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APC vs PDP: Saraki fires back at Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Lai Mohammed, makes revelations
President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has said the insultive statements made against him in Ilorin by former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, were expression of their frustration over the imminent loss of their party in next Saturday election.
Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity),Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the APC leaders know that their party will definitely lose the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16, and that was why in their desperate mood they were only hurling abuses instead of discussing issues and telling the people what they will do for them.
“They came to Kwara State to hurl insults at me and my people, instead of explaining to the people what they want to do differently and what contributions their flagbearers and other leaders in the State have made to our various communities to justify the people shifting their loyalty to their dying party. They promised nothing concrete that will improve the standard of living of the people and provide infrastructure.
“They have only come to Kwara to vindicate my position that they have no good plans for Kwara State and its people. It is obvious that the APC have nothing to offer Kwarans. They represent nothing good for our people. My problem with them has always been that after we worked with our people to support them to win in 2015, they refused to work on infrastructure and other policy issues that can bring direct benefit to our people.
“As for Tinubu, we have never expected any good words from him. All his life, he will continue to belly ache and nurse grudges over my opposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket idea in 2015. As far as he is concerned, I stopped him from realizing his ambition then. However, I believe my action then and now is in pursuit of national interest. Again, I supported President Buhari in 2015 because I believe he could make a positive change. I left the party when I realized he lacked the capacity and the desire to make any change.
“Tinubu on his own part said though he agreed with me about my assessment of the man, he would continue to support Buhari even if the man had to govern from the hospital stretcher because that is the way he ( Tinubu) could become the President in 2023. So, while my position is premised on national interest, Tinubu’s is based on his personal interest and ambition. Now that Tinubu’s new speciality is to hurl insults at people like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, focusing on me today is okay if it will help him feel good.
“It is surprising that a man like Tinubu will be talking about morality and corruption. This is a man whose disrepute is known both within and outside Nigeria. This is somebody who personifies everything that is wrong with the Nigerian system. Well, I am not ready to roll in the gutter with him. Unlike them, I will stay on the issues that are germaine to national development and the welfare of our people.
“However, let me make it clear that what Tinubu and his putative party chairman, Oshiomhole did today is to insult the people of Kwara State who are independent minded, forward looking, assertive and God- fearing. On Saturday, the APC will be punished for their bad behaviour. Kwarans will tell them that they cannot take dictates from power mongers, pretenders and hypocrites. The people of Kwara State will never take dictates from selfish individuals. Their evil design will be thwarted on Saturday and March 3”, Saraki stated.
China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.
The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.
“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.
Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.
In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.
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.
