Politics
Oyo APC guber primary : Who wears the crown? || By Akinyode Ishola
BEYOND reasonable doubt, the 2019 general elections is gathering momentum as the gubernatorial hopefuls under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state are increasing on a daily basis.
Since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, this is the first time an interesting number of political gladiators, irrespective of political faith are showing their interests to contest for the number one seat in the state.
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For Instance in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it was reported that at least 14 notable aspirants had earlier declared their intentions officially at its Oke -Ado state party secretariat or local governments and wards respectfully.
While posters, banners and billboards of other aspirants also flood the state revealing an inexhaustible number of governorship aspirants eyeing the Agodi Government House.
With the registration of another 26 more political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), only God knows how political parties will present their Governorship candidates in the 2019 election in the state.
For the purpose of this discussion, it is imperative to critically analyse the chances of some APC aspirants ahead of the party’s guber primary billed for September.
This analysis will also be extended to some major political parties in the state with a view of given our numerous readers critical analysis and possibility of these aspirants to clinch the ticket of their respective political parties.
Without mincing words, the 8-year administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has necessitated the passion and interest people have for Governorship seat in the state.
Indeed everybody wants to become ‘Mr Constituted Authority’ (CA).
Unlike 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and ,2015 where few aspirants declared their intention. The September Governorship primary election of the APC as predicted will have at least 10 to 15 aspirants except last minute consultation and permutation which is a perpetual act during the primary elections
Method of the primary elections
As at the time of this analysis, how the primary elections will be conducted is not clearly stated, whether it is consensus candidate, Delegates’ or Direct Primary elections as it was the determinant factor in the just concluded Osun state Primary Governorship election in the APC.
No fewer than 6 aspirants were currently serving under Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration Including Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, his land and Survey counterpart, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, Immediate past Oyo state Head of Service and Executive Assistant to the Governor, Mr Soji Eniade, former Commissioner for Natural Resources and now Special Adviser on Natural Resources, Chief Olanrewaju Abogun and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on political matters, Barrister Moronkola Thomas are jostling to be occupant of Agodi Government House.
Other aspirants who are not members of Ajimobi’s cabinet include former governor Adebayo Alao Akala, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Operations Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Strategies and lead Partner KPMG, Engr Olasunkanmi Tegbe , Former Chief Press Secretary to late Oyo state Governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, the Ibarapa born business magnate, Dr. Olusola Ayansola, Former Commissioner for Health, Dr Owolabi Babalola and few other aspirants also intensified efforts through their consultation with the party executives and members to be the next Governor of the pace setter state.
All these aspirants were eminently qualified to succeed Governor Ajimobi based on their academic qualifications and political experience.
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Although September is around the corner, who will be the next standard bearer of the party is a serious task for the governor and the party executives as aspirants have begun their permutations and political calculations.
With less than few weeks to the APC Governorship Primary election rumour and false information has dominated the social media platforms spreading unconfirmed stories and analysis.
This is not new in politics especially at the twilight of any administration and when political mood seems to have been activated. It is however, important to verify the source of information before diffusing it in order to protect the Nigeria nascent democracy.
To be continued…
By Akinyode Ishola (Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk)
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.
