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Coalition: Oyo ADC stands with Makinde
Oyo state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday reiterated its total commitment to the coalition government in the state led by Engr Seyi Makinde, saying that it remains an integral part of the coalition government.
The party also informed that the facts, claims and conclusion set out in a press statement issued by Senator Oluwafemi Lanlehin, its gubernatorial nominee in the coalition arrangement and rejoinder issued on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters regarding the withdrawal of Senator Lanlehin from coalition government necessitated its intervention.
Its former governorship candidate, Olufemi Lanlehin, had on Tuesday announced that he had withdrawn from the coalition because Mr Makinde had deviated from the pre-election agreements that produced the coalition coordinated by former Governor Rasidi Ladoja.
The party, in a press statement issued by its Acting Publicity Secretary, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo and made available to Mega Icon Magazine, noted that as one of the coalescent parties that formed the current government in the state expressed its concern on the press statements issued by both its gubernatorial candidate and Oyo State Governor regarding the coalition arrangements and reactions trailing the said statements.
Adelowo maintained that ADC is still committed to coalition arrangements as an integral part of Oyo State Government.
“ADC at this juncture, reiterates its total commitment to the coalition government in Oyo State and it equally assures everyone that it remains an integral part of the coalition government in Oyo State.
“ADC understands that there might be resolvable minor understanding among few leaders within the coalition arrangements based on their individual philosophy, values and principle; however, this does not in any way suggest breakdown of the coalition arrangement.
“ADC has thus far taken a responsible and responsive urgent measure to nip the situation in the bud to rest and step down the disagreement which provoked the withdrawal of Senator Oluwafemi Lanlehin from coalition government.
“This is not the time to trade blame, but a period of sober consolidation of strength of the forces that terminate the reigns of the inhuman and tyrannical government of APC in Oyo State.
“We therefore appeal for calm among all the leaders and urge them to give peace a chance in the interest of numerous followers and general public”, the statement reads.
The party, however, appealed to the state governor, Makinde to forthwith continue with the lofty idea of implementation of coalition agreement on other appointments across boards (Senior Special/Assistants, Special Assistants, Executive Assistants, Boards and Parastatals, Local Governments inclusive).
ADC, equally appealed to the general public and teeming members of the coalescent parties to see themselves as one in this struggle and desist from heated, rhetoric and caustic accusations.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
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