The Federal Government says it will initiate criminal actions against elected officials who collude with governors to divert allocations meant for the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the decision was in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court that granted financial autonomy to LGs.
The AGF, who spoke at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, NAJUC, described the diversion of LG funds by governors as an impeachable offence.
He said the Federal Government was aware that some governors had planted their loyalists in the various LGs through shambolic elections.
According to the Justice Minister, though FG could not interfere with the LG elections, it would, however, drag the elected officials to court should they mismanage funds released to them from the federation account.
Insisting that it was the deplorable condition of many LG Secretariats across the country that moved FG to drag the 36 state governors before the Supreme Court, the AGF said his office would not also hesitate to file another action to challenge the powers of state governments to conduct Area Council elections.
He said: “The situation was also such that even when the secretariat needed to buy stationeries, you had to notify the governor in advance that you want to spend your money. And we have listened to such funny arguments before and after the judgment, to the effect that, oh, they are not mature enough. I said, how better are you? Are you any better? Leave them.
“And we have been drawing these into the ears of the local government officials that look, the governors have immunity, but you don’t have.
“So, it is very easy for you to get yourself to Kuje or other prisons spread across Nigeria.
“Before I go further, let me say that even before the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, there were so many pressures coming from left, right and centre. But I give kudos to President Bola Tinubu, who despite the pressure, was able to stand up and say that he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the 774 local governments are also people to be protected and he did so.”
The CJN, who was represented by the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, urged journalists to avoid sensationalism in news reporting.
She further expressed concern over what she termed as “trial by media,” where premature narratives prejudge cases, sometimes infringing on constitutional rights.
Earlier in his keynote address, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said there was need for the judiciary to continue to live up to expectations by ensuring that justice is not sacrificed on the alter of technicalities.
Speaking on the theme of the conference: “The role of courts in the enforcement of judgments,” Ozekhome maintained that courts must hold the balance of scale between feuding parties, even as he cautioned judges against denying lawyers the opportunity to effectively present their case in court.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of NAJUC, Mr. Kayode Lawal, while pledging the commitment of the media to fair and balanced reporting, also called for a holistic reform that would ensure that lawyers who compromise judges, are promptly and adequately punished.
The family of Ondo State former governor, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has announced the establishment of scholarship fund for lawyers in honour of the deceased.
Wife of the late governor, Mrs Betty Akerodolu, made the announcement at the inauguration of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Bar Centre Annex, Iyaganku, ibadan
Mrs akeredolu noted that the gesture was in honour of the vision of late Akerodolu for advancement of the legal profession and appreciation of Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan Branch and the national body.
She said the scholarship would be presented annually to aspiring lawyers, who have been admitted to the Nigerian Law School, demonstrating leadership potential and also academic excellence.
The wife of the late governor amidst tears eulogised her husband as a loyal ,hardworking and loving family man.
In an address, Chief justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola said the late Akeredolu was a great man who devoted his life to humanity.
In a remark, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the late Akeredolu deserved all the honours bestowed on him as he left indelible marks in every office he served.
Mr Fagbemi used the occasion to also reiterate his stand on proposal for the conduct of local government election to be handled by Independent National Electoral Commission instead of state electoral bodies.
Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa represented by the Deputy Governor Mr Olayide Adelami, maintained that the contribution of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to the development of Ondo State would never be forgotten.
Earlier in her opening remark,chairman,Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan Branch,Mrs Folashade Aladeniyi while thanking all those who made the project possible noted that the edifice was named after the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his championing of the rule of law and social equality when he was alive.
Dignitaries at the Occasion included the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Folake Solanke and Oyo State Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima.
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission OYSIEC, has reassured political parties participating in the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election in the state of transparency and equal treatment.
The OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, while speaking on the preparations of the Commission for the elections during a yoruba live Radio Program on Saturday in Ibadan, emphasized the need for political parties to canvass for votes.
He explained that necessary arrangements are in place for an onward transmission of election results across the polling units in the 33 local governments to the situation room of the commission, saying this will ensure credible and acceptable elections.
He admonished residents of the state to contribute their quota in the forthcoming local government councils election, promising that the commission will deliver credible election.
Aare Olagunju, also called on citizens of the state residing in other states to create time to participate in the polls, scheduled for 27th April, 2024 .
Olagunju submitted that the long year age narratives associated with the local government councils election in Nigeria could only be changed for the better by the time citizens believe and participate in the electoral process.
According to him “In 2021, we had challenge, some did not believe in the Commission, but today, the story is different because all the nineteen (19)registered political parties in Oyo state are participating in the election”
“ We meet regularly with the political parties, I am impressed with the way members of the political parties relate with each other, and I hope they will replicate the same on election day. All the political parties will be given equal treatment and citizen’s vote will count on election day “
“ We have done everything needed to be done as a commission to have a free, fair, transparent and credible election. People should endeavor to vote by 27th April, 2024 , wait till the announcement of results at polling units and record the results.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing him as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.
The forum commiserates with the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of the late Governor of the Sunshine State.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye described the loss as painful and urged all to take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman and prayed to God to repose his soul and look after his family.”
Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday described the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, as tragic.
Akeredolu succumbed to leukaemia in Lagos on Wednesday. He was 67.
In his condolence message to the acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and Ondo people, Prince Abiodun described Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, as a dogged fighter throughout his lifetime.
According to him, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stood for equity and fairness in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
Prince Abiodun said Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
Abiodun said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.
“Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike.
“As the nation mourns the loss of a formidable leader, Rotimi Akeredolu’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy of compassion, justice, and progress will endure, forever reminding Nigerians of the transformative power of dedicated leadership.
“In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite, draw strength from their cherished memories of their late governor and resolve to honour his legacy by building upon the foundations he laid, ensuring that his vision for a better and brighter future for Ondo State lives on.”
Members of the Nigeria Political Project and Legal Profession have been reacting to the death of the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN who passed on in a German hospital.
Some notable personalities, who spoke with Radio Nigeria Correspondent, Iyabo Adebisi described the death of Governor Akeredolu as unfortunate especially when the country and the Ondo state need him.
According to the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Sharafadeen Alli, Governor Akeredolu was a patriotic Nigerian who was passionate about the progress of the country.
Senator Alli said the late Akeredolu contributed greatly to the legal profession when he was the president Nigeria Bar Association, NBA.
Also Speaking, a legal icon, Niyi Akintola, SAN, who noted that the late Akeredolu was his colleague and confidant, described him as an ‘Omoluabi’ in the real sense of the Yoruba mantra.
Mr Akintola, SAN, stated that the deceased believed in justice saying the role he played in the invasion of herdsmen in the Yoruba land and the Owo massacre of hundreds of people where he hailed from could not be forgotten in a hurry.
In the same vein, Oyo APC has described Akeredolu as a champion of democracy.
The Party said Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s, SAN, death was unfortunate given his contributions to society as it concerns humanity, democracy and good governance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC commiserated with Mrs Betty Akeredolu as well President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the good people of Ondo over the transition of Arakunrin Akeredolu who, according to the party, died at a time his services was still needed by his people.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu made a great impact in many ways as he was a dogged fighter, astute legal practitioner and patriotic democrat who would not spare any effort to promote justice and fairness at all times regardless of the risk involved. There is no doubt that he would be sorely missed by all and sundry. Therefore, we pray God to grant him eternal rest and give his family and the good people of the Sunshine State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Oyo APC stated.
Also, the Chairman, Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Revd. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa has described the death of Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as a colossal loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole.
A statement from the director of information and communications of the association, Mr Daisi Ajayi said, Fr. Ologunwa expressed shock to have received the sudden news of the death of the Governor.
Fr. Ologunwa described Governor Akeredolu as a great fighter of democracy, and a dedicated and loving father of all.
According to him, the Governor had exhibited several outstanding qualities during his tenure of administration ranging from the establishment of Amotekun security outfit and his stand on the unity of the country.
The chairman affirmed that Akeredolu is well noted for his firmness in decision-making making is usually called, ” Mr Talk and Do” Governor.
He also identified various infrastructural development his administration embarked upon ranging from roads, buildings and other social development across the state.
Fr. Ologunwa said his death will no doubt bring about a vacuum in the state but however optimistic that with God all things are possible.
The chairman condoled with the people of the state and the immediate family of Akeredolu for the irreparable loss of the Governor and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.
Gov. Akeredolu reportedly died in Lagos on Wednesday following months of intense battle with leukaemia. Until his death, he was serving his second term in Office having won his election and reelection in 2016 and 2020 respectively.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, aged 67 was serving his second time in office before his death.
A human rights lawyer, Mr Mike Ezekhome, SAN has called for immediate structural and political reforms to take the country to its rightful position in the comity of nations for socioeconomic and political areas of the nation’s development.
Mr Ezekhome made the call in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital while speaking on Nigeria in search of an enduring political structure: “Imperative of Structural Reform” organized by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria identified weak institutions as the bane of the country and called for improved patriotism.
He also demanded a new constitution that will reflect the expectations and aspirations of all Nigerians in the interest of peace, fairness and equity.
The event was part of the 62nd Independence celebration of the country organized by the Ogun State chapter of the NLC.
Dignitaries at this event include a human rights lawyer, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Ogun State, the speakers of the Ogun and Lagos Houses of Assembly, chairman of the NLC among other dignitaries.
Wale Oluokun
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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and illustrious son of Iseyinland, Mr Ahmed Raji has declared that the entire Oke Ogun region will miss the pivotal roles of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr Abdulganiyy Adekunle Salau, JP, DVM, Oloogunebi-Ajinese I towards having a modern zone in Oyo State.
Mr Raji stated this in his condolences to the Aseyin Royal Dynasty, Aseyin-in-Council, sons and daughters of Iseyin at home and abroad and the entire people of Oke Ogun over the demise of the royal father.
According to Mr Raji, Oba Dr Abdulganiyy was traditionally a special ruler whose reign brought tremendous developments to his territory and Oke Ogun in general.
He added that Aseyin left a vacuum that may likely expose Iseyin to surmountable challenges that may take time to overcome.
He hinted that the city of Iseyin was by the grace of God during the reigns of Ajinese migrated to an urban city that featured laudable legacies in terms of infrastructural and human developments.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria described Ajinese as a worthy royal father, Leader and Patriot the entire people of Oke Ogun will forever be proud of.
He prayed to God to be with the immediate family of the late monarch, Aseyin Royal Dynasty, Aseyin-in-Council and the generality of the people of Iseyin and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Mr Raji prayed for forgiveness of all the shortcomings of Ajinese and reward all his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
This is to inform All Progressives Congress, (APC), members of the National Assembly from Cross River State, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly and the general public that an appeal against the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja has been filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
Also, a motion for a stay of execution of the Federal High Court has been filed.
Both processes were filed by renowned constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome.
Following the filing of the two processes, automatically the orders of the lower court have stayed.
Consequently, the APC members in both the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly should go about their duties freely.
Find attached, copies of the Notice of Appeal and the motion for the stay of execution of the orders of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Signed
Christian Ita
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor
Public office is an instrument of service and responsibility to the people and should not be synonymous with the accumulation of power, privilege and wealth.
This was the submission of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum’s Conference, held on Monday, 7th, February 2022, at the old Statehouse Banquet Hall, Abuja.
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According to the Vice President, professionals interested in politics and nation-building must turn the tide where “holding public office in Nigeria at any level is largely perceived as synonymous with the accumulation of power, privilege and wealth.”
He added that the professionals that would shape the country’s future in one way or the other are those that have the “understanding that public office is an instrument of service and responsibility to the people.”
The Vice President also observed that Nigerians must break the paradox of individual genius and collective underperformance, especially as the country has “many gifted, accomplished and remarkable individuals across all walks of life all over the world.”
“There is a clear mismatch between our individual quality and our national outcomes. We have not yet become greater than the sum of our individual selves,” the VP said.
In his view, the needed synergy between living up to the merits of professional calling and dedication to public service will produce the desired national impact.
“While it is true that we have several excellent individuals in various spheres of society, we must recognize that success in a country such as ours can no longer be defined in personal or individual terms…True progress is about reimagining our collective circumstances and creating an environment that enables prosperity for us all.”
“To this end, we must see ourselves as stewards of the common good who have been entrusted with the privilege of managing our collective destiny – the collective destiny of our people – for an allotted time. It is only through public-spiritedness and dedication to the common good that we can as a people truly become greater than the sum of our parts.”
Prof. Osinbajo stated that professionals in politics must also see beyond tribal, religious and other sentiments if they truly want to make significant impact in national development.
“There is no point in having professionals in politics if the professionals are driven by ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations. Because the whole point of professionalism is that you are defined by merit, by your professional acumen.
“The usefulness of professionals in politics is that you have people who are used to being assessed on the basis of their own achievements and who are unafraid to make competence the first advertorial of their acumen. In other words, professionals emphasize the role of merit in public life.”
He noted that an important advantage of having professionals in politics is lost “if we do not recognize that our role as merit-driven persons must be to fight the temptation of ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations in making the crucial decisions for the development of our nation.”
To further buttress his point, the VP said that: “nobody would place their lives in the hands of an incompetent doctor because they share the same faith or continue to patronize a dangerously inept auto-mechanic because they belong to the same tribe.”
This is why Nigerians must also especially refuse to be swayed by those whose sole argument for power is an appeal to sectional sentiments, the VP added.
“We must resist it and we must say “no” to it; otherwise, we fail in our professional calling,” he emphasized.
It is this common good that professionals, who are the elite in a poor society, must seek to pursue in their calling, the VP stated.
In his words, “the privileged or the elite, both individually and collectively, have a responsibility, an obligation to society to plan, organise, order or reorder it, and, above all, to make sacrifices for the maximum benefit of all.”
In what he termed as ‘the burden of privilege,’ the VP noted that “It is our expected role to find common cause across professions, vocations, ethnicities and faiths defining the minimum terms and conditions for the safety, security, growth and prosperity of our communities.
“It is the elite that define clearly what is lofty, noble, and deserving of honour, and how these values can be sustained, preserved and enforced.”
This obligation is a major reason why the Buhari administration is focused on the welfare of the common man, the VP stated, adding that the ruling APC developed its manifesto with that in mind.
He said, “It is indisputable that the heart and soul of the APC was and remains essentially Left of centre. In other words, a party committed, devoted to the common man.
“Our presidential candidate then, now President Muhammadu Buhari, was a product of the firm will of common man, not the product of an elite consensus. And despite elite collaboration or conspiracy, he repeatedly won elections and, at least, was able to deliver significant votes in every election since 2003.”
The Vice President highlighted how the APC developed and started the implementation of the largest social investment policy in Africa.
The VP further said that the Administration’s Social Investment Programmes, SIPs, has continued to feed over 9.5 million children in public schools daily, providing jobs for over 500,000 Nigerian graduates through the N-Power scheme, as well as microcredit loans for farmers, petty traders and ordinary Nigerians,
“Our opponents who are on the Right would argue that, “why are you giving money, why are you giving small loans to these people?” But they do not argue that in this same country, over N5 trillion is what a couple hundreds of Nigerians owed banks before AMCON was created. But we spent just N20 billion on 2 million Nigerians – traders and farmers etc, in providing them with micro-credits.”
Prof. Osinbajo disclosed that despite the challenges of overcoming two recessions and the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Buhari government, through its economic and social investment policies, has continued to ramp up its efforts in providing solutions to improving the economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.
Such policies include the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the Economic Sustainability Plan, Ease of Doing business innovations and now the National Development Plan, which “focuses on value addition, across all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality, sports, entertainment.”
The VP also noted the important role of technology in the development plan, even as he disclosed that “since 2016 Nigeria has developed 6 unicorns tech companies worth over one billion dollars.
“We believe that we can leverage technology and innovation to create the millions of jobs and opportunities which we would require now and in the coming years,” he said.
He added, “The President has promised to move 100 million people out of poverty within a decade, to provide good paying jobs for the largest number of Africans under the age of 30.
“We must educate millions of children, provide good healthcare for millions and a public health system robust enough to handle pandemics when they occur.”
Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted the efforts of the Buhari administration in addressing security challenges, noting that it remains committed to “ridding our nation of terrorism and gang criminality.”
Present at the conference were some members of the Federal Executive Council, APC Chieftains, and leaders of the APC Professional Forum led by former Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda.
Abubakar Malami SAN, Attorney-General of the federation, has disclosed the major financier of Sunday Igboho’s identity
The Attorney-General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami disclosed on Friday that the Federal Government has found that the major financier of the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho is a member of the National Assembly.
Malami, who was silent on the identity of the federal lawmaker, said a report by a security committee constituted by the FG also revealed that Igboho allegedly received funding from a firm – Abbai Bako and Sons – allegedly being probed for terrorism financing activities.
“Abdullahi Umar Usman is, by way of financial transaction, connected to Surajo Abubakar Muhammad who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism Boko Haram,” Malami said.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Malami said the committee also made damning discoveries about the activities of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and his following, noting that there was information that Kanu was receiving supports from both within and outside Nigeria.
Malami gave details of persons allegedly killed and property destroyed by Kanu’s associates his inciting comment
“We have also established that KANU is not alone in its subversive activities.
“Some of the state actors aided KANU, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities.
According to Malami, a committee set up by the government found out that Igboho is linked to 43 bank accounts in nine banks.
“We call on these countries to desist from aiding subversive acts by KANU and IPOB against the state of Nigeria and its people,” Malami said.
The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa has admonished the bar and the bench, to always have the fear of God in all their dealings as the last hope of the masses.
Most Reverend Akinfenwa gave the advice while speaking at the Thanksgiving service to mark the beginning of 2021/2022 Legal Year held at St. James Cathedral, Oke Bola, Ibadan.
The Cleric said all those in the profession must endeavour to put more efforts to strengthen the Judiciary
Most Reverend Akinfenwa urged the Judiciary to always ask God for wisdom in order to excel in the profession.
While Speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, represented by Secretary to the state government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said it was important for the judiciary to take the government to greater heights.
Governor Makinde commended the judiciary for working towards the acceleration of the development of the state
Present at the service were the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola and the first female senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mrs. Folake Solanke.
The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa has admonished those in the legal profession to always have the fear of God in all their dealings as they remain the last hope of the masses.
Most Reverend Akinfenwa gave the advice while speaking at the Thanksgiving service to mark the beginning of 2021/2022 Legal Year held at St. James Cathedral, Oke Bola, Ibadan.
The Cleric said all those in the profession must endeavour to put more effort to strengthen the Judiciary.
Most Reverend Akinfenwa urged the Judiciary to always ask God for wisdom in order to excel in the profession.
While Speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, represented by Secretary to the state government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said it was important for the judiciary to take the government to greater heights.
Governor Makinde commended the judiciary for working towards the acceleration of development of the state.
Present at the service were the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola, Oyo state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, the first female senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mrs. Folake Solanke and other notable people in the bar and bench.
A drugs Expert and immediate past National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Samuel Adekola has expressed support for an advocacy by the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for medicinal use of cannabis.
The Expert insisted the governor’s call was lawful and urged shareholders to have a rethink on the urgent need to adopt cannabis for medicinal use.
Mr Adekola who spoke in Akure with our staff Reporter Leke Adegbite, pointed out that various international bodies had also taken a position that was in line with Akeredolu’s advocacy.
The former ACPN National President urged the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA to activate the laws that allow medicinal use of cannabis in the interest of the nation and her people.
Mr Adekola however kicked against recreational use of cannabis and smoking of the product should remain prohibited.
President Muhammadu Buhari joins members of the All Progressives Congress APC in felicitating with Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State over the Supreme Court judgement, which upheld his re-election in the October 10, 2020 polls.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Mr Femi Adesina said, the President urges the governor, and all elected leaders of the governing party, to always place the people first in their consideration of development programmes and projects, affirming that the popularity of the APC would continue to depend on performance and acceptance by the electorate.
President Buhari extols the Ondo State governor for assiduously working for the development of the state, with reforms that continue to attract the goodwill of investors, and insistence that education, health and security take priority.
The President notes that the Supreme Court Judgement, preceded by that of the Court of Appeal, further bolsters the strength and reach of the APC and its bright chances of consolidation in coming elections.
President Buhari calls on the opposition to sheathe the sword, work for the development of Ondo State, and wishes the government and people a prosperous future.
Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated his Ondo State counterpart, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu SAN on the Supreme Court verdict, which upheld his victory in the October 10, 2020 governorship election.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Committee on the Ondo State Gubernatorial election, also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, as well as members of the party in Ondo and across the country on the victory.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Gov. Sanwo-Olu described the Supreme Court ruling as “validation of the people’s mandate”, saying that the election results announced by INEC were evident that Governor Akeredolu was validly elected by Ondo people.
He said: “As democrats, we must submit ourselves to the tenets of democracy, which include post election litigation. Today’s judgement has put paid to all insinuations and doubts about the resounding victory of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
“I therefore call on all lovers of democracy, especially the people of Ondo State to come together for a continuation of good governance and the developmental process of Ondo, started by Governor Akeredolu from his first term of office.”
“On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I congratulate my brother, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on his victory at the Supreme Court.” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
….harps on adequate security during election period
The Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Adeitan the second and the Sabiganna of Iganna, Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez, Ayefemiloye 1, have commended the leadership of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, for identifying with relevant stakeholders in anticipation to making the forthcoming local government council elections acceptable by all.
The monarchs gave the commendation at a stakeholders’ via community members’ engagement, held at Iwajowa and Kajola Local Government Council Areas of the state.
The monarchs, also expressed satisfaction over new innovations introduced to the commission, describing such as one that is capable of assisting the team achieve all inclusive polls.
Oba Osuolale, equally, harped on the need for the commission to provide adequate security for voters and electoral officers before and during the elections to ensure a smooth conduct.
He therefore admonished the commission to intensify efforts in sensitising the general public about the importance of local government elections to ensure massive participation at all the stages of the electoral processes.
While responding to questions from attendees, the Commission’s chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, enjoined political parties in the state to promote internal democracy in order to prevent unnecessary disputes that could arise as a result of parties’ candidatures.
Aare Olagunju, explained that elections will take place only in the thirty-three local government council areas of the state been recognized by the Nigerian constitution.
Major stakeholders in the just concluded PDP governorship primary in Ondo state have started reacting to the emergence of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr Eyitayo Jegede as the candidate of the party for the October 10, governorship election.
The first runner up in the primary and state deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi, said he had accepted the outcome of the exercise in good faith, noting that it was a race against different forces.
Mr Ajayi in a statement signed by his media adviser, Mr Allen Sowore, expressed appreciation to the people of Ondo state for standing by his struggle to liberate the state from what he called personalized democracy.
The deputy governor noted that he remains undaunted and resolute about his commitment to a people oriented government and wishes Mr Jegede the best ahead of the October governorship election in the state.
Also reacting in a statement, another aspirant in the primary, Dr Bode Ayorinde, congratulated the PDP governorship candidate, adding it was a well-deserved victory.
Dr Ayorinde who wishes Mr Jegede a greater success in the contest ahead, commended other co-aspirants for a bold attempt for a greater state and PDP.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Oyo State Government against the dissolved 33 Local Government Chairmen and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State.
In his argument, counsel to the Oyo State Government, Mr. Kunle Kalejaye, SAN, said the lower court has no jurisdiction to hear the case because it was premature as at the time the case was filed.
Mr. Kalejaye said the chairmen filed the suit at the lower court based on a rumour they heard that Engineer Makinde would dissolve them after his swearing-in on May 29, 2019.
He said the case was filed at the lower court and judgment obtained by the respondents before they were dissolved.
Mr. Kalejaye urged the court to dismiss the judgment of the lower court and uphold the appeal.
In his argument, Counsel to the respondents, Mr. Yusuf Ali SAN, said the action cannot be termed premature because the law allows a person to approach the court when such person noticed that his right would be threatened.
Mr. Ali said the law always protects the right of any individual and only an irresponsible person would wait for his eye to be plugged after noticing that such thing was about to happen.
He urged the court dismissed the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower court to prevent such actions from happening in future.
The three-man panel of Appeal chaired by Justice Jimi Bada reserved the judgment after hearing argument of counsel to both parties in the suit.
Justice Bada said the judgment date would be communicated to the respective counsels.
The Oyo State Government had appealed against the Judgment of the Oyo State High Court delivered on May 6, 2019 by Justice Aderonke Aderemi ordering the state government not to dissolve the elected 33 Local Government chairmen and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State.
