POLITICIANS FAULT APC NATIONAL VICE CHAIRMAN’S ALLEGATIONS AGAINST OMISORE
Reactions have continued to trail the allegations of the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) North West, Salihu Mohammed Lukman against the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore.
Politicians across political divides and followers are not left out in defending the former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Omisore who they described as a man of integrity and an epitome of transparency.
In an exclusive chat with Nigerian Platform in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Friday, Hon. Femi Odofin described the allegation against Omisore as not only frivolous but also nebulous.
According to Odofin, who described Omisore as a political juggernaut and a resilient leader, “Omisore has never been found in such a messy activity since his long sojourn in politics”.
“Rather he always go out of his way to mobilize funds and other incentives for successful elections for whatever party he belonged to”, Odofin said.
He pointed out that whoever is cajoled into believing such an unfounded allegation against the APC National Secretary, does not understand the intrigues of politics or blindfolded by the envious ranting of a hypocritical mind, clearly represented by the APC National Vice Chairman.
Recall that APC National Vice Chairman, Lukman had on Wednesday, while featuring on an AIT programme accused Omisore of mismanaging funds allocated for last year’s Osun governorship campaign and allegedly causing APC’s defeat in the election.
Lukman equally accused the party’s National Secretary of further dividing the Osun Sate chapter of the party and called for his resignation.
Lukman equally asked the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, to resign for a Christian to take over in the interest of fairness, justice and equity.
Meanwhile, Hon. Odofin, while speaking on behalf of many other lovers and admirers of Sen. Omisore said Lukman’s erroneous comments was obviously faulty, as Omisore has never been defeated in any election, in his local government, against all odds.
He advised the APC National Chairman to retract his statement, saying his alleged readiness to battle a strong personality like Omisore will only expose him (Lukman) to ridicule and political oblivion.
OBOKUN/ORIADE PDP LEADERS TASK INEC OFFICIAL’S TO BE VIGILANT
CHARGE INEC TO MOVE USED/UNUSED MATERIALS TO HEADQUARTERS
Apparently worried by the spate of desperation of the All Progressives Party (APC) stalwarts to upturn the mandates given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Obokun/ Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State have warned the Electoral Officers in the two local governments that made up the constituency not to tamper with the ballot papers and other electoral materials used in the on going general elections.
A release signed by PDP Leaders in the Constituency, Prince Diran Odeyemi, Barr. Ayodeji Areola and Hon. Mayowa Adejorin enjoined the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to ensure that the electoral materials that are presently in their custody are moved to the State Headquarters to forestall any presumed manipulation.
The PDP Leaders particularly stated that both the used and unused ballots papers should be promptly moved to the State Headquarters of the INEC forthwith. . The release enthused that the All Progressive (APC) members are desperate to look for any window of electoral fraud and manipulation to upturn the mandates given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates by the Osun people.
The PDP chieftains warned the INEC officials to be cautious and conscious of any nefarious act that may affect the success recorded in the election.
They threatened that any official suspected of perpetrating or collaborating to tamper with the electoral materials would be made to face the wrath of infidelity and criminality in the service. They however called on the State Resident Electoral Commissioner to call the officials to order to submit all the electoral officials in their domains to the strong- room at the State Headquarters without further delay.
ACTION ALLIANCE DRAGS INEC, APC, TINUBU BEFORE ELECTIONS TRIBUNAL
The Action Alliance has draged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the President elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
In a petition endorsed by the national chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, the party claimed that the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25 did not correlate with the provisions of the electoral acts 2022.
Specifically, the party hinged its decision on the non inclusion of its candidates in the election as against various court judgements which ordered INEC to recognize all the candidates of the party submitted to it by Omoaje.
Also joined in the petition was the flag bearer of the party in the presidential election, Major Hamsat Al-Mustapha whose candidature did not receive the blessing of Omoaje.
Omoaje reiterated that Hon Solomon David Okanigbuan was the sole presidential candidate of the party, having emerged at the presidential primary election of the party held in Abuja and attended by stakeholders of the party, security operatives and the media.
He said the exclusion of Okanigbuan from the presidential race and the exclusion of other candidates submitted to INEC for the National Assembly election was against the rule of law and subsisting judgment of various courts including the Court of Appeal.
The party therefore seek for an order of the Election Petition Tribunal to set aside the results of the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25 and organize a fresh election where its recognized candidates will participate.
The Action Alliance also urged the tribunal to declare the presidential and National Assembly elections null and invalid as it fell short of standards enshrined in the Electoral Acts 2022.
The party noted that INEC deliberately failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Acts and also failed to obey court judgements which were favourable to the party.
It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal and several other courts had ordered INEC to upload the names of candidates submitted to it by Omoaje on its website and paste same on the notice boards of all its offices.
The Courts also directed INEC National Chairman, Prof Mamood Yakubu to recognize the candidates submitted to the commission by Omoaje who is the recognized national chairman of the party.
AGAIN, COURT ORDERS INEC TO RECOGNIZE ACTION ALLIANCANDIDATES SUBMITTED BY OMOAJE
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday affirmed its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to paste the names of all the candidates submitted to it by the national chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.
The court had on November 4, 2023 in a ruling delivered by Justice Z B Abubakar ordered INEC to recognize the candidates submitted to it for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections by Omoaje.
The court again reaffirmed the judgment on Monday directing INEC to recognize the candidates submitted to it by Omoaje and paste their names at its headquarters and all its state offices.
Besides, the court directed INEC to upload the names of the candidates on its website with immediate effect.
The lists include those who contested for the last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections and those contesting the governorship and House of Assembly elections in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Reacting to the judgement, the national chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje said INEC had failed to respect court judgment in the past despite several judgments of the court that favoured him.
He said the INEC chairman, Prof Mamood Yakubu was hellbent at truncating the nation’s democracy through his flagrant disobedience to court orders, stressing that the actions of Yakubu are capable of undermining the confidence reposed in the electoral body.
He urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on INEC chairman to respect court orders and restrain from efforts aimed at undermining the nation’s democracy.
2023 PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN OSUN: OF VIOLENCE AND BLAME GAMES
Our attention has been drawn to a malicious piece authored by one Adedeji, entitled “How violence, fraud marred 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Osun”, currently trending in the social media. Ordinarily, we at at Wole Oke Media Team wouldn’t have reacted to the piece riddled with junks and fallacies, but for sanity and posterity sake, we considered it imperative to clear the coast, so that the good people of Osun State both home and abroad would not be mis-informed and as well create unwarranted bias against Hon Busayo Oluwole Oke and Senator Francis Fadahunsi who received overwhelming support by their constituents.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State is not ready to own the blame over the violence that characterized the February 25 presidential election in the state. PDP won the election for its presidential candidate, former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. It was indeed an unprecedented landmark victory in the state.
It is no gainsaying that the PDP and all Progressives Congress (APC) are sworn enemies in Nigerian political firmament, despite that politicians cross-carpet between the two at will, especially when they see the rays of hope in a particular party. Few weeks before the election, there had been series of cross-carpeting from the APC to the PDP, owing to the succour the PDP-led government had been able to inject into the lives of inhabitants of the state. The lapses of the outgone government were studied and used to improve on the lives of the people. This was the magic wand behind the overwhelming victory.
Adebayo Adedeji, the supposed public affairs analyst totally got it wrong in an opinion which he lazed with fallacious innuendos. He said: “In the political annals of Osun, it is doubtful if there has been an election as perfidious as that of February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The poll ranks even worse than the infamous 2007 governorship election — the election where many voters were faced with assassination, violence and intimidation,” he claimed; but who is to blame? It was not surprising that the last Saturday February 25 election was a battle to test power or consolidate on it between the PDP and the APC.
But who caused the anarchy visited on the state before, during and after the election? It was learnt that no fewer than Nine persons lost their lives for the electoral exercise, especially in Ijesa land and Ilesa in particular. The PDP has said for the umpteenth time that it went into the election with the mind to win and not cause any trouble, until scores of the PDP gladiators, particularly in Ilesa and Ijebu-Jesa were intimidated, maimed and killed.
In fairness to the Osun State ruling party, the people of the state would want to repay Governor Ademola Adeleke for the positive steps he has taken within the the few days he has spent as their governor; it is natural that they would follow him in the elections to justify their votes for him in the July 2022 election.
Recall that he has started paying the 30-months half salary arrears owed by the defunct APC government in the state. Both the retired and active work force in the state are jubilating as the flames of their joy have rented the air since December, 2022. He (Adeleke) assumed office; he settled the hitherto dying pensioners and reimbursed the withheld few months co-operative savings of the staff by the previous Government . He also rolled out some pro-people policies that one would think would naturally endear him to the masses.
Let us digress a little: Adebayo Adedeji, the public affairs analyst cited earlier, said some controversial things in his piece; he said: “The last Saturday’s elections were literally held under siege, for many known thugs of the Peoples Democratic Party were on rampage in many part of the state, particularly in areas regarded as strongholds of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Osun State, for many years, was known for her peaceful ambience owing to the fact that criminal activities were rarely carried out because of the measures installed by the security agencies, in partnership with the state government. But this positive review fizzled out as soon as Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP was inaugurated as the state governor.
He erroneously said that “…in Osun, opposition members are daily bludgeoned to death and subjected to state-sanctioned terror. In the month of December alone, no fewer than 12 APC sympathisers, mostly members of the NURTW, were gruesomely murdered by hoodlums affiliated to the governing party.”
But the ruling PDP has maintained that it was the one suffering most of the violence being perpetrated in Osun. It has claimed to be at the receiving end of the attacks, even since Adeleke took over as the governor of the state, the PDP members, especially in Ilesa had been killed.
He posted that “days preceding the presidential and National Assembly elections, PDP thugs were in every nook and cranny of the state to create fears in the supporters and members of the APC”, the question is that if this is true, how did they get that substantial number of votes in the state? The claim is baseless.
He stated that “From Atakumosa to Ilesha, from Obokun to Oriade, all in Ijeshaland, the APC members died in multitudes, number not below 15, for no other reason than they wanted to carry out their civic duty.”
But who does this man want us to blame? The PDP whose members were allegedly mauled down in Ilesa and Oriade Local Government Areas of the state? We know that politicians, when they play their games, try to put veil over our eyes. The writer of the opinion, at best, wrote a fallacious piece. PDP, obviously, was at the receiving end of the aftermath fracas. It is enough to think that the people of Osun followed their governor, based on the way he has benefitted them within the first hundred days he spent in office.
Leaders of the PDP in Osun State are still crying bitterly over the massacre allegedly meted in their members by the APC Their claim is that the APC had recruited people who would spin out fallacious claims over the development.
The call that should go to security and law enforcement agents now is that detailed investigations should be carried out to figure out those who killed innocent Nigerians in Osun State, before, during after the presidential and National Assembly elections. PDP members should not be vilified by paid writers for exercising their franchise against the interest of the opposition.
The Adebayo Adedeji’s piece should be considered as a piece of writing from a leprous hand, fallicious, malicious, baseless and mere aspersions to smare the integrity of the PDP stalwarts in the state, especially in Ijesa land. We call on security agents to kindly invite the nefarious author to justify his malicious and inciting piece aimed at disturbing the peaceful co- existence in the state.
Our categorically state here that our Principal, Hon Busayo Oluwole Oke ‘s election was free and fair devoid of violence. It was an election to justify his 4th term representation in the Green Chamber, a lot of people have benefited from him and therefore needed to cast their votes for him to continue his fruitful and meaningful representation.
This piece is packaged by Hon Wole Oke Media Team.
A chieftain and former Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo has extolled the virtues of an Ede born business mogul, Dr. Deji Adeleke on the occasion of the latter’s 2023 birthday anniversary.
Read the full statement below:
A PHILANTHROPIST, DR. DEJI ADELEKE IS 66, HURRAY!!!
A philanthropist per excellence, a business mogul and a leader of leaders, Dr. Deji Adeleke (Baba Olowo) is a year older, wiser and better today.
To the glory of GOD, this special gift of GOD to humanity, has since birth till date, contributed immensely to the wellbeing and development of people, not only around him but also those afar.
His giant strides in economic, social and political landscape of millions of people, across all walks of life, stands to be a strong pointer to a man whose purpose on earth has never been defeated in any way.
I join millions of other people across the globe to celebrate a man, not only today but always, whose antecedent in philanthropic gestures, business world and nation building, cannot be underestimated.
I celebrate a brother and a role model, a leading light in this world, a hero and backbone of global economy in Nigeria and the continent of Africa and by extension, a pillar of support for advancement and prosperity of the people of Osun State.
As you continue in the journey of life, may your visions not go blurred, may your strength never fail and may your happiness not be shortchanged for anything else.
Happy birthday sir, many more fruitful and impactful years of greater heights, exploits and prosperity for all, AMEN.
Hearty felicitations my amiable brother!
Signed: Reverend ‘Bunmi Jenyo (JP) Ila Orangun, Osun State, Nigeria. 6th March, 2023
AKIRE OF IKIRE-ILE CHARGES YOUTHS, LAUDS GOV ADELEKE’S GIANT STRIDES
A prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Akire of Ikire-Ile in Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area of the state, Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji has lauded the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke over his giant strides in the state in less than 100 days in office.
Speaking at the maiden edition of Osun Talent Discovery Show, a programme held in recognition of Governor Adeleke’s 100 days in offfice, Oba Olatunbosun acknowledged the developmental projects executed by the government of Adeleke within the short time in office.
He said “I am not here to make a very long speech, because we all gather here to celebrate the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Adeleke particularly in recognition of the remarkable achievements commemorating his 100 days in office.”
While commending the organizers of the event, Oba Olatunbosun stated that “this is a conglomerate of wonderful youths who think of what they can do for their country, rather than what their country will do for them.”
“Making the best of your talents is the key to greater accomplishment. What ideas do you have that is unique? What ideas do you have that can sell? Don’t say it is impossible. Nothing is impossible. It depends on you,” he stated.
Also he advised that “you need to have self-discipline – it means everything in life. If you don’t have self-discipline, you are not in control of your life. Keep your pleasure in check now. For instance, don’t go and impregnate a lady when you are not ready for marriage and start a family.”
Speaking further, the monarch said “In addition, beware of little expenses – softdrinks to you and your girlfriends, cigarettes, snickers, nice face caps, colourful wristwatch, designer shirts, parties from time to time, bottle water when it is the same company that produces the sachet water.
“Don’t spend money like you have arrived when indeed you have not. Invest those little money, and before you know it, something great will come out of it,” he added.
On the strides of Governor Adeleke since his assumption of office, the monarch said “Adeleke is your senior colleague and a very good Ambassador. No wonder he’s getting this kind of support from the youths. He can dance and as well perform both in the other room and in governance. Find below the highlighted projects of Governor Adeleke in 100 days”
He highlighted the Governor’s achievements to include payment of arrears of half salary of civil servants, construction of Osogbo -Ikirun -Kwara State boundary roads, provision of borehole facilites in Osun’s 332 wards, among others .
ELECTION: EBURU CHARGES POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS, HAILS INEC ON CREDIBLE POLLS
A prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 has tasked political office holders, especially those who have just emerged to serve the people with the fear of God.
The monarch in his congratulatory message to the President elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other newly elected political office holders, enjoined the newly elected political office holders to rule without fear or favour but serve the people whole heartedly.
He said the results of the last presidential and National Assembly elections showed that the will of the masses still prevail, hence the need to do well while in office.
He said “the results of the last Saturday’s election showed clearly that the masses cannot be taken for granted by those elected to serve them. Therefore, there’s the need for those at the helm of affairs should strive to do well while in office as nothing lasts forever.”
“Nothing lasts forever in life. There is the time to hold public office and the time to vacate. Our political office holders should be guided by this golden rule of life. Everyone in position of authority must always be mindful of tomorrow and they should be careful with what they do with their today,” he stated.
The monarch who is also a renowned educational administrator and academic of international repute urged the incoming President to focus on the welfare of the people, improve on the education sector and engage youths for viable development.
He also stressed the need for infrastructural development in all parts of the country, just as he urged the President elect to extend olive branch to all his co-contestants in the interest of the country’s development.
Also, the monarch commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a free, fair and credible election in all parts of the country.
He said the election showed the will of the masses and demonstration of the fact that power belongs to the people and it is transient.
A Non Governmental Organization, Lygel Youths and Leadership Initiatives has urged Nigerians to ignore former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent comments on the last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
Besides, the organization, which was one of the election observer groups that monitored the Saturday’s election disagreed with Obasanjo and other organizations that called for the cancellation of the election.
Recall that Obasanjo had in a letter which has gone viral condemned the election and called for its cancellation, claiming that the election fell short of the standard announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
But in a statement by the Director of the organization, Barr Olalekan Oladapo, the group chastised Obasanjo and some other international observers calling for the cancellation of the electoral process and casting aspersion on INEC for failure to publish results from the polling units into INEC portal as promised and provided by the rules.
The statement reads “Nevertheless, we equally note that some other regional bodies and domestic observers like YIAGA Africa did commend the INEC process in this election. It is expedient to say, this press statements were judgemental and premature. It is unexpected and disgustingly dissapointing.
“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is known to have given his support to one of the candidates in this election, therefore, he was not in the good position to make judgement in this matter.
“Without mincing words, Lygel along with other credible bodies such as Nigerian Social Workers, Save Life Foundation and HURMA do play prominent roles as accredited domestic observers in this election.
“Be that as it may, the field report gathered from about 23 states pointed the fact that INEC did score 90 percents. The election was credible, free and fair. Most of the B-VAS machines functioned very well except in few cases. Though, uploading to INEC portal posed challenge for unstable internet connections. Nevertheless, it is our view that delay or failure to uploading same has not affected the credibility of process. It is a means to an end that can be subjected to review in the post election disputes.
“It is appalling for the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some international observers issuing a provocative statements that were capable of derailing the process. It is noteworthy that calling for cancellation of the election must be supported by weighty and clear evidence of which neither Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other foreign observers who shared the same sentiments could not provide.
“It is an elementary evidential rule that he who asserts must prove. It is equally morally reprehensible for the elderstateman to do so, at a time he is supporting a candidate on the partisan scale.
“Nevertheless, the constitutional democracy that Nigeria subscribes to allows for persons to approach courts for dispute resolution. To our mind, whatever emerging disputes from this election must be channelled to the judicial arm for intervention. This is in line with the constitution and the international conventions.
“We therefore urge Nigerians to be calm and law abiding in this trying period and disregard any statement for election cancellation. More so, when such statement is colour with political undertones. It is our believe that all will end well,” Oladapo added.
OBOKUN PDP CAMPAIGN GRAND FINALE: HON. WOLE OKE PROMISES TO CONTINUE GOOD REPRESENTATION AT THE GREEN CHAMBER
As Obokun PDP rounded off her campaigns ahead of the February 25th general elections, party leaders and supporters trooped out to embrace all the party leaders and candidates ahead of the Saturday polls.
In a fun-filled party events that witnessed mammoth crowd from all ten wards of the local government, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu, Hon. Mayowa Adejorin, Hon. Diran Odeyemi, Bishop Adewale and Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi addressed the jubilants crowd in turn.
Hon. Wole Oke, while addressing the crowd appreciated party supporters and leaders for their support so far and reaffirmed his readiness to continue to bring the best dividends of democracy to his people, he charged them to vote for all PDP candidates as PDP victory in Saturday election is a path way for sustainable development and growth that is been recorded since Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke took over the affirm of affairs of the state.
Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu solicited for votes for all PDP candidates, to bring succour to Nigeria, he emphasized that Atiku Abubakar presidency is the only answer to all challenges facing Nigerians.
Hon. Diran Odeyemi hammered on voting for all PDP candidates as PDP fielded the best candidates into all offices. Prince Odeyemi charged the entire Obokun people that the Speakers of House of Representatives and Osun State House of Assembly are achievable with victory for Hon. Wole Oke and Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu.
Hon. Wole Oke particularly, enjoined the party gladiators to be peaceful, lawful and courteous in the conduct of the election, saying “PDP members men are benevolent people, we don’t involve ourselves in nefarious acts. Therefore, try to avoid anything they may wish to do to affect the success of the election,” Hon Wole Oke charges.
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