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Labour Party To Soyinka: “You Are Double-faced, Blind To Truth”

By
The Source
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Peter Obi and Wole Soyinka

The Labour Party on Thursday responded to a  statement by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in which he said its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, did not win the February 25 February Presidential Election, but is hell bent on deceiving the masses with lies that he won.

In a stinging remark at an international meet in South Africa, Soyinka lashed out at  LP and the Obidient movement for deliberately inciting crisis without a cause.

In a response to him, the Labour Party issued a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, and told Soyinka that he is not only double-faced, but blind to truth.

Following, the full statement  by Labour Party:

SOYINKA: STATESMEN ARE NOT DOUBLE FACED, NOT BLIND TO TRUTH

The Labour Party took note of the statement that emanated from the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka who as an institution we have the utmost respect for. He is a Nigerian whose accomplishments in the literary world is without doubt intimidating.

However, we beg to disagree with his prognosis and personal opinion on the performance of our party during the 2023 general elections. The facts are before the courts and out of respect for our judiciary, we will reserve our comments until the Supreme Court makes a final pronouncement.

We understand that the literary giant is human and thus susceptible to emotions and probably said what he said  based on information made available to him by those who share the ‘Emilokan sentiment’.

In Yoruba, ‘Gbajue’ refers to fraudulent activities like age, name or certificate forgery, 419 or narcotics trafficking, all of which are issues in the 2023 elections but not on the Labour Party’s part.

‘Gbajue’ in Yoruba also literally means ‘slap him/her in the face.’ Have all Nigerians not been slapped sufficiently in the face? Thanks to this man of letters for bringing this out albeit, advertently.                                                                              It’s rather interesting that the erudite Prof. Soyinka who owned up to having an electoral “monitoring unit” conveniently glossed over INEC’s legerdemain leading to substantial non compliance and erosion of constitutional dictates, just as he conveniently glossed over the INEC’s advanced ‘gbajue’ of 25 February that has surreptitiously installed the King of ‘gbajue’ in Aso Rock.

It is most befudling as well as disconcerting that a detribalized and activist Soyinka would succumb to the groupthink syndrome that subscribes to State Capture by those belonging to the criminal fringe by any means, based on  primordial considerations.

We really appreciate him for at least giving some credits to Labour Party and its Presidential candidate for breaking the monopoly of power hitherto held by the two other parties. We also noted his admission of his willingness to be part of a demonstration which would be based on the banner of truth.

However we are aware that Soyinka resides in Lagos state and he was in Nigeria in February 25 when elections held in Nigeria. He watched probably with a glee when a certain individual in Lagos warned non-indigenes to vote a particular political party or risk being deported to their place of birth, and he never condemned it. He was there were ballot boxes were snatched by thugs in a polling booth right in front of his house, he didn’t condemned it. We are still looking for where he came out to condemn the unprovoked attacks on our supporters in Lagos by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, during the last elections.

The whole world followed the 2023 general election in Nigeria and there was a global condemnation of not only the outcome of the election but also the process, particularly, the ‘glitching’ incidence that occured only during the transmission of presidential result to IREV. As someone who is known to demonstrate based on truth, we didn’t hear as much as a whisper from Kongi reminding INEC that stand by its word.

He also watched when Labour Party provided evidences of several defaced result sheets permitted and uploaded to the IREV by INEC particularly in places where Labour Party won, again the great Soyinka was astonishingly mute.

We will not allege selective amnesia as the reason for Soyinka’s  wrong prognosis but we would have expected him to be a statesman which we thought he was by remaining on the side of caution and not exhibiting dual character of someone who may be blinded by some chauvinistic tendencies.

We would rather keep our impression about his recent dual personality with us. We want to also let him know that building a New Nigeria is a dream which time has come and Nigerian youths will not relent until such dream is realized

SIGN

Obiora Ifoh
National Publicity Secretary
Labour Party.

PDP Decries Gov Akeredolu’s Continued Stay In Ibadan, Advises Him To Return To Germany For Further Medical Checkup

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has again advised Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to go back to Germany and further attend to his health challenges if still unfit to govern the State.

The opposition party had last week raised an alarm when the Governor, on his return from medical trip abroad, went straight to stay in his personal house in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The belief then was that he would rest for a few days and, thereafter, return to Akure, the Ondo State capital. He had transmitted a letter to the State Legislature to inform the Lawmakers of his resumption.

While in Ibadan, Akeredolu signed the new Local Council Development Authority Bill into law. The Speaker of the House of Assembly went with  the Bill to the Oyo State Capital for the Governor’s signature.

Also from Ibadan, the Governor disbanded the Media crew of his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Members of the State Executive Council and other aides of the Governor have turned the Ibadan residence of the Governor to Government House as they report there daily to consult with the Governor.

It was gathered that the Governor’s return from abroad where he was receiving treatment was to prevent him from violating the constitution since he had spent three months.

The State Chapter of the PDP in a statement on Friday, stated that “The Governor of Ondo State,  Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is still nowhere to be found, eight days since he claimed he has resumed duties as Governor after his three months medical leave in Germany.

“The Governor was reported to have signed the creation of 33 LCDAs bill into law, sacked the media aides of Deputy Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa all  from hiding.

“Last week, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Ondo State Chapter challenged the rationale for Akeredolu calling for a meeting in his Ibadan residence, instead of Ondo State, where he was elected to govern.”

The statement, signed by the spokesman of the opposition party added: “Up till this moment, the Governor has not been seen anywhere near Ondo State.

“Akeredolu is beginning to fuel media speculations that, against the advice of his doctors, he was hurriedly brought into Nigeria to foil an impeachment process.

“He also ordered an upgrade of his Ibadan residence to include a replica of Executive Council Chambers, from where he intends to hold Exco meetings.

“Does Akeredolu want to make Ibadan the capital of Ondo State? What is the hurry to resume all about, if he cannot come to Ondo State?

“Would it not have made more sense if he was still attending to his health abroad? Why did he say he has resumed when indeed he has not?

“Our party wishes to advise Akeredolu to come to Ondo State to complete his tenure. But if he does not feel fit enough to resume, he can proceed on another medical leave instead of trying to pull wool over our eyes in Ondo State.”

Breaking: UNILAG ‘Slightly’ Slashes School Fees

By
James Orji
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UNILAG - University of Lagos

The University of Lagos has agreed to slash school fees following days of protest by angry students of the institution.

The decision to reduce the fees followed a meeting with officials vof the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANs, and UNILAG Students Union Government, SUG on Thursday.

The management of the Ivory tower had earlier insisted that there was no going back on the hike of school fees announced recently, accusing the students of being insensitive.

The student responded by shutting down the institution for a academic activities.

But after a meeting with the leadership of the students Unions yesterday, the Vice Chancellor of the university Folasade Ogunsola stated that institution has agreed to slash the fees.
She stated that tuition was increased so that the university can deliver quality education to students.

UNILAG said in a statement after the meeting: “Authorities of the University of Lagos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, had a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Usman Umar Barambu accompanied by top officers of the Association and UNILAG Faculty leaders drawn from nine faculties of the University and College of Medicine.

“After careful evaluation of the issues raised by the students and management, the following consensus was reached at the meeting: Utility Charges for all categories of students was reduced to N15,000:00 from N20,000:00.

“The obligatory fees for new undergraduate students was reviewed from N126,325:00 to N116,325:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio and N176,325:00 to N166,325:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio.

“The obligatory fees for returning undergraduate students was reviewed from N100,750:00 to N80,750:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio; N140,250:00 to N120,250:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio; and from N190,250:00 to N170, 250:00 for Medical / Pharmacy students and students in Health Professions.

“The Convocation Fee to be paid by all final year students was reduced to N27,000:00 from N 30,000:00. Hostels fees were reviewed as follows: For undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses, the fees was reduced to N43, 000:00 from N90,000:00.

“For hostels in Idi-Araba campus, the fees was reduced to N65,000:00 from N120,000:00. The fees for Sodeinde Hall was reduced to N135,000:00 from N250,000:00.”

The university received strong condemnation from not a few Nigerians in July after its management announced hike in tuition fees for both returning and new students.

Meanwhile, some of the students who spoke with the magazine said the reduction was so insignificant considering their demand that the fees be returned to status quo.

FIRS: Tinubu Rekindles Feud With Buhari, Appoints Pointman Into Revenue Agency

By
James Orji
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The appointment of Zach Adedeji as the acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has not stopped amazing the critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adedeji was appointed on Thursday by the president to replace Muhammad Nami, according to a statement released yesterday by Ajuli Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The statement said, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
“The President has directed the erstwhile FIRS Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, to proceed on 3 months of pre-retirement leave, as provisioned by Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243, with immediate effect, leading to his eventual retirement from service on December 8, 2023.
“Adedeji is hereby appointed in an acting capacity for 90 days before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.”
The appointment has elicited reactions from the president’s critics who said Tinubu has yet to recover from the sack of Babatunde Fowler, his ally as FIRS Chair by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Fowler was sacked by Buhari on December 9, 2019 by the former leader who appointed Nami in his stead.
Buhari, according to those familiar with the tax generating agency decided not to reappoint Fowler because of the perceived feud between his and Tinubu at the time.
“The former president new that Fowler did well by turning around the agency. But he decided to sack him, and appoint somebody from the north, even though Fowler deserved a reappointment for refocusing the agency,” a source said.
The sin of Fowler, a former Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, LIRS was his closeness to the former Lagos governor, he stated.
The source said Tinubu decided to “pay  Buhari back in his own coin” by sacking the man he appointed, and replace him with his own person even though Nami has not been found wanting in any way except that ” he’s Buhari’s man”.
He added that the president has decided to appoint Adedeji from “day one” that he was sworn in as commander-in-chief, but decided to appoint him Special Adviser on Revenue to understudy the FIRS pending the time “Nami will be kicked out.”
Instructively, Adedeji is a close a trusted aide of Tinubu, according to those familiar with his trajectory as a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo state.
It was Tinubu that recommended him to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi who appointed him into his cabinet after becoming governor through the support of Tinubu.
A first-class graduate in accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Adedeji has been acknowledged as a technocrat in his field.
He was a former  Executive Secretary / chief executive officer, CEO,  the National Sugar Development Council, NSDC.
 His appointment takes immediate effect, the Presidency said in the statement.

PDP Scores Tinubu Low on Security, Economy

By
James Orji
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The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  has scored the federal government low on security.
According to the PDP BOT, the spate of insecurity has become worse since the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration came to power.
 has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress-led government over what it called the increasing spate of insecurity in some parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that the PDP is merely throwing tantrums following its defeat at the polls and in the court.
In a communique issued at the end of its 75th meeting on Thursday in Abuja,  Adolphus Wabara, the Trustee Chairman said the party is dissatisfied with the manner the ruling party has handled security and economy.
It warned of the spiral effects of what it described as the Mismanagement of the country by the APC.
It said the economic situation has led to serious despondency among Nigerians who are struggling to survive.
The communique read in part, “The BoT expresses serious concerns over the excruciating hardship, worsening insecurity, and a general sense of apprehension and despondency across the country occasioned by the hasty implementation of ill-planned policies of the overtly insensitive APC administration.
“The BoT is seriously worried over the continued fall in the value of the Naira arising from the ill-implemented policies of the APC with attendant devastating negative effect on the economy resulting in agonizing high costs and unbearable pressure on families.
“The BoT restates its rejection of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in upholding the declaration of the APC as the winner of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election, despite the evidence clearly pointing to the contrary.
“The BoT is also monitoring and studying the outcome of cases in various election courts with regards to their level of adherence and respect to the Rule of Law and evidence before such court.
“The BoT is resolved to take urgent steps to resist the current manifest desperation by the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“The BoT commends the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for following due process of the law in his quest to retrieve the Presidential Mandate freely given to him at the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
“The BoT laments that the APC is pushing Nigerians to the wall and worry that the level of poverty and anger in the polity over the suppressive rule of the APC is capable of snowballing into a serious crisis if not urgently addressed.”
Reacting to the issues raised by PDP BOT,  the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the opposition party has yet to recover from its defeat in the last election.
Meanwhile, keen watchers of the security situation in the country said the federal government needs to do more to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, who are already losing confidence in government’s ability to contain the menace.
For instance, they described  the recent decision of some state governments in the north to employ youths to tackle insecurity in their areas, as a signal that they no longer have confidence in the security agencies to keep their communities safe.

Jonathan Calls For More Involvement Of Youths In Governance

By
The Source
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Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has called on leaders at all levels to take actions that will deepen citizens’ trust and ensure more youth participation in governance.

The Former President stated this in a message to mark this year’s International Day of Democracy and stressed that for democracy to endure, the promises of freedom, peace and justice must be felt and experienced by the population.

Dr. Jonathan noted that democracy draws its strength from the people and flourishes when there is a great sense of ownership and inclusiveness of citizens in government.

He said: “This year’s theme — “Empowering the Next Generation”, is a call to action on governments across our nations and other stakeholders to accommodate more young people in governments and make more investments in the youth who are critical stakeholders in our democracy.”

Below is the complete Statement of the message :

“On behalf of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I send my warm greetings to you as we celebrate this year’s International Day of Democracy.

“Democracy has become a global culture of governance because of its inherent values and virtues of freedom, human rights, equity, justice and inclusiveness.

“Democracy is an important means towards achieving peace and national aspirations because it puts citizens at the centre of governance, entrusting them with the power to determine how their country is governed and who governs them.

“Participation of citizens in governance helps to build trust, ensure accountability, foster unity and promote good governance.

“Democracy draws its strength from the people. It flourishes when there is a great sense of ownership and inclusiveness of citizens in government.

“Democracy is experiencing a global decline. In Africa, it is challenged by shrinking civic space, weak institutions, election irregularities, poverty and unconstitutional change of government. We need to prioritise social security issues and access to justice and de-emphasise ethnic and divisive politics to ensure that democracy thrives.

“This year’s theme — “Empowering the Next Generation”, is a call to action on governments across our nations and other stakeholders to accommodate more young people in governments and make more investments in the youth who are critical stakeholders in our democracy.

“The promises of freedom, peace and justice must be felt and experienced by the population for democracy to endure.

“On this occasion of International Democracy Day 2023, I call on stakeholders at all levels to take actions that will build trust and faith and guarantee the hope of citizens in their country.

Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation
14 /9/2023

Imo: Uzodinma Reinstates Sacked Commissioner

By
The Source
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Price Ford Ozumba

By Charles Igbo

Price Ford Ozumba has been reinstated as the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

His reinstatement was made public in the evening of Thursday, September 14, 2023. It comes about two months to the Governorship election in the State. Governor Uzodinma is seeking a second term in office.

Ozumba was first appointed  Commissioner by Uzodinma  in December, 2021,  but removed from office by the Governor  March, 2023, in the wake of the botched State Congress of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC following a fracas which led to the destruction of properties and injuries, allegedly suffered by some delegates to the Congress.

In April 2022, he was a victim of what has been described as the politically induced insecurity in the State. Unknown gunmen invaded his country home in Umuhu-Okabia, Orsu Local Government Area, and razed it down. Mercifully, there was no casualty.

An accomplished Public Relations guru, Ozumba was, recently, elected a Member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR.

His reinstatement to his former office by the Governor is a befitting acknowledgement of his capacity, and the Governor’s magnanimity as a Leader.

Nollywood Actress, Cindy Amadi, Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Cindy Amadi

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s make-believe industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actress, Cindy Amadi.

The actress known for her role in the lesbian themed movie titled, “Ife”, was reportedly confirmed dead by Pamela Adie, producer of the movie, Ife, on his Instagram page on Thursday.

The statement reads, “We are greatly, deeply, and unbelievably saddened to learn about the passing of Cindy Amadi, who played Adaora in #ìféthemovie.

We cannot begin to imagine the pain and loss her family feel right now. On behalf of our entire cast and crew, we send our deepest condolences to her family and wish them all the comfort they need at this time.

“Rest in Peace, Cindy. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We will always remember you and you live on in our hearts forever.

Adie also confirmed the actress’ death on her Facebook story saying, “This wasn’t the plan, Cindy.

“I promised you we’d make the sequel and you were excited.

“ I’m sorry we couldn’t complete it in time. But we will complete it…for you. Rest in peace for now.”

The cause of her death  remained unknown at the time of  filing this report.

“Wike Is My Minister, Adviser, Admirer” – President Tinubu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, holds two positions in his Government.

Receiving a 62-man delegation from Rivers State who came to to visit him at the Presidential Villa, Thursday, the President told them that Wike, currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is not only his Minister, but his Adviser and admirer.

The 62-man delegation was made up of the State’s Stakeholders.

A statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuru Ngelale, after the President’s meeting with the delegation quoted the President to have told them: “The Honourable  Minister, Wike, is not just the Minister of FCT, he is also my adviser and an admirer of mine. He has hit the ground running, and he should be encouraged by the State.

Tinubu also urged patience for the Government from the younger generation of Nigerians. He said: “I am the Captain and Chief Salesman of the country. We have to reverse the trend and achieve possibilities within a short period of time. Our people have high expectations for us. I pledge to work hard, and I pray to God to put me on the right path not to disappoint Nigerians.”

Earlier, the delegation had asked the President to help with the infrastructural development of the State, and, particularly, pointed out the Elementary junction-Onne axis of the East-West road linking the Porthacourt Refinery.

Wike, PDP, worked against his Party in the February 25, 2023, Presidential Election. He worked for the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, now President Tinubu. He was rewarded with the position of the FCT Minister.

He still claims to be a member of the PDP.

For Querying Governor Abiodun Over LGA Funds, Suspended Ijebu East LG Chairman Is Impeached

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Wale Adedayo and Dapo Abiodun

By Akinwale Kasali

Hon. Wale Adedayo, suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State has been impeached by Councillors of the LG over allegations of financial misappropriation and diversion of Council funds, among other allegations made against him.

The Leader of the Legislative Council of the Local Government, Hon Fasheyi Akindele, disclosed that Adedayo has been impractical.

He said the embattled Council Boss was suspended after he owned up to allegations levelled against him.

In a statement by Akindele, he said, “The Councillors of Ijebu East Local Government of Ogun State earlier today impeached the suspended Chairman of the local government, Hon. Wale Adedayo, over allegations of financial misappropriation and diversion of council funds, among other allegations made against him.

“In a Statement after series of invitations by the House, which were ignored in the past, Adedayo eventually appeared before the legislative council today as the Councillors continued their probe of the chairman.

“The suspended Chairman owned up before the full house of 11 councillors that he diverted Federal allocations sent to the Council by the State Government and used them for purposes other than what the State Government approved.

“Adedayo also agreed that he spent the Council funds till August 2023, even when the budget was yet to be approved, whereas the laws only allow him to spend till March 2023.

“Adedayo also opened up that he used N5.2 million to produce 20 pieces of chairs and tables instead of the 290 chairs that the money was meant for as approved by the state government.

“On the issue of illegal levies and strikers to commercial transport operators in the Local Government, Adedayo said he thought the House had passed the Bill to that effect, but the Leader of the House reminded him that a bill if passed by the House, would have been jointly signed by the Leader of the House and the Council Chairman.

“That the chairman has run foul of the laws of the land, specifically the Ogun State Local Government Laws 2006 and committed serious impeachable offences was therefore established.

After about three hours of deliberation, the impeachment of the Chairman was put to vote. Five councillors voted for his impeachment, four voted against, with one abstention

“Therefore, the Leader of the House pronounced Mr. Wale Adedayo impeached as the Chairman of Ijebu East LG.”

It was gathered that Adedayo had earlier in the morning appeared before the Legislators of the Local Government to defend the allegation of financial misappropriation and maladministration levelled against him

Our Correspondent gathered Adedayo who arrived at the Local Government Secretariat in the company of his two aides at about 7:47am was called in to appear before the councillors around 10:22am and came out around 12:02pm

The Councillors were said to have been brought into the Local Government in a white Coaster civilian bus with Reg Num OGUN AH 782 DED guarded by the police in a white Toyota Hilux patrol van.

At least about 40 security officers drawn from the police, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were said to have been on the ground to maintain law and order.

Adedayo, while speaking on his appearance before the Councillors, said he was not fighting any personal cause with the Government in power in the state, but fighting for the good people of the Local Government.

Adedayo said, “I was at Ogbere this morning to honour the invitation of the Legislative Council. I did not go in with any documents. I referred them to all files in the office to guide them in the investigation.

“I’m aware they were being sponsored from Abeokuta, but they denied it. The bus that brought them into the Council Secretariat is from Abeokuta, it belongs to the State Government. I don’t have any issue with that.

“I told them to be thorough in their investigation because posterity will judge each and every one of us. I am not fighting for myself. I am doing this in the interest of Ijebu East Local Government.”

“Meanwhile, I got information now that after I left the place, the Leader of the House pushed a motion for impeachment. Five of the Councillors along with the Leader supported the motion.

“I told them this morning they were acting a script written by those in Abeokuta. All the documents about the allegations against me are in the office. But I know Mr. Governor is offended that we opened up to the public about how the Federal Allocation belonging to Ijebu East Local Government was being spent.

“I have done my duty as an Afenifere by letting our Leader know why we have not been able to do much since we got into office. The rest is for the court to decide.”

Trouble started for the embattled Chairman when he alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun was heavily tampering with the Local Government allocation from the Federal Government. Since then, he has remained embattled.

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