As Nigeria marks another year of constitutional democracy, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has issued a cautionary statement to Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging a continuation of inadequate governance and superficial achievements.

In a press release made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, expressed disappointment in the lack of substantial progress and transparency under Makinde’s leadership.

“The first year of Governor Makinde’s second term in office has been established to be a continuation of window dressing, ubiquitous noise-making, and grandstanding at the Agodi Government House as against the expected quality service delivery and building of strong institutions for democracy and good governance to thrive,” the statement read.

APC further criticised the governor for allegedly bypassing due process in contract awards and failing to prioritize key sectors such as healthcare and education.

The party also highlighted issues such as industrial action by healthcare workers, teacher shortages in public schools, and the stagnation of agricultural development despite the state’s agricultural potential.

Continuing, the statement accused the Makinde-led administration of neglecting the traditional institution and exacerbating youth unemployment, citing alleged manipulation of local government affairs to maintain control.

Engr. Aderemi Oseni, lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, has unveiled innovative strategies to combat youth drug abuse in the area.

His transformative agenda, known as the 3Es, focuses on Youth Education, Engagement, and Empowerment.

Recognising the alarming rates of drug abuse among Nigerian youth, Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), embarked on a dedicated journey marked by visionary leadership.

The 3Es agenda, which targets the root causes of substance abuse, was elucidated by the lawmaker during the Special Edition of Bayo Faleke Annual Public Lecture On Radio. According to the APC chieftain, his motivation stems from firsthand experiences during the electioneering campaign, where he witnessed the pervasive influence of drug abuse on vulnerable youth.

During interactions with youth in his constituency, Oseni said he encountered resistance to all forms of assistance, leading him to adopt a multifaceted approach to address the issue effectively.

“During my campaigns, I encountered many youths who were overwhelmed by drug abuse. I held a session with them in the Ijokodo area of my constituency. We had a discussion lasting almost 2 to 3 hours, during which I specifically expressed my intention to empower them, provide financial support, assist with their education and careers, and help in any way possible.

“I was deeply troubled when some of them expressed disinterest in these opportunities, insisting that all they wanted was money. They conveyed that they were content with their current situation. This revelation saddened me deeply.

“I also visited the second local government area within my constituency and encountered a similar situation. The sheer number of youths following me made me realise the magnitude of the challenge I faced in addressing youth issues comprehensively. This realisation prompted me to focus on what I call the 3Es,” he remarked.

Under Youth Education, Oseni initiated programmes to alleviate financial burdens on students and ensure equal access to educational opportunities by covering the costs of WAEC and JAMB examinations among others.

The lawmaker’s Youth Engagement efforts prioritized sustainable employment opportunities over short-term solutions like providing motorcycles. Through the appointment of over 60 Special Assistants, Oseni aimed to foster a sense of purpose and belonging within the community.

Youth Empowerment was central to Oseni’s strategy, with a substantial N100 million grant allocated to support youth businesses and deter criminal activities and drug abuse.

He stressed the importance of advocating for the removal of affected youths from the streets, emphasising the role of prayer alongside government efforts to curb drug abuse.

“I identify with some of them and to the glory of God, I have plucked them from the streets, and their lives have improved. As a legislator, alongside the ongoing efforts by the federal government to curb drug abuse among our youth, including the strengthening of NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies, advocating for the removal of these affected youths from the streets is crucial. Additionally, prayer plays a vital role in all situations, and we must continue to pray for them,” the lawmaker added.

A fresh twist has been introduced to the travails of the former boss of the Park Management System (PMS) in Oyo state, Mr. Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, as the All Progressives Congress has called on the National Special Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbedokun, to carry out thorough investigation on the various allegations against the suspect to unravel his sponsors and other accomplices.

Lamidi popularly known as Auxiliary was paraded on Thursday at the Eleyele, Ibadan headquarters of the Oyo State Police Command following his arrest by the officials of the Department of State Security last week. The State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, told pressmen during the parade that Lamidi would soon be arraigned in court on several charges which included; the murder of one Rahmon which happened in Ibadan in 2021, possession of a large cache of arms and ammunition among other crimes.

In a statement issued today and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC cautioned against selective justice “as could not have committed the heinous crimes all alone and without the sponsorship or support of the powers-that-be in the state in view of the fact that he was not only a chieftain of the ruling party but also an associate of the PDP governor.

“Arrest and prosecution of Lamidi was long overdue in view of the fact he has always been a thorn in the flesh of the residents of Oyo state and the good people of Ibadanland in particular. It is on this note that we commend the officials of the DSS who eventually got him arrested following a long time of distress calls from his numerous victims. Until recently when the bubble burst between him and Gov. Seyi Makinde, the same man (Lamidi) was untouchable as he got the full backing of the Agodi Government House landlords to run a separate government in the state.

“There is no denying the facts that Lamidi and his vicious gang have violated many innocent people’s rights since May 29, 2019, when Gov. Makinde came into power. Also, it is an established fact that he had in his possession a cache of arms and ammunition which no security agency in the state could boast of. He displayed these weapons at will just like he did on several occasions when he went on political functions and campaigns in the company of Gov. Makinde. There are even claims from certain quarters that weapons meant for the Amotekun Corps in Oyo state ended up in the hands of Lamidi and his gang members.

“Apart from the 2021 incident in which one Rahmon was killed, Lamidi followed the entourage of the governor to Kogi state, Osogbo in Osun state, Ekiti state, Igangan in Oyo state, and many other places where he used the stockpiled arms and ammunition brazenly since he was under the state cover. The question on the lips of the people is; “why did Gov. Makinde keep Auxiliary so close to the seat of power for four good years only to part ways with him immediately he got his second term mandate?

“Many members and leaders of our great Party (APC) have fallen victims to Mukaila Lamidi’s reign of terror in the past but this cannot make us support selective justice. Both the NSA and IGP should wade into the matter and ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out to unmask those who sponsored or backed Lamidi’s criminal acts in the state. With thorough and unbiased investigation, a lot would be revealed and all those responsible for political violence, thuggery, and brigandage in the state over the last five years would be made to face justice.” Oyo APC stated.