Politics

Abiodun commissions Arepo-Journalists Estate Road

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2022

Sahara Weekly

Abiodun commissions Arepo-Journalists Estate Road

…promises administration will fix more internal, external roads

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, commissioned the 2.35km Arepo-Journalists Estate Road, with a promise to continue espousing projects capable of making life more meaningful to people and residents of the state.

The governor, who described the road project as a remarkable one and his administration’s commitment to the provision of good governance in the state, noted that the completion of the road is a demonstration of his administration’s appreciation for the support of given by the people of Arepo Community.

While noting that genuine development should be people-oriented, Abiodun disclosed that the road leads to no fewer than 42 communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government.

He recalled that he had promised during the electioneering towards the 2019 general election to fix the road if he was elected governor, expressing his delight that Arepo Road which had been in a bad state for years has finally been constructed.

The governor, who said the road was constructed with interlocking stones because of its swampy nature, added that other road furniture such as walkway, street lights and drainage, had been fixed on the road to make it durable and bring out its aesthetics.

Abiodun noted that the new road would reduce travel time, stress and vehicle maintenance of the residents of Arepo, declared that his administration would continue fix internal and external roads in the state, with a view to improving the socio-economic well-being of the people.

The governor added that the state government under his watch has embarked upon the construction of all arterial roads linking Ogun with Lagos state, emphasizing his administration is determined to raise the bar in road construction in few years to come.

“We are determined to raise the bar in road construction in few years to come. Our administration has has constructed most roads in Ogun Central, we will continue to look after the welfare of our people. We are determined to be fair and participatory; we will not development a section of the state at the expense of others.

“I want to assure you that we will complete all the uncompleted projects embarked upon by our predecessor in office, which have direct positive socio-economic well-being of our people, and we will continue to make life better for the people”, he submitted.

Abiodun, however, called on the residents of the community to take the ownership of the road, urging the youth not to be allowed to be used by the unscrupulous politicians before and and during the conduct of the 2023 general election.

Earlier, the Olu of Arepo, Oba Solomon Atanda Oyebi, thanked the governor for fulfilling his electoral promises by fixing the road which according to him had brought untold hardship on the residents.

On her part, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Mrs Funke Fadugba, said that road completely cut off the Journalists Estate in Arepo, commending Governor Abiodun for ensuring the construction and completion of the road.

Meanwhile, the governor has assured residents of the Journalists Estate that his administration would embark on the construction of a modern primary health care centre to be completed in the next four months.

Abiodun while addressing the executive and residents of the estate at a parley after the inauguration of the Arepo Road, equally promised his administration’s support in the completion of the Civic Centre under construction in the estate.

The governor, however, called for the continued support of journalists in the quest of his administration to make take governance a notch higher.

Politics

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The local government elections conducted in Ogun State on November 16, 2024, have been marred by allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement, according to Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Ambassador Ajadi, an advocate for political stability and good governance, described the election as a sham, emphasizing that results announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) could not reflect the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, he accused OGSIEC of bias and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Any numbers declared in Ogun State were fabricated,” Ajadi alleged. “No votes were counted at many polling units, and the exercise was riddled with irregularities. If OGSIEC announces any results, it is a fraudulent act that must be challenged in court.”

Voting Disruptions and Missing Officials

Ajadi recounted his personal experience at polling unit 027 in Adebimpe, where he waited until 4:15 PM without the arrival of OGSIEC officials. Similarly, his wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, was unable to vote at polling unit 090 at Mr. Biggs in Ibafo due to the absence of electoral officers.

“The lack of organization was glaring,” Ajadi said. “How can we talk about credible elections when basic logistics were ignored? This is an affront to democracy and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Reports from NNPP Polling Agents

Ambassador Ajadi revealed that NNPP agents stationed across the state reported widespread delays and harassment. In Ofada Ward, OGSIEC officials arrived at polling unit 07 at 1:45 PM, but polling unit 08 saw NNPP agents intimidated by individuals allegedly linked to the APC, reportedly with the support of law enforcement officers.

In Orimerunmu, OGSIEC officials eventually showed up at polling units 012 and 013, but voters remained stranded due to missing materials. Meanwhile, polling units 035 in Ibafo and 019 at Asese Primary School were completely unattended throughout the day.

Ajadi added, “Our agents reported that at most locations, OGSIEC officials showed up as late as 2 PM with only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This suggests rigging was already in motion before the process began.”

Accusations of Intimidation and Collusion

Ajadi further alleged that armed thugs, purportedly working for the APC, disrupted voting in several wards by chasing away NNPP members. “No results should be declared from polling units where elections did not take place,” he insisted. “Our party agents monitored the process diligently, and the evidence is clear—this was an exercise in futility.”

The NNPP chieftain accused OGSIEC of failing in its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. “The commission’s incompetence and bias have disenfranchised countless voters and undermined democracy in Ogun State,” he lamented.

Call for Judicial Intervention

Ajadi called on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and warned against the announcement of any manipulated results. “The good citizens of Ogun State deserve transparency and accountability. Announcing fraudulent results would amount to robbing the people in broad daylight,” he said.

Public Reaction

As reports of electoral irregularities continue to emerge, stakeholders and political observers have joined Ajadi in questioning the credibility of the election. Many are demanding a thorough investigation into OGSIEC’s conduct and immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence in future elections.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NNPP has vowed to pursue legal redress to protect the integrity of the democratic process in Ogun State.

Politics

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

Published

5 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”

Politics

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Published

5 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.

In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.

“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.

He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.

He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.