Buhari reveals how APC won Osun governorship with remote control

Buhari reveals how APC won Osun governorship with ‘remote control’

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, while appealing to traditional rulers in Osun State to support his reelection to enable his administration consolidate on its achievements, revealed that APC was able to win the state’s governorship election held months back with the aid of remove control.
Buhari, who failed to provide details of what he meant by remote control, said: “I know how much trouble we had in the last election here. I know by remote control through so many sources how we managed to maintain the party (APC) in power in this state.”

The President said this while interacting with the monarchs led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan at the banquet hall of Osun State Government House.
Buhari, received on arrival along with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo by Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola and his entourage, said the APC has recorded gains in the areas of infrastructural hence the need for the people to return the administration to consolidate on the achievement its has made in the last three years.

He urged the traditional rulers to join hands with his government to tackle the menace of insecurity, assuring that his government was working towards providing social service programmes and soft loans to farmers to boost the agriculture sector of the economy. Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, speaking on behalf of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who arrived later, assured President Buhari of victory at the February 16 Presidential election.

PDP AFFIRMS DR MUHAMMAD KOLA BALOGUN AS CANDIDATE.

Press Statement
27th of January 2019

PDP AFFIRMS DR MUHAMMAD KOLA BALOGUN AS CANDIDATE.

It has become highly imperative to at this point in time clear the air  on the authentic senatorial candidate of our party in the Oyo south senatorial constituency.

Dr Muhammad Kola Balogun having obtained a waiver( as required by the constitution of our party) from his ward and the National Working Committee of our great party and fulfilling every other necessary, legal and conventional requirements, he remains the duly, certified and recognized candidate for our party in the Oyo south senatorial district in the coming general elections.

The party went through every process as stipulated by the constitution of our party in the choice of Dr Muhammad Kola Balogun and the National  Working Committee of our party also ratified the decision.

In lieu of this, the general public should please take note of the FACT that Dr Muhammad Kola Balogun's name was published in the INEC final list of 17th January and he will be the standard bearer of the People’s Democratic Party in Oyo state in the coming general elections and not any other person and by God's grace, He will win.

Thanks.

Signed:
Hon Wasiu Adeleke
Oyo State PDP State Secretary

ITESIWAJU OYO RAISES COMMITTEE FOR ELECTION MOBILIZATION:

The umbrella body of artisans and market associations in Oyo has raised a mobilization committee for the 2019 elections in Oyo State. The organization held a special meeting at the Olomi secretariat of NATA, one of the member associations on Wednesday.  At the meeting, the Chairman of Itesiwaju Oyo, Comrade Wale Odewale reiterated the role the organization played in bringing the present administration in Oyo into office and why they have to regroup and restrategise for better Oyo State now. 

The Chairman of NUPENG, comrade Aderibigbe corroborated Comrade Odewale's words and emphasized the decision of Itesiwaju Oyo to work for the success of Engr Seyi Makinde for Governor, Dr. Kola Balogun for Oyo South Senate and Chief Bisi Ilaka for Oyo Central Senate elections. However, Comrade Odewale confirmed to the house that they will also work for an ADC Rep candidate which is an understandable exception.

The 11-man committee was later inaugurated by the Chairman, Comrade Odewale. The secretary of Itesiwaju Oyo, Chief Mrs Akinwunmi is one of the four women in the committee while Alh Ishola Tajudeen is the Chairman of the election mobilization committee. The members are charged to be ready to work with the endorsed candidates and others that they will endorse for  success in the 2019 elections.

Over 60 representatives from various artisan and market associations attended the meeting,  posters and handbills of the endorsed candidates were distributed to the members for immediate actions.

Olabisi Ajayi

Specter News, Ibadan.

Great Exploits in Adire Business In Nigeria —Ewa-Aladire

Ajayi Titilola, known in the fashion industry as Ewa-Aladire, is on a quest to re-package and re-introduce the native adire fabric into the world of fashion. The graduate of Mass Communication from Ajayi Crowther University who is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, tells ROTIMI IGE why she became an adire crusader and her plans to dominate the world. Excerpts.

By ROTIMI IGE  Last updated Jan 22, 2019



How did you get the idea of branding adire as a marketable global brand?

The idea to brand adire came from the passion I have for the African culture. Growing up as a typical Yoruba girl, I realised that I have very deep affinity for cultural arts and crafts. I grew up in a family of well grounded and ardent cultural crusaders who epitomised ‘Africanism’ in our daily lives. Needless to say, at an early age, I started seeing myself as an ambassador for African culture. Also, being a fashion enthusiast, I decided to delve into thorough research about African fashion, focusing more on the Yoruba race. You see, I realised that gradually, our cultural values were getting eroded by the influx of Westernisation even in the fashion industry, thus, we took up the challenge to upset the status quo, repackaged and re-introduce some of our local fabrics and accessories into mainstream fashion. Today, we have various styles in Adire for various occasions that we have been able to export even to the US, UK, Asia, and to various outlets scattered around the world. Even at various international airports, adire is sold at premium prices even to foreigners.
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With your new concept, what can adire be used for asides the traditional roles it had played in the Yoruba culture?
Traditionally, adire is used in the Yoruba culture simply as a fabric worn by the common man. Today, adire, though still worn, but by the upper echelons of the society. We see governors wear it, celebrities, professors, and so on. Adire has metamorphosed to a premium clothing brand. Celebrities even in Hollywood gracefully rock adire outfits on red carpets. Adire is also used as aso-ebi for big society events, campaign outfits for the higher political class, and so on adire has evolved also as trendy materials for shoes, bags and other fashion accessories.   Adire has now become a collector’s item for tourist. Adire decorations, furniture, bed-sheets, office art and so on have dominated the interior design world now.

 You are spearheading adire for wedding series. Tell us about that.

You see, we started styling various couples for adire themed pre-wedding photo shoot and during one of our sessions, the idea came: A full 100 per cent adire wedding gown for an extremely fashionable bride! Viola! We started working on different ideas, concepts and designs.  Of course we have experimented with various adire wedding accessories before, but a full wedding gown was going to be awesome. Wait for it, we are bringing out something that will change the game for weddings. Exotic adire wedding series will blow your mind. It’s only for the daring ones though.

 How do you source your materials?

As I said earlier, we started out by doing thorough research about adire. We travelled to various places to thoroughly understand the art and production of adire. We’ve met various individuals who happen to have been born into the production of adire. Today, we work with lots of these people to get our materials and also to produce various styles of adire that are  fit as export commodites. We buy in bulk and we produce in bulk at our factories.

  How has the reception been towards your re-packaged adire franchise?

Awesome! To be sincere, it’s been like magic. Everyone just wants to associate with the brand. Daily, we receive local and international calls at ‘Ewa-Aladire’ requesting for various types, styles and sizes of our products. We parcel them locally and ship them internationally.

The reception has been very encouraging I must say, though we still need to create more awareness for the millennials, and we have started massive campaigns in this regards across various social media platforms, since that is the platform for the millennial generation. But in summary, I will say, ‘God has been very good to us at Ewa-Aladire’

 What other projects, endeavours are you into?

Due to the increase in the demands for adire, we realised that there is the need to start empowering lots of young people by teaching them about the production of adire. Again, most of the indigenous production outlets in the country are dominated by old people in their fifties and sixties. We realised that it was necessary to start grooming the younger generation on the intricacies of adire production.
We are poised to growing the economy of this country by engaging the youths in this export-worthy venture. We have started working on a mega project in this line.
So also, as I said earlier, I am a fashion enthusiast; I’m working on creating a hairline brand that will embody everything I stand for. Something out of the ordinary though. I’ll surely keep you posted on this.
You will be opening an outlet in Ibadan on Sunday. Tell us about that.
Yes. We are opening our modern outlet on Sunday here in Ibadan. Over the years, our online store has been the major sales point for 80-90 per cent of our goods. By popular demand now we are opening the first all inclusive ‘adire store’ in Oyo State.
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We want to make this outlet the offline store that anybody can walk in and check out our exciting pieces. We are bringing lots of people together for this mega opening. Celebrities, media moguls, government officials, entrepreneurs, politicians, fashionistas, event personnel, and so on, will be attending to witness the birth of the first of its kind all inclusive adire store in Oyo State. There will be loads of fun, food, drinks, games, and so on. It will also be a great networking time with different individuals in different sectors.

 What challenges have you faced as a fashion entrepreneur?

You see, every business usually comes with its own challenges and adire business is not an exception really. Funding is a major challenge, just like it is for every start-up in this part of the world. Accesses to funds to build SMEs are so limited. We have to keep scraping out our savings to build and expand the frontiers of our business.
Orientation is another. Most people still need re-orientation about the values embedded in our local fabrics. Some clients still find it hard to associate with the adire fabrics. They still think it is just not possible for an adire outfit to stand side by side with the likes of Gucci, Fendi, Versace and others.
You are also into make-up and modelling?
Yes. I am a professional make-up artiste with a business that is registered with the CAC as ‘AllureByEwa’. We render special make-up services for premium brand owners, and also a lot of African themed make-up art. I’m also into modelling as well. I do lots of face modelling jobs for brands. Everything is interwoven since it is all in the fashion industry.

Rate the fashion industry in Nigeria at the moment.

The fashion industry in Nigeria today has grown to gain international attention over the years. You see, I am proud of Nigeria, as this country’s fashion industry calls the shot in the whole of Africa. If Nigeria sneezes, Africa catches cold, meaning, anything introduced into the Nigeria fashion Industry is sure to be replicated across the continent of Africa.
Though the industry is yet to get there, it is improving daily. The government needs to encourage her growth and render any necessary support in terms of loans and legislations to improve the industry. Moreover, the likes of Yomi casual, Toyin Lawani, Mai Atafo, just to mention a few, are doing exceptionally well in the industry and without sentiments, I will rate the industry 80 per cent because despite the unavailability of enabling structure, Nigerians are still quite innovative and always ready to learn and improve their skills in the fashion industry.

 Who are your mentors in the industry?

Just a few. Chief Mrs Nike Davies Okundaye, first of all. I respect her courage, talent, creativity and the love she puts into arts and culture. All these make her unique in her own way. Kunle Afolayan is also someone I respect so much in the industry. He embodies Africanism and his kind of ideologies and values are rare in this generation.

 What future do you see for adire as a fashion item?

Picture this:-An adire themed wedding where the bride, groom, train all wear stylish adire and where the entire aso -ebi is also adire. A Friday at work where all workers step out in various forms of stylish adire, from the top management to subordinates. A school where all the children are all wearing very colourful adire as their school uniforms.  Association events, AGMs, meetings, launching, campaigns, etc, when all members are wearing adire gorgeously and so on. You see, the business opportunities for adire as a fashion item in Nigeria are very great and the future is promising. Very soon, adire will be in every home in Nigeria and beyond. Government parastatals will adopt adire for their weekly outfits. Private establishments will want to associate with revolution sooner than later. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Ewa-Aladire will be coming with her signature outfits in adire that will take over your homes soon.

CATTLE COLONY APPROVED FOR OYO STATE

Farmers/herders’ crisis: NEC approves livestock plan, targets N2trn investment

Yesterday (17/01/19) the FEC (Federal Executive Council) presided over by VP Osinbajo agreed to Miyetti and Buhari's “The National Livestock Transformation Plan”. This plan where land is going to be "donated" to Fulani herdsmen so they can have their colonies and places of worship funded by Nigerians, in every part of the land.

The plan starts in the 10 states of Adamawa, Benue, Ebonyi, Edo, Kaduna, Nassarawa, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara. Already, 94 locations in these states have been "donated". This plan for the benefit of Fulani herdsmen will use up the bulk of the Agriculture budget.

MY COMMENT
If this is truly a "National Livestock Transformation Plan", then it should cover all Livestock.

If government has a plan to "donate" land to herders, it should similarly donate land to put farmers, poultry farmers, fish ponds to fish farmers, land to goat and sheep rearers, etc.

All animal rearing, cattle rearing inclusive, is private business. Not to be funded in cash or kind by government.

Cattle ranching, funded entirely by cattle rearers, is the way to go. Just as poultry, pig, goat, sheep and fish farmers entirely fund their farms, including the land and water they use for their business.  Cattle ranching, without government funding, is the practice everywhere else in the world.

Concerned Statesman

DR. KOLA BALOGUN HAILS ITESIWAJU OYO ENDORSEMENT OF ENGR SEYI MAKINDE

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Oyo South senatorial district in the 2019 elections has hailed the endorsement of the candidature of Engr Seyi Makinde of the PDP for the governorship of Oyo State in the 2019 election. Dr Balogun said this when he was responding to the speeches of the Chairman of Itesiwaju Oyo Comrade Wale Odewale and the Chairman of NUPENG, Alh Aderibigbe during the meeting with members of Itesiwaju Oyo at the Alice's Place event center, Agodi Ibadan.

According to the statement released by the SA on communication to Dr Kola Balogun, Rotimi Johnson Ojasope, the senatorial candidate emphasized the similarities in ideologies with that of Engr Seyi Makinde and since the members can trust him wholeheartedly, then he's assuring Itesiwaju Oyo and the entire people of the state that Engr Seyi Makinde fulfills his promises and can be trusted too.

He went ahead to appreciate the leaders of the 105 associations under Itesiwaju Oyo (which is the umbrella body of artisans and trade associations) for the good turn out,  despite short notice and the courageous move of endorsing a good man who has promised to allow them to have a voice in his administration, that he will remain truthful to them and the people of Oyo State.

In the entourage of Dr Kola Balogun are: Prince Niran Adeyoju, Mogaji Olumuyiwa Makinde (the MKB campaign DG), Alh Omilabu Gandhi,  Hon Abiola Ayorinde, Hon Taofeek Olayiwola, Alh Daud Olalere, Chief Adelabu, Mr. Niyi Ajani, Alhaja Akindele and others from the campaign organization.

Signed.

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope

YOU WILL HAVE A VOICE IN MY ADMINISTRATION, SEYI MAKINDE PROMISES ITESIWAJU OYO.

The candidate of the People's Democratic Party for governorship in Oyo State met the  Itesiwaju Oyo, the umbrella body of artisans and trade associations in Oyo State  at the Alice's Place, Ibadan, he assures the leaders of the 105 associations under Itesiwaju Oyo that he knows the importance of the organization to the economic growth of the state; "I will give Itesiwaju Oyo a voice in my administration ,when I am sworn in by the grace of God".

The Chairman of the association, Comrade Wale Odewale and the Chairman of NUPENG,  Alh Aderibigbe affirm publicly that they will support Engr Seyi Makinde, Dr Kola Balogun and other PDP candidates for the 2019 elections because the members of the organization and the people of Oyo State have suffered in the hands of the present administration . 

Dr. Kola Balogun, the candidate of the People's Democratic Party for the Oyo South senatorial district , who facilitated the meeting assures the members that Engr Seyi Makinde doesn't make promises he wouldn't keep and they are in safe hands with Seyi Makinde at the helms of affairs in Oyo State. 

On the entourage of Engr Seyi Makinde were: Sen. Hosea Agboola, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi, Hon Seun Adelore and other PDP stalwarts .

ITESIWAJU OYO PLEDGES TO WORK FOR SEYI MAKINDE.

The umbrella body of artisan and trade  associations in Oyo State, the Itesiwaju Oyo has put

her weight behind the campaign of Engr Seyi Makinde and the People's Democratic Party for the 2019 general elections; claiming they have a role to play in ensuring a new era is heralded in Oyo State from 29 May,  2019.

The organization which is made up of 105 member associations in Oyo State was fully represented at the meeting held at the Alice's Place event center beside Senior Citizen club, Agodi Ibadan, also had in attendance; Prince Niran Adeyoju, Alh Omilabu Gandhi, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Mogaji Olumuyiwa Makinde, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi, Hon Seun Adelore, Sen. Hosea Agboola, Alh Aderibigbe of NUPENG and Hajia Aishat Ismail, leader of Arewa women in Oyo State.

The Chairman of Itesiwaju Oyo, Comrade Wale Odewale and the Chairman of NUPENG reiterate the roles of Itesiwaju Oyo in enthronement of the present administration in Oyo State and are going to do everything possible to make people of Oyo sigh for relief by working to enthrone a man that doesn't make promises and fail like the other politicians .

The candidate of the People's Democratic Party for the Oyo South senatorial district,  Dr. Kola Balogun who facilitated the meeting assured the Itesiwaju Oyo members that he has brought them to meet a man who doesn't promise what he wouldn't do and artisans in Oyo State can start preparing for new era by voting for the PDP candidates.

Engr Seyi Makinde used the opportunity to educate the members on the crucial roles they play in the economy of the state and that he would ensure they have due recognition and have a voice in his administration from May 29 when he's sworn in by the grace of God.

Signed.

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope.

OBASANJO BURSTS BUHARI SELF-SUCCESSION PLAN

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed serious doubt over the integrity, impartiality and competence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fair, free and credible elections in the days ahead.

He stated this on Sunday at a world press conference, held at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), in Abeokuta.

Reading from a 16-page address entitled: “Points for Concern and Action,” Obasanjo also alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have embarked on the president’s self-succession project, by recruiting collation officers who are already awarding results based on their projects to actualise the perpetuation agenda, in which the people will not matter and the votes will not count.

He equally said that the president’s henchmen were working round the clock in tandem with security and election officials, to perfect their rigging plan by computing results right from the ward level to local government, state and national levels to allow Buhari, what will look like a landslide victory irrespective of the true situation and outcome of the election.

Obasanjo, who noted that “Abacha era is here,” urged Nigerians to rise up and do what they did in the time of Abacha and urged the international communities to keep an eye on the unfolding anti-democratic agenda of President Buhari.

While saying that the track record of the present INEC is fairly sordid, Obasanjo said “all men and women of goodwill and believers in democracy must be prepared for the worst from INEC and their encouragers and how to get Nigeria out of the electoral morass that the commission is driving us into.”

YOUR MANDATE CANNOT BE STOLEN, DR. KOLA BALOGUN ASSURES VOTERS

The PDP candidate for Oyo South senatorial district in the 2019 elections, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has assured the people of Oyo State that their mandate cannot be stolen and they should troop out to vote on February 16 and March 2.



According to the statement released by his SA on Communication, Mr Rotimi Johnson Ojasope, Dr. Kola Balogun made this statement when he was addressing the people of Dalemo in the Ward 12 of Ibadan South West LG. At the meeting, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi receives ADC decampees led by Madam Christina Alade into PDP on behalf of Engr Seyi Makinde, the governorship candidate. Dr. Kola Balogun also uses the opportunity to assure the people that he will work with the State governor and President as a Senator to ensure the people of interior Apata feel the impacts of good governance in the area.

Others on the entourage of Dr. Kola Balogun are Alh. Omilabu Gandhi, Hon Abiola Ayorinde, Alhaja Akindele, Alh Lukmon Adesina and Mr. Benjamin Egunleti.

Signed.

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope.

MKB 2019 AND 30 DAYS TO BATTLE OF INCUMBENCY

Today, it's exactly 30 days to the battle of the incumbents; Dr.  Kola Balogun up and against the incumbent governor and the senator for the Oyo South senatorial district. The importance of this district is do significant that the winner of this election will most likely influence the gubernatorial election positively because that shows the party that gets the largest share of the Ibadan City and suburb votes.

One thing is sacrosanct in this election, beyond party structure, the personality of the candidate will contribute largely to the outcome of this election.  The 3 major candidates are from Ibadan;  MKB from Ibadan NorthEast, Sen Soji Akanbi from Ibadan Northwest and Sen Ajimobi from Southwest. It is obvious that Ibadan City votes are really up for grab. Ibarapa vote is almost sealed because they just have to pick one of the Ibadan sons for the senatorial district but the strength of the party in Ibarapa for the Senate is proportional to that of the Federal House of representatives which are indigents of the zone.

One thing puts Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun ahead of others for this post; his "Omoluabi" personality that is high above those of his opponents. Though he's contesting elective office (not party office) for the first time this season, the attestations from many that have come across him in the over 30yrs of his sojourn in partisan politics have shown his consistent good attitude, humane leadership style and excellent interpersonal relationships skills. 
Academically, Dr. Kola Balogun is even more qualified than the best they can bring forward but more than that, his exemplary humility despite the royal birth, listening ear and sense of humor are the great qualities that are found wanting in others but radiating well in this proud Ibadan son. Put him in the debate or aptitude test and you will be more than convinced that MKB is best among the rest. 

AJIMOBI: The incumbent governor was the senator for this district for the 2003-2007 term. The only record of performance is the youth empowerment programme with the office at Oke-Ado and that was stopped when he couldn't win the 2007 governorship election of Oyo State. The 4yrs after, there was no empowerment or charity work from Sen Ajimobi. The incumbent governor has had the best share of two terms as governor of Oyo State after his 4yrs as senator; the question on the lips of the average man on the street is "what is he going to do again?". He wants to become the God father of Oyo State politics and but the people are wiser. He has not started campaigning for election and that's understandable because there's nothing to campaign with.

SOJI AKANBI: The incumbent senator of Oyo South senatorial district is a gentleman who veered to aspire for the governorship under APC before he later focused on returning to the Senate. He lost the seat to the incumbent governor and he dumped APC for ADC. Though there are not much complains about his character, he's on offside position because of his party; it's party of CUPP that has adopted PDP presidential candidate, therefore many of the party canvassers are promoting Alh Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Soji Akanbi of ADC for Rep. There will be 3 different ballot papers and how does the average market woman differentiates and thump print different party logos on that day? Also, the imminent Atiku tsunami will be another factor we can't ignore. The 147plus votes pulled by SOJ in the last election was the effort of incumbent governor and the Buhari tsunami. Now,  no Buhari tsunami and the incumbent governor factor are not in his favour.

MKB 2019: Though he sometimes describes his sojourn in PDP as nomadic because of how he journeyed from Labor Party to APC,  to ADC and then to PDP; he found it laughable but his destination in PDP has appeared predestinated so far; divine mandate is his emergence as the candidate of the party.  MKB hit ground running and he's really making impacts.  
Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has never minced words about his fascination of sociopolitical restructuring of Nigeria and his commitment to contribute at the 9th national assembly to the success of the restructuring. Every bill that will facilitate restructuring and devolution of power and resources will get his attention.  Constituency projects will be tailored to the specific needs of the people, not at the whims of the Senator because there will be continuing district relations to facilitate current needs of the people and legislative needs of the district. 

MKB has been very careful in making electoral pledges and he has refused to make blanket commitments because the constituency needs of the people vary from different part of the district.  
This is a leader I confidently recommend to the people of Oyo South senatorial district, his emotional intelligence is commendable and responsiveness is next to none.

Friends, MKB is here to serve you and your vote on the 16th of February is the visa he needs to convince you beyond reasonable doubt.  

DR. BUSARI ADEBISI INSISTS DR. KOLA BALOGUN IS A GOOD MAN, DEBUNKS DUMPING ADC

A former secretary to the state government and leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dr. Busari Adebisi, has debunked as untrue news of his exit from the party.

Adebisi, who is a member of the Unity Forum, a breakaway faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, expressed high hope that his party will defeat the ruling APC and other opposition parties in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2019 governorship and senatorial elections in Oyo State and Oyo South senatorial district, Engr. Seyi Makinde and Dr Kola Balogun, respectively, had visited the old man and claimed they were endorsed.

At a press conference at his Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, residence, Adebisi explained that “ADC is a rebirth of the Late Oyo governor, Chief Lamidi Adesina which is founded on the ideals of social welfarism with focus on the ordinary people of Oyo state.

“It’s a new dawn for party politics and the people of Oyo State. Since the time of Late Chief Lam Adesina, we have been influenced by the flair for the social democratic pursuit to our people but the ruling party derailed in terms of ideological and democratic standards, which some of us stand for, hence our defection.”

“With our formidable ADC, we intend to relive the heritage of the Great Lam and rescue Oyo people from the excruciating experiences the current government has thrown them into for that past eight years.

“We are dissatisfied by the groaning posture, impoverishment of our people in Oyo state. We have enormous pity for them which has spurred us to salvage them from the cloaks. It’s not in the interest of the people to support any continuity of this administratjon. Such is only tantamount to an extension in suffering. We must and are ready to return our people to social welfarism, which our party stands for”, he noted.

On the stakes of ADC in the coming election, he stressed that “ADC remains the only ideologically-progressive party in Oyo state. Some politicians who flock around us willingly opted out when they observed that our mandates do not incline with their selfish interest.”.

“I want to say unequivocally that ADC will win the forthcoming gubernatorial election because we place man as the centrepiece of our policy.”

Asked about the formation of the ADC in a short period, he quickly reminisced on the outcome of their congress which held in Liberty Stadium in 2018.

“Having figured out that the APC was on a decaying path which was likely to distort our personal characters, myself and a train of likeminds had our maiden meeting at Liberty stadium where critical deliberations were made.”

“Options of many parities to merge with came up and we eventually took a decisive agreement in the long run to benefit the Oyo people,” he added.

This is as Adebisi emphasized that internal crisis that arose from the choice of gubernatorial candidate has been resolved and all litigations by aggrieved members would be withdrawn from the court.

“Meanwhile, let me quickly clear that Dr. Kola Balogun remains a good, soft-spoken and intellectual person I cherish and still keep good relationship with despite his exit to another party after losing the party’s ticket.

“I couldn’t stop him from seeking greener pasture to obtain senatorial ticket from PDP but he regards ADC as his second home and relates well with us”, he added.

SEYI MAKINDE: BEATING THE ODDS AND RIDING THE HORSE

Engineer Seyi Makinde is not a new entrant in Oyo State politics. He is a veteran, a grassroot politician with enviably robust reputation to match. He is soliciting your support for the gubernatorial election in Oyo State. He is the PDP governorship flagbearer in Oyo state. With the help of God and your unflinching support, he is a candidate to beat.

The political analysis of the electorate is given below to illustrate his odds. Your vote is undoubtedly to the winning team. This is just to assure you that you are not making a mistake casting your vote for Engineer Seyi Makinde, the PDP governorship candidate in Oyo State.

With due respect to other candidates, there are 37 governorship candidates in Oyo State but only 4 of them are the major gladiators in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Leading the pack is Engineer Seyi Makinde of PDP. Others are Olufemi Lanlehin of ADC, Adebayo Adelabu of APC and Adebayo Alao-Akala of ADP. Seyi Makinde is fron Oja'ba in Ibadan South-East LGA. Olufemi Lanlehin is from Nalende in Ibadan North-West LGA. Adebayo Adelabu is from Kudeti in Ibadan South-East LGA. Adebayo Alao-Akala is from Ogbomoso North LGA. In summary, out of the _big four_ , 3 candidates are fom Ibadan while one candidate is from Ogbomosho.

Oyo State can be summarily divided into 5 political zones: Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oke Ogun, Oyo township and Ogbomoso. Each of this zone is important to the electoral success of any politician who aims to occupy the Agodi Government House as the number one citizen of the state.

*IBADAN ZONE*
  
Ibadan is the capital city of Oyo state. It is the largest and most populous zone in the state. In fact, Ibadan metropolis and suburb constitute about 50% of the electorates in Oyo state. So, any candidate who performs abysmally in Ibadan has a significantly reduced chance of clinching the ticket. This works against Adebayo Alao-Akala of ADP as he is the only candidate among the _big four_  who is not from Ibadan. If you take a stroll on the streets of the core areas of Ibadan (Oje, Bere, Mapo, Oja'ba, Molete e.t.c) and you interract with the people, the most popular candidate is still Seyi Makinde. His philantropy and closeness to the people give him a bright chance. Adebayo Adelabu is not a grassroot person. He is an _alakowe_  (blue collar pesonality) who has never identified himself with the locals.

Most Ibadan people do not want someone who has never helped or associated with anybody to just come from nowhere and buys (or bribes) his way to the Government House. This is the major grouse of Ibadan people against Adebayo Adelabu. He has the governor behind him but the truth is he is not even the preferred candidate of the governor. He was imposed from above after money has exchanged hands. Even, the reputation of the governor has dwindled significantly. His poor performance in office is not helping matters. The most important grievance against Governor Ajimobi from Ibadan people is the way he desecrated the Ibadan Traditional stool. He embarassed the Olubadan of Ibadan (the one-and-only Paramount Ruler in Ibadan recognized by Ibadan indigenes both home and abroad). In other words, the power of incumbency is not as helpful as it would have been had Governor Ajimobi not stepped on toes.

Adebayo Adelabu's grandfather, Adegoke Adelabu _penkelemesi_  was a sworn enemy of Obafemi Awolowo. In Yoruba land of today, the name of Awolowo alone can still convince some people to vote for you. This is against Adelabu whose grandfather was a sworn enemy of Obafemi Awolowo. Olufemi Lanlehin of ADC however has this factor in his favour as his own father (Samuel Lanlehin ) was a staunch supporter of Obafemi Awolowo. In fact, Femi Lanlehin's father was the treasurer of Action group, the foremost political group of Obafemi Awolowo. What is against Olufemi Lanlehin is his own _household_ , his political party, ADC.To say ADC is in disarray is an understatement. In fact, the most prominent figure in ADC (who incidentally imposed Femi Lanlehin as the governorship candidate), Senator Rashidi Ladoja with his teeming supporters has dumped ADC. A house (let alone a small  room, which ADC is) divided agaist itself cannot stand.

Engineer Seyi Makinde has the people behind him. The artisans, the market women and other grassroot people are largely for Seyi Makinde. The NURTW members are supporting him. The majority of the Ibadan elites are openly or secretly supporting him. Will the King (The one-and-only Olubadan of Ibadan land) support the candidate of Governor Ajimobi who desecrated the traditional stool? You can infer the rest from your answer.

Surprisingly, even in Kudeti, where Adebayo Adelabu hails from, the majority of the people there are supporting Seyi Makinde. If you go to Oluokun (the street of Adebayo Adelabu's extended family) right now, there is only governorship candidate's banner you will see and that is Seyi Makinde's. Why? The extended family members don't reckon with an _alakowe_ man who does not identify with them or help them. Of what use is a big eye that cannot see?

*IBARAPA ZONE*

The major towns in Ibarapa zone are Igbo-Ora, Eruwa, Lanlate, Aiyete, Tapa, Igangan and Idere. Ibarapa zone spans 3 local governments. Traditionally, Ibarapa people vote along the pattern of Ibadan people. Ibadan and Ibarapa are close allies. In fact, in the proposed Ibadan State, only Ibarapa will go with Ibadan Metropolis while the other zones will constitute a state on their own. Without mincing words, the majority of Ibarapa people are solidly behind Seyi Makinde of PDP. A house of assembly election conducted in Ibarapa a couple of months ago produced a PDP candidate as the winner against the candidate of the ruling party. As it stands today, Seyi Makinde holds sway in Ibarapa zone.

*OKE-OGUN ZONE*

This zone is very interesing because it is the most heterogenous zone. There are tens of towns here but the major ones are Iseyin, Saki, Okeho, Igboho, Igbeti, Ipapo, Okaka, Tede, Ago Are, Sepeteri, Iganna, Otu, Ilero, Iwere Ile, Itasa, Ayetoro Ile, Ayegun Wasinmi and so on. No doubt, the votes will be divided in this zone among the _big four_ . Oke Ogun zone will be the battle of the deputies. Apart from Adebayo Alao-Akala whose running mate is from Ibadan, the other three have picked their running mates from Oke Ogun zone.

Saheed Adejare is the running mate of Olufemi Lanlehin of ADC. Saheed Adejare is from Iseyin but his emergence was as controversial as the emergence of Femi Lanlehin himself. He is not a big name in Oke Ogun politics and this did not go well with party faithfuls. In fact, the Pillar of ADC in Oyo state (Senator Rashidi Ladoja) dumped the party because of the emergence of Saheed Adejare as Femi Lanlehin's running mate. This is a disadvantage for Olufemi Lanlehin of ADC.

Samuel Egunjobi from Iganna in Oke Ogun is the running mate of Adebayo Adelabu. Let's take a trip down memory lane. Take this quiz: within 20 seconds, state the names of the deputies of Abiola Ajimobi, Gboyega Oyetola, Ibikunle Amosun and Akinwunmi Ambode, all of APC. That was a herculean task indeed! They pick relatively unknown running mates. Samuel Egunjobi is a lilliputian as far as Oke Ogun politics is concerned. He cannot deliver his ward let alone his local government. This is a disadvantage for Adebayo Adelabu of APC.

Engineer Aderemi Olaniyan from Igboho is the running mate of Seyi Makinde. Remi Olaniyan is a household name in Oke Ogun. In fact, he was a governorship aspirant on his own merit before he accepted to become Seyi Makinde's running mate, out of humility and the love for his people. He opined that it is better to have a strong deputy from Oke Ogun rather than weaklings who cannot bring the dividends of democracy to Oke Ogun people. The Oke Ogun people seem to concur with him and this gives Seyi Makinde an upper hand in Oke Ogun.

*OGBOMOSHO ZONE*

This is the home town and stronghold of Adebayo Alao-Akala of ADP. He will have at least 60% from this zone while the others will divide the rest. Interestingly, Seyi Makinde will still get the best of the rest. A former Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola of PDP is a household name in Oyo North Senatorial district and he grew up in Ogbomosho. This is an advantage to Seyi Makinde. However, by and large, Adebayo Alao-Akala of ADP is expected to sweep this zone which has just 3 out of 33 local government areas in Oyo state. This, definitely, will not make Adebayo Alao-Akala win the governorship election notwithstanding.

*OYO TOWNSHIP ZONE*

Oyo town has 3 local government areas. However, it is a strategic town because of many reasons. It is the town of the second most Important King in the entire Yoruba land in person of _Iku-baba-yeye_ , the Alaafin of Oyo. He holds sways in his kingdom. Alaafin is however the father of all, so other factors may play important roles as to who gets the majority of the votes in the zone. Olufemi Lanlehin has a slight advantage in the person of Senator Monsurat Sunmonu of ADC, the present Senator representing Oyo Central senatorial district. However, the emergence of Chief Bisi Ilaka (a household name and Chieftancy title holder in Oyo Kingdom) as the Senatorial Candidate of PDP in Oyo  Central means that the influence of Senator Monsurat Sunmonu has significantly plummeted. Certainly, deep within her heart, she knows her days in the Senate are numbered. Therefore, as it stands, Seyi Makinde of PDP is expected to get the majority of the votes in this zone with probably Femi Lanlehin of ADC coming second.

*SUMMARY*

The analysis has been laid before you. Politics however is more complex than calculus and algebra. *Seyi Makinde* of the *PDP*  has the odds in his favour, banking upon your support. We can make history together. Oyo state shall be delivered from the claws of constituted barbarism. A vote for *Seyi Makinde*  is a vote for all round development.

The writer is *Dr. N. T. A. Azeez* (MBChB, MSc, MWACP, FCE, FCPM, MTM, ACFCN, MCPA, ACFA, AMNIM) an Ibadan indigene from Itutaba in Ibadan North-East LGA of Oyo State).

THE PECULIAR MESS OF OYO'S EDUCATION. By Kehinde Ayoola JP

.

I mean the Ajimobi government has been whipping our people with scorpions.
Our people have been groaning under the debilitating weight of school levies of all kinds.

Many people have been under the impression that the State Government only charges a N1000 per term levy.
But no, there are all manner of levies which has pushed many pupils out of school.
According to the United Nation's Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI, 2015), Oyo State has a poverty rate of 29.4%.
That makes us the 17th state and the poorest in the Southwest region lagging far behind:
Lagos at Number 1
Osun at Number 2
Ekiti at Number 4
Ogun at Number 12 and
Ondo at Number 14.

This will increase the number of out-of-school children of course.

In Oyo State, for your child or ward to be admitted into JS1, you need to pay the following :

Uniform 1.800.00 Cash.
Parents forum 1800.00
Lesson 2,000.00 per term.
Desk and Chair 3,500.00 per student.
School Levy 1,320.00

Each parent is given these instructions:

1. JSS 1 entrance to Government Secondary schools In  Oyo State.
Code 4010001.
Account Number: 1790081186.
Account Name: OYSG.
Choose one of these banks.  WEMA,  First Bank, Union Bank or Skye Bank.
Take Teller to Oyo State Government Internal Revenue Dept to collect receipt.

2.  Ajimobi Levy.  Education Development Levy. FCMB. Account No. 4400059010.
You get No Receipt.
Just take teller to your school of admission.

An important social service like education is thus criminally commercialized in Oyo State.

I say criminally, bcos constitutionally, education is supposed to be free at this level. The Child Rights policy of our country, which was enacted into law in 2006, makes education and care of a child from neonate to the first 9 years in school the exclusive responsibility of government. That is from Primary One to JSS Three!

Our people must not only vote against the continuity of this oppressive government, they must vote against the head of this regime of oppression in the Senatorial election where he is likely to continue initiating and supporting further anti-people policies.

What a peculiar mess!

Of course, Seyi Makinde has clearly and unequivocally stated that he will abolish all these oppressive levies when he becomes governor.

Omi Tuntun, Ìgbà Ọ̀tun!

DR. BUSARI ADEBISI ENDORSES MKB AND PROMISES TO SUPPORT SEYI MAKINDE

A stalwart of ADC and an Elder statesman, Dr. Busari Adebisi has endorsed the candidature of Dr. Kola Balogun, candidate of the PDP for Oyo South senatorial district in the 2019 elections, claiming that his "omoluabi" personality and the attestation to his attitude by many that have come across him are the reasons for this decision. 

According to the press statement released by SA Communication to Dr Kola Balogun,  Rotimi Johnson Ojasope, the octogenarian who has had about 5 different experiences at election of state governors and served in different capacities from state executives to various board appointments in Oyo State made the decision at a meeting held at his Oluyole residence on Friday 10/01/2019. He also said he has known Dr. Kola Balogun since the days of CNC and the over 30yrs of relationship has convinced him that he's the best among the rest.

The meeting was attended by Mogaji Olumuyiwa Makinde, who represented Engr Oluseyi Makinde, key members of Team MKB and the leaders of Dr. Adebisi group from across Oyo State, various speakers from the elder statesman's camp affirmed that the combination of OmiTitun and Omoluabi concepts of Engr Oluseyi Makinde and Dr. Kola Balogun will produce the most progressivist government in Oyo State history because the duo are humane and their personalities are compelling, making the group to ignore party to follow personality. Dr. Adebisi concluded by declaring: "I will support  Engr Oluseyi Makinde the way I have never done for anyone before in Oyo State and Dr. Kola Balogun can be rest assured because his records of good conducts will earn him the victory by the grace of God.  Others at the meeting are: Alh Kehinde Balogun, Alh Alaraje, Barr. Soares, Alh Olubodun and Ganiyu Gbenga  leading others from Dr. Adebisi camp. Prince Niran Adeyoju, Alh Omilabu Gandhi, Alh. Tunde Olayiwola, Alh Danladi(Leader of Arewa community in Oyo State) among others from the Team MKB. Mogaji Olumuyiwa Makinde represented Engr Oluseyi Makinde that was on campaign tour of Ogbomoso zone.

Signed
Rotimi Johnson Ojasope

ATIKU CONDEMNS USURPATION OF THE JUDICIARY BY THE EXECUTIVE

PRESS RELEASE:

A Clarion Call In Defence Of Our Constitution

Abuja, Nigeria, 12 Jan 2019: I have received the news of the sudden charges about to be filed against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, with apprehension and suspicion especially as such a move against the head of an arm of our government is coming so close to an election in preparation of which the Buhari administration has shown growing desperation.

My suspicions are further exacerbated by the fact that the Buhari government is pressuring an independent and self governing arm of government with the aim of getting CJN Walter Onnoghen to resign or be pushed aside.

I stand on the side of the rule of law and believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

If Justice Walter Onnoghen is guilty of the charges about to be preferred against him, let his guilt be determined by a competent court of law and not by the Buhari administration. The executive cannot usurp the role of the judiciary. Nigeria is still a democracy and not a fascist dictatorship as President Buhari may wish.

Any attempt to force Justice Walter Onnoghen to vacate his office, 4 weeks to an election for which the unpopular Buhari administration has shown every intention to manipulate, is a move pregnant with negative meaning.

I see no reason whatsoever for the ongoing pressure by the Buhari government to force Justice Walter Onnoghen to vacate office when he has not been convicted for any offence.
 
I therefore call on the President to respect the principle of separation of powers and abide by the rule of law on this matter and stop any interference or pressure on Justice Walter Onnoghen or the judiciary and allow the law and the constitution take its full course.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR.

MY BILL BOARDS ARE HAUNTING YOU..SEYI MAKINDE TAUNTS AJIMOBI

Amidst news making the rounds that the Chairman of Oyo state Signage and Advertisement Agency( OYSA),Pastor Yinka Adepoju has resigned his position due to undue  pressures from Gov Ajimobi, the PDP gubernatorial candidate Engr Seyi Makinde has expressed his disappointment at the desperate arm twisting tactics being employed by Gov Ajimobi to install his annointed as governor next month.

In a Statement issued from his campaign organization and signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the PDP candidate said that a thousand Constituted Authorities can never undermine the wish of the people as they are prepared and determined to make Seyi Makinde the next governor through legitimate  ballots on March 2.
According to the statement, reliable sources confirmed that the OYSA Chairman resigned because he refused to  illegally remove the billboards and posters of the opposition particularly Engr Seyi Makindes whose posters and billboards have been persistently defaced and bastardised  by the agents of the ruling party and government in power.
It would be recalled  that for several months now., the Seyi Makinde organization has been alleging that the spate of the destruction of its bill boards all over the state was at the instance of the state governor, an allegation that has now been confirmed by the resignation of the man who refused to do the hatchet job

Makinde assured the masses not to take the laws into their hands but to be patient and vote out the mess that we have on our hands in the next 48 days

MAKINDE TELLS AJIMOBI TO STOP CELEBRATING POVERTY

The gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde has said that by parading the so-called beneficiaries  of the Federal govt N-Power Programme and threatening them that the programme will stopped if they do not vote for the APC is cheap and desperate blackmail.

In a release issued by his campaign organization and signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade,  the federal govt largesse is wide open and vulnerable to massive fraud, while only a very small margin is doled out to the masses because of the general elections.
According to him, the ruling party and some govt officials are the major beneficiaries.

Makinde said that by forcing the people to abandon their little businesses and attend a rally to show gratitude for a monumental fraud, it is obvious that the state govt is in panic mode.

Makinde said that Gov Ajimobi and the APC are celebrating a non-event when they should be grappling with the N40bn they are owing primary school teachers and inability to pay serving primary school teachers salaries.

PDP said that the state govt must explain why serving teachers who were deceptively given mass promotion were not being paid the required increament while contracts that will bring kick-backs are still being awarded at the twilight of the administration

MKB AND PRIDE OF MARKETING A GOOD PRODUCT

MKB AND PRIDE OF MARKETING A GOOD PRODUCT

Over the years, more than academic grades, I look out for peculiar grace, more than opulence, I have learnt to discern the humanity in the leaders. So, while many are looking at the swollen pockets and ego of the politician, I am very interested in the strength of character and ability to provide the much needed leadership that is grossly deficient in Nigeria. The kinds of comments and response people make about whoever I choose to follow and promote are very important to me,  just the same way marketers get motivated with customers' testimonies of their good products. 

I was a marketer of intangible products for many years and that has taught me how to know the selling advantage of my products compared to those of the competitors in the market. I have also learnt to focus on the faults of the competitors for the same purpose of competitive advantage and products developments. I sell Engr Seyi Makinde and I can vouch that he's a very good product. However recently, my product portfolio was increased with the addition of Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun for Senate. Hmmm! Though it started on precarious note, the more I study and understand this product, the more I am convinced I have the best product to meet the needs of my target market (Oyo south electorates), the best to give them added value for their votes and bountiful dividends of democracy. 

I was pondering on the pride I have for my product when Oluwaseun Akinola of Splash FM attested to it on live interview that Dr Kola Balogun is very accessible and he picks any call; not just those previously registered on his phone contacts; "when your masquerade dances well, the moderator gets motivated".
I have mingled and interacted with many politicians and candidates in this dispensation but not many have the fortitude and soundness of MKB; the few that have the cerebral competence are often too arrogant and haughty but this man is just to the contrary. He prefers others to himself, full of life, agile and industrious; I sometimes wonder where the strength comes from because he neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, yet he keeps firing on all cylinders like a young adult.

To those who will say; they don't expect something else from me, you have the express liberty to make independent enquiry about this man with vast experience in public office, royal blood and matching academic qualifications. No doubt, I know he belonged to the category of students that are playful geniuses in school and dangerous to imitate during the day activities because they are exceptionally gifted. 

Thank God Providence has found room for him to contest as Senator instead of Governorship because I would never have known there is a good content in the package; I would never have gotten this close and no way to know the qualities of this product.

There's a pride that comes with selling a very good product and knowing you're gradually building a reputation for having qualitative products in your portfolio; you're not afraid of your competitors snatching your customers because the evidence of the difference in the products are obvious to all. 

Mohammed Kola Balogun is here to serve the good people of Oyo South senatorial district and as much as we want to sell him to the prospective customers (electorate) we still require more people to join us in the sales department (canvassers) because we have more stock than we can push into the markets.

This product has no caveat, no side effects and he's ready for service (ready-made).

MKB is here to serve you and that is exactly what he will do.

MKB AND PRIDE OF MARKETING A GOOD PRODUCT

Over the years, more than academic grades, I look out for peculiar grace, more than opulence, I have learnt to discern the humanity in the leaders. So, while many are looking at the swollen pockets and ego of the politician, I am very interested in the strength of character and ability to provide the much needed leadership that is grossly deficient in Nigeria. The kinds of comments and response people make about whoever I choose to follow and promote are very important to me,  just the same way marketers get motivated with customers' testimonies of their good products. 

I was a marketer of intangible products for many years and that has taught me how to know the selling advantage of my products compared to those of the competitors in the market. I have also learnt to focus on the faults of the competitors for the same purpose of competitive advantage and products developments. I sell Engr Seyi Makinde and I can vouch that he's a very good product. However recently, my product portfolio was increased with the addition of Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun for Senate. Hmmm! Though it started on precarious note, the more I study and understand this product, the more I am convinced I have the best product to meet the needs of my target market (Oyo south electorates), the best to give them added value for their votes and bountiful dividends of democracy. 

I was pondering on the pride I have for my product when Oluwaseun Akinola of Splash FM attested to it on live interview that Dr Kola Balogun is very accessible and he picks any call; not just those previously registered on his phone contacts; "when your masquerade dances well, the moderator gets motivated".
I have mingled and interacted with many politicians and candidates in this dispensation but not many have the fortitude and soundness of MKB; the few that have the cerebral competence are often too arrogant and haughty but this man is just to the contrary. He prefers others to himself, full of life, agile and industrious; I sometimes wonder where the strength comes from because he neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, yet he keeps firing on all cylinders like a young adult.

To those who will say; they don't expect something else from me, you have the express liberty to make independent enquiry about this man with vast experience in public office, royal blood and matching academic qualifications. No doubt, I know he belonged to the category of students that are playful geniuses in school and dangerous to imitate during the day activities because they are exceptionally gifted. 

Thank God Providence has found room for him to contest as Senator instead of Governorship because I would never have known there is a good content in the package; I would never have gotten this close and no way to know the qualities of this product.

There's a pride that comes with selling a very good product and knowing you're gradually building a reputation for having qualitative products in your portfolio; you're not afraid of your competitors snatching your customers because the evidence of the difference in the products are obvious to all. 

Mohammed Kola Balogun is here to serve the good people of Oyo South senatorial district and as much as we want to sell him to the prospective customers (electorate) we still require more people to join us in the sales department (canvassers) because we have more stock than we can push into the markets.

This product has no caveat, no side effects and he's ready for service (ready-made).

MKB is here to serve you and that is exactly what he will do.

NIGERIA MUST RESTRUCTURE FOR POSTERITY, FOR PEACE TO REIGN - MKB

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Oyo South senatorial district in the 2019 elections,  Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has stated that Nigeria must restructure for prosperity, for peace to reign. He stated this on a radio personality interview monitored by Olabisi Ajayi in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Dr.  Kola Balogun affirms that he's comfortable with his present aspiration for the Senate because it's an opportunity to serve the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in general. He said: "If you are determined to run for the Presidency, if you run for governorship or house of representatives; the key word is service to the people and that's in line with my philosophy as far as the Nigeria project is concerned".  He insisted there must be devolution of power and resource control to the federal units for socioeconomic developments to take place. 

"Hunger has no color, hunger has no ethnicity; in Oyo South, Oyo North and everywhere, people are hungry and they are angry, they will vote APC out of office". On the issue of corruption, he said: "It doesn't matter whether you're PDP, APC or ADC, once you're convicted, you should be jailed. We must tackle the issue of corruption but I have problem with the way APC is going about it; he who must come to equity must come with clean hands".

Olabisi Ajayi
Spectre News Online, Ibadan.

OYO PDP NOW FORMIDABLE AND READY TO RETURN TO POWER. By Dr. Kola Balogun

The candidate of the People's Democratic Party for the Oyo South senatorial district in the 2019 general elections, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has congratulated Engr Seyi Makinde, the governorship candidate, the state executives, all the candidates, the leaders and all party members for the successful flag off of the campaign at Ogbomoso on Monday. 

According to the statement released by his SA communication, Rotimi Johnson Ojasope, the turnout at the rally was impressive and well coordinated. He appreciates the stalwarts and the good people of Ogbomoso for the warmth reception given the party at the rally.

The senatorial candidate also affirmed that the party is now formidable and very ready to return to power in Oyo State judging by the way the party leaders from all zones have united in their efforts to liberate the people of Oyo State from captivity of the ruling party.

He uses the opportunity to impress it on the people of Oyo South senatorial district that he's willing, ready and able to serve them in a very remarkable way if voted in office as their senator.

Signed

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope.

WOMAN CHARGES AJIMOBI ON SAFETY AND FAIRNESS

AN OPEN LETTER TO OYO STATE GOVERNOR
BY MRS FOLUSO OYENUGA

Dear Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi, it has become necessamind  write you this letter to let you know the mind of the people of Oyo State concerning President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to establish a ranch in Oyo State. I would have routed this letter through your media aides, but I have no confidence in them as experience has shown that in government circles, media aides allow their bosses to know only what their bosses want to know or what the media aides want their bosses to know.  On behalf of the good people of Oyo State, I would like to tell you that all Oyo State indigenes and, by extension all Yoruba, are totally averse to the establishment of any ranch in any part of Oyo State as it is clearly an attempt to endanger the lives and belongings of our people. Your Excellency, when the issue of establishing ranches by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the South (outside the homeland of the traditional practitioners of cattle rearing) first came up, you spoke bravely in opposition to the idea, and the people of the state applauded you as a true son of the soil.

However, we are now flabbergasted to hear that you have quickly beaten a retreat by now supporting the idea of establishing a ranch in Oyo State. This new decision of yours is one that is hundred percent sure to set you and the entire people of the state on a collision course, for a number of reasons. One, the President in power now is a Fulani and he is looking for a means of helping the Fulani Nation realize its age-long ambition of capturing Southern Nigeria, as attested to by the various social media posts of the Fulani Nation in which it threatens to take over every part of Southern Nigeria and kill our people. This is an open secret.  This the President wants to set the stage for by establishing ranches here to be peopled and run by Fulani herdsmen in preparation for the impending final onslaught. The so-called ranch, when established here will be used as an operational base for Fulani herdsmen terrorist activities. Once established, the ranch will be headed by an emir ON OUR SOIL and our land will be lost forever to foreigners. Then, senseless killing and maiming of our dear people and destruction of their belongings will start in the name of Fulani expansionist and subjugation agenda; the peace and security we now enjoy will quickly become a thing of the past. The Fulani has perfected the plan to take over the whole of the country and impose its culture, tradition and philosophy on the conquered territories. The current President of Nigeria is their arrowhead in this ill-planned agenda, hence his sudden interest in establishing ranches in favour of his Fulani Nation, using state fund.
Secondly, as said by FGN the first time the issue was mentioned by the FGN, cattle rearing is a private business. So, why is it that President Buhari’s administration is now planning to use state funds to advance the interest of just one ethnic group (Fulani) at the expense of the others in Nigeria? Sir, please don’t be deceived by the inclusion of some northern states in the ranch establishment project. It is a merely a ploy to give the project a national outlook. It is by all intent and purpose a sectional idea meant to favour the kith and kin of President Muhammadu Buhari. I believe you also know he is the Grand patron of Miyetti Allah – the above-the-law umbrella body for Fulani herdsmen. I believe also that you know the destructive and murderous activities of the Fulani herdsmen in their areas of operation, particularly in states like Benue, Plateau, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Borno, to mention but a few. I charge you not to compromise on any issue that bothers on the safety and wellbeing of our people.

Sir, the choice of Oyo State as one of the ‘’beneficiaries’’ of the ranch project was not fortuitous; it was a calculated choice. Everyone knows that the political headquarters of the Yoruba Nation is Ibadan IN OYO STATE. So, the Fulani Nation wants to start its land-grabbing agenda from our political headquarters to facilitate the infiltration of other towns in the Yoruba Nation. Remember also that none of our forefathers were cattle rearers. Neither can we find any of us (their descendants) who are cattle rearers.  So, how come a foreigner, and an enemy of the Yoruba Nation for that matter, would come up with an idea to open our doors for the enemies to imperil the lives and belongings of our dear people and one of us would support the idea to our detriment? Please be informed that the policy will not affect Oyo State alone, but the entire Yoruba Nation.

The President has got feelers in his Abuja office that the South will not take the nonsense he is trying to force down our throats. So, prophetically, the next step is to use the National Assembly, banking on the numerical strength of Northern federal legislators and their southern collaborators coupled with readiness to flood the ‘’hallowed chambers’’ with tons of money to give a bill on it a smooth passage. Walahi talahi! Ten billion Nigerian National Assembly cannot make any law bound to endanger the lives of our dear people and their belongings, create palpable fears here and expect we will fold our arms and watch. We shall fight such an obnoxious law with everything we have, to protect our people, their belongings and our land. I want Nigeria to know that the Yoruba, as a nation, are greater than any loathsome law. We shall break any law that threatens our cherished peace and security of our people, and nothing will happen.
I would also like to use this medium to call on all Yoruba traditional rulers: the Ooni of Ife, Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Orangun of Ila, Okere of Saki, Owa Obokun of Ijesha Land, Osemawe of Ondo, Deji of Akure, Ataoja of Osogbo and other respected Yoruba traditional rulers too numerous to mention, eminent personalities, students and the generality of our people to oppose this policy with all resources at their disposal to guarantee the safety of our people and their belongings. Our inaction today will have very dangerous consequences on us and our future generations. After all, a Yoruba proverb says: “Igi ganganran ma gun mi loju, atokeere latii wo.”  

Finally, on behalf of all Yoruba,   I advise you renege on the promise you made to President Muhammadu Buhari to allow establishment of a ranch in Oyo State. It is no-go area. Doing so is crossing the red line. Doing so is putting the hangman’s noose on the necks of our dear people. I have no doubt you love Yoruba Nation and her people. So, do everything you can to resist the temptation to imperil the lives and belongings of our people. Any attempt to turn deaf ears on our demand will do none of us any good and will, in addition, eclipse all you have laboured tirelessly to achieve for this state since you assumed the mantle of leadership as the Executive Governor of this state. You are blessed as you listen to the voice of your people.

I owe nobody any apology for the views expressed here. Please let’s circulate this letter widely till it gets to Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi.

PDP COMMENDS NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA

Good day Ladies and Gentlemen.
HIS Excellency, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Dr Peter Obi, extend their deep greetings .

It gladdens my heart to hear that our brothers and sisters from the shore of our beloved country, Nigeria, who are resident in Europe have come together to be part of our historic movement to make Nigeria work again, and are gathered here at the HQ of Europe, Brussels. You are indeed patriots worthy of emulation. This organisation came to our notice through the leadership of Akogun the DG of this chapter. It is noteworthy that the London chapter will be inaugurated on Sunday 6th of Jan and we shall also make historic touch there too. I am most delighted to receive the honour being awarded me, I thank you most sincerely.  I hereby dedicate this honour to Nigerians, that have been victims of Heardsmen, irrespective of their tribes, our gallant soldiers who met their untimely death in the hands of Boko Haram terrorists because a government sent young men to war without weapons. It saddens me to reveal, as you must have read in news reports from home, that money for arms, were diverted  to buy shares in Keystone Bank  and Etisalat. I implore the President to officially set up a panel to look into these allegations which must not be swept under the carpet.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai would rather gather editors at Christmas to give them N500,000 cash 'gifts' to buy their silence so the world would not know the share horror of the failed war against the Boko Haram terrorists. Everyday government loses grounds as soldiers retreat from the war front in  protest...yet all that concerns Buratai is propaganda.

As we are gathered here today with friends, families and all Nigerians within, we look forward to February 16 when we will be given another opportunity to ignite meaningful changes to the Socio-economic and political status of our beloved nation, Nigeria. Another chance to turn around the fortunes of our people at home, to bring prosperity into their lives and make the nation excel again.

You will all agree with me that our country has the potentials, human and material, to be great again. But, we were unfortunate to have been ladened in the last 4 years, with pseudo-progressive and clueless leadership.

It is an understatement to say Our People have never had it as bad as we have today. Since the return of the democratic leadership of Obasanjo led regime, 1999-2007, solid foundations were laid for an all round growth of our nation.

The immediate succeeding  regime of Late Yaradua and that or Dr GoodkuckJonathan did their best to move the nation forward with innovation of unprecedented ideals and ideas. However, the People fell for a “lip service slogan of Change” which has ushered in darkness, hopelessness, ineptitude, nepotism and  hatred as never  before felt, into lives of Our once world - renowned happy People. We are divided in our ethic coloration and seperated like never before.Today, we are more divided along religious lines, while the hunger, the killing in the land are not things of jubilation or to make political rhetoric of.

But, now an opportunity avails us to redeem our mistake of the last general election. Together, we can get Nigeria working again. You are aware that our team has unveiled a well prepared policy document which we hold as a covenant with the People. The document is a product of Vision, Zeal, Purpose, Collectivity, and we are greatly committed to it as a potential means of getting Nigeria working again.

With this inauguration today, here in Brussels Belgium, I call on all of you to come on board as we must be part of that generational army that rescues our nation from perfidy and brainlessness. We must sacrifice our comfort Zone today for the sake of tomorrow of the downtrodden masses of this country. Our People must feel safe to live at any part of the nation they want, our young ones must be provided with opportunities to explore their innate skills for their prosperity and the nation’s glory in the League of Nations must be restored. It is my belief that your influence at our respective states, will definitely add values to our victory. Most of us have spent so much on this project, without any financial expectations from us. This is great sacrifice and commitment to rescue our nation from Desperadoes.. We shall involve this chapter in some of our activities at the appropriate time. Go out like Jehovah witness and spread the gospel of Nigeria must work again.

Once again, I thank you all and appreciate you for hearkening to the clarion call of your motherland.

God bless Nigeria!

THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY H. E, OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL , ABLY REPRESENTED BY HON DARE ADELEKE AT THE INAUGURATION OF PDP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL, EUROPEAN CHAPTER

AMINA ZAKARI AND WHAT LEADER WITH INTEGRITY WOULD DO. By Temiloluwa

AMINA ZAKARI AND WHAT LEADER WITH INTEGRITY WOULD DO:

I have come to the conclusion that majority of those who call President Buhari man of Integrity don't really know the true meaning of the world; the fact that someone has not been convicted in financial misappropriation doesn't mean he's upright because there's an adage that "of someone cannot be trusted at all points, he can't be trusted at any point.

That is, consistency in uprightness is the most important description in Integrity.
On the appointment of Hajia Zakari, does it really matter if the woman is related to Buhari or not? The fact that people think her appointment can compromise the integrity of the elections should be enough for Mr President to order the reversal of the appointment. Please don't get me wrong, I am sure the appointment was not on the instruction of the President but that of the Cabals who want to use the presidency to accomplish their insidious adventures. That is not new in the corridor of power in Nigeria but we need an agile, proactive president to know what to do in such situation before it builds unnecessary tension in the polity.
We must look at the Zakari appointment critically; if the allegations of the opposition political parties are wrong, why can't the questionable appointment be reversed; is it that only Zakari can perform the stated task of the committee or what? We must put the love for Nigerians first and I think Mr. President must be reminded of this. He must learn to be statesmanly and patriotic in his conducts; he should not just heard as promising uncompromising elections but he must be seen as doing his utmost best to ensure free and fair elections.

Mr. President has not convinced the average Nigerian that his integrity is not a farce; he is swift in acting in defence of his associates and not the constitution, safety of lives and properties. He must understand that at close to 80yrs, he must think more about posterity than prosperity, the well being of the nation, more than his continuity in office.

Anyway, what exactly can we expect from a man that said blood would flow if he is not elected into office in 2011 and blood flowed on the street truly? Suspecting he's desperate to attain and remain in power is playing down his quest for absolute power. 

Temiloluwa is a graduate of LAUTECH.

POLICE Vs MELAYE; ENOUGH OF THIS DRAMA. By Bimbo Sokunbi

POLICE  Vs MELAYE; ENOUGH OF THIS DRAMA
I have watched with keen interest the siege on Dino Melaye's house for about a week and I think it has assumed an embarrassing dimension.

First and foremost, Melaye as a Senator has failed to lead by example by obeying the laws of the country. If indeed he is innocent of the allegation levelled against him, he should go to the Police and clear his name. Enough of this "hide and seek". Has it occurred to him that he can not remain in hiding for ever? The last time I checked, I discovered from his fat pay that he can afford the best lawyers in town. It is elementary  enough as far as our legal system is concerned that he is innocent until the Police can prove he's guilt.

Secondly, the Police have not handled the matter professionally. If indeed the Police complied with due process and obtained the necessary warrants, a siege is most inappropriate.The necessary  level of force should have been used to break in and arrest him. I am very sure that the modus operandi of Nigeria Police in arresting suspects/ criminals is not to lay siege on their houses until they surrender. Why is Melaye's case different?

I implore both parties to do the needful to bring this siege to an end and save us this drama as we have enough to watch on Tv / cable.

Bimbo Sokunbi
Legal Practitioner

PDP RAISES ALARM OVER POSSIBLE ELECTION COMPROMISE

January 3, 2019

Press Conference

Gentlemen of the press, we have called you up again today to alert Nigerians of another heinous machination by the Buhari Presidency and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to subvert the will of the people and rig the February 16, Presidential election.

You will recall that we have been raising the flag on how the Buhari Presidency, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some individuals at the echelon of INEC have been seeking ways to compromise our electoral processes and open the way for the allocation of fictitious votes to President Muhammadu Buhari, having realized that he cannot win in a credible, free and fair polls.

Today, we have been informed that the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, apparently in furtherance of the plots to rig the Presidential election, has appointed Mrs. Amina Zakari, a blood relation (niece) of the APC candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Chairperson of INEC Advisory Committee and Presidential election Collation Center Committee.

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization (PPCO) outrightly, vehemently and unequivocally rejects, in its entirety, the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari, President Buhari’s blood relation, as the head of the collation of results, in the same election in which his uncle, President Buhari, as a candidate, has displayed a huge desperation to win.

The appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari, who had been openly accused in various quarters as being the link person between INEC and the Buhari Presidency in their schemes to rig the election for President Buhari, constitutes a direct violence against the Presidential election and the PDP will not, in any way, whatsoever, accept it.

This is the same Amina Zakari, who headed the ICT Department of INEC at the time that department was accused of manipulating the INEC voter register to accommodate fictitious, underage and alien voters, particularly, in remote areas where they plan to allocate and announce conjured votes for President Buhari and the APC.

It will interest Nigerians to note that this is the same Amina Zakari that was alleged to have played some roles in the 2018 governorship election in Osun state, where the electoral processes were flagrantly abused.

In appointing Mrs. Amina Zakari to head the collation of this Presidential election, Prof. Yakubu has confirmed that he has been compromised and that he has already succumbed to pressure by the Buhari Presidency and APC to open the way for the self-succession of President Buhari.

The fact remains that there is no way Amina Zakari will not allocate votes to her blood relation, President Buhari, whom Nigerians have indicated clearly that they are not ready to return to office as President.

With Amina Zakari at the head of results collation, there is no way votes cast by Nigerians will count.

We, therefore, call on all Nigerians and particularly the National Peace Committee to note that with the appointment of Amina Zakari, as head the collation of Presidential results, the INEC Chairman is setting the stage for a very huge political crisis, which is capable of derailing our democratic process.

We also urge the United Nations and other global democratic institutions to take copious note of this noxious appointment by the INEC Chairman.

If the INEC Chairman wants a peaceful Presidential election, he should, with the speed of light, reverse himself on this appointment.

In fact, the PPCO reiterates its position that for us to have a peaceful election, Mrs. Amina Zakari should not be seen anywhere near any of the 2019 election processes, not to talk of being involved in the collation of Presidential results

The PDP remains committed to a peaceful and credible process, but we will never, in any way, allow anybody to use any means, under any guise whatsoever, to rig us out in this election. Not after it is clear that Nigerians have attained a consensus to rally behind our Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as their next President.

All we ask for is a free, fair, credible and transparent electoral process in which the votes of Nigerians will not only count but will be seen to have counted.

Like Mr. President said during his 2019 budget presentation at the National Assembly, the world is watching us.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
Director, Media & Publicity
PDP Presidential Campaign Organization