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
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
“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.
Politics
2027: Oseni Pushes for United Oyo APC, Donates N10m to Party Secretariat
The federal lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State at the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has initiated efforts to unify members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
During his visit to the Oke-Ado party secretariat in Ibadan, Oseni, who was well received by the state executive on Monday, expressed gratitude to the party leaders and faithful for their support and nomination during and after the 2023 election process.
Speaking on the purpose of his visit, the lawmaker said, “I’m here for a few reasons. First, to offer my condolences to the party over the passing of our chairman, the late Barr. Isaac Omodewu. I also want to congratulate our acting chairman, Alhaji Olaide Abass, on assuming office. Additionally, I am here to provide an account of my activities and highlight President Tinubu’s efforts through the Renewed Hope agenda, aimed at bringing much-needed relief to Nigerians. I also want to express my gratitude to our party leaders and faithful for their unwavering support in my emergence. Without your backing, I wouldn’t be here today.”
He added, “I am here to engage in discussions with the party as a family, on how we can not only secure victory in the national elections but also reclaim power in the state come 2027”, he added.
In a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Oseni noted that since the passing of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo APC has faced significant challenges, as reflected in the last elections, leading to the party’s loss of the governorship seat.
He attributed this setback to the absence of a recognised and acceptable leader who could effectively manage and pilot the party’s affairs together with its executives and stakeholders.
Oseni called on other stakeholders to unite in order to reorganise, refocus, and reposition the party for victory in 2027.
“I urge all party members and stakeholders to come together and foster unity. I also call on the party’s executives to develop a blueprint that will return our great party to power. It is the responsibility of our leaders to come together at various geopolitical zones of the state to see whatever they can do in order for us to have a common goal as far as the 2027 elections are concerned”, the lawmaker stressed.
The APC chieftain pledged to support the smooth and effective running of the state party secretariat, while other stakeholders were encouraged to join in. As part of his commitment, he made an immediate donation of ten million naira (N10m) for operational allowances.
Oseni, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), reassured Nigerians that the cost of essential commodities, including food items, would soon return to normal levels once road infrastructure is fixed.
He informed that the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had declared a state of emergency on road infrastructure and was ready to fix federal roads across the country.
In his remarks, the acting Chairman of Oyo APC, Alhaji Olaide Abass, thanked Oseni for taking the time to visit the party secretariat. He also commended the lawmaker’s continued support for the party and his positive impact on the lives of his constituents.
Alhaji Abass added that the party was proud of the lawmaker’s achievements and dedication to the development of his constituency.
-
News1 week ago
S’West Online Publishers Train Members on Emerging Tech in Media Industry
-
Politics1 week ago
2027: Oseni Pushes for United Oyo APC, Donates N10m to Party Secretariat
-
News5 days ago
Oseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project
-
Education1 week ago
WAEC: Computer-Based WASSCE Starts This Friday