Politics
Ex-Oyo lawmaker, Olafisoye backs Buhari’s decision on electoral bill
A former Chief Whip in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede better known as Lafi has said that Nigerians have lost confidence in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari that is why it is difficult to see anything good in whatever action he takes as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He stated this while speaking on the controversy surrounding the refusal of President Buhari to assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly which approved conduct of Direct Primary election for various political parties to pick their candidates.
Akinmoyede , who represented Lagelu State constituency between 2015 and 2019, maintained that what the President has done was the best thing considering the peculiarities and constitution of each of the political parties as well as the excessive financial implication and shortage of staff that would be needed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the primaries of all the political parties.
He stressed further that apart from the cost implication stated above, the direct primary might create more crisis in the political space in the country that is still battling with insecurity.
According to him, this aspect of the direct primary contained in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is beyond the National Assembly containing 109 Senators and 360 House of Representatives members alone. “What the Lawmakers should have done before passing the bill was to subject it to public debate in all the 774 local government areas of the federation to seek people’s opinion.
“This aspect of electoral process is something that affects the entire Nigerians. So consideration of this bill must be in the overall interest of over 200 million people irrespective of their political inclinations.” he maintained.
Speaking further on the internal crisis that trailed the ward, local and state congresses elections conducted so far by the APC in some states especially Oyo, the former lawmaker noted that such misunderstanding was normal in a big party with many gladiators like the APC for democracy to thrive.
He expressed optimism that the misunderstanding would be resolved and strengthen the party ahead of the 2023 election.
“APC has constitution which stipulates that the Governor is the leader of the party in each state but where there is no sitting governor, the former governor, if any, shall be the leader. So in the case of Oyo State, we don’t have sitting governor and the only former Governor we have at present is Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala. He is therefore automatically the leader of the party in Oyo State while Chief Akin Oke is the acting State Chairman until the substantive state Chairman of the party is sworn in.”
Lafisoye who ruled out the possibility of conducting any fresh state congress election in the state said such will be challenged and upturned by the court.
He disclosed that the leadership of the party are working on harmonizing the list of executive so as to accommodate all interested factions for peace to reign.
While calling on all gladiators in the party to sheath their sword in the interest of the party, Hon. Lafisoye advised any aspirant who sees himself as serious contender for gubernatorial election to come out and propagate himself instead of thinking that the ticket would be brought to him in his house.
When asked on his intention for the 2023 election, Lafisoye who is also a former council boss hinted that though there was already established rotational arrangement between Akinyele/Lagelu for picking candidate for Federal House of Representatives, he would embark on wide consultation among the stakeholders and weigh the credibility of aspirants from other parties as well before making his final decision on whether to contest or not for the Federal House of Representatives seat.
According to him, “based on the rotational arrangement that exists between Akinyele and Lagelu local government for the selection of our representative for the Federal House of Representatives, presently our representative is from Akinyele. During the 2019 election, all the political parties including PDP, APC, ADC and ADP conceded the ticket to Akinyele local government to present candidates.
“In 2023, it is the turn of Lagelu local government to present candidate. I hope the gladiators in these two local governments will abide by this arrangement. I will capitalise on this to embark on consultation within the leaders and stakeholders for their support.
“But if they say otherwise, I will only support any candidate who is original indigene of Lagelu local government, well brought up and has the charisma to give us effective representation.” He said.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.
Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.
“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.
Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.
“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.
In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.
This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.
Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.
(FILES) Thomas Kwoyelo a commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebellion blamed for brutal civilian murders during a 20-year war in the north of the country is brought into a courthouse in the northern Ugandan town of Gulu on July 25, 2011. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by MICHELE SIBOLINI / AFP)
Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.
Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.
Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.
(FILES) Suspected LRA (Lords Resistance Army) member Thomas Kwoyelo is pictured during a pre-trial session at the High Court in Kampala on Februay 1, 2017. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by GAEL GRILHOT / AFP)
The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.
The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.
Politics
“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has hailed the appointment of Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and National Orientation, describing it a “perfect fit.”
In a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni praised Chief Dare’s extensive background in journalism and public service, adding that his vast experience will significantly enhance national communications and orientation efforts.
“Chief Dare’s illustrious career, from his pioneering role in Nigerian journalism as a founding member of The News and Tempo magazines to his strategic leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, speaks volumes about his commitment to national development,” he remarked.
Oseni, who also represents the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, noted that Chief Dare’s new role comes at a critical time when fostering national unity and effective public engagement is crucial, stressing that his deep understanding of media, both locally and internationally, will strengthen public trust in government communications.
“As an accomplished journalist and public servant, Chief Dare is uniquely positioned to reshape the national narrative and bolster public confidence in government communication efforts,” the lawmaker said.
He expressed confidence that Dare’s appointment will not only advance the ideals of democracy and transparency but also serve as a point of pride for Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.
The APC chieftain wished Chief Dare success in his new role, pledging his unwavering support in ensuring the objectives of the office are fully achieved.
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