Tag Archives: Ondo State

Adefarati: Untold Stories of Political Repression And Inherent Lessons for Akeredolu, SAN & Other Incumbents – Kayode Ajulo

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Like an eclipse, swiftly, the years passed. And it’s striking to know that it’s exactly 10 years that we lost a political juggernaut in the person of Chief Adebayo Adefarati, former governor of my dear State, Ondo.
Baba Adefarati, as I knew and addressed him, even before his ascendance to governorship of Ondo State, was appointed twice as a commissioner under the late Yoruba and Afenifere Leader, Pa. Michael Adekunle Ajasin. He was the State Commissioner for Works and that of Ministry of Transport between 1979–1983). Baba was also a prominent member of the then dreaded NADECO that fought against the military during the slippery General Sani Abacha days.
He reigned as a governor between 1999-2003 and lost his re-election bid, majorly due to separation from many of his associates and lieutenants such as  erstwhile comrades, major supporters and the stars of his administration, namely Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Late Chief Rufus Giwa, Dr. Akerele Adu, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Chief Yele Omogunwa, Senator Nimbe Farunkanmi, Dr. Awolowo Ajaka, Dr. ‘Tayo Dairo, Chief Bamidele Awosika, Col. Akin Falaye (Rtd.) etc which gave Dr. Olusegun Agagu leeway to defeat him when he ran for re-election in 2003.
In 2007 Baba Adefarati was the presidential candidate for the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He died at a ripen age of 76 after a brief sickness few weeks before the election.
Baba Adefarati, indeed, lived a life worthy of emulation. He was an astute leader of men, effective manager of resources and passionately in pursuit of peace in our society.
Commemorating Baba’s after life, especially the 10years anniversary of his departing the earth as political titan that he was, his kins and associates led by the incumbent governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, last week roll out drums to celebrate Baba Adefarati.
Much as I recognize the full worth of Governor Akeredolu and others for playing  significant roles as we all remember Baba. I feel a strong urge, as a conscripted actor in the history of his life after leaving the seat of power, to do a quick review into the latter life of the deceased old man and leader. In addition, I will also point out an important lesson from this for the wielders of might and  holders of power of our days.
I grew up to know Chief Adefarati as one of the school Principals that are close friends to my late father, S. A. O. Ajulo, a book merchant. He was a frequent caller at the CSS Bookshop, Aminigun, Ibadan and sometimes, being an Anglican, he worshiped with us at The Cathedral of St. James, The Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan.
He was one of the ‘very few’ visitors, who called my father by his corrupted first name, Solo (from Solomon).
I had hearty curiosity about their cordiality which got me to know after insistent enquiries that their friendship dated back to their primary school days as young schoolboys at Oka-Akoko. They became close till deaths despite the fact that Baba became a governor and  my father was apolitical with no political value in the scheme of things. Baba Adefarati cherished old and good friends irrespective of the gains involved.
Baba Adefarati, a progressive politician of the old order lived a simple lifestyle and cannot be accused of using his office to acquire wealth for himself. I have, up to now, my strong doubt, as to whether or not he used the seat of power to amass wealth for himself  as such possibility has pointedly was cleared when I became the Head of Chambers of the law firm of Tunji Abayomi & Co., Abuja in 2003.
Dr. Tunji Abayomi, the Founder and Principal Partner of the firm was Baba Adefarati’s lawyer. Three months into his exit as governor, the law firm was briefed on the need to ensure the payment of Baba Adefarati’s severance entitlements. Pursuant to the brief, I visited Baba at his home town, Akungba and I became a front row witness of Baba’s spartan lifestyle, travails and philosophies of life.
During one of our discussions, in his house, he narrated his ordeal with his then successor – the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, particularly on the fact that his successor has refused to pay his severance entitlements and that he is left broke. He urged that the law firm expedite action to get this money paid. I can remember vividly his word; “Kayode, as you can see now, I have no drink to offer you as my visitor in this house, because there is no money to buy”. I was shocked to my bones and couldn’t believe my ears.
Again, I had my first practical experience of Political Repression, when after few weeks of taking up the case as the head of chambers, my boss’s Abuja chambers, a rented office apartment located inside the Owena House owned by Ondo State Government was burgled, all the books and furnitures inside thrown out, and we were forcefully evicted from the building by the then new government of Ondo State for no just cause than the fact that Dr. Tunji Abayomi belonged to Baba Adefarati’s old order.
I was however surprised, when the same Dr. Agagu-led State government rolled out drums to celebrate the life and death of Baba Adefarati at the announcement of Baba’s demise. The governor allegedly spent over 150 Million Naira on baba’s burial arrangements, and invited one of Baba’s wives to his office despite his outright neglect when he was alive.
Thorough study has revealed that political Repression although takes various forms, it however points toward an end. It is the systematic hostility or ill-treatment  of an individual or group within a society for political reasons, particularly for the purpose of restricting or preventing their ability to take part in the political life of a society, thereby reducing their standing among their fellow citizens. This,  weighing the issues about Baba after office as governor, can be said to have been meted out on him.
Political persecution can manifest, beyond and besides shades of political persecution, in deliberate discriminatory policies, such as human rights violations, states sponsored media trials, malicious prosecution, imprisonment, state agents brutality, unlawful removal or suspension from office, denial of entitlements, extra judicial punishment and its likes.
Baba Adefarati, as history points to, did his best for Ondo State as he did for the County -Nigeria. Whether he was done a commensurate honour after exit or not is a debate that will last the length of time.  However, as we celebrate Baba, it is only proper that we learn from the significances of his successful life and glorious exit. It is imperative that freedom from disturbance; and tranquility reign in the conduct of the affairs of men. Peace must be made a pivot in our art of politicking if we must genuinely celebrate and honour of departed leaders,as this was the hub of the late governor’s philosophy of life.
Political repression must cease to be part and parcel of governance. it was a cheering that the immediate past administration in Ondo State, against all odds, gave the new administration of Governor Aderedolu, SAN ultimate cooperation, in a committed, seamless and historical transition procedures that made the inaugural ceremony of the incumbent one of the best in recent time. This was exemplar, and it’s hoped that this will be nurtured as a tradition.
Justice and fairness is the ultimate panacea for peace, it will be therefore instructive and wise for Governor Akeredolu, SAN and others in power to learn and imbibe the lessons of living in harmony and tolerance with their political rivals in steering the ship of their States to the full benefit of all.
What is good for the goose, the wise say, is also good for the gander. In governance, and in accordance with the dictates of their oath of office is to do right to all manner of people, irrespective of their political lineage of inclinations.
As it is certain that he who is incumbent today, one day, would become a former someday. I agree with the insightful words of Jacques to Duke Senior in Act II, Scene VII of Shakespeare’s  As You Like It;
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances”.
Peace, one palpable beauty for which Ondo State is reputed, is debatably a legacy seeded by late Chief Adebayo Adefarati. It has since endured through the years to this time of Arakunrin. While we extols the greats feats and ideals of this giant son of Ondo State, we indulge in the hope that under governor Akeredolu, Baba’s legacy of peace and tolerance will not only be preserved but also be taken for granted.  That, for me, is the minimum we must do to immortalise Chief Adefarati.
Dr. Ajulo is the Principal Partner, Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, Executive Director, Egalitarian Mission for Africa and was the National Secretary, Labour Party.

JUST IN: Akeredolu appoints Chief of Staff, SSG, ?others.

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The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday, appointed Ifedayo Abegunde, as the Secretary to the State Government.

Olusegun Ajiboye, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced this in Akure on Monday.

Mr. Abegunde was a two-term member of the House of Representatives, representing Akure North and South Constituency.

He was first elected in 2003 and later in 2011. But just before his second term ended, he was sacked by the Supreme Court for switching from the Labour Party to the Action Congress of Nigeria, the precursor of the All Progressives Congress. He had joined the ACN in 2012.

In 2015, he contested for the senatorial seat of his new party, but lost to the incumbent, Tayo Alasoadura, at the party primary.

He was the deputy director-general of the Akeredolu Campaign in the senatorial district in the run-up to the governorship election.

Mr. Abegunde was born on May 5, 1955. He had his secondary education in Oyemekun Grammar School in Akure between 1967 and 1971.

He subsequently had tertiary education at Florida University in the United States (1980-1984) and Morgan State University, in Baltimore, Maryland, also in the United States between 1985 and 1987.

Other appointments are? those of Olugbenga Ale, as Chief of Staff and Jones Ogunmusire, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), (Administration and Policy Planning).

Mr. Ale is a former permanent secretary in the state civil service and is an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, where he studied public administration.

He had his secondary education in New Church Grammar School in Owo, the hometown of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Mr. Akeredolu also appointed Taofeek Abdusalam, SSA , Legislative Matters; Kunle Adebayo, SSA , Research and Documentation; Raheem Aminu, SSA , Infrastructure;? Doyin Odebowale, SSA, Special Duties and Strategy.

Tosin Ogunbodede was appointed Chief of Protocol and Bola Alabi, Deputy Chief of Protocol.

“All the appointments take immediate effect,” Mr. Ajiboye said.

 

Source: NAN

Ondo Governorship: Olusegun Mimiko hands over power to Rotimi Akeredolu

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Olusegun Mimiko, outgoing Ondo state governor, has handed over power to Rotimi Akeredolu, incoming governor.

Mimiko passed the baton to Akeredolu on Thursday evening.

This is coming less than 24 hours before the inauguration of Akeredolu as Ondo state governor.

Before the exercise, Mimiko made two appointments, which are – Idowu Ologunagba as rector for Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and Sunday Ogunduyile as vice-chancellor of the University Science and Technology, Okitipupa.

Mimiko has spent eight years as the governor of the state.

In November, Akeredolu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeated Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state governorship election.

He polled 244, 842 votes while Jegede polled 150, 380 votes.

 

Source: The Cable

Ondo election: Akeredolu commends Jegede, Oke for conceding defeat.

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Ondo State Governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu has praised his opponents at the election for not challenging his victory at the court.

Akeredolu was declared winner of the governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Two of his major opponents, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) did not

file petitions at the Election Petition Tribunal within 21 days they are required to do so.

Akeredolu while speaking at his hometown Owo, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State said the election commended both candidates.

He said, “I have to praise my other contestants, especially, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede and Mr. Olusola Oke. I am sure that they have seen, as senior lawyers, that we are in a position to accept the result of an election, having assessed all the parameters, we believe the election was free and fair and I want to believe that their attitude is worthy of note and all of us, at least should try to emulate that in subsequent elections.

“They must have weighed all the options that there must have been substantial compliance to electoral acts by deciding not to challenge the result, that is a decision that is worthy of note and I want to thank them.”

Mimiko Has Run A ‘Secret Cult’ Government For 8 Years – By Adewale Giwa

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A secret society is an organization whose members are sworn to secrecy about its activities. The term usually excludes covert groups, such as intelligence agencies or guerrilla insurgencies, that hide their activities and memberships but maintain a public presence.

This description can be attached to the 8-year administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko during which things were done in a secret manner. Those who know Governor Mimiko years back when he served as two-term Health Commissioner in Ondo State could be wondering what suddenly changed his behavior to people. Mimiko was given an appellation, ‘Gbasibe’, meaning, ‘put it there’. In case someone doesn’t know what this appellation stands for, it simply describes Mimiko as a cheerful giver. He used to give out money to everyone coming with one problem or the other, even when he was appointed as Minster of Housing and Urban Development under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. If any past governor of Ondo State had failed to do well, one could have concluded that there is an evil spirit that changes one’s attitude after becoming governor at Ondo Government House. This appellation of ‘Gbasibe’ metamorphosed to ‘Iroko gbasibe’ when the governor contested for the 2007 governorship election.

It is said that power corrupts, but it is more apt to say that power attracts the corruptible. Shortly after Mimiko was declared winner of the 2007 governorship election by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, he ordered the freezing of the accounts of the state government. He therefore warned all commercial banks operating in Ondo State against transacting any business with any government official. People thought the governor’s directive was a signal that his administration would be cautious in spending the state’s funds, but the reverse is now the case, as Mimiko failed to give details of his financial spending in the last eight years.

When Governor Mimiko was sworn in to take over from the late former governor Olusegun Agagu in February 24, 2009, his first assignment in office was to sack the 18 Local Government Chairmen across the state. This action was described by the House of Assembly lawmakers as ‘unlawful’. They accused the governor to have taken law into his hands for sacking the LG Chairmen without due process. Mimiko quickly defended his action by faulting the December 15, 2007 election that brought the local government officials to power as illegal.

According to him, there were unresolved legal issues before the then Ondo State Independent National Electoral Commission (ODIEC) went ahead to conduct the election. Efforts made by the LG chairmen to return to their offices never succeeded. It took Dr. Mimiko more than seven years to conduct a local government election. Contrary to the governor’s electioneering campaigns to maintain a transparent government, Mimiko never disclosed how he had managed the Local Government funds for over 7 years.

Precisely February 23, 2009, the late former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Agagu left government house at Alagbaka in a hurry when Court of Appeal dashed his hope to retain power. It is on record that the late governor left a whopping N38.6 billion in the state coffers for Mimiko to inherit. This money generated a lot of controversy between Governor Mimiko, who was then in the Labour Party (LP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The ‘Iroko’ claimed that late Agagu left a debt profile of N117 billion when he hurriedly left office, but the PDP described Mimiko’s statement as untrue.

The PDP said that Mimiko failed to give details of how he arrived at the huge debt since he was the one who raised the allegation of the controversial N117 billion.

Addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the state capital, the Chairman, PDP State Publicity Committee Demola Ijabiyi said Mimiko had no proof on the allegation.

Ijabiyi said Agagu handed over the state to the LP with clean hands, adding that the former government did not owe any contractor or loot the treasury.

“When Mimiko first made this allegation in his State of the Finances of the State Address in August 2009, we challenged him through Dr. Tayo Dairo, our state chairman at the time, to give the details. We of the PDP even went as far as petitioning the House of Assembly to ask him for details. And we are aware that the House actually challenged him on this. Till now, no details were given; yet, the administration keeps repeating the allegation.

“What we do know is that, as admitted by the Mimiko administration itself, the total sum of all the capital projects of the Agagu administration was N82 billion. From N30 billion of this, the administration paid 30 per cent mobilisation, leaving a balance of N21 billion. And from the remaining N52 billion, it paid 50 per cent mobilisation, leaving a balance of N26 billion. On both categories, the balance was N47 billion.

“Some of the projects were completed and paid for in full, so that eventually, the outstanding balance is far less than N40 billion. That administration left behind a cash of N38 billion which, when subtracted from the outstanding balance, will leave nothing left as debt but cash asset, instead.

“So, how come the N117 billion? We must declare categorically that the PDP government, under Dr. Olusegun Agagu, never owed a kobo on projects, salaries, pensions, or any other thing whatsoever. It also owed no kobo to any bank. That is why we have been calling on the present administration to come out with details. Mimiko must, therefore, speak out. It is a duty and not a favour.

“Talking of this N38 billion cash, the Mimiko administration has claimed that the amount left behind by the Agagu administration was N34 billion. Whether 38 or 34, we demand to know how the money was spent by Governor Mimiko. A rumour has it that a substantial part of it was lost in a deal with a new generation bank. Mimiko must speak out on this,” said Ijabiyi.

Ijabiyi alleged that the government had been spending Ondo State resources recklessly by “inflating some of the projects it embarked upon”.

He added: “For instance, each of the bus stops in Akure cost N50 million; the Alagbaka Roundabout and its water fountain cost N480 million; the electric poles on the Oba Adesida Road (in Akure) costs N3.9 million each; the cost of repairing the damaged 100-metre portion of the Akure-Owo Road at Ogbese was N118 million.

“The Mother and Child Hospital, originally meant to cost about N100 million, has gulped over N1 billion; N1.5 billion was spent on the Dome project before the project was abandoned; the cost of a new mega school has risen from the N365 million estimated for each to over N800 million, even when they all remain uncompleted.”

By February 23, 2017, Mimiko will hand over the state government to Chief Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The outgoing governor will be leaving behind 8-9 months salary arrears owed to workers and pensioners in the state. Nobody knows how much Dr. Mimiko will leave at the state treasury. It is also on record that the late Agagu did not owe any contractor, but one is not sure the number of contractors Mimiko will owe, as his outgoing government keeps on awarding and executing projects at late hours.

It would be recalled that the autocratic leadership style of Mimiko caused the former Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Olaiya Oni, and other key leaders of the party to resign and defect to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Specifically, the late Oni, who was a Minister of Education popularly referred to as ‘Garrison Commander’ in the LP circle, in his resignation letter on August, 2011, accused Mimiko of making appointments into key positions without consulting him, underfunding the party, not carrying him along in state functions, nonchalance towards his (Oni’s) personal welfare, not supporting his bid to remove the king of his town from the throne, and outright disrespect for his office as the state party chairman.

The letter reads in part, “Dr. Olusegun Agagu spited me by installing a pretender on the stool of my forefathers. You asked me to lie low and when we get into government, the issue would be reversed. What did I get? Late Hon. Alademehin and Mr. Dare Adebiyi, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission asked me to go and hang!

“To date, I have spent over N2m as legal fees on the matter. You left me to swim the tide alone. I disposed of my assets — landed property, shares in blue-chip companies and banks — to support the struggle. What have I got in return since February 2009 when we got our mandate? The leader of the party sends only N450,000 to me every month, an amount which covers only salaries of staff. How have I been feeding as the state chairman of the party in power? And you know I am too proud to beg for money and I have told you so severally. Is that fair to a person like me who spearheaded the struggle that gave us power?

“Appointments into positions have been done mostly without reference to the party, as a result of this, many of the political appointees do not know where the party secretariat is located nor do they defer to me as the chairman. The final straw was the issue of submitting names in Abuja for political positions. I have been Minister of the Federal Republic with a distinguished record and you know I will never ask you to nominate me. But what about our party leaders who worked to make the success story of Mr. President?”

It is glaring that Governor Mimiko ruled the state alone for 8 years without allowing anybody to interfere with his governmental affairs. No wonder the governor reportedly betrayed the All Progressives Congress national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The former Lagos State governor, who contributed exceedingly to Mimiko’s victory both at the Election Petition Tribunal and Court of Appeal, described the governor as an ingrate who deceived him into believing that he would join the ACN.

Tinubu, who stated this while addressing journalists in Lagos ahead of his 62nd birthday in March 2012, said, “When Mimiko was cheated, he cried to me in this house. I was a governor then. My advice was that we should fight the injustice through democratic means if he believes he has been cheated. I said let’s fight electoral irregularity together. Then the understanding was that we were one party and part of the progressives. Mimiko said he was coming to ACN given that he could not change as a candidate of the Labour Party while fighting a matter in court. It doesn’t make sense: why should I be working for Labour Party? That promise was betrayed, reneged and broken.”

“I hate to have been used. If you say you belong to Labour and Labour is not part of us in any alliance are you saying my party cannot compete? They contested election in Lagos, we didn’t quarrel with that. So, why are they quarreling with the fact that ACN is contesting election in Ondo? So, even if there was not a written agreement, is that how you reward the goodness done to you?”

Mimiko selling government properties to cronies – APC

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The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has raised alarm over alleged secret recruitment of workers by the outgoing government of Governor Olusegun Mimiko into various ministries and parastatals in the state.

The Publicity Secretary of APC in Ondo State, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, told newsmen on Friday that letters of appointment issued are being back-dated while Governor Mimiko is also selling government properties to cronies.

The statement alleged that the move was to ambush the incoming APC government.

It said, “We have been adequately informed of the unholy and unpatriotic dealings of the outgoing Governor Olusegun Mimiko, by secretly employing over 10,000 people into all the ministries, parastatals and agencies in the state, especially Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

“This is in a bid to create problems and complexity for the incoming administration of APC when his eight years tenancy in Alagbaka Government House, ends in Feb. 2017.

“Mr Mimiko has been recruiting massively into the Health Sector, Local Governments, Education Ministry, among others.

“Properties of the State Oil Palm Plantation at Okitipupa, Irele, Araromi-Obu are being sold at give-away prices to the governor’s allies.

“Specifically, we are aware that one Mercedes Benz lorry, popularly called 9/11, was sold for just one hundred thousand Naira only (N100,000).”

The statement further alleged that government landed properties were also being sold and shared among some politicians without due process.

It alleged that several government vehicles had been driven away and were kept in various mechanics’ workshops across the state and neighbouring states, with registration number removed.

The party, therefore, urged senior civil servants in all the ministries and departments not to get involved in any sharp practice, adding that incoming government would deal with any corrupt act.

It said, “The party also cautions the heads of ministries and parastatals, especially permanent secretaries and directors, not to be part of these untoward acts, as full investigations and probe will be launched.

“Appropriate action would be taken when APC government takes over the reins of power by February, 2017.”

Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, said the allegation was a “total falsehood aim at misinforming the public’’.

“For political consideration, government did not reduce the workforce.

“We have done everything to reduce wages due to the economic situation in the country.

“Anybody who is talking about secret recruitment and selling of government properties is alien to the structure of government; moreover not at the wee hours of this administration,’’ Akinmade said.

I’m For All, Not APC Alone, Says Akeredolu

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Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor-elect of Ondo State, says the administration he will form in February 2017 will benefit the interest of all groups and not just the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He spoke at his private residence in Owo when some women groups visited him to express their loyalty following his recent victory in the governorship election of the state.

SaharaReporters correspondent learned that the women were led on the solidarity visit by Tola Aworh, a former commissioner for tourism in the state.

The Governor-elect also told his guests that he will not run a one-man administration.

“I am for all, I am not only for one person, as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I do not belong to the party alone,” he said, Mr. Akeredolu said.

“I am for the generality of the people of Ondo State, I am on ground for everybody.”

He also said his administration would give more opportunities to women to enhance their potentials for the development of the society and the state at large.

Mr. Akeredolu had earlier in the day visited the outgoing governor, Olusegun Mimiko, in his office in Akure to discuss the smooth transition of power between them.

During the visit, Mr. Akeredolu, speaking humbly, said that it would take him ‘hard work’ to outshine the development accomplishments of the embattled Mr. Mimiko.

“We all owe you a debt of gratitude to the service you made to this great state,” he said, commending the governor for serving to the best of his ability.

Mr. Mimiko asked his successor to embrace peace as he takes over the reins of power in the state next year and advised the incoming APC administration to be tolerant in its political dealings.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the peace we have been enjoying in this state is sustained,” he stated.  “In working towards this, it involves a lot of political tolerance to create a peaceful atmosphere and environment.”

Mimiko Owes Ondo An Apology By Adewale Giwa

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My previous article published by this revered media company on October 30, 2016, tagged “Mimiko’s Hope Dashed Before Election” attracted criticism from the camp of Governor Olusegun Mimiko. His boys bombarded me with different threat messages, insulting my personality through social media and phone calls. As I give kudos to this medium of reporting truth on daily happenings in Nigeria, I am bold to say that the administration of Mimiko, since 2009 and up till date, has brought nothing but hardship to the good people of Ondo State. If someone could go back to history and see how the great ‘Iroko’ of Ondo State emerged as governor through the instrumentality of law and peoples’ financial and moral supports, Mimiko should not have been the least governor in Ondo State since 1999 that has performed below expectations of the people.

 

One may have thought that having been part of the system since 1992, Mimiko ought to have studied different challenges confronting people of the state and finding a lasting solution to them. He was a Commissioner for Health and Social Services in January 1992 during the Nigerian Third Republic under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which had Bamidele Olumilua as elected Governor of Ondo State. Mimiko left the office in late 1993 as a result of the military coup d’état that terminated that Republic.

 

In 1999 also, Governor Mimiko was a Commissioner for Health during the administration of late Chief Adebayo Adefarati under Alliance for Democracy (AD) before he resigned in 2002 to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mimiko was a leading light of Chief Adefarati’ s administration that led prominent indigenes of Ondo State like late Chief Rufus Giwa, Dr. Akerele Adu, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Chief Yele Omogunwa, Senator Nimbe Farunkanmi, Dr. Awolowo Ajaka, Dr. Tayo Dairo, Chief Niyi Omodara, Mr. Tunji Ariyo, Chief Jise Akinmurele, Chief Bamidele Awosika, Col. Akin Falaye (Rtd.) among others to work against the second term governorship ambition of the late Adefarati.

 

All these people worked against the administration of AD to support PDP in ensuring Olusegun Agagu defeated Chief Adefarati (both late). In order to show appreciation to Governor Mimiko for what he did, the late Agagu appointed him the Secretary to the State Government, a position occupied till July 2005, when he was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a Minister of the Federal Republic in charge of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

 

An adage in Yoruba says, “Omuntin Gbagbe Ise,” meaning, “A drunkard forgets being wretched.” Let me quickly break it down, in case you still do not understand what I intend to say. I do not know whether someone has experienced being poor in his life ever, before becoming rich. If you do and unfortunately forget the bitter experience or experiences you passed through when you were poor and start misbehaving to people, then the Yoruba will say “Omuntin Gbagbe Ise.” Because you are now rich, that makes you talk carelessly and allow the spirit of pride and arrogance to bestow on you. This can be linked to the nearly two decades administration of Dr. Mimiko.

 

If anyone should be described as a lucky politician in the political history of Ondo State, it is Governor Mimiko, the one whom people of the state stood by during hard-times. Despite calling the medical doctor by profession different names, that he was an indigene of Kogi State, and that Ondo State people should reject him when he was contesting the 2007 governorship election against late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, people still went ahead and massively voted for Mimiko.

 

Governor Mimiko came into power through the financial support of people, especially the National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu. Mimiko presented himself as a saint man who does not have a record of financial recklessness during his stay in different offices before becoming the governor. This quality Mimiko claims to have possessed made people, especially the Labour Party (LP) members to contribute financially from the unit, local government and state levels to support his governorship campaigns in 2007. Those who had no money to contribute went to different mountains to pray for the emergence of Governor Mimiko as governor of Ondo State.

 

The Ondo State of today is far worse than the Ondo State we had before the February 2009. It is a state that is wallowing in abject poverty. The government of Governor Mimiko inherited the sum of N38 billion from late Agagu’s government. Now that the governor’ s tenure is ending in February, people are anxious to know how much the outgoing administration will leave behind. It is on record that Agagu left a buoyant economy for Mimiko.

 

Today, it is a fact that the economy of the state is hemorrhaging and bleeding satanically. Presently, the administration of Governor Mimiko owes workers in the state 6 months salary, including the state government retirees who are now begging to survive. Almost 80% of the youths in the state are jobless as a result of the failure of the governor to resuscitate the moribund industries, which he promised to do when he was campaigning in 2007. Pundits argue that if these abandoned companies, namely: Oluwa Glasses at Igbokoda, Bolorunduro Timbers, Ifon ceramics, Arigidi Tomato Paste Factory, Okitipupa Oil Palms mill among others were to be revived, Ondo State would have become one of the best states in Nigeria.

 

Mimiko, who also campaigned against past governors to have abandoned the projects never shows any concern of reviving, at least one out of the companies. Many projects have gone down the drain since the administration of Governor Mimiko came into power. Those who say that promises are better not made than fail to keep them feel affronted on account of the failed promises allegedly made by Governor Mimiko while seeking for the votes of the people eight years ago.

 

The people of Ondo North and South are worst hit as the list shows important projects that could have impacted positively on their lives. They include, the Construction of Mother and Child Hospital in each local government area, the Arigidi Akoko Tomato Industry on which more than over N200 million has been spent, establishment of the Okeluse Cement Factory and empowerment of artisans, Ifon Ceramic Industry in Ose Local Government, the Alpha 3D Factory in Ikare among others.

 

Those projects abandoned by Mimiko in the Central Senatorial District also include the Akure township stadium, the multi-billion Naira Owena multipurpose dam, and the Idanre Golf Course, just to mention a few.

 

These projects are described as “people-oriented” which were on before Mimiko’s administration came and promised to resuscitate which it did not.

 

With just a few months till the end of his tenure, Governor Mimiko has allegedly awarded not less than N60 billion different contracts in the state. To crown it all, the governor recently launched Food Palliative Programmes, which according to him will cut across the 18 Local Government areas of Ondo State. Why is our governor embarking on these projects at late hours? Why has Mimiko failed to implement the gesture years ago? To the supporters of the governor, Mimiko is now demonstrating the good governance for the people, but to political pundits, he is leaving behind a huge debt for the in coming government.

 

With all aforementioned failed promises Governor Mimiko’s government never accomplished in Ondo State, the people of the state deserve an apology from him. It is also good to know that “Whatever you do will definitely speak after your exit.”

Akeredolu denies receiving N1bn from Fayemi to appoint wife SSG

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The governor-elect of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has debunked an online report which alleged that the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, paid N1 billion to the incoming governor to appoint his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, as Secretary to the State Government, SSG, in Ondo State.

Refuting this allegation in a statement by his media adviser, Yemi Olowolabi, the governor-elect stated that the tone of the allegation represented the stream of earlier ones being launched in Ekiti State against former Governor, Kayode Fayemi, stressing that “acrimonious, wicked and irresponsible publications have no place in Ondo State politics.”

An online platform had alleged that Erelu Fayemi donated trailer-loads of rice to Akeredolu during the campaign while the minister donated N1bn to the APC candidate to enable him pressure the governor-elect to seek SSG position for his wife in form of compensation.

But Akeredolu denied receiving such donations from any one, including the Fayemis, urging mischief-makers to leave the minister and his wife out of unfounded allegations aimed at tarnishing their names.

According to the statement, “It is regrettable that some lazy and irresponsible individuals can just sit down in a corner to cook wicked allegations against innocent people.

“This trend of allegations against Fayemi started in Ekiti State after Captain Sagir Koli revealed in an audio tape how Governor Ayodele Fayose allegedly stole himself to power through treason, which the governor denied until principal actors started confessing to the crime.

“Since then, there has been a trend in which Fayemi is painted as a super rich who donated N1.5b to President Muhammadu Buhari’s election campaign and now N1b to Akeredolu from his bottomless pocket as if a billion naira is what can be wrapped in an envelope and dashed out as a gift.

“Neither Fayemi nor his wife has ever demanded any position from Akeredolu. Both Fayemi and Akeredolu abhor such as activists. In fact, the woman is at present preoccupied with her women advocacy job around the world, so much that she would have no time for local political activities.”

Asking mischief-makers to leave the Fayemis out of the pains of rejection at poll, Olowolabi said: “We appreciate the fact that the pains of post-defeat trauma can be debilitating and sometimes malignant, such trauma should not degenerate into taking away our humanity to launch wicked lies against innocent people.

“Or is it not laughable that some irresponsible irritants would present a picture allegedly in Ondo State that Fayemi’s wife used to attend night club in Ado-Ekiti and would want decent people to believe such a disingenuous and senseless allegation when it is common knowledge that Erelu Bisi Fayemi is a world-class woman of grace and honour, completely unsusceptible to the antics and pleasure principle of merry-makers in government who have turned the Government House to a play-house for revellers and sensualists.

“Fayemi has no millions let alone billion to be given out for an election victory that can go either way and he and his wife have never, never spoken to Akeredolu about ceding any position to anyone. Neither has Erelu Fayemi spoken about any senatorial ambition.

“The devious plot to present a malicious story as coming from APC in Ondo State is not only condemnable, it is also a shame to the writers who have shown themselves as lacking in integrity, honour and grit to squarely resolve the problems that plague them instead of maligning innocent people to vent their anger over election loss.”

BREAKING: Supreme Court orders continuation of Appeal Court hearing on Ondo election

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court to continue its hearing in the ongoing legal battle for the Ondo State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket.

 

The Appeal Court had on October 18 suspended hearings into the various applications pending the decision of the highest court.

 

The applications were brought to the Appeal Court by a factional candidate of the party, Eyitayo Jegede, who challenged the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to replace him with another contender for the ticket, Jimoh Ibrahim.

 

While both candidates belong to the PDP, Mr. Jegede was picked by the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party, and Mr. Ibrahim represents the camp of former Borno governor, Ali Sheriff.

 

A three-member panel of the appeal court led by Ibrahim Salauwa set aside the matter to await the decision of the Apex Court.

 

Applications regarding the forthcoming elections were taken to the Supreme Court by a factional leader of the party in Ondo state, Biyi Poroye, who represents Mr. Sheriff’s faction.

 

On Tuesday, a five-man panel of justices led by the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, ordered the Appeal Court to proceed with the matter.

Ondo Election: Jegede’s appeal must be heard – Supreme Court orders Appeal Court

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The Supreme Court has ordered the Appeal Court to continue the hearing of the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, factional governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede.

 

Recall that Jegede, who is of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction, had filed an appeal before the appellate court, seeking to upturn a Federal High Court ruling which replaced him with businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim as the party’s candidate in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

 

The Court of Appeal, Abuja division, on Friday last week adjourned indefinitely the appeal by Jegede.

 

The Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led panel explained that it took the decision to adjourn “sine die” to await for the decision of the Supreme Court on interlocutory appeal filed by the respondents.

Jimoh Ibrahim is a product of ‘black market’ judgement – Hon. Omogbehin

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Member representing Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mike Omogbehin has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has developed a strategy to humiliate the ruling All ProgressivesCongress (APC) in Ondo gubernatorial election slated for Saturday.

 

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST in Abuja, the lawmaker noted that the APC at a point saw defeat staring at them decided to use those he described as ‘disgruntled elements’ within PDP to hijack the resolution of Ondo electorates in the elections.

 

“There is no doubt that our strategy to win Ondo electionhas been impeded. There is no doubt that our time and strategy has been wasted by some disgruntled elements in PDP who have been supplanted by the APC”, Omogbehin stated.

 

He was optimistic that the appeal court would restore the name of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, emphasizing that at any given time, PDP will win the election.

 

The lawmaker pointed that Mr Jegede passed through a process that legitimised him as the flag bearer of the party primary, while describing Jimoh Ibrahim as a product of black market judgement.

 

“What is required of INEC is to restore the name of Eyitayo Jegede as the true candidate of PDP in Ondo election, because he was the one whose primary was monitored by INEC, before Jimoh Ibrahim made Justice Abang to give a black market judgement rejecting our candidate”, he said.

 

He added that those extraneous forces creating confusion in Ondo gubernatorial election, have serious internal rancour that would disintegrate them moments from now.

We won’t allow one zone to govern for 16 years at a go – Jimoh Ibrahim

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The PDP Governorship Candidate, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, yesterday, said his mission is to take the state from “the hopeless situation it is now to a very hopeful situation.”

Addressing newsmen in Akure, for the first time after he was declared the party’s candidate, Ibrahim said: “I need to take away injustice, we cannot afford to have a senatorial district producing governors for 16 years at ago. That is complete injustice, that is hopeless and we will not allow that, and that will not happen in Ondo State.’’

On why he is not going round to campaign ahead of the election, he said: “This is not my first time of running for the governorship of the state. In 2003, I ran for the governorship of the state under ANPP. So, politics is not new and I’m not like those people who are running for the first time, only to do all the work by moving to all the nooks and crannies of Ondo state. I am not new to the people of Ondo State. I ran before and I have very impressive result at the last engagement when I ran for the governorship of this state. It’s my ambition to become the governor of this state and I’m back to realise that ambition.’’

On the ambition of Eyitayo Jegede, who is in court to retrieve the PDP ticket from him, Mr. Ibrahim said: “Jegede is brand new in the system, he’s new and let him take his time, it took me from 2008 to the present date to enjoy this political legitimacy. You cannot come just in one day and begin to think you can win election like that in Ondo State. Nobody comes and enters like that. Take your time and queue behind.’’

On his first priority, if elected, he said: “My priority is the payment of outstanding salaries of workforce because it is the workforce that can deliver the dividends of democracy or deliver efficiency and effectiveness. The public service is really my own major focus. I want them to be trained and retrained and I want them to be first among equals in public service spectrum in Nigeria.’’

He assured of a massive industrial revolution and utilization of natural resources for sea-ports adding that his government would provide conducive atmosphere through partial tax integration system to attract more investors into the state.

He said that he would establish the Ondo State Infrastructural Development Commission, which will diagnose the state of infrastructure in the state.

He continued: “Within six months in office, most of the secondary schools in the state would return to the boarding school system, which would be institutionalized through government policy. These are the things we intend to do when I become the governor of this state. We want to affect education and employment; we want to ensure efficiency, capability development and innovation in the workforce.”

He promised a “strong data bank, upgrading of Board of Internal Revenue to a full-fledged ministry adding that he would scrap the Ministry of Special Duties and rename it Ministry of Employment to tackle unemployment in the state.

“I’m not new in politics”, says Jimoh Ibrahim.

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The factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the forthcoming election in Ondo State, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, has declared that he is not new in the politics of the state.

He said he would not embark on an aggressive campaign to win the November 26 governorship election, saying he was on a familiar terrain

He stated this on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while speaking with journalists.

Ibrahim, who was declared the candidate of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission after receiving a court order, added that he would need little introduction to the electorate in the state.

He said, “This is not my first time of running for the governorship of the state. In 2003, I ran for the governorship election in the state under the All Nigeria Peoples Party. So, politics is not new to me and I’m not like those people who are running for the first time. I need not to do all the work by moving to all the nooks and crannies of Ondo State.

“I am not new to the people of Ondo State, I ran before and I had very impressive result at the last engagement when I ran for the governorship of this state. It is my ambition to become the governor of this state and I’m back to realise that ambition.”

Ibrahim, who described the Ahmed Makarfi faction’s candidate of the party, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), as new in the state politics, advised him “to take his time.”

He said, “It took me from 2008 to the present date to gain this political legitimacy. You cannot come just in one day and begin to think you can win election like that.”

Speaking on his plan for the people of the state if eventually elected, Ibrahim said he would give priority to the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and expose them to training and retraining.

He stated, “I need to take the state from the hopeless situation it is now to a very hopeful situation. I need to take away injustice, we cannot afford to have a senatorial district producing governors for 16 years at a go. That is injustice, that is hopeless and we will not allow that, and that will not happen in Ondo State.”

Suspension of ASUU members not to victimise union – AAUA

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The authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has said that the recent suspension of some lecturers in the institution is not aimed at suppressing the labour unions in the institution.

The lecturers, who were leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, AAUA chapter, were suspended a few weeks ago for allegedly disturbing the peace of the institution.

The affected ASUU members include the chairman of the institution’s branch of ASUU, Dr. Sola Fayose; the immediate past Chairman, Dr. Busuyi Mekusi; Vice-Chairman, Dr. Dorcas Alase, and Assistant Secretary of the union, Dr. Sola Olorunfemi, as well as one ex-officio member.

In a statement issued by the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Michael Ayeerun, on Monday, the institution said that it took the action as part of its routine administrative procedure aimed at restoring sanity and order.

The statement read in part, “The suspended lecturers were disciplined because they went round the campus disrupting normal academic activities, and prevented others from carrying out their assigned academic and administrative duties and not because they were mostly members of the executives of the local chapter of the ASUU, as being insinuated in some quarters.

“They were suspended in line with the extant laws of the university after a head of department and a dean of faculty wrote to the management alleging physical and verbal assaults on them and the disruption of their departmental and faculty board meetings by the suspended lecturers.”

Ondo State | Jimoh Ibrahim and the limits of political charlatanism. – Jude Ndukwe

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The Ondo State governorship election is just a few days away. While serious candidates from across all political parties are putting finishing touches to their campaigns and preparations, one Jimoh Ibrahim is desperately busy working hard with collaborators to truncate the whole process in a manner akin to that of a street urchin otherwise known as Area Boy in some southwestern states of Nigeria.

Referred to as “Mr Buy and Kill” in some quarters owing to his alleged legendary penchant for buying up successful businesses and running them aground shortly after, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim seems determined to bring the same story to Ondo State. Rather than turn to gold, it is believed that whatever he touches, turns to ash. With such opprobrious antecedents, it is obvious he is playing out the same script in the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.

The fact that a high court in Ondo State had earlier barred the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff group from conducting the primary which purportedly produced Jimoh Ibrahim as a candidate in the planned election, but they still went ahead with the so-called primary, is enough ground for Jimoh Ibrahim and his co-travelers to know that their primary was an exercise only in futility and that it existed only in the imagination of its authors, just as the result is not worth even the paper it is inked on.

One should ask the Ali Modu Sheriff and Jimoh Ibrahim group why they had to take their puerile exercise of a primary outside Ondo State to far away Banquet Hall of Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State, without INEC supervision or the PDP national and State executive bodies, if their intentions were pure. The fact that INEC was not represented at that exercise as required by law invalidates its outcome ab initio! To this extent, Jimoh Ibrahim is only a product of back door politics and unconstitutional procedures.

In their desperate bid to scuttle the whole process, they went to court and obtained a questionable order from Justice Okon Abang who is also known for his controversial judgements, purportedly asking INEC to recognize Jimoh as the People’s Democratic Party candidate in the Ondo election.

That order is a nullity and cannot stand as it is on a head-on collision with a previous order from another high court which had earlier barred the exercise that threw up Jimoh Ibrahim. Since nothing can stand on nothing, it is only sensible to consider Jimoh Ibrahim’s latest wild antics as the desperate actions of a drowning man who would hold onto anything even if it is just a straw to survive.

Such antics which are obviously characteristic of Jimoh, include the dubious claim that the acting Director of Legal Services of INEC, Mrs Toyin Babalola demanded a bribe of $1million from him before they would comply with the orders of Justice Okon Abang to have his name on the final list of approved candidates for the election, an allegation which the INEC has since denied.

In debunking these weighty allegations, INEC accused Jimoh Ibrahim of turning up at its headquarters unannounced and headed straight to the office of the acting Director of Legal Services brandishing a copy of the court judgement while insisting that INEC must accept him as the official candidate of the PDP for the Ondo State election. It was clarified that the Director quickly called in three other lawyers in her department to witness the encounter and that at no time during the drama that the woman asked for any bribe.

One can only imagine the bravado and impudence with which Jimoh Ibrahim would have stormed the INEC office in pursuit of vainglory, probably shouting down at every staff he met on his way to the Director’s office with an odious air of superiority and frightening arrogance, as is common with political urchins in our clime.

It is an act of unrestrained charlatanism and brazen illiteracy for a self-proclaimed aspirant to attempt to serve court orders/judgements on INEC by himself when that function is reserved for court bailiffs. That Jimoh even attempted to foist his name on INEC when that should have been done by the national chairman of the party or his designated official shows the level of desperation he has descended to. It also buttresses the fact that Jimoh must have been abandoned by the chairman of his group, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. The earlier Jimoh knows this, the better for him. It is just that when a dog wants to die, it does not hear its master’s whistle.

Furthermore, following the rejection of his offer to have the Ondo resident electoral commissioner meet with him in London for the obvious purposes of illegally influencing him, Mr Ibrahim turned around, as usual, to falsely accuse Mr Segun Agbaje, the Ondo REC, of some “dirty deals”.

Is this the kind of man aspiring to lead a state like Ondo with highly cerebral minds and fine demeanours?

It is the same Jimoh Ibrahim who had told the world through Trace Magazine edition of June 19, 2016, that he is a member of the Accord Party. This claim has been corroborated by PDP officials in Ondo State from the ward through the state levels that Jimoh Ibrahim is not a member of the PDP. How then can a man who is not a member of a political party suddenly wake up and declare himself a candidate of that party in an election?

Ondo State people must not allow sponsored spoilers to truncate their march to a “Greater Ondo Together” nor must they allow such elements to hinder the “Keep Shining Ondo” train from its progressive goals. They must work for the continued development of the state and its great people by ensuring that only sagacious and fine minds like Eyitayo Jegede SAN, assume governorship positions in the state for the sake of their posterity.

It is highly believed that INEC, having rejected all manner of illegal overtures from desperate politicians, would endeavour to always do the right thing by recognizing Eyitayo Jegede SAN, as the rightful candidate of the PDP in the Ondo election especially as the primary that produced him was adjudged free, fair and in compliance with the laws of the land having been supervised by INEC itself.
The Ondo election is another test of Nigeria’s democratic credentials. INEC cannot afford not to get it right.

Ondo Workers Begin Indefinite Strike June 1

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Civil Servants in Ondo State are to begin an indefinite strike action on Wednesday, June 1, to protest non payment of over five months salary.

The strike notice is contained in a communiqué issued in Akure by the state Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

It said that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the labour unions which reviewed the failure of the state government to pay the workers since January 2016.

“It has become unbearable that workers have not received salaries for the past five months at a stretch.

“That non-payment of salaries to workers have affected the wellbeing of workers/pensioners economically, socially, psychologically and health wise.

“That workers of Ondo State can no longer bear this situation, in view of the untold hardship suffered by these workers,” it added.

The unions, therefore, directed all civil servants in the state to remain at home beginning from June 1, until the government settles the salary arrears.

The communiqué was signed by the state NLC Chairman, Bose Daramola, NLC Secretary, Adewale Sanusi, JNC Chairman, Sunday Adeleye, his Secretary Akinlolu Oluwole, as well as TUC Chairman and Secretary Ekundayo Soladoye and Fatuase Clement, respectively.

 

(NAN)

Ondo Unveils Plans For Goalkeepers’ Academy, Female League

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The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) on Thursday said that plans had been concluded to begin the first female league and a goalkeepers’ academy in the state.
Dapo Ajibade, Executive Director of the agency, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Akure.
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for March 8, at the Cultural Centre, Adegbemile, Akure.
Ajibade revealed that five progammes would be unveiled on the day, which are: the ODSFA goalkeepers’ academy, an U-15 Secondary School, the ODSFA / Ondo FA Female Football League, the ODSFA Beach Soccer League and the vODSFA Talent Discovery Tournament.
The goalkeepers’ academy would be set up to discover and nurture goalkeepers to world-class level, while the U-15 Secondary School Tournament would promote Education through Football.
The female football league would positively engage and empower the girl child, to safeguard the family.
The beach soccer idea will develop football in the riverine areas and channel the energies of the youths in the area to productive activities.
According to him, the NFF 1st Vice President, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, the Technical Director of the NFF, Amodu Shuaibu, and former Super Eagles Goalkeeper and Coach, Ike Shorunmu, will grace the occasion.
Dr Rafiu Ladipo, President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club is also expected at the occasion.
“Gov. Olusegun Mimiko will grace the occasion with political office holders, footballers, football administrators, coaches and many others. The Talent Discovery Tournament is to discover talented players at the grassroots, in a bid to discover the next Rising Stars,’’ Ajibade added.

 

(NAN)

Monarch Lauds Mimiko’s Mega Primary School Initiative

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Oba Adegoke Adewusi, Olufon of Ifon, has lauded the mega primary school initiative by Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.

 

Adewusi gave the commendation while receiving the management of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area on Tuesday.

 

According to him, the concept has enhanced education in the state.

 

The monarch thanked Mimiko for citing one mega primary school in the community, adding that the school was not only for academic activities, but also served as a tourist attraction in the town.

 

“Whenever the school is posted on social media, it always generates positive comments from sons and daughters of the community within and outside the country’’, he said.

 

Adewusi, however, urged the government to introduce free shuttle bus scheme to the local government to encourage more parents to send their children to public schools.

 

Chairman of ONSUBEB, Mr Rotimi Olasogbo, urged the traditional ruler to sensitise his subjects on the importance of sending their children and wards to public schools.
The chairman held that public schools provided quality education from qualified teachers.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the board visited St. Barnabas Mega Primary School, Ifon, St. Peter’s Primary School, Oriohin and St. Monica’s Primary School, Ikaro.

 

Others were Government Primary Schools 1 and II, Owo, and Community Primary School, Iyere, in Owo Local Government Area.

 

 

 

(NAN)

Ondo Employs 18 First Class Graduands Of State Varsity

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Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state has offered automatic employment to all the 18 first class graduands of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko.
Any of them that is willing to take the appointment would be absorbed in the state civil service.
He made the pronouncement during the 6th convocation of the Institution.

 
Dr Mimiko said the state is proud of the graduands and was ready to give them automatic employment.

 
The governor lauded the institution and the students for going six years without interruption of the academic calendar due to strike action.

 
He assured that the state government would continue to make education affordable to the people of the state.

 
The vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun said the institution ultimate desire was to accommodate its over 14,000 students on campus compared to less than 20percent that are now accommodated.

N7bn Loan: Mimiko’s Defence Is Lame, Witless – Boroffice

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Senator Ajayi Boroffice has described the defence of Governor Olusegun Mimiko to taking a N7 billion naira loan from Zenith Bank as lame and witless.

In a statement issued by his media office, he lambasted the governor for stating that since other states were borrowing money, why should Ondo not borrow?

Read full statement below:

The Media Office of Senator Ajayi Boroffice has noted the lame and witless defence of Ondo State Government to the controversial N7billion loan request from Zenith Bank PLC.

It is amateuristic and awkward that the Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led administration has lowered the debate on ?the N7bn bank loan to crass politics and puerile argument; that since some states have borrowed, why should Ondo State not borrow? Is the government saying it requested for N7bn loan from Zenith Bank on the ground that World Bank has granted credit facilities to Lagos and Edo States. The witless argument from the government further shows there exist no developmental plan for which the loan was sought after.

 

Really, ?there is nothing hypocritical or ignorant about a warning inspired by patriotism against mortgaging the future of our children under the guise of seeking loan to fund infrastructural deficit. However, It is rather preposterous that a government renowned for limitless deceit thinks it can preach on honesty.

On the issue of Lagos and Edo States: it is quite clear that while World Bank granted Lagos and Edo States long-term, low interest rate development policy operation credit facilities, our dear Ondo State is seeking N7bn loan at an unduly high and exorbitant interest rate from a commercial bank.

 

It is on record that World Bank has strict borrowing conditions with strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, strong financial management information system for budget management, high financial accountability through timely audits and publication of state government’s audited financial accounts. In truth, same conditions cannot be said of the controversial N7bn loan request. When last did the Mimiko-led administration audit government spendings and present its audited financial accounts to the people of Ondo State for public scrutiny? Not once in 7 years.

The undoing of the Mimiko-led administration is that it is exhibiting severe disillusionment as well as demonstrating retiring soporific with its indolent belief that no developmental project could be executed without recourse to borrowing. Senator Boroffice does not agree with this absurdity.

Furthermore, the issue of N7bn is coming at the same time the Mimiko-led administration declared that paucity of funds is delaying local government polls after feeding fat on local government allocations for about 7years. Is it true that the #7bn loan is designed to enhance the rigging machinery of the sinking PDP in Ondo State?

Senator Ajayi Boroffice remains committed to the genuine development of Ondo State and her people. It is the administration that has thrown Ondo State into senseless debt of about 77bn, yet untiring, and seeking to borrow more that is consciously working ?to ground Ondo State for the next administration. ?The Mimiko-led administration should address the people of Ondo State on the debt profile of Ondo State ?and leave the people to figure out their true enemy.

 

On reiterating note, although government is continuum, the incoming APC government in Ondo State will not be committed to the repayment plan of any dubious loan granted by Zenith Bank PLC or any other commercial bank at the detriment of the people of Ondo State.

Olusegun-Mimiko-300x194

 

Credit : PM News

Five Years After Banishment, Deposed Akure Monarch Makes Court Appearance Causing Public Confusion

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Uneasy calm now pervades Akure, the Ondo State capital, following Tuesday’s public appearance of the deposed Monarch, Prince Adesina Adepoju, five years after his banishment from the throne by the State government.

Prince ??Adepoju’s public appearance came after he challenged his dethronement at the State High Court in Akure. Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo was installed as the new Monarch by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

 

Prince Adepoju was removed by the State government on June 10th, 2010 for allegedly assaulting one of his estranged wives, the late Mrs. Bolanle Adepoju, in public.

 

He was banished to a secluded village in Owo, Owo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State ?over the offence.

 

At a court hearing on Tuesday, Olalekan Ojo, counsel to the deposed Deji, explained to the court that his client has a right to the Deji’s throne and claimed that he was wrongly removed by the State government.

 

Mr. Ojo sought a court order declaring Prince Adepoju as the Deji of Akure land.

 

Bode Aladelusi, the Principal Legal Adviser (PLA), told the court he was not properly served a court motion seeking the re-installation of the deposed king.

 

Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, Chief Judge of Ondo State, presided over the case and adjourned it until December 8th, 2015.

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There was anxiety among residents as the deposed monarch danced alongside his supporters through the major road of Akure.

 

A crowd of supporters was seen passing messages to motorists and sympathizers announcing that the banishment of deposed Deji was lifted by the court and that Prince Adepoju may be re-installed to the throne.

 

The message caused confusion across the city, particularly amongst the traders of Oba’s Market who feared that the deposed Deji’s re-installment could affect their business.

 

Both the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of the State Security Services (DSS) worked together to pressure Prince Adepoju to leave the vicinity as they feared his presence caused a threat to the security of Ondo State.

 

?The deposed Deji was immediately driven to his rented hotel where he later received sympathizers.

 

Credit : Sahara Reporters

Ondo commissions centre for Adolescents, Youths

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In its bid to ensure that youth in the state enjoy health-friendly services, the Ondo State government has commissioned the Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Centre in Akure, the capital.

Speaking at the commissioning held at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko stressed the importance of adolescents, saying that they comprise 30% of the population of the state.
She called on parents to always take care of their children, particularly the girl-child, noting that they are the future of tomorrow.
According to her, it is only a nation where youths are peaceful and hard working that could witness tremendous development.

Commenting on the edifice which has a laboratory, consulting room, conference room and a library, Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said it’s the first of its kind in the country and would soon be replicated in other local governments in the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, described the well-being clinic as a dream realized, urging youths across the state, particularly in Akure, to utilize the facility.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Director, Kids and Teens, Mr. Falana Martin-Mary, appreciated Ondo State government for the initiative, noting that it would go a long way in making the youth have a sense of belonging.

He later pledged to collaborate with the government at all times in order to realize the set goals.

 

 

Credit : Guardian

Ondo lifts ban on commercial motorcycles

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The Ondo State government on Monday lifted the ban placed on the activities of commercial motorcycle operators in Akure, the State capital.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko made the announcement while addressing stakeholders in transport business at the Cocoa Conference Hall of his office in Akure at a meeting attended by members of the State executive council and the heads of security agencies in the State.

Mimiko also announced that ticketing by the commercial motorcycle operators in the state which was equally suspended would commence in October this year after all necessary regulatory procedures might have been finalised, stressing that “obtaining tickets will now be regularised and it will be an arrangement between the various stakeholders and the representatives of the state government.

“There will be no room for all illegal fees anywhere. All registered commercial motorcycles will be painted, but you are not going to pay for the painting. There will be special jackets for the operators so that our people can be sure of the genuineness of the Okada operators. We are doing all these for the safety of our people and peace in our state,” Mimiko said.

“From October 1, you will start to collect your tickets. We said October so that every arrangement must have been concluded before then and all disagreement that may arise must have been resolved,” the governor added.