Candidates for the Lagos East Senatorial Bye Election, Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru (APC) and Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi (PDP).
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.
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.
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.
After spending 16 months reviewing data from various the International Oil Companies (IOCs), Kariya Energy Monday announced its readiness to enter into various definitive agreement to acquire upstream and midstream oil and gas assets in African countries.
Kariya Energy would pursue profitable small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects across Africa, a niche that its leadership has been skilful in building and making it profitable and scalable, boasting significant potential across the African market.
With its technology, the company could turn around African small-scale LNG and work with partners in addressing off-grid power generation for industrial and residential needs in remote locations and deal with issues around energy poverty.
Kariya Energy’s technical and financial strength puts it in a position to bring Canadian and American ingenuity into the growing oil and natural gas market in Africa.
The company and its management team’s engagements and experience with various deep and shallow water projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Congo DRC, Congo Republic and Gabon makes these countries great investment possibilities.
It would be pursuing acquisitions of various exploration and development plays either through farm-in deals or operatorship through risk service contracts, or direct negotiations with sovereign governments.
Kariya Energy would continue with its current and ongoing support by providing technical, financial, and operational support for oil and gas companies currently operating in Nigeria, Congo and Gabon.
The firm’s strategy has focused on the innovation and evaluation of new opportunities for resource extraction with great technology that has produced results.
File Photo: President Buhari in Virtual Meeting with APC Governors in State House on 28th July 2020. Photo: Femi Adesina.
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday attempted to justify the new prices of petrol and electricity, describing the timing of implementation of both tariffs as a mere coincidence.
Speaking at the First Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President said increase in price of electricity and deregulation of the petroleum sector were crucial decisions that were taken at the beginning of the year, preceding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
He described the continuous delay in implementation of the policy of the “Willing Buyer, Willing Seller” and deregulation of the petroleum as detrimental to the economy, placing the burden of regular light cuts and fuel queues on Nigerians.
Buhari, whose speech was read at the event by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, assured Nigerians of the willingness and determination of the Federal Government to provide stable electricity to every home and industry, while considering the economic challenges before individuals, families and businesses, explaining that “implementation of a Willing buyer, Willing Seller Policy for the power sector has opened opportunities for increased delivery of electricity.”
He added that the target of providing 11,000 megawatts by 2023 was realistic and realisable, and would provide a lifeline for many businesses and improve the living conditions of many Nigerians.
“Implementation of a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller Policy for the power sector, has opened up opportunities for increased delivery of electricity to homes and industries. We are also executing some critical projects through the Transmission, Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, which will result in the transmission and distribution of a total of 11,000 Megawatts by 2023.
“On transportation, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure. The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund projects are also progressing very well. These include the 11.9 km Second Niger Bridge, 120 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and 375 km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway. At the same time, we are actively extending and upgrading our railway networks, as well as our airports which are being raised to international standard with the provision of necessary equipment, to guarantee world class safety standard,” he said.
The President said the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe downturn in the funds available to finance the nation’s budget.
According to him, “One of the steps we took at the beginning of the crisis in March when oil prices collapsed at the height of the global lockdown, was the deregulation of the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) such that the benefit of lower prices at that time was passed to consumers.
“This was welcome by all and sundry. The effect of deregulation though is that PMS prices will change with changes in global oil prices. This means quite regrettably that as oil prices recover we would see some increases in PMS prices. This is what has happened now. When global prices rose, it meant that the price of petrol locally would go up.
“There are several negative consequences if Government should even attempt to go back to the business of fixing or subsidizing PMS prices. First of all, it would mean a return to the costly subsidy regime. Today we have 60 per cent less revenues, we just cannot afford the cost. The second danger is the potential return of fuel queues – which has, thankfully, become a thing of the past under this administration.
“Nigerians no longer have to endure long queues just to buy petrol, often at highly inflated prices. Also, as I hinted earlier, there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the revised 2020 budget, simply because we are not able to afford it, if reasonable provisions must be made for health, education and other social services. We now simply have no choice.
“Nevertheless, I want to assure our compatriots that Government is extremely mindful of the pains that higher prices mean at this time, and we do not take the sacrifices that all Nigerians have to make for granted. We will continue to seek ways and means of cushioning pains especially for the most vulnerable in our midst. We will also remain alert to our responsibilities to ensure that marketers do not exploit citizens by raising pump price arbitrarily.
“This is the role that government must now play through the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). This explains why the PPPRA made the announcement a few days ago setting the range of price that must not be exceeded by marketers. The advantage we now have is that anyone can bring in petroleum products and compete with marketers, that way the price of petrol will be keep coming down.”
On electricity, the President added that the recent service-based tariff adjustment by the DisCos had also been a source of concern for the government.
“Let me say frankly that like many Nigerians I have been very unhappy about the quality of service given by the DisCos, but there are many constraints including poor transmission capacity and distribution capacity. I have already signed off on the first phase of the Siemens project to address many of these issues.
“Because of the problems with the privatisation exercise, government has had to keep supporting the largely privatised electricity industry. So far to keep the industry going we have spent almost 1.7 trillion, especially by way of supplementing tariffs shortfalls. We do not have the resources at this point to continue in this way and it will be grossly irresponsible to borrow to subsidise a generation and distribution which are both privatised.
“But we also have a duty to ensure that the large majority of those who cannot afford to pay cost reflective tariffs are protected from increases. NERC, the industry regulator, therefore approved that tariff adjustments had to be made but only on the basis of guaranteed improvement in service. Under this new arrangement only customers who are guaranteed a minimum of 12 hours of power and above can have their tariffs adjusted. Those who get less than 12 hours supply, or the Band D and E Customers MUST be maintained on lifeline tariffs, meaning that they will experience no increase.
“Government has also taken notice of the complaints about arbitrary estimated billing. Accordingly, a mass metering program is being undertaken to provide meters for over five million Nigerians, largely driven by preferred procurement from local manufacturers – creating thousands of jobs in the process. NERC has also committed to strictly enforcing the capping regulation which will ensure that unmetered customers are not charged beyond the metered customers in their neighbourhood,” he noted.
On the timing of implementation, the President said: “There has been some concern expressed about the timing of these two necessary adjustments. It is important to stress that it is a mere coincidence in the sense that the deregulation of PMS prices happened quite some time ago, it was announced on 18 March 2020 and the price moderation that took place at the beginning of this month was just part of the on-going monthly adjustments to global crude oil prices.
“Similarly, the review of service-based electricity tariffs was scheduled to start at the beginning of July but was put on hold to enable further studies and proper arrangements to be made. This government is not insensitive to the current economic difficulties our people are going through and the very tough economic situation we face as a nation, and we certainly will not inflict hardship on our people.
“But we are convinced that if we stay focused on our plans, brighter, more prosperous days will come soon. Ministers and senior officials must accordingly ensure the vigorous and prompt implementation of the ESP programmes, which will give succour to Nigerians.”
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, pointed out that many Nigerians were yet to be connected to electricity, assuring that the Economic Sustainability Plan would provide solar home systems to five million Nigerian households in the next 12 months.
“We have already begun the process of providing financing support through the CBN for manufacturers and retailers of Off Grid Solar Home Systems and Mini-Grids who are to provide the systems. The Five million systems under the ESP’s Solar Power Strategy will produce 250,000 jobs and impact up to 25 million beneficiaries through the installation. This means that more Nigerians will have access to electricity via a reliable and sustainable solar system.
“The support to Solar Home System manufacturers and the bulk procurement of local meters will create over 300,000 local jobs while ensuring that we set Nigeria on a path to full electrification. The tariff review is not about the increase, which will only affect the top electricity consumers, but establishing a system which will definitely lead to improved service for all at a fair and reasonable price.”
He said the economy recovered from a recession and witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth before COVID-19 pandemic, admonishing ministers and senior government officials to stay focused on delivering results that would improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The President said the government has continued to support the agricultural sector, the key to diversification of the economy, through schemes such as the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative programme.
On security, Buhari said: “Nigeria’s Law Enforcement Agencies have significantly scaled up their footprint across the country. As part of the efforts towards strengthening our internal security architecture, the Ministry of Police Affairs was created.
“Amongst others, we have increased investments in arms, weapons and other necessary equipment, expanded the National Command and Control Centre to 19 states of the federation, and established a Nigerian Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Nigeria Police Force.
“We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts.”
Nigerian doctors in state-owned hospitals have begun an indefinite strike to drive home their demand for pay rise, improved welfare and adequate facilities.
The industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which began on Monday was confirmed by the group’s President, Aliyu Sokomba, who spoke to AFP.
National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), President, Aliyu Sokomba speaks on “long-standing” issues leading to latest strike action. Photo- Channels TV.
As the nation struggles to curb the spread of coronavirus, the action of NARD, representing about 40% of doctors in Nigeria, will be the latest in a string of recent down-tool protest by doctors.
Sokomba, confirmimg that medics treating virus cases would join the strike action said: “There will be no exemptions.”
He reiterated that the provision of life insurance, a pay rise, payment of salary arrears as well as provision of adequate facilities for doctors as long-standing issues that have necessitated the strike action.
“We have arrears of 2014, 2015, 2016, salary shortfalls that were supposed to have been paid over six years ago, still pending.
“These are the issues we have and they appear not to have been addressed up till this day,” he said.
The NARD President, while lamenting the incessant strike actions by doctors occasioned by underfunding said the only condition for calling off the strike is when the Union’s demands were met, emphasising that “It is an indefinite strike”.
With over 55,000 Covid-19 cases recorded and 1,057 deaths, there are fears that healthcare capacity could severely hamper efforts towards tackling the spread and treatment of coronavirus across the country if this latest strike action persists.
Three months ago, when NARD staged a week-long strike over welfare and inadequate protective kits, doctors treating virus cases however remained on the job.
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) says full deregulation will enhance national economic growth, while it also urged the Federal Government to take a further step towards full deregulation of the downstream sector.
The Chairman of DAPPMAN, Winifred Akpani, who comended government for its consistency in seeking ways to reposition the oil sector for effectiveness and profitability said, the association is in full support of the implementation of a fully deregulated regime which would make the downstream sector operations more seamless, enhance transparency, competitiveness and sustainable growth.
“DAPPMAN is mindful of the commitment of the government and the functional organs managing the sector to ensuring value to every Nigerian, and we salute them for this as we are indeed up against uncertain times. However, we believe that full deregulation of the sector remains the most viable option for Nigeria to effectively navigate this period and ultimately safeguard the future of our economy and wellbeing of 200 million Nigerians,” she said.
The association’s Chairman noted that deregulation will open up the sector for fresh investments, market deepening, diversification, and expansion.
She added that these will bring about stable demand and supply regimes that are critical to ensuring that consumers have uninterrupted access to affordable quality products without the huge financial burden currently borne by government.
“DAPPMAN is aware of the considerations that have dogged the issue of deregulation over the years and we believe they are very important.
“However, we believe these considerations will be duly addressed with a deregulation regime that guarantees long-term benefits and empowers the government to commit savings made in the process to infrastructure development, job creation, agricultural revolution, education and health.
“This will spur growth of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) as well as large corporates, that would increase Nigeria’s human capacity index, competitiveness and ultimately drive inflow of foreign investments,” she added.
Akpani, who is also the managing director and chief executive officer of Northwest Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, recounted the response of DAPPMAN to the COVID-19 pandemic by contributing towards the upgrade of medical facilities, distributing thousands of face masks and sanitizers, and donating relief items to thousands of beneficiaries across the country.
“It has been a privilege for DAPPMAN to reach out to the vulnerable at this time through the association’s intervention projects and the individual efforts of our members. We continue to urge the good people of Nigeria to stay safe by strictly observing all precautionary measures to stop the spread of the virus. We will certainly overcome the pandemic working together,” she said.
The Federal Government had In March 2020 introduced a price modulation policy where international product prices and associated landing costs in Nigeria are used as input in the determination of final pricing in the local market through the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
President Muhammadu Buhari has warmly congratulated former Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Olusegun Oladipo Osunkeye, CON, on his 80th birthday which would come up tomorrow, September 7.
The President joined family, friends and professional colleagues to celebrate Osunkeye, describing him as an “outstanding manager, administrator and board room guru, who has left an indelible mark on the corporate world.”
Buhari felicitated with Osunkeye on the auspicious occasion of reflections and thanksgiving, “heralded by years of service to the nation and humanity, which attracted multiple recognitions at home and abroad, including Award for Excellence in Christian Stewardship as Benevolent Partner by Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.”
The President noted, with appreciation, “choices made by the astute administrator to favour Nigeria on investments, encouragement of local content, which led to huge expansions in agriculture, and creation of employment for a large number of people as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Nigeria Plc; Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria; Chairman Lafarge Plc; Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria and President Society for Corporate Governance, Nigeria.”
As Osunkeye turns 80 tomorrow, Buhari said “his contributions to development of education in Nigeria, and efforts to improve the pharmaceutical and medical institutions in the country will continue to stand out, particularly his focus on giving opportunities to the poor and underprivileged.”
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina prayed God to continue to bless the former Chairman of Nestle with longer life and good health to keep serving the nation.
Cybercrime Unit of Nigeria Police Force, INTERPOL and National Central Bureau in Abuja has arrested two suspects for their complicity in a major multi-million Euro scam over the procurement of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
The suspects are: Babatunde Adesanya a.k.a Teddy, 50-year-old Master degree holder in Cell Biology; and Akinpelu Hassan Abass, 41-year-old Managing Director of Musterpoint Investment Nigeria Limited.
They are described as “members of a sophisticated transnational criminal network, cloned the corporate website of ILBN Holdings BV, Holland to transact with and defraud one Freiherr Fredrick Von Hahn, a representative of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
The arrest of the suspects was sequel to a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) received by the Bureau from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice conveying a request from the German Government for investigations into a fraudulent transaction on the procurement of the COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment linked to a Nigerian-based bank account.
“Discrete investigations by INTERPOL Nigeria revealed that the suspects and their Holland-based cohorts, one Eduardus Boomstra and Geradius Maulder, specialised in identity theft, cyber-stalking, cloning of corporate websites amongst other cyber mischiefs to defraud unsuspecting members of the public across the world.
“In this instance, the suspects fraudulently obtained from Mr. Freiherr Fredrick Von Hahn a sum of 1.5m Euro and another 880,000 Euro as advanced payment for the supply of COVID-19 PPEs valued at 14.7 million Euros. Disturbed by the non-arrival of the PPEs, Mr. Freiherr Fredrick Von Hahn eventually visited the corporate office of ILBN Holdings BV in Holland to inquire reasons for the delay in supplying the items only to find out that the company never did business with him and that the transaction was a scam.
“The fraudsters merely cloned the company’s website and falsely presented themselves as representatives of the company before subsequently executing the fraudulent transaction. Consequently, he reported the case of fraud to the Police in Holland and this led to the arrest of Eduardus Boomstra and Geradius Maulder in Holland and investigations extended to Nigeria.
“Investigation by INTERPOL Nigeria further revealed that Babatunde Adesanya received 498,000 Euro from Eduardus Boomstra and Geradius Maulder through his Citibank London account and transferred same to an account number domiciled with a Lagos branch of a leading commercial bank in Nigeria belonging to Musterpoint Investment Nigeria Limited,” said a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in Abuja on Sunday.
While commending the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Garba Baba Umar, and operatives of INTERPOL Nigeria, Cybercrime Unit for a job well done, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, assured members of the public and the international community of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cybercrimes and other transnational crimes.
He reiterated that there would be no hiding place for internet fraudsters in the country.
The statement added that the suspects would be arraigned before a competent court of law soon.
President of the Centre for Change and Women Arise, Joe Okei-Odumakin, has condemned the recent hike prices of petrol and electricity tarif, describing the latest pronouncements by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government as woeful combination of hardship.
Okei-Odumakin charged Nigerians to rediscover themselves and reject the new government’s measures which run contrary to sweet promises made during the 2019 general electioneering campaigns.
“The recent hike in the prices of fuel products and electricity tariff are woeful combination of hardship from a Goverment that was making sweet promises to the people over a year ago.
“To choose a moment when governments around the world are looking for ways to make life bearable for their peoples in the midst of Coronavirus cannot be an attitude reflective of a caring government.
“These steps are not acceptable and should not be accepted.
“Nigerians are encouraged to rediscover themselves and say clear NO to these measures.
“While the Buhari government should have taken the respite offered by the patience of the people as golden opportunity to fulfill its election promises of a better life for Nigerians, it should not take it as liberty to continue to inflict further hardship on the people,” Okei-Odumakin said.
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.
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.
File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (File Photo)
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Friday suspended the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bamidele Balogun, over the recent announcement of 5% levy on Audio and Visual contents of all Physical and Digital Platforms in the state.
The Sanwo-Olu administration dissociated self from such levy, saying it would be insensitive to impose such policy on an industry that has been badly hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no levy on Audio and Visual contents of all Physical and Digital Platforms in Lagos State.
“The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun, is said to have announced a 5% levy.
“The state government hereby dissociates itself from the said announcement in the media.
“The Executive Secretary, who was not authorised to make such an announcement, has been suspended, pending an administrative enquiry.
“The fifth pillar of the THEMES Agenda, the development policy of this Administration, is Entertainment and Tourism.
“Practitioners are partners in our effort to ensure that Lagos State remains Africa’s leader in entertainment.
“The Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu Administration is not insensitive to the fact that the industry has been badly hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and empathizes with this and other sectors of the economy.
“All stakeholders in the Entertainment Industry are advised to disregard the said publication,” said a statement by Lagos State Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
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