Politics
Oyo LG Poll: 18 eye APC chairmanship ticket in Kajola
• as party closes sales from Friday
There is palpable tension in the camp of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Kajola local government council chapter of Oyo state as no fewer than 18 aspirants are struggling to emerge the chairmanship candidate of the party in the council poll which has been slated for April next year.
Kajola, which is one of the 10 local government councils in Oke-Ogun axis of the state, is believed to be a stronghold of the Progressives as the party recorded good results in the area in the 2023 general election even as Kajola State Constituency was among the four out of 32 won by the APC in the same election which returned Governor Seyi Makinde, of the PDP, for a second term in office.
Further checks revealed that APC leaders are currently finding it difficult to choose a consensus candidate among the crowd of 18 aspirants who have indicated their interests interest so far, and the implication of this is that the primary election might be the last resort to pick a candidate.
Sources who preferred anonymity informed that some leaders had come up with a resolution that a particular aspirant be made the consensus candidate, but this did not go down well with all others who are now determined to go to the field for the primary election since the person believed to be the choice of the leaders “was not the most qualified.
Among party men who have shown interest to grab the ticket is a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Felix Ige, while others include; Tajudeen Alakara, Isiaka Atanda, Chief Oke Samuel, Daramola Ayorinde, Samuel Ogunrinde, Abiodun Adegoke, Moses Babalola, Bola Moto, Sunmonu wali collate, Yahyah, Salau, Yaqub Olaaje, Sunday ogungbenro, Oladepo Bashiru, Monsuru Alawode, Tirimisiyu Adesola, Gabriel Adewoyin and one other.
When contacted to comment on the development; the spokesman of Oyo APC, Olawale Sadare, said that the situation was not out of control as “it is an indication that APC is still very popular in the state. The entire Oke-Ogun is for the Progressives, and they also proved this in the last general election. So, it is surprising that we are having many seeking to fly the flag of the APC in the coming council poll in Kajola and elsewhere. It is not in Kajola alone that we have many aspirants jostling for the same ticket, and we are determined to sort things out democratically and peacefully.
“The leadership of the Party has made it abundantly clear that internal democracy will play out, as we are set to allow members to decide who gets the mandate to fly the flag of the party as either councilorship or chairmanship candidate ahead of the coming council poll. We have published the guidelines and the date picked for the party primary is August 24, 2023. Collection of the Expression of Interest Form will close this Friday and there will not be any extension of the deadline.” Sadare said.
Politics
Oseni Salutes Senator Folarin’s Decades of Service at 61
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.
Politics
Ugandan Court Hands Ex-LRA Commander 40-Year Sentence
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.
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.
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.
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