News
Ajimobi to sacked LG chairmen: You have legitimacy on your side
Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Sunday assured the sacked Council bosses in the 33 Local Government Areas and 35 local council development areas that they have legitimacy on their side as due process was followed in the exercise that ushered them into office.
Apparently assuring the council bosses that the process that brought them to power followed all known legal tenets, Ajimobi said, although some may think he is not doing anything about the case in hand, he said he is doing whatever it is in silence, saying silence is golden.
The ex-governor stated this at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape, Ibadan, venue of a thanksgiving and prayer assembly held in his honour by the Basorun of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Daisi.
The event which attracted crème-de-la-crème within and outside Ibadan was also attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, business mogul, community leaders, the APC governorship candidate at the last election, Mr Bayo Adelabu, APC state executives led by the Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, party members, Ajimobi’s former commissioners, aides and political associates among others.
Governor Seyi Makinde had upon his inauguration sacked all the chairmen of all the local governments faulting the processes that brought them to office.
The sack came despite an initial court judgment gotten by the umbrella body of the council bosses stopping the government of the day or the house of assembly from sacking the elected council bosses.
But the council bosses have also remained resolute challenging Makinde’s directive and insisting that they remained the authentic elected council bosses.
Ajimobi said “Many of you are saying I am not saying or doing anything about what is going on. I am doing something about it but just that I don’t want to …., there are times that silence is golden and this time that we are, I think it is better to be silent.
“But I pray that God will make you victorious. And you are on the right track. The law is on your side.”
The remarks attracted the applause and ovation of the guest.
It is the first time the governor is making any public appearance since the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government was inaugurated in the state on May 29.
The ex-governor who said the event was just an opportunity for him to thank all those who played one role or the other in his eight years rule in the state, also prayed that the Makinde government sail through safely, noting that “it is good to make promises but when reality done on you, you will know that it is not easy”
Earlier in his remarks, the host of the event, Chief Kola Daisi said he had the option to call the “get together anyone of these several names: ‘celebrations’, ‘reception’, ‘grand party’, etc, but because it is conceived primarily as an occasion for thanking God for his love and mercies, I decide to give it a touch of the religious so that those who reflect upon the occasion in the future will appreciate how deeply we believe in the overwhelming influence of the Almighty in our daily lives.”
The business magnate gave four reasons for the event saying, it is to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of his first wife late Alhaja Sherifat Kola-Daisi and his god-son, Aare Arisekola Alao; offers prayer for Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole; offer prayers and thanksgiving for Ajimobi and his wife, Florence as well as for the complete success of Ajimobi’s successor, Governor Makinde.
In their separate remarks, some of the dignitaries who spoke, including Prof Oladipupo Akinkugbe, Chief Folake Solanke, Chief Bayo Oyero (former President General of CCII) and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Idowu Olayinka lauded Governor Ajimobi for his exemplary leadership and service to the people and the state, noting that his eight years reign had indeed transformed the state in the comity of states in the country.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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