Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured Expartriates resident in the State of adequate protection.
Governor Akeredolu said he was happy at the news of the release of the expatriate with the Craneburg Construction Company who was abducted at a construction site in Owo.
Some unknown gunmen had stormed the construction site at Owo last month with explosives during which some of the workers were wounded.
The incident had caused panic in the ancient town, which residents are just recovering from a similar incident which happened at a Catholic church during which 40 persons lost their life.
Governor Akeredolu described the safe return of the expatriate as delightful.
“I am particularly happy that the abducted personnel with Craneburg construction company has regained freedom. We can only imagine his ordeal in the hands of his abductors.
“We also rejoice with other officials of this construction company who had been under tremendous emotional stress as they hoped for the safe return of their colleague.
“For us as government, we appreciate the work Craneburg is doing in Ondo State. We have given them our assurance to beef up security at the construction sites henceforth.
“Since we assumed office, the Craneburg Construction Company has handled and delivered a number of our projects including the Ore flyover, just as they also handle projects in other states in the country.
“There was never a time when they bothered about the issue of security. They had lived peacefully with our people for over five years.
“We understand the sad reality of insecurity across the country. In the sunshine state, we are prepared to double our efforts and tackle this menace with vigour.”
Governor Akeredolu appreciated all security agencies in the state for the relentless efforts and steps taken to ensure that the victim return unharmed.
A serving Senator and a two-time former Governor of Enugu State, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, has condemned Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her reported continuous castigation of the Igbo in Lagos.
On a couple of times, the Senator, who is married to the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has been quoted as running down the Igbo, especially those who live in Lagos where she was the First Lady.
In a long post on his twitter handle where he heaped encomiun on the APC Presidential candidate over his achievements as Lagos State Governor, Nnamani, who is also a Medical Doctor, and popular as Ebeano, while condemning Mrs Tinubu, told her that the Igbo owed nobody any apology for their industry.
Nnamani: “I, also, condemn the castigation of Igbo by my highly distinguished colleague, HE Oluremi Tinubu, done under whatever circumstances. The Igbo can not apologize for exploring the limits of achieving the Trinity of her character – Igbambo(hustle), Njepu ( travel) and Ako na Uche (cot of reason).”
He continued: “The accomplishments (Ntoozu) and summation of the parts is irrevocable. The celebration of the Trinity and crescendo, ODENIGBO, draws jealousy and hostility from those who claim to own Lagos. Guess what, the Igbo is not going anyway. Rather in the spirit of their fathers and fore fathers more are pouring into Lagos every day.”
Nnamani, also, advised Asiwaju Tinubu, the APC Presidential candidate to improve on his relationship with people, especially, the Igbo.
His words: “H.E. Bola Tinubu needs to work on improving relationships with many others especially my people the Igbo. He needs to lead by advocacy, example, practice and open mindedness in assuaging the feeling and ongoing hostility to the Igbo in Lagos.”
Recall that while going round the country to meet delegates to vote for him as the Presidential candidate of the APC at the Party’s Presidential Primary, Tinubu ignored the South-east. He never visited the zone to canvas for votes from delegates.
A former Governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, has condemned, in very strong words, those who are in the habit of mocking the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over his alleged health challenges.
Tinubu’s health status has come under serious scrutiny with many Nigerians, declaring him unfit, health-wise to aspire to the office of the President of Nigeria. Some say he is suffering from dementia, while others say he has the parkinson disease.
The latest mockery came from members of the Pyrates Confraternity, who in a street parade, mocked Tinubu and asked how, with the state of his health, he still wants to be the President of Nigeria.
Their action earned them a rebuke and disclaimer by the founder of the Confraternity, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Nnamani, an accomplished Medical Doctor, now a Senator, who was a Governor-colleague of Tinubu, while condemning Tinubu’s ridicule over his health, in a post on his Twitter handle said:
“I vigorously oppose, protest, and detest the shameless campaigns and parody targeting Tinubu’s health. As a Health worker, I am amazed by the ignorance, foolishness, wickedness and callousness of these idiotic operators. I believe they are unwarranted, extremely unprofessional, and have no place in our polity.
“As the GenZ grow and Nigeria merges with the new world, they will cry at the foibles of their progenitors. Get it folks, life is turn by turn limited (apology Uncle Bode). These actions which bleed my heart personally are of public records.
“History and The Almighty will be very harsh to these bad political comedians. Since we all desire a better Nigeria, our politics should be grounded in facts and reliable evidence. This is the only way we can advance this nation.”
On Tinubu’s capability to steer the ship of State if he wins in 2023, Nnamani cited examples of American Presidents who, even though they suffered ailments, were strong and successful Presidents.
He said: “Tinubu is qualified to run for President of Nigeria in 2023 as there is no evidence that he has dementia.”
The accolades for Tinubu notwithstanding, Nnamani, a PDP Senator will not vote for him in 2023. On that, he said:
“My vote is covered by the Umbrella per my Party PDP and our Candidate, HE Atiku Abubakar.”
He nevertheless saluted Tinubu and wished him a quick and full recovery from his alleged ailment.
“I take a bow for the hardest working Politico of this generation. He patiently paid his dues. I pray he recovers from his alleged ailments as many humans do.”
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has thrown his weight behind the call by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the campaign, whenever it starts, to be based on issues and not personality.
Obi was reacting to the call by Tinubu, through his campaign organization, for the candidates and their supporters to base their electioneering on issues that would, in their words, “advance the growth, progress and stability of Nigeria”.
A statement signed by Obi’s Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, said the statement by APC advising candidates to “desist from spreading lies, malice and denigrating other candidates,” exactly mirrored what Obi had propagated over the years.
He said if supporters were mindful of this, some articles published in some newspapers against Obi would not have been published, including those with offensive titles.
On the alleged fake Letter from the President of Ghana and the alleged request of 50 Billion Naira monthly payment, Obienyem said that while Obi was not bothered about their authenticity, it was wickedness to link them to his supporters, insisting that any publication from Obi’s group was always properly signed and the place it was coming from very clearly spelt out.
Obienyem also described as the height of mischief, the attempt to link his campaign to IPOB. In his words: “We know that things are not well in Nigeria. We know of the agitations in different parts of the country, our principal has always said what he would do with such organizations to stop their agitation and bring then back to Nigeria as one happy family.
Rather than others say what they will do, they are here creating more problems by trying vainly and wickedly to link their follow contestants to some of those organisations.”
He expressed happiness that Nigerians knew the truth and that such gimmicks used to deceive them would no longer work.
Concluding, Obienyem said that right from Obi’s position as the Governor, he was not known for the habit of attacking people or building lies against others. Obienyem said Obi’s disposition was contrary to those of some of his opponents, whom, he said, actually originated most of those fake news, published them under false names and turned round to ascribe them to Obi or his supporters.
Hafiz Oyetoro, Nollywood Actor, popularly known as Saka, had a close shave with death as armed robbers stormed his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
The daredevil robbers were said to have raided the home of the Actor threatening to kill him if he refuses to part with a huge sum of N20 Million.
Kehinde Soaga, a friend to the veteran actor disclosed that his home was invaded by the robbers around 2.00am in a statement.
The statement released by Soaga read thus: “The men broke into his home at about 2am, heavily Armed with Pump action guns, machetes, and demobilised his guards.
“Three other houses on the street were robbed with more devastating effect. They broke the Burglary proof and went straight to him demanding N20 million or his life, threatening to kill him.”
Saka was said to have told the robbers that he didn’t have such huge amount, prompting the robbers to reduce it to N3 Million, which he still was unable to meet up with.
This led to his being tortured, manhandled and dehumanized by the robbers, who took
all his phones, laptops, all available cash in the home and ATM Cards.
“These men came with POS to empty money in Accounts.
“We thank almighty GOD for his life as he is doing fine now,” the statement further read.
The thespian who is also an academic lectures at the Department of Theatre of Art at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos State.
He is also fondly remembered by his fans for playing the main character in a 2013 MTN advert where he famously said, “I don port o.”
The nation’s Movie Industry, Nollywood, has been hit with another tragedy. 24 hours after the demise of Biyi Bandele, another of the Make-believe Industry’s Filmmaker, Otu Njama, has also died.
Njama bid the world farewell few hours after paying a condolence visit to the family of Bandele who died on Monday.
Njama, who was in his Thirties died on Tuesday night, according to his sister,Judith.
The Filmmaker was found dead in his home at First Unity Estate in Badore, Ajah, Lagos State at about 9pm. Cause of his death was still undisclosed as at press time.
It was gathered that the late Njama met his doctor and was told to rest because his blood pressure was about 200.
The film maker, who was scheduled to attend a show on August 11, 2022, visited his Bar and Lounge located in the area. After seeing his staff and having a meal, Njama retired to his home and asked that no one should disturb him.
Judith was alleged to have said that the drugs for blood pressure control were found in his apartment.
Judith had lamented that the late Njama never told her about his health challenges.
Bandele was known for his role in the directing ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and co-directing ‘Blood Sisters’.
His death was announced in a statement posted on his Facebook page by his daughter, Temi Bandele, on Monday.
The statement read: “As Biyi’s Daughter, I am heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death on Sunday 7th of August in Lagos of my father Biyi Bandele.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father. He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen.
“He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.
“He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.We wish everyone to please respect the privacy of hs family and friends as we grieve his loss.”
Ondo State Government has clarified that one Idris Ojo that escaped during Kuje Prison attack I not among suspects being held in connection with the Cathic Church attack in Owo on June 5.
Government statement in Akure on Wednesday explained that the Owo Church attack preceded the Kuje Prison incident.
The statement reads: ‘The attention of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, has been drawn to the announcement of Idris Ojo as one of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, arrested by the security agencies.
“Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the confusion the statement has created in the public space, considering that the ugly event of June 5 attack in Owo preceded the unfortunate incident on Kuje prison.
“The Governor said there was a mix up in the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
“Governor Akeredolu explained that Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.
“The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
“Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.
“His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.
“He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up.”
Governor Akeredolu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and give necessary supports to the security agencies in the State.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has said recent visit by Minister of state for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye to the Minister of works, Mr Babatunde Fashola on the deplorable condition of Ado/Akure road may likely yeild any result.
Governor Fayemi, in a statement explained various efforts by Ondo and Ekiti State governments to get the road fixed but frustrated by the federal government.
He blamed the federal government for the continued deplorable condition and delayed dualization of the road project, saying the Federal Government had refused to cede the project to Ekiti and Ondo States.
The Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, who assumed duty less than a month ago, had told the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Fashola, during a visit to him in Abuja that people of both states have been putting pressure on him about the road.
During the visit, Adegoroye urged Fashola to expedite action on the commencement of the dualization project.
Fayemi, while explaining his efforts on the project, said, “I have spent the last three years on the subject of this road. I finally got them to award the dualization in November 2019 at the cost of N30b. To date, the contractor has only received N2b.
“I then got money from the AfDB for the road through Adesina, and the federal government refused to cede the road to Ondo and Ekiti States and threatened us there will be no refund if we went ahead and tampered with their road.”
“In the end, we transferred the money to them and even helped them follow up with AfDB.
“Up till now, they can’t access the money because they have refused to follow AfDB procurement standards. After that, got them to put in Sukuk money, but the contractor has not been able to access this.
“We are now pursuing NNPC to include the road in their new tax credit roads they are funding, but we are still on it.
“There’s no month Fashola and I do not speak about this road for the past three years. It has even caused friction between the two of us. If we had been given clearance to do the road and toll it, we offered to do that, but the federal government refused.
“I wish Demola luck on his new venture. Senator Alasoadura did the same and even cried at FEC on account of the road. Maybe he will succeed where we have not.”
I, also, condemn the castigation of Igbo by my highly distinguished colleague, HE Oluremi Tinubu, done under whatever circumstances. The Igbo cannot apologise for exploring the limits of achieving the Trinity of her character
Bola Tinubu, the 12th Governor of Lagos State, was a co-Governor with me (1999–2007). As colleagues we worked together in pioneering the first meetings of Conferences of Southern Governors which we interchanged hosting the first and second and visited Enugu for the meetings.
That meeting brought to the front burner issues of Federalism both Physical and Fiscal. I still remember the educative contributions of Gov. Bisi Akande.I must confess of occasional envy as we interchanged ideas and implemented reform decisions.
He had more resources and quickly implemented the full requirements of ACCESS to Justice reform project. Making the Lagos State Criminal Justice System, one of the best in Africa.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Judges stopped writing physical notes. More advanced vehicles were provided and participation in Conferences guaranteed. Our two Attorneys General worked closely. Mrs Gloria Egbuji steered us through Access to Justice Program, the now famous Dr Joe Abah assisted and supervised under the direction of DFID.
I recall a National Competition on Reform advances amongst States covering Governance, Transparencies, Budgeting and Ease of doing business supervised by the Economic Adviser to the President ( a guy from Benue State), DFID and other development partners also participated. Enugu emerged tops, followed closely by either Lagos State or the FCT. Enugu also established the first Poverty Reduction Study, Review, Guidelines and Implementation before the Federal Government or indeed any other State, verified by Dr Joe Abah, former DFID staff in Enugu.
Enugu tried considering our Financial dilemma. The Justice system also paid close attention to Women and Children welfare. Both governments pioneered Development Centers.
For obvious political reasons he was denied due Federal allocations for years. He kept ploughing on! His Justice sector also provided jobs to many spouses of non Lagosians working and residing in Lagos.
I had cause to engage with him on jobs for Enugu spouses. In the Education Sector he introduced Tutor General and raised the bar for earning by teachers. In Enugu we approved that Primary School Teachers could rise to level 16. We also approved elevation for those who obtained graduate qualifications. I also admired his pupil Governor for a day. Somehow I never got to it.
Tinubu also directly intervened in Enugu spouses who had issues as teachers.
In the Health Sector, I faintly recall a Soyinka heading his HIV program and later becoming Health Commissioner!
As a doctor I kept tab on his strides in my professional area. With a modern Disease Surveillance system and Emergency Medicine program in place. He put in programs cordinating health and Justice for abused women and children. Tinubu had first class social work response program. His reform advocacy was second to Enugu State.
I had the advantage of background but gravely limited by resources. He left a lasting legacy of hard work in Lagos State in infrastructure (roads and housing).
When Bola Ahmed Tinubu was governor, Lagos state’s IGR rose from 600 million Naira per month to over eight billion Naira per month. He had an impressive track record as a governor; his state contributed more than 30% to our country’s GDP, accounted for more than 65% of industrial investment in Nigeria, 80% of its international trade, and collected more than 60% of the country’s value-added tax.
In the area of Human capacity, his mentorship was first class and his mentees have spread out and like little acorns many have become giant oak trees in Nigeria’s political firmaments. Just like in Enugu we appointed non- Enugu people ( avoiding the meaningless and retrogressive anathema “non indigene “) I recall my brother, Ben Akabueze, being a repository of the financial and economic secrets of “Yoruba” Tinubu Lagos State Government. Fashola, Osinbajo, Aregbosola, Fayemi, etc. All first class with A-game always.
I vigorously oppose, protest and detest the shameless campaigns and parody targeting Tinubu’s health. As a Health worker, I am amazed by the ignorance, foolishness, wickedness and callousness of these idiotic operators. I believe they are unwarranted, extremely unprofessional, and have no place in our polity.
As the GenZ grow and Nigeria merges with the new world, they will cry at the foibles of their progenitors. Get it folks, life is turn by turn limited (apology Uncle Bode). These actions which bleed my heart personally are of public records.
History and The Almighty will be very harsh to these bad political comedians. Since we all desire a better Nigeria, our politics should be grounded in facts and reliable evidence. This is the only way we can advance this nation. Ahmed Bola Tinubu is the MOST successful Governor in modern Nigeria bar none. Result of combination of may truisms some beyond him.
Permit me to mention some past presidents who stood out for being able to contribute to the growth and greatness of their countries despite health issues. The first person on my lineup is:-
John F. Kennedy (JFK). JFK actually experienced almost daily discomfort, He had digestive issues, allergies, and a persistent back condition that necessitated several operations and was made worse by his participation in World War II.
He had medical sequelae of hypoadrenalism, anemia, low blood pressure, etc essentially later determined to be Addison’s disease.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) the longest serving President of the United States of America served his term as President on a wheelchair. This was as a result of polio diagnosis when he was 39yrs old in 1921. Despite his health, Roosevelt guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II, two of the biggest crises of the 20th century.
He significantly increased the Federal Government’s authority through a number of initiatives and reforms known as the New Deal. He was also a key figure in the successful campaign to eradicate Japanese militarism and German National Socialism.
Woodrow Wilson after World War I, Woodrow Wilson founded the League of Nations (1914–18). He oversaw the passage of laws outlawing child labor and the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Wilson’s mouth was sagging on one end in 1919, a sign of a partial stroke, according to a doctor, by October 1919, he was partially paralyzed.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, elected in 1952, American remembered his era as the “happy days” one which they enjoyed nothing but a booming economy. It is important to note that he was already suffering from abdominal adhesions resulting from a 1923 appendectomy and in 1956 during his second term He was diagnosed for having Crohn’s disease, a severe digestive condition that called for surgery.
Eisenhower has a stroke shortly after that in 1957. Americans were able to enjoy a booming economy regardless of his health. Ronald Reagan Even though there isn’t much proof that the 40th president had Alzheimer’s while he served as commander in chief, suspicions of dementia followed Reagan during his first presidential campaign, where the 69-year-age old’s attracted a lot of attention as he was the oldest incoming president.
Regardless, being referred to as “the great communicator” By negotiating effectively with Congress, Reagan was able to pass legislation that boosted employment, reduced inflation, and strengthened the nation’s defense.
H.E. Bola Tinubu needs to work on improving relationships with many others especially my people the Igbo. He needs to lead by advocacy, example, practice and open mindedness in assuaging the feeling and ongoing hostility to the Igbo in Lagos.
I also condemn the castigation of Igbo by my highly distinguished colleague, HE Oluremi Tinubu, done under whatever circumstances. The Igbo can not apologize for exploring the limits of achieving the Trinity of her character. Igbambo (hustle) Njepu( Travel) and Ako na Uche( cot of reason).
The accomplishments (Ntoozu) and summation of the parts is irrevocable. The celebration of the Trinity and crescendo, ODENIGBO draws jealousy and hostility from those who claim to own Lagos. Guess what, the Igbo is not going anyway. Rather in the spirit of their fathers and fore fathers more are pouring into Lagos every day.
Tinubu is qualified to run for President of Nigeria in 2023 as there is no evidence that he has dementia.
While my vote is covered by the Umbrella per my Party PDP and our Candidate, HE Atiku Abubakar. I take a bow for the hardest working Politico of this generation. He patiently paid his dues. I pray he recovers from his alleged ailments as many humans do.
May God and posterity visit Ahmed Bola Tinubu with Mercy, Peace and kindness.
Nnamani(Ebeano) a, Former Executive Governor of Enugu State, now Senator, wrote this on 10th August, 2022
Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that any attempt to jettission power rotation in the country’s political arrangement may spell doom.
The Governor also condemned incursion of religion into the political arena of the country, adding that it portends danger for the polity ahead of the 2023 general election.
Governor Akeredolu, while delivering a lecture in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Wednesday, stressed that the solution to the challenges faced in the country will not be found in the faiths of individuals, noting that a person’s religious persuasion is based on personal conviction.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, said in a statement that the Governor spoke at the first year Memorial Lecture and Celebration of Life of Professor Bankole Olusiji Oke, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, (UI).
The title of the Lecture is “Nigeria: The Politics Of Religion In A Transitional Society.”
While pointing out that the public space must remain secular, the Governor noted that the current agitations for a faith-based political representation are anchored on certain misapprehension of the requirements for leadership in a multi-ethnic state such as Nigeria.
Mr Akeredolu, had earlier stoutly rose in support of Muslim Muslim ticket of presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Bola Tinubu.
He pointed out that incursion of religious agitation is driven by mischief to set the people against themselves to attain political power, adding that any religious leader who ignores knowledge and competence as necessary criteria for measuring leadership capacity is an apostate.
The Governor, who warned that the earlier the people stop the dangerous and divisive faith-based campaign the better for country, added that any war fought to establish the supremacy of a faith over others can only end in tears.
“The manipulative skills of politicians as being currently put to use will aggravate an already bad situation.”
Governor Akeredolu explained that the clamour for the restructuring of the polity and agitation for power shift must gain prominence over the debate on representation based on religion.
“The military handed over power, eventually, in 1999 and there has been civil rule since that time.
“Nigerians celebrate the fact that the democratic experience remains unbroken ever since. There appears to be an understanding that power must rotate between the North and the South.
“This understanding witnessed the contest of two candidates from the Southwest for the Presidency. It was part of the unwritten agreement that the power equation must be balanced to allay the fear of domination harboured by the people of the South.
“There is a conscious attempt not to disrupt the extant agreement. There has been a seamless transition from one civilian regime to another since 1999, the longest in the political history of the country.
“The current political permutations raise strong suspicions about an undeclared motive to thwart the arrangement that has been working for the country.
“The rotation of the office of the President has always been between the North and the South since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
“The attempt to disrupt the process of democratic transition using all manner of subterfuge heralds forebodings of unpleasant consequences.
“But beyond the agitation for power shift is the quest for economic independence of the states under the current political arrangement.
“The clamour for the restructuring of the polity should gain currency more than the unprofitable noises made for representation based on religion.
“Those who overheat the polity for personal aggrandizement should lend their voices to the issue of resource generation and control by the federating units.
“As the country prepares for another transition in 2023, it is only reasonable to expect that the arrangement, which has engendered peace for almost two decades, subsists for the benefit of all.
“Any attempt to change this design to assuage personal ambition can only worsen the already bad situation.
“Our people must reject any overweening cravings which may impact negatively on the polity. The current noises made on the need to have people occupy offices on the basis of religion is not only dangerous, but, annoyingly, does not portray politicians as those who are interested in public good.
“Religion has always been a weapon of manipulation in a transitional society. Religious leaders rely on the gullibility of their followers to participate, actively, in politics, while presenting a façade of spirituality. A country in the process of evolution cannot afford to be distracted by the business of religion.
“Granted that it is expected of political gladiators to magnify even the most irrelevant of issues to score cheap political points, it is profitable for the leaders of thought, especially religious leaders, to act decently.
“The contestation for a political office and fight for relevance must not be used as an excuse to mislead the people.
“Most reasonable people will question the economic logic which propels a country, purportedly practicing Federalism, to run a monolithic economy.
“Let all those who agitate for representation do so on the basis of economic participation first. This should be the fundamental consideration.
“The warped mentality which predisposes the elites, both the clergy and political, to always indulge in permutation on the expectation of largesse sharing is deplorable.”
On controversy trailing the choice of the presidential candidate of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, to pick Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shettima, another Muslim, as his Vice-Presidential candidate, Akeredolu said it is most regrettable.
“This choice has generated needless controversies. Those who spearhead this apparent mischief either ignore or are oblivious of the fact that the position of the Vice President, as provided in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is innocuous. The occupier of that office can only act as directed by the President who wields the real executive power.
“It appears that these protests are symptomatic of the level of distrust among the members of the political class who will do anything to grab power.
“The brazen incursion of religion into the political arena portends danger for the polity. Quality representation had absolutely nothing to do with the belief of a political office holder.
“The leadership of the two popular religions, Christianity and Islam, must avoid making inflammatory statements capable of causing chaos in the polity.
“This is the time all patriotic citizens must speak with one voice on the need for economic emancipation of the regions. We must begin to seek ways to remove the odious shackles of dependence which has almost run the whole country aground.
“We should all condemn and seek to end a system which promotes indolence. We must encourage all parts of the country to contribute to the economic development. We should all tap into our respective areas of comparative advantage as it was in the First Republic.
“And, consequently, we cannot afford to make the mistake of electing our leaders on mendacious and sentimental premises.
“Just as no reasonable person will choose to be driven by a driver on account of ethnicity and religion, only the competent aspirants with manifest capacity should be considered.
“A heterogenous society must have its affairs controlled by knowledgeable leaders with proven records of public service.
“Motivational speeches and copious quotes from the Holy writs can only inspire. The job of the President of a country in distress requires capacity, forthrightness and courage.”
