News
2019 presidency: Why I closed Buhari’s campaign office in Oyo – Adebayo Shittu
The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has opened up on why he closed a campaign office he opened for President Muhammadu Buhari in the South West.
There were recent reports that the Minister, who was also a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, stopped campaigning for President Buhari.
The Minister said that the report of him stopping to campaign for Buhari was a mere mischief.
He explained that the campaign office was a rented apartment, which was not his property.
Shittu told The Nation that he rented the property for N3 million per annum and simply could not afford to pay that and the landlord was impatient with him, which led to its closure.
His words, “I think that whole idea that I stopped campaigning for Buhari is nonsensical. I was the first cabinet member who started campaigning for Buhari’s reelection.
“I am still part of this government and part of the APC. In fact, I am a foundation member of the APC and my interactions and relationship with Buhari is not just starting.
“I was his party’s governorship candidate in Oyo state in 2011 and President Buhari has continued to earn my respect and adoration because he is one President who was either the first or the second to willingly reduce his salary by half.
“I think the first leader to do that was Murtala Mohammed who is late now.
“If he can reduce his legitimate salary so that the Nigerian state can utilise that second part for the good of this country, why would I do that? I think the story is mere mischief.
“We had a rented apartment which is not my property. We rented it for N3 million per annum and we simply could not afford to pay that and the landlord was impatient with us.
“He said we either pay or get out and we simply took the most sensible option by vacating the place. We are in the process of looking for another office space for the campaign. We hope to get something cheaper.
“So, it is not true that for whatever reason, I would say that I am no longer campaigning for Buhari. It was the handiwork of mischief makers and a section of the media cannot be exonerated from that.
“They started carrying that report without seeking my own side of the story. That is simply not patriotic. It is self serving and politically motivated.”
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
The political and academic communities in Nigeria were thrown into mourning on Sunday following the death of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State.
Dr. Olunloyo, a distinguished mathematician, seasoned politician, and elder statesman, died in the early hours of Sunday after reportedly battling age-related ailments. He was aged 89 and would have clocked 90 in about three months.
Born into the aristocratic Olunloyo family of Ibadan, the late statesman made history in 1983 when he was elected governor of the old Oyo State under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His tenure, however, was short-lived as the military coup of December 1983 abruptly ended the Second Republic and consequently his time in office.
Known for his brilliance and sharp intellect, Olunloyo was widely regarded as the first and only individual to have ruled Ibadan as a distinct administrative unit before the restructuring of states in Nigeria.
A family source who confirmed his passing described his final weeks as a period of intense struggle with age-related health complications.
“The family is currently in mourning and will make burial arrangements public in due course,” the source said.
More details to follow…
-
Politics1 week agoRep Oseni Congratulates Oyo APC Chairman, Others on Federal Board Appointments
-
Politics1 week ago
SDP North-West Disputes El-Rufai’s Membership Claim
-
News1 week ago
Eid-ul-Fitr: Oseni Urges Muslims to Uphold Ramadan Virtues, Calls for National Unity
-
News1 week ago
Olugbon, Olori Mourn Abisola Kola-Daisi, Commiserate with Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families
