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NIMASA Seeks Amendments To Enhance Seafarers Welfare

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Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA is reviewing 16 proposals for amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, MLC, 2006, which is often referred to as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights”.

This much was made public at a three-day Tripartite Technical session which brought together key stakeholders from government, employers, unions, and international maritime partners to review Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to improving maritime labour standards and the welfare of seafarers.

The Agency’s Director General Dr Dayo Mobereola whose speech was delivered by the Agency’s Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services of NIMASA, M Jibril Abba stated that the proposals under consideration aim to align Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework with best international practices, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability. He also expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between the various sectors involved in this process.

“Through this synergy, we can achieve progressive amendments that will enhance seafarers’ welfare, create a fair business environment, and elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation. This tripartite session is not just about policy amendments; it is about fostering a collective commitment to the sustainability of the maritime sector and the protection of seafarers’ rights”, Jibril said.

He underscored the importance of the sessions, and stated that the sessions are expected to focus on a wide range of issues, including the impact of new technologies, environmental considerations, and the evolving needs of seafarers, with a shared goal of improving working conditions while fostering industry growth.

While acknowledging the continued dedication, support and expertise of the International Labour Organisation, the various union representatives and other stakeholders, he noted that their contributions are seen as critical in shaping a future where the Nigerian maritime industry remains competitive, resilient, and equitable for all. “We look forward to the outcomes of this session and are confident that our collective discussions will further strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring decent work for all seafarers,” he concluded.

Addressing the participants was the Nigerian ILO Attache (Labour Services), Mr. Essah Aniefiok, who stated that in order to achieve the tasks ahead, there is the need for cooperation among all the stakeholders in the sector.

On his part, the Regional Advisor and ILO expert on MLC 2006, Dr. Amos Kuje disclosed that Nigeria is a focal point in Africa, which the ILO recognizes. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to maintain the lead, particularly now that the country is vying for the Category C seat at the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections. He is of the opinion that Nigeria has all it takes to win the elections, hence all stakeholders must work together to ensure that the seafarers welfare is guaranteed. “The practice must align with the theory”, Kuje said.

The MLC, 2006, provides a comprehensive international framework to ensure decent working conditions for seafarers while promoting fair competition within the maritime industry. However, as global maritime dynamics evolve; driven by automation, climate change, and economic shifts, the Agency emphasized the importance of adapting this vital legislation to address emerging challenges.

Ondo: Rufus Giwa’s Polytechnic Student Murdered

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Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Student - Oluwaseun

By Ayodele Oni

While still trying to settle down and adjust to student’s life, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), identified as Oluwaseun, has been hacked to death by unknown persons.

The incident occurred at Opomulero Street in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to sources, Oluwaseun was a fresh student of the Department of Mass Communication and had only spent about a month on campus. He was also a course representative and a talented musician.

A fellow student, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, saying “He was a fresher who had spent just three to four weeks on campus.

“In fact, he was a course representative. It is sad that we lost him. Unfortunately, he was macheted.”

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Samuel Ojo, confirmed the incident, describing it as “unfortunate.”

“The polytechnic community is still reeling from the shock of the incident, and details are expected to emerge soon.”

Ondo Finance Commissioner Alleges Libel By Former First Lady, Threatens Legal Action

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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, Commissioner for Finance, Ondo State

By Adesina Soyooye

Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, Commissioner for Finance, Ondo State, has threatened to drag Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, to Court. Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the immediate past First Lady of the State.

Mrs Omowunmi’s action stems from an interview Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu granted recently to an online publication where she lamented that had her husband, late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, listened to her, she wouldn’t be a widow now. Apparently,  while she believed in orthodox medicine for the cure of the prostrate cancer which killed her husband, being a breast cancer survivor herself, her husband had so much faith in prayers by Clerics.

But that was not the area that angered Omowunmi. She said her grouse is with the bit where the former First Lady, allegedly, directly cast aspersions at her while responding to a question. In her response, Omowunmi said Anyanwu-Akeredolu literally called her corrupt while stating why her husband, the former Governor, sacked her, Omowunmi, from his Cabinet.

Repeating the former First Lady’s words, Omowunmi said she has been libelled and slandered and her reputation impinged upon.

In a letter to Anyanwu-Akeredolu written by her Lawyer, Olugbenga Adeyemi, the Finance Commissioner gave the former First Lady a seven-day ultimatum to retract her statements in the interview, or face legal action.

Following is the full text of Omowunmi’s grouse and her letter as written and forwarded to Mrs Anyanwu- Akeredolu by her Lawyer, wherein she also asked for an apology.

RE: YOUR DEFAMATORY, SLANDEROUS AND LIBELOUS INTERVIEW TITLED “I WOULDN’T BE A WIDOW IF AKETI HAD LISTENED TO ME”

We act as Solicitors to Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, the current Commissioner of Finance, Ondo State (hereinafter simply referred to as “our Client”) on whose behalf and at whose behest we write you in respect of and concerning the interview you granted an online news outlet, Starnews on February 13, 2025 which interview can be accessed vide its website, www.starnews.com.ng https://www.starnews.com.ng/i-wouldnt-be-a-widow-if-aketi-had-listened-to-me-betty-akeredolu-talks-tough/@

That defamatory, slanderous and libelous interview is titled: “I wouldn’t be a widow if Aketi had listened to me” It was anchored on behalf of the Starnews by one Olumide Akinrinola.

In the middle of the interview, the following question was posed:

“Ondo State Politics:

Regarding Ondo State politics, some people have said (not our opinion), that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is not in charge of governance and that his Finance Commissioner has taken over. What’s your reaction to this?”

And, you falsely, wickedly, slanderously, libelously, mischievously, callously, incorrectly and deliberately answered concerning our Client thus:

“No comments. However, it’s worth noting that this same Commissioner was sacked from her position during Aketi’s first administration for financial malfeasance. You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back. We are watching”.

Your malicious interview has been shared and disseminated by other online and print news media like Punch Newspapers, Tribune Online, Daily Post Nigeria, Vanguard News, The Cable, PM News Nigeria, Platform Times, Sahara Reporters and Pulse Nigeria.

Although, your said comment concerning our Client has neither any verifiable nor truthful substratum, the fact remains that its primary object was/is to embarrass, humiliate, ridicule, slander, libel, defame, harass and intimidate our Client, her family and the Government she represents and subject them to public ridicule and opprobrium of monumental dimension. Needless to say that you ended up achieving this illegal and ungodly objective.

By alleging that our Client was “sacked from her position during Aketi’s first administration for financial malfeasance” without any reason or basis, you have no doubt, assaulted and damaged her credibility as a Politician, high ranking Public Officer and the custodian of the treasury/funds of Ondo State, Ondo state Commissioner for Finance. To accuse a woman of our Client’s standing, pedigree, status, background and achievement in such a reckless manner is a most unkind cut. It is also a wild mischief. By your said erroneous pronouncements and comments, you have portrayed our Client as a woman lacking in integrity, greedy, a person incapable of holding public office, a person who possess the potential to steal from the public, an unworthy and unreliable fellow, a person who can or could convert public funds to her personal use, a woman who will always betray public trust reposed in her and an unkind fellow.

Not done yet in your destructive mission, you went ahead to falsely accuse our Client as follows:

“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back. We are watching”

Clearly, what your said interview and hatchet job clearly set out to achieve was/is to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of our Client and completely flatten her currency. You have presented her to the world as a woman employed by the Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to steal on his behalf and for herself, a common criminal who indulges in high-scale and/or massive fraud, a woman who is ever ready to steal from the public purse and further impoverish the Ondo State people.

Considering the magnitude of the deliberate and alarming falsehood concocted and contained in your said interview, it is apt and expedient to state in clear terms that:

  1. Our Client was never sacked by the Government of His Excellency, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu but was reassigned or redeployed in December 1, 2019 from her position as Director-General of the Ondo state Bureau for Public Procurement to Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning. For the avoidance of doubt, the full text of Governor Akeredolu’s redeployment letter is here in below published:

“As part of the efforts to further strengthen his administration for optimum performance, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has approved the appointment of Mr. Tolu Fadahunsi as the Director-General of the Ondo State Bureau for Public Procurement. Mr. Fadahunsi is to take over from Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, who has been reassigned as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning. Both appointments shall take effect from December 1, 2019. The Governor congratulates the new appointees and wishes them success in their respective assignments”

  1. Our Client served with truthfulness, faithfuiness, honesty and integrity before and during the tenure of the late Governor Akeredolu.
  2. Contrary to your insinuation, our Client is a prudent manager of public funds and economy.

It will amount to a gross understatement to say that your slanderous, libelous and outrageous interview under reference has thoroughly embarrassed our Client and her immediate and political families. It has also greatly damaged our Client’s credibility both within and outside Nigeria. No wonder she has been inundated with calls, e-mails, letters from friends, associates, colleagues etc in Nigeria and beyond, asking her to confirm or deny your wild, wide and most wicked allegations. Some Nigerians and netizens have also reacted to the online news by condemning the alleged dishonesty and irresponsibility of our Client.

Arising from the foregoing, we have our Client’s instruction to demand from you as follows:

  1. A retraction of your said malicious, slanderous and libelous interview within 7 days of your receipt of this letter, which retraction should be published in the self-same www.starnews.com.ng @ https://www.starnews.com.ng/i-wouldnt-be-a-widow-if-aketi-had-listened-to-me-betty-akeredolu-talks-tough/and disseminated to other online news outlets in Nigeria and all over the world which earlier carried and published the interview.
  2. Tendering and publishing an unreserved apology in the same way and manner as the retraction.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with these simple and consequential demands within the time herein stipulated, our final instruction is to commence legal proceedings against you claiming aggravated/exemplary damages, injunctive and other incidental reliefs. This shall be without further notice to you.

PP: Gbenga Adeyemi & Co.

Olugbenga Adeyemi, Esq.

Outrage As Hon. Azuka’s Killers Escape from Anambra Police Custody

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Hon Azuka and Kayode Egbetokun

By Charles Igbo

The questions being asked are: Were the suspects not handcuffed and leg-chained? If not, why? How come, out of the many well-armed Operatives, none kept an eye on the suspects? Was the “famous okeite” at work?

Outrage has greeted the disclosure by the Anambra State Police Command that two suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of Honourable Justice Azuka have escaped from its custody.

The question that beggars belief is: Anambra Police Command, how could you?

Azuka, a Member of the Anambra State House of Assembly was abducted on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha town, on his way home for the Christmas and New Year break. He was the representative of Onitsha North State Constituency.

On February 6, 2025, a Joint Security Operation  discovered his  decomposed body at the Second River Niger Bridge, Onitsha. The public was, also, told that all the suspects, connected to the gruesome murder of Azuka, were already in custody.

The interrogation of one of the suspects at the scene where Azuka’s body was discovered went viral on Whatsaap. Azuka’s body was on the ground and the suspect promised to pack it.

Now, while still grieving, the sigh of relief heaved over the arrest of the suspects have disappeared.

According to a release Tuesday night by Tochukwu Ikenga, Spokesperson for the Anambra Police Command, two out of the nine arrested suspects, have escaped right before Security Operatives.

According to SP Ikenga, the two escaped when they were taken out to assist the Police to identify and arrest the receiver of vehicles used by the gang in its operations.

While the receiver was arrested, and two  stolen vehicles recovered, the suspected killers of Honourable Azuka, inexplicably, escaped.

Ikenga: “During the onslaught operation, by the Operatives, the suspect (receiver) was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from the unsuspecting members of the public were recovered.

“Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.”

The Command, he said, would deploy both human operational and intelligence assets to rearrest the fleeing suspects.

However, anger has risen over the escape of the suspects and questions as to how, are tumbling.

The questions include: How could the two suspects escape while in the midst of very well-armed Security Operatives? Were they not handcuffed and leg-chained? Or, were they not handcuffed together, or handcuffed with their hands behind them, and leg-chained too? What were all the Operatives doing when they escaped? How come no Operatives kept an eye on them? How come none of them saw them as they fled?

Not a few people allege an untidy business.

However, Ikenga disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has assured that disciplinary action will be taken against anybody found culpable in this embarrassing situation.

Ambassador Nne Kurubo, Passes-on

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Ambassador Nne Kurubo

A former Nigerian Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago has passed on. 

Ambassador Nne Kurubo, 84, served as the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago from. 1999-2003. 

She also served the Rivers State government, served the Nigerian government as a Permanent Secretary and Principal Administrator. 

During her distinguished service in the civil and public sector, Ambassador Nne Kurubo impacted significantly on the building of the Nigerian State. 

An Icon and a role model to many Nigerian leaders of today, she is survived by Colonel Boma Kurubo, Mr Gogo Kurubo, Mrs Kalenne Gigi Ojukwu, Dr Dati Okereke and Mrs Ndi Okereke – Onyiuke, former Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE.

The family will announce funeral arrangements in due course.

Again, Peter Obi Decries Market Shutdowns, Urges Support for Small Businesses

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Peter Obi

In a recent post on his X handle, Peter Obi addressed the mixed reactions—both positive and negative—to his call for the immediate reopening of markets that were not involved in illegal drug trading. Obi argued that the closure of these markets is a reminder of why Nigeria continues to suffer from economic stagnation and unproductivity. He asserted that when individuals who have never built or managed businesses—and who lack a genuine understanding of how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operate—are in charge, their actions inevitably cripple legitimate businesses and stifle economic growth.

During his recent visit to Indonesia, Obi engaged with the Ministry of MSMEs and policymakers, who demonstrated that over 90% of employment in Indonesia is generated by MSMEs. He contrasted this with the current situation in Nigeria, emphasizing that a government which understands the critical role of small-scale businesses can boost a more productive economy. 

Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled that his administration was the first to secure a partnership with the Bank of Industry to provide special loans for MSMEs, setting up a dedicated committee to ensure funds reached those in need and even facilitating the establishment of a Bank of Industry branch locally. Moreover, while many states opted to ban okada riders due to alleged criminal activities, he resisted such measures, recognising the severe economic implications for small businesses. Instead, he enhanced their operations by collaborating with unions and security agencies to remove bad actors and even exempted certain small businesses, such as wheelbarrow pushers, from paying taxes to ease their financial burden.

Obi criticized the indiscriminate shutdown of entire markets—specifically noting the closure of the Ogbo Ogwo market and its surrounding markets —as a misguided enforcement strategy that amounts to economic sabotage. Insisting that only affected market should be closed rather than all the surrounding markets, he warned that such closures, even for just one month, can cripple businesses that rely on daily profits, leading to substantial losses, particularly when perishable goods expire before reopening. He also advised that shop owners be present during searches to ensure transparency and fairness.

Concluding his message, Peter Obi affirmed his belief that “a new Nigeria is very possible,” urging policymakers to protect and nurture small businesses to build a more vibrant, productive nation.

Kano Establishes New Security Outfit

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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 signed into law, a bill establishing a security outfit for the State.

The Source reports that the Kano State House of Assembly had, last week, passed the Kano State Security Neighbourhood Watch Law 2025.

Governor Yusuf at the  signing ceremony, said the new security outfit will greatly enhance  security, assist in crime prevention, and fighting, particularly at the grassroots.

He, also, expressed the confidence that the new security initiative, will serve to mitigate security threats, and criminal activities, across the State.

The new law as passed by the State’s Lawmakers provides a legal framework for the establishment of a community-oriented security outfit to be manned mainly by persons drawn from the grassroots

The State Governor, also, emphasised the imperativeness of community participation in the new security initiative for an effective combat of security challenges facing the State.

“The law is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of our people.

“Security is not just the responsibility of the Government, it requires collaboration between authorities and the public.

By formalizing neighbourhood watch structures, we are empowering communities to play a more active role in safeguarding lives and properties”, Governor Yusuf noted.

While soliciting the corporation and support of the people for the success of the security initiative, the Governor reaffirmed his strong belief that the project will greatly assist in the fight against robbery, drug abuse, and other criminal activities in the State.

He specifically urged the people to be intentional in their provision of  intelligence to the new security outfit, especially, in the area of reporting suspicious movements and activities.

PSC Promotes Three CPs  To AIGs, 16 DCPs TO CPs

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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of CP Garba Ahmed, CP Yobe  State Command; CP Nemi Edwin Osigoboka Iwo, CP Border Patrol and CP Salman Garba Dogo,  CP Kwara State Command to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police.

CP Ahmed from Katsina State was former Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Enugu State Command and Oyo State respectively .

CP Iwo was former CP  CTU, Force Headquarters, CP Force Intelligence  and CP Edo state Command.

CP Dogo was former CP General Intelligence,  Force CID, CP Armament  and CP Kano State.

The 16 Deputy Commissioners promoted to substantive Commissioners of Police were  Audu Baba Umaru who was promoted and retired. Others were Cyriacus Enechukwu; Gombit Kopshella Bangs; Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo; Mamman  Bitrus Giwa; Rosemary Okpoho Akpan; Umar Hassan Kabir and Usman Kanfani Jibrin.

Naziru Abdulmajid; Osadolor Olaye; Modi Jonthan Filiya; Sani Omolori; Hassan Gwani Saleh; Hammed Sule; Ayodele Rowland Adeyemi; and Justine  Obiora Oranwusi, Director of Works, Force Headquarters were also promoted to substantive Commissioners of Police.

The promotions were the highpoints of an extraordinary Meeting of the Commission presided over by Commission Chairman,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni  and attended by Hon Justice  Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police  and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani,  Secretary to the Commission.

The candidates for promotion were subjected to Written examination and oral interview.

Commission Chairman, DIG Argungu rtd, used the occasion of the interactive session to warn the Officers to stay clear of civil matters such as land, marital issues, debt collection etc and allow the courts to adjudicate on such matters.

DIG Argungu said the Commission will deal decisively with any of them caught engaging in such matters.

He said the Commission will continue to monitor them and support them to give off their best.

Clark Had  Passionate Desire For  New Nigeria – Peter Obi

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Peter Obi on Edwin Clark

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has described Pa Edwin.K. Clark as a man who had a Passionate desire for a new and greater Nigeria.

Obi said that Clark’s death coming shortly after that of Pa Ayo Adebanjo can be discomforting but there is a consolation in the huge legacies they left behind.

Writing in his X handle on Tuesday, Obi said, “Still in the mourning mood of the death of our revered father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, today, I received another rude shock of the death of another respected elder statesman and revered father figure, Chief Edwin Clark.

“On behalf of my family and the Obidient movement, I extend our sincere sympathies to the entire Clark Family and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

“Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and remained on the vanguard of the struggle for peace, justice, equity, and fairness in the nation.

“He remained vehemently vocal in his demand for good governance in the nation. He was a true patriot whose desire for a better nation manifested in his immeasurable contributions to the nation.

“I will always cherish his support for my Presidential Campaign. His bold endorsement of my presidential journey highlights his passionate desire for a New Nigeria that promotes peace, progress, productivity, equity, and fairness.

“Chief Clark will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, truth, resilience,, and patriotism. His death remains a profound loss to the nation.

“I extend my condolences to the entire Ijaw Kingdom, the government, and the people of Delta State for this loss. May God grant them, and all of us in Nigeria, the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss. May God grant him eternal rest and continue to protect and bless his family always.

South West PDP Blames Fmr Gov Oyetola For Political Tension In Osun State

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Gboyega Oyetola - NIMASA Piracy

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in South-West has condemned the political tension in Osun state, occasioned by struggle for take over of local councils by the ruling PDP and opposition All Progressive Congress, (APC)

The party appealed to President Boka Tinubu to Wade in and call to order those behind the crisis.

A statement signed by the zonal publicity Secretary of the party, Sanya Atofarati, blamed former Governor Gboyega Oyetola for the situation.

“The South-West chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently condemns the escalating political tension in Osun State, particularly in relation to the unwarranted activities of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who currently serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and is the nephew of President Bola Tinubu.

“It has come to our attention that Oyetola has been making claims, inappropriately invoking the President’s name, and issuing illegal orders to security authorities, which he purports are directives from the President himself.

“This is an alarming development that cannot be ignored, as such actions could not only destabilize the state but also undermine the rule of law.

“As of today, no court of law has issued any declarative order reinstating the legally dismissed local government chairmen in Osun State.

“Despite this, Oyetola and the Osun APC are persistently attempting to enforce a non-existent judgment from the so-called “Court of Appeal,” which merely struck out an appeal based on a procedural issue, without providing any reinstatement order.

“This further confirms that the High Court judgment, which validly dismissed the Local Government chairmen and councilors, remains in full effect.

“The PDP calls on President Tinubu to publicly distance himself from these actions and make a clear statement against the lawlessness being perpetuated by his nephew.

“The President must act swiftly to exonerate himself and restore order in Osun State, as his silence risks emboldening political opportunists who seek to create chaos and undermine the democratic process.

“At a time when the nation’s economy is already under significant strain, the last thing we need is for a handful of political actors to stir up further instability through acts of violence and lawlessness.

“We remind the President that it is his duty to ensure that his family members, including former Governor Oyetola, act within the boundaries of the law and pursue any political grievances through the proper judicial channels.

“No one is above the law, and the use of unlawful means to exert influence or intimidate others must not be allowed to continue unchecked.

“The South-West PDP stands firmly in solidarity with Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Osun State. We call on our party members across the state to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute as they legally resist any unlawful actions and attempts to subvert the will of the people.

“We urge the Osun APC and its leadership to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to illegal tactics that may incite violence and disrupt the peace in the state. The rule of law must be upheld at all costs.

“Together, we will continue to fight for the protection of democracy, the rights of the people of Osun, and the integrity of our judicial system.”