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Stop Taking Credit For Obaseki’s Projects – PDP Warns Gov Okpebholo

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Monday-Okpebholo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has warned against any attempt by the current State Government to appropriate projects initiated and completed by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The PDP’s cautionary note comes on the heels of the announcement by the Governor Monday Okpebholo Government of plans to award  contract for the construction of the 7.5.km Temboda Road in the State.

A statement from the PDP spokesperson in the State, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday November 17, 2024 insisted that the said Temboga Road has been reconstructed by Governor Obaseki.

He flayed the decision of  the APC Government to list the same road as one of those to be flagged off for construction as disingenuous and misleading.

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The PDP spokesman, therefore, called on Governor Okpobholo to initiate and execute his projects rather than indulging in the dishonourable antics of appropriating the ones known to all and sundry as having been executed by his predecessor.

The PDP noted that it will not sit by idly and watch the new administration in Edo State engage in the “mendacious antics of rewriting history ,by way of claiming credit for jobs not done.

” It is unfortunate that Senator Okpebholo ,the Governor and his administration are kicking off on a very bad footing and have resorted to deceiving the people of Edo State with false claims of initiating projects that have already been completed by the Government of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki

“One of such projects is the 7.5km Temboga Road which was initiated and constructed by the Godwin Obaseki-led Government.

“This is utterly preposterous and condemnable, and we urge the Governor and his administration to desist from such ignoble acts forthwith.

Edo people deserve better than disingenuity and deceit. Rather than engaging in these mendacious antics of rewriting the performance records of Governor Obaseki’s administration ,we call on Senator Okpebholo to concentrate on delivering his campaign promises to Edo people by initiating and executing his own projects ,that align with his administration’s vision for Edo state ,if really they have any plans or developmental agenda”, the PDP stated.

The Source reports that Governor Okpobholo, had last week, listed the disputed Temboga, as one the roads which are to be flagged off for construction and rehabilitation in the state.

“Oyo, Osun, Here We Come” –  APC Nat Chairman, Ganduje Gives Quit Notice Signal To Opposition Parties

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Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has sent signal to opposition Parties in Osun and Oyo States. He has informed  PDP Governors that their States are next targets for the APC to win.

Ganduje had earlier, after the victory of the APC in Edo state, vowed that Ondo would soon be in the party’s kitty.

Ganduje spoke in Akure while reacting to the election victory of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.

Elated national chairman, described the Aiyedatiwa as a sellable product, and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support.

“This is democracy in action and what is more important is that all major stakeholders including INEC believe that the election was free, fair, and credible.

“Everybody believes that this election is credible, they elected APC for continuity and there will be no abandoned projects.

“He is a candidate that was sellable and we sold him to the public. We also thank Mr President.

“Our next target is Osun, Oyo States and you know we are good at hitting our targets.”

Ondo: IGP Orders Deployment Of More Security Personnel To Curtail Post Election Crisis

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Police on Patrol

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has mandated Police personnel deployed to Ondo state for last Saturday’s governorship election to remain in their duty posts for the time being.

Egbetokun, who spoke through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG), Abiodun Alabi on Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the performance of security personnel deployed for the election.

He promised that more personnel would be deployed to ensure that any form of post election crisis is nip on the bud.

During preparations for the election, the IGP disclosed that “The Nigeria Police will deploy a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.

“It is expected that Four Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.”

Egbetokun stated that “this marks a significant milestone in our nation’s democratic journey, as we laud the successful conclusion of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election.

“I am proud to report that the electoral activities, from the initial stages of preparations to the final announcement of results, were secured with the highest level of integrity and professionalism by the police and other security agencies.

“The meticulous efforts of our officers, in collaboration with other election security agencies and stakeholders, ensured that they process was peaceful, free, and credible.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who played crucial roles, at one stage or the other, in this electoral process. The dedication and professionalism exhibited by election officials and poll workers across the 18 Local Governments Areas of the state.

“Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the public for their participation, patience, and vital role in safeguarding our democracy. It is your engagement that lends credence to the electoral process and underpins the very foundation of our nation.

“It is pertinent to state that during the electoral process, we recorded reports of pocket incidences, with some arrests made, though the incidences were inconsequential as the security agents deployed were able to effectively take charge of the situations.

“Moving on, I want to assure you of the continuous involvement of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure total serenity till the end and even after the election process.

“In that regard, we have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and other, as the police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election ugly incident in any part of the state.

“Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace. As we look to the future, I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold and protect democratic principles.

“The Force stands resolute in its mission to ensure playing its role of election security effectively. Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.

“In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation.

“Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together.”

Anti Democratic Forces Rule Ondo Gov Election – CUPP

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Ondo Governorship Election 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has declared that Saturday’s Governorship Election in Ondo State is not a sign of democracy “but a deliberate policy of State capture by anti democratic forces.”

It condemned the process of the Election, saying that the fundamental elements of a free, fair, democratic, and credible election were glaringly missing in the exercise.

In a statement on Sunday, CUPP  spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, described as an eyesore, the alleged widespread vote buying, especially by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the bias demonstrated by the security agencies who were supposed to curb such a menace.

“The governorship election conducted in Ondo State on Saturday was a poor excuse for an election. The fundamental elements of a free, fair, democratic, and credible election were glaringly missing.

“The widespread vote buying, especially by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the bias demonstrated by the security agencies who are supposed to curb such a menace was an eyesore.

“It is evident that the APC at both the national and subnationals has performed woefully on all indices of development and cannot win any fairly contested election.

“But the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conceptualized a dangerous agenda of state capture via a tendency towards turning Nigeria into a one-party state prior to the 2027 general elections.

“Therefore, the Party has set in motion the machinery to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

“It is clear to all Nigerians that the APC is the party that has elevated poverty, hunger and economic collapse into active state policy which has destroyed many businesses and crippled the capacity of Nigerians to live a good life.

“Insecurity has never been as bad as it now obtains nationwide, inflation is at all-time high of 34.7% and still rising, youth unemployment and the phenomenon of out-of-school children has attained epidemic proportions under a government that has proven not only grossly incompetent but also egregiously wicked and unconcerned about the plights of regular Nigerians and swims in the slimy ocean of corruption and criminal extravagance, just to mention a few of its horrible records.

“Under these circumstances, a party like the APC cannot win a free and fair election. But here we are, as it was done in Edo State, so it was orchestrated in Ondo State to force a fait accompli on the people by state force.”

The coalition, maintained that it remained vigilant and determined to ensure that antidemocratic forces were not allowed to bring down the country by scuttling her democratic development as a sovereign nation.

It added that all hands shall be on deck “to rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the shackles of oppression, repression and the corrosive influence of obnoxious politicking.”

Gov Aiyedatiwa Dedicates Victory To Late Governor Akeredolu

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Reacting to his victory in the Saturday’s Governorship election in Ondo state, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has extended hand of fellowship to others that contested with him.

Aiyedatiwa, in his post election speech, stated that “Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State.

“I therefore want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and to invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.”

He dedicated his victory to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from national to state, local and ward levels for their commitment to ensure his victory.

Aiyedatiwa also gave his late boss, former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu an appreciation while serving under him as deputy.

“I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history,  to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial elections held in our Sunshine State.  I must say that  I feel greatly humbled and honoured by this renewed mandate you have given me to continue in office as your Governor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.

“Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. The security agencies across the board are also deserving of our gratitude for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise.

“I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal  Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Amhed Tinubu, GCFR for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election.

“I also thank my party, All Progressives Congress, under the able leadership of the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, the National Campaign Council of Ondo Governorship Election led by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

“We have enjoyed your unwavering support throughout this journey. To the State Chairman and  Working  Committee of our Party, Campaign team, my family  and friends, we couldn’t have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work. I also acknowledge and thank members of the Press for your effective coverage of the voting exercise.

“As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.

“Finally, I dedicate this victory,  first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

War Against Insurgency Compounded By Saboteurs – CDS Musa

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General Christopher Musa
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff.

By Ayodele Oni

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said that putting an end to insurgency in Nigeria is being compounded due to the roles of certain individuals whom he accused of sabotaging government’s efforts.

The CDS, who spoke in Abuja on Saturday after receiving 58 rescued kidnapped victims from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Musa, assured that those hindering the campaign against terror would not succeed.

“You can see from the people—the women, the children, both girls and boys, and the little one. The question you want to ask is why would somebody kidnap these kinds of people? If you see them, they are barely just surviving.”

The Defence Chief clarified that not all those involved in banditry joined willingly, noting that some were conscripted assuring Nigerians that the military would ensure perpetrators face justice.

“For the innocent blood they have spilled, for those whose freedom they have restricted, the security personnel will get back at them, and they will face the law.”

Musa further disclosed that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims. He appealed to citizens to support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insecurity.

“It’s a joint effort. We’re able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals.”

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Center, Major General Adamu Laka, revealed that preliminary investigations showed the victims were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious terrorist known as Janbros.

He explained that the victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers to the dense forests of Birnin Gwari. Laka noted that the government had provided necessary assistance to stabilize them, including immediate medical checkups and rehabilitation.

Six of the rescued victims were admitted to the hospital, Laka said, but they have since recovered and joined the others to be reunited with their families.

The Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Sani Limankila, urged Nigerians to collaborate with security agencies to put an end to kidnapping.

The victims, comprising 35 males and 23 females, were kidnapped from their homes and farmlands in Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa Local Government Area in Katsina State. They were rescued on November 14 by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division

Ondo 2024: “Our Party Agents Ran Away” – PDP Member

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Peoples Democratic Party - PDP

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Lucky Aiyedatiwa as winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

The Returning officer, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi Durotimi from the Federal University, Lokoja gave the details of the results.

He declared that  Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC polled total number of 366,781votes  to defeat  PDP  candidate  Agboola Ajayi who pulled total number of 117,845 votes.

Aiyedatiwa won convincingly in all the 18 local governments including that of the PDP candidate.

Giving the summary of the total votes cast, the Returning Officer explained that Total Votes registered: 2055135; Total vote cast:508963 and Rejected votes:11886.

This demonstrates that the governorship election witnessed a poor turnout comparing the number of those that registered to those that actually voted.

There have been reactions on social media by some aggrieved members of the PDP on why the party lost the election. One wrote:

“My good brother, please don’t let us point fingers on people, let us highlight post election activities and create better strategies to win future election……..on this one, I discovered we can not match the ruling party financially…….so, those masses crying of gari 1500 collected 20k, 15k, and 10k and vote for APC……. while we are dealing in 5k, 3k and 2k……. money played a big role in the last election.”

Another one said “In most of the units. PDP didn’t share any money. Most of the party agents ran away with the money.”

Ondo 2024: It’s Lucky Day For Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Sweeps Out Ajayi Of PDP

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has won the Ondo State governorship election.

Aiyedatiwa defeated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Agboola Ajayi, securing the majority of votes across the state’s 18 local government areas.

He scored 366,781 votes, while Ajayi polled 117,835 votes across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa also defeated Ajayi at his Ear Odo local government where he garnered 14,511, while Ajayi got 7,814.

The highest votes in the election came from Akure South local government with APC scoring 32,961 and PDP, 17,926.

Full Results

1– Akure North

APC 14, 451

PDP 5, 787

2–Okitipupa

APC 26, 811

PDP 10, 233

3—Akoko Northeast

APC 25, 657

PDP 5, 072

4—Akure South

APC 32, 969

PDP 17, 926

5—Ose –

APC 16, 555

PDP 4, 472

6—Akoko Northwest

APC (25, 010)

PDP 5, 502

7—Akoko Southeast –

APC 12, 140

PDP 2, 692

8—Ondo West

APC 20, 755

PDP 6, 387

9—Owo

APC 31, 914

PDP 4, 740

10–-Akoko Southwest

APC 29, 700

PDP 5, 517

11—Irele

APC 17, 117

PDP 6, 601

12–-Ifedore

APC 14, 157

PDP 5, 897

13—Ondo East

APC 8, 163

PDP 2, 843

14 —Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo

APC 16, 600

PDP 4, 442

15—–ldanre .

APC 9, 114

PDP 8, 940

Ilaje LG

APC 24,474

PDP 3623

LP 176

Ese Odo LG

APC 14511

PDP 7814

Odigbo LG

APC 26683

PDP 9348

Ondo Gov Election: NYSC Lauds Corps Members

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Brigadier General YD Ahmed - NYSC DG

By Ayodele Oni

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has commended the Corps members who participated in the Ondo State governorship election on Saturday.

The commendation was made by the DG after monitoring the election across the state alongside other members of the management team.

Represented by the Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, Mr Omotade Ayodele, the NYSC boss noted that the comportment displayed by the Corps members demonstrated that there is still hope for the country.

Ahmed, who covered both Akure and Ondo Zones and visited several wards and polling units, expressed his satisfaction, stating that the Corps members did not disappoint the scheme.

“At the start of this sensitive assignment, I had no doubt that my children would perform excellently, but as human beings, it is difficult to be certain until the task is completed.

“You have all done marvellously well, and I want to thank you on behalf of the NYSC family nationwide for your excellent service delivery.”

He said that all participating Corps members maintained the integrity of the Service, thereby strengthening the existing collaboration between the Scheme and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He acknowledged the overall success of the programme across the 18 Local Government Areas, but noted that some areas experienced unpleasant incidents, as a few hoodlums acted in an uncivilised manner.

In his assessment of the overall conduct of the election, the Chief Corps Welfare Officer nationwide criticised the misconduct of some security personnel who neglected their duties during skirmishes caused by local residents.

Some youth corps members that served as presiding officers at certain Centres were harassed by suspected political thugs for refusing to act their scripts.

INEC Set To Announce Ondo Gov Election Results, Uploads Results From 3,622 Polling Units

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Ondo Governorship Election 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had uploaded 92.09 percent of the results from polling units in the Ondo State Saturday’s governorship election.

Out of 3,933 polling units across the state, results from 3,622 units had been successfully uploaded to INEC’s portal.

This progress underscores INEC’s commitment to utilising technology for timely and transparent election results collation.

Observers and political stakeholders continue to monitor the process closely, with the remaining results expected to be uploaded.

The rapid pace of result collation has drawn commendation from some quarters, though concerns raised earlier in the day regarding allegations of vote-buying and technical challenges with BVAS devices remain points of contention.

As the final collation progresses, the electorate and political parties eagerly await the official announcement of the election outcome possibly early Sunday.