Politics
Oyo APC raises alarm over alleged vote-buying plot by Makinde
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has raised an alarm over what it described as clandestine plots being put in place by Governor Seyi Makinde and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to compromise the desired standard of a free, fair and credible election expected from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of 2023 general election.
This fresh alarm from the broom party came on the heels of allegations of a vote-buying plot, sponsorship of violence to prevent opposition parties from carrying out their electioneering campaigns and planned compromise of some INEC officials all in the bid to forcefully secure an ‘unmerited’ second term for Governor Makinde.
In a statement issued on Friday and made available to press men in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC bemoaned Makinde’s scripted gesture of benevolence as being displayed in recent times to include Greek gifts to political leaders, religious bodies and others who he had abandoned to their fate since assumption of office in 2019.
“It is highly imperative for us to alert the public, INEC and the security agencies about certain steps being taken by the governor and some of his agents to perpetrate vote-buying and other sharp practices in their bid to compromise the forthcoming general election in the state in favour of the candidates of the PDP. The truth of the matter is that Governor Makinde has got enough money from the treasury of the state to prosecute his mission to influence voters and other critical stakeholders before, during and after the gubernatorial election in particular.
“The sloppy manner in which Oyo PDP under Governor Makinde carries out its campaign activities has suggested to the discerning minds that the governor and his people do not place their hope of a second term in office on decent electioneering and credible electoral process. Up till now, the ruling Oyo PDP has not held a single political rally in any part of the state after more than 90 days when INEC lifted the ban on open campaigns in the build-up to the 2023 general election.
“Rather than engage the electorate and give an account of stewardship in the last 42 months with a view to retaining the confidence of the people, Governor Makinde has commissioned a good number of foot soldiers to negotiate for votes with a dole out of crumbs and financial inducement. A good reference is the hijack of the federal government’s social scheme whereby citizens are being paid varying sums of money to cushion the effects of economic meltdown. We have it on good authority that the Oyo state government has taken possession of the cash distribution as they compel beneficiaries to produce their permanent voter card which they collect and scan before releasing the cash incentives.
“Another set of foot soldiers now move around some parts of the state capital and other major cities in the state to obtain phone contact and bank account details of prospective voters who have PVC and are willing to cast their votes in the forthcoming general election. Early this week, the governor sent a proxy (who is also a PDP candidate for the House of Representatives poll) to deliver some items packaged as Christmas/New Year gifts to some officials of INEC in a clear case of inducement ahead of the conduct of the 2023 poll.
“All these are in addition to baits of contract bazaar, illegal allocation of government land, SUV gift among other things being packaged to woo some identified political gladiators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civic society organizations, trade unionists, student bodies and influential personalities who have been established to be against Governor Makinde’s reelection bid on account of his poor first term performance. It is on this note that we urge INEC, EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau and other relevant agencies of government to beam their searchlight on Oyo state and ensure that unscrupulous elements who are bent on disrupting the 2023 poll do not have their way”, the APC added.
Politics
Relief as Rep ‘Lafi’ Empowers 300 Constituents Through Skill Acquisition Programme
Over 300 constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State benefitted from a skill acquisition and empowerment programme organized by their representative in the National Assembly, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye.
The event, held at Faith Joe Event Centre, Alegongo, Akobo, Ibadan, aimed to address the challenges of unemployment and economic hardship by equipping participants with practical skills and financial support.
The programme focused on empowering youths, students, and unemployed graduates to become self-reliant. Each participant was provided with a certificate, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, an umbrella, and ₦100,000 as a startup grant to kickstart their businesses.
The tools and financial aid were designed to enable beneficiaries to establish sustainable sources of income.
Participants received comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience to ensure they could effectively utilize the tools provided. The POS machines were configured with the personal details of the recipients, ensuring proper use and discouraging unauthorized transfers.
Addressing the participants, Akinmoyede who is the Chairman House Committee on Nigeria/ Mexico Parliamentary Friendship enjoined the beneficiaries to explore the opportunity for their benefit by ensuring that they use the machines for the purpose it was meant for.
He added that all the machines have been configured with the documents of individual beneficiaries which will make it very difficult to transfer to another person.
In his goodwill message, the Oyo Central Senatorial chairman of APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji said comparing what the lawmaker has been doing in the area of dishing out empowerment and palliatives to his constituents, it is difficult to tag him a first-timer at the national assembly.
While appreciating Akinmoyede for his gesture at the event, former APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, and Hon. Akinbode Emmanuel said they were yet to discover the magic wand being used by the lawmaker for his constant and habitual empowerment programmes.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the end of the training, Afolabi Kuburat, Akinropo Akindotun, Ajala Abisade Iyabo, and Grace Anuoluwapo Ayinde lauded the lawmaker for giving them the opportunity to be self-reliant at this time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
Politics
Oyo: Olafisoye Facilitates Capacity-Building Training for 300 Constituents
The House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency Oyo State, Hon. Prince Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu has initiated another skill acquisition and capacity-building training for no fewer than 300 members of his constituency.
The initiative which is being organized in partnership with Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan is part of a strategic effort by the lawmaker to foster rural development of cooperative for their economic emancipation and break the shackles of poverty so as to alleviate the impact of the high cost of living among the people in Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency he represents.
The training programme is coming up on Monday 18th November, 2024 at Faith Joe Event Centre hall. Alegongo, Ibadan by 8.00am.
A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the lawmaker, Alimi Abdullahi stated that the capacity-building is designed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills with a view to building sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of lives of the people of Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency.
All the participants for the training are expected to be at the venue by 8am so as not to miss any part of the training.
Politics
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory in the recently concluded Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor of the Sunshine State, was declared the winner of the election on Sunday at 2:30 pm. He defeated his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a landslide victory.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described Aiyedatiwa’s triumph as a testament to his resilience, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the development of Ondo State.
He praised the electorate for reaffirming their trust in visionary leadership.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on this historic victory. Your emergence reflects the confidence and hope the people have in your ability to deliver purposeful and transformative leadership,” Oseni remarked.
The lawmaker commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders for their pivotal roles in ensuring a transparent and credible election.
He also applauded the people of Ondo State for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the polls, which bolstered the election’s credibility.
Oseni expressed optimism that Aiyedatiwa’s administration will usher in renewed development, unity, and prosperity for the state.
“As you prepare to assume office, I urge all stakeholders and citizens of Ondo State to lend their support to your administration. Together, you can advance progress and strengthen the democratic foundations for a better Ondo State,” he stated.
He further expressed confidence that Aiyedatiwa’s second term will be characterized by impactful governance and innovative policies that will advance the state’s growth and enhance the welfare of its people.
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