.

“It is this kind of lifestyle of love that can make a country. We owe this debt to God and to fellow human being to extend love at all time, even in the face of hostility as admonished by the word of God,” he Said.


Hon. Giwa also called on Christian leaders in Epe Land and in Lagos State to continue to pray for Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode in his quest to make Lagos State a better place for Lagosians to live.

“Christian leaders in the State and Lagosians in general cannot be tired of supporting Governor Ambode with prayers at this time that he is gradually transforming Lagos State into Africa economic destination. Ours is to keep supporting Governor Ambode with prayers," Hon. Giwa said.

KASHAMU PREACHES LOVE AT CHRISTMAS

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has urged Nigerians to show love to one another in spite of the challenges of the times.

In a Christmas message issued in Lagos today, Kashamu said Christians and indeed all Nigerians should draw useful lessons from how Jesus Christ rose above and beyond the circumstances of his birth to become the saviour of mankind.

"In the same vein, I urge my fellow countrymen and women to celebrate this season and show some love towards one another, notwithstanding the challenges they are facing.

“The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ calls for joy and felicitations among all God-fearing people, and so all Nigerians should take time off the hassles of daily living, make merry and renew themselves in the light of the peace and joy that Christmas brings.

"As one people under God, we are expected to emulate Christ by showing unwavering faith and love, " Kashamu said.

This, he noted, was necessary because, as diversified as we are as a nation, we are one happy family, a strong, united people, propelled by an unbreakable bond of nationhood.

Senator Kashamu urged Nigerians irrespective of their religious background to open their hearts with love in relation to one another.

"As our Christian brothers and sisters go to churches on Sunday, let us use the opportunity to pray for the unity, growth and progress of Nigeria. It is my belief that it was accidental that this year's Christmas falls on a Sunday. It is providential; so, let us make the best use of it.

“The times we are in call for prayers and the exercise of our faith in the Almighty God who rules in the affairs of men, including that of our nation. For as the Holy Book says 'except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it'," Senator Kashamu added.

OUR SUPPORT FOR BUHARI IS SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA
-KASHAMU

Buruji Kashamu is the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he is one of the ardent supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption fight. In this interview, he likened Nigeria to an aircraft going through some turbulence before regaining balance and urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government. He spoke on a wide range of issues. Excerpts:

In as much as you are not a member of the ruling party, your love and respect for the President is obvious and you talk about it freely too. Why, if I may ask?
We all know that the Almighty Allah has His own way of doing things. His wisdom is superior and his ways unfathomable. Before the 2015 general elections, Nigerians were crying out against a government that they felt had lost control of the ship of state. They prayed for the Almighty Allah to intervene and give us a leader who will turn things around. As a devout Muslim, I do believe that the Almighty Allah answers prayers and so in submission to the sovereign will of God, I said to myself that whoever emerges victorious at the polls is Allah’s answer to the cry of Nigerians. General Muhammadu Buhari won that election and naturally I believe that he is the divinely-ordained leader for our country at this time. On that basis, he has my unconditional support and loyalty. I love what Allah loves and reject what Allah rejects.

Secondly, President Buhari has unquestionable antecedent and strength of character that he uniquely brings to the office of the President. One can easily say that his unique core competence is the integrity he brings to the highly sensitive task of governance, coupled with his unflinching resolve to do everything it takes to effectually midwife the new Nigeria we all desperately long for. Let me cease this opportunity to say that President Buhari’s job is to engage and manage the various human and natural resources that are essential for the political and socio-economic reformation of our country. He is not a magician or miracle worker who will just wave a magic wand or chant a password and then everything that is wrong with Nigeria will be fixed. We must do away with such fallacies and begin to see President Buhari as the father who is leading us all as one big family to do a job that we all have a role to play, from the greatest to least amongst us. This is not the time to sit on the fence and complain. We prayed for a leader and God gave us one. Now is the time to stand with him and ensure that he succeeds because President Buhari’s success is the success of Nigeria and all Nigerians. Now is not the time to play politics. Now is the time to meaningfully participate and contribute our own quota as patriotic citizens.

But Nigerians are crying out against the government of President Buhari. Many people are now saying that he has failed to deliver on his promises.

General Muhammadu Buhari became the president of this country at the time that our global economy was not only in the doldrums; the global economy was also battling recession. Oil prices were flunking lower and restiveness in the Niger Delta made matters worse. In some ways you may want to say that he was not as lucky as his predecessor. I must say that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was the luckiest person to have been president of this country. Oil prices were phenomenally high and the amnesty programme that was still at the early stages of implementation maintained some kind of truce in the region.

External debt was actually very low and our excess crude account was heavily funded. But he mismanaged the resources at his disposal and left the country broke and vulnerable.

There is enough information and analysis that give an honest perspective to our current predicament. It is now common knowledge that the administration of our father and mentor, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo left behind 45billion dollars external reserves and the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration grew the reserves to 64billion dollars within just one year.

That was why it was able to finance 15 months of imports despite the 2008/2009 world economic meltdown. Hence, Nigeria survived the melt down because those administrations had the political will to save. Even more commendable is the fact that in spite of the tough economic reality at that time, the administration left 47.7billion dollars in reserves and an external debt of 3.94billion dollars even though the administration earned only N9trillion from crude oil sales within that short period.

But after the demise of President Yar’Adua, his successor’s lack of political will to save in the midst of an oil boom brought economic destitution. It would be recalled that Brent crude sold at over 100 dollars/barrel and raked in 51trillion Naira within a period of five years. But because of corruption, governors demanding it was their constitutional right to take all the savings and other irresponsible acts of government, the administration did not only squander the oil revenue, it depleted the reserves left by President Yar’Adua, leaving 32billion dollars and a huge external debt of 63billion dollars.

These acts preceded the dip in the price of Brent which fell to as low as 35 dollars/barrel shortly after the current administration took over power and has only managed to climb to about 50 dollars recently. So, in as much as the buck always falls on the leader, it is not appropriate to heap all the blame on the current leadership.

Besides, emerging facts and figures paint gloomier pictures. For instance, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said this administration inherited 206 uncompleted road projects and contract arrears worth 2.1trillion Naira from the immediate past administration; and for about two to three years the contractors were not paid. That must have slowed down the economic activities forcing the affected companies to retrench workers. Such incidents exacerbate the decline and if the situation had continued, the economic crisis would have been worse.

More people would have been out of work while even more would have been working without salaries because Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also exposed the fact that we started borrowing money to pay salaries since October, 2014.

Fortunately, today Nigeria no longer borrows to pay salaries. Rather, we are now borrowing money for investment in capital projects.

So, those who blame President Buhari for the current hardship are either ignorant or mischievous. We should not join the bandwagon in rabid criticisms.

He is our leader and President. And as followers, leaders and opinion-molders, we are onboard with President Buhari, our pilot, on a flight to recovery at a time when the global economic climate is turbulent. Naturally, Nigeria will also feel the discomfort caused by the turbulence but we all must trust that our pilot has the experience that will bring stability and take us safely to our destination. If we rock the plane with chaos, it is our dear country and the destiny of our people that will crash. There comes a time when we must draw the line between patriotism and politics. We cannot afford to be playing politics all-year round and all through the life of the government of the day. It does not matter whether we like the faces of the current office holders or not. We must not politicise everything.

Last year, Governor of Ekiti State Mr. Peter Ayo Fayose made some predictions for this year. Now he has said he going on another retreat and will be making more predictions for 2017. How would you react to this?

Well, first of all let me say that it is customary for people to reflect on the outgoing year and make projections into the New Year. Even if the reflections are made with a feeling of déjà vu, the projections should be done with hope and faith in the good that lies somewhere in the belly of the New Year. It is crucial that at all times, we must let our thoughts be guided by positive aspirations and patriotic ideals.

Fayose has abandoned the primary reason he was elected and made “President Buhari Bashing” a state policy and anyone who knows him can predict his so-called predictions. They would be no more than the painting of a gloomy picture meant to incite the people against the present administration. But, Nigerians are wiser. They know that the hood does not make the monk. They even know better with the truckload of evidence stacked against him over the ONSA funds. Nigerians now know that his hands are not clean after all, in spite of his grandstanding. Instead of posing as a friend of the poor and the masses, it is now obvious that he is one of their greatest enemies. It is now glaring that it was the corrupt acts of people like him that coalesced to get us to where we are today. And whenever these anarchists seek to confuse and manipulate us by reminding us of our present situation, we must have the courage to remind them of where we are coming from. If they shamelessly say things were working better with corruption, we must be bold enough to let them know that we were already an accident waiting to happen.

Shouldn’t Nigerians be concerned about what he has to say? Some of the things he predicted could be said to have come to pass.

We do not need a prophet to predict what is happening in Nigeria right now. And from prevailing situation and emerging trends, you can hazard a guess into the future. And no one is better qualified to reveal to us the trajectory of our economy than the two-time Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in the immediate past administration, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In a talk she gave at the George Washington University in the United States of America early this year, the former Managing Director of the World Bank said the last administration was so desperate to corner the loyalty of stakeholders and associates that it lacked the political will to fight corruption and save for a rainy day such as this.

She said during her first outing between 2003 and 2007, the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration saved $22 billion because the political will to do it was there, adding, “And when the 2008/2009 crisis came, we were able to draw on those savings precisely to issue about a five per cent of GDP fiscal stimulus to the economy, and we never had to come to the (World) Bank or the Fund (International Monetary Fund). This time around and this is the key now, you need not only to have the instrument, but you also need the political will. In my second time as a finance minister, from 2011 to 2015, we had the instrument, we had the means, we had done it before, but zero political will.” In essence, what Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was saying is that if the seeds of our present situation were planted by the maladministration of the past, the lack of the political will of the immediate past administration nurtured and exacerbated the turn of events. So Fayose should keep his lies to himself and face the primary reason the good people of Ekiti State elected him – their security and welfare.

It is said, “When the head is rotten, it affects the whole body”. Conversely, I dare say that when the head is good, it equally affects the whole body. We now have a more efficient, responsible and responsive Armed Forces, EFCC, Police, SSS, ICPC, Customs, Immigration and other agencies. They are now up and doing. The war against corruption is on course. No Minister or appointee of this government dares misbehave. They now do their jobs in accordance with their oath of office and the law. Boko Haram has been subdued notwithstanding the occasional strikes. But the fact is: no Nigerian territory is under its control again.

From the evaluations and reviews of the process so far, it is obvious that many expected to see a perfunctory change that will give them unfettered access to our common wealth. Not many imagined that the President had the fortitude to shut his ears to distracting criticisms and focus on the arduous task before him. They thought that the heat of the fire of adversity that will be ignited by the cleansing process will force the President out of the kitchen. But he has proven that he is well trained general who does not flee in the face of a daunting challenge.

The processes of a new order are being courageously and systematically implemented. The consequential scourge is worth the gains of the functional, economically vibrant, safe and united Nigeria that we desire. Like it is often said, it is always darkest just before the dawn. The Nigeria of our dreams is almost here. There is no more room for the recklessness of the past.

Already, experts are beginning to say that because of the bold steps taken by the administration; the current recession will pale into positive economic growth beginning from 2017. This claim is reaffirmed by experts that are also predicting that there could be a minor growth rebound to 1.97 per cent in our economy by 2017. Thus, it is imperative for all leaders and stakeholders to encourage the government to continue with its current economic diversification agenda, which will cushion the effects of ongoing disruption in the global oil market and further reduce the contribution of the oil sector to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Hopefully, this budding recovery will be strengthened by the commendable reform in public finance, infrastructural development and growth in our indigenous manufacturing sector.

This prospect should grab the attention of cynics who have made a career out of fault-finding and undue criticism of the government. Such lopsided critics who are fuelling the vehicle of apathy, coercing uninformed citizens for a disruptive ride are clogs in the wheel of progress. They work hand-in-gloves with political predators and saboteurs, amongst other unscrupulous elements who previously lived large on slush funds and economic brigandage.

Mercifully, their raucous criticisms are being overtaken by their own individual failures at their various duty posts. The people now know that they lack the capacity to practice what they preach. For instance, Fayose who is doing poorly in his state lacks the moral capacity to negatively judge what is happening at the national level.

That is why I always ask the question; what has he done to make life better for the people of his state? What ingenuity has he brought to the practice of governance? If you say somebody is not doing his job well, you must as a matter of obligation do your own job to show him how the job is done and prove that you are better. But the sad reality is that apart from the resources that come in from the FAAC allocation, there is no concrete evidence of any form of wealth creating projects that are being implemented in the state. How can a man who arrogates to himself the status of opposition leader be a regrettable failure in his own state?

You paint a positive picture. Should this be enough to recover the support of critical Nigerians and encourage them to give the President a second chance going forward, especially given the fact that your party could benefit from this situation in 2019?

First of all, 2019 is way down the road. We are still at a time when all hands must be on deck supporting the on-going task of national reconstruction. Majority of Nigerians saw that the ship of state was drifting apart dangerously and decided to entrust their lives and future into the hands of a man they know possesses the track record to fight corruption and secure their lives. That man was found in President Muhammadu Buhari and that is what we are getting. Gone is the fake lifestyle of the past. Gone are the free funds. Gone are days when mediocrity is celebrated over meritocracy. Now is the time to task our brain, gird our loins and work hard for every penny. We must earn every kobo you make. Welcome to reality Nigeria; not the superfluous imaginary Nigeria of the immediate past.

For me, I have always made a case against party affiliations or political correctness in the face of national interest. That is what is playing out in the United States of America. Despite the bitter campaigns and divisions, the government and the people are closing ranks behind the President-Elect to ensure a successful transition because they value democratic ethos. Before being identified as party men, we are first of all citizens of a country. As a Nigerian and a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am prepared to give anything for the good of my country.

And if speaking the truth will make me to incur the wrath of some people, I really do not mind. As leaders, what we need to come to the table with is an altruistic patriotic spirit and not a set of values that we cannot even uphold or defend because they are contrived to further selfish interest. Let us move from being mere political gladiators to compassionate servant-leaders.

Truth is: if we say we love our country, then we must support the current administration till the end of its mandate. When it is time for elections and campaigns, we would go back to the electorate and put our score cards before them. If they are satisfied with us, they would return us. If not, they would reject us. A party, like a parent, could have many children. Some could be level-headed, brilliant and successful.

Others could be dull, poor and unsuccessful. The parent gave birth to them and gave them the same training.

But, they are not equally successful owing to factors beyond the control of the parent. That is why the Yoruba would say “Alagemo ti bi mo e, ai le mojo ku s’owo e” which means that your parents have given birth to you and given you all the training they could give, but you are solely responsible for your choices and their attendant consequences. The same PDP that produced the ex-President Jonathan administration was the same PDP that produced the government of our father, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Umaru Yar’Adua that we still remember till date for so many good initiatives.

Buhari needs Nigerians’ support to end economic woes

 – Kashamu

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has urged Nigerians to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to get the country out of its current economic challenges.

He identified bad leadership, corruption and lack of political will to save for a rainy day as some of the factors responsible for the current economic challenges facing the country.

Speaking during an interactive session with some journalists in Lagos, Kashamu said, “President Muhammadu Buhari became the president of this country at the time that our global economy was not only in the doldrums; the global economy was also battling recession. Oil prices were flunking lower and restiveness in the Niger Delta made matters worse. In some ways you may want to say that he was not as lucky as his predecessor. I must say that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was the luckiest person to have been president of this country. Oil prices were phenomenally high and the amnesty programme that was still at the early stages of implementation maintained some kind of truce in the region.  External debt was actually very low and our excess crude account was heavily funded. But he mismanaged the resources at his disposal and left the country broke and vulnerable.

“There is enough information and analysis that give an honest perspective to our current predicament. It is now common knowledge that the administration of our father and mentor, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo left behind 45billion dollars external reserves and the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration grew the reserves to 64billion dollars within just one year. That was why it was able to finance 15 months of imports despite the 2008/2009 world economic meltdown. Hence, Nigeria survived the melt down because those administrations had the political will to save. Even more commendable is the fact that in spite of the tough economic reality at that time, the administration left 47.7billion dollars in reserves and an external debt of 3.94billion dollars even though the administration earned only N9trillion from crude oil sales within that short period.

“But after the demise of President Yar’Adua, his successor’s lack of political will to save in the midst of an oil boom brought economic destitution. It would be recalled that Brent crude sold at over 100 dollars/barrel and raked in 51trillion Naira within a period of five years. But because of corruption, governors demanding it was their constitutional right to take all the savings and other irresponsible acts of government, the administration did not only squander the oil revenue, it depleted the reserves left by  President Yar’Adua, leaving 32billion dollars and a huge external debt of 63billion dollars.

“These acts preceded the dip in the price of Brent which fell to as low as 35 dollars/barrel shortly after the current administration took over power and has only managed to climb to about 50 dollars recently. So, in as much as the buck always falls on the leader, it is not appropriate to heap all the blame on the current leadership...In essence, if the seeds of our present situation were planted by the maladministration of the past, the lack of the political will of the immediate past administration nurtured and exacerbated the turn of events.”

Kashamu berated those who said things were better off in the past when corruption was rife, stressing that, “It was their seemingly little acts of corruption here and there that coalesced to get us to where we are today. And whenever the corrupt elements seek to confuse and manipulate us by reminding us of our present situation, we must have the courage to remind them of where we are coming from. If they shamelessly say things were working better with corruption, we must be bold enough to let them know that we were already an accident waiting to happen.”

On what could be the reaction of some of his fellow party faithful to his views, the lawmaker said, “For me, I have always made a case against party affiliations or political correctness in the face of national interest.  That is what is playing out in the United States of America. Despite the bitter campaigns and divisions, the government and the people are closing ranks behind the President-Elect to ensure a successful transition because they value democratic ethos. Before being identified as party men, we are first of all citizens of a country. As a Nigerian and a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am prepared to give anything for the good of my country. And if speaking the truth will make me to incur the wrath of some people, I really do not mind. As leaders, what we need to come to the table with is an altruistic patriotic spirit and not a set of values that we cannot even uphold or defend because they are contrived to further selfish interest. Let us move from being mere political gladiators to compassionate servant-leaders.

“Truth is: if we say we love our country, then we must support the current administration till the end of its mandate. When it is time for elections and campaigns, we would go back to the electorate and put our score cards before them. If they are satisfied with us, they would return us. If not, they would reject us. A party, like a parent, could have many children. Some could be level-headed, brilliant and successful. Others could be dull, poor and unsuccessful. The parent gave birth to them and gave them the same training. But, they are not equally successful owing to factors beyond the control of the parent. That is why the Yoruba would say “Alagemo ti bi mo e, ai le mojo ku s’owo e” which literally means that your parents have given birth to you and given you all the training they could give, but you are solely responsible for your choices and their attendant consequences. The same PDP that produced the ex-President Jonathan administration was the same PDP that produced the government of our father, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Umaru Yar’Adua that we still remember till date for so many good initiatives

NDLEA has no role in extradition proceedings, says Kashamu's counsel

Counsel to the senator representing Ogun-East senatorial district, Buruji Kashamu, Prince Ajibola Oluyede, has explained that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has no role to play in the institution of extradition proceedings according to the nation's Extradition Act.

Speaking against the backdrop of an NDLEA report on the proceedings in the committal application before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over Senator Kashamu, the legal practitioner averred that the writers of the report are clearly up to some mischief. 

The report, credited to the NDLEA, was allegedly made in response to a committal application brought against it by Senator Kashamu for continuing to plan illegal rendition attempts against him.

The NDLEA in a counter-affidavit filed before the Court in Abuja to oppose the contempt proceedings initiated by Kashamu against the agency and other respondents, said it is not true that the court had perpetually restrained the Federal Government from extraditing him to the United States of America to face drugs-related charges.

Prior to this counter-affidavit, a dismissal of the extradition application made by the Attorney-General of the Federation in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/49/2015, the judgment against NDLEA and others in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/508/2015, had been made forbidding the NDLEA from any cooperation with foreign agents to forcefully abduct Senator Kashamu.

According to Oluyede, every person with the slightest inclination can discover just by reading the Extradition Act that NDLEA has no role to play in the institution of extradition proceedings.

"It is the exclusive preserve of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to initiate extradition processes after receiving a valid request from a treaty bound country against any person resident in Nigeria.

"The AGF is the only person who may decide which law enforcement agency to use to execute a warrant duly obtained from the Federal High Court for that purpose and even in drug-related cases it does not have to be NDLEA.

"Such a warrant cannot be obtained clandestinely but in the course of proceedings already commenced before the Federal High Court. In many cases, the court would not make such a warrant when the subject is a public officer of the standing of a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but would merely issue a summons for his to appear by himself in the court."

 He explained further that, "The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has himself admitted that he is bound by the decision of the court dismissing the extradition proceedings it brought against Senator Kashamu and cannot take further steps against him. Indeed, the Attorney-General of the Federation denied being involved in any further attempts against Senator Kashamu as alleged in the committal proceedings brought by the Senator. I wonder why the writer did not major on the affidavit filed for the AGF in the proceedings instead of that of the NDLEA."

While stating that the overzealousness of the NDLEA and its continued threatening against Senator Kashamu should be seen by right minded persons as most unbecoming, irrational and evil, Oluyede said the idea being sold by the mischievous writer is that the universally berated and deplored invasion of Senator Kashamu’s house in May 2015 was part of a legal extradition process. No right minded person will ever buy that nonsense any more.

"NDLEA invaded Senator Kashamu’s house on Saturday 23rd of May 2015 at 3 am not for extradition purpose but for rendition purpose based on the control of NDLEA by foreign agents and illegal directions given by an irresponsible public officer.

"NDLEA had no warrant known to the Extradition Act and its entire objective was to abduct Senator Kashamu and hand him over to his political adversaries under sedation for a flight to the USA in a private jet to be handed over to USA authorities. There was no intention to go through the courts as required by the Extradition Act.

"Having been caught red handed in this nefarious ploy, the NDLEA, rather than offer an unreserved apology to the Senator for the destruction to his property and the unwarranted humiliation to him and his family, continues to prance around like a puppet completely under the control of the Senator’s political adversaries and plotting with them other illegal attempts to abduct and export the Senator out of Nigeria without following due process of law.

"The quotation in the mischievous write-up credited to NDLEA is a clear admission that NDLEA is not interested in proceeding against Senator Kashamu through lawful means which it admits it cannot do (and which in any event it does not have the power to do) but is a veiled threat that it will again (under the pretense of pursuing lawful extradition) take steps against the Senator to please its puppeteers.

"As masters currently stand no entity in Nigeria, including the Attorney General of the Federation and all law enforcement agencies can take any steps against Senator Kashamu lawfully or unlawfully for any purpose connected with allegations from which he has been exonerated by British Courts in 2000 and 2003. The Federal High Court has, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/508/2014 decided this much.

"That court held that the issue of Senator Kashamu’s involvement in the alleged offence committed in the US can no longer be re-opened in new extradition proceedings in Nigeria since a competent English Court has found positively after three (3) years of trial that Senator Kashamu is not the person involved in the offence and that it is a case of mistaken identity. The NDLEA and its publicists should give the matter a rest."

RE: WE CAN STILL EXTRADITE KASHAMU - NDLEA

The writers of the reports on the proceedings in the committal application before the Federal High Court, Abuja are clearly up to some mischief.

The writers’ vain attempt to play on an out of context statement, they credit to the NDLEA, allegedly made in response to a committal application brought against it by Senator Buruji Kashamu for continuing to plan illegal rendition attempts against him (despite the dismissal of the extradition application made by the Attorney-General of the Federation in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/49/2015, the judgment against NDLEA and others in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/508/2015 forbidding the NDLEA from any cooperation with foreign agents to forcefully abduct Senator Kashamu and other orders made against the NDLEA for its brigandage against Senator Kashamu in the May 2015 invasion and six-day siege of his home) is a hoax and clearly designed only to create a negative sensation against the distinguished Senator.

In the first place, every person with the slightest inclination can discover just by reading the Extradition Act that NDLEA has no role to play in the institution of extradition proceedings.

It is the exclusive preserve of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to initiate extradition processes after receiving a valid request from a treaty bound country against any person resident in Nigeria.

The AGF is the only person who may decide which law enforcement agency to use to execute a warrant duly obtained from the Federal High Court for that purpose and even in drug-related cases it does not have to be NDLEA.

Such a warrant cannot be obtained clandestinely but in the course of proceedings already commenced before the Federal High Court. In many cases, the court would not make such a warrant when the subject is a public officer of the standing of a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but would merely issue a summons for his to appear by himself in the court.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has himself admitted that he is bound by the decision of the court dismissing the extradition proceedings it brought against Senator Kashamu and cannot take further steps against him. Indeed, the Attorney-General of the Federation denied being involved in any further attempts against Senator Kashamu as alleged in the committal proceedings brought by the Senator. I wonder why the writer did not major on the affidavit filed for the AGF in the proceedings instead of that of the NDLEA.

The overzealousness of the NDLEA and its continued threatening against Senator Kashamu should be seen by right minded persons as most unbecoming, irrational and evil.

The idea being sold by the mischievous writer is that the universally berated and deplored invasion of Senator Kashamu’s house in May 2015 was part of a legal extradition process. No right minded person will ever buy that nonsense any more.

NDLEA invaded Senator Kashamu’s house on Saturday 23rd of May 2015 at 3 am not for extradition purpose but for rendition purpose based on the control of NDLEA by foreign agents and illegal directions given by an irresponsible public officer.

NDLEA had no warrant known to the Extradition Act and its entire objective was to abduct Senator Kashamu and hand him over to his political adversaries under sedation for a flight to the USA in a private jet to be handed over to USA authorities. There was no intention to go through the courts as required by the Extradition Act.

Having been caught red handed in this nefarious ploy, the NDLEA, rather than offer an unreserved apology to the Senator for the destruction to his property and the unwarranted humiliation to him and his family, continues to prance around like a puppet completely under the control of the Senator’s political adversaries and plotting with them other illegal attempts to abduct and export the Senator out of Nigeria without following due process of law.

The quotation in the mischievous write-up credited to NDLEA is a clear admission that NDLEA is not interested in proceeding against Senator Kashamu through lawful means which it admits it cannot do (and which in any event it does not have the power to do) but is a veiled threat that it will again (under the pretense of pursuing lawful extradition) take steps against the Senator to please its puppeteers.

As matters currently stand no entity in Nigeria, including the Attorney General of the Federation and all law enforcement agencies can take any steps against Senator Kashamu lawfully or unlawfully for any purpose connected with allegations from which he has been exonerated by British Courts in 2000 and 2003. The Federal High Court has, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/508/2014 decided this much.

 That court held that the issue of Senator Kashamu’s involvement in the alleged offence committed in the US can no longer be re-opened in new extradition proceedings in Nigeria since a competent English Court has found positively after three (3) years of trial that Senator Kashamu is not the person involved in the offence and that it is a case of mistaken identity. The NDLEA and its publicists should give the matter a rest.

Signed

Prince Ajibola Oluyede

Counsel to Senator Buruji Kashamu

Pomp As Honourable Idris Bags Epe Islamic Chieftancy Title




All the roads led to Epe town in Lagos State on Saturday, 27th November, 2016 where Alhaji Kolawole Sanni, the Chief Imam of Epe Central Mosque, and the people of the town, honoured Hon. Giwa Idris aka Aloma, with the title of Otun-Arewa Adinni of Epe land.

Apparently, the honour was in appreciation of Hon.Idris’s commitment to the propagation of Islam in Epe land, spirit of brotherliness, his contributions and the love that he has spread outside his domain to Nigerians from all walks of life. Our correspondent reports that the venue of the title conferment was a carnival of sorts.

Speaking with newsmen, the MD/CEO of Financial.Com, Alhaji Dotun Olaleye described the occasion as a day of honour for an illustrious son of Epe land. He said it shows that Hon.Idris enjoys the general acceptance of his people as an Islamic scholar and politician. He thanked the chief Imam of Epe central Mosque, Alhaji Kolawole for honouring one of their own.

“It shows”, “the general acceptance of an achiever. This is a day of honour for an illustrious son of Epe town. It simply shows that Hon.Idris enjoys the general commendation of his people as a devoted Muslim, politician and a philanthropist”. he remarked. He confirmed that the massive turn out obviously proved Idris is loved by the people of Epe.

Speaking about the new title holder, the chief Imam of Epe land, Alhaji Kolawole said Hon.Idris has continually made Epe town proud through his commitment to the propagation of Islam in Epe land, dynamism and philanthropic disposition. The Missioner told the gathering that the title given to Hon.Idris is a well deserved one. “Idris deserves to be honoured and that is why we have honoured him here today,” Kolawole said.

He then urged the new Otun-Arewa Adinni of Epe land to continue to support Islam with his God given resources as he is known to have always done in all his years as a devoted Muslim and philanthropist of note. He assured Hon. Idris of the support of the Muslim community in Epe land at all times.

Alhaji Kolawole added that the presence of so many dignitaries at the conferment ceremony was a recognition for Hon.Idris.

All Progressive Party (APC) Chieftain in Lagos State, Alhaji Akanni Seriki aka Baba Bamu was the father of the day.

Reacting to the honour bestowed on him, Hon.Idris appreciated the chief Imam, Alhaji Kolawole and the entire congregation of Epe central Mosque that honoured him for recognizing his activities and achievements so far, adding that the title would further spur him to contribute his quota to the development of Islam in Epe Land and Lagos State as a whole.He thanked Alhaji Akanni Seriki, Prince Adedeji Adenusi and other prominent politicians, friends and family in attendance for their unflinching support over the years.

Dignitaries who graced the event in solidarity with Hon.Idris included the Ogun State commissioner for youth and sport and president Millennium Minders Club, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, the deputy Corp marshal federal road safety commission in Lagos State, Mr. Ademola Lawal, the MD/CEO of Financials.Com, Alhaji Dotun Olaleye, Alhaja Adenike Tobun, the APC Welfare Officer in Lagos State, Alhaja R. Bankole, the Epe LGA APC Women Leader, Alhaja I. Adegboyega, Alhaja Ajoke Yinusa, APC Chieftain from Agbado-Oke Odo LGA amongst other dignitaries.

Members of Millennium minders club were also in attendance to grace the occasion.

Ondo 2016: Jegede's lawyers misled judges, says PDP zonal chair

 

The Southwest Zonal Chairman/National Vice Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, has accused lawyers of contributing to the crisis ricking the party.

He said the PDP is being torn apart by rebellious elements.

Ogundipe said the judgment of the Court of Appeal which restored Mr. Eyitayo Jegede as the party’s candidate in the Ondo State governorship race, was a result of a misrepresentation of facts.

The PDP chief, in a statement yesterday, said: “These lawyers intentionally did not present all the facts of the case that was tried at the Federal High Court to the Hon. Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led panel of the Court of Appeal. They hijacked and rushed proceedings at hearing, making it impossible for Prince Biyi Poroye’s lawyers to present their arguments. The judges who obviously worked with the arguments that were presented before them were so deftly manipulated that they did not have the opportunity to enter into the details of the matter before them as well as details of the case that was tried at the lower court.

“Thus to get redress, Prince Poroye and his team filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court stating their dissatisfaction with the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the judgment of the court delivered on the 24th day of November 2016. The reliefs sought from the Supreme Court include the setting aside of the judgment of the Lower Court delivered on the 24th of November 2016 and affirming the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on the 29th of June 2016 because of three fundamental errors in law.”

He added: “The first error that they sought redress for was the fact that the justices of the Court of Appeal failed to consider from the affidavit evidence before it that the Appellants had been elected as officers of the Executive Committee of the PDP in their respective states at state congresses of the party held in their respective states on the 10th of May 2016, prior to the appointment of Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ben Obi as chairman and secretary respectively of the National Caretaker Committee on the 21st of May, 2016. The panel erred because it still granted their prayer to be joined as Respondents in a case, acting in flagrant disregard for the fact that the National Executive Committee of the party had already resolved to accept and recognize the Prince Biyi Poroye’s led executive as the legal executive of the party in the state. Moreover, there was a letter acknowledging their recognition before the May 21st travesty in Port Harcourt that threw up the National Caretaker Committee. The learned justices of the lower court did not advert their minds to the fact that there was no question before the trial court that could not be effectively and effectually determined without the joinder of Makarfi and Obi as parties to the suit.

The decision of the lower court is, therefore, contrary to the settled principle of the law that a cause of action can only be defeated by reason of non-joinder of a party where it is shown that the party is a necessary party without whose presence the issue in controversy before the court cannot be effectually and completely determined.

If the appeal court panel had acknowledged this fundamental principle of law, then there would have been no basis for setting aside the judgment of the Federal High Court. Neither would there have been any reason to question the rights of the trial judge to deal with the matter in relation to the parties that were actually before it.  Thus the issue of the violation of Makarfi and Obi’s rights to fair hearing would not have arisen.”

He accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his cohorts of twisting the facts and propagating lies to justify their mischief and curry sympathy.

“The good people of Ondo State have once again reaffirmed that the electorate is the cornerstone of our democracy. Our democracy has a good chance of surviving and defeating the shenanigans of Dr. Mimiko and his cohorts all over this country. Our democracy is capable of defending itself and preserving its essence.

“Today, Nigerians seem to have accommodated and adapted to a crises-ridden PDP. People are now apt at talking about factions that should not exist. But, this seemingly intractable crisis began as a ripple in the South West zone of the party. A governor suddenly became too big for his shoes and began arrogating to himself powers and rights that were not his. He began usurping the rights of others in pursuit of a distant ambition that he had no business nursing. And to guarantee his capacity to actualise his ambition, he sought to take control of the structures of the party. He scammed his colleagues for their support and in the same spirit he connived with them to illegally and unconstitutionally attempt to change the leadership of the party in the South West as well as at the national level,” he said.‎

A 300 level Statistics student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Mustafa Fatimo, can testify that Allah hears the entreaties of a distressed soul. With aging parents, Fatimo found herself in a rough sea that threatened to flounder her academic dream.

As an aspiring graduate, the journey became so tough that she had to do menial jobs to support herself and her siblings. Despite the challenges, academically, she remained an eagle that never perched on low ground as she is among the best 5 students in her department.

Fatimo, who is determined to achieve her aim and become a graduate, kept knocking on every door for help. She shunned cynicism, and kept up the fight to bag a degree. Relief came to her at the weekend, when she was advised by a friend to write a letter to Omoilu Foundation and seek for support.Fortunately, when she was about to submit the letter, she saw a lot of people waiting to see the chairman of the Foundation, Senator Buruji Kashamu and decided to stay behind after submitting the letter with the hope that succour will come her way.

"A friend of mine advised me to write a letter to Omoilu Foundation seeking for their help. I need money to pay my school fees, I am a 300 level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU) Ago Iwoye.

"On getting here, I saw a lot of people waiting to see the chairman of the Foundation, Senator Kashamu ,I decided to stay behind hoping that Allah will use him to solve my problem.To my greatest surprise, I was called in by one of the workers here and the sum of thirty five thousand naira(N35,000) was given to me by the Ogun State coordinator of the Foundation, Otunba(Comrade) Niyi Osoba. I am so grateful to our distinguished Senator Kashamu for keeping my dream of becoming a graduate alive. Allah will reward him abundantly," she said.


In another development, the foundation also donated the sum of ninety four thousand naira (N94,000) to one Toluwalase Opeyemi of No 54, Kugba street, opposite Malo filling station in Abeokuta to enable her undergo surgery to correct a benign tumour of muscular and fibrous tissues, developing in the wall of her womb.

Presenting the cash to Opeyemi, the State coordinator of the Foundation, Otunba(Comrade) Niyi Osoba said the gesture came under the Foundation's healthcare programme.

"The gesture came under the healthcare programme of the Senator Buruji Kashamu-led Foundation, is part of the series of programmes lined up by the foundation to uplift the people," he said.

(Lagos – December 4, 2016)

ONDO 2016: CALLS FOR CANCELLATION OF ELECTION RESULT MISPLACED, SAYS KASHAMU ...urges Jegede not to challenge result

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has described calls for the cancellation of the result of the Ondo State governorship election as misplaced. In a statement he issued in Lagos yesterday, Kashamu said the outcome of the election was more of a referendum on the outgoing Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said the outcome of the election was a true reflection of the wish of the electorate and absolved the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the Federal Government of any blame in the conduct of the exercise.

Kashamu advised the PDP candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) not to waste his resources on challenging the result of the election because the facts speak for themselves.

“My very good brother, Mr. Jegede whom Governor Mimiko is trying to use as a pawn in this game narrowly won his polling booth by one vote but lost his ward and local government. So, how could he be said to have stood a chance of winning the election? he asked rhetorically.The statement went on, "The truth of the matter is that the people had since turned their back against Governor Mimiko. They did not want a third term for Mimiko under any guise. Civil servants are being owed six months’ salary. On the eve of the election, he then told them that he would pay them if they voted his candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN). So, he had the money all the while and did not pay?

What does he take the good and sophisticated people of Ondo State for? "Besides, after being in office for eight years, Governor Mimiko took Mr. Eyitayo Jegede from the same Ondo Central Senatorial District where he hails from as his successor. Who does that? Not even in cosmopolitan Lagos can such happen! So, the tell-tale signs were there for everyone to see. "Instead of putting the interest of PDP above his personal interest and supporting a fellow party man in Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, who is an experienced and tested hand from Ondo South Senatorial District, he fought tooth and nail to get him out of the ticket. His eyes are clearer now that he has lost everything." Kashamu said Governor Mimiko's inability to court the old PDP members whom he displaced was also factor that made him to lose the election. He accused him (Mimiko) of deceit and betrayal of all those who helped him, especially in his first term, including the Governor-elect, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN). On claims that there was heavy voter inducement, the lawmaker said no party could be absolved of the act, adding, "If you paid N500 or N1, 000 and another person gave N2, 000 or N3, 000, you are as guilty as the person you seek to accuse of the commission of crime.

"Even if anyone blames the voter inducement on the level of poverty, then again it is a heavy indictment on the Governor Mimiko-led eight-year administration. "That does not have anything to do with the Federal Government. He has been the Chief Executive of an oil-rich state for eight straight years. The question should be: what did he do with all the resources?

The people were simply tired of his legacy of corruption, lies and deceit, and rejected him at the poll," Kashamu said.

(Abuja, 1st December, 2016)




KASHAMU SPEAKS ON PRINCE DAYO ADEYEYE’S DIATRIBE AGAINST FELLOW PARTY MEMBERS

I have read the various media reports credited to the spokesman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dayo Adeyeye in the wake of last week’s governorship election in Ondo State, and I must say that I am particularly taken aback by his assertion that, “The National Caretaker Committee has not called for their expulsion against the claims they are making. The time for that has not come. But the rain of vengeance will not hang forever in the clouds.”

It is most ludicrous that at a time well-meaning leaders of the party are calling for caution and self-restraint; a supposed leader of the party could be talking about “vengeance”. I doubt if Prince Adeyeye meant to equate the National Caretaker Committee with the Almighty Allah who said, “Vengeance is mine”. Otherwise, one would have expected a spokesman and an aspirant like Prince Adeyeye to show some level of maturity and circumspection in his utterances because nobody knows tomorrow.

For instance, it is common knowledge that he was diametrically opposed to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose in the build up to the governorship election in the state in 2014. Today, they are working hand-in-hand in the hope that Governor Fayose will support him (Prince Adeyeye) as his successor in 2018. I do not begrudge him for that because, as they say, in politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends but permanent interests.
However, he should know that if Governor Fayose could be seeking to undo those of us who stood by him against the onslaught mounted by Prince Adeyeye and his backers in the build up to the PDP primaries in 2014, he would do the same thing to him and others who are with him now.

If you emasculate your fellow party men and women in a struggle to protect their interests because you think you have an upper hand today, what happens tomorrow if the table turns? When he fought Governor Fayose to the hilt in the build up to the PDP governorship primary, was it not about his interest? Was it not the need to cater for his interest that led to his being made the Minister of State for Works? Even now, is all he is doing not about his interest in positioning himself for the Ekiti State governorship in 2018? We might then ask if Prince Adeyeye is the only one in Ekiti State whose interest must be factored in at all times?

Let us not lose sight of the fact that the appellate courts are yet to finally determine the issue of the national leadership crisis. Irrespective of what the High courts say for or against Senator Ali Modu Sheriff or Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court are still there to adjudicate on the issues, and it could become a circus show. Besides, anyone who is unjustly punished would not fold his hands and allow his rights to be trampled upon. He would do everything legally possible to fight for his rights. And this could result into series of litigations and create more problems than it was meant to resolve.

It is instructive to ask that when he was chosen and imposed on the South West by Governor Fayose as the zone’s representative on the National Caretaker Committee, how many leaders of the party in the zone were consulted? Perhaps that is why he feels beholden to Governor Fayose’s interest alone whereas Senator Makarfi and other members of the Caretaker Committee are using their positions to advance the course of their zones and the party. Like Governor Fayose his newly-found leader, Prince Adeyeye keeps shooting from the hips, fanning the embers of discord, abusing leaders of the party and issuing all manner of empty threats as if he has more stakes in the party than the others. He should desist from such posture. It does not speak well of him and it would not do the party any good.

On a final note, I would like to advise Prince Adeyeye to incline his ears to wisdom and apply his heart to understanding, for, as the Holy books say, out of it (the heart) flows the issues of life. He should learn from the maturity, calmness and candour that his principal, Senator Makarfi has shown all through the crisis, as a true party man. A word is enough for the wise.
Signed
Senator Buruji Kashamu
Ogun East Senatorial District.

SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

I have read the deliberate misinformation and twisted facts by the desperate gang of impostors who claim to be members of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my initial position was to ignore them.

However, because if falsehood is allowed to be peddled unchallenged, it could take on the toga of the truth; hence my reaction.

It simply illogical that some meddlesome interlopers who have NEVER made any financial contribution to the party are the ones purportedly questioning us on the accounts of the party. Can you ask anyone to give account of what you never gave?

Besides, the Ogun State PDP has been in opposition since I came in, ostensibly because of the poor performance of the PDP-led administration in its second term. So, where did the funds allegedly misappropriated come from? Even when the party produced the government in Ogun State, it never had N200 million in its books/accounts at any point in time.

I therefore wish to testify that in the last six (6) years that I have worked with Senator Buruji Kashamu in the PDP, he has given out no less than 200 cars and buses to party faithful, including Dapo Adeyemi, Waliu Taiwo, Yomi Akinhonmi, Ibukunle Ojosipe, Sikirulai Ogundele, party executives and a host of others not to talk of the millions of cash to all of them.

Also I am confirming that I have received not more than 750,000 on three (3) occasions as my allowances from the National office at N250,000 per time.

The only time there was some funds in the system was during the 2015 general election. And it is public knowledge that the Ogun State PDP Executive did not participate fully in the presidential campaign other than in helping with the mobilization of voters and the populace. For anybody who is no more relevant in the scheme of things in Ogun State and has never contributed anything to the party to be maligning the only person who is making things to happen within the Ogun State and the South West PDP leaves much to be desired.

The social gathering that Sikirulai Ogundele purports to be leading has collapsed and the men and their women driven out of the hotel they converted to their "secretariat".

I wish to advise Ogundele and his backers to look for another loophole that can fetch them more funds while Ogundele should concentrate his energies on clearing himself of the criminal buglary and stealing charges against him at the Chief Magistrate's Court, Isabo, Abeokuta.

Signed,
Engr. Adebayo Dayo,
Chairman, Ogun State PDP.

(Lagos – November 27, 2016)

KASHAMU SPEAKS ON ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION AND THE GALE OF SUSPENSION IN PDP


My attention has been drawn to news reports credited to the spokesman of the National Caretaker Committee of our great party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dayo Adeyeye that the party would "impose severe sanctions on Ali Modu Sheriff and his faction for all their actions intended to undermine the party's interest". 

I wish to say that I believe that Prince Adeyeye was either misquoted or misrepresented because it is totally inconceivable that anyone who has the interest of the party at heart would contemplate such at this time. No one is afraid of any sanctions so long as we know that we are fighting to protect the interest of our people.

A political party is a congregation of people with a common goal yet with various interests. In every political setting, people align and realign with the bloc or group where they feel their interest is better protected and guaranteed. If your bloc or group wins, it does not mean you should seek to emasculate the other because you never can tell what would happen tomorrow.

Your worst enemy today may become your best friend tomorrow. That is why they say in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interest.

It is in the light of the foregoing that I wish to advise that no one should mistake the verdicts of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court over the Ondo State PDP governorship ticket as their pronouncements on the national leadership crisis. They are two separate issues that I hope we can still resolve amicably.

Anyone talking of sanctioning any member of the party for fighting to protect his interest does not wish the party well. As we have seen in Osun, Ogun and Kwara states, it will further exacerbate the crisis and lead to a gale of suspension and expulsion. The truth is: such a move will further undermine the party and its leadership.

Is anyone saying that if tomorrow the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court rule in favour of any of the national leaders, he should send all those in support of the other out of the party when all the 36 states are polarised along the lines of Senators Sheriff and Makarfi? No. That is not the spirit of party politics and participatory democracy.

We were all witnesses to the electoral success recorded by the party within the first three months or so when Senator Sheriff took over. That is the power of unity. I am not by any stretch of imagination saying that the amiable Senator Ahmed Makarfi cannot lead us to achieve the same electoral feat. He has proven his mettle as a political leader of note with visible results. The point is that since Governors Ayo Fayose and Olusegun Mimiko caused the division in the party following their insistence on perpetrating illegalities in the South West PDP, we have lost Senatorial rerun in Imo State; we have lost Edo State and now Ondo State.

In a political party, like every other setting, people are bound to have disagreements and protect their interests. Senator Makarfi should not let Governors Mimiko and Fayose to mislead him any further. The mess that they have put the party is already more than enough.

Both of them are at their wits end, living on past glory and in self-delusion. They have failed to manage their political successes. We told Governor Mimiko that after eight, the good people of Ondo State would resist the injustice of producing a successor from the same senatorial district where he hails from. It is not that Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) is not a good material. He is urbane, intelligent and smart. He would have probably won had he come from any other senatorial zone than Mimiko’s. On the other hand, we had Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim (CON, CFR), a well-educated and consummate businessman who has distinguished himself in the private sector; adorable, very simple and down-to-earth. He hails from one of the two other senatorial zones which were clamouring to have one of their own as Mimiko’s successor. He single-handedly funded his campaign. Instead of supporting him, Mimiko preferred someone he could control and did everything to stop him. We told Mimiko that the people would not take anything that would look like a third term for him and his senatorial district. He would not listen. Ever slippery and sly, Governor Mimiko turned deaf ears to wise counsel, just like he turned his back on all those who helped him to powers
Despite being the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Mimiko turned himself into Fayose's puppet, allowing Fayose to lead him by the nose. 

Yet, this is the same Fayose that we rehabilitated and repackaged after he returned to the PDP to be able to win the governorship ticket and the election.

Today, if elections are held in Ekiti State, Fayose cannot get up to 30 percent of the votes! He has frittered away his political goodwill by his cantankerous nature and ostentatious lifestyle.
In Ondo State, we collapsed the structure of the Omoilu Group, which included the old PDP members into Mimiko’s structure ahead of the National and State Assembly elections in 2015. This accounted for why he appointed six of our members into his government. Now, we told them to carry along all the interest groups and consider their views, they shunned and spurned us. So, should we fold our hands and allow them to ride roughshod over us?

It is common knowledge that each time a reconciliation meeting is called at the national level; I am one of the first to show up. My commitment to the reconciliation process at the national level does not mean that I would not protect the interest of our people in the South West where those who did not sow want to reap, at the expense of all. 

My activities and records speak for themselves. I am not blowing my own trumpet. But, I challenge any leader who has contributed more to the growth and development of the party in the South West to come out and say so. I stand for truth, justice and equity. That is why I will never support any attempt to perpetrate illegality and impunity in the South West PDP. Let us appreciate one another and foster genuine peace and reconciliation devoid of injustice and impunity. That is the way forward.

Signed
Senator Buruji Kashamu
Ogun East Senatorial District

KASHAMU SPEAKS ON ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION AND THE GALE OF SUSPENSION IN PDP

My attention has been drawn to news reports credited to the spokesman of the National Caretaker Committee of our great party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dayo Adeyeye that the party would "impose severe sanctions on Ali Modu Sheriff and his faction for all their actions intended to undermine the party's interest". 

I wish to say that I believe that Prince Adeyeye was either misquoted or misrepresented because it is totally inconceivable that anyone who has the interest of the party at heart would contemplate such at this time. No one is afraid of any sanctions so long as we know that we are fighting to protect the interest of our people.

A political party is a congregation of people with a common goal yet with various interests. In every political setting, people align and realign with the bloc or group where they feel their interest is better protected and guaranteed. If your bloc or group wins, it does not mean you should seek to emasculate the other because you never can tell what would happen tomorrow. Your worst enemy today may become your best friend tomorrow. That is why they say in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interest.

It is in the light of the foregoing that I wish to advise that no one should mistake the verdicts of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court over the Ondo State PDP governorship ticket as their pronouncements on the national leadership crisis. They are two separate issues that I hope we can still resolve amicably.

Anyone talking of sanctioning any member of the party for fighting to protect his interest does not wish the party well. As we have seen in Osun, Ogun and Kwara states, it will further exacerbate the crisis and lead to a gale of suspension and expulsion. The truth is: such a move will further undermine the party and its leadership.

Is anyone saying that if tomorrow the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court rule in favour of any of the national leaders, he should send all those in support of the other out of the party when all the 36 states are polarised along the lines of Senators Sheriff and Makarfi? No. That is not the spirit of party politics and participatory democracy.

We were all witnesses to the electoral success recorded by the party within the first three months or so when Senator Sheriff took over. That is the power of unity. I am not by any stretch of imagination saying that the amiable Senator Ahmed Makarfi cannot lead us to achieve the same electoral feat. He has proven his mettle as a political leader of note with visible results. The point is that since Governors Ayo Fayose and Olusegun Mimiko caused the division in the party following their insistence on perpetrating illegalities in the South West PDP, we have lost Senatorial rerun in Imo State; we have lost Edo State and now Ondo State.

In a political party, like every other setting, people are bound to have disagreements and protect their interests. Senator Makarfi should not let Governors Mimiko and Fayose to mislead him any further. The mess that they have put the party is already more than enough.

Both of them are at their wits end, living on past glory and in self-delusion. They have failed to manage their political successes. We told Governor Mimiko that after eight, the good people of Ondo State would resist the injustice of producing a successor from the same senatorial district where he hails from. It is not that Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) is not a good material. He is urbane, intelligent and smart. He would have probably won had he come from any other senatorial zone than Mimiko’s. We told Mimiko that the people would not take anything that would look like a third term for him and his senatorial district.

He would not listen. Ever slippery and sly, Governor Mimiko turned deaf ears to wise counsel, just like he turned his back on all those who helped him to power.
Despite being the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Mimiko turned himself into Fayose's puppet, allowing Fayose to lead him by the nose. 

Yet, this is the same Fayose that we rehabilitated and repackaged after he returned to the PDP to be able to win the governorship ticket and the election.

Today, if elections are held in Ekiti State, Fayose cannot get up to 30 percent of the votes! He has frittered away his political goodwill by his cantankerous nature and ostentatious lifestyle.

In Ondo State, we collapsed the structure of the Omoilu Group, which included the old PDP members into Mimiko’s structure ahead of the National and State Assembly elections in 2015. This accounted for why he appointed six of our members into his government. Now, we told them to carry along all the interest groups and consider their views, they shunned and spurned us. So, should we fold our hands and allow them to ride roughshod over us?

It is common knowledge that each time a reconciliation meeting is called at the national level; I am one of the first to show up. My commitment to the reconciliation process at the national level does not mean that I would not protect the interest of our people in the South West where those who did not sow want to reap, at the expense of all. 

My activities and records speak for themselves. I am not blowing my own trumpet. But, I challenge any leader who has contributed more to the growth and development of the party in the South West to come out and say so. I stand for truth, justice and equity. That is why I will never support any attempt to perpetrate illegality and impunity in the South West PDP. Let us appreciate one another and foster genuine peace and reconciliation devoid of injustice and impunity. That is the way forward.

Signed
Senator Buruji Kashamu
Ogun East Senatorial District

OGUN PDP EXPELS OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL, LADI ADEBUTU, SIKIRULAI OGUNDELE AND TOLU BANKOLE

BEING THE RESOLUTION AND PRESS ADDRESS OF THE STATE CHAIRMAN,  ENGR. ADEBAYO DAYO AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 26/11/2016

Protocols :

Gentlemen of the press, the State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun state under my leadership met this morning to look into developing issues as it affects the interest of our party. You all are aware of the challenges we have contended with since our executive was elected and inaugurated in March this year. Chief among this challenges have been the division caused by the emergence of an imaginary parallel state executive being championed by Sikirulai Ogundele and some other misguided people.

These charlatans that have now become an embarrassment and huge nuisance to the party are not acting solo, they are being promoted and sponsored by Hon. Ladi Adebutu whose inordinate and desperate desire to contest for the office of Governor in 2019,  have made him go berserk and reckless in the pursuit of that asinine mission, even when the time for such is not ripe. Ladi Adebutu have ignored the voice of reason and is sliding irredeemably down the valley of dishonour.

Ladi Adebutu is also not acting alone as he clearly does not have the intelligence and capacity to orchestrate the degree of political subterfuge he has soaked himself in, but he is being aided and guided by the big masquerade in Sagamu, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, whose dwindling political relevance and desire to grab from the wealth of Chief Adebutu Kessignton has made him surrender leadership to the little Ladi. What a travesty!

Let me also at this junction state inter alia that there are no two state executives in Ogun state as all relevant reports, statutory agencies, judicial pronouncements and PDP national secretariat recognition – have all resolved the authenticity of of Ogun state executive and affirmatively in our favour. Consequently, it follows to say that Sikirulai and his cohorts are interlopers and impostors seeking to grab what does not belong to them. Sikirulai in particular is still on trial for criminal burglary and stealing of party register and should be now be cooling his feet in jail had the process been accelerated.

These people elevated their shenanigans two days ago when they met at their hotel and issued a statement purportedly suspending respected leaders of the party which includes myself, a senator and a member of the State legislature among others. We consider this action as highly unacceptable, ridiculous, preposterous and an affront on constituted authority of the party in ogun state. They have indeed bitten more than they can chew and they must pay dearly for this high indiscretion.

However, it is again important we state a few facts to appropriately anchor our resolution. In the first instance, Sikirulai and his friends lack the locus to suspend any on because they have no authority or legal basis to act. An illusory, imaginary and non-existent executive cannot repudiate a constitutionally elected executive.


We must also report that , Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ladi Adebutu, Sikirulai Ogundele and their collaborators have been in and out of the party since 2011. They were in PPN at some point and later journeyed into Labour Party before we granted them waiver to come into the PDP on the eve of the 2015 elections.  Pray therefore, how can these people that are less than two years in the party seek to control it and even attempt to sack their landlords?

On the contrary, the above mentioned have in the last few weeks been negotiating with the APC and AD at the same time where they have reached an understanding to revamp at the appropriate time. What they are currently doing is to weaken the PDP and cause deep disaffection within it before moving again to their next preffered party. We shall no longer condone this gross misconduct and anti-party activity.

Consequently, the State Executive Committee have examined their actions and concluded that it continually inimical to the sustenance and progress of the PDP in Ogun state. We shall not allow them destroy our party before migrating to another one. We therefore resolve as follows:

1. That Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, Sikirulai Ogundele and Tolu Bankole are guilty of acts of insubordination, willful undermining of the party, antiparty activities, malicious damage to party infrastructures,  physical harm to party officials and impersonation.

2. They are hereby EXPELLED from the party and cease to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun state and the entire Federation.

3. The General public is hereby notified.
This resolution is subject to no appeal or consideration as the four people are incurably cancerous to the PDP and we are better off without them. We shall continue to in still discipline in the party while doing all we can to reposition it for future electoral success.

Singed:

Engr Adebayo Dayo

For: State Executive Committee,  Ogun PDP.

HON ADEBUTU SUSPENDED AND RECALL PROCESS ONGOING

Rising from a meeting of Leaders and Executive Committee Members of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Ikenne local government chapter today Friday 25th November, 2016. A Vote of No Confidence was unanimously passed in Hon. Ladi Adebutu, member representing Remo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

According to Mr Yomi Solanke JP, who is the Party Chairman in Ikenne LGA; his executives and leaders of the party took the decision based on Adebutu's numerous anti party activities capable of destabilizing, disintegrating and causing unwarranted confusion amidst members of the party and teeming supporters. Bearing in mind that, at the time of his nomination as the candidate of PDP, he was still a card carrying member of Labour Party(LP), but a waiver was issued to him after a passionate appeal by his father Chief Kessington Adebutu to members and leadership of the party that his son would behave himself knowing his antecedent. Unfortunately, after his election as MHR he never attended any meeting either at ward level, local government and federal constituency meeting; and had remained incommunicado since his inauguration June 9th, 2015. Instead of carrying out his statutory functions to his constituency, he kept causing confusion, disaffection and casting unnecessary aspersions on the leadership of the party that gave him the opportunity to serve. The chairman further states that, his anticlockwise contribution had brought so much hatred for the party in Ward 5 where he came from due to his unethical distribution of constituency materials which were solely enjoyed by members of the opposition party; while he turned some of the equipments to gambling tools, thereby making mockery of the process and maligning the party.

In other to establish his executive committee claim, Mr Solanke sighted section 58 sub section b, c,e, f, h and j; he is hereby suspended for 6months. The chairman concluded that, a grace of 3weeks is accorded to give reasons why his process of recall for non - performance should not take effect.

NOBODY CAN SUSPEND ME FROM PDP, SAYS KASHAMU

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has said that he could not be suspended from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He spoke in response to a statement issued by one Sikirulai Ogundele who claimed to be the Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the party that he and seven others had been suspended from the party.

In a statement issued today in Lagos by his Media Adviser, Mr. Austin Oniyokor, Kashamu said it was preposterous that an impostor like Ogundele, who is standing trial for theft and burglary before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abeokuta, could claim to have suspended well-meaning elders and leaders of the party.

“The purported suspension of a Senator and others who are members of the National Executive Committee by some impostors is at best a comic-relief of no consequence whatsoever. Ogundele and his co-travellers are better known for their duplicitous flirtations which borders on the politics of bread and butter. They are a hungry lot who are only loyal to their stomach. Today, they are in talks with the All Progressives Congress. Tomorrow, they are in talks with the Alliance for Democracy. Only God knows where they will go the day after.

“Besides, their purported action shows that Ogundele and his backers are either strangers in the party or ignorant of the party’s Constitution, or both. Otherwise, they would have known that Section 57 Sub-section 7 of the Constitution of PDP states, ‘Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly’.”

Kashamu added, “The alleged diversion of party funds is most laughable because it is common knowledge that I use my personal funds to keep the party float even when people like ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel and Ladi Adebutu left the PDP for Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) and then for the Labour Party (LP) until they returned to PDP in the build up to the 2015 general election because of campaign funds. It is on record that Daniel superintended over the 2015 campaign funds in Ogun State. So, which other funds could a party in opposition possibly have?”

The senator appealed to members of the party to remain calm and law-abiding knowing full well that the national leadership crisis has no effect on the Makanjuola Ogundipe-led Zonal Working Committee and the Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive Committee of the party.

“The Zonal and State Exco are intact. They had been recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and affirmed by the courts before the national leadership crisis broke out.”

ON JUSTICE WE STAND AGAINST IMPUNITY

I've briefly responded to the clownishly foolish suspension of Sen Kashamu, Ogun PDP chmn Engr Bayo Dayo, SW zonal Sec Chief Otemolu, myself and others by Ladi Adebutu imaginatively nonexistent Sikirulai exco. Needless further dignifying the fools that copied same anomalous suspension of the National Secretary and others in Osun state.

However, it's important to assure all teaming Ogun PDP members and supporters particularly, as well as others all over the southwest that our questions to resist impunity in our party administration is on course.

It is prayed that our party PDP would be victorious in tomorrow's Ondo gubernatorial polls. Thereafter next week, we shall be in the courts to ascertain on real terms the conclusive determination of pending issues inclusive but not limited to the true Ondo PDP candidate by the provisions of our constitution. We are set. And we shall confront ALL the issues in a deftly impressive legal engineering employing the finest legal eggheads, as our course is just. This is due to our uncompromising believe in the supremacy of rule of law in civilised interactions.

As at today and by God's grace of light over darkness, the Bayo Dayo Ogun PDP exco as well as the others in the Southwest, are sacrosanct and not predicated on the Sheriff - Makarfi national leadership tussle as it's existence preceed the 1st Port Harcourt national convention that created the disputes that gave birth to the Makarfi committee. Consequently, we appeal for calm by our allies and as of consequence refusal to be provoked by unreasonable actions of those in unwarranted premature jubilation over the current innuendo.

It is hoped that the grapevine jist that the nonexistent Sikirulai exco would from their obscure hideout storm our state secretariat is a mare threat and folktale. They better not carry their stupidity into insanity. We have maintained and rightly so till now, that support for either Sheriff or Makarfi leadership is of perception of national party interplays. It has no override on already concluded wards, LGA and state excos preceeding the national convention except in the illusionary anticipation of those that seek to benefit from the impunity we're toiling to eradicate in PDP. Certainly, truth shall prevail. PSS

Remain Loyal, Osoba Urges Omoilu Coordinators

The State Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Otunba(Comrade)Niyi Osoba, has urged Omoilu Coordinators in Ijebu North local government to remain loyal and support the Foundation in its effort to empower the the less privileged in the Local Government Area.

Addressing the local government and ward Coordinators at a meeting held on Thursday in Ijebu Igbo, Osoba urged the Coordinators to remain loyal to the Foundation and always live above narrow interests.

The State Coordinator explained that those who have laboured to build the Foundation will not work in vain.

He said, “Let me begin with the fact that without your commitment, constant support and prayers, we will not be where we are today. Today, I must recognise the sacrifices that have been made by you all, the understanding and above all your working together to ensure the huge success we have recorded within a short period of my tenure here. I equally urge you to do more.

“I want  to assure you of Senator Buruji Kashamu's support.He will continue to do the needful towards ensuring everybody is taking care of.The zero interest rate loan scheme currently going on across the 20 local government Areas of Ogun State is receiving commendations from all walks of life," he stated.

He added that Senator Kashamu has been a philanthropist of note before he was elected a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015.He called on the Coordinators to be transparent by discharging their duties in accordance with the ideas behind the formation of the Foundation.

He said, “Senator Kashamu is a great philanthropist who has been touching lives many years back before he was elected a senator.Omoilu Foundation in Ijebu North local government is going to flourish more than before, we have more competent hands now. We have more intelligent women now who are the pillars of this Foundation. We have the youths occupying strategic positions and our elders playing prominent roles.”

Speaking on the occasion, the Ijebu North local government Coordinator of the Foundation, Mr.Wasiu Soyombo, assured the State Coordinator of the support of the people of Ijebu North local government Area and also showered encomium on Senator Buruji Kashamu for his generosity.

"Omoilu Foundation started from Ijebu North local government Area before it spread across Ogun State and the entire Southwest.The people of this local government Area are always ready to give whatever it takes to ensure Omoilu fulfill its aims and objectives.

"I want to use this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Senator Kashamu for consistently showing concern to the plights of the masses, we are grateful, Allah will reward him in multiple folds and protect his life," he prayed.

Principal officers of the Foundation in attendance were Mr. Leke Shitu, Mr.Suraju Adeleye, the Ogun East Senatorial district Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Hon.Folarin Akintunde, the Secretary of the Foundation in the zone, Hon. Jigan Taiwo and the Ogun East Senatorial district Women Leader, Mrs.Bola Onanusi.

God is wonderful and works in mysterious ways. Opinion polls was never in support of Trump, the pundits also predicted Clinton’s victory, the media kept on prophesying a “WALKOVER” for Clinton.

At a point, Nigerians no longer write about happenings around Nigeria, all we see flying on social media were all about Clinton’s wonderful outings at the campaign grounds and how she will comfortably emerge the 45th American President.

And the unexpected happens, Trump proved the bookmakers wrong by acquiring more than the required votes to emerge winner of the November 8, 2016 USA presidential election. Even when prophesies and opinions did not favour him,he kept on going and in the end history did.

Great lessons here on TRUMP’S victory , not everything we wish will come to pass, but , ONLY the wish of God for us.I also wish to advice Nigerian politicians to always use the word “IMPOSSIBLE” with caution. Trump was never given a chance, today, he is the president of United State of America.

I am sure the rest of the world are anxiously waiting for the snapchat video of how our own ebullient Professor Wole Soyinka tore his “Green Card” Kongi must video it and send it to the rest of the world.

Unknowingly to the doubters, God is angry with the DEMOCRATS, the gay marriage is expected to be strengthened by Hillary if she had been elected the next American President and God once again proved he remains the “I am that I am” by making a way for Trump where there seems to be no way. God will never allow another “Sodom and Gomorrah”

There is probably nothing more inhospitable than homosexual gang rape. But to say God completely destroyed two cities and all their inhabitants for being inhospitable clearly misses the point. While Sodom and Gomorrah were guilty of many other horrendous sins, homosexuality was the reason God poured fiery sulfur on the cities, completely destroying them and all of their inhabitants. To this day, the area where Sodom and Gomorrah were located remains a desolate wasteland. Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a powerful example of how God feels about sin in general, and homosexuality specifically. I think God almighty averted another “Sodom and Gomorrah” with the emergence of “TRUMP” as the next American President.

I wonder what prophet T. B JOSHUA who had earlier predicted Clinton’s victory at the pool will tell his congregation on Sunday? God is wonderful and works in mysterious ways.

Kudos to Donald John Trump (Snr) for his doggedness. Trump worked with “PERTINACIOUS” resistance to distractions.

Lastly, Trump’s victory is a great lesson to Nigerians, let’s stop deprecating people, let’s stop saying people has no electoral value when we are yet to have the opinion of the general public. I won’t be surprised if Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim the pundits believed has no electoral value emerged the next Ondo State Governor. Trump’s victory is a pointer that God’s wisdom is beyond human comprehension and no mortal can attain it.

Americans have spoken.
Congratulations to Donald John Trump.

Congratulations to the people of United States of America.
Oyejide Sunkanmi (Suco)
Public Affair Analyst.
Abk North LG,
OGUN STATE.

: RE:FALSEHOOD CIRCULATING IN THE MEDIA CONCERNING LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/395/2016 BETWEEN PRINCE BIYI POROYE & ORS VS INEC & PDP

Omoilu Foundation Wins Patriotic Service Award

Omoilu Foundation beats five other finalists to clinch the Best Foundation in Youth Empowerment Award in the 2016 Patriotic Service Awards held yesterday at the Dover hotel, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.

The patriotic service awards celebrate excellence across all sectors.Their purpose is to celebrate best performers and pay tribute to those individuals and organisations who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in their field of work.

The judges applauded Senator Buruji Kashamu for his “uncommon characteristics” in bringing succor to the downtrodden, adding that “In adopting you as our choice, we placed a very high premium on your commitment towards the cause of the downtrodden in Nigeria especially the youths– a characteristic which is uncommon among most Foundations and well-meaning Nigerians.

"Among the many factors we considered was the timely response of the founder and chairman of the Foundation, Senator Buruji Kashamu to the SOS message of the civil Servants in Osun State.The relief materials and foodstuffs donated to the workers then saved many homes of hunger at that time.

“The on-going zero interest rate micro loan to the masses in Ogun State is receiving accolades and national acclaim. It will go a long way in establishing them.We resolved that there is no one best suited to receive this award at the moment than Omoilu Foundation".

Receiving the Award, the media officer of the Foundation, Mr.Oyejide Sunkanmi says: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. Giving back to the society through philanthropy is the core of what we do. The Senator Buruji Kashamu-inspired Omoilu Foundation is totally committed to plight of the masses. I want to say a big thank you to the organisers of this great event for considering us worthy of this honour". he said.

Concentrate On The Task Before You, Osoba Tasks Coordinators


The State Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Otunba(Comrade) Niyi Osoba has charged the local government and ward Coordinators of the Foundation in Ijebu East local government Area to concentrate on the task before them.

Osoba gave the charge in Ijebu Mushin on Thursday during the assessment tour of the local government Area.

The Coordinator said the visit of the 20 local government Areas across the State became imperative so as to know the true position of things at the grassroots and also to assure the masses of Senator Buruji Kashamu's continuous support.

He, however, urged the Coordinators to ensure meetings at the local government and ward levels are held regularly and also called for strategic improvement in order to help the the Foundation in its quest to meet  the expectations of members.

Speaking further, Osoba urged the Coordinators to see their appointment as “a rare opportunity” for them to provide solutions to challenges that had  been making life miserable for the people.

"The commitment of the founder of this Foundation, Senator Buruji Kashamu to the yearnings of the downtrodden is total and non-negotiable. It is left to us Coordinators to ensure we fulfill our own part of the job.Also, you must work in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations of the Foundation if you want to succeed in your assignment," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Ogun East Senatorial coordinator of the Foundation, Hon.Folarin Akintunde ,enjoined the local government and ward Coordinators to be diligent in their duties and work on winning more souls for the Foundation.

Kashamu mourns Pa Olaniwun Ajayi
 
The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu has condoled with members of the Olaniwun Ajayi clan over the death of their patriarch, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi.  The nonagenarian died on Friday.
 
In a statement issued today in Lagos, Senator Kashamu said, “Although Pa Olaniwun lived up to the ripe age of 91 in the service of the common man; it was yet a huge loss to the people of Isara-Remo, Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
 
“He was a lawyer of repute, an activist, a fighter for justice and equity, a servant-leader and an institutional memory who will be sorely missed.  
 
“However, we take solace in the good works he did in his life time and the life of service that he lived”.
 
Kashamu noted that, “Even when Pa Olaniwun was not known to be a wealthy man, he was reputed to be a generous giver and fighter for whatever he believed in”, adding that, “these are some of the traits I admire in him”.
 
He restated his commitment “to joining other worthy sons and daughters of Yoruba land to sustain Pa Olaniwun’s legacies for an egalitarian society, democracy and justice”, just as he prayed to God to grant the bereaved family the courage to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Ondo PDP: Poroye, others seek disbandment of fresh A'Court panel...want case to take normal course and turn in the docket of the Court

Osoba Charges Coordinators on Integrity, Transparency

The State Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Otunba(Comrade) Niyi Osoba , has charged the Coordinators and leadership of the Foundation in Ijebu North -East and Odogbolu local government Areas to embrace the virtues of honesty, integrity and transparency if they are to achieve success.

He said this on Monday during the assessment tour of the two local government Areas.

Addressing the local government and ward Coordinators, Osoba said that the concept of good leadership and integrity must be embedded in the day-to-day running of the Foundation starting from the local government Areas down to the ward level.

“You cannot be a good leader if you don’t have integrity, you cannot be a good leader if you are not honest, so also, transparency. Forget about failure. failure can never come near you if you have these qualities”, he said.

The State Coordinator expressed optimism that the ongoing zero interest micro loan scheme initiated by the founder of the Foundation, Senator Buruji Kashamu, will go a long way in reducing the suffering of the masses in the local government Areas.He charged the Coordinators to ensure more members are allowed into the Foundation so they can also benefit from the loan scheme.

Osoba also noted that local government and ward meetings are very important as it will give room for cordial working relationship between the coordinators and members. He charged the ward Coordinators to ensure records of their ward meetings are forwarded to their local government Coordinators.

In attendance were the Ogun East Coordinator of the Foundation, Hon. Folarin Akintunde, the Secretary of the foundation in the zone, Hon. Jigan Taiwo and the Ogun East Senatorial district Women Leader of the Foundation, Mrs. Bola Onanusi.

OGUN PDP PRESS STATEMENT

SACK OF OGUN LABOUR LEADERS: A BASELESS AND RECKLESS MOVE BY THE SEN. IBIKUNLE AMOSUN GOVERNMENT

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun state, under the leadership of Engr. Adebayo Dayo hereby condemn the sack of 16 labour leaders and suspension of several others from the civil service of the state. The people of Ogun state were yesterday jolted at the decision of the Sen. Ibikunle Amosun administration to blatantly reprimand the Labour leaders in a manner that is logically baseless and coloured in vendetta.

We are further scandalized at government's defence and rationalisation of the sack claiming it was the outcome of an administrative panel of inquiry into the activities of the affected officers during the October 5, 2016 World Teachers Day celebration where they were indicted to have “gotten involved in partisan politics by receiving monies from politicians and hiring a musician to sing the praises of politicians present at the event”; which to government, are contrary to extant public service rules.

The PDP finds the grounds of the sack as inexcusable, baseless and reckless; which may not be unconnected with the ongoing workers strike called by the Labour leaders. What government has forgotten is that, whereas, the public service rules clearly stipulates terms of engagement for workers, it is not superior to the federal constitution which guarantees the freedom of expression and association among other liberal rights.

Government needs to be educated that, the union of teachers is not a government body and in celebrating such a day, the teachers are at liberty to invite any freeborn citizen of this state or even beyond to celebrate with them. Government also need to be educated that the World Teachers Day is not a civil service function but a social event of like-minded people that can attract just anybody irrespective of their social or political leaning; except of course government is saying civil servants must compulsorily be members of the APC.

We are constrained to observe the antidemocratic tendencies of this administration that is now pervasive. We are not in a military junta and neither is Ogun state a banana republic where the right of citizens are eroded and anything goes. We recall the unwarranted physical brutalization of the same Labour leaders at the start of this strike two weeks ago; now, a kangaroo panel has sacked them. Instead of government to tow the honourable path of negotiating with Labour and accede to their legitimate demands, it has chosen the draconian path that is unprecedented in the history of Ogun state.

We sympathise with the Labour leaders and all civil servants in Ogun state over the unsavoury situation they find themselves. Not only are the proceeds of their hard work such as deductions, pensions and cooperative funds being mindlessly looted, they are now being beaten and chased out of their jobs for no justifiable cause. These are sad times in Ogun state. The Labour of our heroes past is coming to vain. The economy is comatose, abandoned projects litter the state, rural roads are impassable, education and health infrastructure are in shambles and citizens can no longer express their rights.

The Peoples Democratic Party is using this medium to call on responsible citizens and elder statesmen from Ogun state to call this faltering administration to order and immediately reverse the draconian decision to sack civil servants for exercising their rights. This impunity must not stand and Ogun state must not be allowed to drift further down in the hands of an overlord. Surely the regime of the locust shall come to pass.

Signed:
Bolaji Adeniji
State Publicity Secretary, Ogun PDP.

Ondo 2016: PDP's National Secretary Wale Oladipo writes A'Court President...seeks disbandment of Panel of Justices over alleged bias

Ondo 2016: PDP's National Secretary Wale Oladipo writes A'Court President...seeks disbandment of Panel of Justices over alleged bias

Breaking: Ondo State PDP chairman petitions CJN, President of the Court of Appeal over N350 million corruption allegation...asks them to disband Justice Jumai Sankey-led panel

Details shortly.

Can't stop laughing, it is evident that the wailing wailers are at work. A case that was thrown out twice in two different court of jurisdiction in the United Kingdom for lack of evidence is what his political enemies who seems not to be satisfied with his political attainment are hammering on.

One good thing I like about Spbk is that he is a law abiding citizen and an advocate of rule of law. This watery sponsored piece is from the camp of the Ziggy exponent who is ready to do anything to wrestle power from the people's senator. Like, I will always say, those behind this watery piece should know that Nigerians are wiser now, we can't fall for this cheap blackmail.

The UK is the closest ally of USA and will never support a black man against America. Our distinguished Senator was exonerated of the allegation... What else did the wailing wailers want?

Back home in Nigeria, 3 different court of competent jurisdiction threw out this same case when the Ndlea illegally besieged the residence of Spbk months ago.

Let the wailers continue wailing. Kashamu has no case to answer.

The Ziggy exponent/Son of the lotto merchant should go and hug transformer. Ko kan aye

Dead on arrival. Next Ziggy please.