Politics
Fijabi, a bad loser, yet to recover from 2019 electoral defeat, Odidiomo hits back
Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide representing Ibadan Southwest/Northwest Federal Constituency, on Tuesday took a swipe at his predecessor, Hon. Saheed Fijabi for what he described as reckless, unwarranted and venomous attacks on him in a last weekend radio interview in Ibadan.
Jettisoning other mega empowerment programmes of Stanley Adedeji Olajide better known as ‘Odidiomo’ within the last two years, Fijabi who represented the federal constituency from 2011-2019, singled out February empowerment programme for the widows and aged women, and berated his successor for distributing goats to them.
Olajide described such statement as a verbal diarrhea intended to cause disaffection between him and the great people of the constituency.
The lawmaker explained that the recent empowerment of over 1,000 constituents in the third phase of such mega empowerment programmes in the outgoing year, had obviously jolted Fijabi because he had no such record while his inglorious representation lasted.
Odidiomo, has therefore described Fijabi as “a bad loser, who obviously is yet to recover from the 2019 electoral defeat in the constituency”.
He said within the outgoing year, he, had empowered the people and engaged them on different occasions, three of such being opportunities for him to empower them in February, July and December respectively, a development he said was unprecedented in the history of the constituency.
The lawmaker said in February, he facilitated animal husbandry training for old women and widows in conjunction with a Federal Government institute and ensured that special breeds of goats capable of ensuring economic power for his people were distributed to them.
He said the affected women in their hundreds demanded for such an empowerment with cash backing saying the feedback from the beneficiaries whose goats have been producing offsprings are encouraging and showed that they were truly interested in the animal rearing business to shore up their economic base.
Odidiomo also recalled that in July, precisely on the eve of Salah (Ileya celebration), constituents in their hundreds were rewarded with cash supports which enabled them to increase their trades; leapfrog their economic powers and greatly assisted them in becoming financially buoyant since then.
He said there was no basis for comparism between him and Fijabi because “shoe gets size” and I am more educated, refined, exposed and responsible” than engaging in any form of gutter politics of the likes of Fijabi, who before venturing into politics had no known occupation or enterprise one can ascribe to him”.
Hon. Olajide Odidiomo counseled Fijabi to be more civil and truthful to himself and the people who gave him the mandate to represent them in the past and stop destruction of the ongoing projects he is spearheading for the good of the same people.
Stanley Adedeji Olajide Odidiomo listed other projects God has used him to facilitate for the people of Ibadan Southwest/Northwest federal constituency to include provision of infrastructural facilities in schools, ICT centres, scholarship for students, supports to youth, women and other vulnerable people in the council, among others.
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.
