Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Politics

  • Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    Reactions to a television broadcast by the National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) have not ceased as the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleges there is a transaction between Bola Tinubu and APC candidate in the Saturday guber poll, Osagie Eze-Iyamu.

    In a statement by PDP chieftain, Chris Nehikhare, it was alleged that the transaction led to the television broadcast by former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu.

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    The PDP accused APC of offering its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu slots for key political offices in exchange for a viral broadcast in which he asked voters to reject Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    According to Nehikhare, Tinubu contributed a whooping $10m to the campaign of APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    in his statement, the PDP stalwart lambasted the APC for having “descended to the abyss by dragging one of their national leaders to their dying campaign in Edo State”.

    “The uncommon broadcast on Tuesday by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu shows the level of desperation on the side of the APC. Bereft of ideas about how to market their candidate and breathe life into their dying campaign, Edo APC leaders switched on the panic mode and ran cap in hand to Tinubu for oxygen and salvation.

    “What many, however, do not know is the satanic pact the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, made with Tinubu before he agreed to make the ill-fated broadcast on his behalf.

    “Multiple sources privy to the agreement have since informed us how Ize-Iyamu agreed to Tinubu’s demand to nominate three commissioners, seven council chairmen and 12 board chairmen into his cabinet and government after becoming governor in exchange for the broadcast. Of course, Ize-Iyamu promised an open treasury in pursuance of Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

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    “To emphasise his seriousness, further support from Tinubu came the way of Ize-Iyamu after Lagos State local governments’ chairmen were compelled to contribute the sum of N300 million to Ize-Iyamu’s election.

    “Tinubu topped this up with a further $10m cash which is the cash they are using to con Edo people that it is from the Federal Government, euphemism for Buhari’s support that has been denied them in appearance, security arrangements and INEC instructions.

    “It was also revealed that part of the sum has been set aside for vote buying and mobilisation of their lions and tigers.
    Edo APC leaders have shifted their attention to vote buying after realising that they cannot defeat Governor Obaseki in a free and fair contest” the Edo PDP chieftain stated.

    Nehikhare however encouraged all Edo people to collect the money being shared, considering it as “reparation for stolen funds of our republic”.

  • PDP Endorses US, UK’s Global Bid to Stop Unbridled Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

    PDP Endorses US, UK’s Global Bid to Stop Unbridled Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed the decision of the United Kingdom to impose visa ban as well as seizure of assets and property belonging to those involved in the undermining of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

    The opposition party also commended the United States of America for taking similar step In a bid to stop rigging and other electoral malpratices.

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    PDP alleged: “Our party commends the United Kingdom for her quick response alongside the United States in the global bid to stop the unbridled electoral fraud being perpetrated by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their compromised Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials.

    “With the emerging global action, our party reiterates our call to other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, France, Spain, Canada as well as African countries and the ECOWAS member states to impose similar sanctions on these unscrupulous elements and their family members.

    “Our party, being the genuine pan Nigeria political platform standing with the Nigerian people, urges the world community to profile the election riggers and their agents in INEC and security agencies and ban their family members from benefiting from services from other countries of the world.

    “On the Edo governorship election, those at the forefront of the undermining of our democratic process, including the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was seen publicly directing thugs, cultists and killers as tigers and lions to invade polling units and unleash violence on election day, should be immediately profiled for sanctions.

    “The same goes to the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredelu, who was publicly exposed by a self-confessed APC militant and former APC chairman in the state, Isaac Kekemeke, as being behind the violent attacks against our party in the state.”

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    “On our own part, the PDP remains law-abiding but will never allow anybody to use any mean whatsoever, to manipulate Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

    “Never! Not after the people of Edo State had manifestly expressed their resolve to re-elect our candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki and when the people of Ondo State have resolved to replace the failed Governor Akeredolu with our candidate, Eyitayo Jegede on September 19 and October 10 respectively,” PDP further alleged, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • PDP to Tinubu: You’re Seeking Infantile Attention in a Political Dispensation That Has Moved Beyond Unnecessary Ego Trips

    PDP to Tinubu: You’re Seeking Infantile Attention in a Political Dispensation That Has Moved Beyond Unnecessary Ego Trips

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of seeking infantile attention in a political dispensation that has moved beyond unnecessary ego trips.

    PDP said it’s amused by “the amateur video released by the now regional leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in which he violated all tenets of democracy by attempting to arrogate to himself supremacy powers, lord over the people of Edo State and dictate their choice of leadership.”

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    According to the opposition party, “It is indeed pathetic and derisory that Asiwaju is claiming to be the leader of all democrats in Nigeria, which obviously he is not, while at the same time violating the fundamental of democracy, which is allowing a people to freely chose their leaders without confrontations with lies, coercion, mudslinging, slanders and beguiling as exhibited in his amateur video.

    “It smacks of unpardonable hypocrisy that an individual who claims to be a democrat will at the same time chose to sit in the comfort of his residence to insult the people of Edo State over their manifest choice of Governor Godwin Obaseki as their preferred leader, for another term of four years, due to his sterling democratic qualities and performance in office.

    “Asiwaju cannot be claiming to be a democrat while campaigning for an individual that has already been rejected by the people of Edo State, having been exposed by none other than the former national chairman of his party, Adams Oshiomhole, as a thief, fake pastor, acid bather, a person of questionable character who is only fit for ‘night meetings’ and should not be trusted with the position of the governor of Edo state.

    “We know that Asiwaju is desperate to re-launch himself into relevance but can someone who wants the nation to believe that he is a democrat be campaigning alongside self-confessed liar, who has been rejected by his kinsmen and suspended as national chairman of his party, all in the quest to install a stooge in office?

    “Asiwaju must be reminded that Edo State is not part of his fiefdom and that the needless sanctimonious pomposity which he displayed in the broadcast will never sway the people.

    “This is because Edo State is home to very eminent and exceedingly intelligent personalities including highly revered royal fathers, religious and community leaders, astute public administrators, outstanding politicians and captains of industry, who are not ready to alter their resolve for Governor Obaseki.

    “If anything, Asiwaju’s broadcast has again exposed an imperialist agenda against the Edo people, a development that has further strengthened the resolve of the people of Edo State to permanently put an end to political godfatherism, which Asiwaju represents in the Nigerian political firmament.

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    Edo: PDP Supporter Boasts Obaseki’s Achievements Will Be Rewarded At Saturday Poll

    “Furthermore, without conceding to Asiwaju’s jejune argument, we ask, what contribution to democracy did he found in President Muhammadu Buhari when he presented him, then as General Buhari, to Nigerians ahead of the 2015 presidential election?

    “Moreover, Nigerians are gradually seeing through Asiwaju’s claims of having fought for democracy as mere myth. The true heroes of democracy include the founding fathers of our party and the regular people of Nigeria, who unlike most self-acclaimed leaders of democrats, never sneaked out of the shores of our country but stood firm to the very end.”

    “Our party had severally cautioned Asiwaju Tinubu to steer clear of our candidates and desist from infantile attention seeking in a political dispensation that has moved beyond unnecessary ego trips.

    “The people of Edo State had since made up their minds to re-elect Governor Obaseki and APC leaders such as Asiwaju, in their vanity should come to terms with that,” said a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    • Obaseki is a dictator with no democratic values -Tinubu
    • You can’t extend your political empire to Edo – Obaseki

    Ahead of the September 19 guber poll in Edo State, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki, as a dictator who does not appreciate democratic values.

    Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, said Obaseki lacks democratic qualities because he has not been part of any known struggle towards the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.

    In a sponsored video which was aired on TVC, APC chieftain accused Edo State governor of going against the ideals of democracy by “preventing” some lawmakers of Edo State House of Assembly from being sworn in.

    To this end, Tinubu charged electorate in Edo State to reject Obaseki and vote massively for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    According to him, “I want to appeal as a committed democrat and a leader of all democrats to our conscience and commitment to democracy on the forthcoming election in Edo state, to reject Godwin Obaseki.

    “I have suffered with many others to bring about this democratic regime that today we are enjoying in the country. Then, Godwin Obaseki didn’t participate in any aspect of the struggle to enshrine democracy in the country.

    “Therefore, he could not understand the value and the pains associated with this democratic struggle…

    “He demonstrated the act of dictatorship, lack of respect for rule of law, lack of respect for you the people who voted for those legislators prevented from being sworn-in.

    “Today, he now comes back as a democrat wanting you to vote for him. Please, I appeal to you, reject him. Like he rejected the 14 members, you should reject him at the polls.”

    Ironically, Tinubu was among APC chieftains that campaigned and endorsed Obaseki when he was contesting for the same position four years ago.

    But, Obaseki had to dump APC for PDP after losing the governorship ticket to Ize-Iyamu.

    Video:

     

    in a reaction, Governor Obaseki, who Spoke in a statement on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Media, Crusoe Osagie, said Edo voters are determined to end godfatherism in the state.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a television broadcast in which a former Lagos State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his quest to extend his political dominance and empire to Edo State, decided to take over the role of Edo people to choose through the ballot who to govern them for the next four years,” he said.

    “It has become obvious that the spirited fight which Edo people have put up against godfatherism has sent tremors beyond the shores of Edo to the likes of Tinubu, who has for years sustained a stranglehold on Lagos and other states in South Western Nigeria, hence this desperate, last ditch effort to rescue the unproductive political instrument, now popularly referred to as godfatherism, with which he has feathered his nest and built his political empire at the expense of the people.

    “Tinubu knows clearly that come September 19, when godfatherism would have been dismantled in Edo State, the people of Lagos may just have found the recipe and formula for removing the chokehold placed on their collective destinies for decades by Tinubu, hence the inciting television broadcast.

    “He should take note that Edo people do not yield their will, liberty and power of choice to oppressive figures because they are perceived to have economic and political means. Like one of the great sons of Edo, former Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, recently said, our people do not give in to ‘primitive loyalties.’ We always chase noble causes and a little study of our history, should show Tinubu the indomitable spirit of the Edo person.

    “Edo stands in the heart of the old Midwestern Region, which was the only region created through plebiscite, which underscores our capacity to determine our destiny as a people. The blood which ran in the veins of the leaders of that time is still the same that runs in the vein of the leaders of Edo State today”, he said.

    The PDP candidate however, appealed to residents of the state to disregard Tinubu’s comment and cast their vote for him.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Edo: PDP Supporter Boasts Obaseki’s Achievements Will Be Rewarded At Saturday Poll

    Edo: PDP Supporter Boasts Obaseki’s Achievements Will Be Rewarded At Saturday Poll

    A supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Edo State Governor and candidate of the PDP in the September 19th Governorship election will emerge victorious.

    The Coordinator, Edo Redemption Movement, under the PDP, Prince Idemudia Okojie, expressed this optimism in a statement on Tuesday in Benin city, the Edo state capital.

    Okojie hailed Obaseki as having performed creditably in various sectors of the state to the admiration of majority of the people.

    Coordinator, Edo Redemption Movement, under the PDP, Prince Idemudia Okojie 

    Commending the Governor for delivering well on the Channels TV debate, he said the achievements of Obaseki will be rewarded at the poll.

    Okojie further commented that the outcome of the debate has exposed APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s inability to govern the state if given the opportunity.

    “It is very good that the political debate on Edo Election was held and sentiments apart, every indigene of the state knows that Obaseki has more to offer the state than Ize-Iyamu and the only way Obaseki would lose is for the APC to rig the election in favour of their candidate.

    “If we are to be sincere as indigenes of Edo state, there is no doubt that Obaseki performed creditably well and giving the opportunity for a second term by the good people of the state can only make the state better.

    “Obaseki has governed well. Politics is about development. It is not just to grab power by all means without having nothing to show as good development, thereby taking the state backwards.

    “But with Obaseki in charge of the state for the next four years, i can assure that the people will witness more developments.

    “And if the score card of the debate is anything to go by where Obaseki got over 75% rating, it shows that he is simply unstoppable and every attempt to rig him out of office will not stand because the desire of the people of Edo state is to see him to win re-election come saturday,” he said.

  • Lai Mohammed Tackles Obasanjo over Statement on Nigeria’s Failed State Status

    Lai Mohammed Tackles Obasanjo over Statement on Nigeria’s Failed State Status

    Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Sunday joined the fray to market the credentials of President Muhammadu Buhari, but berated the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and other critcs, saying their reckless elocution could not foster peace and unity in Nigeria.

    The minister said it’s a cruel irony that those who frittered away a great opportunity to put Nigeria on a sound socio-economic footing, at a time of financial buoyancy, and those who planted the seed of the insecurity in some parts of the country today, are the same ones pointing an accusing finger at a reformist government of Buhari.

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    He noted that Buhari’s assumption of office in 2015 prevented Nigeria from becoming a failed state, after a long stretch of rapacious and rudderless leadership.

    Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja, said Buhari came into office at a time that a swathe of the country’s territory was under occupation, a period when many Nigerian towns and cities, including the capital city of Abuja, were a playground for insurgents and a moment that the nation’s wealth had been looted dry, with little or nothing to show for the nation’s huge earnings, especially in the area of infrastructure.

    According to him, “In one of the most difficult moments in the nation’s history, Nigeria is fortunate to have at the helm a leader who is not only dedicated, selfless and patriotic, but one who is globally acknowledged for his discipline, integrity and vision. Those who genuinely love Nigeria will support, rather than subvert, this committed leadership.

    “Nigeria today faces a lot of challenges. But whatever situation the country has found itself in, things would have been much worse but for the deft management of resources, unprecedented fight against corruption, determined battle against insurgency and banditry as well as the abiding courage of Mr. President in piloting the ship of state.

    ”Nigeria today is not a failed state, but a nation that is courageously tackling its challenges and building a solid infrastructure that will serve as the basis for socio-economic development, a nation that is unrelenting in battling insecurity and working hard to ensure greatest prosperity for the greatest number of people.”

    He said no government in the history of the country has done so much with so little, as the Buhari administration is doing presently, adding that with 60 per cent less national income, the administration is making progress on all fronts and setting the country on the path of sustainable growth and development.

    The minister said while naysayers are hyping the instances of insecurity in the country, they have conveniently forgotten that the country could have been overrun by insurgents and bandits if Buhari had not rallied regional and international allies to tackle, headlong, the Boko Haram insurgency that saw bombs going off like firecrackers before his assumption of office, and an estimated 20,000 square miles of the nation’s territory occupied by insurgents.

    ”They tout the downturn in economic fortunes without putting things in context. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a global shutdown and a drastic fall in global oil demand, Nigeria lost 60 per cent of its earnings, yet the administration has ensured that not a single worker has been retrenched, has paid salaries as and when due and has continued to build infrastructures like roads, rails, bridges and power, among others, that will serve many generations.

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    ”They aggravate the national fault lines with their angry and unguarded actions and rhetoric, forgetting that while national fissures are amplified at a time of dwindling economic fortunes, what is needed to foster peace and unity is not reckless elocution but responsible and responsive leadership, the kind being offered by President Buhari,” he said.

    Mohammed said Nigeria is on the road to greatness, despite the challenges confronting the nation, citing the hard push towards food sufficiency; the modernisation of the rail system; the nationwide construction of roads and bridges; the reform in the oil and gas
    sector; the unprecedented anti-corruption battle, the diversification of the economy and the renewed effort to ensure a steady power supply, anchored on a three-phase project that is expected to deliver 25,000MW of electricity in the next few years.

    The minister thanked Nigerians for their perseverance and understanding, especially against the backdrop of the stifling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, and appealed to them to continue to support the administration, as it seeks to lift 100 million people out of poverty in the next 10 years.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Kogi Set to Tap into LAWMA”s Strategies to Establish Robust Waste Management System

    Kogi Set to Tap into LAWMA”s Strategies to Establish Robust Waste Management System

    Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has pledged technical support to Kogi State in its efforts to establish a robust waste management system.

    LAWMA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Odumboni, gave this indication while receiving Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Victor Adewale Omofaiye, and his team, who were on a fact-finding visit to the agency and its waste management facilities in Lagos.

    Odumboni expressed LAWMA’s readiness to support the efforts of Kogi State to set up a proper waste management structure for the good of Kogi environment, its people and visitors alike.

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    The LAWMA chief noted that the visit offered the visitors from Kogi State an opportunity to witness the waste management processes and innovative ideas being adopted by the agency to tackle day-to-day challenges of waste management in Lagos State.

    He informed the visiting team that the agency would soon launch an educational initiative called “LAWMA Academy” with the sole purpose of imparting waste management knowledge to the younger generation.

    Odumboni advised the delegation to explore the idea of setting up recycling clubs and similar programmes in schools to lay a solid foundation for waste management in Kogi State.

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    While addressing the team, LAWMA Chief Technical Officer, Olohunwa Tijani, listed generation, collection and disposal as the key components of the waste management process in any geographical location, noting that proper management of those components is essential to having an effective waste management system.

    He added that in order to achieve their goal of a cleaner and healthier state, the waste management system should be purpose-driven and devoid of political interference.

    LAWMA Assistant General Manager, Waste Management Development, Essien Nsuabia, spoke on waste minimisation techniques, highlighting the importance of studying human activities in a particular geographical location for the formation of effective waste management plans and policies.

    Earlier, Omofaiye had thanked the agency for a warm reception, noting that the purpose of their visit was to tap into LAWMA’s vast experience, which has made it a global brand.

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    Omafaiye submitted that the environment is a gift from God, which required collective preservation, attesting that the level of achievement attained by Lagos State in environmental sustainability did not just happen overnight, hence the delegation’s visit to discover the secrets.

    The team, in the course of their visit, embarked on a tour of some of the agency’s facilities such as the Engineering Department, where LAWMA engineers fabricate double dino bins for waste containerisation, Olusosun Dumpsite and others, for a first-hand assessment.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • In Ondo, Jegede Flags off Guber Campaign

    In Ondo, Jegede Flags off Guber Campaign

    Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, along with other party chieftains and supporters Saturday flagged off PDP electioneering campaign ahead of the October 10 guber poll in the state.

    It was a moment to behold as PDP supporters thronged out in their numbers to MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Akure to register their presence at the rally.

    The party chieftains including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) among others were made resounding remarks to assure and reassure the people of Ondo State of good governance in the next four years.

    It was a moment pf celebration as PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, handed over the party’s flag to Jegede for Ondo State 2020 governorship election.

    Speaking at the rally, Makinde, who’s also the Chairman of Ondo State Gubernatorial National Campaign Council, drew a comparison between his election in Oyo and the impending Ondo State governorship poll.

    He explained that he won Oyo State governorship elections in 2019 despite contesting under PDP, without any political stronghold in the state at the time or strong political backing at the federal level.

    “We have people, and we have God. In Ondo State, you have God and you have people. It happened in Oyo State, it will happen here.

    “APC said you should vote them because they want Presidency to come to Yorubaland.

    “Please tell them, this election is not about the presidency to Yorubaland. This election is about delivering Eyitayo Jegede and putting Ondo State as part of the states that will take charge to restructure Nigeria,” Makinde said.

    Also speaking at the rally, Tambuwal described the ruling party in Ondo State as a party in disarray up to the national level.

    According to him, “APC is not a choice for Ondo State.”

    The rally was also attended by the Senator representing Ekiti South, Abiodun Olujimi, among others.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Abiru versus Gbadamosi: The Race for Lagos East Senatorial By-election Begins

    Abiru versus Gbadamosi: The Race for Lagos East Senatorial By-election Begins

    It’s no longer news that Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru has been chosen as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lagos East Senatorial District by-election, while Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi would fly the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the forthcoming poll.

    Both Abiru and Gbadamosi are expected to canvass for votes among the electorate who reside and are duly registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the senatorial district ahead of the October 31 by-election.

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    Of note is the fact that Abiru and Gbadamosi have carved a niche for themselves in their various areas of human endeavour. While the former recently retired as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, the latter is a successful businessman and real estate expert.

    Abiru has almost three decades of banking experience and served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance from 2011 to 2015 in the administration of Babatunde Raji Fashola.

    Born on March 25, 1964, Abiru earned a B.Sc degree in Economics from Lagos State University (LASU). He’s also an alumnus of Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Programme). He also attended Lagos Business School (Senior Management Programme).

    He’s a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Honourary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

    Gbadamosi was a governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Lagos State during the 2019 general elections. He’s generally described as the man who won the debate, but ended up as the second runner up at the general election. In March 2020, he rejoined PDP and eventually became the party’s candidate for the forthcoming by-election.

    Gbadamosi was born on October 15, 1967. He attended the now defunct Lagos State School of Basic Studies in Agindingbi, Ikeja and also Lagos State University (LASU).

    He’s described as a foremost businessman, real estate developer and politician. He’s the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Redbrick Homes International Limited, developers and promoters of the popular Amen Estate in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.

    Both candidates have impressive qualities any one can boast, thus, the election is expected to be keenly contested.

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    The election may also be a direct pointer to possible outcome of the 2023 general elections. This means, if PDP should win the election, APC may need to go extra miles to retain the state come 2023.

    On the other hand, a win for APC means a further political consolidation, for the ruling party to maintain its stronghold in Lagos State and beyond.

    Whichever way, the coming days are expected to witness flamboyant and robust electioneering campaigns, leading to the October 31 by-election in Lagos East Senatorial District, in a bid to succeed Adebayo Osinowo (aka Peperito) who died of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on June 15, 2020.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • In Akure, Tinubu Says Nigeria’s Revenue Strategy Should Be Reviewed to Stimulate Economic Growth

    In Akure, Tinubu Says Nigeria’s Revenue Strategy Should Be Reviewed to Stimulate Economic Growth

    National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, weekend tasked the Federal Government to review the current means of revenue generation and criteria used for allocation to states and local governments in the country.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the ultra modern Ondo State Internal Revenue Service Complex tagged Revenue House in Akure, Tinubu described the current formula as faulty, saying the present revenue approach has created rooms for an encroachment into the statutory areas of revenue generation of state and local governments.

    While explaining that his position should not be interpreted to be criticising the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, the APC national leader said he has a strong belief in national unity and even development of the country.

    He described revenue generation as a very important means for the survival of any economy, adding that if any government at any level is denied needed revenue, development agenda may suffer greatly.

    Tinubu also described Ondo State as a great potential for energy, economy and agriculture, noting that when the potentials were fully utilised and youths were engaged, social unrest in the region would become history.

    “If all the South-west governors embark on physical federalism, which is what the country needs at this time. We are APC and in government today, but that does not translate to the fact that we cannot find faults and criticise ourselves to achieve the best for the country.

    “The cumbersome revenue formula of the Federal Government today needs an urgent review. It has to be reviewed for the progress of the country.

    “The South-west governors should be consistent in the level of financial inquisitiveness as to where and why and when the revenue formula will be at par with the physical federalism of the country.

    “There are various encroachments that I have noticed and with you as a lawyer and financial experts, you should reform the financial bottlenecks in the country today.

    “What is the element of stamp duty in the context of federal allocation? What element of transaction belongs to the state? Why are we getting involve in what should be a residual matter of the state? We need to tell each others the truth and not smile always. We will not be afraid to do the right thing for the country because it belongs to everyone.

    “You can equally use the synergy with the Odua investment to collaborate not only on Amotekun syndrome. Amotekun is a creation of necessity for hoodlums caused by unemployment, frustration and hunger,” he said.

    After the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu along with the Chairman of the APC National Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Chairman, APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship election and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others held a meeting with Ondo State traditional rulers at Dome International Event Centre and later stormed Akure Township Stadium for the flag-off of Akeredolu’s re-election campaign.

    Speaking during a meeting with the traditional rulers, Tinubu said APC leaders in the state as well as South-west and national level are united to ensure that Akeredolu is re-elected in the October 10 guber poll in the state.

    He urged all the traditional rulers in the state not to relent in their support towards Akeredolu’s re-election, charging them to implore their subjects and people to work tirelessly for the governor’s second term bid.

    He also implored the people of the state not to allow opposition to win the state, noting that voting for APC would be an added advantage to the South-west’s quest for 2023 presidency.

    According to him, “We are all united to work for Akeredolu’s re-election so that APC will continue to govern Ondo State and other states in the country. We commissioned Revenue House today. Governor Akeredolu has performed very well and he deserves to be re-elected based on his performance and achievements in office in his first term.

    “I want to implore all traditional rulers to endorse Akeredolu and work for his re-election. His re-election is in the interest of the people of Ondo State and Yoruba land at large. As the ruling party at the federal level, we should allow continuity in Ondo State.

    “Please, we are here to tell you and show that there is no quarrel between children of Oodua. We will not go back to the situation of 1983.”

    While addressing party supporters at the stadium, Tinubu said: “You don’t fight the PDP. There is no point fight a corpse inside the coffin, just settle down and calmly nail their coffin.”

    He tasked the party members to rally round Akeredolu and give him all the support he needs to lead the state.

    “Unity and adherence to collective purpose are hallmarks of progressive politics. Our ability to place the public welfare above our personal ambitions is what differentiates us from the political regressives who would rather that the general welfare suffer so they can fulfil their personal whims and wishes.

    “As progressives, we must carefully tend to our bridge of unity. We must never allow it to break. We entered politics and governance to serve the people and this purpose should always bind us in ceaseless fraternity and togetherness,” Tinubu said.

    Also, speaking during the flag-off rally, Sanwo-Olu appealed to the people of the Sunshine State to vote for Akeredolu, who he described as a progressive man that has brought real development to Ondo State during his first term in office.

    He said: “We are here today to campaign for Governor Akeredolu and his re-election has been endorsed by traditional rulers in the state. Akeredolu has really performed well during his first term in office and his achievements are visible in different parts of the state.

    “On behalf of the National Campaign Council, I want to appreciate all of you. I want to say to you that Ondo State is receiving first class governance.

    “Ondo State is receiving a progressive man that has brought about real development. Aketi has done well and I want you to re-elect him. Thank you for your support. We will see you in October for a resounding victory for Aketi.”

    Presenting the party’s flag to Akeredolu, Buni said APC is united and the party would work toward winning the election.

    He added that the party’s campaign for the APC candidate is easy because Akeredolu has delivered dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State in the last four years.

    Buni also received business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim, and former Commissioner in the State, Femi Adekambi, and others who defected to APC during the event into the fold of the ruling party in Ondo State.

    In his remarks, Akeredolu commended all his colleagues and other party leaders and members as well as people of Ondo State for turning out in thousands to witness the APC governorship campaign flag-off.

    He appealed to the people of Ondo State to vote for him in the October 10 governorship poll.

    The rally was also attended by a former Interim National Chairman of APC, Bisi Akande; Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Deputy Chairman, APC National Campaign Council and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

    Others are: Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Gboyega Oyetola (Osun); Abdulrahman Abdulrazak (Kwara); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); and Abdulahi Sule (Nassarawa).

    Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipreye Slyva; and a former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, among others also attended and appealed to the people of Ondo State to come out in large numbers to vote for APC during the governorship poll.

    Idowu Sowunmi