Ondo Political Conundrum: Will ‘Cabal’ Allow Ayedatiwa To Rule?

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December 14, 2023

Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

Lucky Ayedatiwa has assumed office as the Acting Governor of Ondo State following the medical leave embarked upon by the governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Governor Akeredolu had during the week written a letter to the state House of Assembly intimating the state lawmakers that he was embarking on a medical trip abroad, to take care of himself.

In his place, the ailing governor said his Deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa would be in charge of the affairs of the Sunshine State, as Ondo is widely known.

According to a statement released in Akure, the state’s capital early in the week, the governor chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde said Akeredolu’s ‘medical leave’ commenced on December 13, 2023.

Olatunde said, “a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity.”

The letter ended the long political battle over who should be in charge of affairs of the state while the governor, who has been ill for months see to his health.

The question, however, is whether some loyalists of Governor Akeredolu would allow the Acting Governor a free rein while his boss is out of the country.

These loyalists, according to the magazine checks, are remotely controlled by some members of Governor Akeredolu’s family who are afraid that power would slip away from him once his deputy takes charge.

Apart from the succession issue, which, is the reason why some members of the governor’s cabinet are at dagger-drawn with Ayedatiwa, some close family friends and associates of the governor, the magazine learned, consider the Deputy Governor to be disloyal, who must not be a direct beneficiary of the governor’s ill health.

Recall that Governor Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa were close political associates until recently when they parted ways, due to the struggle for the soul of the state.

Governor Akeredolu singlehandedly picked Ayedatiwa as his deputy, against the wishes of some of his aides, after he parted ways with his former deputy Agboola Ajayi in 2021.

Amidst disapproval from close aides, the governor had insisted that Ayedatiwa should succeed him when his term expires next year.

The table, however, turned in September this year after Governor Akeredolu returned from a medical trip abroad.

Trouble started after some members of the governor’s cabinet accused the deputy of mismanaging the state’s finances while Akeredolu was out of the country. He soiled his hands, Ayedatiwa traducers told the governor, while also accusing him of scheming to take over power while the governor was still alive.

For instance, the state House of Assembly had accused the deputy governor of trying to purchase an armoured SUV worth N300 million. They almost impeached him for the alleged offence until President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, intervened in the matter.

President Tinubu’s timely intervention, last week, also saved the state from degenerating into a serious political crisis after pressure was mounted on the state assembly by human rights groups to declare Ayedatiwa as Acting Governor due to the ‘incapacitation’ of the governor to continue to rule in his state of ill health.

Since Governor Akeredolu returned to the country in September, he has not been seen publicly, fueling speculations that some powerful appointees have hijacked the government.

Recently, a rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Kayode Ajulo accused some members of Akeredolu’s cabinet of forging the governor’s signature on state documents. The state government has denied the allegation.

Meanwhile, the big poser in the minds of those monitoring the state is whether this ‘ cabal’ is prepared to allow Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa an unfettered reign while his boss is away from the country.

NNPCL Will Be Probed- Edun

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James Orji

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December 14, 2023

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Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has hinted of plans by the federal government to probe the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

The minister disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update, NDU, titled “Turning the Corner, Time to Move from Reforms to Results”.

“There will be earnest scrutiny and I am sure NNPCL is getting ready for that. We want revenue to come into the government coffers from NNPCL and all other revenue agencies,” Edun said as a panelist at the event.

Not a few Nigerians, including human rights groups have demanded the probe of the government-controlled oil firm. The management of proceeds from crude oil sales has remained opaque, critics of the company said.

Speaking recently at an event in Abuja, the nation’s capital, a former Emir of Kano state, Lamido Sanusi accused the NNPCL of failure to remit enough dollars from crude oil sales to the federation Account.

NNPCL’s action, he explained, is responsible for the acute dollar shortages in the country.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor also called for a thorough investigation of the NNPCL.

Sanusi said, “The exchange rate needs to be stabilised and we have to address the fundamental question, why is there no money coming in? Why is the NNPCL not able to bring in dollars? Am sorry this is the question that cost me my job and I will continue asking this question until NNPCL fixes it up or until I die. Where are the dollars? We need to shine a light on the NNPCL.

“The finance minister cannot tell you because he doesn’t have a monitoring system that reports to him. The finance minister can’t tell you how many barrels of petrol we produce and export. It is only the NNPCL that can give those figures. The finance ministry needs to know how much oil we produce daily, how much we sell, and where the money is going.

“We are no longer paying subsidies so where are the dollars? It was under recovery during the subsidy era and that has been stopped, so where is the money? This was the issue I raised for which I was suspended, well you can suspend me again. The NNPCL is the most opaque oil company in the world.

“When I was in the central bank for 15 years, they had not been audited. We have to follow the money from production to export to return, where is the money going? We paid N11tn in subsidy and there is no accountability up till now. The National Assembly called the NNPCL to bring the documents, but they refused,” the former CBN governor said.

World Bank Backs Sanusi, Says NNPCL Is Corrupt

By

James Orji

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December 14, 2023

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPCL should be transparent with Nigerians on the proceeds from fuel subsidy removal, the World Bank says.

According to the United States of America-based financial institution, the government-owned oil company has not been transparent enough in declaring what accrued from the removal of the petrol subsidy since May this year.

The Brenton Wood agency said this is necessary for Nigerians who have enjoyed the pains of petrol subsidy removal to enjoy its gains.

The assertion was made on Wednesday by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Shubham Chaudhuri, at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update, NDU, titled “Turning the Corner, Time to Move from Reforms to Results”.

Chaudhuri’s assertion comes on the heels of criticism by a former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on the NNPCL over its failure to remit enough funds into the federal government’s coffers from crude oil sales.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had accused the Mele Kyari-led oil firm of not remitting enough dollars to the federal government, saying this is responsible for the scarcity of dollars in the country.

Speaking yesterday, Chaudhuri, stated that between N300 billion –N400 billion was expended on fuel subsidy monthly before the removal in June, saying such funds should been paid into the purse after the removal.

This has not been done so far, the World Bank chief said.

According to him, “The basic point I think our team has been trying to understand is premium motor spirit (PMS) subsidies earlier were costing about N400 billion per month, and now are those revenues now coming into the federation account, or has oil production dropped to the point where those N400 billion in revenues has gone and it’s really about helping us.

“But not just as the Nigerian public understand because a lot of the Nigerian public view the removal of PMS subsidies is well, we’re going through this pain, is there a reward from that? I think that’s the main thing, and the NNPCL can just clarify what exactly is happening with the funds coming. That would really help.”

He explained that now that the subsidy has been removed, Nigerians should enjoy the benefit, adding that the NNPCL should be made accountable.

He said the country is expected to save close to N11 trillion from subsidy removal between now and 2025, calling on NNPCL to publish its financial accounts regularly.

He said, “The petrol subsidy and FX management reforms are critical steps in the right direction towards improving Nigeria’s economic outlook. Now is the time to truly turn the corner by ensuring coordinated fiscal and monetary policy actions in the short to medium term.

“Continued reform implementation can ensure that Nigeria benefits from the difficult adjustments underway. This includes ensuring that improved oil revenues following the sharply increased PMS price accrue to the Federation. In the medium-term, the economy will then begin to benefit from increasing fiscal space for development spending, including on power and transport infrastructure, as well as on human capital.

“The removal of the subsidy was announced on May 29 and pump prices were adjusted on June 1.

“This results in expected fiscal savings of around N2 trillion in 2023 or 0.9 per cent of GDP.

“Between 2023 and 2025, the expected gains are over N11 trillion, against a scenario in which the subsidy had continued.

“Publish detailed financial statements and revenue flows of NNPCL to safeguard the fiscal savings from the subsidy reform and ensure that oil revenues flow to the Federation (Account).”

Not a few Nigerians have criticized the NNPCL for the opaque manner its manages proceeds from crude oil.

The Group Chief Executive of the company, Mele Kyari informed the Nigerian Senate last week during the 2024 Budget hearing that the daily crude oil sales cannot be ascertained.

FG Meets ASUU Demand, Exits Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges Of Education From IPPIS

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Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2023

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Prof Tahir Mamman - Minister for Education

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has exited Federal Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education from the Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPIS).

This was one of the decisions reached on Wednesday during the weekly the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents alongside other ministers on the outcome of the FEC meeting, and said this takes immediate effect.

According to him, FEC also observed that Vice Chancellors of Universities didn’t need to abandon their work to come to Abuja to process the salaries of their personnel.

Removal from the Central pay system, has been one of the agitations by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during its members prolonged strike last year.

The IPPIS was introduced by the immediate past administration of President Mohammadu Buhari to curb fraud in the salary system of federal workers.

Wike’s 56th Birthday: “I Congratulate My Oga” – Governor Fubara

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 13, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

The bitter political difference between them notwithstanding, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed his predecessor in office, Nyesom Wike, on his (Wike’s) 56th birthday.

Wike, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, was Governor Fubara’s political godfather. He, solely, almost, installed him Governor to the anger of other Wike’s political loyalists who had banked on him for the plum job.

On assumption of office, Fubara had pledged undying loyalty to Wike. However, barely five months down the line, the two fell apart in a bitter face-off which has plunged Rivers State into an unprecedented political crisis viz:

*An aborted impeachment attempt of Governor Fubara.

*The torching of the House of Assembly Complex.

*The impeachment and counter-impeachment of Speaker(s) of the Assembly.

*The factionalisation of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

*The defection of 27 PDP House of Assembly Members to the APC.

*The demolition of the House of Assembly Complex.

And more.

But on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the day Wike turned 56 years, Governor Fubara hailed him as his “Oga.”

Said Fubara in a post on his verified X account:

Rivers Crisis: Governor Fubara Present 2024 Budget To Five Lawmakers At Government House

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 13, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has presented the 2024 Budget of N800 Billion to just five Lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The five Lawmakers who are loyalists of Governor Fubara were present at the 2024 Appropriation Bill Presentation held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the State Capital.

This was few hours after the demolition exercise of the Assembly Complex started.

Fubara said the N800 billion budget for the 2024 fiscal year was aimed at promoting economic development through inclusive growth and woul address the socio-economic inequality in the State.

The Governor said the N800, 392,485,433.01 billion constitutes a Recurrent Expenditure of 361,598,242,570.85 and a Capital Expenditure of 410,266,485,090.64.

he 27-Lawmakers who are loyalists to Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, were not part of the Budget Presentation. The Speaker, Edison Ehie, has declared their seats vacant.

APC’s Age-Suleiman Replaces Labour Party Candidate, Doherty At LAHA Following Court Verdict

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 13, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Rauf Age-Suleiman, the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the March 18th Assembly Election was sworn in Wednesday during Plenary.

Age-Sulaiman replaces Olukayode Doherty of the Labour Party, LP, who was sacked by the Appeal Court.

The APC Candidate is representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Age-Suleiman took the oath before Speaker of the House, Rt.Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and other lawmakers just before the presentation of the 2024 budget by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

The new Lawmaker was welcomed by the Speaker who urged him him to cooperate with his colleagues and constantly remember those who he represents.

Obasa also congratulated the Governor, the APC and the people of Amuwo-Odofin, and said that with the oath of office, the ruling party now has 39 members in the House.

Aiyedatiwa Assumes Duty As Acting Governor, Ondo Assembly Confirms Receipt Of Gov Akeredolu’s Request For Medical Leave

By

Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State House of Assembly has confirmed receipt of a letter from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu requesting for medical leave effective from Wednesday to enable him attend to his health challenges.

The Assembly’s Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, disclosed this at the Assembly’s sitting on Wednesday.

The Speaker stated that “Following Doctor’s advice on the need for medical follow up after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has forwarded the letter on medical leave to the State House of Assembly.”

Receiving the letter on behalf of other Lawmakers, the Speaker said the Governor’s action is in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to the letter, his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would now assume the responsibilities of the Governor in Acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary.

The leave is expected to commence on Wednesday,13th December, 2023.

Oladiji, who expressed appreciation to God for the speedy recovery of the Governor, expressed optimism that he would soon resume his duty.

With this, which is one of the outcomes of Monday’s meeting facilitated by President Bola Tinubu, with some too officials in Abuja, Aiyedatiwa has, officially, become Acting Governor of the State.

The bulk of the State’s activities now terminates on his table while taking official letters to Ibadan, Oyo state for Akeredolu’s signature ceases.

However, with alleged signing of a resignation letter by Aiyedatiwa, he can still be called to order by the broker of the peace initiative, President Tinubu.

“We Received Experts’ Advice To Pull Down Rivers Assembly Complex” – State Govt

By

Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, has shed light on the complete demolition of the state House of Assembly building saying the demolition followed the structural defects caused by the recent explosion and fire incident.

This is coming just as some of the lawmakers, loyal to Governor Sim Fubara held sitting on Wednesday to receive the 2024 appropriation bill from Governor Sim Fubara.

Heavy duty trucks were reportedly moved to the Assembly complex early Wednesday morning to commence the demolition.

Despite its dilapidation lawmakers loyal to immediate past governor of the state, Nyesome Wike had been meeting there until Tuesday when a court in Rivers state stopped their continued assembly.

The Commissioner explained that the fire incident, occasioned by the explosion, has rendered the main building unfit for human use.

In a statement, he said after the visit of the governor to inspect the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident, it became necessary to invite professionals to advise the government on the integrity of the building.

Johnson pointed out that on the night of the attack on the complex, the dynamites caused an explosion that shook the foundation of the building.

“There were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business.

“After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, the experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government had tried all cost-saving measures towards repair of the complex, until it bowed to a superior view of rebuilding the complex to a more befitting edifice.

The State Government stated that alternative venue has been provided for the lawmakers to carry out their legislative duties.

Osun Governor Adeleke Returns, Says Absence Not Due To Sickness

By

Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has arrived in Nigeria after a month of working vacation outside the country.

The Governor arrived at the Murtala International Airport in an elated mood, saying he feels refreshed and recharged for more service to the good people of Osun State.

Opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) had early in the week raised an alarm over the whereabout of Governor who the party said left the state without any formal hand over of government activities.

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed and made available to Newsmen in Osogbo said the Governor is set for business as usual.

“I’m elated to be back to Nigeria in the midst of my people. You all can see I’m in an excited mood as I’m now recharged and refreshed to deliver more good governance and service delivery to the people of Osun.

“The insinuation of whether I’m sick or otherwise is unfounded. I am as fit as fiddle. I went on a working vacation to both recharge and meet partners for the development and progress of our state.

“Those spreading falsehood about my trip are just embarrassed and dumbfounded with our achievements. That’s why they’re spreading all those unfounded rumours. I’m back now, hale and hearty. The good work continues in Osun.”