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#OsunDecides : Ooni denies endorsing any candidate, charges EU election observers on objectivity

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OONI of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday urged the European Union Election observers that came to observe the Osun governorship election not to be bias in their reports as Election Observer.

The foremost African monarch also cleared the air on insinuation that he has endorsed a particular candidate.

“I am a father to everybody, I have prayed for all the candidates and we are hoping that whoever emerges would not betray the confidence reposes in him”.

Oba Ogunwusi gave the charge during the visit of the European Union Election Observers led by European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Katil Karlsen, in Ile-Ife.

Speaking further, the custodian of culture, Ooni Ojaja said ” I want to specifically thank the European Union Team for deeming it fit to come to Osun State to observe the Governorship election.

“Your input, support, time to deepen our democracy is highly appreciated because you are committed to good governance which is the essence of a sane society.

“If you can reminiscence, you will know that the democracy you are enjoying in your different countries today was not smooth when it started, because you also had challenges. But, today, you’ve overcome. Therefore, whatever lapses found inherent in our nascent democracy will soon be a thing of the past.

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“Nigeria must get it right because we are the centre piece of Africa and once we get it right; surely, the entire Africa countries will get it right as well.

“One of every four black men you see is a Nigerian. God wonderfully blessed us because we are most populous black nation on planet earth.

“As European Union Observers, please write what you see, don’t favour any candidate, surely, a winner must emerge and there must be a loser. I urge the candidates to be magnanimous in victory and be a gallant losers.

The African foremost monarch also admonished traditional rulers in the state to remain unbias as father for all

“Traditional Rulers don’t play politics but we are fathers to all political actors irrespective of where they hail from. Corruption cannot be fought in isolation, for it to be effectively tackle, all hands must be on decks”, he said.

He, however urged European Union to work directly with the government at the centre on how to help repartriate our stolen wealth.

While speaking, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Katil Karlsen said, “I’m highly impressed with the rich culture of traditional display by all here. We are all descendants of Africa and we know we migrated from Ile-Ife.

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“Your highness, we are here to pay you a visit to observe tomorrow’s election, what we want is just free, fair and credible election that will make the state a shinning example.

“We appreciate the role you played by sound peace warning to all aspirants because peace is the most cherished commodity we cannot overlook”.

The Envoy noted that Osun State Election is germane to the general elections coming up in 2019.

On the entourage of the European Union Ambassador are: Tarel Charlie, Acting Italian Ambassador to Nigeria; Ida Hockerfelt of Sweden; Otto Stenosis of Finland Embassy; Jacob Jacob Silen of Denmark Embassy.

Earlier, Mr. Larry Ekundayo, an International boxer appreciates Ooni for the honoured bestowed on him in 2017 in London.

He said, in 2017 in London, “I was privilege to meet with my father in London and he asked me what I want and I told him that I want to be world champion. Ooni prayed for me, won my International boxing federation bout and today, I’m number fifteen in boxing hierarchy in the world”.

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Your Commitment Reignites Hope – Oyo Rep, Oseni Hails Tinubu at 72

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Oyo state House of Representatives member, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has added his voice to the chorus of well-wishers celebrating the 72nd birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal constituency, in a statement on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, extolled President Tinubu as a committed and visionary leader, whose unwavering dedication has reignited hope among Nigerians.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Tinubu’s doggedness, leadership acumen, and courageous approach to governance.

He emphasised the pivotal role played by the President in charting a course for national development and fostering unity across diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Reflecting on President Tinubu’s illustrious political career, Oseni highlighted the transformative policies and initiatives spearheaded by the celebrated leader, which have significantly impacted the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.

“Undoubtedly, your track record speaks volumes about your commitment and visionary leadership. Your unwavering dedication has rekindled hope among Nigerians, positioning you as a pivotal figure in charting the path for national development and fostering unity among diverse ethnic groups.

“Your transformative policies and initiatives are already making a significant impact on the socio-economic landscape of our beloved country”, the statement partly read.

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The APC chieftain applauded President Tinubu’s resilience in the face of challenges, expressing confidence in his ability to steer the nation toward greater prosperity.

As Nigeria confronts multifaceted challenges, Oseni urged Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision for a brighter future, underscoring the importance of unity, peace, and collective effort in realising the nation’s development aspirations.

The lawmaker added, “I comprehend that as a nation, we confront various challenges, and President Tinubu is confronting these issues directly for the betterment of all. This period, too, shall pass; hence, in such times, let us unite in support of the President and uplift our leaders in prayer.

“Together, we can realise the vision of renewed hope and leave behind a more prosperous Nigeria for the generations to come.”

 

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Kidnappers Must Be Treated As Terrorists – Tinubu Declares

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In a stern address at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, President Bola Tinubu declared that individuals involved in despicable crimes such as kidnapping must be treated as terrorists.

The President, speaking passionately, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to defeating banditry, labeling those who engage in kidnapping as cowards incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists,” President Tinubu asserted, as reported by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. “They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”

The President made these remarks during the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including notable figures such as former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The event provided a platform for discussions on various issues, including the escalating security challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones.

Nigeria has grappled with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft, with the aforementioned regions experiencing a surge in insurgent and bandit attacks over the last decade.

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President Tinubu’s government has remained steadfast in its stance of not negotiating with bandits, despite the continued abduction of schoolchildren and residents for ransom.

The recent mass abduction of 137 schoolchildren from Kuriga in Kaduna State serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats.

The President also addressed the need for judicial reforms and improved welfare for judicial officers.

Recognising the challenges faced by the judiciary, President Tinubu pledged to implement necessary reforms to enhance the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. He emphasised the importance of fair compensation and support for the judiciary, acknowledging their pivotal role in upholding the respectability of the judicial arm of government.

In response, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to judicial reforms and for hosting the Ramadan dinner in honour of judicial officers.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill aimed at addressing the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and allowances since 2007.

President Tinubu’s declaration underscores the government’s resolve to combat insecurity and hold perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable.

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Abiodun Unveils 50% Discount Rice Scheme to Aid Ogun Residents

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said that his administration will commence the sale of rice at half the market price across the state to alleviate the prevailing economic challenges in the country..

Addressing attendees at a special Iftar organised for the League of Imams and Alfas in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun emphasised the importance of alleviating the economic burden on the public, particularly civil servants.

He stated, “We have decided to commence the sale of rice. We will be selling it at the rate of 50% of the actual price.”

Highlighting the significance of restoring the purchasing power of public servants, the governor affirmed that the initiative aims to counter the impact of inflation.

He asserted, “What we are trying to do is put them in the position they were before the inflation.”

The governor disclosed the establishment of a committee to oversee the distribution of rice to residents, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

He emphasised the sustainability of the programme, stating, “If we sell at the price it was sold before it becomes expensive, it will allow us to use the money to buy more and continue to sell.”

Also, the governor pledged free rice distribution to the less privileged segments of society, including the poor, elderly, and vulnerable individuals.

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Encouraging Muslims to uphold virtuous behavior beyond the fasting period, Governor Abiodun urged continuous prayers for the well-being of the state and the nation.

He reiterated his commitment to constructing a modern secretariat for the League of Imams and Alfas, promising a landmark facility that would set a standard for other states.

In recognition of his efforts towards peace and empowerment, Governor Abiodun was honoured with the title of Ambassador of Peace in Islam during the event.

Attendees also offered special prayers for the upcoming 72nd birthday celebration of President Bola Tinubu, scheduled for March 29th.

Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Secretary of the League of Imams and Alfas, commended Governor Abiodun for his dedication to empowering Muslim youths and fostering goodwill within the community.

 

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