Ekiti APC Crisis: Fayemi Remains Party Leader, National Secretariat Tells Ojudu Faction Over Suspension

September 26, 2020

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State Friday took another turn as the Tony Adeniyi-led faction suspended Governor Kayode Fayemi and the Paul Omotosho-led Executive Council over anti-party activities.

The latest suspension order came barely 24 hours after Omotosho’s faction loyal to the governor suspended the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Ojudu Babafemi, and 10 others.

But respite seemed to have come the way of Fayemi, Babafemi and others as APC National Secretariat in a statement on Friday by the Deputy National Secretary, Yekini Nabena, described the suspensions as a “nullity.”

Nabena said the attention of APC National Secretariat has been drawn to a purported and widely-reported “suspension” of Fayemi as well as an earlier reported “indefinite suspension” of BBabafemi and other party members in the state.

Suspending Fayemi and Omotosho on Friday, the Adeniyi-led faction alleged that the governor’s camp has refused to hold Ward Congress in Ekiti State since inception of the party, describing the governor’s faction as illegal.

Adeniyi represented Ekiti South Senatorial district between 2011 and 2015. He explained that he was made Acting Chairman of Ekiti APC owing to the “absence of direction or directive from the National Body” and was adjudged as “the only one thus capable to call the SEC (State Executive Council) meeting as duly required by the constitution henceforth.”

The senator further described his factional supporters as “the authentic members” of the party in the state that were duly constituted as members of the National Convention of the party, based on Section 12.8 of APC Constitution.

The Adeniyi faction after its meeting on September 23 accused Fayemi of anti-party roles in the September 19 Edo State governorship election, which saw the party losing to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The party alleged Fayemi of colluding with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in his bid for 2023 vice presidential slot under PDP, if his bid for presidential candidacy in APC fails.

However, APC National Secretariat has called on the warring factions to sheathe their swords to allow for genuine reconciliation.

“The actions are a nullity as the party’s National Secretariat is yet to receive communication from the state chapter on the purported ‘suspensions.’ We strongly advise all members to adhere to our party constitution.

“Governor Kayode Fayemi remains the leader of the party in Ekiti State.

“In line with the mandate of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee and the President’s admonition to party members to ensure and support ongoing amicable and rancour-free settlement of internal party disputes, we call on our esteemed party members and leaders in Ekiti State to be duly guided.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Architect Paul Omotosho-chaired APC Ekiti State Working Committee is the authentic, valid and duly recognised Executive as no factions or divisions exist in the State Chapter,” Nabena said.

Read the full text of the statement on the suspension of Fayemi and Omotosho…

RE: DR. KAYODE FAYEMI ANTI–PARTY ACTIVITIES

After painstakingly reviewing the activities of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, we the authentic members of the Party in the State and Members of State Executive Committee per Section 12.8 of APC Constitution being duly constituted members of the National Convention of the Party, rose from its meeting of the 23rd September, 2020 and resolved as follows:

1. We note the continued illegalities in the name of the party, being conducted by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who as Governor is an ordinary member of the SEC and ought to have called meetings of this duly constituted body as a critical party organ, has failed to do so since his assumption of office in 2018.

2.That the body currently masquerading as the elected members of the SEC or as the State Working Committee or appendages is unknown to us (as due statutory members of SEC) since no Ward Congress has taken place in Ekiti State APC since inception. All SEC members listed in Section 12.8 of our constitution, (i) to (xxvii) as such are open positions since only duly officiated Ward congresses with INEC observation can fill these positions.

3.As such, only the duly elected members of the APC in the state serving as Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker & Deputy Speaker as well as Principal Officers of the House and Members of the National Convention which includes all present and past National Assembly members today constitute the State SEC of our great party.

4.To this end, in the absence of a properly organized body and meeting, and the continued insistence of the Governor to neglect his duty to initiate Ward Congresses or call a meeting of the SEC to deliberate upon pertinent issues, we as loyal members of our party and members of the State Executive Committee met to rescue our party from continued denigration and abuse, and resolved thus:

1.That Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State is hereby suspended from the Party in view of his numerous anti-Party activities especially his role in the recent concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution.
For five days prior to the Edo elections Gov Fayemi hosted PDP big wig Mr Femi Fani- Kayode in the government house in Ado Ekiti in the run up to the Edo elections . It was here they perfected the coup against our party in Edo State. This is same Fani-Kayode who daily abuses President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the APC as a party as well a vital section of our country. We have evidence of that meeting.

Fani-Kayode specifically said he has gone on his tour as part of an effort between him and Fayemi to build a cross-party alliance and few hours after leaving Ekiti he fired a shot at Asiwaju Tinubu.

1 (a) We also have evidence of celebration by his aides in Ekiti government house and on social media.

1(b) We also recall his role in the gubernatorial election in Oyo State where he supported the PDP candidate to defeat the APC candidate. A second tranche of money he sent to Gov Makinde in the election was intercepted by soldiers. The courier Mr Ayo Adegbite, his Chief Protocol Officer was arrested and he immediately disowned and announced his sack . Mr Adegbite remains his aide till date.

1(c) We also recall the support he provided a PDP candidate who challenged an APC Senator Prince Dayo Adeyeye in the Tribunal. He moved the judges to Kaduna to deliver judgement when he knew what he planned against his party was unpopular in Ekiti. We have more to tell on this betrayal and traitorous act of his. APC Senator is out of the Senate today and PDP is in. The relationship between Fayemi and Senator Olujimi of PDP , the beneficiary of his treachery is known to all in Ekiti State.

We also recall his resort to court when majority of party members nominated late Senator Abiola Ajimobi for Deputy National Chairman of the party. He fought Ajimobi till death.

1(d) His fraternisation with the PDP in continuation of his bid for Vice Presidential candidate under the party ( if his bid for Presidential candidate in APC fails ) was masked by commissioning of projects in Rivers State, a smokescreen for his consultation to woo the support of Governor Nyesom Wike last year .

2. That the Paul Omotosho led faction of APC Executive in the State is hereby declared illegal and suspended from the Party for failure to emerge in accordance to the Constitution of the Party.

3.That Paul Omotoso and his co travellers’s refusal to respect court proceedings in which they are not only joined but appeared in court through the proceedings but defiantly disrespected the court contrary to the hallowed decision of the Supreme Court in OJUKWU vs GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE

4.That Paul Omotosho faction of the executive should desist from parading themselves as the Executive Members of the Party in the State and that the Nigerian Police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public should take note.

5.That Senator Tony Adeniyi, as a statutory member of the SEC going by our party’s constitution, was elected by all members attending as the Acting Chairman of the State Executive Committee in the absence of direction or directive from the National Body. He is as such the only one thus capable to call the SEC meeting as duly required by the constitution from henceforth.

6.The committee seating also agreed to begin bridge building across our members, statewide and nationally, and set up a special intervention committee, APC Majeobaje Working Group, to be led by Prince Bamgboye Adegoroye, and six other individuals from across our great state. That working group will henceforth do the hard work of rebuilding APC in Ekiti state and prevent the oncoming annihilation of our party if we take no action at the upcoming polls.

We note that the All Progressives Congress is a party of progressives, and must do things only in line with the law. The APC cannot act against its constitution or the law of the land, hence this intervention became urgently necessary and pertinent before marauders destroy the party permanently.

It must be emphasized that with the increasingly discerning capacity and sophistication of our people we cannot afford to take them for granted. We must be able to sustain the relevance of our party in Ekiti State, hold our members and win new members. We are obligated to ensure that the light of our electoral prospect and fortune is not dimmed or extinguished.

Signed:
For Ekiti State APC State Executive Committee

1. Senator Tony Adeniyi
⁃ Senator , Ekiti South Senatorial District (2011 – 2015)

2. Senator Babafemi Ojudu
⁃ Senator , Ekiti Central Senatorial District ( 2011 – 2015 )

3. Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Senator , Ekiti South Senatorial District ( 2019- ) Former Minister of Works.

4. Congressman Bimbo Daramola, Ekiti North Federal Constituency (2011 – 2015)

5. Hon Robinson Ajiboye , Ekiti North Federal Constituency (2011 – 2015)

6. Hon Oye Ojo, Ekiti North Federal Constituency (2011 – 2015)

7. Hon ( Dr.) Adewale Omirin – Hon Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly (2011 – 2015)

8. Hon Femi Adeleye , Member , Ekiti State House of Assembly , (2007 – 2011)

Idowu Sowunmi

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Sanwo-Olu Identifies Real Estate Business as Key Factor of Lagos Economy

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 25, 2020

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has identified real estate business as a key sector that has the potential of contributing 25 per cent growth to the state’s economy, saying his administration could not afford to miss this opportunity.

Speaking at the maiden Policy Roundtable Dialogue with the theme: “International Best Practice on Real Estate Regulations,” organised by Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), Sanwo-Olu charged property developers, investors, real estate lawyers and practitioners to work with his administration to create a home ownership model that would help the state government address the deficits observed in housing market in Lagos State.

The governor raised concern over the huge gap observed in the provision of mass housing to large number of residents, describing the situation as unacceptable. He said Lagos State Government was ready to bridge the gap by partnering the private sector and working with stakeholders to ensure people have access to viable home services.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration had started to identify big players in the real estate sector that would partner with the government to raise housing stock of in the state. He said the government was ready to provide enabling environment for the investors to put their finances in creation of viable housing market for residents.

According to him, “Public Private Partnership is one of the options we are exploring to realise our objectives of providing viable housing scheme for our citizens. We are at the edge of identifying real big players in the real estate sector to see how well we can leapfrog housing stock in our state. The government is ready to provide enabling environment and remove the bottlenecks that may impede this opportunity.

“The housing stock deficit that we have in Lagos is not acceptable, but we all know the government cannot provide everything. We certainly need to explore opportunities in private investment to ensure we realise our objective.

“Real estate business has the potential of contributing 25 per cent growth to the State’s economy and we cannot let this opportunity pass by.”

Sanwo-Olu said part of the efforts being made by the government to raise the investment level of real estate business is to improve the turnaround time on land transactions. He said the state government had started improvement work on its Geographic Information System (GIS) platform to enable real estate investors have real time information on status of property they are investing in.

The governor harped on lack of accurate data on real estate investment in the state, pledging that the state would be working with the practitioners to create workable database that would help investors and government. He added that his administration would introduce legislations that would help curb bad behaviors among tenants and property owners.

He disclosed that his administration would be launching a N5 billion seed capital through Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to support businesses that want to provide succour to citizens in different areas.

In his remarks, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, assured the stakeholders that the current administration was ready to regulate business and protect the citizens from abuse and fraudulent transactions.

Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the incumbent administration would not fail in its social responsibility to the people and investors.

She said: “The reason for the emphasis on registration with the Real Estate Practitioners and Property Developers is to provide protection to citizens from imposters, fraudsters and reduce sharp practices associated with some unauthorised individuals who are not registered members of any professional association in Lagos and the country at large.

“I urge all stakeholders to join hands with the state government to eliminate dubious individuals in the Real Estate industry and deal with them in accordance with relevant laws of the state.

“This way, the integrity of the business will be restored and international investment will increase. LASRERA portal will provide local and foreign investors with the relevant data analytics for market transparency and intelligence that will help the growth and development of the real estate sector.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Buhari Reveals How He Insisted on Free, Fair Edo Guber Poll

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 25, 2020

In what appeared to be a self-appraisal and telling hard truth to whoever cares to listen, President Muhammadu Buhari Friday revealed how he simplified the process that led to the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his own party, All Progressives Congress (APC), at the just concluded Edo State governorship election.

While noting that his single desire is to make sure that innocent Nigerians don’t suffer regardless of party affiliation, the President disclosed his personal position ahead of Edo poll, saying: “If contestants have too much money and they decide to spray, so be it. But what I insist is, nobody should go and raise a counter force to the government, arm heavily-drugged thugs to go and humiliate people.”

These revelations were disclosed in a statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The statement said the President specifically ordered the security agencies to protect Nigerians, explaining that the Nigerian leader wanted Nigerians to appreciate that he respected them as Nigerians and that he’s bound by the oath he has taken.

Speaking, while receiving in audience Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy, Philip Shuaibu, and other party supporters on a thank-you-visit to State House in Abuja, Buhari declared that he’s doing his best to build a new APC based on a rule of law and respect for human rights and human beings, from polling units to local governments, to states and to the federal level.

He said despite the fact that his party has lost some states in elections, he wished to leave behind a political culture based on integrity.

According to him, “I thank you for bringing your deputy and supporters to come and see me after beating my party. I am supposed to preside over all Nigerian interests whether I like it or not, but my single desire is to make sure that innocent people don’t suffer. That message I got across to the Inspector General of Police, that elections must be free and fair.

“If contestants have too much money and they decide to spray, so be it. But what I insist is, nobody should go and raise a counter force to the government, arm heavily-drugged thugs to go and humiliate people.

“I want Nigerians to appreciate that I respect them as Nigerians and that I am bound by the oath I have taken, that their security is in the hands of God and in the hands of the government, which I am leading.

“We have lost states across the country. Now I do not like to escape the responsibility, seeing as the leader of the country, I am also the leader of my party, that I am not leading the party very well.

“I am trying to make sure that the party is built on a civilised basis, rule of law and respect for human rights and human beings, right from polling units to local governments, to states up to Abuja and that’s what I have been insisting as my contribution to the National Working Committee and executive of the party. I know we are a developing country, a developing economy and trying to develop our political culture.

“I want the development of political culture to be based on integrity and accountability. Let people work very hard and earn what they are looking for through their hard work and through fair competition.”

He added jocularly that he was congratulating Edo State governor “reluctantly” because he defeated the candidate of his party.

In his remarks, Obaseki thanked the President for ensuring that fair play reigned during the election which saw him victorious.

He said: “You would recall a couple of weeks before the election, I came to see you and you assured me that we were going to have a free, peaceful and credible election. That is what we had during the election of 19th September and the whole world has acclaimed that Edo election was perhaps one of the best conducted in recent times in Nigeria.

“This could not have been possible without your insistence that the right things be done, and for that, we want to say thank you very much.”

He also thanked the President for his congratulatory message, assuring him that the message “has been internalised, that it is God that made this election possible, therefore I should be humble about the election and also magnanimous in victory.”

He pledged his unalloyed loyalty and support and that of the people of Edo State to the President and the Federal Government.

In the same.vein, Governor Obaseki met Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo in his office.

Obaseki said he visited the VP “In continuation of our ‘Thank You’ tour, as we continue to show appreciation to various stakeholders that contributed to the success of the Edo Governorship election on Saturday.

Photos:

Idowu Sowunmi

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Ogun: Ex-Governor Amosun Kicks Back at Abiodun Over “Unpaid ₦106.9 Billion” Workers’ Benefits

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 25, 2020

Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has kicked back at the Dapo Abiodun-led government, which had accused the erstwhile administration of negligence in an unpaid ₦106.9 Billion gratuity; leave bonus, contributory pension and promotion arrears due to workers, a situation that led to a strike action by labour union in the state on September 16, 2020.

In a rebuttal statement Friday titled- Ogun State Workers Strike Putting The Records Straight (2011-2019), signed and sent to Echotitbits by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the Ibikunle Amosun administration, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, stated that: “our conscious decisions to stay in our lane were violated last week during the well-publicized Ogun State worker’s strike. In the defense by the current administration, references were made to matters relating to our administration which we believe for reasons of posterity needed to be corrected”.

Adeoluwa, accusing the Dapo Abiodun-led government of overstating an amount of N9.6B in figures pertaining to gratuity stated that: “A total sum of ₦22.9B was the outstanding Gratuity for Local Government and SUBEB as against the ₦32.5B published.

“It is instructive to note that a backlog of 3 years left by the previous administration was paid by our administration.”

The Amosun administration equally said it discovered that the liability under Leave Bonus was overstated by ₦1.6B as against the actual outstanding liability of ₦7.6B an amount of ₦9.6B was claimed in the publication.

“As we have done with all other staff related liabilities inherited by us from the previous administration, we also paid all outstanding inherited Leave Bonus liability from the previous Administration”, Adeoluwa stated in the statement.

Reacting to pension issues raised, the Amosun-administration said it identified the Contributory Pension Scheme as a very tricky one.

While it stated that the total liabilities stood at ₦41.4 Billion (State – ₦20.03B, LG & SUBEB – ₦21.37B), the Amosun-admiistration said it cannot be held responsible for the outstanding debts of ₦41.4B attributed to us.

”It was a good initiative, but badly implemented without cash backing by the administration before us. This led us to engage the Labour leaders, and subsequently the law setting up the scheme was therefore reviewed – allowing workers that will be retiring on or before 2025 to have the opportunity of opting for the old pension scheme arrangement.

“This obviously resulted in many civil and public servants opting for early retirement leading to high increase in the amount of resultant Gratuity liabilities and payments. We did this review to correct the faulty implementation of the programme and to give enough time to provide adequate fund (sinking fund) for effective and seamless running of the programme.

“We noticed also that the amount of ₦46.5 Billion published as the outstanding Contributory Pension liabilities was overstated by ₦5.1 Billion. As the total liabilities stood at ₦41.4 Billion (State – ₦20.03B, LG & SUBEB – ₦21.37B). Respectfully, we cannot therefore be held responsible for the outstanding debts of ₦41.4B attributed to us.”

On the issue of promotion arrears, the Amosun-administration said since by convention, the exercise for promotion for year 2018 will have to be conducted in 2019. It was the responsibility of the new administration to oversee the subsequent ones beginning from 2018.

It added that: “We conducted the one for year 2017, and was duly cash backed and paid.

“In view of this, we do not owe the ₦217M in respect of Promotion Arrears, as claimed in the publication.

“We wish to place on records that we made full disclosure of our financial status and deliberately included that of SUBEB and LGAs. This is more than we got when we took over government.

“The declared liabilities of ₦49.23B passed on to us by the previous government carefully excluded amounts outstanding and owed to the other tiers of government (the Local Government) which was material in amount, and all of which our Administration have since paid.

“We gained from our experience and financial analysis that without attaining a financial break-even point in the state IGR, the State will continue to lag behind in development. The foundation and trajectory for further growth of the State IGR which we had established ought to be reinforced by the current and indeed all succeeding Administration in order to meet up on its financial obligations to the Ogun workers and indeed all the good people of Ogun State.

“From the critical analyses and review of Ogun State finances vis-à-vis the current and future financial needs and development of the State, the financial break-even point for the State will be if and when the State attain the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figure of at least ₦12.5 Billion. Without this, succeeding Administration will continue to encounter the same financial difficulties and crises.

“From the Financial Outlook of the State as contained in the Ogun State Development Plan (2017-2030), we were confident to predict that by year 2022, the State’s IGR will be between ₦12 Billion to ₦14 Billion monthly, while a further projected figure put it at ₦20 Billion per month by year 2025. This is no rocket science, but an outcome of a coordinated approach and well articulated plan laid out by our Administration.

The Amosun-administration however concluded that: “in light of this, it is expected that any succeeding administration after us will continue with the Ogun Standard way of thinking out of the box in order to take our dear State to the highest pedestal, whose foundation had already been laid by our Administration and the Contributions and Efforts of those GIANTS that came before us”.

In a statement issued September 17, where the state government reacted to the dispute and strike notice by labour in the state, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Adetokunbo Talabi, informed the striking workers that the state government inherited N106.9billion unpaid welfare package.

Talabi noted that government considered the abrupt withdrawal of the labour team and unilateral declaration of one-week strike as unfair, indecorous and violation of the principles of collective bargaining, adding that it was a surprise that labour would take the step even when the negotiation process was still on.

Read full text of the Amosun-administration rebuttal statement below.

OGUN STATE WORKERS STRIKE PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT (2011-2019)

Since we left office in a blaze of glory and total thanksgiving to Almighty God after our tour of duty in May 2019, we have consciously refrained from joining issues with the successor regime in our beloved State. Despite mis-statements of facts in respect of programs and projects of our administration, we were resolved to keep our peace. Having done our level best for our people, we remain grateful to God Almighty and the good people of Ogun State for the opportunities availed us and for the privilege and enablement signposted by numerous legacy and life changing accomplishments that attended our administration.

2. However, our conscious decisions to stay in our lane were violated last week during the well-publicized Ogun State worker’s strike. In the defense by the current administration, references were made to matters relating to our administration which we believe for reasons of posterity needed to be corrected. TO BE PRECISE, IN THE NEWSPAPER

ADVERTS ON FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER, 2020, OUR ADMINISTRATION WAS ACCUSED OF LEAVING AMOUNT TOTALING N106.9 BILLION UNPAID IN RESPECT OF OGUN STATE WORKERS GRATUITY, LEAVE BONUS, CONTRIBUTORY PENSION AND PROMOTION ARREARS.

3. Our experience when we assumed office in May 2011 was not palatable. We met a State in dire need of urgent attention and timely intervention. In fact, we met a far more precarious Ogun State where there was near total absence of security for both lives and properties. Banks and other financial institutions could not operate anywhere in the Ogun East Senatorial District. The industrial climate was in comatose. Cultism, Kidnapping, Ritual related murder and unresolved assassination were the identities of a once peaceful and progressive people of Ogun State. In the World Bank Ease of Doing Business 2010 ranking, Ogun State was ranked 36 out of the 37 States including FCT peer reviewed. It was also adjudged the worst State to live by several reputable rating bodies. Infrastructural deficit, decay and retardation were common place. But with the help of God and the support of the good people of Ogun State, we are humbled by the well acknowledged testimonial that we left behind a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive State that we are so proud of, and were so proud to serve.

4. On the issue of Ogun State workers, our administration inherited accumulated arrears of unpaid salaries Deductions, pension, gratuity and associated liabilities. The then outgoing administration on the eve of the elections, committed to a number of new liabilities under pressure and retrospectively backdated in some instances the commencement from January, 2009. For instance, pension payments to retired Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Service got jacked up by Executive fiat from ₦40,000 to ₦400,000; and, from ₦45,000 to ₦450,000; monthly, respectively. The implication was that from the end of our first full month in office, June, 2011, the monthly pension of civil and public servants went up astronomically. We paid this unfailingly throughout our tenure; May, 2011 – May, 2019.

5. Then came the National minimum wage barely a few days after we took office. Ogun State under our watch took the credit as the first State in the South West to begin the payment of that new minimum wage in August 2011, applying fully the Consequential Adjustment that benefited all cadre of staff from Level 01 to 17. With that, the monthly emoluments paid to Ogun State workers, both civil and public servants increased by more than ₦1.6 Billion monthly within the first Three (3) months of our administration. We are grateful to God that despite the enormous wage bill, we did not owe monthly salaries and pensions (both to State and Local Governments) from May, 2011 to May, 2019, and we cleared all salary deductions for the same period before we left office.

6. To put the record straight and for the purpose of posterity, we shall hereby address the issues relating to the financial liabilities of ₦106.9 Billion claimed to have been left unpaid by our administration.

A GRATUITY

(i) (State Workers)

YEAR AMOUNT PAID
Jan 2009 – May 2011 ₦ 5,642,119,495.41
June 2011 – Dec 2013 ₦14,977,316,036.44

Total (Paid) ₦20,619,435,531.85
Jan 2014 – Dec 2016*** ₦10,808,277,510.65

Total (Assumed Paid) ₦31,427,713,042.50

Outstanding Liability

YEAR AMOUNT OWED
Jan 2017 – May 2019 ₦7,635,425,007.44

***The ₦10.6B refund from the Federal Government owed to our administration and earmarked specifically (and which was clearly stated in the handover notes) for the Gratuity payment for period January 2014 to December 2016 was blocked together with the ₦5.7B May 2019 Statutory Allocation from the Federation Account (which was to be used specifically to augment the May, 2019 Workers’ Salary) by the present administration in early May 2019, before they assumed office. The refund of ₦10.6 Billion was paid in early July 2019, barely 6 weeks into the new administration, while the ₦5.7 Billion was paid in the first week of June, 2019.

A total of ₦20.69B was paid and ₦10.6B provided for, totaling ₦31.4B by our administration for the period between January 2009 to December 2016.

For the record, the total outstanding Gratuity to the State workers stood at ₦7,635,425,007.44 at the end of our administration in 29 May, 2019.

(ii) Local Government and SUBEB as at May, 2019)

SUBEB – ₦18,705,681,760.97
Local Government – ₦4,208,956,965.27
TOTAL – ₦22,914,638,726.24

A total sum of ₦22.9B was the outstanding Gratuity for Local Government and SUBEB as against the ₦32.5B published. Leaving an overstated amount of ₦9.6B.

NB
It is instructive to note that a backlog of 3 years left by the previous administration was paid by our administration.

B. LEAVE BONUS (2015 – 2019)

State – ₦3,824,481,744.82
SUBEB – ₦3,191,491,652.00
LGEA – ₦ 598,438,577.67
₦7,604,411,974.08

We equally discovered that the liability under Leave Bonus was overstated by ₦1.6B. As against the actual outstanding liability of ₦7.6B an amount of ₦9.6B was claimed in the publication.

NB
As we have done with all other staff related liabilities inherited by us from the previous administration, we also paid all outstanding inherited Leave Bonus liability from the previous Administration.

I. CONTRIBUTORY PENSION LIABILITIES

The Contributory Pension Scheme has been identified as a very tricky one. It was a good initiative, but badly implemented without cash backing by the administration before us. This led us to engage the Labour leaders, and subsequently the law setting up the scheme was therefore reviewed – allowing workers that will be retiring on or before 2025 to have the opportunity of opting for the old pension scheme arrangement. This obviously resulted in many civil and public servants opting for early retirement leading to high increase in the amount of resultant Gratuity liabilities and payments. We did this review to correct the faulty implementation of the programme and to give enough time to provide adequate fund (sinking fund) for effective and seamless running of the programme. We noticed also that the amount of ₦46.5 Billion published as the outstanding Contributory Pension liabilities was overstated by ₦5.1 Billion. As the total liabilities stood at ₦41.4 Billion (State – ₦20.03B, LG & SUBEB – ₦21.37B). Respectfully, we cannot therefore be held responsible for the outstanding debts of ₦41.4B attributed to us.

II. PROMOTION ARREARS

By convention, the exercise for promotion for year 2018 will have to be conducted in 2019. We conducted the one for year 2017, and was duly cash backed and paid. It was the responsibility of the new administration to oversee the subsequent ones beginning from 2018. In view of this, we do not owe the ₦217M in respect of Promotion Arrears, as claimed in the publication.

7. We wish to place on records that we made full disclosure of our financial status and deliberately included that of SUBEB and LGAs. This is more than we got when we took over government. The declared liabilities of ₦49.23B passed on to us by the previous government carefully excluded amounts outstanding and owed to the other tiers of government (the Local Government) which was material in amount, and all of which our Administration have since paid.

8. We gained from our experience and financial analysis that without attaining a financial break-even point in the state IGR, the State will continue to lag behind in development. The foundation and trajectory for further growth of the State IGR which we had established ought to be reinforced by the current and indeed all succeeding Administration in order to meet up on its financial obligations to the Ogun workers and indeed all the good people of Ogun State.

From the critical analyses and review of Ogun State finances vis-à-vis the current and future financial needs and development of the State, the financial break-even point for the State will be if and when the State attain the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figure of at least ₦12.5 Billion. Without this, succeeding Administration will continue to encounter the same financial difficulties and crises.

9. The improved SECURITY and massive INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT embarked upon by our Administration

resulted in improved economic activities which attracted private sector participation of both Local and Foreign Direct Investments which in turn led to the massive increase in the IGR from the paltry ₦700 Million monthly that we met upon assumption in May, 2011, to about ₦7 Billion monthly by the time we left in May, 2019. Indeed, in the year 2016 and 2017 Report by the Manufacturers Association of

Nigeria (MAN) and the report conducted by Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC), Ogun State was adjudged to have attracted 75% of all manufacturing related FDIs into Nigeria. Under our watch, Ogun State became the Industrial Capital of Nigeria. We are humbled that we attracted over 140 new Industries which individually invested between $200 million and some few instances up to $2 billion in Ogun State. One of such Industries is the $250 million International Breweries Plant in Bara, Obafemi Owode Local Government. The plant is the largest investment of the ABInBev Group in Africa, outside of South Africa. This is not to mention several others who invested below $200 million individually.

All of these were made possible through our financial re-engineering and the enabling environment that our Administration provided for businesses to thrive.

If our Administration could increase the State IGR astronomically from N700 million monthly to N7 billion monthly within the period of 8 years (2011-2019), then, clearly, there is NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.

CONCLUSION

10. Let it be noted that our Administration did not start from ‘Ground Zero’ in terms of outstanding liabilities related to Ogun State workers – Salary, Emoluments and Allowances. Rather, with the help of God and the support of the good people of Ogun State, as well as our Administration’s commitment and resolve to leave Ogun State better than we met it, we are proud to say that we have been able to put our dear State on auto drive, particularly in the area of improved IGR. The Ogun State we left behind can be likened to an Economic Volcano that is already erupting!.
From the Financial Outlook of the State as contained in the Ogun State Development Plan (2017-2030), we were confident to predict that by year 2022, the State’s IGR will be between ₦12 Billion to ₦14 Billion monthly, while a further projected figure put it at ₦20 Billion per month by year 2025. This is no rocket science, but an outcome of a coordinated approach and well articulated plan laid out by our Administration.

11. In light of this, it is expected that any succeeding administration after us will continue with the Ogun Standard way of thinking out of the box in order to take our dear State to the highest pedestal, whose foundation had already been laid by our Administration and the Contributions and Efforts of those GIANTS that came before us.

12. Finally, we thank the organized Labour in Ogun State for calling off the strike. As two wrongs will never make a right, we encourage Labour to consider that though strike is a legitimate weapon to drive demands, it should always be the last resort for reasons that the good people of Ogun State will ultimately be the victims of such disagreement between Government and Labour. As stakeholders, we all must endeavor to cast differences aside and work together for the development of our great State.

God bless Ogun State.

Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa
Secretary To The Ogun State Government (2011-2019)

Dated this 24th September, 2020.
Abeokuta, Ogun State

By Tobiloba Kolawole

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Does One Size Fit All?

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 25, 2020

Paarenting — Image by Rachel Einbund Esq. published in an April 15, 2016 article titled- Preparing for DAPA.

By Dapo Akande

Thank God for cable or satellite television; depending on what you like to call it. Whenever you receive visitors at home, you’re assured the variety of global news and other assorted programs will keep them entertained for a while. At least until you’re ready to attend to them. And even as you do attend to them, it’s always there, ever ready to provide current issues for you and your guest to discuss, debate or just laugh at; especially during those awkward quiet moments.

Children of nowadays have it so easy. In our days, we the children were the entertainment; albeit reluctant ones. Much like court jesters called to amuse the King in his palace at his own expense, our parents would summon us to come and dance for their guests. One major difference however is that if the court jester failed in his unenviable task of quickly reversing the King’s mood, there’s a high chance he’ll lose his head at the gallows within the hour. He literally had to perform his duty as if his life depended on it, because it did.

We faced no such threat to our lives, only the pang of humiliation and wishing every single time that the floor would be so kind as to open up beneath us. Funny, but I don’t think I ever remembered to raise this issue before either of my parents passed. I’m sure the mere introduction of the matter would have elicited guffaws of laughter. Back then, they would call us into their midst, introduce us to their guests as their youngest kids, place the vinyl record in the player and ask us to start dancing. Just like that! Whether we were not in the best of moods, busy having fun elsewhere already or simply had no inclination to dance at that moment really didn’t concern them. Dance they say, so dance we must.

Till this day I squirm when I remember how my older brother Banky and I would step from side to side on one spot, while swinging our arms in the same fashion. Sorry, I still can’t bring myself to call it dancing. I pitied the guests who were compelled to watch because if they had been expecting some sort of Jackson 5 elaborate repertoire, they must have been horribly disappointed.

Our movements lacked no such imagination or enthusiasm so were certainly less pleasant to the eyes. But at least they always had a good laugh, even if it was always at our expense. Till date I’m a terrible dancer and I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m sure the permanent scars these episodes must have left somewhere in my psyche played a part in this. No one can convince me otherwise. Anyway, it’s a convenient excuse so let’s leave it at that. But believe me, it was tortuous.

Although the above is on a lighter note, there are times when we put our children through things which affect them for life. The intent may not be malicious but the consequences can only be described as adverse. It’s important we get to know and understand each and everyone of our children as unique individuals in themselves. And merely for the fact that they are human beings with an innate ability to reason, perceive and feel emotions, ethical consideration demands they be accorded the respect and dignity this bestows upon them. Every child is wired differently, with his own strengths and abilities, weaknesses, areas he naturally gravitates toward and others which cause him to scamper. And so when we’re making choices for them, satisfying our ego should not be our primary concern but what’s best for him or her.

Utilitarianism, a teleological ethical theory, states an action or decision would be considered morally correct only if it causes the greatest amount of pleasure and the least amount of pain, to the greatest number of people. Meaning, more people must benefit than those who lose or are disadvantaged by it. But there’s yet another theory which holds highly the autonomous will and it says, “act so that you treat humanity whether in your own person or that of another, always as an end and never as a means only”. The crux of this is that we should not use people.

Changing the nation…one mind at a time.

Oladapo Akande is a Surrey University (UK) English graduate with a Masters in Professional Ethics. He’s an alumnus of the National Institute for Transformation and a two time author; The Last Flight and Shifting Anchors. He writes from Lagos.

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Photo Story: President Buhari attends Guinea Bissau’s 47th Anniversary

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 25, 2020

Buhari in Guinea Bissau 1 — President Muhammadu Buhari arrives Guinea Bissau where he attends the co-West African nation's 47th independence anniversary. He was received by President Umaro Sissocco Embalo and other top government officials.

President Muhammadu Buhari participates at Programme of Guinea Bissau National Day Celebration in Bissau on 24th Sep 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari arrives Guinea Bissau where he attends the co-West African nation’s 47th independence anniversary. He was received by President Umaro Sissocco Embalo and other top government officials.

President Muhammadu Buhari arrives Guinea Bissau where he attends the co-West African nation’s 47th independence anniversary. he is welcomed by a troupe.

Later in the capital city of Bissau, President Buhari commissioned a road named in his honour

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Top Boko Haram Commander Surrenders with Four Wives, Several Others Killed

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 24, 2020

Bandits-Camp — In this photo released by the military on September 5, 2020, troops burn a hideout of bandits in Nigeria’s north-west region.

The Nigerian Army says a top Boko Haram commander has surrendered to defence troops.

The Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, who disclosed this while addressing journalists on Wednesday, in Abuja, stated that the Boko Haram commander surrendered to Nigerian Army troops along with his four wives.

While no further detail was given about the surrendered Boko Haram commander, the defence chief noted that seven bandits have also been killed and eight kidnapped victims rescued from bandits at Fankama and Sabon Layi area of Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State by the troops.

Enenche attributed the “success” of the operation to actionable intelligence by the troops.

“In the north-east, within the period under review, troops of operation Lafiya Dole conducted a series of air and ground operations on terrorist enclaves t different locations in Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa State.

“Notably, a high profile Boko Haram terrorist commander surrendered with four of his wives to our troops,” he said.

Video: Defence Headquarters Media Briefing

In another statement by Major General Enenche on Thursday, troops of Army Super Camp Malumfatori at the Lake Chad Basin destroyed several identified terrorists’ camps and hideouts located at Tunbun Gini, Tunbun Nbororo, Tunbun Kayoma, Tunbun Kaza, Tunbun Fulani at the fringes of Lake Chad in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation led to the killing of several top BHT/ISWAP commanders including Abu Usman, Alhaji Shettima, Modu Mainok, Bukar Gana, Abu Summayya, Amir Taam and Amir Kuraish.

Enenche, reiterating the commitment of the nation’s defence formations said: “the Armed Forces of Nigeria working together with other security agencies are highly committed to ending the insurgency and other security challenges in the country.”

He added that that the troop are committed to the safety of lives and property within the North-East, they are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with timely and credible information that will assist them in the conduct of their operations.

Channels Television

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CAMA Will Help Fight Corruption, President Buhari Explains At UNGA High-Level Summit

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 24, 2020

Buhari at UNGA — FILE PHOTO: President Muhammadu Buhari speaks at a past UNGA event.

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday explained that the recently passed Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (CAMA) in Nigeria will enhance transparency and corporate accountability in the fight against corruption.

President Buhari spoke in a video message presented at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) 2020 Virtual Leaders’ Summit on the sidelines of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA75) in New York, United States, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina stated in an official statement.

”Since the inception of our Administration in 2015, the Government has been committed to changing international and domestic perceptions regarding Nigeria’s commitment to fight corruption and foster good governance.

”We focused on the task of dealing head-on with this destructive monster, which led to us joining the Open Government Partnership and making reform commitments such as to establish a public central register of beneficial owners of corporate entities.

”Since then, we have made significant progress in implementing tougher anti-corruption measures, including my recent assent to the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.

”The Act provides a legal framework for the implementation of Beneficial Ownership Information Disclosure in Nigeria.

”Being an OGP member-country has helped Nigeria learn from other countries tackling similar challenges, and to build a coalition to support these reforms across the private sector and civil society. It has also aided our journey towards building citizens’ trust in government,” he said.

As COVID-19 cases continue to accelerate worldwide, President Buhari told the Summit that it had become clear that governments cannot solve all the challenges of the pandemic alone, stressing it is only through open governance and working with citizens that nations can succeed.

”We face a significant contraction in the global economy in 2020; the world is facing the unprecedented twin challenges of managing the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

”In these times, citizens worldwide are seeking more information, engagement, and support from their governments,” he said.

The Nigerian leader pledged that his administration would continue to use its OGP membership to ensure that open government approaches strengthen the pandemic management, adding that the Nigerian government will sustain consultations and engagements with citizens through Civil Society Organisations and the Organised Private Sector on COVID-19 response and recovery plan.

According to the President, ”these consultations are in line with the effort of our administration to encourage public participation in government policies and programs.

”Our recovery package includes support to businesses, to vulnerable communities and an expansion of public works. Our aim is to make all these efforts more effective by making them open. ”

President Buhari recounted that soon after joining this partnership, Nigeria had the privilege of being elected to the OGP Global Steering Committee.

As a leader in the OGP Steering Committee, President Buhari acknowledged that Nigeria has learnt from both government and non-government counterparts on international best practices.

”I am also glad that Nigeria’s pioneering sub-national Open Government Partnership Model has become one of the leading examples driving the expansion of the Open Government Partnership Local Programme.

”Nigeria will also champion the tenets of the Open Government Partnership through our leadership role in regional institutions.

”We aim to expand the partnership on the African Continent by continuing to play a leading role in the International Steering Committee.

”As we look forward to celebrating 10 years of the existence of the Open Government Partnership next year, it is my earnest wish that all countries in the world will adopt Open Government principles and help democracy live up to the expectations of citizens having a voice at and beyond the ballot box, ” he said.

President Buhari thanked the leadership and staff of the OGP Global Support Unit for the enormous work they do to ensure that voices are not only heard but valued. He encouraged Nigerians to get involved in the OGP and help shape and sustain the country’s democracy now and in the future.

Among those who participated in the virtual event were Heads of State and Government of Argentina, Canada, France, Georgia and Germany as well as civil society leaders who have played a central role in their countries to ensure a full, fair, and inclusive response and recovery.

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How Gas Tanker Explosion Critically Injures 16 Persons in Lagos

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 24, 2020

At least 16 persons are critically injured in a gas tanker explosion that occurred in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos on Thursday.

The accident, which also left scores of building and cars destroyed, was confirmed by the Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, who spoke to Channels Television.

Oke-Osanyintolu said efforts are being made by his men to put out the resulting fire from the explosion with support from the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

While narrating the ugly incident to Channels Television, LASEMA’s Director of Operations, Engr Olatunde Akinsanya said the 16 injured persons have been taken to the Iju Water Works clinic.

Akinsanya said an unknown truck conveying gasoline had a lone accident and exploded at about 3:30pm.

The tanker was supposed to off load its content at a gas station, but the station’s owner reportedly refused to allow him because a seal had been broken, indicating that the content had been tampered with.

Enraged by the refusal of the station manager to off load the content in his tanker, the driver moved out of the premises.

A few meters away from the gas station, the front tire of the tanker burst and the gear box struck the ground causing a spark which led to an explosion when it came in contact with gas that was leaking from the tanker.

The vehicle ended in a ditch, where a second explosion erupted.

READ ALSO:

LASEMA averts explosion, recovers burning 46,000-litre full fuel tanker Intact

Eyewitnesses told Channels Television that the second explosion sent the tanker flying and destroying buildings in its path, including a church.

The impact of the explosion spread about 300 radii from the scene of the incident, the LASEMA official said.

It was not yet clear at the time of reporting this story whether the driver of the tanker was still alive as he seemed to have sustained third-degree burns.

In a statement obtained from the emergency agency’s Twitter page by Echotitbits, LASEMA said: “The impact of the explosion led to fire on adjoining buildings and several vehicles burnt,” the agency said. “Several persons were injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital for treatment”.

Tweets by followlasema

Channels Television

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Guinea Bissau at 47: President Buhari Pledges Nigeria’s Increased Support for Stability

Tobiloba Kolawole

September 24, 2020

images — A file of photo of President Umaro Sissocco Embalo of Guinea Bissau during a previous visit to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday pledged that Nigeria will continue to assist Guinea-Bissau in any way possible, saying ‘‘a peaceful and prosperous Guinea-Bissau is a win for West Africa and for Africa.’’

According to Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President joined the Heads of State and Government of Senegal, Mauritania and Burkina Faso to celebrate the 47th independence anniversary of Guinea Bissau at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium, Bissau.

Speaking at the event, President Buhari said he was proud of the support Nigeria provided to past electoral processes in the West African country’s commendable efforts to entrench democracy.

‘‘This support can only be increased under my tenure,’’ he said.

The President also placed on record Nigeria’s contribution of troops under the auspices of ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB), noting that they played an important role in maintaining peace and security.

Congratulating President Umaro Sissocco Embalo, the government and people of Guinea Bissau on the 47th Independence anniversary, the Nigerian leader said it was his sincere hope and prayer that Guinea-Bissau and its people will continue to grow in strength and prosperity.

He also expressed good wishes for greater achievements in the years ahead for the West African country.

President Buhari said:

‘‘I feel delighted because this is my first official visit to Guinea Bissau since my assumption of office in 2015 and because I am here to join you, brotherly people of Guinea Bissau, as you celebrate this great day with renewed hope and aspiration.

‘‘I am truly grateful for the warm reception accorded me and my delegation, since our arrival in this city.

‘‘As you mark your freedom as a nation “free forever’, let me seize this opportunity to salute all Bissau Guineans both at home as well as in the Diaspora, for the strides you have made as a country. Permit me to say Parabens! Congratulations!’’

President Buhari recounted that on September 10, 1974 Guinea Bissau declared its independence from Portugal, after a protracted struggle for freedom, which brought Portuguese colonization to an end.

‘‘It is fitting on this august occasion to remember your forebears and to celebrate them for the sacrifices they made for you to be free.

‘‘The highest tribute we can pay them is to build on the gains of independence. It is my sincere prayer that your country will continue on the path of national cohesion, growth and unity,’’ he said.

On the return to democracy in the West African country, President Buhari noted that in the aftermath of the peaceful presidential elections in 2019, which ushered in the present administration of President Embalo, Guinea Bissau had a great opportunity to unleash the great economic potential of this country.

‘‘The international community attested to the fairness of the elections now endorsed by the Supreme Court of Guinea Bissau.

‘‘I, therefore, congratulate you, the people of Guinea-Bissau for this achievement and urge you to sustain your unity of purpose,’’ he said.

The Nigerian leader also used the occasion to reflect on the excellent relations between Nigeria and Guinea, pledging that his administration will take it to a new height.

‘‘Relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Guinea Bissau which dates back to the country’s liberation struggle against Portugal have been extremely warm.

‘‘I am determined to carry this excellent relationship to the next level of fruitful cooperation and partnership, together with my brother Umaro Embalo,’’ he said.

On regional integration, President Buhari stressed the need for ECOWAS member countries to remain committed to realising the vision of its founding fathers.

‘‘It is my desire that Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau as well as other member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will continue to provide the impetus in realizing the objectives and ideals of its Founding Fathers and to ensure security, peace and development of our region,’’ he said.

The President thanked President Embalo, the government and good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for being a good host to Nigerians resident in the country, saying ‘‘colonial boundaries will never break the bond of kinship that binds us’’.

Later in the capital city of Bissau, President Buhari commissioned a road named in his honour.

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