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Akintola’s attacks on Makinde unfounded, made in bad blood – Aide
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, has described comments credited to a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Niyi Akintola (SAN), as one largely informed by bad blood and undue politicking.
The spokesman, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, stated that it was regrettable that the learned silk stood facts and logic on the head in a failed attempt to praise-sing and eulogise the same APC leaders he had rightly castigated for woeful performance in the build-up to the 2019 election.
The statement read: “The learned silk claimed in one instance that the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi completed the Restoration Bridge in seven months, but facts available have shown that it took the Ajimobi administration not fewer than 13 months to complete that bridge, even with the hefty support from the Federal Government.
“He also claimed that Ajimobi followed a template already established by the former Governor Rashidi Ladoja administration. But that is certainly less than half-truth and it didn’t take much efforts for the people to decipher that the immediate past administration in Oyo was nowhere near the vision of Chief Ladoja.
“The people of Oyo State clearly gave meaning to their conjectures by loudly rejecting Ajimobi’s government and investing their votes in Governor Seyi Makinde on March 9, 2019. The governor had, during the campaigns, projected the fresh vision for political stability and economic growth in the state.
“The issue of think-tank is not a matter for newspaper or broadcast advertisement. They didn’t call it a market square body but a think-tank. If the governor does not have a think-tank, is it he (Akintola) that is not in government that would know?
“It is unthinkable for any educated person to think that another educated person would not follow procedures that are normal. What we are sure of is that people like Chief Akintola will want to keep being in the news ahead of coming elections, so, they want to say just anything, even half-truths, to remain relevant.”
Akintola had also mentioned that the government of Engineer Makinde was built on “populism and de-marketing,” adding that the government in place in Oyo State has not put one block on the other in one year.
“Let it be placed on record that the business of the government of the day in Oyo State is to ensure security of lives and property, enhance the health of everyone; promote free and qualitative education and activate economic growth using the Agriculture value chain as bedrock.
“It is a pity Chief Akintola is blinded to the Light-Up Oyo State project, which received special mention in the British parliament; reduced criminality and enhanced night life; the breath-taking free education policy, which is winning applauses across the country; the investment initiatives that is about to turn around the fortunes of the state’s economy; the ongoing construction of Moniya/Iseyin road; the initiatives on Farm Estates and Agribusiness and the payment of over N3 billion to pensioners in less than 12 months, whereas the immediate past administration paid N1.4 billion in 96 months of its existence.
“One also needs to put it on record that the government of Engineer Makinde is not concerned about de-marketing the APC, but serving the people to its utmost. The governor has only insisted that he will not hesitate to question any of the operatives of the past government who has issues to clear and he has remained to committed to that resolve. Certainly, only those with skeletons in their cupboards would lay claim to any form of so-called de-marketing.
“One is not opposed to Chief Akintola mending fences with his estranged colleagues in the APC, but we will not allow him use unfounded allegations against Governor Makinde as the ladder for his fence-mending activities.
”It is, however, acknowledged that he tried to be fair for once by commending Governor Makinde for the wonderful work done in rebranding the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, Ibadan, a Centre the NCDC has declared would not just serve the state and Nigeria, but the entire Africa.”
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, will on Sunday, April 26, formally declare his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, is expected to unveil his senatorial bid at the Recreation Club, Ibadan, by 10 a.m.
A statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, said all arrangements have been concluded for the declaration, which will formally signal the lawmaker’s entry into the Oyo South senatorial race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement added that the event is expected to attract political leaders, including party chieftains, state and senatorial executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stakeholders, supporters, and members of the public across the senatorial district.
It further noted that adequate security and traffic management arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly event.
Oseni, who currently chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), is positioning for a broader legislative role in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
The statement described the development as a significant moment in Oyo State’s political landscape.
Politics
2027: Oyo Reps Hopeful, Socrates Rallies APC Unity to Reclaim Power, Drums Support for Tinubu
A House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, on Friday urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that disunity could undermine the party’s chances of returning to power.
Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates, made the call in a statement, where he also drummed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former Vice Chairman of Aare Latosa Local Council Development Area stressed that cohesion among party leaders and stakeholders remained critical to building a formidable opposition in the state.
He commended party chieftains, including Moses Alake-Adeyemo, for their roles in repositioning the party for future electoral success.
“The task before us requires unwavering commitment and unity of purpose. A divided house cannot stand. If we are determined to reclaim Oyo State in 2027, we must close ranks and work together,” he said.
Adeyemo also criticised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that residents were experiencing the effects of what he described as governance failures.
“With the current realities in Oyo State, it is evident that the only credible alternative in 2027 is the APC. I commend our leaders for rebuilding the party and urge members to remain steadfast, as victory lies in our collective resolve,” he added.
The aspirant further described Tinubu’s leadership as pivotal to Nigeria’s recovery and long-term development, urging Nigerians to sustain their support for the President.
Adeyemo, who is also the Oyo State Coordinator of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, called on party loyalists to intensify grassroots mobilisation, deepen engagement across communities, and work collectively towards ensuring victory for the APC in Oyo State in 2027.
…cites NELFUND, LG autonomy, rising allocations, state police, electricity reforms
A member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has restated that the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains his “ultimate political project” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said his position was informed by what he described as “verifiable and far-reaching reforms” introduced by the Tinubu-led administration across key sectors.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my ultimate political project. I am committed to mobilising all available structures and support across all strata of our society to ensure his re-election in 2027,” the lawmaker said.
Oseni highlighted major policy milestones, including the signing of the Electricity Act, which decentralises the power sector and empowers states and private investors to generate and distribute electricity.
He also referenced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the scheme provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions, and described it as a critical intervention in expanding access to higher education.
According to him, the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have significantly boosted government revenue and improved fiscal transparency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain added that one of the most impactful outcomes of these reforms is the increase in allocations to states and local governments, which, he said, has enhanced their capacity to execute projects and meet obligations to workers.
Oseni further pointed to the push for local government financial autonomy, following recent judicial pronouncements and policy backing by the Federal Government, noting that it would strengthen grassroots governance and service delivery.
He also cited ongoing national conversations and policy steps towards the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms aimed at addressing localised security challenges.
On infrastructure, Oseni said the administration had prioritised road construction and rehabilitation across the country, as well as railway development, with increased intervention through relevant agencies to improve connectivity and support economic growth.
He noted improvements in key economic indicators, including revenue generation and efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, adding that reforms in the oil and gas sector are gradually boosting investor confidence and local capacity.
Oseni, however, acknowledged that there might be challenges, explaining that “While all may not be perfect at the moment, tangible results and key performance indicators clearly show that hope is rising and indeed being renewed. The foundation being laid today will yield greater benefits in the coming years,” he said.
He stressed that continuity in President Tinubu’s leadership was essential to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver long-term national development.
“This is not the time for disunity or distractions. We must close ranks, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and work collectively to deliver victory for our party and President Tinubu,” Oseni submitted.
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