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Oyo Assembly reverses ‘vote of no confidence’ in Commissioner
•Commissioner tenders apology, says he has respect for House of Assembly Institution.
THE Oyo State House of Assembly, Tuesday reversed its earlier decision of vote of no confidence passed in state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela over alleged insurbodination.
It would be recalled that the House last week Thursday had earlier passed a vote of no confidence in the commissioner following his appearance before the legislators to answer alleged halving of funds meant for the Federal Government’s school feeding programme in the state, by his ministry, before it is sent to food vendors.
The Assembly, in a motion raised by Hon. Oseni Abdul Ganiyu representing Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency also accused Olowofela of withdrawing money from the vendors’ accounts and supplying food items directly from Ibadan which angered the commissioner and made the house passed the vote of no confidence in him.
Interestingly, the house withdrew its vote of no confidence following a letter of apology from the commissioner read by the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo seeking the honourable members to forgive him over the alleged affronts.
Reacting during the plenary, the lawmaker from Ogbomoso North State Constituency, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji appealed to the house to temper justice with mercy. “In the spirit of peace and love in the government, I urge that we should forgive the commissioner”, she said.
Similarly, another member from Ibadan North State Constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye noted that the letter from the commissioner is a test of leadership and shows dexterity was put at work.
Olaleye applauded the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for prompt intervention in the matter to douse the tension and make the matter go to rest stressing that the crisis was borne out of misunderstanding which is settled.
The lawmaker, Olaleye, also added that the letter from the commissioner reflects his worthiness in learning and character.
Speaking during the plenary, the Speaker said the house is not constituted to be fighting with other arms of government saying that it is not mandate given to us but to make law.
“We have made 125 resolutions on laws that have helped the state but they are not recognized. Professor Olowofela knew he made error eventhough members of the public see it otherwise but he has apologized and I believe we should forgive him”.
After the unanimous agreement by the honourable members, the house therefore forgive and withdrew the vote of no confidence in the commissioner.
In an interaction with Mega Icon Magazine shortly after the plenary, the Commissioner, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela saluted the lawmakers for their courage for good reasoning to prevail, adding that the development will remove unnecessary distraction in the state.
“I want to say I have respect for individuals and the House of Assembly as an institution”.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
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