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Supreme Court Judgements On Election Petitions; Evidence Of Free Judiciary – IPAC

January 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

More reactions continue to trail Supreme Court judgments on election petition cases as Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Yusuf Dantalle observed that President Bola Tinubu has further reinforced the rule of law as cornerstone of democracy by allowing courts to adjudicate freely on the various election petitions.

IPAC, representing all registered political parties in Nigeria in a statement, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the independence of the judiciary and the principles of the rule of law following the Friday’s Supreme Court pronouncements on state governorship elections.

The statement, signed by its National Chairman, appreciated President Tinubu’s neutrality in the legal process, noting his “refraining from interference in the judicial process” as a crucial factor in upholding the integrity of the judgments.

The Council emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial legal system in building trust among citizens and fostering an environment where justice prevails.

“By allowing the courts to adjudicate freely, President Tinubu has reinforced the rule of law as a cornerstone of our democracy.

“Ensuring that every individual is equal before the law is fundamental to creating a just and prosperous society.”

The Council expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law will serve as a beacon for other nations and inspire future generations.

“His dedication to these values contributes significantly to the unity and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It pledged continued collaboration with the government and other stakeholders in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and ensuring credible elections.

Uzodimma: “I Have Forgiven Those Who Offended Me”

The Source

January 14, 2024

Archbishop Ugorji Admonishes Politicians To Serve God, Humanity

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that he has forgiven all those who offended him while he was discharging his duty as Governor in the past four years.

He made the remarks on Sunday at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri during a Pre- inauguration cum Armed Forces Remembrance Day Thanksgiving Service where he used the opportunity to renew his covenant with God and the people of Imo State concerning his governorship and resolve to serve only God and humanity.

Emphasising that he had wholeheartedly forgiven all those who have offended him, Governor Uzodimma also urged those he may have offended in the course of discharging his official duties to find a place in their hearts to forgive him as well.

The Governor noted: “In renewing this covenant, I also acknowledge my imperfections as a mere mortal. In the course of doing this job as a Governor, I may have, wittingly or unwittingly offended some people. I want to take advantage of my presence here at the altar of God to apologise to these persons and ask to be forgiven. In the same spirit, I have wholeheartedly forgiven those who may have offended me. I crave peace for our State. In that wise, let us work together in the atmosphere of peace for the progress of our State. ”

It was on a day His Grace, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Metropolitan See of Owerri Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, in his homily reminded politicians of the need to use their positions to serve God and humanity.

Governor Uzodimma said he was aware that only God gives power and having entrusted same in his care, first in 2020 and now following his reelection, the last thing he would do is to misuse it.

He said: “I know for a fact that I would never have been the Governor of Imo State without the approval of God. He made it clear that He bestows power on those He wishes. I also know my covenant with Him, which is to serve faithfully and honestly. I am here today to renew that covenant with God and the people of Imo State. I am also here to express my gratitude to God for the privilege of making me a Governor for the second time.”

The Governor canvassed for peace and invited all Imo people to embrace peace and unity so that the State can experience the development of everybody’s dream.

On the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Governor Uzodimma said it was not a coincidence that his inauguration Thanksgiving and swearing in ceremony on January 15 are taking place the same time, reminding the congregation of the need to pursue peace in our country.

He sought for prayers, always, for the souls of the departed soldiers who died defending the country and at the same, appealed to the public not to forget to take care of the families the dead soldiers left behind.

He promised that his government will continue to fulfil her obligations towards the wellbeing of the families of the unknown soldiers as well as those still in service.

The Governor assured that his message of Shared Prosperity, Renewed Hope, Rebuild Imo, Cure for Poverty, Development of Imo State as an organized Society where peace, progress and tranquility shall continue to resonate.

Governor Uzodimma’s remarks read in full: “We have just held a Thanksgiving Church Service for two very important events, namely the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and my inauguration for a second term in office. First, we are here to remember and pray for the repose of the souls of members of the armed forces, who lost their lives in the course of defending our fatherland, as well as the military veterans who are still living. Secondly, we are here to thank God for my successful re-election ahead of my Inauguration which will take place tomorrow. I consider it a divine and unique coincidence that these two events are taking place on the same day.

“The departed members of our Armed Forces whom we remember and pray for today are heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the civil war and other battles in the course of their national assignments. These national assignments were necessary to ensure that peace reigned in the land. Incidentally, the sober nature of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day moderates the mood that should normally be associated with the appreciation of the high responsibility of the office of the governor, which God and the people of Imo State have entrusted on me.

“Both occasions remind us of the supremacy of peace in the land, without which governance cannot thrive. Both occasions also remind us of the ephemeral nature of power and life itself and, therefore, the need for leaders to exercise power for the sole benefit of society. It is for these reasons that I compare the two occasions to Siamese twins who are inseparable.

“For me, therefore, it is both a privilege and a reminder of the sacred duties of my high office that I am being inaugurated on the same day we remember the sacrifices which our patriotic soldiers made to keep the peace.

“Let me thank our host, His Grace, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Metropolitan See of Owerri Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, for availing us of the opportunity and space for both ceremonies. I also commend all other clergy both from the Catholic Church and other denominations for joining us in this important church service.

“I know for a fact that I would never have been the governor of Imo State without the approval of God. He made it clear that He bestows power on those He wishes. I also know my covenant with Him, which is to serve faithfully and honestly. I am here today to renew that covenant with God and the people of Imo State. I am also here to express my gratitude to God for the privilege of making me a governor for the second time.

“In renewing this covenant, I also acknowledge my imperfections as a mere mortal. In the course of doing this job as a governor, I may have, wittingly or unwittingly offended some people. I want to take advantage of my presence here at the altar of God to apologize to these persons and ask to be forgiven. In the same spirit, I have wholeheartedly forgiven those who may have offended me. I crave peace for our state. In that wise, let us work together in the atmosphere of peace for the progress of our state.

“Let us always remember that it was also in the course of the search for peace that thousands of our countrymen whom we remember here today lost their lives in battles. By paying the supreme price, they offered the nation the relative peace we are enjoying today. Their sacrifice should not be in vain. This is why the government has set aside a particular day for their remembrance.

“While we pray for the repose of their souls, we must remember the people they left behind; wives, husbands, children, fathers, and mothers. The way we treat these dependants would actually determine if we value the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and heroines. This is not the responsibility of only the government but for all Nigerians.

“For the government of Imo State, we shall not relent in our efforts to provide succour to the dependants of departed members of the armed forces and for veterans who are still alive. We shall continue to partner with the Nigerian Legion and all other similar organisations that see to the welfare of the veterans and the families of our departed heroes.

“While we pray for our gallant officers, both living and dead, I urge the body of Christ to continue to uphold Imo State in prayers. Please do not relent in your prayers for a peaceful Imo State.

“Thank you and may God bless all of us.”

Earlier in his homily, Archbishop Ugorji reminded those in positions of authority that God gives them power to serve him and the people.

The Archbishop applauded the Armed Forces on their efforts to keep Nigeria one and the efforts of the Nation to remember the fallen heroes and heroins, not forgetting their families.

“The Veterans (Legion) deserve our attention; they need not only our sympathy but equally our assistance by donating generously to the Nigerian Legion Trust Fund.”

He called on Nigerians to refrain from lives of selfishness that shield them from patriotism just as he called for holiness anchored on chastity, honesty, purity and obedience.

The Archbishop said that political leadership means leading with the fear of God and in accordance with the Constitution.

He appealed for peace to reign in all aspects of the society, calling on those behind the terror, kidnapping and killings to sheath their swords.

The Archbishop took a swipe at those behind “media war’’ in Imo State that tends to heat up the polity, create hatred and division and cause more problems for the society and urged those behind such to refrain forthwith.

“Media war has cost a lot of devastation to the State and Nigeria in general,” he said and called on those using the media as a weapon of attack to “stop the crusade of calumny.”

The Archbishop also harped on the need for those in positions of authority to shun corruption which he said, has become endemic in all sectors of the society.

Turning to Governor Uzodimma and the Deputy Governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, both of who will be sworn in tomorrow, Ugorji committed them into the hands of God and prayed that God should endear them with the spirit of wisdom and understanding as they navigate the ship of Imo State for the next four years.

Top government dignatories, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, serving and former senators, and heads of the Armed Forces in Imo State joined the Governor and his wife, Barr. Chioma at the Thanksgiving Service.

Protest Trails APC Primary Election To Produce Candidate For Ondo House Of Reps Seat

Ayodele Oni

January 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The recently held primary election to elect a House of Representatives candidate for Akoko North-east/ North-west Federal Constituency in Ondo State is far from been over.

One of the contestants in the primary, which was held to replace Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, appointed as minister of interior by President Bola Tinubu has alleged that the exercise was fraught with irregularities.

The complainant, Olugbenga Araoyinbo in a petition to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) claimed that fake delegates were handpicked to vote during the exercise, which produced Ifeoluwa Ehindero.

The bye-election has been fixed for February 3 by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

The outcome of the exercise indicates that Ehindero was credited with 105 votes out of the 106 accredited for the party primary.

Displeased with the outcome of the primary election, Araoyinbo who was arrested during the exercise asked the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje to cancel the outcome, which he said was not in compliance with the party’s regulation and did not reflect the wish of the members of the party at the constituency.

Araoyinbo, requested that he should be either declared as an authentic candidate or a fresh election conducted.

He stated that “There was no delegate congress in the two local governments before the primary election in accordance with the guideline of the party that was sent out by the national organ of the party before the primary.

“That over 90 genuine, committed, and faithful party members from across the 23 electoral wards that paid for and collected forms to participate in the delegate congress, which was scheduled for the 5th of January 2024 were excluded as the delegate congress did not hold as scheduled.

“But instead, fake and unknown persons were injected into a fake delegate list which was not even made available to the aspirants before the time scheduled for the primary election and even till I write this letter.

“That if these 90 party members who collected forms to participate as delegates in the primary election, which never held, had been made to participate, they would have voted for me and I would have won as they are all my supporters.”

Consequently, Araoyinbo said since 90 out of his supporters were excluded from the primary election due to non-holding of election of delegates and smuggling of unknown persons into the so-called delegates list, he should be declared as the winner of the primary election.

Alternatively, he said holding a fresh primary election starting with the conduct of delegate congress in compliance with the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the APC guideline, and the timetable for the election is the only panacea to the crisis over the election.

“Our Stolen Mandate Has Been Reclaimed” – Kano Govt, NNPP

The Source

January 14, 2024

By Daniel Maduka

“The stolen mandate of the good people of Kano, has been reclaimed. The world has witnessed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, was the authentic and popular choice of the teeming populace of the State during the last Gubernatorial Election”.

Those were the assertions on Saturday, January 13, 2024, of Kano State’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, as he felicitated with the people on the Supreme Court victory of Governor Yusuf.

It would be recalled that on Friday January 12 the apex court had, in a ruling which jolted not a few, reversed the earlier nullification of Governor Yusuf’s electoral triumph by both the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in kano and Appeal court in Lagos.

In a statement issued and personally signed by him, Dr Kofarmata noted that the final affirmation of Abba Yusuf as the duly elected Governor of Kano by the Supreme Court has saved the image of the Judiciary, which he said was almost at the point of being eroded, as a result of the earlier rulings of the Tribunal and Appeal Court both of which sacked Governor Yusuf.

He Commended the resilience, dodgednes and steadfastness of the highest Court in the land in the face of series and unmitigated acts of blackmail and intimidation, allegedly, orchestrated by the opposition, with the now botched intentions of securing through the back door what they could not get at the polls .

While appreciating the people of Kano for their unflinching and overwhelming support for the NNPP through the electioneering period to the trying moments of the legal battles, Dr Kofarmata called for continued understanding and cooperation of all residents to ensure a sustained delivery of good governance.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has sued for peace and cooperation from all, particularly, the opposition in the task of moving the state forward .

This is even as he commended the people of the State for their steadfastness , prayers sacrifices in all dimensions , and courage in protecting their mandate.

The Governor who spoke in Abuja, immediately after his victory lauded the Judiciary for upholding the sanctity and independence of the Judiciary.

The Source News magazine reports that, although the rival All Progressive Congress APC in the State ,is visibly not happy with the turn of events, peace and restraint have continued to dominate the ever volatile political space of the Centre of Commerce for now.

President Tinubu Constitutes Committee To Review Social Investment Programmes

Ayodele Oni

January 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has set up a panel to re engineer the programmes under the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) of the administration.

This is coming up following reported massive fund diversion rocking various programmes under the social investment project.

The Minister in charge of the project, Beta Edu is currently on suspension, while her predecessor in office is also assisting the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unravel some deals during her tenure.

The president had suspended various empowerment programmes under the social investment on Friday.

A statement by the presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngalele on Saturday explained that this is “Sequel to President Bola Tinubu’s six-week suspension of the four (4) programmes under the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA).

“President Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel, which will be led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.

“This Special Presidential Panel is tasked with immediately undertaking a comprehensive review and audit of existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.

“This is with a view to implementing a total re-engineering of the financial architecture of the programmes with detailed modification to procedures guiding the programmes’ implementation moving forward.

“The Special Presidential Panel, which is comprised of ministers representing strategic sectors and will ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the reform effort, is made up of the following members:

“Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance – Chairman, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Member;

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Member.

Others are Minister of Information and National Orientation, Member; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Member and Minister of State for Youth – Member

The statement added that “President Tinubu anticipates that this Special Presidential Panel will validate the confidence reposed in it by winning back all lost public confidence in these vital programmes over the years.

“This will be achieved by ushering in a new era of operation based on open and accountable governance frameworks that will prove impervious to abuse and incompetence for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households across our nation.”

Ekiti 2026 Gov Election: Politicians Already Running After Ticket – Oyebanji Vows To Remain Focus

Ayodele Oni

January 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said he would not get distracted by underground political scheming ahead of the 2026 governorship race in the state, describing the idea of second term as the least of his worries for now.

Governor Oyebanji said news had been filtering in that some politicians had started holding nocturnal meetings ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

He maintained that he would not allow this to derail his focus in the interest of Ekiti citizens.

“They said some people have started holding meetings, I am not bothered by this. For now, 2026 is the least of my worries. What I am really bothered about is leading Ekiti to prosperity, and allowing God to guide us.

“I have made a covenant that there won’t be tolerance for corruption, dishonesty, and disobedience to orders, so, I won’t allow second term ambition to distract me.

“Human beings can play politics, but God is the master politician. He knows how to take care of everything.”

Oyebanji stated these on Saturday, in Ado Ekiti, at the grand finale of the 2024 Week of Prayer, organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in conjunction with the Ekiti State Government.

Recall that that three former governors of the state, Niyi Adebayo, Ayo Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, had at an event marking first year in office of Oyebanji endorsed his second term ambition citing performance.

This however generated mixed reactions from indigenes of the state who said road endorsement by the former governors was not binding on them.

At the intercessional programme, prayers were offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the success of his economic policies and programmes as well as for security and progress for the country. The Biodun Oyebanji administration was also rededicated to God for guidance and leading.

The Governor promised that work on the 1.2 kilometres flyover to be constructed between Okeyinmi and Ijigbo roundabouts in Ado Ekiti, would commence early in the year, to help decongest the business district and give the state capital Ekiti a facelift.

In his testimony, Oyebanji relayed to the congregation that prayer and faith in God have made governance an easy task for him and not brilliance, exposure and any other factor.

“When I became the Governor, which I never believed in my wildest imagination, I was asked to state what I wanted to go and do.

“I said God told me go and feed my people. That was why the first year, I dedicated it to the welfare of my people. We were paying salary, pension, and gratuity .

“As we were doing all these, some people said what is going to be my legacy, they advised that I should go and do infrastructure, but I insisted that if I feed the people first, infrastructure will come. Because I was obeying God, money for infrastructure was being provided.

“Let me tell you that work will commence in the coming weeks on the fly over we planned to construct in Ado Ekiti to ease traffic in the business district around Ejigbo. This is just one of many other projects that will be undertaken.

“In the last one year, God has done in Ekiti what only Him can do. People are asking where is he getting the money?

“Some said I didn’t have the right connections. But, God, in His infinite mercy, has sent me on a mission and when God says I should move, I do that and we have been able to meet the expectations of the people.

“God just thrust me forward knowing that I wasn’t the most brilliant, the most connected and I didn’t have anything called political structures.

“The only thing I will continue to do is to exalt God in this position. There wasn’t any time I got worried that I am the Governor because I know He sent me on this mission.”

Oyebanji appealed to politicians and political office holders to always exhibit sacrificial spirit, saying they should perceive leadership as service to God and humanity.

In his short Bible exhortation , the CAN Chairman in Ekiti, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, charged Nigerians to always embrace justice and fair-play and run away from attitudes that can corrupt the system, for the nation to enjoy peace, unity and prosperity.

Quoting copiously from Luke 15: 20-22 and Hosea 6: 1, to espouse his spiritual views on the topic : “The Benefit of Returning to the Lord God”, Aribasoye warned that no nation without proper restitution with God can enjoy adequate prosperity.

“In 2024, whatever we call sin, let us run away from it. Don’t make sin attractive by trying to give it any colouration. For God to forget our sins and deliver us, let us have faith, embrace justice and have attitudinal change. With these, I know that God will heal our land, because Nigeria needs healing.

“Our desires is that we live in peace, unity and enjoy economic prosperity. When we run to God with open and clean hearts and strong faith, he will surely do them for us. The promise of God for us is that we prosper this year, but he is calling us to return to him and we must do that without delay.”

Primary School Teachers In FCT Resume Suspended Strike Over Minimum Wage Arrears

Ayodele Oni

January 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For non payment of 25 months minimum wage arrears, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), wing has called out its members for an indefinite strike starting from Monday.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) which held at the Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

“The SWSC-In-Session equally resolved that if the outstanding demands of the primary school teachers are not paid before Friday, 19th January, 2024, all secondary school teachers in FCT will join in Solidarity with effect from Monday, 22nd January, 2024.

“The Union hereby directs all FCT primary school teachers to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Monday, 15th January, 2024 till further notice.

The NUT in the communique jointly signed by Abdullahi Shafas, Margaret Jethro and Ibukun Adekeye, State Chairman, Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively, advised parents not to allow their wards come to school.

Part of the communique reads; “The Primary School Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory FCT embarked on indefinite strike action on the 11th September, 2023 to press home demands for the implementation of 40% Peculiar Allowance and payment of 25 months Minimum Wage Arrears amongst other arrears.

“Following the assurances of the Honourable Minister of FCT’s intervention in resolving the issues, the Union suspended the strike action for six weeks to honour the Minister and to give him ample time for the resolution of the issues.

“The Union is worried that the six weeks given expired on November, 7th 2023, the Committee put in place to look into the issues has also completed its work but nothing positive has taken place.

“We are concerned that series of meetings have taken place, but the primary schools teachers remain in a pathetic situation and continue to bear the brunt of the high cost of living attributable to the removal of fuel subsidies without succour from anywhere.

“Saddened by the suffering of the Teachers and the unwillingness of the Area Council Chairmen to pay the Teachers these aforementioned entitlements, including the delay in the Honourable Minister’s intervention, the State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC)-in-Session has no other option than to direct all Primary School Teachers in FCT to resume the suspended Strike to further press home their demands. The strike will take effect from Monday, 15th January, 2024.

“Parents are advised to keep their children and wards in Primary Schools safe at home.”

Kano Guber Verdict: APC Candidate, Gawuna, Accepts Supreme Court Verdict, Says It’s God’s Decision

Akinwale Kasali

January 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Kano State Governorship Candidate for the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that he accepts, in good faith, the Supreme Court Verdict which dismissed his petition against New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Governorship Candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and declared him the duly elected Governor of Kano State.

After a stiff legal battle between the duo, the Apex Court on Friday affirmed Governor Yusuf of the NNPP as the duly elected governor of Kano State.

The tribunal and Appeal Court had sacked Abba as the Governor of the state, citing malpractices, but the Supreme Court on Friday upturned the lower courts’ rulings.

Gawuna said that the Supreme Court judgment is God’s decision, saying he had accepted it in good faith.

He said, “This judgment is God’s decision and we have accepted it. As we prayed that if it is good for us let Him grant us from His bounty and if it is otherwise he would replace it with something better.

“We are very sure that God has answered our prayers. He is All-wise. We are thankful to Allah, the Almighty.

“Our supporters should understand that Allah, the Almighty is the Designer of everything and has destined this to happen. Everyone should calm down and accept God’s decision.

“This is what all leaders should do after exhausting court processes. Even before the litigation, I wished him well. Our prayers are always to Allah to make him a just leader for all, especially now that he has been affirmed as the duly elected governor of the state. Every patriotic citizen should pray so.

“We will keep on praying for all our leaders from the President down to councillors to be a leader for all.

“My message to the people of Kano State is to live in peace and to be obedient. They should be firm on moral upbringing, which is degenerating. People should keep on praying. God does not err.

“He is All-knowing. We should keep on praying for peace in Kano State and Nigeria in general; and to ask Allah to bestow upon us richness and good health.

“Everybody knows what happened. Our party, which is above all, took the matter to court and we followed. After the processes, Allah, the Almighty decided and we have accepted His decision.

“Islamic Religion is a total way of life. We are praying to Allah to grant us the opportunity to do what is right and we are optimistic He will keep on assisting us.

“Whoever knows Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna knows that our future lies in the hands of Allah. He would decide for us.”

IBB Frowns At One Party State, Says Nigerians Will Reject It, “Two-party System Best,” He Insists

Akinwale Kasali

January 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida has dismissed the insinuation that Nigeria could be a One Party State.

According to him, the suggestion of a One Party State is dead on arrival.

Babangida said a One Party State could lead to dictatorship in the country.

He made this assertion during an appearance on Channels TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.

His words: “I have been in a military regime, and the Nigerians I know won’t allow a one-party state. I have been a military man. And I know dictatorship is not good and can’t be good in a civil society.

“Nigerians who I know won’t allow a one-party system and will talk you out of it until you get tired.”

IBB also reiterated his call for a two-party system, stating that it prevents rancour and will save the country a lot of funds and issues associated with a multi-party system.

He said: “Immediately after independence, Nigeria tended to gravitate towards a two-party system. The number of parties formed a coalition to gain power. It happened in the first and second republics. It showed up again in the third republic and the current republic.

“At the time, we believed Nigerians were capable of a two-party system because it saves you a lot of ‘wahala’ and no rancour. You can choose from A or B.”

Ondo: Aiyedatiwa Talks Tough, Gives Marching Orders To Contractors, Wants Timely Completion Of Projects

Ayodele Oni

January 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Following a pledge to continue with programmes initiated by his late predecessor, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered contractors handling major projects in the State to return to site.

There has been lull at the various project sites since the passing of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the subsequent resignation of the commissioner for works, Engr Aminu.

Some of the major projects currently under construction in the state include the fly over in Akure Ondo township, Arigidi – Ogbagi Akoko road, internal roads in Olusegun Agagu University of Technology, Okitipupa, Emure-Ile – Eporo road among others.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who gave the order in Akure stated that this is to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan who disclosed on Saturday said that apart from the ongoing projects, the Governor has approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of 60km roads across the State within the next three months.

Aiyedatiwa, who had promised that all ongoing infrastructural projects in the state would be completed, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to mobilize contractors back to site to speed up work on the projects for early completion.

The Governor expressed the determination of his administration to hit the ground running with the implementation of policies and programmes of government as scheduled in the budget, assuring on timely payment for jobs done by contractors.

Relaying the directive of Mr. Governor to the affected contractors, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Allen Idowu, said the Governor has expressed readiness to ensure that the needed resources are made available on time to encourage them.

The Permanent Secretary said the contractors have expressed their willingness to speed up their projects to meet up with the deadline set by the Governor, adding that the officials of the ministry have also been mobilized to play their parts.

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Archbishop Ugorji Admonishes Politicians To Serve God, Humanity