Politics

Osun 2018: Uncovering the APC Pharisaicalness In Osun State -ROTIMI MAKINDE

Published

7 years ago

September 6, 2017

**Where are the contenders and the pretenders?**

Now that our party APC position is set to lift ban on gladiators to start showing their various interest as 2018 governorship election draw closer.

The state of Osun has been essentially defined as politically different in nature and we have seen an outpouring of previously, partially *”hidden”* ambitions of so many politicians quiescent overhauling their structures and tactically positioning themselves to begin the race in the earnest,some of them are now using that as an excuse to push forward their men, lieutenants and urgently building up mercenaries and foot soldiers, apparently to be led by them any moment to the field.

*_”Once you are in power, never forget those who put you there (electorates, party stalwarts) . Deal with those who think they can do better than you and those who think you are God’s representative on earth. Deal with each other according to his actions”_* This I guess many often forgot so easily.

Without mincing words, Oshogbo and Ife cities have always wanted their sons or daughters to be in the center – so in either of the party ,these two communities outlast in the forefront of agitators who will take over from the incumbent who no doubt has done his best to his people and by now writing his handing over note in embryo.

Meanwhile, In any case, Ife would have been the target and the best for any of the political party permutation in the interests of fairness and judgment, the capital city of Oshogbo enjoyed the most patronage, enviable and good representation under each of the subsequent governments especially under the present administration when it becomes fit for a state capital status, Osogbo is the home of the present deputy governor of the state for the past eight years, while the senatorial zone also produced the number 6 citizen of the federal republic of Nigeria in the person of Rt Hon Lasun Yusuf, The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, and not just that,The Deputy Whips of the Senate, Senator Adeyeye is from the zone,and also the deputy speaker of the state of Osun is also from this zone,the current Chief of staff,a gentle man to the core is also from this zone, and more importantly the zone had produced two successful governors that served seven years and four years respectively with good records.

Ordinarily,Ile Ife behooves to be the best permutation for either of the political calculation but alas,the outgoing governor who is just completing his eight years tenure is from Ilesha,the same senatorial district that host the cradle of Yoruba race.The only reason that could circumvent the indigene of ife,The city which undoubtedly contributes the bulk of the internal generated revenue and having the largest land mass and by extension the largest wealth of the state and seriously yearning to have their son or daughter to occupy the state house,this people may however find that as an herculean tasks but definitely,it is not impossible if we are to be pragmatic with our submission.

This latest attack on the Attorney General of the state who is an indigene of Oshogbo comes after the previous destruction of the same EiD prayer’s ground said to have been facilitated by Dr Basir Ajibola,who has indicated his interest without any iota of diffidence to govern the state,he is qualified and if it is not for likely zoning he is certainly a very good hand to get the job.It is clear that these likely reactions arose from hidden ambitions of some other indigenes of the Oroki kingdom,if not why not, he is the serving Attorney General of the State and certainly he deserves some honour in any gathering and not only as an indigene.Give an ife person such exalted position,I am very sure he would be qualified to even sit next to the chief of imam of ife.Let someone therefore state ten reasons why Dr Basir Ajibola ,Rt Hon Lasun Yusuf or Alh Gboyega Oyetola are not qualified? then we could state 100 vital reasons why Senator Babajide Omoworare and many other gladiators from Ife are the most qualified,the reverse was said to be the case in the show of love or ego for the Oshogbo born Dr Ajibola Basir,his crime must be connected to his intention to offer himself to govern the State of Osun.

Osogbo which happened to be his kingdom has the highest number of registered voters as at now,this became so after fitting Ife East local government to it.Regardless of this,i doubt if any Ife person can indicate interest for governorship slot and get booed by any indigene of the community in either of the party,not any more.
There are lot of people with hidden ambitions in Osun State and one may not even know if the man sitting next to you is secretly nursing the ambition,This is probably what may divide the progressive camp the more if proper care is not taken.

At this moment,there are some classes of people who adhered strictly to the rule and regulation of the party but choose to remained underground and tactically understudying the progress and scenario to the admiration of some party loyalists,there are other class of people who jettisoned the instructions and going about making pronouncements and Making movements and organising meetings and not waiting to be caught unaware….

Perhaps, there is no doubt in the spirit of fairness, as the pendulum may swing in the direction of Osun West Senatorial district in either of the party,in that case we may have to stop in the direction of the early entranced and this may be after we have all made enemy for ourselves as a party,this may be so and based on some political permutations and *”calculations of convenience”* though not fundamentally known to the law. This explain why in the recent,much of the gladiators are mostly from Osun West.We have seen those who started in the earnest and we have noticed those whose ambitions remain under wraps but certainly as event is set to unfold,there would be many gladiators to heat up the polity very soon.

How I wish we can do away with zoning but I have to be tactical in stating this,Though I have always believed in zoning as an apostle of fairness, all the same, how I wish we think beyond zoning for us to produce the best candidate and as a die hard lieutenant of Aregbesola; I know I am to ensue for peace between all gladiators and compromising where needed be. If we all clamour for “Omo wa ni E je o se” politics,then all towns and villages are qualified. Let us thread with caution because technically it’s going to be an election between APC and APC.

Conclusively, Hidden Ambition is certainly DANGEROUS, Ask me hundreds of time I would tell you I am not going to over heat the polity of governorship contest come 2018,i know about myself but not about you…..But hiding your ambition may ruin the good chance of our party.

Politics

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

Published

1 hour ago

November 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

……Preaches All-inclusive Government

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

Ewekoro, 19th of November – The atmosphere was electric as Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay was inaugurated as the new chairman of Ewekoro Local Government in a ceremony marked by hope and celebration. In front of a gathered throng of enthusiastic supporters, community leaders, and dignitaries, Eskay articulated a bold vision for the future, promising to work hand-in-hand with the people to foster development and unity.

In his inaugural speech, Chairman Eskay expressed profound gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the citizens of Ewekoro. “This is not just my victory; it is a collective triumph for all of us,” he stated passionately. “Today, we embark on a journey to build a brighter future together, where every voice is heard, and every citizen plays a role in shaping our community.”

Hon. Eskay emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance, pledging to involve citizens in decision-making processes that impact their lives. “I believe that true leadership lies in collaboration,” he remarked. “My administration will prioritize transparency, accountability, and open dialogue with the people of Ewekoro.”

Central to his vision are initiatives aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure within the local government. Eskay underscored the importance of investing in the youth, assuring parents that his administration would work diligently to provide quality educational opportunities. “Our children are the future of Ewekoro, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive,” he affirmed.

In a direct appeal to political opponents, Hon. Eskay urged them to join his administration in pursuit of progress. “To those in the opposition, I extend an invitation to come aboard the winning team. Let us set aside our differences and work together for the greater good of Ewekoro,” he declared, emphasizing that unity is essential in addressing the challenges faced by the community.

The proposed initiatives received enthusiastic support from attendees, many of whom expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential. “Hon. Eskay has always been a man of the people, and we believe that he will lead us towards a prosperous future,” said a local business leader. “His commitment to inclusivity and community engagement gives us hope.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Hon. Eskay articulated a vision of Ewekoro as a model for local governance, where progress is made through collaboration and shared responsibility. “Together, we can transform Ewekoro into a thriving community that meets the needs of all its citizens,” he concluded.

With a clear mandate and a vision for inclusive governance, Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay embarks on his tenure with the support and hope of the people of Ewekoro, ready to lead them into a new era of development and unity. As the community looks forward to the changes ahead, they remain united in their commitment to building a brighter future together.

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.”