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IGP Excuses State Sponsored Amotekun From Ondo Gov Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Amotekun Corps

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has earned quasi security agencies to stay away from Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Sunday, clarified that state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will not be permitted to participate in the election.

The statement added that “the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).”

Egbetokun, re assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS), working in concert with other security agencies.

“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.

“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law.

“The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”

Outgoing Gov Obaseki Has Fled Edo – Gov Elect Okpebholo Alleges

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki and Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has fled the state ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday.

Okpebholo also flayed statements credited to Obaseki in the last few days advising him to seek immediate psychiatric attention, following his recent utterances and public displays.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday and signed by Godspower Inegbe, media assistant to Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect said Edo people were worried by Obaseki’s reckless statements and urged that his state of mind should be evaluated.

The Governor-Elect in the statement sounded the alarm over the whereabouts of Obaseki, who on Friday reportedly fled Benin City, the Edo State capital, using a disguised bus.

The statement said that Obaseki chased out everyone from the Government House on Friday before escaping to a yet-to-be known location more than 72 hours before his official departure from office.

The statement further noted that Obaseki was making the false claims to shift attention away from his sinister plans to leave the country through the land borders.

“As of Friday, 8th of November, the whereabouts of Obaseki were unknown. He has chased everyone out of Edo State Government House. He has abandoned governance in the State, and he is on the run.

“He has escaped through the road out of Benin. He did not pass through the airport. If he is as popular as he claims, why did he not use the airport to escape? Instead, he hired a bus and disguised while escaping from Edo State.

“Obaseki is trying to push out these narratives in order to distract the public. His antics will not work. We know his plans, and we will continue to expose his shenanigans to Edo people.”

Obaseki,  had on Saturday, claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to his inauguration, slated for Tuesday. He also claimed without proof that the Governor-Elect has a stolen mandate.

Reacting the statement added that “Outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki needs serious and urgent psychiatric attention to evaluate his state of mind. His recent utterances and public displays should get Edo sons and daughters worried.

“In his latest diatribe, Obaseki, who has supervised one of the biggest financial heists and misappropriated resources of Edo state, is again engaging in his usual beer parlour talks.

“According to the unpopular outgoing governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo stole the mandate freely given to him by Edo people. In his usual myopic mind, he wants to change the narratives and set a dangerous precedence.”

The statement said Okpebholo won the elections convincingly and added that the tribunal will soon validate his claims.

It slated that Obaseki would not get away with the reckless claims.

“Obaseki will not get away with this misrepresentation. Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect of Edo State, won the 21st September governorship election in Edo State.

“Obaseki is still licking his wound of defeat and is yet to accept the reality. Edo people, through the ballot, rejected the planned continuation of Obaseki’s satanic government through his glorified stooge, Asue Ighodalo.”

Okpebholo said Obaseki was trying to influence the outcome of the ongoing case at the tribunal by making false claims.

“The Peoples Democratic Party is already challenging the outcome of the election in court. We are therefore worried that Obaseki is in a hurry to pre-empt the outcome of the tribunal by repeatedly making false claims.

“Unfortunately for Obaseki, his baseless claims will not stand. The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Ighodalo, have no case against Senator Okpebholo. The tribunal will soon confirm that.”

“If You Steal, I Will Disgrace You, I Will Shame You” – Gov Otti Warns LGA Officials

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signaled  his intentions to draft the outgone interim  Majors of the 17 local Councils into other areas  of assistance to the people of the State

This is just as he warned the newly elected Local Government Officials to either buckle up or ship out.

The Source reports that the outgone Mayors/Transition Council Chairmen were barred by extant laws from participating in the November 2,2024 Council polls in the state contrary to wide spread expectations that they will transmute into elected officials.

The development, as it were, elicited varying reactions with not a few insinuating official conspiracy in scheming the Mayors out of the Local Government race.

However, in an exclusive interview with this Magazine, one of the acclaimed high fliers among the transition officials, Chief Uche Wogu,  blamed the situation on an existing 2014 Local Council Laws ,which caught  everyone ,including Governor Otti, off guard .

According to him, the law which was first enacted in 2002, abrogated in 2007 ,and re-enacted in 2014 bars sitting transition council officials from succeeding themselves.

Chief Wogu, who was the Mayor of Aba South Metropolitan Council, insisted that given the chance, the Governor would have loved to see the Mayors continue in office without any protocol.

Governor Otti, who spoke on Saturday November 9, 2024 at a sent forth and welcome dinner  organized in honour of  the outgone and new Mayors ,appreciated the high sense of dedication, loyalty, and sincerity of purpose exhibited by the outgone Mayors during their short stay in office.

He informed that his administration has concluded plans to avail the State and its people the services of the past Council officials in other capacities.

He also expressed deep gratitude to the past  Mayors, most of whom are accomplished professionals ,business tycoons and entrepreneurs before their appointments , for being humble enough to offer their services at the grassroots level.

“We have discovered these ones (the out gone Mayors) and we are going to engage them fully in the service of the state ,in other capacities.

“In the eleven months and a few days that they spent ,you could see the wonders that they performed in the Local Governments Areas.

“They performed so excellently that I can stand here and tell you that I am immensely very proud of all of them and it is that pride that informed this gathering in the first place.

“I just want to use this opportunity to say thank you for offering your services to the good people of Abia State. Thank you also for establishing a commendable service template and trajectory worthy of emulation by your successors.

“You have proven your self within just eleven months, and by so doing, challenged everybody, including the new Mayors/Council Chairmen who are here so that they will have something to replicate”

Governor Otti, stated that his adminstration, at inception, was intentional in hunting the Mayors ,as well as other Government officials ,with proven track record and reputation top on the list of prerequisite qualifications.

He cautioned the newly elected Council officials against engaging in acts which are at variance with the policy thrust of the State Government.

He insisted that there is no room for the mismanagement and misappropriation of the commonwealth by officials at any level of governance in the state .

He warned that any Council Official found to be self- serving ,will not be spared ,noting that his adminstration has zero tolerance for corrupt tendencies.

The Governor emphasized the need for the new Mayors to prioritize the welfare  of the people in their approach to governance .

“In our administration, leadership is about stewardship. We have made it clear that this Government has zero tolerance for corruption ,so if you were thinking that the reason you offered yourself is to steal money ,resign now, and avoid being disgraced.

“I will not spare any efforts in disgracing anybody who steals. I may be lenient and ask you to leave.

“But most times, I am not all that lenient .I can assure you that this administration would not tolerate stealing and the leader (Governor) will not steal ” Governor stated .

According to him, machineries have been activated for effective monitoring and evaluation of the  performance of the new Council officials.

He also assured that efforts will be made by the State Government to provide all the necessary support needed by the council officials to excel in office .

He encouraged them to build on the very good foundation already laid by the immediate past Mayors.

Chief Wogu, who was one of the people that spoke on behalf of the immediate past Mayors appreciated the Governor for offering them the opportunity to serve the people.

He assured that they will still make themselves available for any future service to the people of Abia state.

Nigerians Celebrate As Okonjo-Iweala Gets Second Term As WTO DG

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigerians are in a celebratory mood, as one of their own,  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has swept into office for a second term as the Director General of the World Trade Centre.

The first woman and first African to hold the high profile office, Dr Okonjo-Iweala assumed office on March 1, 2021, after he beat a very competitive field.

And just as her first term comes to an end in August, 2024, every interested party to that office, looked at her records, and thought it wise to let her waltz to a second term unopposed to complete the brilliant job she is doing.

At the end of nominations on November 8, 2024, no candidate or country challenged her. She stood unopposed – a sole candidate.

A statement by the WTO on Saturday said:

“Nominations for Director-General closed; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala confirmed as sole candidate.

“Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, informed WTO members on 9 November that no further nominations for the position of Director-General had been received by the deadline of 8 November and that the incumbent Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is, therefore, the only candidate for the role.

“Director-General Okonjo-Iweala confirmed her willingness to serve a second four-year term in the role in a letter to the Chair on 16 September. On 8 October, the WTO formally commenced the process for appointing its next Director-General, with members given until 8 November to submit nominations.”

According to  WTO,  the chair of the General Council will communicate the next steps in this process in the coming days.

It said: “The process was led by the General Council Chair in accordance with the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General.”

Okonjo-Iweala, 70, is a record breaker.  A top flight Economist, she was at the World Bank when her country, Nigeria, brought her to become the first Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy – a position she first held under President Olusegun Obasanjo, (Minister for Finance), and under President Goodluck Jonathan who added the position of Coordinating Minister of the Economy to her Finance portfolio.

A native of Ogwashi-Uku,  Delta State, she is married to Dr Ikemba Iweala from Abia State with whom she has equally high profile children. Both her parents are Professors. Her father, a Professor of Statistics, was the Traditional Ruler of his Community before he passed.

MC Oluomo Emerges NURTW National President

By
Akinwale Kasali
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MC Oluomo

By Akinwale Kasali

After several months of debacle, accusations and counter accusations, the Southwest Zone of the National Union of Road Transport Union, NURTW, has finally elected Alhaji Musliu Akinsaya, popularly known MC Oluomo as the NURTW National President.

At the election which took place during its Quadrennial Delegates Conference at its Zonal Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State, delegates from the four States, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti participated in the election.

The Delegates conference which was monitored and observed by the acting National President of the Union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, stressed that the Union’s constitution provided that the zone which turn it is to produce the President, elect and present such person to the National Secretariat.

Represented by the Head of Finance, National Headquarters, Abuja, Mrs Adedamola Salam said the Southwest zone have fully complied with the constitution in electing Oluomo as the President.

The delegate also elected Tajudeen Agbede as its Vice President, Southwest and Akeem Adeosun, as trustee from the zone.

Speaking after taking oath of office, Oluomo urged every members to allow peace reign reiterating his commitment to unity in the union.

“I have forgiven everyone that offended me and I wish those I offend would forgive me as well. This is our union and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood”, he said.

The emergence of MC Oluomo is coming several months after he had a face off with Agbede and several other chieftains of the Union’s body  that led to his suspension before he was reinstated.

Kebbi Massacre: PDP Kicks, Calls On Gov Idris to Sit Up As Victims Get Mass Burial

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nasir Idris - Governor of Kebbi State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kebbi State, has counseled the State Governor, Nasir Idris, to curtail his incessant foreign trips, and  channel scarce resources towards enhancing security and providing purposeful governance.

The Party spoke against the backdrop of the massacre of no fewer than 15 locals in Mera area of Augie Local Government of the State by suspected banditry elements affiliated to the nascent group- Lukarawas.

The Source reports that the new terrorist gang had, on Friday, November 8, stormed the area in their numbers, killing 15 locals who preparing for Jumaat service.

The terrorists also carted away over 100 cattle ,in addition  to other extortionist tendencies.

According to one of  the traditional title holders of the Community in Yeriman Mera, Bashir Isah Mera, the about 15 victims were killed during an exchange of gunfire between the terrorist group ,the people and local  security.

He informed that it was in a bid to confront the terrorists who emerged from their camps inside surrounding bushes that resulted in the deaths of the people.

According to Mera, the bandits first invaded and seized several cows, forcing the locals to mobilize in resistance.

” On hearing this ( the rustling of the cattle) the people of the town mobilized in their hundreds and pursued them ( terrorists) to the bush in a bid to recover the cows .

There was exchange of gun  fire between the people of the town and the bandits which led to the killing of 15 people and two members of the Lukarawa

Initially ,they did not kill ,but only rustled cows and asked owners to pay  “Zakat” . That has been the situation for two months now. This is the first attack in which they also killed”, Mera ,the community spokesman stated .

In a statement issued on  Saturday, November 9, by its Chairman  Alhaji Usman Bello Suru ,the Kebbi State PDP described the attack as shocking, unfortunate and condemnable .

While extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victimsh, Argungu Emirate ,Augie Local Government and the state authorities over the sad development, the PDP called on Governor Idris to stop using public resources to embark on frivolous and  fruitless foreign trips.

Instead of committing scarce resources chasing non existent foreign investment portfolio ,the PDP urged the State Government to concentrate on providing a conducive environment for the people to discover and develop their potentials..

The Party called for a drastic review of the existing security architecture in the State with a view to adequately protecting lives and properties of the people.

Meanwhile, the 15 victims of the attack have been given a mass burial by the authorities.

Deputy Governor Umar Tafida ,Kebbi State Police Commissioner and other Security Chiefs ,Emir of Argungu ,Ismalia Mera ,and top Government functionaries and traditional and religious leaders were among those who witnessed to mass burial.

While condoling the families of the victims ,the Deputy Governor assured that the Kebbi State Government will stand with the deceased relations as well as collaborate with security agencies to halt any future attacks..

Anambra Distances Govt From Council Chairman Arrested In US By FBI

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Embattled newly elected Ogbaru Local Council Chairman is on a lonely road. The Chairman, Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, was arrested in Texas, United States America, USA, on Friday for alleged fraud bordering on money wiring.

Embarrassed by the incident, the Anambra State Government, on Friday, November 9, 2024, ruled out any possibility of either intervening or defending the Council Chairman in his brush with the law in the USA.

The Source reports that Nwadialo was on Friday arrested in Texas , USA ,over an alleged   $3.3million romance scam.

He was arrested by operatives of the  Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, while distancing the State Government from the embarrassing development, insisted that Nwadialo is not an appointee of the State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo .

The State Government, Dr Mefor maintained, will not, in any way  defend the embattled Council Chairman ,nor interfere in the matter.

“The Local Government Chairman is not an appointee of the Anambra State Governor. He was chosen by his people and the political party he belongs to.

“Therefore, I cannot speak over his alleged conduct. Those who elected him should answer such questions about whether the allegation is true or not because I only speak for the Government and not the  Local Government. Autonomy has come now for Local Governments” the Commissioner for Information noted.

Meanwhile, the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, on which platform Nwadialo was elected,

as at the time of  reporting was yet to react to the  situation.

But speculations are rife that the party may be contemplating asking Nwadialo’s deputy to step in to fill the void, while also  monitoring developments in the USA.

Gov Adeleke’s Administration Financially Prudent – Commissioner

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Government has said that the present administration in the State has been prudent in managing state finances.

The administration dismissed allegations of financial recklessness, describing it as misrepresentation of facts, urging the public to rely on verified information.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, clarified that allegations of financial mismanagement under Governor Adeleke’s administration are baseless.

Alimi described the reported N38 billion expenditure within 21 months as fabricated news from opposition figures known for making unfounded allegations against the Governor.

Reports allege that the government spent N8 billion on vehicles in 2024, failed to fund gratuities and pension arrears, allocated N38 billion to the Governor’s Office, N8.09 billion on vehicle procurement, and over N500 million on entertainment, among other expenditures.

Reacting, Alimi stated, “The Osun State Government has taken significant steps towards fiscal accountability and transparency by making its budget implementation report accessible to the public on its official website.

“This move supports our commitment to sustainable and open governance.”

“The public release of this document confirms that the government has nothing to hide, with all expenditure decisions being made with public interest and a high sense of financial prudence and discipline.”

Alimi reminded the public that the previous administration, led by Oyetola, had taken away all government vehicles in 2022, necessitating new purchases for state operations.

The Commissioner explained that the N8 billion figure represents the cumulative cost of vehicles procured by the Bureau of General Services for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to replace those removed by the previous administration.

“The value of the missing vehicles was initially assessed at ₦4,384,838,696.39, and replacing them under current economic conditions would have cost ₦18,488,312,413.88.”

Alimi noted that the current administration inherited a ₦35 billion debt from the previous government. Within just two years, the Adeleke administration has cleared ₦16.2 billion in arrears covering 2017 to 2020.

He urged the public to note that the past administration, which governed between 2019 and 2022, paid N11 billion in pensions over that period, while Governor Adeleke’s government has paid over N16 billion in just two years.

The commissioner also highlighted that records show that during Oyetola’s administration from 2019 to 2022, over ₦9.6 billion was spent when the exchange rate averaged ₦300 per dollar.

“By contrast, the current administration has spent ₦26.18 billion since 2022, at an average exchange rate of ₦1,300 per dollar, covering capital and operational costs within the Governor’s Office.

Alimi added that the Governor’s Office includes multiple agencies and units, with the Governor’s personal office being only a small fraction of total expenses. It is misleading to attribute statutory expenses from these agencies solely to the Governor.

He explained that the Governor does not draw any security vote, although funds are allocated to security operations and emergency services in accordance with due process and financial regulations.

Alimi further noted that Osun State has benefited significantly, attracting developmental projects and gradually establishing itself as the event hub of the South West, aligning with the administration’s cultural, creative, and tourism agenda.

The commissioner assured the public that increased federal allocations to Osun are being channelled into welfare for workers, infrastructure improvements, social sector development, financial support for small businesses, and debt repayment on inherited pension and salary liabilities.

President Tinubu Leads Delegation To Saudi Arabia For Joint Arab-Islamic Summit

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

A five-member Nigerian delegation is expected to leave Abuja on Sunday for a Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be at the head of the delegation to attend the Summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle East.

A statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on media & publicity, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the Summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.

According to the statement, the summit is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and follows last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.

During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

Nigeria will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region.

Key officials in the delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, will accompany the President.

Other members of the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.

“After the conclusion of the summit, President Tinubu will return to Abuja.”

Ondo Poll: “You Have Abandoned Akeredolu’s Laudable Projects, PDP Candidate Accuses Gov Aiyedatiwa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Agboola Ajayi

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party’s, (PDP) candidate in next Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election, Agboola Ajayi has announced his intention to intervene in what he described  as the worrisome  state of the state’s transport sector.

Ajayi announced this on Saturday, on an Akure based radio station, Glow FM, where he was guest on a political programme, Pointblank.

According to the former deputy governor, the current  government in the state is not responsive and has thrown the people into abject poverty with no hope of immediate  rescue plan, submitting  that, all the sectors, including  the transportation sector are as good as dead.

Ajayi, who said he is the most experienced among the candidates in the scheduled election, announced  what he called a seven Point agenda rescue plan for the state, in which he said, the Transportation sector is comprehensively captured.

Unfolding his plan for the sector, Ajayi said he will take advantage of the  youths in the state, who are digitally experienced to develop computer applications that would be used to run a subsidized transportation network which will force down prizes of foodstuffs especially as market operators would be able to move their goods around at moderate cost.

Aside from subsidizing the sector, the PDP candidate announced his intention to make available 200 cars under a planned Sunshine Taxi project, which will be given out on hire purchase to drivers who will offer a highly subsidized service.

“I understand Uber operators pay 25 percent of every money made on each service rendered, but with the Sunshine Taxi package, they won’t pay more than 10 percent, and we are going to make thier repayment plans very flexible.”

While reacting to the numerous callers who expressed hope in his programmes, Ajayi, who faulted succession plan in the state, which he said is responsible for the uncountable abandoned projects, berated the incumbent government’s decision to abandon the uncompleted projects of Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and other former Governors, which includes the Akure Stadium and Owena Dam projects.

Also reacting to  callers who bemoaned the filthy condition of Akure the state capital, described as neglected and very dirty, Ajayi promised to ensure the capital city in particular and the state in general is returned to its old glory.

He called for a credible election where peoples votes will count because “Ondo people are resolute and not ready to live in poverty anymore.”

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