Politics
Oyo: Unity Forum gives ADC 72 hours to resolve alleged imposition of executives
UNITY FORUM, a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oyo state chapter on Thursday gave 72 hours to the National Working Council of the party to cancel the congress results, just as it threatened to leave the party if they failed to make necessary resolution.
Contained in a communique issued by the Forum which was presented by its leader, Chief Busari Adebisi at the press conference held at his Ring road residence, the Unity forum; while leaving avenue for the resolution of the alleged impunity, also threatened to consider any other option for its teeming members to realise their political ambitions as well as that of its numerous supporters yearning for good governance.
The duo, Senator Ladoja and Chief Koleoso had, on Tuesday allegedly hijacked the whole structure of the party by imposing their loyalists as key executive members of the party. This decision made some key members of the Unity Forum who dumped the ruling APC to join ADC to boycott the state congress which was held on Tuesday.
2019: ADC violates human rights by asking for PVCs from the electorate – Group
Explaining reasons why its members opposed the imposed party executives on them, the group said the congress was illegal, unconstitutional and invalid.
According to the group, “notice of postponement was well circulated among members and delegates for the state congress of the party, who then decided to remain at their council and go about their daily activities following the postponement
” Till date, no further notice regarding the postponement has been given to the members of the party.
” On the 28th August, a meeting was held at the house of Chief Michael Koleoso between himself and Chief Rashidi Ladoja and their supporters who joined the party 21 days ago with the exclusion of members of Unity Forum where a purpurted list of state executive members of the party was generated and shared offices among themselves”.
Yinka Olona, a members of the old ADC, also hinted that they had earlier petitioned the National working Committe where they called for outright cancellation of the congress results because it was done in secrecy and does not represents the interest of the larger percentage of the party members.
Senator Monsurat Sumonu, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, however assured the members of the forum that the crisis would be resolve soon.
She said, the efforts is not for personal gain but to liberate the masses from the oppressed members of the society.
The meeting had in attendance the following leaders Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Dr. Kola Balogun, Alhaji Gani Alade, Engineer Remi Olaniyan, Hon Lasun Adebunmi, Barrister Yissau Sallam, Hon Kolade Olagunju among others.
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.
