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A former governorship candidate in Ondo State, Balogun Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) on Thursday withdrew from the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Jegede who was the candidate of the PDP in 2016 and 2020, noted that he is committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.

Speaking in Akure, the state capital while addressing his teeming supporters across the 18 local governments of the state, the PDP chieftain said “After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.”

He further stated, “Our party constitution is not receptive to zoning and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive Governors, the elections were not based on zoning but on merit.

“The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

“We have an array of Governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings, we also have those who have shown exceptional qualities including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party.

“| feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the Governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.

“The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the Party rather than join in compounding it.

“I recognize that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in }Our various local government areas to ensure a rancor-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

The Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is thrilled to announce the completion and imminent inauguration of the 132/33kv electricity sub-station at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. This significant accomplishment also heralds the planned handover of the sub-station to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, for operational management.

In a statement released by Pius Ughakpoteni, the Director of Corporate Affairs of the Commission, this milestone achievement follows closely on the performance bond recently signed by the Commission with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development. When operational, the electricity sub-station will illuminate over 2,000 communities across five local government areas within the oil-producing region of Ondo State, significantly impacting lives by ending decades of darkness.

“The scope of the power project covers the evacuation of light from Omotosho with a step down at Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa, through a 132KV double circuit transmission line with two 30/40MVA transformers. The transmission lines running through Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa, pass through 145 electricity towers.”

“However, because of the delay over the years, the distribution lines, low-tension distribution network and relief transformers have been vandalised and they need total rehabilitation. The NDDC has awarded a contract for the total rehabilitation of the distribution network and this is currently on-going and will be completed soon.”

“Ordinarily, it is the responsibility of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to rehabilitate the distribution network but the NDDC is coming in because it is eager to hook up the power lines to the injection sub-station and enable the benefitting communities to enjoy electricity from the national grid.”

“In July 2023, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, alongside Commission management members, paid a courtesy call to Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the then Acting Governor of Ondo State, at the Government House in Akure. The delegation discussed the completion of the electricity project and the extensive efforts underway to ensure its swift commissioning and effective handover to TCN.”

“On this occasion, Hon. Aiyedatiwa lauded the NDDC’s landmark project, emphasizing the transformative light it brings to many communities previously left in darkness for years. He appealed for assistance in extending the distribution network to reach Ilaje Local Government Area, highlighting the significant impact this would have on the region.”

“The NDDC acknowledges the Ondo State government’s crucial role in expediting the project’s inauguration. We recognize the diligent work of the state Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in coordinating with the Commission, other stakeholders, and particularly the TCN towards this achievement.”

“The Ondo State Government has also stepped in in the area of metering because even if NDDC evacuates the power from the sub-station to the relief transformers, there will be need for meters for the respective households. Hence, the state government is taking up the responsibility of providing meters for the households.”

“We assure all stakeholders in the Niger Delta of our commitment to tying up the loose ends and ensuring the inauguration and official handover ceremony to TCN.”

The Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is thrilled to announce the completion and imminent inauguration of the 132/33kv electricity sub-station at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. This significant accomplishment also heralds the planned handover of the sub-station to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, for operational management.

In a statement released by Pius Ughakpoteni, the Director of Corporate Affairs of the Commission, this milestone achievement follows closely on the performance bond recently signed by the Commission with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development. When operational, the electricity sub-station will illuminate over 2,000 communities across five local government areas within the oil-producing region of Ondo State, significantly impacting lives by ending decades of darkness.

“The scope of the power project covers the evacuation of light from Omotosho with a step down at Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa, through a 132KV double circuit transmission line with two 30/40MVA transformers. The transmission lines running through Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa, pass through 145 electricity towers.”

“However, because of the delay over the years, the distribution lines, low-tension distribution network and relief transformers have been vandalised and they need total rehabilitation. The NDDC has awarded a contract for the total rehabilitation of the distribution network and this is currently on-going and will be completed soon.”

“Ordinarily, it is the responsibility of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to rehabilitate the distribution network but the NDDC is coming in because it is eager to hook up the power lines to the injection sub-station and enable the benefitting communities to enjoy electricity from the national grid.”

“In July 2023, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, alongside Commission management members, paid a courtesy call to Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the then Acting Governor of Ondo State, at the Government House in Akure. The delegation discussed the completion of the electricity project and the extensive efforts underway to ensure its swift commissioning and effective handover to TCN.”

“On this occasion, Hon. Aiyedatiwa lauded the NDDC’s landmark project, emphasizing the transformative light it brings to many communities previously left in darkness for years. He appealed for assistance in extending the distribution network to reach Ilaje Local Government Area, highlighting the significant impact this would have on the region.”

“The NDDC acknowledges the Ondo State government’s crucial role in expediting the project’s inauguration. We recognize the diligent work of the state Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in coordinating with the Commission, other stakeholders, and particularly the TCN towards this achievement.”

“The Ondo State Government has also stepped in in the area of metering because even if NDDC evacuates the power from the sub-station to the relief transformers, there will be need for meters for the respective households. Hence, the state government is taking up the responsibility of providing meters for the households.”

“We assure all stakeholders in the Niger Delta of our commitment to tying up the loose ends and ensuring the inauguration and official handover ceremony to TCN.”

…lack of purpose of unregistered CSOs pose a threat to peace and societal development – Ajulo

The management of Leadership newspaper has issued a written apology for publishing a misleading and fabricated article attributed to the Ondo State Redemption Initiative (OSRI). The article falsely implicated the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the newly inaugurated Attorney General of the State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN OON, and Mr. John Paul Akinduro, Spokesperson to Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.

In a retraction published on page 4 of Wednesday’s edition, the newspaper explicitly apologized to Governor Aiyedatiwa, former Governor Mimiko, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, and John Paul Akinduro.

The retraction stated, “In LEADERSHIP weekend edition of March 16, we carried a story “APC Group Raises Alarm Over Mimiko’s Alliance with Aiyedatiwa” which appeared on page 18.

“We regret the misrepresentations in some quotes as contained in the story, where we erroneously mentioned the names of Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former governor Olusegun Mimiko, Attorney General of the state, Dr Kayode Ajulo and Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Mr John Paul Akinduro, Spokesperson to the deputy governor, in an noncomplimentary manner.

“While we state it is not in our practice to condone such misguided reportage, we strongly regret the embarrassment the report may have caused them”

In his reaction, the new Attorney General of the State, Dr Ajulo, said, “We all know that journalism is a responsible profession, and Leadership Newspaper has exhibited one of this noble qualities with the retraction and I wish them well. As a professional, I will not allow anyone, under any pretence, tarnish the hard-earned reputation I have tirelessly built and still building.”

He condemned the activities of unregistered civil society groups, citing them as a threat to peace and societal development. Ajulo highlighted the tendency for many of these groups to operate outside regulatory and ethical boundaries. He emphasized that such groups often lack a clear purpose and are established solely to promote political instability. Ajulo stressed the importance of civil society organizations upholding integrity and accountability, while also underscoring OSRI’s recent activities as indicative of its lack of credibility and questionable motives.

He said “A civil society organisation is supposed to be known for upright standing and be a reliable link between the government and the people not an attack dog for a group of disgruntled individuals whose trade is to continually cause political instability that can engender unrest in the State.

Once an organisation cannot be traced to a reputable individual and continually parades pseudo identities, the purpose and integrity of such an organisation stand questionable.”

Ajulo further noted that his extensive involvement in civil rights organizations, both locally and internationally, characterized by transparency and ethical conduct, exposed OSRI as an organisation with sinister motives. 

The leading PDP Governorship Aspirant, Hon. Mafo Ola John (MOJ), this Wednesday morning picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms at the National Secretariat of the party, Wadata House, Abuja.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon in Akure by Yusuf Adebayo, his media use, Mafo Ola John (MOJ) while picking the forms promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear and also unite the party with his candidature when he wins the Primary by leading the victory charge for the return of PDP in Ondo state government.

He assured the people that a people oriented government is on the horizon with the coming of PDP. 

 He said “I am the right man to lead the PDP for the emancipation of the people of Ondo from the penury and stagnancy which the ruling APC government has subjected them to in the last 8 years”

He stated that all the policy summersault which has become the hallmark of the APC government will become a thing of the past. 

John Ola Mafo served as commissioner under former Governors, Olusegun Agagu and Olusegun Mimiko. The Aheri Ilaje born lawyer remains the only aspirant who has never defected from the Party since 1999. As Secretary of the State Elders Committee of the Ondo State chapter of PDP, he is generally accepted across all tendencies. 

 

…we will ensure fairness to all APC aspirants 

In a bid to foster political stability and ensure effective governance in Ondo State, political leaders and stakeholders have inaugurated the “Asiwaju Mandate Group” (AMG) during a mega press conference held on Monday, in Akure. 

The Director General, Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the group, which is being backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aims to stabilize the political atmosphere within the State and provide a common platform for all aspirants within the ruling APC fold ahead of the 2024 governorship election. He emphasized the group’s commitment to ensuring the election of the best candidate out of the aspirants capable of driving sustainable development and maximizing federal support under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“AMG is not formed to promote any governorship aspirant but to ensure Ondo State gets the Governor who will engender sustainable development and improve the lives of the people of the State, and especially be able to draw benefit maximally for the State from the Federal Government under Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We are also confident in the leadership and ability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National leadership to douse political tension ahead of the governorship election.” Evangelist Asagunla emphasized. 

Corroborating the DG, the Commissioner representing Ondo State in the NDDC board, Mr Otito Atikase said the group would support and work for whichever aspirant picks the APC governorship ticket during the April primary.

With notable political figures present, including Mr Atikase and other big political gladiators from across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, the AMG vowed to promote fairness, inclusivity, and democracy in the State’s political landscape, urging all indigenes and residents to join their movement towards a prosperous future for Ondo State.

The text of the address by the Director General of the group, Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla, reads;

“It is with a heart filled with joy and elated mind that I welcome you all to this hall for the official unveiling of a political pressure group named ASIWAJU MANDATE GROUP.

“Following the trajectory of the political instability in Ondo State in the last two years and also putting in mind the strategic place of Ondo State not only in the South West region of the country but the Nation, in General deriving strength from the record of highest vote turned over for President Bola Hammed Tinubu in the last presidential election and what pace Ondo state sets in the off-season elections in the country.

“Critical stakeholders in the politics and polity of Ondo State have come together to birth a new political group with the goal and aim of stabilizing the political space and finding a common ground for victory without bias to any aspirant within the APC fold ahead of the Ondo State Gubernatorial election in the immediate and creating a solid platform for a better turn out of votes for President Bola Hammed Tinubu in his second term bid.

“While we are appreciative of the good positioning of Ondo State in the scheme of things at the Federal level with two of our illustrious sons as Ministers and several other political portfolios, we believe we can bring about more dividends of democracy to the people of the state having suffered some setback in the last few years occasioned by instability of governance in the state.

“We believe that politics and elections in Ondo state substantially dictate the direction of things in the general elections in the country and hence the need to have a formidable and pro-people governor and government come November when the Ondo State Gubernatorial election will hold.

“As a group, We will be more confident and self-reliant in cultivating the features of sincere political diplomacy. Our state’s development and rejuvenation will always be based on our own efforts, and the future of the people of the state will always be in our own hands.

“We will remain firm in pursuing the independent campaign of peace, and resolutely safeguard the sovereignty of the state from hijackers toward a more robust national dignity.

“As we birth this group, We will be open and inclusive and conduct consultations with a broad vision. We will consolidate and expand our collective network of partnerships, promote a new type of communal relations, and promote mutual respect and mutual learning between civilizations and development, between the government and the governed.

“We will strive for stability in the state, pursue common progress with all indigenous and residents of the state, and rejuvenate with fellow progressives in the South West of the Country for a start.

“The group will uphold fairness and justice in the countdown to the political party’s primaries and further establish the ethos of Collectiveness. We will practice true multilateralism, and promote greater democracy in relations.

“We will be more unequivocal on issues of principle concerning the legitimate rights and interests of the people of Ondo State primarily and Nationally.

“The group shall in the coming weeks be inaugurating our members and leaders across all the political wards in the state and the local governments. The membership drive is ongoing through forms made available already to all the units and wards across all the local governments in the state.

“Also, in the course of time, we shall be having the official launch of the group, one that will be massive and witnessed by the top echelon of the APC including the visioneer of this group, Hon. OLUBUNMI OJO, the Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Towards this end, we call on all Ondo state indigenes and dwellers to join us as we march to a new Ondo State in the immediate and a progressive nation in the long run.”

 

…we will ensure fairness to all APC aspirants 

In a bid to foster political stability and ensure effective governance in Ondo State, political leaders and stakeholders have inaugurated the “Asiwaju Mandate Group” (AMG) during a mega press conference held on Monday, in Akure. 

The Director General, Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the group, which is being backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aims to stabilize the political atmosphere within the State and provide a common platform for all aspirants within the ruling APC fold ahead of the 2024 governorship election. He emphasized the group’s commitment to ensuring the election of the best candidate out of the aspirants capable of driving sustainable development and maximizing federal support under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“AMG is not formed to promote any governorship aspirant but to ensure Ondo State gets the Governor who will engender sustainable development and improve the lives of the people of the State, and especially be able to draw benefit maximally for the State from the Federal Government under Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We are also confident in the leadership and ability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National leadership to douse political tension ahead of the governorship election.” Evangelist Asagunla emphasized. 

Corroborating the DG, the Commissioner representing Ondo State in the NDDC board, Mr Otito Atikase said the group would support and work for whichever aspirant picks the APC governorship ticket during the April primary.

With notable political figures present, including Mr Atikase and other big political gladiators from across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, the AMG vowed to promote fairness, inclusivity, and democracy in the State’s political landscape, urging all indigenes and residents to join their movement towards a prosperous future for Ondo State.

The text of the address by the Director General of the group, Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla, reads;

“It is with a heart filled with joy and elated mind that I welcome you all to this hall for the official unveiling of a political pressure group named ASIWAJU MANDATE GROUP.

“Following the trajectory of the political instability in Ondo State in the last two years and also putting in mind the strategic place of Ondo State not only in the South West region of the country but the Nation, in General deriving strength from the record of highest vote turned over for President Bola Hammed Tinubu in the last presidential election and what pace Ondo state sets in the off-season elections in the country.

“Critical stakeholders in the politics and polity of Ondo State have come together to birth a new political group with the goal and aim of stabilizing the political space and finding a common ground for victory without bias to any aspirant within the APC fold ahead of the Ondo State Gubernatorial election in the immediate and creating a solid platform for a better turn out of votes for President Bola Hammed Tinubu in his second term bid.

“While we are appreciative of the good positioning of Ondo State in the scheme of things at the Federal level with two of our illustrious sons as Ministers and several other political portfolios, we believe we can bring about more dividends of democracy to the people of the state having suffered some setback in the last few years occasioned by instability of governance in the state.

“We believe that politics and elections in Ondo state substantially dictate the direction of things in the general elections in the country and hence the need to have a formidable and pro-people governor and government come November when the Ondo State Gubernatorial election will hold.

“As a group, We will be more confident and self-reliant in cultivating the features of sincere political diplomacy. Our state’s development and rejuvenation will always be based on our own efforts, and the future of the people of the state will always be in our own hands.

“We will remain firm in pursuing the independent campaign of peace, and resolutely safeguard the sovereignty of the state from hijackers toward a more robust national dignity.

“As we birth this group, We will be open and inclusive and conduct consultations with a broad vision. We will consolidate and expand our collective network of partnerships, promote a new type of communal relations, and promote mutual respect and mutual learning between civilizations and development, between the government and the governed.

“We will strive for stability in the state, pursue common progress with all indigenous and residents of the state, and rejuvenate with fellow progressives in the South West of the Country for a start.

“The group will uphold fairness and justice in the countdown to the political party’s primaries and further establish the ethos of Collectiveness. We will practice true multilateralism, and promote greater democracy in relations.

“We will be more unequivocal on issues of principle concerning the legitimate rights and interests of the people of Ondo State primarily and Nationally.

“The group shall in the coming weeks be inaugurating our members and leaders across all the political wards in the state and the local governments. The membership drive is ongoing through forms made available already to all the units and wards across all the local governments in the state.

“Also, in the course of time, we shall be having the official launch of the group, one that will be massive and witnessed by the top echelon of the APC including the visioneer of this group, Hon. OLUBUNMI OJO, the Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Towards this end, we call on all Ondo state indigenes and dwellers to join us as we march to a new Ondo State in the immediate and a progressive nation in the long run.”

 

A group of All Progressives Congress youths in Ilutitun Osooro, Okitipupa local government under the aegis of Uluuton Progressive Youths has warned off some stakeholders in the Party to desist from causing crisis in the town for their selfish interest. This followed report of some stakeholders gathering in an hotel in Ilutitun Osooro to endorse Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. 

The statement reads in full:

RE: ILUTITUN APC MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS ADOPTS GOV AIYEDATIWA

We have been inundated with calls and inquiries from different quarters calling our attention to a shameful and ignoble act by dastard persons from our beloved Ilutitun who claimed to have spoken for the Ilutitun Osooro chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) when they endorsed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa some few days ago. It hurts to admit that we are sorry for this abnormally from persons whose reach is not beyond their selfish interest.

For a fact, none of the persons who allegedly signed the press text ought to have the temerity to speak for Ilutitun APC while we have an elected representative and a son of the soil in the race. But these are people who are fighting dangerously for relevance and political patronage despite being around for decades. We have been left to wonder why they have allowed their selfishness to becloud their reasoning and love for the town, if they ever did.

It is trite to note that Ondo South remains the most neglected of all the districts in the State and it deserves special attention. There’s no denying the fact that for Ondo South to match up with others, it needs gubernatorial power for the maximum of 8 years. The truncation of the Olusegun Agagu administration marked a stagnancy in various developmental projects being carried out in the South at that time. While we accept that government is a continuum, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his minions in Ilutitun Osooro should know that 4 years is not enough to fix the rot in the South.

Conclusively, we will like to use this medium to warn off the said signees to the Sara Joe charade to desist from selling our rights when they’ve eaten their cakes in full. We, the youths, must develop and take care of our future that’s now upon us. Your generation has failed us and it will be in your best interest to take a back seat while we take our destiny in our own hands. We urge the Majuwa of Morubodo Kingdom to call them to order before they incur the wrath of the youths. 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of John Paul Akinduro as Spokesperson to the Deputy Governor of the state, Olayide Adelami.

Until his appointment, Akinduro was Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko – a position he has held since leaving office in 2017 where he served as Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor.

Akinduro, a seasoned media entrepreneur, communications specialist and tech evangelist, is expected to bring to bear his decade-long experience in political communication, journalism, development communication, creative writing and digital storytelling.

He was part of a dynamic team of broadcast professionals that pioneered NN24, Africa’s first 24-hour TV news channel and CNN affiliate. As the Creative Officer-in-Chief of Media Friends, he has delivered various media and tech-related projects for many local and international organisations.

In 2015, he was in the driving seat of the digital media engagement for the southwest campaign of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election. Subsequently, he served as head of media and digital communications for several governorship elections in Ondo and other states nationwide.

Akinduro was educated at the prestigious Pan African University (now Pan Atlantic University) Lagos Nigeria, Babcock University Ogun State and, was professionally trained at the London College of Communication, University of the Arts London United Kingdom and Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA.

 

Frontline Ondo State gubernatorial aspirant in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Bosun Arebuwa FCA has urged PDP faithfuls in the State to keep their faith strong as the Party remains strongest to challenge the ruling APC in the forthcoming guber polls. Arebuwa stated this while meeting Ondo South senatorial district leaders in Okitipupa during the week.

“We all desire a Ondo State where everything works. The past gains of the labour of our heroes past has been degraded by the ruling Party since their entrance into the Alagbaka government house. Ondo State has gone from being a healthcare tourism site to almost no doctors in our hospitals. At a time, we paid the least tuition fees in our tertiary institutions but our children now have to seek alternatives outside as not many can afford what our public schools are demanding. The people of the State has clearly taken note of these differences and are waiting for us to get it right.” the Okitipupa born chartered accountant said.

“Beloved leaders, our aspiration affords the Party an opportunity to start on a clean slate. We aim to instill light into this dark conundrum of redundancy that the APC has pushed the State. We offer unity, collegiate leadership and progressiveness in our Party as we challenge these people who seem to have weaponized poverty for their sole aim.” he added while urging his Party to give him the ticket.

Mr. Bosun Arebuwa has since kicked off his statewide tour to strategic places and persons. The experienced public and private sector team player is equipped with all necessities to give PDP victory at the general polls if he’s given the ticket.

Imọlẹ de, okunkun parada!

©️Bosun Arebuwa Media Organization