Politics
Osun: PDP thugs attack APC campaign office in Ilesa
Published
2 years agoon
By
News Editor… to Speaker attacked, hospitalised
…Party has returned Ijesa land to dark age of violence, thuggery – fmr commissioner
…appeals to President Buhari to wade in
The immediate past Commissioner of Works and Transport in Osun, Engr. Remi Omowaye’s campaign office in llesa was attacked by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP thugs in the earlier hours of Sunday.
There were signs of gunshots at different places within the premises of the office, as the main door, glass windows, billboards and flags of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among other items were seriously damaged.
Similarly, another set of PDP thugs, led by one Sunday Amure a.k.a Irawo, also attacked the Chief of Staff to Osun State Speaker, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Hon. Sunkanmi Obisesan.
He was attacked at Ifofin, in Ilesa, on Sunday afternoon. He has been rushed to Wesley Hospital, Ilesa, following the injury he sustained from the attack.
The attacks came less than 24 hours after the PDP-led government was accused of fine-tuning plans to unleash violence on Oyetola’s men.
Recall that Omowaye, few days ago, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt launched on him and his supporters in Ilesa.
Addressing journalists shortly after his on-the-spot inspection of the scene, the former Commissioner described the attack as diabolic and inhumane, saying it is unfortunate that such ugly incidence had been launched twice on his person and property within two weeks.
Omowaye decried the incessant attacks on members of the APC since the inception of the PDP-led government in the State.
He said: “Just two weeks ago, there was an assassination attempt on me. And just yesterday, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola branched over in Ilesa on his way from the Presidential Campaign rally of our party in Akure to attend the sensitisation programme that I convened to educate our members on certain things as regards the forthcoming general elections.
“And to our amazement, we got here this morning to see that this place has been riddled with bullets. This is happening twice in two weeks. It is so shocking that this is happening. We have reported severally to the security agencies, but nothing has been done. We thank God that no life was lost. We have reported again to the police this morning and this is just to show clearly that PDP is known for violence.
“A lot of people are dying, a lot of people have been attacked. I was just lucky to have survived an assassination attack about two weeks ago, if anybody had been here, there would have been a lot of casualties.
“So far, over 10 persons have been killed that are traceable to the activities of these people. And we are not surprise it is happening. As a government, PDP-led administration has a notorious killer, who had been declared wanted by the Police as a member of its Security Committee.”
Omowaye called on President Muhammad Buhari through the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies to come to the aid of the people of the State before things get out of control.
“We are appealing to President Muhammad Buhari through the Inspector General of Police to avert this incessant attacks on our people.
“There is no doubt in the fact that PDP is taking us to the dark age where thuggery is the order of the day and we are also calling on the people of Ijesaland to remain calm and should know that the PDP and Governor Adeleke are known for thuggery. The PDP should allow us do our opposition in peace.
“I have written a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Director General, Department of State Services and other sister agencies. Even when there was an attack on my person, they were all here.
“Adeleke should face governance and stop attacking us. When they were in the opposition for twelve years, nobody attacked them, they too should stop attacking our people”, Omowaye added.
Similarly, member House of Representatives representing Ijesa-south Federal Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, has expressed displeasure over the incidence, saying no effort would be spared to bring the perpetrators to book.
Ayeni who lamented the incessant attacks on the people of the State particularly in Ijesaland said on no account will he fold his arms for his constituents to be molested and attacked by hoodlums.
He vowed to take the security challenge in the State to the National Assembly as a matter of public importance soon as the House resumes.
“It is unfortunate that this is still happening in spite the steps taken to avert reoccurrence having sent a copy of petition to Inspector General of Police as well as the Police Commissioner and the DPO informing them on the planned attack on the members of the APC.
“I want to place on record, as the legislator, representing the good people of Ijesa-south Federal Constituency regardless of socioeconomic and political differences, that I am conscious of whatever happens here, as I condemn in its totality, the attack on the person and office of the immediate past Commissioner of Works.
“It is shocking that for the past three weeks, the entire Ijesaland of six local government areas has been turned to battle field. Go to Igangan or Iwara, nearly all the people have deserted the areas due to incessant attack on them.
“I have reported the matter, I don’t know if they are working on it, but as at today, nothing has been done on it. If the security personnel have been able to declare those miscreants wanted, maybe it would have helped to halt it. But they are still walking freely on the streets, which means something is wrong somewhere.
“I am imploring our people not to be intimidated, we know that the perpetrators of this inimical acts are looking for a way to scare them by creating unnecessary fears as we are approaching the elections period.
“I am calling on the federal government to see to this before it snowball into anarchy whereby everyone will be forced to defend himself or herself.
“Though I have met with the stakeholders particularly the paramount ruler, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland and other leaders on this matter where some of our party leaders and that of the PDP were invited to a meeting to allow peace to reign not knowing that they (PDP) will still still continue attacking our people.
“I am not going to relent, I am going to write another petition to heads of the security agencies and as well meet with the major stakeholders in Ijesaland while I await the resumption date of the House to formally raise a motion informing the House as a matter of public urgent importance so that Nigerians will know what’s happening in my Constituency”, Ayeni added.
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Politics
How We Lobbied Other Lawmakers To Pass South West Development Commission Bill – Bamidele
Published
3 months agoon
October 7, 2024By
News Editor***Says region’s lawmakers provides stability in N’Assembly
***Highlights achievements of S-West APC caucus in N’Assembly
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed how federal lawmakers from the South-west states lobbied their colleagues from other geo-political zones to pass the Bill for the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC).
Bamidele, also the Leader of the South-west National Assembly Caucus, disclosed that lawmakers from the South-west APC “have been a formidable force, contributing significantly to the progress and stability of the National Assembly.”
He made these remarks at the 2024 South-west Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday where he suggested the need to institutionalise the assembly for regular and sustained interaction among stakeholders.
At the regional assembly on Saturday, Bamidele explained how the South-west Caucus worked with federal lawmakers from other geo-political zones to secure majority support for the passage of the South West Development Commission Bill, 2024 at the upper chamber
Specifically, the senate leader highlighted the considerable influence of the South-west Caucus in the 10th National Assembly, pointing out that out of the 18 senators from the ge-political, 15 are from the APC,
This figure, according to him, makes the South-west the largest single bloc of APC Senators in the Senate. This has given us considerable influence, and we have used it effectively for the good of our people.
Bamidele further pointed out that the South-west Caucus in the National Assembly leveraged its considerable influence to ensure the successful passage of the South West Development Commission Bill.
He noted that the push for the establishment of the SWDC was not just a necessity, but a matter of equity, as other regions have similar commissions in place, saying every member of the South West National Assembly, regardless of party affiliation, worked together to ensure this passage of the bill in the Senate.
He said: “We are now awaiting concurrence from the House of Representatives before transmitting it to the President for assent. We recognise that our success is not limited to members of the APC alone. Our colleagues from other political parties have been just as committed to the success of our region.
“This bill, and many others, remind us that when it comes to the development of our people, there is no room for division. We must continue to work together to achieve more,” he explained.
Apart from the passage of the 2024 SWDC Bill, Bamidele revealed that the federal government had approved the dualistion of Ado-Ekiti-Ikere-Akoko road, a 31-kilometre highway that connects Ekiti State to Federal Capital Territory through Ondo, Edo and Kogi States.
He also cited the ongoing construction Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700 kilometre project that will run from Victoria Island, Lagos to Calabar, Cross River, which according to him, would unlock limitless opportunities across the economic belt when completed.
The highway, according to him, will pass through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and terminate in Cross River. The award of contract for the 258-kilometre three-lane carriageway, a component of the 1000-kilometre Sokoto/Badagry Superhighway will be a game changer not just for the South-west, but also for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He, therefore, commended all members of the South West Caucus for their steadfastness during this process, noting that the unity in the rank of the caucus ensured that the geo-political zone did not lose out in the leadership dynamics of the 10th Assembly.
“We have stood firmly with the leadership of the National Assembly, especially when plots were being hatched to bring the leadership to disrepute. We remained united behind the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and his Deputy, Jubrin Barau, even when there were unfounded allegations of budget padding.
“The South West Caucus remains a stabilising force in the Senate. Our zone has also received fair recognition in the leadership of the Senate. I am honoured to serve as the Senate Leader, while in the House of Representatives, we occupy the Chief Whip’s seat and other high-ranking positions.
“This extends to key committee leadership roles, which further amplifies our influence in national decision-making,” the senate leader reeled out the achievements of the caucus with admiration.
He noted that the South West Caucus “has remained committed to President Tinubu’s reform agenda, particularly in the areas of security and economic recovery.
“We gave expeditious attention to the screening of the President’s nominees for various political positions, demonstrating our collective desire for the quick implementation of his transformative policies. We will continue to support his reforms as he steers the country towards prosperity and stability.”
He warned that the South-west Assembly should not be a one-off, recommending the need to institutionalise the platform for regular interaction between APC stakeholders at both the legislative and executive levels.
Such meetings, according to the senate leader, will strengthen our unity and help us align our goals for the good of the region and the country.
He equally commended the cordial relationship between the South-west governors and members of the National Assembly from the South West.
Bamidele said this cooperation “is key to the success of our shared agenda for development. Let us continue to foster this relationship and work together for the greater good.”
He further pledged the continued support of the South West APC Caucus “to President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda. We will work tirelessly to support him and our party at all levels, ensuring that we leave a legacy of growth, peace, and progress in Nigeria.
“Let us remain steadfast and united as we build on the foundation laid by our predecessors and chart a path of continued success for our people and future generations,” Bamidele explained.
Politics
APC Picks Ondo Gov Candidate Apr 25, Pegs Form At ₦50m
Published
9 months agoon
March 19, 2024By
News EditorAhead of the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its timetable and schedule of activities leading to the party’s selection of a candidate on April 25, 2024.
The APC timetable released late Monday was signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Argungu.
According to the party, the sale of nominations, expression of interest and delegates forms for contestants will begin on April 3 and end on April 10, 2024, while primary election is slated for April 25, 2024.
Like its governorship primary in Edo State which produced Monday Okpebholo as the flag bearer, the APC pegged the price for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at N10m and N40m respectively for Ondo.
The party said female aspirants and persons living with disabilities are to pay for Expression of Interest while the Nomination Form is free.
“Youths from 25 to 40 years are to purchase Expression of Interest forms with a 50% discount on Nomination Forms,” the APC stated.
Some of the top contenders for the APC ticket in Ondo include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Ondo deputy governor, who succeeded the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu after the latter’s death on December 27, 2023. A former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa; as well as Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, also want the party’s ticket.
Ondo and Edo are two of the eight states where governorship elections are held off-season due to litigations and court judgements. The others are Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi and Osun.
Already, political gladiators are squaring up in the two states where governorship polls will hold this year. 19 political parties are expected to field a candidate each but the polls, like previous ones, will turn out as two-horse races or at best three-horse races.
Politics
Edo Guber Poll: Uzodinma Heads APC Primary Election Committee
Published
10 months agoon
February 14, 2024By
News EditorChairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Hope Uzodinma is to head the seven-man All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo Gubernatorial Primary Election Committee.
A statement late Tuesday night in Abuja announcing the names of various committee members by the party’s National Organising Secretary (NOS), Sulaiman Muhammad Arugungu showed that the committee will be inaugurated on Thursday by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje by 4 pm.
His committee is to conduct the party’s shadow election on Saturday, February 17 in the 193 wards of Edo State to determine APC gubernatorial flag bearer in the September 21 governorship election.
Cross River Governor Bassey Otu will serve as Deputy Chairman of the committee while Alh. Rabiu Suleiman is appointed as Secretary.
Other members are former Osun Deputy Gov Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Plateau 2023 APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nentanwe Yilwatda Goshwe, Hon. Umar Hassan and Lawan Garba.
The party also announced Barr. C. C Udenwa as Chairman of the five-man Election Appeal Committee while Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed will serve as Secretary.
The APC cleared all the 12 aspirants jostling for its ticket to contest the September Edo governorship election.
The 12 aspirants are: Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo; Lucky Imasuen, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu; Engr. Gideon Ikhine; Col. David Imuse (Rtd.); Gen. Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (Rtd.); Prof. (Sen.) Oserheimen Osunbor; Blessing Agbomhere, Hon Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.
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