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Kaduna Approves N72, 000 Minimum Wage, Provides 100, CNG Buses

October 31, 2024

Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kaduna State Government has approved N72,000 as the new minimum wage for the State workforce.

The officially agreed minimum wage benchmark as negotiated between organized labour and the Federal Government is N70,000.

A statement issued on Thursday October 3, 2024, by the media aide to the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, said Governor Uba Sani is irrevocably committed to transforming the lives of the less privileged in the State

The State Governor assured that with the support of the people, he is committed to making Kaduna State a model for Social welfare interventions.

This is even as he is set to launch a free Transportation Scheme for the civil servants in the State with an initial release of 100 CNG- powered buses.

The Governor noted that the decision to pay N72,000 as minimum wage is in tandem with his avowed determination to enhance the welfare and interests of workers.

According to him, it also aligns with his administration’s unwavering dedication to the improvement of the general living condition of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.

Governor Sani stated that it has been his age-long desire to be dedicated to the promotion and protection of workers’ rights ,welfare and the interests of the poor and weak in the society.

He noted that the CNG buses will be solely dedicated to conveying workers to and from work places, with a view to ameliorating their hardships and enhancing productivity.

” A joint Management Committee consisting of representatives of organized labour (NLC and TUC) and the State Government will be set up to manage the Free Transportation Scheme for civil servants ” Governor Sani stated.

Three Persons Killed In Failed Abduction Attempt In Umuahia

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 31, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Police authorities on Thursday October 31, 2024, assured that all efforts will be made to hunt down the fleeing gang of kidnappers who killed three of their victims in Umuahia.

The Source reports that a dare devil abduction syndicate, on Thursday, shot dead a banker with Zenith Bank at Isi gate area of Old Umuahia .

Within a short distance from the scene of the first shooting, the hoodlums also shot and killed a tricyclist in Ubakala ,Umuahia

According to eye witness accounts, the deceased banker, who was engaged in shopping, resisted attempts by his abductors to bundle him inside their operational vehicle, a development that forced the attackers to shoot him

The kidnapers who, thereafter, jettisoned their operational vehicle ,for a snatched one, a Camry, also gunned down the owner, before escaping from the scene.

The third victim ,the tricyclist ,was killed by bullets allegedly fired by the abductors, while fleeing.

While addressing the media at the State Police Command Headquarters, the State Commissioner of Police ,CP Danladi Isah, said that officers of the Service are already hot on the heels of the kidnapers.

He called on the members of the public to volunteer any credible information that would assist in apprehending the attackers.

Ondo To Benefit From East- West Coastal Highway As Umahi Unveils Details

Ayodele Oni

October 31, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Doubts over the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway passing through Ondo State has been laid to rest as the Federal Government on Thursday unveiled the details of the 63-kilometre axis covering Ondo State.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, revealed the specifications of the project during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Akure.

Umahi, who highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure as a crucial national investment, said work would soon begin on the Ondo State axis of the coastal highway project.

The Minister commeded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his efforts towards making the project a reality in the State.

He stressed that the project would not be politically driven, but rather serve as a practical improvement to the socio-economic welfare of the people.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to working closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa, reinforcing that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project represents President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, transcending political motivations.

In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa, who thanked the Minister for the stakeholders engagement, emphasized the transformative impact of the project.

The Governor said the expansive highway will connect several states as it aims to bridge the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, facilitating improved cross-country connectivity and strengthening trade relations.

Aiyedatiwa assured stakeholders that the project would not merely be left to contractors but would be diligently monitored to ensure effective utilisation and sustained progress.

“This will not be one of those projects that get abandoned. This road will bring tremendous benefits to the people of Ondo State, and we are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to make it a reality.”

The Governor also disclosed that the state government is partnering with the Federal Government on the protection and restoration projects at Aiyetoro in Ilaje local government area of the State.

Presidency Sheds Light On Proposed New Tax Reform Bills, Assures No Job Loss, States To Benefit More

Ayodele Oni

October 31, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has shed more light on the new tax reform bills, now before the national assembly assuring that states will benefit more when in operation.

The administration also assured that the new tax reform bill is not against the north, contrary to position of the governors from the zone.

Apart from these, the Presidency also emphasized that contrary to job loss fears, it will harmonize the country’s tax laws for greater efficiency.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, argued this in an explainer titled, ‘Explainer: Proposed tax reform bills not against the north; they will benefit all states’ on Thursday.

It said it became necessary to address the misunderstandings and misgivings around the tax reform already embarked upon by the administration following a meeting of the Northern Governors last Monday.

At a meeting on October 28, 2024, Governors of the 19 Northern States, under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, rejected the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax, (VAT) distribution in the new tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

The meeting also had traditional regional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, in attendance.

A communiqué read by the Chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe State, said the proposition negates the interest of the North and other sub-nationals.

President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently endorsed new policy initiatives to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes.

The Federal Government said the new laws are meant to enhance efficiency and eliminate redundancies across the nation’s tax operations.

The reforms emerged after a review of existing tax laws since August 2023. The National Assembly is considering four executive bills containing these tax reform efforts.

Onanuga noted, “It is instructive to note that these proposed laws will not increase the number of taxes currently in operation. Instead, they are designed to optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.

“The tax rates or percentages will remain the same under these reforms, as they focus on ensuring a more equitable distribution of tax obligations without adding to the burden on Nigerians.

“The reforms will not lead to job losses. On the contrary, they are structured to stimulate new avenues for job creation by supporting a dynamic, growth-oriented economy.

“Importantly, these laws will not absorb or eliminate the duties of any existing department, agency, or ministry. Instead, they aim to harmonise revenue collection and administration across the federation to ensure efficiency and cooperation.”

The Presidency noted that currently, Nigeria’s tax administration lacks coordination among federal, state, and local tax authorities, often resulting in overlapping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency. Without reform, this inefficiency will persist.

It said the proposed laws aim to “coordinate efforts between different tiers of government, resulting in better tax resource management and greater clarity for taxpayers.”

“Under existing laws, taxes like Company Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Petroleum Profits Tax, Tertiary Education Tax, Value-Added Tax, and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.

“The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these multiple taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation.”

On the proposed derivation-based VAT distribution model, which the Northern Governors oppose, the Presidency insisted that “the new proposal, as enunciated in the Bill, is designed to create a fairer system.”

It explained that the current model for distributing VAT is based on where the tax is remitted rather than where goods and services are supplied or consumed.

“The ongoing tax reform seeks to correct the inherent inequity in the current derivation model as a basis for distributing VAT revenue.

“The new proposal before the National Assembly outlines a different form of derivation which considers the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services.

“This means that states in the Northern region that produce the food we eat should not lose out just because their products are VAT-exempt or consumed in other states.

“There is no better time than now for the National Assembly to give due consideration to these bills that will overhaul our tax systems and create the revenue all the tiers of government require to fund the development our country and people urgently need.”

Ondo Muslim Community Endorses Gov Aiyedatiwa, Promises Inclusive Governance

Ayodele Oni

October 31, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Prominent Muslim clerics in Ondo state have rallied support behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s reelection bid during November election.

They include the Chief Imam of Akure, Yayi Akorede, that of Owo, Ahmad Aladesawe and the Okubaka of Oka, Oba Adebori Adeleye.

They spoke in Akure on Friday at a

ceremony held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), which also featured an empowerment programme.

Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, the Chief Imam of Owo land and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, expressed the muslim community’s united support for the governor, offering prayers for a peaceful election.

Chief Jamiu Ekungba, the Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, said, “As we stood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election, we are ready to do the same for Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“Let the governor be rest assured that the Muslim community is behind him. People once thought Muslims stayed out of politics, but with Governor Aiyedatiwa, we are prepared to be fully involved.”

The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, who said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is divinely guided, added: “I believe it is God’s plan that Governor Aiyedatiwa should lead this state during this period.

“This election will be the most peaceful election in the histroy of the State, by God’s grace, and I am confident that the governor’s decision to appoint Muslims into political offices will bring positive results. He will not regret it.”

In his goodwill message, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, said the muslim community has taken a bold step in openly declaring support for the election.

The monarch, however, requested for the recruitment of more Arabic teachers to strengthen Islamic education while advocating for government-funded schools in place of return of schools to religious bodies.

The Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, said with the unanimous support, the governor can now sleep with both eyes closed with the assurance that the election has been won by him.

Akorede called for increased Muslim representation in government, added: “On behalf of all Muslims in Ondo State, I assure the governor that the entire Muslim community stands solidly behind him.”

Alake, UAE Envoy Meet To End Illegal Gold Smuggling

James Orji

October 31, 2024

Dele Lake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says the federal government is working with the United Arab Emirates, UAE on how to end gold smuggling from Nigeria.

Alake said most of the gold illegally mined from Nigeria are smuggled into UAE.

According to checks, about $9 billion worth of mineral resources, including gold are smuggled out of the country annually by illegal miners.

This has resulted in huge loss of badly needed revenue to the government, analysts insist.

According to Alake, the Nigerian government and the UAE are now collaborating to establish a framework to curb illegal gold trade between the two countries.

Other possible areas of cooperation between the Nigeria and AU are commerce and trade, the minister said.

Alake who spoke in Abuja during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Al Shamsi, said the collaboration on how to use cutting edge technology to resolve problems in Nigeria’s mining sector.

In a statement issued by Segun Tomori the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, the minister said the collaboration will further strengthen ties between Nigeria and UAE, particularly, technology transfer in the solid miniral sector.

On his part, the UAE ambassador said his country recently lifting of visa sanction on Nigeria will further “advance relations” between the two countries.

Alake: “In the mining sector, we see significant opportunities for collaboration. While there is considerable trade in gold, much of it remains illegal, with a large portion of Nigerian gold ending up in the UAE unlawfully.

“We propose working together to develop strategies to curb illegal gold trade and establish a regulatory framework that legitimises this trade, allowing both countries to maximise their benefits.”

Al Shamsi said, “The lifting of visa application restrictions and the launch of a new visa application website demonstrate my country’s dedication to advancing bilateral relations.”

Tight Race: Letter from Abroad to Michelle Obama

The Source

October 31, 2024

By Azu Ishiekwene

Dear former First Lady,

You asked the question that millions outside the US have been asking for weeks if not months: Why can’t America see former President Donald Trump for who he is – a congenital liar, a narcissist, a fascist, and a demagogue?

At a campaign rally in Michigan on October 26, you criticised those holding Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to a higher standard than they have held Donald Trump despite his four chaotic years as president and his even more crooked lifestyle, long before that.

“I’ve got to ask myself,” you said,“why on Earth is the race even close?”There are a few possible answers.

Crucify immigrants

Trump and his campaign have been telling Americans precisely what they want to hear:that their problems have been caused mainly by immigrants stealing their jobs.

And that under Joe Biden’s presidency, during which his deputy, Harris, has been the “border tzar,” illegal immigration has worsened to the point where a floating sea of rotten immigrants from Puerto Rico now threatens to submerge their country. They must take their country back.

He has been telling them that their country, once the beacon of exceptionalism, has been captured by the Deep State pursuing the vindictive and narrow agenda of a few. Trump has been telling Americans that fundamental values, such as freedom of expression and public trust, are under threat. Big media, he says, has been hijacked and can no longer be trusted as arbiters of the public good.

Socialism redux and victimhood

That’s not all. Trump is telling Americans that they’re currently in danger of something worse than the nanny state. Socialism and Marxism are in resurgence, and a country known for hard work, individualism, and limited state intervention is at the risk of being overrun by modern-day cousins of the Red Army.

In case they don’t believe him, Trump is telling Americans to look at his own life, his travails, as a living example of deep-state victimhood. He has been framed, lied against, prosecuted, persecuted and shot at for nothing other than mortal fear that he might indeed be the God-send to make America great again.

And if they don’t believe him, they can look at their own lives. In his classic Trumpian way, he has reminded them that they were better off under him, with less inflation and more money in their pockets for groceries. He even said on Tuesday that the stock market was rallying on the expectation of his victory.

It’s a woke country

Trump is telling Americans – at least the conservatives –that a wave of wokeism and post-modernism on sexual orientation and preferences has seized America driving it down a depraved slope where gender pronouns will mean nothing anymore. This is the kind of thing that many evangelicals can’t say publicly but are pleased to hear amplified by Trump and his campaign.

Trump has also been discussing America’s place in the world. He has been saying the world was far more peaceful before Biden, that the war between Russia and Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, which has become a meatgrinder, were enabled by weak US leadership, epitomised by the disorderly and humiliating US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

You might argue, dear former First Lady, that Americans should know better and that the facts, for voters who care, contradict Trump on almost every count.

Killing facts

For example, there’s hardly any evidence for the anti-immigrant rhetoric of job stealing. According to a Brookings Senior Fellow, Vanda Felbab-Brown, “The impact of immigrant labour on the wages of native-born workers is low…undocumented workers often work the unpleasant, back-breaking jobs that native-born workers are not willing to do.”

Though Biden said three years ago that Harris was the most qualified to lead the administration’s efforts to manage the border with Mexico, she was never “border tzar,” as Trump has successfully branded her. It was another Trump lie. But all is fair in politics as in war.

Is the Deep State after Trump, making his life a misery for leading the Salvation Army? This claim of a deep-state offensive is at least four years old. It started with claims in 2020 that the “deep state” was slowing-walking vaccine treatment for COVID-19 so that he could lose re-election.

Scapegoating as art

Then, when he lost, he blamed the deep state for rigging him out and has doubled down on his anti-deep state rhetoric since, blaming everyone from civil servants in Washington to the FBI and the State Department for all his self-inflicted legal problems.

Dear First Lady, the race is tight because voters won’t have facts for dinner. The facts show that inflation, worsened by post-COVID-19 supply chain problems, is cooling, but voters feel poorer than before. They are clinging to the false nostalgia that Trump would bring back the old times, despite the forecast by 16 Nobel prize winners in Economics that the US economy will be worse off in a Trump second term.

Also, an inconvenient point, dear former First Lady, is that Kamala Harris is part-paying a backlash from Barack Obama’s era that your husband didn’t do enough for people of colour, especially blacks. This is a race of margins, and despite his charm and eloquence, your husband and former president has struggled to convince black male voters that Harris will serve them well.

Just as misery loves company, nothing makes greater company for voters than a scapegoat. Trump has scapegoated immigrants, the deep state, China, UK’s Labour Party, and virtually everyone in sight. And the biggest scapegoat of them all is Biden.

Unfortunately for him even the best presidents fall out of favour with voters by the end of their first term. Their achievements are often dwarfed by their flaws and demagogues whose mess they came to clean up begin to look like saints. Like Trump. That’s why the race is tight.

Double-edge sword

The false start by the Democratic Party after the catastrophic presidential debate didn’t help matters. Whatever advantage it may have conferred on Trump initially, the party lost time healing the wounds created by Biden’s preemptory removal.

Tight races are not new in US elections, but this one feels peculiarly tight because even though facts and decency suggest that it should have been a mismatch, America is being seduced by its worst self.

It’s a measure of the state of US politics today that even after the results have been announced and the winner declared, except if that winner is Trump, the former First Lady may find herself asking, why has US politics gone so low?

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It

Gov Otti Marginalizing, Humiliating Ukwa/Ngwa – APC Chieftain

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 31, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Abia State, High Chief Sylvanus Nwaji, has accused the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, of gross marginalization of Ukwa na Ngwa people.

This is just as he alleged that the Governor is now obsessed with the unwritten policy of enthroning “Aro” hegemony in the State.

The four-time Chairman of the oil rich Ukwa-west Council of the State, also, called on all the traditional rulers in Ukwa land and Community leaders to honourably resign their positions for conniving with the Abia State Government to marginalize, deprive and divide their people.

In an exclusive interview with The Source on Wednesday October, 30, 2024 ,Hon Nwaji described the recent unceremonious removal of the Vice. Chancellor of Abia State University ,Prof Onyemachi Ogbulu as a clear evidence of Governor Otti’s resolve to marginalize and humiliate Asa people and Ukwa-Na- Ngwa ethnic group of the State.

The Source reports that the Abia State Government, on Monday, announced the removal of Prof Ogbulu and others from office citing the recommendations of a visitation panel to the University as a major reason.

But Chief Nwaji has rejected the Government’s claim that the Vice Chancellor whose tenure will elapse next year was removed because of his conflicting interest as traditional ruler and Vice Chancellor.

“This is absolutely baseless in the sense that the Government is clutching on a non existent matter to carry out its marginalization plan against the people of Asa and Ukwa-Na- Ngwa group of the state .

“For the record, since the creation of Abia in 199, it is only in the last few years that the position of the VC was allowed to come to the Abia South Senatorial Zone.

“The removal of the VC was well orchestrated to pave way for the enthronement of Aro hegemonic agenda in the state .

“I know what I am talking about . Everybody in the State is aware that the sacked VC was one of the best in the history of the University.

“But they have to remove him to make way for Aro person like the Governor from Old Bende Division of the State. And that was exactly what happened.

“All over the State now, what the Governor is busy doing is to be going. round the entire South East region, gathering his Aro people around Government positions in the State.

Meanwhile, this was a Governor people across all parts of the State came together irrespective of ethnic background and party affiliations to support and elect in 2023.

Even those of us from Abia South, Ukwa-Na -Ngwa people rejected our own former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to the extent he was not elected as a Senator.

“But today, what Governor Otti is doing is to treat us like second class citizens of Abia State. Prof Ogbulu from Asa, in Ukwa East, in Ukwa-Na-Ngwa land was removed and replaced with someone from Aro in Old Bende. This has been the trend since Governor came in .

“All the talk about Prof Ogbulu being a traditional ruler, and at the same time being Vice Chancellor is just a smokescreen to validate a clear ethnically-induced action” Nwaji stated .

Regrettably, he noted that despite Governor Otti’s clear agenda of marginalizing and humiliating the people of Asa who are the reason Abia is today answering an oil bearing State, community leaders and traditional rulers are backing the Government in its agenda of humiliating and dividing the people.

” Over the years, the only mouth piece of the people against oppression, marginalization and deprivation, has been the Asa Development Union, ADU ,and to some extent the traditional institutions .

“As the the only oil bearing Council in the State, we have endured untold neglect, deprivation and exploitation in the hands of successive administrations, who are only interested in the 13% oil derivation from the area .

“But despite the suppression,the Community and Traditional leaders before now had managed to defend the people.

“All those seem to have gone with the present crop of Traditional Rulers and leaders of the Asa Development Union . They have regrettably become Government appendages and parastatals.

“People that are supposed to be neutral have become card carrying members and campaign coordinators of the Labour party .

“In the forthcoming so- called Local Government Polls in the State , the Traditional Rulers and Community leaders have all mortgaged their conscience and are now conniving with the Government to subvert the age- long power sharing agreement among the people..

:For conniving with Governor Otti in distablizing and creating disharmony among our people, I am calling on the. Traditional Rulers in Ukwa West and the leadership of the Asa People to honourably resign.

“They no longer have the moral authority to be called Royal fathers of all. They have chosen to serve Governor Otti and Labour party and their newly adopted Zenith Labour Party and no longer the people.

“We don’t have any trust in them any longer. Worst of all, some of the so-called leaders, besides helping the Governor to make nonsense of the power-sharing agreement, went as far as requesting N20 million from the ZLP Candidate who the Governor picked outside the rightful group for the Chairmanship position so that they will appease the aggrieved session of the Community” Nwaji said.

Further speaking ,the former House of Representative Candidate in the 2023 elections accused Governor Otti’s administration in the state of being deceitful and insincere in his dealings with the people.

According to him, the enthusiasm and huge expectations that heralded the election of the Governor have evaporated.

“I must confess that we are deeply regretting our choice in 2023. The reason is not far-fetched. Governor Otti has be ungrateful to the people for the huge and unprecedented support they gave him.

“Like I said earlier in Asa, Ukwa and Ngwa land, we rejected the former Governor Ikpeazu and the PDP, because we wanted a positive change ,

“But unfortunately, the same problems are still facing our people, even at a worse level. The former Governor came to collect several hectares of our land under the guise of building Enyimba Economic City .In the end ,nothing happened.

“Now, Governor Otti has come to collect another humongous parcel of land under the guise of building Abia Industrial and Innovative Park.

“After the initial braggadocio, they have removed all the equipment they brought there. Now, what has changed between the past administration and the one headed by Governor Otti?

“The only change is that the present administration has raised the bar in terms of financial recklessness, deceit and insincerity.

“There is nothing that is being done in Abia now without controversy.There is much more division and hatred in the State. You must be an Aro person or, at worst, old Bende to be considered for any position.

“There is so much arrogance and know-it-all in the governance space of Abia. Yet, some people that call themselves traditional rulers, community leaders, and even some religious leaders are clapping for the all knowing Emperor”, the APC chieftain stated.

Nollywood Legend, Pa Olumo Agbako Is Dead

Akinwale Kasali

October 31, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Legendary and Veteran Nollywood Actor, Pa Charles Olumo Agbako, is gone.

Pa Olumo died at the age of 101 Years.

The President of Theatre Arts and Movies Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Global, Balaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin announced his passing.

In a post on his Instagram page, Mr Latin wrote: “tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, goodnight father”.

The late Thespian is known for his superv interpretation of roles and his funny looks, and use of slangs in movies.

Last year, the late thespian celebrated his 100th Birthday, organized by TAMPAN Global, in which Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, pledged a N100,000 monthly Stipend for the late Actor till his death, with other incentives.

He will be sorely missed by his fans, colleagues and families.

Osun: Gov Adeleke Tasks Religious Leaders On Good Governance

Ayodele Oni

October 31, 2024

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has enumerated roles of religious institutions in a democratic set up saying they should always speak truth to power, stressing the importance of constructive engagement with political leaders.

Adeleke maintained that “silence by the church and clerics generally is not an option,” adding that, “clerics must speak loud about free and fair elections, dignity of all human beings, superiority of public good over private interests, respect for the supremacy of the constitution, observance of the rule of law and equality of all citizens before the law.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed stated that the governor gave the urge while delivering a lecture at the 7th memorial anniversary lecture in honour of the founder of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, St Moses Orimolade in Lagos State.

“As a sitting governor, I firmly believe the clerics should mount advocacy on what impedes good governance namely autocracy, dictatorship, arbitrariness, culture of impunity, self-perpetuation in office, suppression of opposition, corruption and failure to respond to aspirations of the people.

“Only a divinely guided leader can deliver on good governance, restore public faith in politics, avoid self-enrichment, resolve societal poverty, and observe the rule of law.”

Meanwhile, the governor has urged critics of his administration to accept the new dawn of good governance in Osun state

According to him, the critics are being jealous and envious of his superlative delivery and performance in the last 23 months.

According to the governor, his administration made it a point of duty to deliver on big and small service issues confronting the people of the state across the sectors, explaining that the approach combines thinking big and small at the same time in the best interest of the people.

“We are faithful to the people and our governance agenda, hence our deliveries on infrastructure, health, digital economy, agriculture, commerce and industry, climate change, education, sports and workers welfare among others. We got so much done by God and the people.

“To my critics, I empathize and sympathize with them. When somebody succeeds where you fail, you are likely to be envious and even bitter.

“That is human nature. But I encourage them to place public interest above private agenda. As for me, I have no option than to succeed.”

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