Politics
COVID-19: Oyo APC salutes Nigerians, urges more caution
The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has eulogized Nigerians and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari over decisive actions taken so far to mitigate the effect of the global pandemic, known as Coronavirus, in the country in spite of scarce resources and inherent challenges.
Oyo APC had on March 24, 2020 announced the shut down of its Oke-Ado State Secretariat, local government and Ward offices as well as all political activities involving its members across the state in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to encourage social distancing and thus stop the further spread of the dreadful virus.
In a statement issued from the office of the State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, and made available to journalists in Ibadan by the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Prince Ayobami Adejumo, Oyo APC observed that the relative curtailment of COVID-19 in the country was as a result of some proactive measures put in place by the government at the centre and some state governors who have proved to be competent enough.
“COVID-19 took the whole world by storm as it has claimed several thousands of lives in super power nations such as China, United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy while Nigeria has a record of five deaths and less than 250 cases with 25 recoveries as at now in spite of a huge population of about 200 million people. As a member of the global community, it would have been extremely difficult for Nigeria to prevent the virus from coming in and this makes it imperative to appreciate governments at all levels and the citizenry on the feat recorded.
“We are not disputing the fact that much still needed to be done to align with the rest of the world in the quest to completely defeat coronavirus and it is on this premise that we are calling for more concerted efforts from Oyo State government of Gov. Seyi Makinde to raise its game and ensure that no stone is unturned in the bid protect the people of the state from further spread.
“This is not the best time to cover up incompetence and apportion blame to the federal government or the immediate past APC administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi over the inability to put in place the right facilities, formulate correct policies and rise up to the challenges posed by COVID-19 in the state. It was Sen. Ajimobi who built divinesilities in Olodo, Jericho and few other places across the state being readied for the treatment of coronavirus patients but Gov. Makinde chooses not to acknowledge this for reasons best known to him.
“The same governor who finds it extremely difficult to synergize with the Federal Government and its relevant agencies on the need to attract the right attention to Oyo State with nine established cases amidst a population of about more than nine million people takes delight in disparaging President Buhari’s various Special Intervention Programmes (SIPs). This is rather unfortunate as we call on well meaning indigenes of the state to talk to Gov. Makinde on the need to be a good team player.
“However, we are using this opportunity to underscore the demonstration of high sense of empathy, responsibility and responsiveness by privileged members of Oyo APC who have reached out to fellow party faithful and other members of the public in cash and kind since COVID-19 came with its attendant lockdown and hardship. Many of our people have risen up to the occasion and worked assiduously to give succour to the people across all divides.
“As the whole world looks towards a complete eradication of Coronavirus, we as a progressive political party urges more caution while we appeal for people to avoid any activity capable of increasing its spread. Strict adherence to measures put in place by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the state government must be prioritized by all and sundry. Lastly, more affluent individuals and corporate organizations should come to the aid of the masses in terms of provision of aids and relief materials for obvious reasons.” The statement said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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