Politics
Oyo: ‘Arapaja is like a pig ready to go into the mud to defend meal ticket’ – Lanlehin
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo state, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Wednesday, reacted to comments made on a radio programme by the Deputy National Chairman (South), of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja describes them as eccentric, ridiculous and provocative, though not unexpected from a character like the PDP chieftain.
Former Senator Lanlehin, in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by his Media Bureau, and made available to newsmen noted that such comments, particularly those directed at him weren’t the first, and won’t probably be the last, as the PDP chieftain, being a politician without class and candour, is like ” a pig, ready and willing to go into the mud, in defence of his meal ticket”, irrespective of whomsoever he disparages, in the process of doing so.
“Amb. Arapaja, being an appointee of Governor Makinde, is ready to go to war in defence of his principal, on one hand, and in the protection of his access to the perks of office, on another. If not, what will make him come on air to tell terrible lies, insult his elders and conduct himself arrogantly, to the chagrin of right-thinking fellows, and the egging on, of his bag carriers, even to the point of the now-deleted videos from the interview, advertised him as furious and utterly venomous? Only God knows what he would have done had he seen his principal’s opponents face to face!
“In validating his claim that Candidate Makinde (as he then was) gave Senator Lanlehin money, he alluded to maintenance works being carried out in his (Lanlehin) house, when he (Arapaja) visited. How he thinks a man of Senator Lanlehin’s standing couldn’t renovate his abode without external help is most unfortunate, and highly sinister.
“For the records, not being a governorship candidate, nor a campaign director-general, Arapaja was not, and could not, have had a front row seat in the coalition arrangements which birthed the Makinde government; whatever he must have been privy to, were mere eavesdroppings or second-hand tales.
“To therefore insinuate that Governor Makinde gave Senator Lanlehin money can be likened to the illustrious words of Williams Shakespeare in Macbeth, as “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”.
“Instead of Arapaja to act as Governor Makinde’s spokesperson, telling outlandish lies about matters he knows next to nothing about, Senator Lanlehin would rather challenge the governor to publish details of whatever money he ever gave him, or better still, instruct his leaches, the type of Arapaja, to keep shut, instead of fouling the waters of decent politics Senator Lanlehin reputedly plays”, the statement said.
Lanlehin, who once represented Oyo South Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015, however, urged Arapaja, not to take the imminent loss of his boss – which has unexpectedly made him furious, venomous and irritational – to heart.
“He, instead, should only encourage his boss to start writing his handover notes, as the good people of Oyo State were ready to vote out an incompetent government built on lies and propaganda, and vote in a compassionate and charismatic personality, in the person of Senator Teslim Folarin”, it added.
Amb. Arapaja, Senator Lanlehin remarked, deserves the pity of the good people of Oyo State, instead of the opprobrium which should naturally follow his hollow outbursts.
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.
