Politics
PDP warns INEC over alleged plans to influence senatorial results in favor of Ajimobi
Amid fears that the election results in Oyo South senatorial district may be manipulated, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against succumbing to pressure to influence results of the election in favour of the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
DAILY POST gathered that a former Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperative, who doubles as the PDP candidate, Dr Mohammed Kola Balogun, is leading in the district, though final results are yet to be officially declared by INEC.
PDP in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by its chairman, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, said that it recorded great success going by the results so far announced.
The PDP said it was aware of plans to influence results from Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s Ibadan South West local government area to augment the PDP’s deficit.
Ajimobi is the candidate of the ruling APC in the election.
The PDP said, “We are calling on INEC to be steadfast and not allow its men to be compromised by Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the All Progressives Congress led federal government especially in Oyo South senatorial district.
“With the results at our disposal and verifiable by all INEC standards, our party is comfortably leading the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in Oyo South. This is apart from the fact that we have recorded victories in four out of the five federal constituencies in Oyo South- Ibarapa East/Ido; Ibadan North East/ South East; Ibarapa Central/North and Ibadan North West federal constituencies. We are only waiting for the official declaration by INEC.
“Since morning, we wouldn’t know why the results declarations have been delayed when they are ready. We have it on good authority that Governor Abiola Ajimobi is mounting pressure on some Abuja forces to save him from defeat. But any attempt to subvert the wish of the majority of the people of Oyo South will be anti-democratic. We will like to, at this juncture, encourage the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr Mutiu Agboke, not to be intimidated by the pressure. He should call his men, especially the Returning Officers to declare the original results from each of the local government.
“As we write, security agents have sent away supporters of our party from the collation centre while known members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are allowed access within the premises. This is after declaration of results from each of the remaining 7 local government areas have been stopped, without any tangible reasons.
“While we are confident of victory, we wish to appeal to our teeming members and thousands of people who defied all odds, and rejected the APC’s vote-buying techniques to be calm. We believe that our candidate has won and nothing can change it. It is not about the amount of government money that you own, but what you’re able to do for the common man that matters”.
But, Publicity Secretary of the APC, Dr. Abdulazeez Olatunde, while reacting, said that the PDP should not be afraid it if had not committed any crime.
Olatunde, in a telephone conversation with DAILY POST said, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Why will they be afraid. How do they know that someone want to rig if they had not commit any crime? They should not be afraid. It is only those who commit an offence that is afraid. They should not be afraid”.
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.
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