Politics
‘It’s time to resign as threatened’ – Oyo APC chides Makinde over notebook contract scandal
Oyo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked Governor Seyi Makinde to resign from office immediately in fulfilment of the promise he made in April this year when the news of allegations of fraud surrounding the awards of contract for the production of exercise books meant for the use of public school pupils in the state was broken by a private organisation.
Dataphyte, an Abuja-based media research and data analytics organisation, had in late March accused the government of Makinde of violating its procurement law in the award of a contract worth N998million in favour of companies linked to him and his cronies.
On April 3, Governor Makinde faulted the reports as he denied any wrongdoing while he also threatened to resign from office as the Executive Governor of the state if found culpable after the investigation. Meanwhile, the state government went ahead a few days later to undertake a similar award of a contract worth N694million to cronies to produce and supply another batch of exercise books.
Piqued by the development, Oyo APC has taken up the governor who the opposition party has alleged as the most corrupt governor in the history of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the broom party said that “Dataphyte only discovered one out of several cases of fund misappropriation under the 41-month-old government of the PDP in the state.
“What the governor did on April 3 was to diverse the attention of the whole world away from the sleaze. He vowed to resign from office if found wanting when he knew no investigation would be done immediately. This was the same man who had earlier dragged the EFCC to court for carrying out a lawful investigation of a case of fraud under his watch as the governor of Oyo state and with that step, he feels he has obtained the full liberty to be reckless with the state treasury.
“Gov. Makinde neither debunked the allegation by Dataphyte that he paid N2,100 for each exercise book to be produced nor denied the discovery that the beneficiaries of the fraudulent contracts were companies linked to him and his cronies including an Ibadan-based private radio station proprietor who is also a promoter of the PDP and Gov. Seyi Makinde. The same was the case when he claimed to have paid a whopping N9.6billion for 106 units of mass transit buses in 2020. It was later discovered that the cost of each bus was inflated by over 100 per cent while questions were also raised on the actual number of buses supplied and why it took the few ones presented about 20 months to start work on the road.
“Similarly, tongues have wagging lately on how the present administration has prioritized grabbing of pieces of land belonging to the state government as recorded in the case of BCOS Staff Quarters which was seized and sold to a crony of the governor at a giveaway price of N15m per plot only for the proxy to start selling it out at the right market value of N60m per plot. Out of a total of 116 plots, the investigation revealed that 100 went to the governor while the remaining 16 were shared among his friends and lackeys.
“The same Gov. Makinde removed over N20b from the treasury as contact sum for four bus terminals only to deliver two just like what he did to the N5.2b he earmarked for the orchestrated renovation of 10 stadia across the state but managed to deliver only Lekan Salami stadium at Adamasingba, Ibadan. While the good people of the state await the appropriate authorities to beam their searchlight on Gov. Makinde and his cronies, we use this medium to call on the governor to make good his promise and throw in the towel since it has been established that he was guilty of fund misappropriations in numerous cases.” Sadare stated.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ilaji Sports and Resorts and a prominent figure in Oyo State politics, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has officially announced his decision to withdraw from the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Sanusi made this known very recently during a meeting held with stakeholders of the Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) Movement in Ibadan.
According to information obtained by Mega Icon Magazine a day ago via his Facebook page, ‘Asiwaju Jubril Dotun Sanusi,’ he expressed profound gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering encouragement throughout his political journey.
However, he cited the challenges of opposition forces as a decisive factor in his withdrawal.
“If I were to vie for the gubernatorial seat, I believe I would win. However, I foresee significant opposition that would not benefit my followers. The challenges posed by adversaries far outweigh the support I would receive from friends,” Sanusi stated, reflecting on his decision.
Sanusi further clarified his non-partisan stance, stating, “I do not intend to seek membership in any political party. What I have in my hands now transcends politics.”
He emphasized his focus on business ventures, particularly his engagements in the oil and gas sector, including a major investment in Ghana’s oil industry.
Looking ahead, Sanusi revealed plans for the global expansion of his hospitality brand. He announced that by mid-year, the Ilaji Resort in Malta will be officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone for his business portfolio.
In his concluding remarks, Sanusi reaffirmed his commitment to serving humanity beyond the political sphere.
“Together, let us continue to dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity,” he urged.
The announcement has sparked diverse reactions among his supporters and political analysts, with many commending his focus on global business opportunities and philanthropy.
Politics
Ex-Oyo ALGON Scribe, Jesutoye, Celebrates FIRS Boss, Adelabu, at 47, Lauds Leadership Excellence
The immediate past Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Hon. Jesutoye Oluyinka, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, on his 47th birthday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Jesutoye, who also served as the council chairman of Ogo Oluwa Local Government, described Adelabu as a trailblazer whose visionary leadership and dedication to national development have brought pride to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Highlighting Adelabu’s impactful contributions to the nation’s financial and economic sectors, Jesutoye commended his remarkable efforts in revolutionizing tax administration and boosting revenue generation at the FIRS.
“As a dedicated public servant, Dr. Adelabu’s outstanding performance underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for Nigeria’s progress,” the APC chieftain stated.
Jesutoye also prayed for Adelabu’s continued success, good health, and greater accomplishments in both his personal and professional pursuits.
“As you celebrate another year of impactful life, may you achieve even greater milestones for the nation,” he added.
He further called on young leaders to draw inspiration from Adelabu’s exemplary leadership and devotion to nation-building, describing the FIRS boss as “a shining light from Oyo State.”
Jesutoye concluded by wishing the celebrant many more years of fruitful service to the nation.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied rumours of his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former governor addressed the claims as baseless, describing them as the handiwork of mischief makers.
According to a close aide, El-Rufai, a key figure in Nigerian politics, could not have switched political allegiance without making an official announcement.
Reacting to the rumours on Sunday via his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, El-Rufai urged the public to disregard the “patent lies” circulating about his political affiliation.
He revealed that legal action would be taken against those propagating the false claims.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai stated.
-
News6 days agoGhana Announces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders
-
News5 days ago
FCT Residents to Experience Prolonged Power Outages
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 8 Billion Spotify Streams
-
News5 days ago
Nasarawa Governor Dissolves Cabinet, Relieves SSG
