PDP ZONAL CONGRESS:
OSUN DELEGATES ENDORSE OLAFESO AS SW CHAIRMAN

An immediate past National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, Dr Eddy Olafeso has been re-anointed in the same capacity in the forthcoming Zonal Congress of the party in the Zone.

All the Osun PDP delegates have gathered in the Party Secretariat, Biket area, Osogbo, on Thursday and unanimously endorsed Dr Olafeso, describing him as a round peg in the round hole and the most qualified.

The Chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Sunday Bisi who presided over the meeting maintained that Dr Olafeso is the only candidate in sight, who could do the party proud in every sense of the word.

Hon. Bisi stated that Olafeso has been tested and trusted to project and protect the interest of all members of the party, if re-elected.

Recall that another hopeful of the position of the party’s South West Chairman, Amb. Taofeeq Arapaja had visited a section of the PDP leaders in Osogbo recently, for support and adoption as the right candidate.

While Amb. Arapaja is in the group loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dr Olafeso enjoys the support of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose.

Speaking at the event, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Diran Odeyemi, who threw his weight behind Olafeso and his team stated that he has worked with both Amb. Arapaja and Dr Olafeso and that the latter is the best choice for the post.

In his words, a former National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo has encouraged delegates and the party leaders not to relent in their resolve to support Olafeso as only he represents the general interest and will of the members of the party in the Zone.

He assured them that, going by the experience, integrity and antecedent of Dr Olafeso, he would perform excellently well in the assignments of PDP National Vice Chairman in the South West.

Earlier, Dr Olafeso who expressed happiness and satisfaction at the massive turnout of leaders and delegates at the event, stated that he shall come out with flying colours, whenever the Zonal Congress is held.

“I have won. With what you see here in Osogbo which has already been replicated in Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo and even Oyo, it is very clear that the delegates and all other relevant stakeholders are solidly behind us”, Olafeso said.

“Engineer Deji Doherty of Lagos, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele of Ogun, Hon. Sunday Bisi of Osun and all others are solidly behind us”, he added.

He however disowned the April 10 date of South West Zonal Congress, allegedly scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State capital as it was flying on the social media platforms.

According to Dr Olafeso, no specific date and venue has been fixed for the Congress as the National Secretariat is yet to clear or take position on some Court orders and pronouncements concerning the Zonal Congress.

Olafeso who charged the delegates to be prepared, also appreciated the leadership and support provided by Dr Fayose when there was nobody in sight to trust and rely on.

Other party leaders in attendance include a former State Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa (Asejere), a former Commissioner for works, Dr Bayo Faforiji, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, Elder Peter Babalola, Elder Sunday Akanfe (Atidade), the State Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao among others.

Other members of State Executive Committee, Local Government Chairmen, party leaders and members are also present.

OSUN NUJ LOSES ITS PIONEER CHAIRMAN

The Nigeria union of journalists, Osun state council today received with rude shock the sudden death of one of her respected veterans and pioneer chairman of the council, Mr Lekan Awoyemi.

A statement by the Chairman of the council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu and Secretary Comrade Bukola Elufadejin described the deceased as a strong pillar in the formation of Osun NUJ and his contributions to the growth and development of the union in the state cannot be underestimated.

The statement noted that late Awoyemi’s wealth of experience and wisdom would be greatly missed by the union.

It maintained that the deceased was a thoroughbred professional and unionist per excellence who spent his life for the service of God and humanity.

The statement prayed God to give the family, relatives and NUJ the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

OSUN CENTRAL ADOPTS SEN. ADEMOLA ADELEKE AS 2022 PDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE

The flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2018 election, Sen. Ademola Adeleke has been adopted as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming 2022 governorship election in Osun State.

This was part of the resolution at Osun Central Senatorial leadership meeting held on Tuesday, March 23, in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

After a motion moved by a former Zonal Secretary of the party, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo from Ila local government and seconded by Hon. Yisa Bello from Orolu, all the leaders unanimously agreed to work for the actualisation of the dream.

According to the PDP, Osun Central, it is high time its members worked together in unity, peace and sincerity of purpose to be able to take the responsibility of the government of Osun State from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Osun Central PDP under the Chairmanship of Hon. Babatunde Abesin is in a firm resolve to contribute its quota towards the progress of the party and liberation of Osun masses from maladministration, hunger, insecurity and enslavement of the ruling APC.

It also charged all party faithfuls to forget any political ambition and concentrate on the governorship election, which comes first in 2022 and on which other aspirations are hinged upon.

All the ten local government Chairmen and their State Officers of the party were in attendance.

Leaders in the meeting include Sen Felix Kola Ogunwale (Jumokol), Chief Simeon Adebayo Ajeigbe, Alh Ganiyu Olaoluwa, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo and Asiwaju (Alh) Asifat Olarinde.

Others are Pastor Funsho Isola, Alh Kamoru Ajisafe, Alh Saka Malbro, Rev. Ogunwale, Chief E. B Ilori, Alh. Yisa Bello, Mr Rasheed Gbadamosi Asendo, Baba Raimi (Oyan), Dr. Dare (Oyan), and Elder Kolapo Lawal.

Also present at the meeting was Mr Ademola Durosomo, Hon Hassan Adegoke, Alh Ismaila Kolawole (ifedayo), Hon T. A Bello (Ifelodun), Mr. Osundina (lfedayo), Alhaji Sule Bello (lla), among others.

UDEZE, EX AA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN REARRAIGNED OVER ALLEGED FORGERY, FRAUD

A former National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Mr Kenneth Udeze was on Tuesday rearraigned before an Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, the state capital.

Also arraigned alongside Udeze were former National Secretary of the party, Mr James Vernibe and one Ogunmodede Oluwagbemi.

The accused persons were arraigned on a three count charge of conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

However, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The embattled former National Chairman of AA had earlier been remanded in Ilesa prison custody after he was arraigned before the court.

Udeze who was recently expelled by the leadership of the party, was arrested by operatives of Zone 11 of the Nigerian Police Force, with headquarters in Osogbo.

The former AA national chairman was also alleged to have replaced the name of the duly elected governorship candidate of the party in Osun State with another person during the 2018 governorship election held in the state.

Appearing before the court on Tuesday, Udeze and other defendants were granted provisional bail by Magistrate Adebola Ajanaku who presided over the court.

Magistrate Ajanaku also ruled that all the sureties standing in for the accused persons should appear in court on 25th May, 2021 being the next adjourning date.

According to the charge sheet read in court, Udeze and other defendants had in July 2018 conspired to commit felony and fraud, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the criminal code, laws of Osun State.

Also, Udeze was alleged to have fraudulently ultered the documents of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and presented same as original.

The offence was said to be contrary to the provisions of section 468 and punishable under section 469 of the criminal code, laws of Osun State.

However, counsel to the defendants, Mr M O Olaniyan urged the court to allow his clients enjoy the bail already granted them by the court.

Although, the Police Prosecutor, Mr Olufemi Olanipekun had opposed the bail application, the court held that the accused persons be allowed to enjoy the bail already granted them.

Magistrate Ajanaku after granting the accused persons bail, adjourned the case to 25th May, 2021.

HEARTY FELICITATIONS TO A PERFORMER AT 66!!!

Congratulations and many happy returns to the man of the people, a grassroots politician and a political icon who knows his onions, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus on this special occasion of your 66th birthday anniversary.

No doubt, the faithfulness of GOD concerning your life and destiny cannot be put to question as HE gave you the needed enablement to fulfill destinies according to HIS perfect will.

You’re indeed a special and worthy gift of GOD to humanity, and LORD’s purpose for mankind through you has not been defeated in anyway.

Therefore, TOTAL Chairman as fondly called, rolling out drums on this occasion to celebrate an iconic leader and boss that you are, is but a virtue of necessity.

Many happy returns in sound health, happiness and fulfilment of your heart desires in this your new year and beyond, AMEN. 🙏

Congratulations my amiable boss & Leader.

Signed:
Reverend Bunmi Jenyo (JP)
Former Zonal Secretary,
South West, Nigeria.
22nd March, 2021.

OGUN PDP CRISIS ENDS AS SARAKI RECONCILES AGGRIEVED PARTIES

The Reconciliation and Strategic Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has successfully resolved the crises rocking the Ogun State Chapter of the opposition party.

This happened on Thursday in Abuja after a decade-long crisis that had once polarized the party to the advantage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This crisis that has lingered on for the past ten years between the two groups led by the Late Buruji Kashamu and Hon. Ladi Adebutu has had each of them instituting different court cases, obtaining injunctions and dissolving varying party’s Executive Committees.

These actions have combined to weaken the party in the state and made many people to believe that the differences would never be resolved. As a matter of fact, the crisis is responsible for the loss of the PDP in the state during the past three general elections.

Both parties have now resolved to work together and withdraw all pending court cases. They agree that PDP remains the best umbrella under which the unity and development of Nigeria can be achieved, sustained and guaranteed.

The camps have subsequently signed an agreement to that effect.

The magnanimity, maturity, patriotism and the sportsmanship spirit displayed by both parties, as well as other stakeholders in the resolution of the issue is a clear indication that the party has bounced back in strength and acceptability.

It is a credence that PDP is set to re-establish itself as the party that can wrestle the control of Ogun State from 2023.

Feelers from the party are inspired that PDP, has achieved success in finally settling Ogun PDP crises, which was one of the most difficult and complex throughout the federation.

COURT AFFIRMS AREA COURTS IN FCT AS LACKING CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja has upheld its earlier decision on the supposed criminal jurisdiction of the FCT Area Courts to the effect that the Area Courts in FCT lack jurisdiction to entertain criminal cases.

This was contained in the decision handed down by the Hon. Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi sitting at Gudu, Abuja. The case was initiated by an Abuja based legal luminary and Citizens’ Rights Crusader, Dauda Ajadosu, Esq, of Counsel to the applicants (Dauda Ajadosu and Co. Chambers) on behalf of the Applicants, Adamu Abdullahi and Baba Seidu.

While commenting on the spirit of justice exuded by the presiding judge and her unimpeded erudition, Mr Ajadosu remarked that what the Hon. Judge did was in the best interest of justice, he commended the Judge for her decision to oil the wheel of justice as seen through her courageous decision despite the fact that another Judge was among the respondents. ”This is one of our most recently celebrated cases; it’s a decision in line with the law and victory for justice”, Ajadosu remarked.

The facts of the case are that the Applicants were Defendants in a criminal case before the trial court at the Grade 1 Area Court, Mpape, Abuja while the 1st and 2nd Respondents are Complainants in the said case, the 3rd Respondent was the Presiding Judge at the said Grade 1 Area Court. The complaint of the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the trial case against 1st – 2nd Applicants was for a charge to be brought against the Applicants in respect of offences of joint Acts and Theft Contrary to Sections 79 & 287 of the Penal Code Law respectively.

The Applicants’ counsel, Dauda Ajadosu, Esq raised preliminary objection that the trial court does not have jurisdiction to try the case being purely a criminal matter. Despite the submissions of Counsel to the Applicants, that the case of the Respondents at the trial Court was SOLELY for criminal relief that Grade 1 Area Court should charge them on the First Information Report (F.I.R) before the court; in his contentious ruling on jurisdiction, the presiding Area Court Judge dismissed the application and assumed jurisdiction over the case. Hence, the instant suit filed before the High Court of FCT inviting the High Court to exercise its power of judicial review by issuing an order of certiorari quashing the decision of the Area Court Judge.

In her 14-page well considered ruling on the case, the Hon. Justice Osho-Adebiyi held that the FCT Area Court Act, 2010 repealed the Area Court Act, Cap 477 Laws of the FCT, 2006. She particularly held that “from the provision of Section 13 of Part 3 of the FCT Area Court Act, 2010, there is nowhere in the Act where criminal jurisdiction of the Area Court was mentioned. Rather what the Act states is simply the civil jurisdiction of the Area Courts”. Exercising its power of judicial review over the decision of the Area Court, the Hon. Judge stated that:

“It is not only unethical but also dishonourable for a Court to assume jurisdiction over a matter which it clearly lacks jurisdiction. This practice of the Area Courts by the Area Courts of the Federal Capital Territory is liable to cause chaos and disenchantment amongst the citizenry and this goes against the doctrine of refined and civilized justice expected of the Area Courts”.

I REMAIN ONLY AUTHENTIC AA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN – OMOAJE

FAULTS PURPORTED PARALLEL CONVENTION

National chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has taken a swipe at a former member of the party, Mr Kenneth Udeze over claim that he has been elected National chairman of the party.

Describing Udeze as an impersonator, whose stock in trade are lies and deciets, Omoaje declared that he remains the only authentic and recognized national chairman of the party.

Omoaje, who was recently reelected as National chairman of the party at the party’s national convention held in Osogbo, Osun State capital under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said Udeze couldn’t have contested for the post or any other position in the party, having being expelled from the party.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Sunday, the AA boss said “the National Think Thank Committee (NTTC) of the Action Alliance had long before now expelled Udeze and his cohorts for anti party activities. His expulsion was in line with the constitution of the party and this has not been lifted by the party or any Court of law.

“The NTTC is the highest decision ruling organ of our party and at no time did NTTC meet to lift the expulsion of Udeze. He is not a member of the party let alone being an official. His purported election is without photo, vedio or INEC representative.

“This same Udeze has serious criminal case in different courts. He’s currently standing trial before an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo over allegations of criminal acts,” he added.

Omoaje denied knowledge of any national convention held in Abuja or any other part of the country, saying such gathering was without the knowledge of the party.

“Udenze and his co-travellers should learn how to respect the party’s constitution and also abide by the rules governing events within the party. He’s fighting the battle of his life which he can’t win,” he added.

He threatened to institute legal action against Udeze for alleged impersonation, saying that the leadership of the party will also meet to determine further steps to be taken.

He said the purported convention held at the instance of Udeze was null and void as it lacked the backing of the party’s recognized leadership and not supervised by INEC, which is the accredited organ saddled with such responsibility.

He therefore called on members of the public, especially political groups to disregard Udeze or any action taken by him.

OSUN : CNPP CALLS FOR CANCELLATION OF IPAC ELECTION

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Osun State has called for the cancellation of the Thursday’s election of the state chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), describing the election as a charade.

The state chapter of the CNPP which comprises of major political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), Labour Party (LP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) among others raised the alarm over alleged irregularities that surrounded the IPAC election.

The State chairman of CNPP, Comrade Abiodun Afolabi while speaking during his swearing in ceremony held in Osogbo, alleged that the IPAC election was flawed by illegalities and manipulations, adding that the process that produced the new executives of the organization negate the constitution of its constitution.

According to him, members of his political party and other parties that belong to the CNPP were not adequately informed about the election until few hours to its conduct.

Also, he complained about the manner at which the election was conducted, saying that instead of two persons supervising the election from the national secretariat of the organization, only one person supervised it.

He said “the National Chairman of AA, Hon Rufai Adekunle Omoaje and the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Mr Agbor Major were to supervise the election, but to our suprise only Major conducted the election in a tense atmosphere.

“We were reliably informed that Hon Omoaje who resides in Abuja was not aware of the election untill the exercise started. This is against the standing order of the organization.

“The election was postponed on two occasions because of their plan to manipulate the process. Hon. Omoaje had come to Osun State on two occasions for the conduct of the exercise but the election was postponed. When it was time to conduct the election they failed to carry him along because of their hachet plan,”

He identified other irregularities that surrounded the election to include lack of respect for the organization’s constitution and improper identification of delegates who participated in the exercise.

He therefore called for the cancellation of the election and called for a fresh one, where all parties will be carried along and the constitution of the organization will be duly followed.

Meanwhile, a new set of executives have been elected to pilot the affairs of the state chapter of the CNPP.

At an election held on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital, Mr Abiodun Afolabi of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) emerged the chairman, while Pastor Victor Akande of the Accord Party emerged the Deputy Chairman.

Others are Mr Bunmi Adetunji of the Action Alliance (AA) who emerged the secretary, Richard Oyerinde of the Labour Party (LP) emerged the treasurer, Chief Sola Oladehinde of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerged the Financial Secretary and Nurudeen Bello emerged as the Organising Secretary.

OSUN : CNPP CALLS FOR CANCELLATION OF IPAD ELECTION

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Osun State has called for the cancellation of the Thursday’s election of the state chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), describing the election as a charade.

The state chapter of the CNPP which comprises of major political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), Labour Party (LP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) among others raised the alarm over alleged irregularities that surrounded the IPAC election.

The State chairman of CNPP, Comrade Abiodun Afolabi while speaking during his swearing in ceremony held in Osogbo, alleged that the IPAC election was flawed by illegalities and manipulations, adding that the process that produced the new executives of the organization negate the constitution of its constitution.

According to him, members of his political party and other parties that belong to the CNPP were not adequately informed about the election until few hours to its conduct.

Also, he complained about the manner at which the election was conducted, saying that instead of two persons supervising the election from the national secretariat of the organization, only one person supervised it.

He said “the National Chairman of AA, Hon Rufai Adekunle Omoaje and the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Mr Agbor Major were to supervise the election, but to our suprise only Major conducted the election in a tense atmosphere.

“We were reliably informed that Hon Omoaje who resides in Abuja was not aware of the election untill the exercise started. This is against the standing order of the organization.

“The election was postponed on two occasions because of their plan to manipulate the process. Hon. Omoaje had come to Osun State on two occasions for the conduct of the exercise but the election was postponed. When it was time to conduct the election they failed to carry him along because of their hachet plan,”

He identified other irregularities that surrounded the election to include lack of respect for the organization’s constitution and improper identification of delegates who participated in the exercise.

He therefore called for the cancellation of the election and called for a fresh one, where all parties will be carried along and the constitution of the organization will be duly followed.

Meanwhile, a new set of executives have been elected to pilot the affairs of the state chapter of the CNPP.

At an election held on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital, Mr Abiodun Afolabi of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) emerged the chairman, while Pastor Victor Akande of the Accord Party emerged the Deputy Chairman.

Others are Mr Bunmi Adetunji of the Action Alliance (AA) who emerged the secretary, Richard Oyerinde of the Labour Party (LP) emerged the treasurer, Chief Sola Oladehinde of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerged the Financial Secretary and Nurudeen Bello emerged as the Organising Secretary.