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Ondo: Akoko Ethnic Group Demands End Of Marginalization, Additional 16 LCDAs

August 31, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Akokos, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ondo state have cried out over what they call marginalization under the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

President of Akoko Consultative Forum, Lawrence Ibukun, said in Akure on Thursday that the ethnic group has not got its fair share of positions, infrastructure and creation of new local governments under the present administration.

As it presently stands, out of the 18 local governments in Ondo state, Akoko has four.

The leader of Akoko gave a breakdown as follows : “When Ondo State was created out of the then Western Region, Akoko was the second largest ethnic group after Ekiti, having two Local Government Councils out of eighteen (18)

Local Government for both Akoko and Ekiti, namely Akoko South and Akoko North.

“When Ekiti State was created out of old Ondo State, Akoko become the largest single ethnic group in Ondo State, having four Local Government Areas out of eighteen (18).

“Other ethnic groups making up the present Ondo State are, the Owos, two Local

Government Areas, the Akures, two Local Government Areas, the Ondos two Local

Government Areas, the Ileluji/Odigbos, two Local Government Areas, the Ikales, two

Local Government Areas, the Ilaje/Ijaw, two Local Government Areas and the Idanre/Ijares, two Local Government Areas.”

“Akoko is made up of four Local Government Areas Viz :Akoko North East LGA with 13 political Wards; Akoko North West with 10 political Ward; Akoko South East with 11 political Wards and Akoko South West with 15 political Wards .

“As at 2006 which is still the current Census figure that is recognized in Nigeria, the population of the four Akoko Local Government Areas are as follow : Akoko North East LGA is 179,092; Akoko North West LGA is 211,867; Akoko South East is 82,443 and Akoko South West is 228,383. Total is 701 , 785.”

To ensure justice in the ongoing creation of Local Councils Development Authority, (LCDA) the Akokos are demanding for Additional 16 to be carved out of the present four local governments.

They also want government to upgrade deserving traditional rulers in the area, as well as rehabilitate dilapidated highways.

Call For Scrapping Of Ministry Of Niger Delta Selfish – President, Oil And Gas Producing States, Douere

Ayodele Oni

August 31, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

National President, Oil and Gas Producing States of Nigeria, Chief Akpo-otupeikumo Douere, has advised President Bola Tinubu to retain the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the supervision of Ministry of Niger Delta.

Reacting in a statement to the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta, Douere pointed out that those behind the call were doing it for personal gains.

“For the sake of the record, the only noteworthy project credited to the NDDC since its inception in 2000, is the NDDC secretariat constructed within the past three years, during the period when the NDDC was under the supervision of the ministry led by Senator Godswill Akpabio as Minister.

“Therefore, the motive behind this money-for-hire agitators seems to be driven by personal interest rather than the region’s well-being.

“At this juncture, what we should do is appeal to the current minister to establish accountability and good governance within the NDDC, in alignment with Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda.

“These self-seeking individuals are requesting additional funds from the government for the NDDC, yet the previously allocated funds have not been effectively utilized over time.

“The motive behind such a request becomes apparent. The NDDC can only seek more funding if there is proof of accountability and good governance. Otherwise, any such request would merely contribute to further enriching the pockets of those involved in corruption.

“The Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to ‘focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection, and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region’, which continues to be significantly affected by the oil and gas industry, and remains the backbone of the national economy.

“This Ministry, created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and sustained under his two immediate predecessors – Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, helped advance the cause of peace in the Niger Delta region.

“Reports indicate that from 2000 till date, over 20 Trillion Naira has been allocated to the NDDC alone; this quantum amount of money can transform a Nation, not just a region. However, it’s concerning that only 1.1% of the total population in the region benefits from this corrupt governance arrangement.

“It’s unfortunate to note that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), established in 2000, only came under the oversight of the Niger Delta Development Ministry three and a half years ago. Prior to that, it had been under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for about 20 years.

“Those advocating for the NDDC to be removed from the purview of the Niger Delta Development Ministry ought to substantiate their stance with compelling proof of effective governance and substantial accomplishments by the interventionist agency throughout its tenure.

“These individuals, often backed by self-interested motives, seem intent on preserving the current situation to continue exploiting the NDDC’s resources at the expense of the region’s well-being.

“Aside from certain vested interests within the NDDC sponsoring such regressive and corruption-laden reports, there are external vested interests that believe they should control the Minister’s appointment to continue their looting spree.”

INEC Urges Nigerians To Apply As Adhoc Staff For Nov. 11 Gov Elections

James Orji

August 31, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has urged Nigerians wishing to work as ad-hoc staff in the upcoming governorship election in three states to apply immediately.

The Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC has scheduled the governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states for November 11 this year.

Apart from the INEC’s permanent staff, the commission normally employs school teachers, NYSC members, and others as emergency staff to work during elections, for logistics, and other jobs.

Ahead of the elections coming up in the three states in November, the commission said it has opened its porter for those interested to apply for the jobs.

The portal opens today, August 31, and closes on October 2, 2023, for interested candidates to apply, the commission stated in a statement titled “Notice of Recruitment of Ad-hoc Staff,”

INEC said“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) invites you to apply as an Ad-Hoc Staff for the upcoming off-cycle Governorship Elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.

“Portal Opens: Thursday, 31st August 2023, 8:00 AM Portal Closing Date: Monday, 2nd October 2023, 12:00 Midnight.” the statement added.

Interested Nigerians can visit the INEC portal here: https://pres.inecnigeria.org Or https://inecpres-app.com/pres-app.apk (Android users) to begin the process, INEC stated.

Over 1.4 million ad-hoc staff were recruited by the commission for the 2023 general elections, Yakubu said last year at the launch of Yiaga Africa Election Result Analysis Dashboard, ERAD, Report on Electronic Transmission of Results in the 2022 Ekiti and Osun Governorship Election in Abuja.

FG To Tackle Insecurity With Modern Equipment

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 31, 2023

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has promised to deploy modern military equipment to tackle insecurity in the country.

The minister made this known in his goodwill message to the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, conference in Abuja on Wednesday, saying the federal government is priotising the safety of Nigerians.

Badaru’s message comes a few days after he promised to ensure that insecurity in the country ends within a year while being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the country is developing its local military industrial complex which would also ensure innovation and employment.

Badaru said, “With the deployment of modernised military equipment, we will begin to say goodbye to insecurity in Nigeria.

“Indeed the government is redoubling its efforts by providing more platforms like ‘Falcon Eye’ as well as the deep blue project.

“Government has invested huge resources on these projects to address insecurity in not just the Niger Delta but the entire coastal areas of Nigeria.”

Speaking on assumption of office last week, Badaru said “We have no reason to fail him, so, I want to thank all that are here and assure them that we will do our best. We will do our best to make sure we rid the country of security challenges.

“We owe it a duty to the president and the nation. As politicians, we cannot afford not to succeed. We hardly fail and we are not ready to fail this time and we will not fail.”

Edo: ASUU Dares Gov’s Panel To Publish Names Of ‘Ghost’ University Students

James Orji

August 31, 2023

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Ambrose Ali University Edo State has described as false the recent report that some students living oversees graduated from the university.

A Special Investigation Team, SIT, set up by Governor Obaseki had in a report submitted to him uncovered how 30 students studying abroad graduated from the school.

The report had jolted not a few Nigerians who wondered how it’s possible for the students to graduate from the university when they did not attend classes.

The team said they discovered the anomaly after going through the marking of the students’ examination script by the lecturers.

But reacting to the report, ASUU chairman of the ASUU chapter, Dr Cyril Onognosele, described the allegation as false, he also dared the SIT to publish the full details of the students who are involved in the alleged scam.

Onognosele said in statement on Wednesday that the allegation is capable of destroying the university’s reputation, and also demarket it, adding that the team has an ulterior motives for raising such serious allegation against the university.

According to him, “ASUU considers this allegation of academic fraud as an illusion and demands publication of the names, courses, departments, years of graduation of the students in question as well as details of the lecturers involved in the alleged academic fraud.

“Does graduation of students in a university start and end with “marking of scripts”? Among other requirements, for a student to graduate from the University, first, the student must be admitted, registered, take lectures, pass the examination of courses, and get the approval of results/recommendation for graduation from the Department Board of Studies, Faculty Board of Studies and the Senate of the University.

“Why then is the graduation of the students in the alleged academic fraud restricted to “marking of scripts by lecturers”? Undoubtedly, it is a ploy to give the dog a bad name so as to hang it. For self-serving reasons, a particular member of the SIT who is the de facto chairman of the team is preoccupied with, and committed to blackmailing the academic staff of the University and demarketing the University in order to consign the image of the University to the hall of shame.

“This has serious implications for the academic integrity and credibility of the University in local, national, and global competitiveness, and is unacceptable to ASUU and stakeholders of goodwill for the University.

“Consequently, we insist on a thorough, transparent, and just investigation of the claim of academic fraud in the University widely believed to be in the realm of propaganda and blackmail. We urge the Visitor to the University/Governor of Edo State to direct full investigation into the allegation of academic fraud which is an ‘indictment’ of all relevant organs and authorities of the University and not just the lecturer,” Onognosele said.

Afenifere Moves To Reconcile Aggrieved Members, Constitutes Committee

Ayodele Oni

August 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

To restore unity and oneness it is known for, Afenifere, Yoruba socio cultural group, has concluded to constitute a committee to reconcile and reunite aggrieved members.

This is one of the resolutions at the end of the group meeting at the residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure on Wednesday.

The meeting is coming up two years at Pa Fasoranti’s residence after he transferred the leadership to Pa Ayo Adebanjo, citing old age.

Wednesday’s meeting was presided over by Chief Olu Falae, that held sway for the leader that left after his opening address.

The disunity within the group led members to support two different presidential candidates for during last election.

The faction loyal to Pa Ayo Adebanjo supported Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party, (LP) while those I’d Pa Fasoranti backed Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a communique issued and signed by Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, the group stressed that “Afenifere is to be reinvigorated, to be stronger and be able to continue to fulfill its mandate of being the Vanguard for the Yoruba Race.

“To achieve this, a Committee is to be set up to achieve Reconciliation and Unity. Afenifere is an Ideological Movement. It is not a Political Party.

“Deviation from the basic Principles of Afenifere has been responsible for the undesirable turn of events in the last two years. Arising from the above, Afenifere is to be brought back to its core values and tradition.

“The meeting took note of Census coming up next year. It was noted that biometric method was successfully used for Voters Card registration.

“As such, Afenifere strongly call the Federal Government to make the National Population Commission to use the same Biometric Method rather than the manual method that is prone to abuse as had happened several times in the past.

“The meeting expressed profound appreciation to The Leader for hosting the meeting and to other leaders present.”

Ondo Acting Gov Aiyedatiwa Dissolves LG Councils

Ayodele Oni

August 30, 2023

Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

The two years tenure of elected local government chairmen and councilors in Ondo state ends On Wednesday 30th August and they have been directed to vacate office.

The State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in a statement by his Media Aide, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, has therefore directed the officials to hand over to most Senior Directors in the Local Council.

The statement states that “The constitutional tenure of the elected Chairmen and Councillors of Local Governments in Ondo State ends today, 30th August 2023.

“This implies that all Chairmen and Councillors would vacate their respective offices accordingly and hand over the administration of the Local Governments.

“Pursuant to the foregoing and in order not to allow for vacuum, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration in the eighteen (18) Local Governments across the State to take charge of the administration of the Local Governments forthwith, pending further directives from the State Government.

“The outgoing officials are also enjoined to handover properly, please.

“The State Government appreciates the outgoing Chairmen and Councillors for their meritorious services to the people of Ondo State, while also wishing them the best in their future endeavours.”

The state electoral body has fixed another local council election for February next year.

The state government is contemplating appointing caretaker chairmen to oversee activities at the third tier till when election will hold.

Thai Business Men Woo Imo State For Partnership

The Source

August 30, 2023

Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has assured a business group from Thailand wooing his government for partnership of his intention to thoroughly scrutinise and analyse their proposal to see areas of common interest to both parties.

Governor Uzodimma gave the assurance, Tuesday night, when he received the group in audience at the Government House Owerri.

Responding to series of proposals from the business men from Thailand, the Governor thanked them for the interest they have shown in Imo State and for the boldness to partner the State.

He noted that Imo needs genuine business partners and that all the areas of interest highlighted in their proposal would be looked into.

Governor Uzodimma however told them that “there is need to seat down with you, workout areas of most pressing demands for the State and come out with a template that will guarantee a win-win situation.”

In their different presentations, the leaders of the team and President of Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization of Thailand, Dr Lloyd Nwafor, Dr Weerapan Thangma, President of Maejo University Chang Miag Thailand and Dr Supachai Keowsiri, Project Director, Tupac Consultancy, they said came to seek possible areas of partnership and collaboration with the State government.

They also talked about possible partnership in areas such as oil and gas, renewable energy, rubber estate development, and agriculture, all targeted at improving the economy and wellbeing of the citizenry.

Besides, they drew the attention of the government to opportunities in soil improvement, irrigation for all year round farming, waste to wealth and development of Imo Free Trade Zone for industrial cluster and export.

The group however commended the Governor for his achievements in Imo State and described what they have seen as evidence of a leader with sincerity of purpose to develop his State and people and by extension, the South East zone in general.

The Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, the Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Bar Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the State Expanded Executive Council and Apex APC leader in the State, Chief Tony Chukwu joined the Governor to receive the group.

How Ondo NSCDC Arrested Man For Cyber Stalking, Blackmailing

Ayodele Oni

August 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has bursted one Oluwayomi Temitope for allegedly blackmailing a lady after sleeping with her.

The 27 years old suspect of No. 24 Abusoro , Ijoka, Akure, was arrested at a popular hotel for cyber stalking and blackmailing of one Miss Olajumoke( surname withheld).

NSCDC spokesman in the state, Aidamenbor Daniel, explained in a statement that “The complainant met the suspect online and they hooked up at the hotel in Ijoka where they both engaged in sexual relationship for a fee.

“When Olajumoke asked for her payment, the suspect showed her the recorded video of their act and threatened to upload same on social media.

“Using the recording with him, Oluwayomi Temitope kept asking for the service of Olajumoke and when she could not take it further, she reported to the command.

“A sting operation was carried out where the lady was asked to honour the suspect invitation at the hotel whenever he demanded for her again.

“The suspect was arrested and he has since made confessional statement with the presentation of the recorded video as exhibit.

“He will be charge to court to serve as deterrent to others who are in the habit of cyber stalking and blackmailing.”

Group Rejects Appointment of PDP Member As NDDC Ondo Representative, Depriving State As Helmsman

Ayodele Oni

August 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Mixed reactions have been trailing Tuesday’s appointments of board members and state representatives of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), by President Bola Tinubu.

A group in Ondo state, Progressive Advocates Initiative, while condemning choice of the state in the NDDC board, noted that continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has really affected various appointments made by President Tinubu.

The group, in a letter to the president and signed by its chairman and secretary, Augustine Akinkunmi, Adebayo Adubiaro, respectively lamented that “Unfortunately, the absence of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, whose tireless efforts in supporting and working for our party have been remarkable, has allowed for certain actions and manoeuvres that undermine those who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the party’s cause.

“We believe that the governor’s absence has created a void that has allowed for the continuation of these moves that are undermining the very individuals who have risked everything for the success of our party.”

According to the group, it is the turn of Ondo to produce the managing director of the oil commission, going by procedure for picking top officers of the commission.

It added that apart from this, the nomination of Ifedayo Abegunde as executive director is against the NDDC act, while that of Kolade Akinjo was wrong as he is a card carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

“First and foremost, we would like to emphasize that it is the turn of Ondo State to produce the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“For several years, Bayelsa State has occupied this position, creating an imbalance in the representation of different states within the NDDC.

“As a state that has made significant contributions to the development of the oil and gas sector, Ondo State deserves its fair share of the leadership of this crucial organisation.

“As you are aware, Bayelsa State currently holds the position of Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, while Akwa Ibom State holds the position of Minister of State, Gas Resources, and Edo State holds the position of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Given these existing appointments, it is only just and equitable that Ondo State, as the fifth largest producer of crude oil in Nigeria, assume the position of Managing Director of the NDDC.

“This would ensure a fair distribution of leadership responsibilities among the oil-producing states and promote inclusivity in the decision-making processes of the commission.

“Your Excellency, the current Managing Director, was given a two-year tenure by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete the residue of Bayelsa State’s tenure.

“Chief Samuel Ogboku was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete what was considered a two-year residue.

“However, following the dissolution of the former board, where Ondo State was clearly short-changed, Bayelsa State should not be granted another four-year term.

“Therefore, it is only fair and just that Ondo State be given the opportunity to produce the managing director.

“Furthermore, we would like to highlight a specific concern regarding the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs.

“It has come to our attention that Hon. Abegunde is not from the oil-producing area of Ondo State, which is in direct violation of Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act 2000, as amended. Hon. Abegunde hails from Akure South Local Government, which is not an oil-producing area of Ondo State.

“Mr President, one of the major concerns we also wish to highlight is the nomination of Hon. Kolade Akinjo as the representative of Ondo State on the board.

“It will interest you to know that Hon. Akinjo was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25th House of Representatives election for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.

“However, he lost to our great party, the APC. We find it demoralising that the first political position coming to the area has been given to a member of the opposition party. This raises questions regarding the reward for loyalty within our party.

“Moreover, we are fully aware of the individuals behind these nominations and appointments and their motivations. During the tenure of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the current Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, served as the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, while Mr. Akinjo was a member of the committee.

“It is evident to us that these appointments were made as a result of a prearranged arrangement to undermine the loyalists of our party. We strongly believe that such actions do not serve the best interests of our party and its long-term stability.”

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