Politics
Group Lauds Oseni, Expresses Shock at EYM’s Abrupt Shift from Praise to Criticism
The Ibarapa East/Ido Concern Citizens (IICC) have responded robustly to recent criticisms from the Eruwa Youth Movement (EYM) concerning Engr. Aderemi Oseni, the Member representing the Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
The EYM’s letter expressed concerns about developmental progress and alleged unmet promises by the lawmaker, prompting a detailed rebuttal from the IICC last Friday.
The IICC acknowledged the concerns but argued that Oseni’s significant personal contributions and dedication to the constituency’s development, both prior to and following his election, warrant collective commendation and support rather than premature criticism.
“It is important to recognize that Hon. Aderemi Oseni has shown considerable capacity, quality representation, and a steadfast commitment to our constituency’s development. His continued investment of personal resources—both before and after his election—deserves commendation and encouragement rather than early criticism. Such actions could potentially deter other distinguished individuals from serving our community,” the response stated.
The IICC also highlighted the EYM’s recognition of Oseni’s acquisition of N120 million worth of earth-moving equipment, including a bulldozer and a road grader, as deserving of acknowledgment.
“This equipment is intended to advance grassroots development and ensure food security within our constituency, representing a groundbreaking initiative in Oyo State’s political history. We are aware that this equipment, inaugurated in March 2024, has been used to repair rural roads before the rainy season. It is impractical to undertake earthwork and grading during the rainy season, underscoring the need for mutual understanding on this issue,” the statement explained.
The IICC further questioned why the EYM has targeted Oseni alone for criticism while other key officials, such as the Oyo State Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Senator representing Oyo South, local government chairmen, and other local leaders, have not faced similar scrutiny.
“We question why the Eruwa Youth Movement has focused its criticism solely on Hon. Oseni. Have similar concerns been directed at the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, local government chairmen, former House of Assembly members, or the Senator representing Oyo South, Barr. Sarafadeen Alli, who were elected alongside Oseni? These are critical questions that need clear answers.”
The IICC expressed confusion over the EYM’s shift from previous praise to recent criticism of Oseni, urging clarification of their stance and intentions.
“The Eruwa Youth Movement, which only two months ago praised Hon. Aderemi Oseni for his substantial contributions to the federal constituency and suggested he deserved not only commendation but celebration, now starkly contrasts with its recent condemnation. What has changed so drastically to warrant this shift in stance?
“We must question whose interests the youth group is truly serving. Is it the students whose WAEC and JAMB fees he has covered, the artisans and market women he has supported, or the communities he has aided through various projects and financial assistance? Or does this criticism stem from motives of personal gain and blackmail? The IICC is puzzled by this apparent contradiction.”
The IICC challenged the EYM’s claims of unsuccessful communication attempts with the lawmaker, citing Oseni’s open-door policy and multiple communication channels, including his 67 special assistants across the 20 wards, constituency office, and active WhatsApp groups.
The group urged the EYM to utilize these channels to address their concerns directly with the lawmaker.
The IICC called for patience and continued support for Oseni, emphasizing the need to navigate bureaucratic processes and recognize the progress made in his first year in office.
They reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the Eruwa Youth Movement and other stakeholders to advance community development and address pressing needs in the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency.
Read the full statement:
House of Representatives member and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has fulfilled his pledge to support the welfare of the All Progressives Congress (APC) staff in Oyo State.
In a gesture highlighting his commitment, the lawmaker personally funded the salaries of staff at the APC’s Oke Ado Secretariat in Ibadan, reinforcing his dedication to the smooth operation of the party’s activities in the state.
Representing the Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oseni recently visited the secretariat, where he expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their contributions.
As a further commitment to the smooth operation of the party’s activities, the lawmaker generously donated ten million naira (N10,000,000) as an allowance to enhance the secretariat’s functions.
In a statement released Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker extended appreciation to the secretariat staff, whom he described as the backbone of the party’s daily functions.
He lauded their dedication, noting their essential role in advancing the party’s goals.
“Leadership is about service, and service begins with supporting those who make the party function from within,” Oseni remarked.
“I am proud to honour this commitment to our staff, as they play a crucial role in making our political structures work effectively. This is my way of showing appreciation for their unwavering dedication”, he added.
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.
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