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.
ACTION ALLIANCE TO BOYCOTT PRESIDENTIAL, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY POLLS OVER EXCLUSION
The Action Alliance (AA) has declared that it will boycott the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled to hold on Saturday.
National chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje who disclosed the party’s stand in a statement issued on Thursday, hinted that the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exclude the party from the election led to the decision.
He said despite various court judgements obtained from different courts including the court of Appeal compelling INEC to present the names of candidates he (Omoaje) submitted, INEC failed to recognize all the candidates he submitted.
The AA national chairman said the leaders of the party from across the 36 states of the federation had met and resolved to boycott the election to protest against INEC ‘s flagrant disobedience to court orders.
Omoaje who blamed the Prof Mahmood Yakub led INEC for plot to truncate the nation’s democracy through lack of respect for the rule of law, said the actions of the INEC chairman have shown that democracy is in danger in the country.
He expressed displeasure over the decision of INEC, just as he threatened that the party will approach the Elections Petition Tribunal to challenge its exclusion from the elections.
The AA boss noted that the scenario played out by INEC was unprecedented in the history of election in the country and expressed worry on why INEC could allow it to be bought by unscrupulous politicians.
He said the party would use all legal means to challenge INEC decision, just as he warned the electoral body against acts capable of undermining the rights of the masses and truncating the hard earned democracy.
Also, he called on members of the party and their loyalists not to participate in the Saturday’s election in the interest of fairness and justice, expressing optimism that the party will triumph at the elections petition tribunal.
ODEYEMI, ADEJORIN, IREKANDU, OBOKUN PDP ASSURE PEOPLE OF BETTER NIGERIA
Leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Obokun Local Government areas of Osun State have assured residents of the area of a better and improved Nigeria if they can cast their votes for candidates of the PDP in the Saturday election. The PDP Leaders stated this in their addresses to people in various towns in the local government; Ipetu-Ile, Imesi-Ile, Otan-Ile, Ilare, Esa-Odo, Ilahun, Ikinwa, Ilase, Idominasi, Ido-Oko,Ibala, Ijaraegbe and other towns in the local government during the Campaign Rallies in the communities last Friday and yesterday (Monday) While addressing the people of Ilase who trouped out in their thousands, Prince Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party who lamented the hardships currently being experienced by Nigerians, said if the presidential candidate of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakir could be elected, he would quickly proffer a lasting solution to the perilous situation of the Nigeria economy. Speaking in Ipetu-Ile and Idominasi, Hon Mayowa Adejorin, an astute political leader and former Chairman of the local government assured the people that a better life awaits them in their social and economic lives. Adejorin lamented how the road that linked Iragbiji-Ada, Boripe Local Government and Ipetu-Ile – Ibokun -Ilase and Idominasi, Obokun Local Government Areas had been neglected in the 12 years reign of the All Progressives Party (APC) in the state. Adejorin declared that Governor Ademola Jackson Nuruden Adeleke will soon rehabilitate the road, while functional health care services and other welfare packages are in stock for the people. Adejorin said all these could be made possible if all the PDP candidates; Alhaji Atiku Abubakir, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the people oriented representative, Rt. Hon Busayo Oluwole Oke and Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu are elected in the election. Also addressing the people of Imesi-Ile, Otan-Ile and Esa-Odo, the lawmaker representing Obokun constituency in the State Assembly, Adewumi Irekandu who decried the devastating condition of the road that links Otan-Ile, Ilare, Esa-Odo and Ijebu-Jesa together said all hands are now on deck to ensure that the state government re-construct the road as he identified the road as the major problem confronting the people of the area. He assured the constituents that he would join hands with other political functionaries in the local government, Hon. Oluwole Oke and Senator Fadahunsi to ensure that the state government bail the people out of the problem created by neglect of the road by the APC 12 years government in the state . While speaking, a cousin of the state Governor, who is also a Women Leader in the Local Government, Ms Oluwatoyin Babaniyi assured the women who thronged the campaign rally in Ilare that the present administration in the state has packaged series of poverty alleviating programmes for women and youths in in the state. She disclosed that micro loans that would be used for small scale businesses and trainings that would make them successful entrepreneurs are now in the oven. All these, Babaniyi said could be achieved if the people could cast their votes for all the PDP candidates in the election. Oluwatoyin Babaniyi particularly gave credence to the Lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon Busayo Oluwole Oke who had assisted the grassroots women in the constituency at different times, which according to her had brought government to the people and enhanced their livings. Addressing the Council of Traditional Rulers who converged at Ikinwa, two elders of the party in the area, Dr David Ogunsade Hon Adenle Adejumo thanked traditional rulers and Chiefs in the area for their constituency and constant unflinching supports for the PDP in the area. They assured that better lives are awaiting them if Senator Fadahunsi, Hon Wole Oke and Prince Irekandu could be returned to government with their votes, while ballot casts for Alhaji Atiku could also be made in the Saturday election. The chiefs unanimously expressed their heart-felt appreciation to the PDP political functionaries in the constituency for their relief packages, assuring the campaign team that their mandates would be given to all the PDP candidates. While thanking residents of Ido-Oko, Ibala, Ijaraegbe, Ilahun and Esa-Odo in her various speeches, Secretary of the Party’s Caretaker Committee, Mrs Mercy Ayodele expressed gratitude to the people for trouping out en-mass to welcome the campaign train. She assured them that the only way the Nigeria could come out of the present economic kwashiorkor ravaging county is to cast their votes for all the PDP candidates in the election. A youth leader and aid of Him Wole Oke appealed to the people to be orderly and follow the electoral procedures by accrediting themselves with the INEC Bivers Machine before casting their votes to avoid ballot voiding and presumed alleged electoral vices. Ojokunle urged them to avoid some political thugs from other parties who may wish to unleash terror and threats on the people at their various Electoral Units to disturb the peaceful conducts of the election, especially when they discover overwhelming victory which the party would record in the local government. He noted that Hon Wole Oke and other PDP candidates in the council are men of peace who would not want any electoral chaos in the constituency. Other notable personalities in the campaign train included, Mrs Eniola Omotoso, Chairman of PDP Caretaker Committee, Mr Ogunromo, Rotimi Odugbemi and other members of the Committee, Ward Chairmen, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders and distinguished party stalwarts.
MY OGA, EDDY ENIOLA OLAFESO IS A YEAR OLDER, HURRAY !!!
Nothing in leaders I love to talk of so much as integrity, sagacity and dexterity to propel others for greater advancement. This is exactly what the PDP former Zonal Chairman, South West, Dr. Eddy OLAFESO stands for.
Indeed, it is no longer a news that you are a glorious son, a special gift of the Almighty GOD for humanity, across all walks of life.
Blessed is this day in commemoration of your birth. You have contributed immensely to the wellbeing of others and advancement of human race, not only in the South West but Nigeria and beyond.
Many happy returns of the occasion in sound health, more greater heights, perfect security and limitless power of fulfillment, AMEN.
Congratulations Oga mi.
Signed: Reverend ‘Bunmi Jenyo (JP) Former Zonal Secretary, PDP South West, Nigeria. 18th February, 2023.
SOUTH WEST PDP REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ATIKU CANDIDATURE, COMMENDS GOVERNOR ADELEKE FOR SMART PERFORMANCE
The leaders of Peoples Democratic Party from the South West region met today at the country home of the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to reaffirm support for Atiku Abubakar’s candidature while commending the Governor for superlative performance under 100 days in office.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the leaders described Atiku presidency as the panacea for Nigeria’s troubled status quo, listing several reasons why the Adamawa politician deserves the presidency.
This was contained in a news release by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Rasheed Olawale obtained by Nigerian Platform on Friday.
The party leaders who linked Senator Adeleke as the light of victory coming for PDP lamented the bad state of the economy and concluded that the best route for national redemption is a vote for PDP candidates in forthcoming elections.
The communique reads further:
“That the zone congratulates His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke for transforming the Imole Movement to landslide victory in Osun State;
“That His Excellency has transformed South West PDP into a winning political platform that is set to win all elections across South West;
“That Tribunal judgment notwithstanding, Governor Adeleke is a rallying point not only in southwest but in the entire country;
“That Governor Adeleke’s has before clocking 100 days in office transformed Osun beyond imagination of friends and foes;
“That within the last two months and some days, Governor Adeleke has recorded the following unprecedented achievements:
-The resolution of half salary and other outstanding emoluments issues within Osun public service;
-Launching of Osun digital and tech revolution;
-Upgrading of Schools and health centres across 30 LGAs-
-Provision of motorised boreholes in 332 wards across the state;
-Reform of the public service;
-Community development projects over a billion naira; and
-Creation of Imole Youth Corps for youth empowerment
“For achieving all the above in so short a period and for providing a trusted platform, we pass a vote of confidence on His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke;
“That Nigeria is passing through difficult days but a forthcoming PDP government will change the trajectory for good;
“That Nigerians are experiencing avoidable hardship due to bad governance; a PDP government will change the situation for better;
“That Nigeria more than at any other time needs an Atiku/Okowa presidency to reset the nation and stop the increasing drift into anarchy and confusion”, the communique reads in part.
The meeting chaired by Governor Adeleke further resolved as follows:
“Ensure the victory of our Presidential candidate, Waziri Atiku Abubakar across the zone;
“Work for the victory of all our candidates across the zone;
“Determine to push our campaign to all the polling units in the remaining days before the Presidential Campaigns;
“Ensure the victory of the party in all the states of the Southwest;
“Warn against anti-party activities in whatever form across the states; and
“Charge party members nationally to strengthen the cord of mobilization for victory in the national elections”, the communique.
The meeting finally affirms as follows:
“That the South West region is determined to vote for the PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for several reasons namely:
“His agenda of restructuring resonates and align with the aspirations of our region;
“The PDP candidate has the best economic agenda among the contenders to revive Nigeria as a unified and prosperous nation;
“His experience is needed now to take back the country from the mess and chaos APC has plunged it into;
“His national outlook is required as a bridge builder to make Nigeria great again”, the party leaders concluded.
Those who signed the communique include Eddy Olafeso, Ph.D. – Zonal Liaison Desk Officer Southwest; Hon. Fatai Adams – Ondo State Chairman; Arc. Sadiq Obanoyen. – Ekiti State Caretaker Chairman; Dr. Akindele Adekunle – Osun State Caretaker Chairman;Hon. Oyedele Sikirulai – Ogun State Chairman; Hon. Philip Awoji – Lagos State Chairman and Engr. Femi Babalola (Jogor) – Oyo State.
DEEPEN YOUR FAITH, SHUN ELECTORAL INDISCIPLINE, BISHOP OYEJOLA CHARGES CATHOLIC FAITHFUL AT OKE-MARIA
BY TOPE LAWRENCE ABIOLA
The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola has charged Catholic Faithful in the Diocese to deepen their faith in Catholic teachings, ecumenism and christian lives.
Bishop Oyejola while addressing thousands of people who converged on the Oke Maria pilgrimage Center, located at Iresi Road, Otan Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State at the weekend enjoined the pilgrims to activate their participations in the pious organisations in their various parishes.
The Bishop noted that the Church’s pious organisations like “the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary; St Anthony’s Guild, Divine Mercy, Legions of Mary and other societies in the church can deepen their devotees and improve their christian lives.
He charged the Priests to ensure that their parishioners are involved in the activities of the societies.
The Bishop who commended the participation of the Faithful in Osogbo Diocese in the “Deepening the Faith” programme, organized in all churches in the Diocese at all Masses on Sundays said “it is important for you to know your faith”.
It would be recalled that the prelate introduced the “Deepening the Faith” programme about four years ago in the Diocese and it has been widely accepted in the Diocese as it addresses various issues bothering on the Church doctrine, politics, social and spiritual relationship of the people of God. It rejuvenates their love for Christ and fellow human beings.
The 2023 Oke Maria Pilgrimage themed “Mary, Our Advocate, Turn Your Eyes of Mercy Towards Us (John 2: 1-11)”, witnessed series of spirit-filled programmes which included, praying of the rosary, penitential service, adoration of the blessed sacrament, healing and deliverance service and many spirit lift programmes.
The Osogbo Chief Shepard while giving his post-communion address commended the resilience and spiritual doggedness of the people who thronged the Marian Shrine in spite of fuel and financial scarcities biting the country at this crucial time.
He admonished the pilgrims not to relent in their prayers and spiritual devotions. He enthused that the country would soon overcome it’s present situation. He enjoined the congregation to perform their civic responsibility in the coming general elections by casting their votes for the candidates of their choice. The clergy warned them to shun all forms of electioneering immoralities, such as; vote buying and selling and other anti-social acts at the polls, which he described as a “Capital Sin”
The programme had started on Saturday at the field of St Nicholas Pro-Cathedral before pilgrims processed to the mountain in joyous mood.
Speaking with the pilgrims, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Oyejola, expressed pleasure at the turnout and urged pilgrims not to relent in their faith.
The Chief Shepherd said, “I am encouraged with the turnout despite the naira scarcity and fuel crisis.”
CATHOLIC BISHOPS DIDN’T TAKE MONEY FROM ANY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE – BISHOP OYEJOLA
*SAYS IT IS A SIN NOT TO CAST YOUR VOTE
BY TOPE ABIOLA
The Prelate of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola has debunked the rumour milling round the country on the alleged financial inducements of Catholic Bishops by a presidential candidate, saying we can not involve ourselves in such unholy act.
Bishop Oyejola stated that Catholic Bishops in the country didn’t take money from any Presidential Candidate, “what we are doing is to encourage our people to go out enmass and cast their votes, which is their civic responsibility.”
Bishop Oyejola declared that “it is wickedness for you not to cast your votes for any candidate of your choice, if you don’t vote, you won’t have the right to complain later if they are doing what they like, therefore go out and cast your vote to alleviate Nigeria’s problem.”
The Osogbo Catholic Chief Shepherd berated those who use to give out money or collect money from politicians before casting their votes. He enthused that vote buying and selling are capital sins for anybody who involves involves in it. He enjoined Catholic faithful to move away from such a sin during the electioneering exercise.
Bishop Oyejola while giving his post-communion comments on Sunday morning to round off the annual Oke-Maria pilgrimage at Otan-Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, however expressed optimism in the future of the country, saying “I could foresee that the future of Nigeria is bright. Don’t be discouraged, it shall be well with us in the country.”
Speaking on the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bishop Oyejola noted that “it is not a bad policy, it would reduce reckless spending and abnormal hoarding of the currency by some people in the country. He enthused that the policy would surely reduce corruption among politicians.
He however called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to make the new notes available in the banks to alleviate the economic problem currently biting the country.
The clergy charged Nigerians not to relent in prayers, which he said is the master key to solve the socio- economic problems in the country.
AREE STOOL : RULING HOUSE APPEALS TO GOVERNOR ADELEKE TO RELEASE WHITE PAPER
A Ruling House in Iree, Boripe North Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) of Osun state, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to release the White Paper on the recommendations of the Chieftaincy Matters Review Committee.
The Committee, headed by Rev. Bunmi Jenyo had since on January 3rd, 2023 submitted its report to the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of all the sons and daughters of Iree, Prince Afolabi Azeez Olayioye of the Olubonku royal family maintained that people of the ancient town are yearning for the ascension to the throne of their new king.
Prince Afolabi in an exclusive chat with Nigerian Platform also commended the Governor for a job well done and for steps taken so far to correct all the abnormalities in Iree and other places across Osun state.
He also applauded the new administration for allowing justice, equity and fairplay on the Chieftaincy Matters across the state, particularly on the Aree of Iree Stool.
Prince Afolabi specifically urged the people’s Governor not to bow or listen to some disgruntled people in the Community that are trying to introduce taboo or also using all the powers in their disposal to manipulate the Governor to close his eyes on the Aree Stool, despite the recommendations of the Committee.
The Prince said that the Executive Order on Chieftaincy Matters in all parts of the state was timely, and had since calmed down the tension in all the towns affected across the state and particularly Ireeland.
According to him, the Executive Order has also created the opportunity for all parties involved to have hope for a genuine conclusion on the issue.
He described the governor as a listening and God-fearing man.
“We appreciate the urgent actions of Governor Ademola Adeleke in this matter, and apart from the needs for him and his team to look into the reports and recommendations of the honourable Committee before giving his directives; we believe that the Government supposed to have by now release a White Paper to carry out the position of the Government”.
“We are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to please, without any further delay release the White Paper setting out unambiguously the position of the Government on Chieftaincy Matter in Ireeland . Infact, rumours has it that a group of unwarranted and disgruntled elements in the peace loving Community, Iree are desperate to forfeit and truncate the good intentions of this administration either directly or indirectly, and or willing to use all their powers to cover the truth on how we install a new Oba in Ireeland and destroy all the good works done by the Chieftaincy Review Committee”.
Moreso, rumours still has it that the Power Drinkers that do not really want the good plan of the Government to be implemented as what is good for goose is also good gender, are still rampaging”.
“Since the resolve of our able, reliable and respected Kingmakers, the Ruling Houses and the people that Aree Stool is concerned, have done all the needful by submitting their Memorandum on the stool of Aree and that the report has also being submitted to the Governor a very long time ago, while we want the Government”s White Paper and directives to be out without any further delay”, Prince Afolabi concluded.
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