₦airaland Forum

Orisun - Iye Community in Oke Aro, Akure, the Ondo State capital was agog on Wednesday as Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, visited the area to inspect the ongoing construction of culvert.

The community had sent a letter to the Governor two weeks ago, seeking the help of the Government to construct a solid culvert to save residents of the community from the danger of the wooden culvert which has been in use for long.

Moved by the pictures of wooden culvert attached to the letter, the Governor directed the state Ministry of works and Infrastructure to visit the community and commence work on the culvert immediately.

The governor was welcome into the community admist pomp and peagantry as the people sang various songs of appreciation to show their joy over the construction of the culvert.

One of the residents, Evangelist Asagunla explained that the community had written letters to successive governments without any productive response.

He said the community was surprised to see men of the ministry of works and Infrastructure commencing work on the culvert few days after a letter was sent to the governor.

The residents of the community appreciated the Governor for being proactive to the plight of the people.

Governor Akeredolu assured the people of his administration's commitment to ensuring development across the state.

The governor used the visit to solicit support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this Saturday's General elections.

The culvert is 20 meters downstream, 20 meters up stream and 10 meters cover.

chosengocap:
Till date buhari has failed to apprehend just 1 Fulani killer
herd'sman !!!!!!!!!
We will never reinforce failure!!!!
# votenepotismout

Buhari is a kind of man that can do this job for entire nigeria

MrAJQ:
Remember you're human before having a political party. No violence Election is not war

it will be free and fear election

AdewunmiFunmi:
And we will give him

we need him for another four years

ONDO CENTRAL
Akure south. 261,281
Akure North. 65,268
Ondo West. 155,346
Ondo East. 45,050
Idanre. 72,344
Ifedore. 70,359
-----------
TOTAL 669,648
===========

ONDO SOUTH
Irele. 60,264
Ileoluji. 66,090
Okitipupa. 99,359
Odigbo. 117,494
Ese Odo. 66,704
Ilaje. 120,235
---------
TOTAL. 530,146
=========

ONDO NORTH
Akoko N/E. 72,911
Akoko N/W. 64,735
Akoko S/E. 31,068
Akoko S/W. 93,314
Owo. 118,131
Ose. 63,397
----------
TOTAL. 443,556
===========

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that it has not been an easy journey to pilot the affairs of the country in the past three and half years.

According to him, he has not taken the support of Nigerians for granted, promising to continue to protect the interest of the people and deliver on his mandate.

In a video message to Nigerians titled, “We will continue to work to protect your interest and deliver our mandate”, he requested for more support in the February 16 presidential election.

He said, “It’s been over three years since you gave me the mandate to oversee the affairs of our dear country.

“It’s not been an easy journey but with sincerity of purpose, perseverance, dedication and most importantly support from individuals like you, we have made great progress.

“Some of these achievements are visible for everyone to see, some are still in the works.

“I hereby humbly ask for your support again in the coming election to enable us to move to the Next Level and consolidate on the successes recorded in making our country a better place.

“I don’t take your support for granted. We will continue to work to protect your interest and deliver our mandate.” he said.

http://thenationonlineng.net/the-journey-hasnt-been-easy-says-buhari/

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State and Baagbile of Egba land, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, has predicted landslide victory for President Muhammadu Buhari in next Saturday’s election.

Majekodunmi said the victory of Mr. President would be across all the six zones as most Nigerians want him and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

The Baagbile of Egba, who addressed reporters yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, added that Nigerians love the President and want him re-elected.

The general medicine practitioner-turned politician noted that President Buhari would not only win convincingly in his stronghold in the Northwest, Northeast and Southwest but would also perform better than he did in 2015 in the Southsouth and the Southeast where he is expected to garner over 25 per cent of the votes and win convincingly in at least four of the states in the two zones.

http://thenationonlineng.net/egba-chief-predicts-victory-for-buhari-dapo-abiodun/

Some eminent elders from the north at the weekend said another four years of Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency would restore peace and enable millions of internally displaced persons to return to their homes.

The elders said that President Buhari – led administration has succeeded in restoring peace to many parts of the troubled north eastern states.

The northern elders, under the aegis of Kungiyar Dattawan Arewa Initiative (KDAI) stated these during a press conference in Abuja to endorse the second term bid of President Buhari.

Convener of the group, Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), said that the elders took the decision to endorse the president after a long and fruitful consultation with its members from all parts of the region.

The group dissociated itself from the purported endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by the Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum, saying NEF does not speak for the region.

He said the elders decided to back President Buhari after a deep reflection into what he stands for in the history, politics, social and moral life of Nigeria at this time.

Tarfa said: “The 2019 presidential election is only one week away. Our group, which is made up of eminent elders from all over the north, felt that we must do our duty to the country and the younger generations to come by applying our experience and wisdom to guide them in the choice that we have made.

“The choice is necessary for the future of our country and our advice and input as elders is therefore very important.

“After a long and fruitful consultation with our members from all parts of the north, we have unanimously decided to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress as our choice in the forthcoming election.

“We have made this choice after a deep reflection into what President Buhari stands for in the history, politics, social and moral life of Nigeria at this time. To have a man with a long and distinguished record of public service in Nigeria for decades is a rare feat. We offer thanks to The Almighty God for providing us with such a man at this time.”

He said Buhari personifies the fight against corruption, rebuilding the economy and provision of the much needed security as a bedrock for social harmony and development.

According to him, the president’s administration, in the last three and a half year, waged relentless fight against corruption in all aspects of our national life.

This, he explained, is enough for Nigerians to give Buhari another four years in office in order to push forward with the anti-graft fight.

Also, the Senator representing Nasarawa West, Abdullahi Adamu appealed to Nigerians to support the president for a second term in office because Buhari has achieved successes in the areas of fighting corruption, security, economy and addressing unemployment.

According to him, the Buhari administration has covered some ground in all these areas.

“I appreciate in no small way, the enough that he has been making in the last three and a half years since he became president to address those three key areas in our manifesto.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-needs-another-four-years-to-restore-peace/

The Ondo state police command will today hold an interactive session with candidates and executives of all political parties in the state at the police officers ‘ mess Igbatoro Road Akure by 10 oclock in the morning .

A statement by the state ‘s police public relations officer Mr Femi Joseph said the meeting became necessary following the command’s avowed determination to ensure a hitch – free forthcoming elections in the state.

The statement added that , the meeting which will be coordinated by the New commissioner of police in ondo state Undie Andie will equally involve leaders of all security agencies as well as members of the national Union of Road Transport workers NURTW.

The statement further maintained that, the command will also use the occasion to enjoin all political parties in the state to enter into an agreement in ensuring a peaceful co – existence before , during and after the elections.

https://orangefm.com.ng/ondo-police-command-holds-stakeholders-meeting-with-candidates-executives-of-all-political-parties-today/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said that he would provide adequate security to make sure the 2019 general elections are free and fair across the country.

President Buhari further assured Nigerians that he would not change but remain consistent and steadfast in providing good governance to the nation.


President Buhari stated this while addressing party supporters at the Aper Aku stadium, Makurdi, in continuation of his presidential campaign rally in Benue State.

President Buhari explained that when he came to Benue State in 2015 to canvas for votes, he promised to tackle three key areas which include economy, security and fight against corruption.

He maintained that his administration had been able to stop importation of foreign food, particularly rice and encouraged the farmers by making fertilizers available, thereby promoting large scale farming across rural areas in the country.

“You will recall, when I came to canvas for your votes in 2015, l promised three things; to improve economy, security and fighting corruption. I have been able to stop importation of foreign foods.

“Although fighting corruption has remained a major challenge of this government, I will not change but be consistent and steadfast. All recovered looted funds will be used to improve infrastructure, build roads, construct rail lines and improve power.”

On his part, the leader of the APC in Benue State, Senator George Akume, described the PDP led government in the state as a failed one that had refused to improve on the welfare of Benue people.

According to him, President Buhari had taken a bold step to rescue Nigeria from the hands of corrupt leaders who had completely milked the nation’s resources.

“Money meant for fighting Boko Haram was shared mercilessly by these corrupt leaders.


“Today, many of these people are running away from the money kept in the banks. Buhari does not love money; he was a governor in two states, a former head of state and a minister of petroleum resources, yet he had no oil well.

“ Today, there is one governor in the north central Nigeria who is richer than Buhari and has more money than Buhari in just three and half years of being a governor,” Akume stated.

He explained that Benue people have no problems with Fulani herdsmen, saying that he was a governor for eight years and no farmer had problem with any herder.

In continuation of his campaign in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Buhari said when he came in 2015, he discovered that Boko Haram was using young girls of 15 years to kill people. He said the Islamic sect was planting bombs on the girls and sent them to churches, mosques, markets and any crowded area to detonate the bombs which killed a lot of people.

He said his government had been able to tackle security in fulfillment of his promise when he became president.

BEE Enterprises Limited in collaboration with Goal Foundation recently organised a medical outreach at Ibulesoro Community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The outreach service, which was a social investment initiative of the two organisations, was partnered by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of Aids, the Ondo State Nurses Forum, and endorsed by the Ondo State Ministry of Health with support from the Hospital Services and Public Health Departments all under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu led-adminisrtaion.



Other support organisations and partners in the programme include Nigeria Medical Association, Enactus Futa Team, Irobi Maternal Initiative, Orange Dental Foundation, Smart360media, Accent Entrepreneural Dev., Agrokonnect, Accent, Hadassah School, Geniusmind Consult, Creatv Colony, CNI, Hope Institute, Reformation Movement, Bukola Areo and Medical CDS NYSC, as well as 54 volunteers who were on-ground for the social service reform activity.

The team was received in the community by the youth and women leader who secured the community Town Hall venue for the crew.
The social enterprise had the President and State Chairman of the Ondo State Nurses Forum, Mrs. Olusola Akinye deliver a lecture on personal hygiene.

She maintained that an individual with good hygiene practices is agreed to be free from diseases to a certain extent.
Akinye’s viewpoint was taken from that of parents and children to address the roles of both in enforcing personal hygiene.

“No part of the human body was to be left out,” said Dr. Akinsiku Oluwanimbe, a representative from Orange Dental Foundation as he further spoke on oral hygiene and teeth management.
He taught participants the essence of caring for the teeth, in comparison with the management of their money.
According to him, there’s the necessity to brush the teeth often, at least once daily, in order to get rid of dirt’s; food leftovers in the oral cavity.

Same for the Ondo State Agency for the Control of Aids, led by a representative who lectured on the importance of knowledge in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

The lecturer focused on the need for everyone to regularly verify their HIV/AIDS status while stressing the significance of early detection as the most appropriate remedy for the virus inflicted body system.

The many ways through which the virus can be transmitted were also discussed and what the help-love, rather than stigmatisation of people living with aids could achieve.
In response to the lectures of the Ondo State Agency for the Control of Aids, the team screened 36 adults who got to know their status.

Prior the commencement of the medical exercise, the NYSC Medical Team spoke to the group as a final effort was made to drive home the lessons of the lectures and talks, which formed one of the highpoints of the humanitarian exercise.
The opening address by the co-organiser and CEO of BEE Enterprises clarified the purpose of the training alongside the stress-free processes it offers to the beneficiaries.

There will be no slowing down on the anti-corruption battle, President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday.

The President’s assurance ended insinuations in some quarters that he will change and will no longer work for the masses if given another mandate on February 16..

Buhari promised not to change during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Benue State. He pledged to remain steadfast and focused.

Listing his administration’s achievements in the past three and half years, the President said: “I assure you, I am not going to change. I am going to be consistent. I will remain steadfast. Anybody who abuses trust will be exposed and will be dispossessed.

“I am convinced that you believe in what we are doing and that you stand to support us even further. When I came for your vote in 2015, I promised three fundamental issues based on our party manifesto – security, economy and fighting corruption.

“We will do roads, rail lines and provide electricity with monies recovered from looters,” he added

He noted that the food security attained by the government under his watch had drastically reduced food importation.

The President noted that many of those seeking white-collar jobs had embraced farming without regrets. He urged others to do the same.

The President also urged the Benue people to vote for APC candidates.

APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole said that governors have the responsibility to ensure peace and security in their states, noting that security is not on the exclusive list.

He also pointed out that peace and unity cannot be achieved from the barrel of guns.

Oshiomhole said that a community is in danger if the leader is dishonest or lies, adding, “but with President Buhari, Nigeria is safe.”

According to him, the APC candidate in the state, Emmanuel Jime, will do well to follow the footsteps of Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong in handling herders and farmers crisis, when elected.

“We don’t want leaders that will blame others for their failures,” he said

Stressing that President Buhari has done well by giving out bailouts to state governments, he said some governors diverted the money and refused to pay salaries and turned round to whip up sentiments.

The former Edo State governor said: “I have come with a message of hope that with Jime as governor, salaries will be paid in Benue State as at when due.”

He said that Nigeria had stopped importing rice, and the billions saved in importing expired rice from India and Malaysia, are now in the hands of local rice farmers.

Oshiomhole pointed out that anybody supporting importation of food is anti-Benue since the state is “the food basket of the nation”.

He also urged the people to reject any leader who will sell the nation’s assets.

According to him, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will use the economy to favour his friends.

To this end, he said Nigeria could not return to second hand.

Akure, the Ondo State capital literarily stood still for President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday as the popular Moshood Kasimaawoo Abiola (MKO) Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, was yesterday filled to its capacity.



The crowd, majority of whom were supporters of President Buhari were in Akure to welcome the President who was in the state seeking for votes for his re-election bid.

The broom-wielding crowd, decked in various APC branded outfits, thronged the ever-busy and popular Oba Adesida Road shouting “Sai Baba, sai Baba”.



Addressing the party supporters, President Buhari assured Nigerians of the resolve of the present administration to secure the country, and continue tackling all security challenges.

He explained that Boko Haram used to hold substantial parts of the North East, but the situation was no longer so.

“They are now indoctrinating youths especially girls and arming them with explosives for soft targets like churches and mosques, even that has become rare.

“ln 2015, our campaign was based on tackling security challenges, fighting corruption and rejuvenating the battered economy and I believe we have not failed you.

“I can assure you all that we will continue to secure this country and make it corruption-free” he said.

The President further said Nigerian was virtually self sufficient in food security, while importation of rice had reduced by 95 percent.

Buhari further explained that the government was buying fertilizers and making them available to farmers at half price in a bid to improve the economy.

According to him, the most significant part of the campaign was fighting corruption, which was developed into the culture of the country and it could not be gotten rid of rapidly under this system.

He urged people of the state to ensure that all candidates of the APC win every elective position in the February 16 general election both at the state and National Assembly.

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of APC, said the difference between the candidates of APC and PDP was very clear.

He said the APC candidate cared for the poor and down trodden, and remembered their children with the school feeding programme.

“In a country that exports so much crude oil, the child of the poor should have at least one meal a day.

“We have also given every state government money so that workers can be paid. He has stopped importation, and we must stop exporting our jobs to Europe and importing unemployment into Nigeria,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari threw a jibe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday. He said he was only seeking a second term and not a third term.

The former president is believed to have sought the elongation of his tenure in the twilight of his administration in 2017.

What became the “Third Term Agenda” collapsed when the National Assembly threw out the Constitutional Amendment into which it was inserted.

Speaking at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, the Ondo State capital, venue of the APC campaign rally for his re-election, President Buhari, who did not mention Obasanjo’s or anybody’s name, said:

“We have just finished one term and are seeking a second one, and after that, the constitution doesn’t permit anymore,” Tolu Ogunlesi, a Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, quoted him as saying.

He went on: “There are some who tried looking for more but they did not succeed. We should learn from their mistakes.”

”We have just finished one term and are seeking a second one, and after that the constitution doesn’t permit anymore. There are some who tried looking for more but they did not succeed. We should learn from their mistakes,” the special assistant tweeted on tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) February 5, 2019.

Between 2006 and 2007, the former president was reported to have attempted ruling for a third term, after the expiration of his two-term tenure, permitted by the constitution.

A bill was sponsored at the National Assembly to extend term limits by another four years, but the lawmakers, who were said to have been “bribed”, did not ratify the bill.

Obasanjo, who supported Buhari in 2015, is backing Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to unseat the incumbent president.

APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also addressed a crowd of supporters, berated the opposition party for raising rigging allegations.

He said the PDP was only afraid of APC shadow because it introduced rigging into the electoral process.

According to Tinubu, the PDP has admitted failure even before the election by its allegation that APC and Buhari planned to rig the February 16 general elections.

He said: “The PDP claimed that the APC was planning to rig election. How can you rig an election that has not been conducted? This is a clear fact that the PDP was preparing for failure. The PDP has admitted its loss of the election even before the election is conducted.”

Also, APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole said the PDP ruined the nation’s economy in 16 years, stressing that the current economic problems being experienced were caused by the PDP.

He said: “Both Obasanjo and Jonathan did not remember the poor when they were in government, but Buhari places the poor above the rich through his people-oriented programmes.”

The South West Director General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Chief Olusola Oke, on Monday, advised leaders and members of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, to refrain from politics and endorsing any of candidate ahead of the forthcoming election.

He noted that the group has been divided, saying a faction of the group is supporting Buhari while the other groups are supporting Atiku, advising the group to leave politics for politicians.

Oke who stated this during a press conference to herald the visit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari, frowned over the open endorsement of candidates by the factions of the group.

Oke maintained that Afenifere, as a socio-cultural group is not supposed to delve into politics or pitching tent with any candidate but should concentrate on social and cultural issues and not politics.

He, however, said the endorsement of the Afenifere group would not determine the fate or fortune of Buhari in the forthcoming election saying the south-west people would vote for APC and its candidate.

Oke who queried the influence of Afenifere on any election said “Is Afenifere truly a group that can muster vote for a candidate? But I am sure that the endorsement of the group will not take away the chance of Buhari in this election.

Speaking on the reasons the south west people would vote for again for Buhari’s re-election, Oke said “one thing we cannot take away from this government is its philosophy which tallies with the philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who believe that the resources of the state should be devoted to the welfare of the people who believe that there must be transparency and accountability in governance.

According to him, “generally and in particular, the Ondo state people and the Yoruba people of south-west states should support Buhari for repositioning ourcountry.

The oil which was the major drive of our economy was 124 dollar per barrel, earning Nigeria unprecedented income but unfortunately, that was when the nation’s infrastructure was worst, that was when the security of the nation was most challenging, when corruption was at its peak, unemployment was the order of the day and hunger is written on the faces of the common man and Nigeria went into recession

Oke, however, canvassed support for Buhari ahead of the election, urging the people of the region to vote en masse for Buhari based on his present achievements.

He said in the area of infrastructure, the rail has always being a source of transportation even in the colonial days but this sector collapsed for over 40 years unattended to, but nobody cannot deny that this sector has been revived today.

He said the Yoruba nation has benefitted from Buhari’s administration, assuring that more developmental projects would be initiated in the region with the re-election of Buhari.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday donated another set of brand new vehicles to security agencies in the state as part of the effort of his administration to fight crime and criminals in the state.

It would be recalled that the Governor had sometimes in 2017 donated ten speed boats to the Naval base in Igbokoda for policing of the riverine area of the state.

Akeredolu also presented five hilux vans to the state Police command in 2018.

The Governor on Monday presented 17 vehincles to the security agencies in the state. The state Police command got five out of the seventeen while the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army got three and the State Security Service was given two.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State command, got three cars, while the Special Protection Unit and the Naval base in Igbokoda, got one car each.

Similarly, the Governor had presented one Vehincle to the legionnaire and one for the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

Governor Akeredolu explained that some petty things could be resolved with patrols, and urged the security agencies to increase patrols in the state.

“Somebody came to me that people are defacing other people’s posters, not necessarily All Progressives Congress (APC) posters. You can arrest them. If they know that your patrol is on the road, they will be afraid,” he said.

The governor further commended security agencies in the state for reduction of crime, especially kidnapping

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, urge President Muhammadu Buhari to consider timely approval of the State Deep Sea Port project, describing it as key to the economic transformation of the State.

A statement by the party’s Publicity secretary Mr Alex Kalejaye said The project has suffered undue stagnation because of the handlers’ inability to secure the necessary go ahead by the appropriate agent of the Federal government.

Kalejaye said the party would also like to draw the attention of Mr. President to and seek his intervention in such projects as the dualisation of the ever busy Akure/ Ondo/ Ore Road, the Akure/ Owo / Ikare Road, and the coastal road that will link Araromi to Lekki in Lagos State.

According to him, the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Ondo State Government on the Cassava to Ethanol project at Okelusi also crave presidential blessing.

The statement added that , the visit of president Buhari to ondo State today will further encourage and boost the morale of the State chapter ahead of the general elections.

The leader of the state chapter and governor, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, other leaders and members are in high spirits to receive the Abuja team.We therefore want to assure Mr. President, who is also our candidate, that we will deliver the senatorial districts, federal and state constituencies at the polls.The party commends the federal government for the restoration of electricity to the old Okitipupa division, and prayed that the entire division be connected to the national grid.

The die is cast; we have entered the final phase of the much awaited 2019 general election. It is a moment of decision for us the people of Nigeria. We must decide on those to lead us for the next four years and by implication, the part we will tow and the future of our dear country.

It is a moment we have the appraise the current situations and the challenges we are likely to face in nearest future and on the bases of such appraisal, choose who among the candidates can provide the required leadership for the much desired quantum leap to greatness. The quest for the right candidates begs the question what is competency?

What is the problem of Nigeria that we need a competent leader? Is our problem lack of financial resources? Is it lack of human capital? Is it lack of adequate policy formulation? Is it lack of infrastructures; is it even corruption? A person cannot solve a problem he/she is aware of, that is why medical doctors have to diagnose an ailment before making prescription. The problems with Nigeria are not the questions listed above but rather the deficiency and porosity of our justice system.

There is a vivid distinction between “I cannot steal and I will not steal”. Every human being created by God has the capability to steal/loot which is human nature and this explains why there is corruption in all countries of the world but the difference between other countries and ours is that while other nations are able to bring looters to justice, we are unable to bring looters to justice or bring justice to looters because our justice system is porous. Consequently therefore, looting becomes not just pervasive but a norm rather than aberration, thus our roads will not be tarred, and hospital will have no drugs, our universities never get funds for research etc yet these items will be budgeted for. Your guess is as good as mine where these monies will go to.

In the last presidential debate, I heard a candidate say she will bring the best brains to formulate policies for Nigeria. The thought in my mind as a response to her assertion was that if you bring world experts to formulate policies for Nigeria, the policies will be implemented in Nigeria by Nigerians and in the process monumental leakages will occur thus making the policies ineffective and in the absence of a good justice system nothing will happen to those responsible for these leakages.

At this point, one begins to wonder why our justice system is not working. In the wake of the trial and subsequent suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen from the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria, critics of the Buhari administration had argued that the president was aloof from his government by not being aware of the plans to try the CJN; unfortunately these critics missed the essence of this act. That the president was not aware of the plans to try the CJN implies that President Buhari has given the institutions of justice the freedom and independence to do their work.

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Lucy Ajayi has urged traders to vote President Muhammadu Buhari in appreciation of the efforts to better their lives.

Ajayi, who spoke during a rally at Mile 12 market, Lagos, said the President was concerned about the future of the ordinary people.

She added that voting Buhari and other APC candidates was an assurance for a secured country, noting the commonwealth was safe under him.

She said the choice of Mile 12 market for the rally was because Lagosians depend on it for food coming from different parts of the country, stressing the rally would enable Nigerians to know about the impact of government’ Trader Moni.

She said: “We are here to tell the people of Kosofe Federal Constituency to ensure they vote the APC across board. Since APC took over the presidency the people welfare dominate the agenda.

“We must prevent a situation where we return back to the era when government took the ordinary people for granted. We are urging you to get your PVC to prevent them. Kosofe people will come out enmass to vote the APC.”

The APC chieftain added that the turnout of people during rallies indicates that the party would defeat the opposition with wide margin.

“We don’t need to tell anybody how the election will go. This is not a rented crowd, besides we don’t have the money to rent any crowd. They are simply volunteers who believe in the APC.

“A good number of them have their PVC because we devoted the time to move from house to house on the importance of PVC and I can assure that they will vote our party.”

DeWorlex45:
Yinmu!!! They don come to make anoda promise again. Though i am originally from Ondo, & witness his visit live & direct. But, we no go fall for all these #Promises again,.

the lod will be with them to fulfill there promise

Angelparadise:
Only those doom to be slaves forever will support a lifeless incompetent failure that can't act as a president.
This is 2019 reasonable Nigerians want who will make life better for them not live as a slaves just to settle unwise scores.
I strongly believe Yorubas still have sensible citizens that will like to move Nigerian to a far better place than the present disaster we are in.

lets wait and see what we will happen on 16 0f this month

As the nation continues the steady march towards the February 16 Presidential Election, one big question that has been agitating the minds of the people of the Southwest geopolitical zone of the country is what they stand to benefit by voting for either of the two main contending parties – the APC and the PDP. This is a question that falls within the purview of analysts to examine and present an overview of what to expect from the zone in the coming election.

One of the main grouses of the people of the Southwest against the PDP is the way the party treated the people of the zone during the Jonathan administration of 2009 to 2015. The people believe and rightly so, that they had been shortchanged not only in the siling of infrastructural projects in the zone but also in appointments to public offices.

Hardly can one point to any major project started and completed in the Southwest during the rule of Goodluck Jonathan or that of his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Instead many projects initiated by the two PDP leaders have been abandoned halfway only to be taken over by the Buhari administration. Many of such projects have either been completed by now or nearing completion by the current APC government of President Buhari.

For example, the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway construction was to be done through a concessionary arrangement that flopped. That all important project very vital to the socio-economic well-being of the South westerners has now been taken over by Buhari and is getting near completion stage and more interestingly, this big undertaking is now being executed through direct government funding.

Similarly, one of the busiest roads in Nigeria, the Ibadan/Oyo/Ogbomosho Expressway which was started by the PDP government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was abandoned at Oyo leaving the Oyo/Ogbomosho section uncompleted since the past 16years. It is Buhari government that is now working towards the completion of the project.

One other major project that has continued to gladden the hearts of the Yoruba people is the standard gauge railway project directly linking Lagos with Ibadan, the political Capital of the Southwest. This project was started by Jonathan but nothing was done on it until Buhari came on board. While on a state visit to China, Buhari renegotiated the project with the Chinese authorities. Work is progressing at a high speed right now on the project.

You can just imagine a rail journey from Lagos to Ibadan taking only 30minutes. And what about haulage of goods between the two great metropolis? Why will the Southwest then choose to show ingratitude to a party, APC that is doing much at the same time in the geopolitical zone?

Right now Atiku is dangling the bait of restructuring to the region. But where are the details of his restructuring proposal? Will he do it, can he do it and is it going to be a project that will favour the people in that zone? Atiku came to Ibadan to canvass for the people’s support but merely touched the issue of restructuring on the surface. He merely browsed the issue and made no promise to complete ongoing projects that are of immense socio-economic value to the South westerners.

Today, Alhaji Atiku’s most vociferous backer is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President who had once declared the PDP candidate as unfit to rule Nigeria because of what he described as his insatiable greed and corruption. But even then, the pertinent question is, does Obasanjo possess the moral or political compass by which he can direct the course of events in Yorubaland?

Only recently, one of the most highly respected leaders of the Yoruba nation, General Alani Akinrinade, former Chief of Defense Staff, took a swipe at Chief Obasanjo and described his call on South westerners to vote for Atiku as “an insult to our collective intelligence”. He also blamed the media for according the ex-president undue attention, adding that they (the media) owe Nigerians the responsibility of “keeping this irritable man where he belongs – the waste bin of history”.

The retired general then advised his comrade-in-arms to “allow Nigerians choose who they want and stop goading the citizenry for his own selfish interests”. Alani Akinrinade has spoken the minds of most Nigerians, especially people of the Southwest. General Akinrinade is seen and regarded as a highly influential and respected leader whose views on any issues are usually taken as representing the collective interests of the Yoruba.

Now, if Atiku thinks he can rely on Obasanjo’s support to win Southwest votes, then he has missed the point. He must be living under a great illusion that Obasanjo’s political clout in the zone is sufficient enough for him to withstand PMB’s rabbit punch in the February 16 election. The Yoruba people have never regarded Obasanjo as a true son of theirs and many PDP leaders and supporters in the zone regard his much orchestrated support for Atiku as constituting a big albatross on the neck of his former vice.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to completely resolve the perennial blackout in the Southern Senatorial district of Ondo State.



Some towns and villages in the area have been in total darkness for almost a decade following disconnection of the people from the national grid by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).



Addressing the council of traditional rulers at the palace of the Jegun of Idepe in Okitipupa Local Government Area, Prof. Osinbajo promised that the federal government would do everything possible to restore light in the affected communities.

He noted that some towns in the area had either been reconnected to the national grid or are currently benefitting from the solar scheme of the Ondo State Government.

He commended the traditional rulers for maintaining peace through their subjects, which according to him, has been enhancing development in the area.

“This issue of electricity is what we want to do in the ‘Next Level’ because it is of serious concern to us. Private companies don’t have enough funds to supply meters and transformers since the sale of National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), in 2005 to private companies.

Earlier, the Abodi of Ikaleland, Oba George Faduyile who expressed delight over the Vice President’s visit, commended Federal Government’s efforts at ensuring gradual restoration of electricity in Okitipupa and neighbouring local governments which have been without electricity for years.

The monarch who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers in the local government, described as massive, the infrastructural development in the country under the APC-led federal government in terms of road, rail line and Airport constructions.

He also commended the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in Ondo State, which he said is falling in line by re-surfacing abandoned roads riddled with potholes, trenches and damaged bridges.

Oba Faduyile who applauded Governor Akeredolu for the massive construction of roads and the Ore fly-over, described the projects as unprecedented.

The Monarch, pledged the support of all the traditional rulers in Okitipupa local government to facilitate the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the coming polls.

Similarly, the Ahaba of Ajagba, Oba Oluwole Adesayo, enjoined the Federal Government to facilitate timely restoration of electricity to the area

The Vice President also extended the House-to-House campaign to some parts of Okitipupa and Irele Local Government Areas.

Ondo State Government has declared that plans are in top gear to begin bitumen exploitation in the state.

The State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Prof. Bayonle Ademodi made this known yesterday in Akure, while fielding questions from Journalists shortly after interactive session with Licensee Bitumen companies operating in the state.

According to him, it is now very clear that the companies are very committed to begin operations soon.

“Getting to the level of operation is demanding, and they are getting there, we are happy about the development, and I am sure the Governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be happy.

“I can assure you that in two years time, the state will be on the world map in terms of bitumen exploitation.The present government has placed the project in the front burner since inception”, he stated.

The commissioner who maintained that the ministry has prepared the ground for the successful development of the project, affirmed that the state had held series of meetings with the host communities with the assurance to ensure smooth operations.

Representative of one of the Companies, The Project Director of Kebara Mining Company, Mr Anet Wiener while speaking at the interactive session, said his company is ready to spend 80 million dollars on bitumen development in the state.

He informed that his company is now at the stage of getting minning lease to start exploiting the bitumen this year.

The Director added that his company has developed new technology with different equipment to ensure friendly environment during operation.

The chairman, Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC, Prof Yomi Dinakin, said the commission would soon conduct elections into Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the 18 councils.



He disclosed this while speaking with journalists shortly after defending the commission’s budget for 2019 before the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

According to him, budgetary provision has been made for the conduct of the council polls



The Chairman said he would soon call a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the modality for the conduct of the local government election this year as soon as possible.

Prof Dinakin had last year November announced the indefinite postponement of the chairmanship/councillorship polls earlier fixed for December 1, 2018.

He cited failure of the INEC in the state to provide the commission with the updated version of the voters’ register as main reason for the postponement.

He emphasised that INEC refused to provide updated version of the voters’ register despite continued requests for it by ODIEC, saying that the commission could not go on with the election with incomplete voters’ register released by INEC earlier last year.

He assured that the election would be held very soon at a date to be announced by the commission.

“If you would recall I told Ondo State people last year that our major problem was with respect to voters’ register. Last year, we were working to conduct the election but when it became obvious that in terms of time frame certain supporting information and things were not forthcoming, that was why we had to postpone the election”, the chairman stressed.

The ODIEC boss disclosed that the commission would redesign its time-table and proceed to conduct the election as soon as possible this year.

The Federal Government is set to dualise Akure-Ondo-Ore highway to boost economic activities of Ondo state.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this at the palace of Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo as part of activities for his two days official visit to the state.

According to Osinbajo, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will also ensure that the proposed upgrading of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo to a federal University become a reality soon.

Professor Osinbajo pointed out that he would personally do everything possible to make the college a university of education since the national assembly had passed the enabling act.

According to the Vice President, the college established as the first College of education in Nigeria over 50 years ago is long overdue to be upgraded.

Osinbajo said that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had spent a total of N2.7 trillion on infrastructural development since assumption of office, stressing that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that money belonging to Nigerians are not stolen but used for nation building.

The Vice President further hinted that the country was earning 60 per cent less than what it was earning in the past 16 years, adding that despite this low earning, the current administration had spent fund that could be the highest ever on infrastructure such as roads and railway modern in the country.

The Vice President said, “Today, N2.7trillion is what we are spending on infrastructural development. The question we ought to ask the opposition people who were in office for 16years is, What did they do with the money if today we are still reconstructing Lagos-Ibadan expressway. We are building Lagos -Ibadan rail project which will be commissioned in few days time”.

“If we get your mandate again by God’s grace, we will continue to work against corruption that is affecting our country, we will build more infrastructure”.

AS President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign rally continued in the South-East, the political issues that bedevilled the Igbo came to the fore with the crack in the ranks of the apex pan Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo rearing its ugly head. President Muhammadu Buhari and Abia State Governor, H.E. Okezie Ipeazu during the commissioning of Ariaria Market Independent Power Project in Aba Abia.

In a similar vein, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole publicly disagreed at the President’s campaign rally in Imo. President Buhari visited Abia and Imo States yesterday in continuation of the Presidential campaign rally of the APC.

The Chief John Nnia Nwodo-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo had last week announced the endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate. However, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Uche Okwukwu, who allegedly had earlier expressed a dissenting view from that of his chairman, called on Ndigbo to vote for Buhari, the APC Presidential candidate. The second endorsement was by the chairman of Aba Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Dr Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba, who called on all indigenes of Abia State to vote for Buhari, the APC Presidential candidate. Okorocha splashes N7.5bn on school children Okwukwu announced that the adoption of President Buhari as the true Ohanaeze candidate who will be formally recognised as such at a coming event at the Aso Rock Villa.

He said the Igbo people would “remain loyal and committed to President Buhari for the payment of pensions to ex-Biafran security personnel; for the administration’s policy on ease of doing business,” which, the traditional ruler said, had benefited the Igbo more than any other ethnic group, and “the massive infrastructural development going on throughout the South-East.”

He said: “You love Nigeria and you need to return to consolidate your fight against the monster called corruption and to take us to the next level. I want to assure you that Aba and Abians and indeed all Igbos will massively vote for you.” On his part, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, welcomed the existing “synergy” between the federal government and his state which he said, had come with enormous gains that are cherished by the government and the people. Buhari inaugurates Ariaria Power Plant Speaking while inaugurating the Ariaria power plant, President Buhari said:

“Today with policies and programmes such as this IPP, we have demonstrated that if the common good is our mutual objective, it can be achieved irrespective of party differences and constitutional limitations. “Electricity has no political colour,” the President said in his speech at the inauguration of the plant.

Professor Osinbajo today storm the ancient town to canvass votes for President Muhammadu Buhari and also to flag off the tradermoni loan programme of the federal government for traders and artisans in Ondo State.

The State Chairman of APC in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, Idanre Local Government Chairman, Hon. Adebiyi Ayannuola, APC House of Assembly Candidate for Idanre State Constituency, Barr. Smart Adeuyi Omotadowa, artisans, pupils/students, members of APC in Idanre Local Government, as well as Stakeholders of the local government, are patiently waiting for the arrival of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
1. GOVERNOR - CHAIRMAN
2. DEPUTY GOVERNOR
3. APC STATE CHAIRMAN
4. SECRETARY TO THE SATE GGVOT
5. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS
6. DEPUTY CAHIRMAN
7. IFE OYEDELE - SECRETARY
8. 3 SENATORIAL VICE CHAIRMEN
9. STATE WOMAN LEADER
10. CHIEF OLUSOLA OKE (SAN)
11. AMBASSADOR ‘SOLAIJI
12. ALL FORMER SPEAKERS
13. THE SPEAKER
14. DEPUTY SPEAKER
15. YOUTH LEADER
16. ORGANISING SECRETARY
17. PUBLICITY SECRETARY
18. WALE AKINTERINWA
19. HON. LOLA FAGBEMI
20. ALABA ISIJOLA
21. MRS. OLADUNNI ODU
22. DR. PIUS OSUNYIKANMI
23. HON. GBENGA ELEGBELEYE
24. PRINCE SOLAGBADE AMODENI
25. MR. LUCKY AYEDATIWA
26. MR. ROTIMI FASAKIN
27. RT. HON. VICTOR OLABIMTAN
28. HON. SHEBA ABAYOMI
29. MR. DIRAN IYANTAN
30. TUNJI FABIYI
31. LAWAL KOLADE


MOBILISATION COMMITTEE
1. HON. TAYO OLUWATUYI (TUKANA) AK/S – CHAIRMAN
2. CHARLES FAGBOHUNKA (OD/EAST) – SECRETARY
3. NIRAN AKINNIYI (ILE-OLUJI/ OKE-IGBO)
4. YETUNDE ADEYANJU (ODIGBO)
5. BUNMI ADEMOSU (AKURE SOUTH)
6. HON. OLA OGUNTIMEHIN (OKITIPUPA
7. RT. HON. AYO AGBOMUSERIN (IFEDORE)
8. RT. HON. KENNETH OLAWALE (AKURE NORTH)
9. NIYI OSENI (AKOKO NORTH EAST)
10. BENSON AGHONI (ESE-ODO)
11. BANJI AJAKA (ILAJE)
12. FEMI IDRIS (OWO)
13. OLATAYO ARIBO (OSE)
14. OTUNBA GBOYEGA ADEFARATI (AKOKO SOUTH WEST)
15. AKIN AIBINUOMO (AKOKO SOUTH EAST)
16. ARCH. MORAKINYO AJAYI (AKOKO NORTH WEST)
17. VALENTINE IKUSIKA (ONDO WEST)
18. MORIN OLANIPEKUN (IRELE)
19. ADERONKE AKINDOLIE (IDANRE)
20. OLUTAYO BABALAYO (AKURE SOUTH)
21. WITHERSPOON MORENIKE (OWO)
22. ADENIKE OLAWOYE
23. ALABA ISIJOLA
24. OKAFOR ARINZE (IGBO COMMUNITY)
25. BALA UMAR (HAUSA COMMUNITY)
26. ALHAJI AHETE HASSAN (EGBIRA COMMUNITY)
27. MRS. RONKE OLADUN (ODIGBO)


PROTOCOL & TRANSPORT
1. WALE FASAKIN
2. MRS FALANA
3. HON. FEBI ADEYEMI
4. TOLA WEWE
5. TOSIN OGUNBODEDE – SECRETARY
6. LANRE OYELADE
7. OLAITAN AYENI
8. RASAK ISIJOLA
9. SERAH ESEKUMO
10. DR. WUNMI EGBEAYELO – CHAIRMAN
11. FUNKE KUMUYI
12. OLASUNBO OJOMO
13. BOSEDE SAPAIYE
14. MEDINAT BUSARI
15. MRS. IYABO AKINKUNMI


VENUE COMMITTEE
1. PASTOR FEMI AGAGU (OKITIPUPA) – CHAIRMAN
2. BABAJIDE AKEREDOLU – SECRETARY
3. RT. HON. VICTOR OLABIMTAN (AK/SW)
4. MR.FESTUS AREGBESOLA (AK/S)
5. ENGR. SOGO AJIKIOLA (IFEDORE)
6. ODUNAYO AKINRINSOLA (ILE-OLUJI/ OKE-IGBO)
7. HON. AFOLABI ADESOJI (IDANRE)
8. HON. GBENGA EDEMA (ILAJE)
9. TOYIN ALLEN (ESE-ODO)
10. AMODENI SOLAGBADE (AK/S/E)
11. F.B. OMOTAYO (ONDO WEST)
12. RAFIU AKINKUOLIE (ONDO EAST)
13. ALHAJI OMOTOSHO (AK/N/E)
14. OLUDASA (SEGRO) (IRELE)
15. DOTUN OWANIKIN (OSE)
16. CYRIL OGUNLAYI (AK/N/W)
17. ISIAKA YUSUF (OWO)
18. ALHAJI OSO (ODIGBO)


ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
1. MRS. MORENIKE WITHERSPOON – CHAIRMAN
2. MRS. MORENIKE ALAKA – SECRETARY
3. MRS. LOLA FAGBEMI
4. HON ADENUSI OMOBOYOWA
5. DR (MRS) OSADAHUN
6. MRS. RONKE OJO
7. PRINCESS RONKE EHUWA
8. MRS. A. ADETUTU
9. NORTH SENATORIAL WOMAN LEADER
10. SOUTH SENATORIAL WOMAN LEADER
11. CENTRAL SENATORIAL WOMAN LEADER


MEDIA COMMITTEE
1. HON. YEMI OLOWOLABI – CHAIRMAN
2. ME. ALEX KALEJAYE – SECRETARY
3. MR. STEVE OTALORO
4. MR. ROTIMI OGUNLEYE
5. PRINCESS DUPE ADETUWO
6. MRS. FOLAWE SIPASI
7. MR. DAMILOLA ABE
8. AKINWANDE AKINRODOYE
9. JIMOH IBRAHIM


MEDICAL COMMITTEE
1. DR. WAHAB ADEGBENRO – CHAIRMAN
2. DR. BOLU ADEBOYE
3. DR. AKEREDOLU – SECRETARY
4. DR. ENIOLA. F


MEMBERS OF THE STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL WILL BE FORMALLY INAUGURATED ON WEDNESDAY, 30TH JANUARY, 2019.
VENUE: COCOA CONFERENCE HALL, GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, ALAGBAKA, AKURE
TIME: 8.00pm

MEMEBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SEATED BY 7:00PM

SIGNED
ENGR. ADE ADETIMEHIN,
ONDO STATE CHAIRMAN,
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)
SOURCE:

Property owners in Ondo State have been urged to make immediate payment of the Land Use Charge or get their buildings sealed after the expiration of 30 days ultimatum notice.





The chairman of Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), Mr. Tolu Adegbie, gave this warning in an interview with The Hope in Akure.



Commenting on the ‘Due to seal’ notice served on the residents of Oba-Ile Housing Estate, Adegbie disclosed that the board after the expiry day, will move and seal”.

“The law says 30days and I advise everybody to go and pay before January ending”, he stated.

He said the state was acting under the law which states that “once you have been served a notice you have 30 days to pay”.

Adegbie expressed surprise over the claim of Oba-Ile residents that they were not served any bill before the ‘due to seal’notice was served.

He noted further that he had ordered the board officials to serve another bill to them to ensure that payment is done within the stipulated period.

“In fact, I told my people to go round again in all places where they said they do not have the bill, to serve them another round of bill, including those who did not bother to come”, he said.

According to him, the same billing procedure was done at Ijapo Estate and Alagbaka Estate, before Oba-Ile and there were no complaints visited earlier, from the two estates except from Oba-Ile.

Residents of Oba-Ile housing estate had earlier expressed worry over the placement of ‘Due to seal’ notice at the entrance of their houses.

The Central Chairman of Oba-Ile Residents’ Association, Otunba Benjy Oloye, who spoke with The Hope on the development, described it as surprising and disappointing.

Oloye said they were suprised to come back from work to see the notice placed on their doors when no bill was earlier given to such effect.

He disclosed that they had earlier had a joint meeting involving other housing estates with the Commisioner for Works and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure on the need for infrastructural development within the estate.

He also disclosed that a special meeting was held with the Housing Development and Property Corporation which had directed that such payment should be made to the state Board of Internal Revenue.

According to him, the residents of the estate had agreed to pay the charge, but they should be given the bill so that they would know the modality for payment.

“Why should they come to seal without giving the bill”.

While reacting to non payment of the Land Use Charge, Oloye assured that all the residents would pay because it was a law.

He appealed to government to present the bill for people to know what to pay and not just placing notice of ‘Due to seal’ .

YewandeAkinjewe:
Very good

this is all we are expecting from our governor

Buharimustgo16F:
In your village Abi?

in ondo state dont you know