ACTION ALLIANCE DENOUNCES MEMBERS WHO PROTESTED AT INEC HEADQUARTERS

National chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has condemned the recent protest at the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by some individuals who claimed to be members of the party.

Omoaje who denied knowledge of the protest, said in a statement released on Friday that the leader of the protesters, Mr Kenneth Udeze has long been expelled from the party alongside many of his supporters.

He said Udeze lacks the constitutional rights to lead any protest on behalf of the party as he is not a member of the party.

Recalled that some individuals who claimed to be members of the AA had on Wednesday protested at the premises of INEC headquarters in Abuja, alleging that some staff of the commission are conniving with the leadership of the party to subvert due process and court judgment.

Udeze who led the protest also alleged that the INEC did not honour court judgment relating to the choice of his faction for the governorship election in Anambra State.

But Omoaje who is the INEC recognized national chairman of the party said in the statement which he personally signed that the protesters were not known to the party, adding that the AA has nothing against INEC to warrant protest.

The statement reads “the attention of the national leadership of the Action Alliance has been drawn to the stage-managed charade called protest by one Kenneth Udeze and a few disgruntled elements. These few challatants did not and cannot represent Action Alliance in any way and in any capacity because they are not known to the party.

“These disgruntled elements are nothing but enemies of progress who were out to cause unnecessary disaffection within our great party. Our party is known for peace and we shall continue to uphold the tenet of peace which the party represents.

“We have, over the years enjoyed good and harmonious relationship with INEC and we are proud of the current leadership of the organization. INEC has been fair and faithful to all political parties and all stakeholders in electoral affairs. We were therefore taken aback when we got wind of the protest by the disgruntled elements who impersonated as members of our great party.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for the upteenth time, I wish to state categorically that no member of the Action Alliance protested against INEC. Those who protested were not our members and we deny knowledge of the protest in its entirety,” Omoaje added.

“YOU’RE A REAL DEMOCRAT”, OBOKUN EAST LCDA BOSS, BAMIDELE CELEBRATES FAMOODUN ON BIRTHDAY

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The Chairman, Obokun East Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bello Saliu Bamidele has described the State Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Osun state, Prince Adegboyega Famoodun as a real democrat, just as he rejoiced with him on his birthday anniversary.

Bamidele in a congratulatory message issued and personally signed, copies of which was made available to the newsmen in Osogbo on Thursday, saluted the doggedness of the number one party chieftain of APC in Osun State for successfully piloting the affairs of the party in the state with the fear of God.

According to the release, the APC Caretaker Chairman has been impressively democratic in all his party dealings, adding that his all-inclusive style of administration has yielded enormously, putting the party on the right pedestal.

The Obokun East Council Chairman also described Prince Famoodun as an advocate of peace, who made the existence of peace and unity in the party, his priority.

Bamidele therefore congratulated Prince Famoodun and prayed to God to grant him many more years of such celebrations in good health and abundant wealth.

“I, on behalf of my local government and all the progressives family, rejoices with you today on the occasion of your birthday celebration. I fervently pray that God, in His infinite mercies, grant you more of such celebrations in the land of the living with all the good things of life. Happy birthday to my amiable Chairman”, Bamidele said.

OYETOLA INAUGURATES 360 NEWLY-RECRUITED AMOTEKUN OFFICERS, SAYS SECURITY IS CRITICAL TO DEVT AGENDA FOR OSUN

… ANNOUNCES RECRUITMENT OF 750 VIGILANTES FOR LOCAL INTELLIGENCE GATHERING

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday, inaugurated 360 newly-recruited officers into the State Security Network Agency ”Amotekun Corps’.

This follows the completion of the 23-day intensive training programme the personnel underwent as part of efforts to make them professionally savvy and prepare them for the task ahead.

Speaking at the Passing-Out-Parade ceremony for the new Amotekun Corps officers which held in Ejigbo, Governor Oyetola stated that his administration’s commitment to security, safety and welfare of the people remained irrevocable.

He added that the Adminstration had given security the prime position, as it is critical to its Development Agenda and a strategy for revolutionising the State’s economy.

The Governor charged the new Amotekun Corps personnel to display the highest level of professionalism, discipline, competence, integrity and Omoluabi ethos tin the discharge of their duty to protect the people and the State.

He also implored citizens and residents of the State to cooperate with the Corps operatives to make security management easy and peaceful. “All Osun citizens must own the Corps and provide them with information that will help them to effectively protect us,” he added.

Speaking further, Oyetola said: “Amotekun is created to collaborate with the security agencies and the vigilance groups and hunters across the State in order to ensure security in a peaceful, harmonious and professional manner.

“Let me also remind you all that by the nature of Amotekun operations and network, yours is a complementary and collaborative security outfit. I therefore urge you to collaborate with your colleagues in neighbouring South West States to keep our region and our people safe.

“Security is critical to our Development Agenda and a strategy for revolutionising the economy of the State. Consequently, you have a crucial role to play in attaining this noble objective. You must therefore secure the State with integrity, civility and a high sense of responsibility.

“Our State is noted as a peaceful one. We all have a responsibility to sustain our ranking as the Most Peaceful State in the nation. It is on this note that I implore all the citizens of the State to cooperate with the Amotekun corps operatives to make security management easy and peaceful so that we can deliver a strong and prosperous Osun.”

The Governor commended security agencies in Osun for their service to the State and assured that the State Government would continue to support them while also encouraging them to collaborate with one another.

He disclosed that the State Government had procured 20 security vehicles with communication gadgets to support security operatives in the discharge of their responsibility.

“We have recruited 750 vigilantes across all local governments in the State to provide intelligence on the activities and suspicious movements of criminals to the officials of Amotekun.

“We shall continue to provide all the equipment necessary for the successful prosecution of security and execution of the Amotekun Project. We shall continue to strategise to deliver security to the State,” Oyetola added.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Osun Security Network Agency/Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. Ademola Aderibigbe (rtd), applauded the creation of the security outfit which he described as a child of necessity to permanently stem the tide of insecurity in the State in particular and the southwest region in general.

Aderibigbe who lauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for his continued support to advance the security architecture, expressed confidence in the new security formation to flush out criminals in the State saying the era of zero tolerance for crime and criminality has begun.

He sought the people’s support to ensure seamless operations of the new security formation in the State.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Owoeye extolled the collective efforts that gave birth to the formation of Amotekun in the Southwest.

He reassured the House’s commitment to continuously support the State in its efforts to guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizens.

The Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin appreciated the good gesture of Governor Oyetola at keeping the State safe and secured.

He appealed to the residents particularly the traditional rulers to give their utmost support in terms of useful information to the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the State.

Also speaking, the Director General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, hailed the Administration of Governor Oyetola for keying into the sustainable policies and programmes of the Commission aimed to move the southwest and Nigeria forward.

He charged the newly unveiled Amotekun Corps to always exhibit the Omoluabi ethos inculcated in them in the course of the training.

In their separate remarks, the Senate Spokesman, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and former Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, commended the Governor on the tremendous achievements recorded in the area of security in the State.

He congratulated the Amotekun Corps on the successful completion of the training which according to him will bring about a competent, able and formidable local security network.

IDA MOURNS EX-PRESIDENT
*AS BURIAL HOLDS 21ST, 22ND OCTOBER

The leadership of Ilare Development Association (IDA) has expressed shock over the demise of the immediate past President of the Association, Elder Isaac Oluwole Bimbade Adebowale, whose death occurred on 1st September.

Elder Adebowale, according to Pastor Adeyemi Adebowale, the Head of Adebowale Dynasty Ilare would be buried on Friday 22nd October.

A release signed by the President and Secretary of the IDA, Asiwaju Oyedeji Olajubu kjw and Odole Tope Abiola respectively, described Elder Adebowale as an illustrious and patriotic indigene of Ilare whose contributions to the development of the Ilare Community were immeasurable.

The statement described Elder Adebowale as a benevolent, lover of peace, who was endowed with divine wisdom to instil love and unity in the community and any society he found himself.

“As a man of God, he was always preaching peace and proffer solutions to any issue. He possessed uncommon wisdom which he used to administer the IDA for two terms as a National President of the umbrella Association of the Ilare Community.

Besides, Elder Adebowale was the Chairman of the 8th Ilare Day Celebration, during which laudable feats were recorded.

Elder Bimbade was a persevered man who was focused and always optimistic, he didn’t believe that anything wasn’t possible to achieve. The entire Community would miss him.” the IDA lamented.

In a related development, Engr Olugbenga Olajubu, the Chairman, Board of Governors of Ilare Community High School, on behalf of the Principal, Staff, Teachers, Students and Parents of the school has commiserated with the Owalare in Council, and the entire Ilare Community over the demise of the Chairman, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Elder Bimbade Adebowale.

The Chairman, Board of Governors stated that his tenure as the chairman of the school has brought improvement to moral and academic standard of the school.

Meanwhile, the family has disclosed that the funeral ceremonies of the immediate past IDA President would hold on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd October, 2021.

Lying in State, Service of Songs and Christian Wake Keep would come up on Thursday 21st, the funeral Service and Internment would come up by 8:00am at his residence, Babalagbede Compound, Ilare-Ijesa, while the Thanksgiving Service comes up at the Apostolic Church, Ilare as reception follows immediately at the Ilare Community High School, Ilare, Obokun East Local Council Development Area, Osun State.

APC LG CONGRESS : OSUN DEPUTY GOV. ALABI, OYEBAMIJI EXPRESS SATISFACTION OVER PEACEFUL CONDUCT

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Osun state Deputy Governor, Mr Benedict Alabi, has expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of All Progressives Congress, APC’s Local Government Congress of Saturday

The exercise, which was supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was adjudged peaceful by every critical political stakeholder across the state.

Alabi, while participating in the exercise at St John’s Primary School, Ayedaade Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, expressed delight at the massive turnout of members of the party.

The Deputy Governor, alongside the former speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Mrs Patricia Etteh and the State Commissioner for Finance, Hon Bola Oyebamiji, also commended the INEC officials and committee members who supervised the exercise for their display of democratic principles of fairness and equity.

While congratulating the 27-man EXCO elected at the congress to pilot the affairs of the party in the Local Government, Alabi tasked them to see their election as a call to service by uniting all interests within the party.

According to him, “this is a very peaceful and calm atmosphere; I am really impressed by the conduct, it is a pointer to the fact that our party, the APC is peaceful and well organized, let us continue to work for the unity of our party and to ensure our party come victorious in the coming governorship election in our state”.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji applauded the people of the local government for their peaceful conduct during the Congress,, saying APC is known for peace and the people of the council area have proven that.

Oyebamiji also expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the National Delegation under the chairmanship of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for the job well done.

According to him, what should be paramount in the heart of every member of the party now is how to re-elect governor Adegboyega Oyetola for the good work to continue.

Oyebamiji urged the newly sworn-in local government executives to work round the clock in ensuring unity within the party, saying unity will remain the only bedrock for the success of the party, come 2022 election.

He however implored all the aggrieved members of the party to embrace peace and work hamoniously with the newly sworn-in executives for the betterment of all.

In his response after the conclusion of the exercise, Hon Arimiyau Owoade, who returned as the Party Chairman in the Local Government thanked the leaders and members of the party on behalf of other members of EXCO for the confidence reposed in them.

OCCM IN ALLIANCE TO ENSURING INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN OSUN

In amplifying the voices of the citizens, the Osun Citizens’ Charter Movement (OCCM) has concluded plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure equity in the delivery of democracy dividends to the masses.

The movement is also looking forward to deliberate with the Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in an engagement and deliberations concerning inclusive governance in the state.

In a chat with Nigerian Platform in Osogbo on Saturday, the Chairman of the movement, Comrade Michael Olusesi Ebofin disclosed that OCCM team has been collaborating with relevant stakeholders in ensuring Government of human face for the people.

Comrade Ebofin, who emphasized the importance of feedback in any human setting also added that OCCM is currently working with the Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development, headed by Prof. Olalekan Yinusa, to facilitate an impactful engagement with the Governor for a feedback in September, 2021.

According to him, the event is to mark the third year of the presentation and signing of the Citizens’ Charter of Demand by the Governor at the gubernatorial debate held on 16th September, 2018, at Aurora Event Centre, Osogbo.

OCCM is a coalition drawn from varying sectors of Citizen Groups in Osun State, which include Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), National Council for Women Society (NCWS), National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN), Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON) and Nigeria Youth Council (NYC).

Others are Joint National Association of People With Disability (JONAPWD), Association of Women In Trade (AWITA), Community Development Council (CDC), Media/ Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

OSUN APC LG CONGRESS: WE’RE DETERMINED TO CONDUCT CREDIBLE, FAIR, ACCEPTABLE POLL – COMMITTEE CHAIR, ELEGBELEYE

… PARTY LEADERSHIP HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING IN OSOGBO

… GOV OYETOLA ASSURES ADEQUATE SECURITY

The Chairman of the National Committee on Local Government Congress of the All Progressives Congress in Osun (APC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, on Friday disclosed the determination of the Committee to conduct a hitch-free, fair, free, credible and acceptable congress across the local government areas of the State.

He said the Committee was resolute to extend the hands of cooperation and support to all members as part of efforts to strengthen internal democracy and promote the spirit and principles of all inclusiveness and participatory democratic process.

The Committee which was set up by the National Extra Ordinary Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was tasked to supervise and oversee the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the State.

This is even as Governor Gboyega Oyetola reassured residents, particularly the party loyalists of adequate security before, during and after the Congress.

Addressing the people during the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Party’s Secretariat, Osogbo, Elegbeleye disclosed that the Committee had been equipped with necessary facilities and electoral materials to ensure peaceful conduct in all the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife-East Area Office.

He assured the party’s leaders and members of equitable treatment just as he sought for maximum cooperation throughout the process.

Elegbeleye also noted that the Committee would do everything possible to ensure that the results of the Congress are announced on or before Sunday.”We are here again to ensure peaceful conduct. I can assure you all that the entire process will be peaceful as it was the last time.

“There is no doubt that Osun is known for peace. Osun is a State of Omoluabi and we are going to reflect this in all we do. We are here to supervise the conduct and I can assure you that we will put in our best to ensure free, fair, credible and acceptable Congress across the Councils.

“We will supervise the election and hopefully, we are going to get results on Saturday or latest Sunday,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said Goverment has put in place adequate security measures to ensure peaceful conduct.

Governor Oyetola appealed to members of the party to cooperate with the members of the Committee to ensure a free, fair, credible and acceptable Congress.

“It is quite an interesting thing. First of all, we thank God for having a successful Ward Congress. The party is united and I must commend the leadership of the party and everyone that has contributed to this success.

“Congress anywhere is to elect leadership of the party. Osun is known for peace and we are going to maintain this throughout the Congress and after. We have provided adequate security.”Congress should not be a battle thing. We have adopted consensus. We have confidence in the members of the committee to ensure peaceful conduct.

“So, let’s avoid violence. Let’s have peaceful Congress to elect new leaders of our party at the Local Government level tomorrow. My advice for those that might not have the opportunity to be returned is that there are several positions and opportunities. I don’t want you to be deterred but rather to remain resolute for the success and progress of our party.

“As we all know, the most important thing is to remain committed and be a very loyal party man. I am very happy for this peaceful atmosphere. We thank God for being with us.

“Please, let’s go to our respective local governments tomorrow to perform the exercise. It is my hope that it will be peaceful as it used to be,” Oyetola added.

In their separate remarks, Senate Spokesman, Senator Ajibola Bashir; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Etteh and Acting APC State Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, assured of the party’s readiness to ensure peaceful conduct.

OYETOLA GREETS AKERE, EX- INFORMATION COMMISSIONER AT 60

… SAYS HE’S A TEAM PLAYER

Governor of The State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has congratulated the State’s former commissioner for Information, Hon. Sunday Akere, on his 60th birthday anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola lauded the ex-commissioner for his service to the State and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said he joined the APC family in Osun, friends and political associates to feliciate Hon. Sunday Akere on his diamond birthday anniversary.

The governor described Akere as a team player and one who is always ready to take up whatever assignment given to him on behalf of the party.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the State of Osun, I congratulate you on your birthday, and I pray that the Almighty God will never cease to bless you.

“On this occasion of your 60th birthday, the Progressives Family is proud of you as a team player and one who is never tired of taking up tasks on behalf of party.

“As you attain the Diamond age today, I pray that God in His infinite mercies will continue to strengthen and preserve you for more useful and purposeful service to Osun, the APC, Nigeria and mankind, “ Oyetola added.

OSUN NUJ HOLDS SYMPOSIUM TO MARK OSUN AT 30 TOMORROW

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council will tomorrow Friday hold the 2nd edition of its Quarterly Intellectual Discourse, NUJ Guest Platform at NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo by eleven o’clock in the morning.

This edition will focus on OSUN @ 30: THE JOURNEY SO FAR, THE PROSPECT AND PROJECTION.

A Statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Sesan Adeleke and Secretary, Abisola Ariwodola indicated that a renowned Professor of history, Professor Siyan Oyeweso is the Guest Speaker while Osun State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Olalekan Yinusa is the Co-Speaker.

The statement noted that Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola is the Special Guest of honour while the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Adelere Oriolowo is the Chairman of the occasion.

It hinted that Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1 is the Royal Father of the day.

Other invited guests include the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Abudulahi Adeyanju Binuyo , Osun State commissioner for information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, Osun State House of Assembly Chief Whip, Hon Tunde Olatunji and Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan.

OSUN NUJ TO HOLD SYMPOSIUM TO MARK OSUN AT 30

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun state Council will on friday hold the second edition of its Quarterly Intellectual Discourse, NUJ Guest Platform at NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo by eleven o’clock in the morning.

This edition will focus on OSUN @30: THE JOURNEY SO FAR, THE PROSPECT AND PROJECTION.

A Statement by the chairman of the planning Committee, Comrade Sesan Adeleke, and secretary, Bisola Ariwodola indicated that a renowned Professor of history, Professor Siyan Oyeweso is the Guest Speaker while Osun State commissioner for Budget and Economic planning, Professor Olalekan Yinusa is the co speaker.

The statement noted that Osun state Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola is the Special Guest of Honour while the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District ,Senator Adelere Oriolowo is the Chairman of the occasion.

It hinted that Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1 is the Royal Father of the day.

Other invited guests include the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Abudulahi Adeyanju Binuyo , Osun state commissioner for information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, Osun State House of Assembly Chief Whip, Hon Tunde Olatunji and Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Governor,Mr Ismail Omipidan.