N585m graft: EFCC grills Betta Edu for hours

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday grilled for hours the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, over the payment of N585 million into a private account. Also questioned was her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq over N37 billion fraud in the ministry.
Vanguard can authoritatively say that none of the three bank chiefs were either arrested or detained by the commission yesterday.

The role of the Accountant-General of the Federation in the whole saga was also questioned by EFCC investigators.

These came on a day the team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar told the federal government that merely suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr, Betta Edu, was not enough and cautioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration against weaponsing the growing poverty among Nigerians.

This is even as the All Progressives Congress, APC, said yesterday that President Bola Tinubu acted swiftly enough to suspend the minister.

Vanguard gathered that the minister, who had earlier been suspended by President Bola Tinubu arrived at the EFCC office at 11 am and was expected to be released at 11 pm, according to an EFCC source.

Edu was at the EFCC on a day her predecessor Sadiya Umar-Farouq and the deposed chief executive officer of the National Social Intervention Programme Agency, NSIPA, Halima Shehu, were also at the commission for questioning over their role in the financial scandal in the ministry.

While Halima Shehu and Sadiya Umar-Farouq had reported at least twice to explain their roles in the multiple scandals associated with the ministry and social intervention programmes, Edu appeared for the first time yesterday to shed more light on the N585 million cash said to have been moved from the ministry into a private account for payment to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Cross River states.

She said no financial rule was breached in moving the cash away from the treasury into a separate account to be managed by an appointed account officer but the Accountant General of the Federation disagreed, which prompted the Presidency to suspend her on Monday and ordered a probe. While Sadiya Umar-Farouq is reported to have been associated with the payment of over N37 billion into some questionable entities and contractors, Halima Shehu is said to have moved various amounts of money belonging to the NSIP under the humanitarian ministry into several private bank accounts in She was also suspended by the President once the report became public and was shut out of the Presidency.
Some reports claim the amount moved by her included N44 billion and N30 billion but she has denied the claims.
A top EFCC source confirmed to Vanguard yesterday that the bank chiefs who were in their office were neither arrested nor detained.

Edu’s suspension commendable but not enough — Atiku

Meanwhile, the team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday warned the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration against weaponising the growing poverty among Nigerians, noting that though commendable, the mere suspension of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr, Betta Edu, was not enough.

The word of caution was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in Abuja. Recall that Edu was suspended by President Tinubu after a leaked memo showed that she ordered the transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for vulnerable Nigerians.

In his response to the scandal, Shaibu said it was unfortunate that a programme that was designed to lift over 100 million Nigerians out of extreme poverty had become a cash cow for successive APC governments.

He said: “While Tinubu deserves commendation for suspending Edu, we believe this is a belated move.

“Firstly, he had no business appointing her as minister of such a sensitive ministry in the first place. Tinubu put politics ahead of competence, hence this scandal.

“What experience did Betta have in the development sector? How was Imaan Ibrahim, with her wealth of experience, overlooked? How did the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, stand as Betta Edu’s referee during her clearance at the Senate?

“To be fair, it is not only Betta Edu that was involved in these shady transactions. Reports suggest that others in the Tinubu government got cash from this same ministry under the dubious Renewed Hope Initiative.

“Betta Edu should not be the fall guy. Others who have remotely and wickedly benefitted from money that was meant for poor Nigerians ought to be fished out, probed, and prosecuted too. It is demonic and tendentiously wicked to steal in the name of the poor.

“Further leaks showed that millions were released by Betta Edu to fund a flight to a non-existent Kogi airport. They must have used witchcraft airways.”

The Atiku aide further said there is a need for the government to reform the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry and other interventionist programmes that had become an ATM and POS for those in power.

He explained that the fact that the previous Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, was also being probed for N37billion fraud was evidence that immediate and urgent action is needed to reform the ministry.
“Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, Farouq continued to implement the school feeding programme. She ridiculously claimed that the food would be delivered to the students at home since schools were shut.

“Today, Betta Edu claims that over three million households got N20,000 each during the Yuletide. Sadly, there is no evidence of millions of Nigerians getting such money. This shows that money has just been going into private pockets.

“The scandal we are contending with is not about Betta Edu, nor about Halima Shehu, or any other rogue element for that matter, it is about a problem of systemic corruption through which the APC continues to bleed the treasury, ironically, asphyxiating the poor and vulnerable segment of the country, all in the name of caring for them.

“The APC has weaponized poverty and hunger to control the minds of the vulnerable masses, and it is even worse that they have devised a method to use poverty as an instrument of official corruption,’’ he said.

The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate’s aide alleged that even the SDG programme being led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, had also “become a cesspool of corruption as revealed by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism.”

Breaking: Supreme Court Sets Thursday for Ogun Governorship Appeal Hearing

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The Supreme Court has scheduled Thursday, 11 of January , 2024 for the hearing of the Ogun State gubernatorial appeal between Peoples Democratic party Candidate, Ladi Adebutu and All Progressives Congress Candidate Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun state governor.

A source at the apex court told Newsacoss.com that after the hearing, judgements on the cases may likely be reserved till a later date. Both parties involved were officially notified of this decision by the Apex Court.

Recall that on November, the court of appeal in Lagos affirmed the victory of Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, in the March 18 election. The appellate court, in a split decision, on November 24 dismissed the petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the election.

Also, in September 2023, the Ogun governorship election petition tribunal upheld the victory of Abiodun at the poll. In a unanimous decision, the tribunal, led by Hamidu Kunaza, held that the petition by Adebutu was “incompetent, defective and lacking in merits.”

Amosun Hosts New Year Get-Together For Party Faithfuls

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The former Governor of Ogun State and immediate past Senator representing Ogun Central District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Wednesday, 3rd January, 2024 hosted New Year Get-Together for political party faithfuls across the twenty Local Governments across Ogun State at his residence in Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Party faithfuls and political associates of Amosun came together to Wine and Dine after exchanging pleasantries among each other.

To show gratitudes to God Almighty for preservation of lives and properties in the last year, Amosun therefore released over 300 hundred generating sets and refrigerators to empower party faithfuls across the wards in the Local Governments.

A minute silence was later observed in honour of those who passed on last year using one of the core party faithful as a point of contact, Late Alhaji Dele Rufai of Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Lamidi Apapa Beaten Mercilessly In Edo, Rushed To Hospital Over Plot To Cause Confusion Ahead Of Governorship

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The self-proclaimed youth leader of the Apapa led fake group, Eragbe Anslem was beaten and hospitalised by youths in Edo State after defrauding people in an attempt to host a congress and a Governorship Primary Election on behalf of Labour Party.

Lamidi Apapa group have been beaten mercilessly in Edo State, and some rushed to the hospital over plot to cause confusion ahead of governorship election Lamidi Apapa led faction of the Labour Party group have been beaten mercilessly in Edo State after allegedly defrauding youth.

Organizers of the Lamidi Apapa Fake Labour Party group, beaten in Edo State after defrauding youths in an attempt to host a fake Labour Party Edo State Gubernatorial Primary Election and Congress.

The self-proclaimed youth leader of the Apapa led fake group, Eragbe Anslem was beaten and hospitalised by youths in Edo State after defrauding people in an attempt to host a congress and a Governorship Primary Election on behalf of Labour Party.

The attackers are still on the run.

Aiyedatiwa takes over, Tinubu, govs say Akeredolu’s death big loss

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Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was on Wednesday sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu earlier in the day.

Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital.

Born on July 21, 1956, Akeredolu studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (then the University of Ife) graduating in 1977. He was called to the bar in 1978.

His demise generated an outpouring of tributes and condolence messages from President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Ooni of Ife, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and other eminent Nigerians, who described his death as a big loss to the country. In line with the constitution, Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the seventh executive governor of the Sunshine State by the state Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola.

He took the oath of allegiance at 5.15pm, swore the oath of office at 5:17pm, and signed the Oath Register at about 5:19pm.

In his maiden address, the new governor described his former boss, Akeredolu, as a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even at his own detriment.

He vowed to continue with the developmental ideas of the late former governor and also solicited support and cooperation from the stakeholders.

He said, “Today’s (Wednesday ), event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called.

“Our leader and governor, during his time embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ongoing. We now have the responsibility to complete them.

“It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu, that the state now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented.’’

He said the people of the South-West would forever be grateful to Akeredolu, who as the Chairman of the governors in the zone ensured the establishment of Amotekun, the region’s security outfit which tackled kidnapping and other crimes

Present at the inauguration were the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu, some state executive council members; the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, former deputy governors, permanent secretaries, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Ade Adetimehin, the Chief of Staff to the late governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, party supporters, among others. Before his death, Akeredolu had transferred power to Aiyedatiwa via a letter to the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, when he was to proceed on medical leave in Germany.

The development followed the intervention of President Tinubu who intervened in the crisis that resulted from the failure of Akeredolu to hand over to his deputy after he returned to the country from Germany in September.

Although Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in the first week of September after a three-month medical leave, he was operating from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The state House of Assembly had commenced an impeachment process against the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct.

This led to a division in the state assembly and the state executive council as well as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, Tinubu met with the leadership of the assembly and the state APC at the State House, Abuja, last month, where it was decided that Aiyedatiwa should take over as the acting governor.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, announced the governor’s death in a statement saying, “Mr governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023.”

The statement was titled, ‘It is a sad day in Ondo State.’

 It read, “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

 “Mr governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.

“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”

It noted that a letter had been sent to the President to officially inform him of the governor’s death.

The family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr President’s support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.’’ Meanwhile, the new governor, in a statement on Wednesday evening  in Akure by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan,  declared three-day mourning.

According to Aiyedatiwa, the period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, takes effect from Thursday and ends on Saturday.

Akeredolu’s aides resign

Shortly before the swearing-in of Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser to Akeredolu on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye and the Chief Press Secretary Mr Richard Olatunde resigned from office.

In the letters of resignation signed by the duo, addressed to the office of the Secretary to the State Government on Wednesday, the aides cited the demise of the governor as the reason for their action. The letters came in, some hours after the death of Governor Akeredolu.

Aragbaye’s letter was titled ‘Resignation of appointment as Special Adviser Union Matters and Special Duties.’

The letter read, “I write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as Special Adviser Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday 27, December 2023. My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredulu, SAN, CON , whom I am loyal to even in death I sincerely thank His Excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now as Special Adviser. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards. “

Olatunde in his letter titled ‘Resignation Letter’ partly read, “ It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tender my resignation as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, effective from today, Wednesday 27, 2023.”

It further stated,” My decision to resign from office is hinged on the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

The Ondo State Government Secretariat was in a sombre mood following the death of the governor as the workers who resumed office after the Christmas holiday wore somber looks.

They were seen in groups discussing the development while many of them could not carry out any official duty.

Tinubu in a personally signed statement expressing his grief described the second-term governor, who was expected to conclude his tenure in 2024, as a fearless fighter, brother, confidant, and political soulmate.

He stated, “Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses…brother, confidant, political soulmate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.”

BREAKING: Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Dies After Prolonged Battle With Leukemia

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The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead. A family source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akeredolu died in Lagos. SaharaReporters learnt that he was managed by State House doctors up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.

“Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos,” the source said.

“They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week.”He was 67 years old. 

The ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany and only recently proceeded on another one after he was directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

His deputy, Aiyedatiwa has been standing in as Acting Governor.

Following his return to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and tried to govern his state from there, leading to public outrage. 

On July 9, Akeredolu’s wife, Betty announced the suspension of activities lined up to celebrate her 70th birthday. The Ondo first lady announced the suspension of the activities in Twitter posts after questions were raised over plans to have a fanfare despite her husband’s ill health. “Hello Family and Friends. This is to inform you that all activities lined up to mark my 70th birthday are hereby suspended till further notice due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this development.” “Nevertheless, be assured that I will be celebrated in style upon my return. Thank you for your understanding. I remain Arabinrin a.k.a Ada Owere I,” she tweeted.

SaharaReporters exclusively reported in January that Akeredolu was treating leukemia. “The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has leukemia, he is really down,” one of the sources in the Alagbaka Government House revealed at that time.

 Leukemia is a cancer of the blood caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body. For sufferers, the white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells and platelets needed by the body to stay healthy. White blood cells are potent infection fighters which grow and divide in an orderly way, as the body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.

 It is a cancer of blood-forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.

 The types that exist include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Treatment for leukemia can be complex depending on the type of leukemia and other factors. However, some strategies and resources can help make treatment successful.

 According to WebMD Cancer Center, its symptoms may include weakness or fatigue, bruising or bleeding easily, fever or chills, infections that are severe or keep coming back, and pain in your bones or joints.

Others may include headaches, vomiting, seizures, weight loss, night sweats, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes or organs like the spleen.

Ogun State's Political Landscape: Navigating Regional Dynamics Ahead of the 2027 Elections

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As Ogun State approaches the 2027 elections, its political landscape undergoes a significant transformation marked by the nuanced interplay of regional dynamics.

This analysis unfolds the intricacies of Yewa, Egba, and Ijebu politics, spotlighting key contenders and the delicate dance required to navigate diverse perspectives.

In the pursuit of distinctive representation, the Present Deputy Governor Her Excellency Noimot Oyeleye Salako, Senator Solomon Yayi, Senator Odebiyi and Hon Mrs Ronke Sokefun emerges as a notable contenders in Yewa, drawing attention to the region's unique challenges and opportunities.

Simultaneously, Egba politics sees the ascent of influential figures—the Present Hon Minister For Finance Wale Edun, Rt Hon Demiji Bankole, Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Isola, Hon Segun Showunmi, Senator Tejuosho and Senator Obadara—each contributing diverse perspectives that add complexity to Egba interests.

The inclusion of contenders from Ijebu, including Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Ladi Adebutu, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, and Hon Dapo Okubadejo underscores the diversity of voices and interests in Ogun State's political landscape.

As Ogun State stands on the brink of the 2027 elections, the inclusion of Yewa, Egba, and Ijebu politics adds layers of complexity to an already intricate political mosaic.

Senator Yayi, Mrs Noimot, Senator Odebiyi and Sokefun’s influence in Yewa, coupled with the presence of Hon Wale Edun, Rt Hon Demiji Bankole, Ambassador Sarafa, Segun Showunmi, Senator Tejuosho and Obadara in Egba politics, alongside the entrance of Senator Lekan Mustapha, Otunba JAL, Ladi Adebutu, Kemi Adeosun, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Hon Dapo Okubadejo in Ijebu, creates a dynamic interplay of regional dynamics.

In this intricate dance of political forces, the destiny of Ogun State unfolds.

The choices made by this Aspirants and voters alike will chart the course for the state's political future.

As the 2027 elections approach, Ogun State stands at the crossroads of history, guided by the threads of regional aspirations and the strategic maneuvers of individual contenders.

The destiny of this vibrant Nigerian state awaits its unveiling in the ballots and the voices of its diverse populace.

Signed 

Administrator of Ogun Governance Focus 

Otutuloro Hassan Adisa Taiwo

AMUSE YOURSELF NOT THE PUBLIC: AMOSUN TO OSHIOMHOLE

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It’s been a struggle since yesterday on what to make of the ‘tales by moonlight’ that Senator Adams Oshiomhole treated the audience of Dr. Salihu Lukman, to at his book launch, “APC and Transition Politics”, in Abuja.

This apparent struggle was not for want of a proportional response to his deliberate drivel, but because not only was his story fraught with lies, but also because he did not boast the requisite integrity to say the truth.

Besides, it is not in my character to join issues with people I consider qualified enough to be referred to as both Leaders of our party, APC and of this great country, Nigeria, to which I believe Senator Oshiomhole belongs. 

However, giving his antecedents and penchant for careless and most times, baseless and unverified public statements, and also considering my duty to the country and the public in particular, it will be uncharitable if I fail to put the records straight. 

What Senator Oshiomhole was alleged to have said, apart from being far from the truth, is a calculated attempt to present water while drinking wine. The Yoruba adage says “if you let a mad man bury his mum the way it pleases him, he could roast her for a meal.” At that point, the community is to blame for his choice.

Indeed, listening to him yesterday, his utterances represent some inherent inadequacy, which he vented, not just at inauspicious times, but without basis and predicated only on lies to hoodwink the unsuspecting.  

It is not in doubt that I have participated fully in the formation and sustenance of our party, the APC, and I can boldly say that the party under Adams Oshiomhole conducted one of the worst primaries in the history of Nigeria’s contemporary politics and ended up shopping for his own enemies, leading to his eventual removal as Chairman of our party. Nigerians should not be in a hurry to forget the allegations that preceded the conduct of those primaries and his eventual invitation by the Department of State Service, DSS, to clarify certain grave allegations. 

If anyone was in doubt that Senator Oshiomhole posed the biggest and most destructive threat to the existence of the APC at that time, and the party’s best bet was to dispose of a canon folder that he was and unfortunately still is, his utterances and grandstanding yesterday at an occasion to find solutions to our democratic and party challenges, would have cleared such mindset. 

If he wanted to insult our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, he could have come out boldly to do so. But his subtle attempt to pass snide remarks at him failed the simple test of loyalty because the former president also moved from his own party to merge with other like-minds to form the APC.

Also, if he is seeking favour from the presidency, why not come out and do so? But to tell barefaced lies that, “You are working for your paymaster in Lagos, paymaster in Bourdillon,” is cheap but typical of an individual, who suddenly found himself where he never dreamt of, despite his obvious limitations – education and exposure. 

If the public will remember, soon after Senator Oshiomhole was sworn in as a Senator, he allegedly said members of the 9th Senate had vandalized their offices before leaving, only for him to eat the humble pie and made to apologise later when it was obvious that the allegations were baseless.

My honest advice to him is to carefully and soberly seat down to take stock of his past so that it will continue to serve as a guide for him in his future public utterances rather than dragging the names of innocent people into a needless controversy because in Africa, age and leadership are associated with wisdom.

This is also why I have consistently brushed aside and intentionally scoffed at his tongue-in-cheek apology, which he had extended to me several times. I am now convinced it was not genuine. 

In the final analysis, BACKGROUND MATTERS!

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, FCA

Abeokuta, Ogun State

20 December, 2023

Ogun State's Political Overture: A Symphony of Destiny in 2027

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As the sun casts its golden glow over Ogun State, an enthralling political narrative unfolds, with the 2027 elections poised to redefine the state's destiny. The orchestration of regional dynamics in Yewa, Egba, and Ijebu politics provides a unique melody, setting the stage for a transformative journey.

Senator Solomon Adeola aka Yayi, Senator Tolu Odebiyi and Hon Mrs Ronke Sokefun takes center stage in Yewa, bringing attention to the region's distinctive challenges and opportunities. In Egba, influential figures like Rt Hon Demiji Bankole, Ambassador Sarafa, Senator Tejuosho and Senator Obadara contribute their perspectives, creating a symphony of interests. Meanwhile, Ijebu echoes with voices such as Senator Lekan Mustapha, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal, Hon Mrs Kemi Adeosun . Hon Ladi Adebutu, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Hon Dapo Okubadejo showcasing the diverse chorus of Ogun State's political landscape.

The political landscape resonates with the legacies of former Governors Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, alongside the current incumbent, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun. Their seasoned influence becomes the orchestrator's wand, shaping the melodic trajectory of the gubernatorial race.

The historical backdrop unveils the challenge of selecting a successor, reminiscent of past attempts by Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Will Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun defy history by supporting a Yewa candidate, considering the historical dominance of Ogun Central and Ogun East in previous elections?

Amidst the intricate dance of power, the odds seem to favor Egba or Ijebu once again clinching the gubernatorial seat in 2027. The incumbent Governor's strategic role in determining his successor adds a suspenseful crescendo to the unfolding political symphony.

As the political overture reaches its climax, the destiny of Ogun State in 2027 hangs in the balance. The interplay of political forces and the decisions of the diverse populace weave a narrative of ambition and power dynamics. The journey to the elections unfolds as a mesmerizing symphony, with the threads of regional aspirations and the strategic maneuvers of contenders creating a tapestry that will be unveiled in the ballots and the voices of Ogun State's vibrant populace. The stage is set, the actors poised; the unveiling awaits, promising a chapter in history that will resonate through time.

Signed 

Administrator of Ogun Governance Focus.

Otutuloro Hassan Adisa Taiwo

High drug prices: APC chieftain seeks Tinubu’s intervention

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A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the hike in prices of essential drugs in the country.

Oyintiloye, who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen on Sunday, in Osogbo, said that many Nigerians were currently unable to access most essential drugs, due to the extreme high prices. He said that the escalating prices of the drugs could be attributed to a combination of factors, such as the withdrawal of GSK, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, the high rate of inflation in devaluation of naira, among others.

Oyintiloye said that the aforementioned factors, among others had made prices of  drugs such as Amlodipine, Augmentin, Paracetamol, Exforge, Coartem, and other essential drugs to become unaffordable for the common man.

According to him, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the value of medicines imported into Nigeria rose by 68 per cent to N81.8 billion between July and September 2023.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said that the surge in the prices of drugs had placed a significant financial strain on individuals and families already struggling with the harsh economy.

“When the local currency weakens against foreign currencies, the expenses incurred in procuring these essential medical supplies rise, consequently driving up the overall prices of medicines in the country.” 

9𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗚 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵, 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦... 𝗣𝗗𝗣 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗻

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The Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP wishes to call the attention of all stakeholders, the good people of Ogun State and course, all men of good conscience to a recent disclosure made by a Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Bayo Onanuga on his X handle that 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 9 𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 36 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛. 

Mr. Onanuga, in his statement which has not been refuted or denied by any of the State governments or authorities, also confirmed that Federal Allocation to all the tiers of government has significantly increased since the inception of President BolaTinubu-led FG. 

It is, however, a great concern to us that 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙥𝙤 𝘼𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙊𝙜𝙪𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙥𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 9 𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙂. By now, if Dapo Abiodun and his team are truly honest and responsible like they usually struggle to make the world believe, the government ought to have made the receipt of the new financial support from the FG government public to the people; also stating in an unambiquious terms, the purpose it was disbursed to serve.

As we have always said, 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙊𝙜𝙪𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙊𝙜𝙪𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙪𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙫𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝙒𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙠𝙤𝙗𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚; they are the primary essence of the government. It is absurd for a State who recently received 7 billion naira for infrastructural development and another 2 billion naira as fuel subsidy relief to still adorn the garment of unprecedented infrastructural decay. By now, every part of the State should be basking in the euphoria of face-lifting and quality repairs. 

Since this remains a mirage under the incompetent watch of 𝙈𝙧. 𝘼𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙛𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 9 𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙂. Has it also developed wings like several others before it?  For us, these are financial resources that should be put to use given the fact, that the dry season such as now, provides an opportunity to rehabilitate all road infrastructures across the State.

From all indications, 𝙈𝙧. 𝘼𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝙃𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙. Therefore, the Hon. Taiwo Olumo-led State Assembly must rise to the historical task of making the Dapo Abiodun-led administration accountable to Ogun citizens. Government, we have always said, remains a trust that he holds on behalf of the people. Dapo Abiodun should make the people's money work for the good of the people. 

𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐣𝐮 𝐀𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐞

𝑃𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑦

PDP Ogun State.

Fuel price: Reject W’Bank N750/litre proposal, NLC warns FG

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, on Thursday, warned the Federal Government against heeding the advice of the World Bank to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit popularly called petrol to N750/litre.

The NLC’s Head of Information, Benson Upah, in an interview with The PUNCH, said any further increase in the price of petrol would lead to anarchy in the country.

He, therefore called on the government to reject the proposal of the World Bank that petrol should sell at about N750/litre, as against the current rate of between N620 and N650/litre in most locations across the country.

This came as oil marketers explained that the cost of PMS should be around N1,000/litre had it been that the government not subsidising the product.

But the government, on Thursday, denied the claims of marketers and the World Bank as regards the reintroduction of subsidy on petrol in Nigeria.

The World Bank, on Wednesday, asked the Federal Government to stop the subsidy payment on petrol and raise the cost of the product to N750/litre.

It said the Federal Government might still be paying the subsidy as fuel prices in Nigeria were currently not cost-reflective, stressing that Nigerians should pay about N750/litre for PMS as against the current price of N650/litre.

The World Bank’s lead economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, alleged the continuous payment of petrol subsidy by the government in Abuja during his presentation of the Nigeria Development Update, December 2023 Edition.

“It does seem like petrol prices are not fully adjusting to market conditions. So, that hints at the partial return of the subsidy if we estimate what is the cost reflective of the retail PMS price of the would-be and assume that importation is done at the official FX rate.

“Of course, the liberalisation is happening with the parallel rates, which is the main supplier, the price would be even higher. These are just estimates to give you a sense of what cost-reflective pricing most likely looks like.

“We think the price of petrol should be around N750/litre more than the N650/litre currently paid by Nigerians,” he stated.

Reacting to statement of the World Bank, the labour movement declared that a further hike in the price of fuel would be an automatic invitation to anarchy.

The NLC’s Head of Information, Upah, described the World Bank as a predatory institution that does not care about the welfare of Nigerians, stressing that the initial increment in the pump price of PMS had caused enough problems in Nigeria.

“The World Bank is globalist north in thoughts and actions and has little or no consideration for the global south. It is a predatory institution that the global north uses to justify its crimes against the south.

“It is almost single-handedly responsible for the ruination of the economies of countries of the global south for which it prescribes one solution for all ailments.

“It does not care what happens to Nigeria or Nigerians so it could from its perch in Washington say whatever it likes or push around our leaders like house-helps.

“The truth, however, remains that the present regime of the pump price of PMS has all but destroyed the country. To now ask the government to raise it to N750/litre is to invite anarchy upon the land.

“The World Bank is so hypocritical it fails to see the nexus between price and capacity. The minimum wage in Nigeria for a privileged few is N30,000. The same minimum wage in the United States where the law is enforced is N1.5m.

“In light of this, if the government knows what is good for it, it should ignore the World Bank but must remain committed to fighting inherent corruption in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. It must also cut down the high cost of governance.”

FG denies subsidy

But the Federal Government denied the claims of the World Bank on the continued payment of the fuel subsidy on petrol.

In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu had made it clear from his first day in office that his government would not sustain the payment of subsidy on petrol.

According to Idris, the removal of the petrol subsidy had led to an increase in the revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

“Subsidy is gone, and the President told Nigerians from his first day in office that there won’t be subsidy (on petrol). It is because subsidy has gone that we have so much money available for the government to do so many things. Of course, it’s never enough, but fuel subsidy is gone and it’s gone for good,” the minister stated.

He added, “There are instances where the government needs to come in to see that things don’t go so bad. That’s the responsibility of the government. Every rule will also have its self-adjusting mechanism, but I can assure Nigerians that the subsidy is gone.

“If you look at the monies accruing to the Federation Account and the kind of money the states are receiving, you would know that everybody desires that subsidy should go. What do we do with that subsidy, I think, is the next question. We need to scrutinise that so that Nigerians would benefit from the subsidy that has been taken away. Subsidy is gone.”

Marketers project

Reacting to the argument by the Federal Government that the petrol subsidy had gone, the National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief John Kekeocha, said this was not true. Kekeocha said the government was afraid that the removal of the subsidy would lead to unrest.

“It is funny when government personnel who don’t know the realities on the ground come to the open and mess the government up. How can you say that subsidy is gone? No reasonable person who knows the dynamics of the market globally will say that.

“As we speak, a pound is about N1,480 or more, and a dollar is about N1,200 or more. So what is the magic to use and say subsidy on PMS is gone? The government is subsidising PMS because if it gets to N1,000/litre the country could be set on fire.

“So the government is apprehensive. Just like I keep saying, the things they ought to have done before the removal of subsidy on petrol, were not done. They are now beginning to sit with organisations and try to know what they ought to have done.

“So no reasonable government personnel who knows the politics or dynamics of the downstream oil sector would come out and say subsidy has been removed. There is a subsidy, the government is subsidising the product which is why you can see fuel at N650/litre,” he stated.

Asked whether he shared the view of the World Bank that the pump price of petrol should be N750/litre, Kekeocha replied, “Even at N750/litre it is still subsidised. What is the cost of fuel in London? It is about N1000 to N1,200/litre. So that is the range we should be looking at.”

Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer, IPMAN, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, told one of our correspondents that the subsidy on every litre of petrol should be about N400 currently. “Remember I once told you that we are operating quasi-subsidy, but now that quasi-subsidy scenario is gone. It is now a full subsidy on PMS because the naira is down, so there is nothing you can say about it.

“Since the dollar is now about N1,100, if you buy it at that price for the purpose of importing petrol, that means PMS should be selling around N950 or N1,000/litre. This is because when the dollar was N750, petrol was sold at N595/litre. So there is no magic about this.

“Also, the cost of diesel is skyrocketing. Now, when diesel is sold at over N1,000/litre, the difference between its cost and that of PMS is not more than N5 or N10/litre in normal circumstances,” he stated.

The Convener, Nigerian Unity and Progressive Forum, Ifeanyi Egwuagu, called on Civil Society Organisations to embark on a nationwide peaceful demonstration to demand concrete action from the government towards ameliorating the sufferings of Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Egwagu expressed worry over the economic hardship being faced by the majority of Nigerians over the years and accused the Tinubu administration of taking the sufferings of Nigerians to a higher degree through the removal of the subsidy.

“The plan to remove fuel subsidy has been on the front burner over the years. There is a logical argument that the positive impact of removing the subsidy will be felt in the long run.

“However, a government that truly has the socio-economic well-being of the people at heart will put in place sustainable measures to lessen the sufferings associated with the immediate subsidy removal.