I Mourn My Fearless Brother, Rotimi Akeredolu: President Tinubu.

I Mourn My Fearless Brother, Rotimi Akeredolu: President Tinubu. 

It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person. Here I am with the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate and governor of Ondo State.

I cannot fairly capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.

In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.

Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State where he had the honour to serve as the Governor in the last 6 years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape in the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many school he built and healthcare facilities that he provided. During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world. He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I MOURN a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.

My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he didn't make it in first attempt his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election, Since he was sworn-in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion.

Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi's memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.

In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.

Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate.

His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.

I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.

Peter Obi Condemns Christmas Eve Attacks, Extends Commendation to Security Forces.

Peter Obi Condemns Christmas Eve Attacks, Extends Commendation to Security Forces.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 general election, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the Christmas Eve attack on communities in the Barkin-Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau state. The assailants targeted various communities, resulting in the destruction of homes and other properties. The devastating assault led to the confirmed loss of more than 100 lives and left hundreds injured.

Expressing his shock and concern at the horrific act, Peter Obi, in a statement on his social media page, commended the efforts of security authorities in battling terrorism and insurgencies across the nation.

Obi stated, “After my sympathy visit to the Regent of Oba Community in Anambra State for the recent horrific killing of people in a nightclub in that community, plus the mindless act of terrorism that occurred on Christmas Day in Plateau State, where the death toll is now reportedly more than 100 with over 300 injured; with the saddening acts of violence that have occurred in Zamfara and Kastina States.

“Where farmers were killed and several others kidnapped, and the many other violent attacks in many parts of the country, which may go unreported; my thoughts went to our overstretched security operatives. The men and women of our armed and security services come to mind.”

In his message, Obi expressed gratitude and reassurance to the security operatives, acknowledging the challenges they face in safeguarding the nation. He emphasized that their labors are appreciated by a grateful nation and that great nations are built by rulers, citizens, and protectors of freedom.

“To all our illustrious heroes, please accept the prayers and thoughts of your compatriots and the appreciation of a grateful nation for your services and sacrifices. God bless you all for what you do for us all,” Peter Obi concluded.

The condemnation of the attacks and the commendation of security forces by Peter Obi shed light on the severity of the security situation in the country and the challenges faced by those working to maintain peace and stability. The statement reflects a call for unity and support in addressing the ongoing security concerns across various regions of Nigeria.

Tinubu celebrates Atiku Bagudu at 62.

Tinubu celebrates Atiku Bagudu at 62.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, as he clocks 62 years.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu commended the former governor of Kebbi state for the expertise and diligence he has discharged in the services to the country.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu felicitates the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu on his 62nd birthday.

“President Tinubu celebrates the consummate administrator and politician who served as the Executive Governor of Kebbi State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023, and as the Senator representing Kebbi Central from 2009 to 2015.

“The president commends the Ivy League-educated financial expert for the diligence, rigour, detail, passion, and experience he brings to bear in the discharge of his duties.

“President Tinubu wishes the Minister good health, longevity, and strength in the service of the nation.”

Minister gifts Ondo APC N23m, four truckloads of rice.

Minister gifts Ondo APC N23m, four truckloads of rice.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has gifted four trailers of rice, containing 1,200 bags, and N23m cash to members of the All Progressives Congress across Ondo State in celebration of Christmas and New Year.

According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the minister gave N1m each to all the 18 local government secretariats of the APC in the state, while members of the state executive of the party were gifted N5m.

The statement said Tunji-Ojo ensured the smooth and effective distribution of the four trailers of rice across the state.

“More so, the interior minister has also reached out to his immediate constituency in the Akoko North West and non-party members across Ondo State by gifting them two trailers of rice and an undisclosed amount of money,” the statement said.

The APC chieftains commended Tunji-Ojo for the gifts, saying no past minister from the state had extended such a gesture to them.

“I am most glad that we now have a minister who truly sees the entire state as his constituency. Tunji-Ojo deserves all appreciation for putting smiles on the faces of members and non-members of the APC in Ondo State,” the statement quoted one of the party stalwarts as saying.

Edo crisis: Govt slashes deputy governor’s budgetary allocation.

Edo crisis: Govt slashes deputy governor’s budgetary allocation.

The rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, may have taken another dimension as  N345 million was allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor in the 2024 Budget as against the N19bn allocated to the Office of the State Governor.

An analysis of the budget which the governor signed into law on December 15, 2023, showed that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government got N8bn far higher than the N345m allocated to the deputy governor’s office.

The document also showed that while the House of Assembly got N13bn, the Office of the Head of Service got N968m.

A source close to the House of Assembly said the slash in the allocation to the deputy governor’s office was connected to his ambition to succeed his boss as governor of the state.

It was gathered that some lawmakers believed to be loyal to the deputy governor opposed the decision of the members of the assembly to pass the budget as presented by the governor.

Lawmakers in that category were said to have described it as an “unfair appropriation” but that they were overwhelmed other members.

An insider claimed that the budget has divided the lawmakers, but a principal member of the House of Assembly said there was no division in the House.

It was reported that Shaibu had last week said his office had not received any allocation in the last six months owing to the tension between him and his principal.

The deputy governor, who stated this at the unveiling of the Correspondent Office in Benin on Tuesday, said he had been running the office and doing other activities through goodwill and contributions from friends.

He said, “You know there is tension between the governor and me. And for six months, there has been no allocation to my office. So, whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill; and I am still standing very strong.”

Edo NLC applauds Obaseki for approving 13th month salary.

Edo NLC applauds Obaseki for approving 13th month salary.

Edo State workers have applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki on his pledge to pay workers in the State Civil/Public Service, a 13th month salary.

The Edo State Government, in a statement, had announced that the 13th month salary promised by the governor will be paid on December 27.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Council, Chief Odion Olaye, said workers in the Edo State Civil/Public Service are grateful to Obaseki for the show of love, care, and compassion for their welfare.

He said, “We, on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the working people of Edo State wish to put on record the unprecedented and landmark decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to pay the Edo Worker on December 11, 2023.”

Olaye said the payment of December salary to the state government workers on December 11 was exceptional, noting, “It is unprecedented and an historical reference that will remain a long time in our hearts that a sitting governor without any pressure, decided in his own volition to pay its workers on the 11th of December have set a new benchmark for the nation.

“We, therefore, want to put on record that we the workers of Edo State are grateful for this show of love, care and passion for our welfare. We also want to put on record the promise of His Excellency to pay us the 13th month salary despite the economic reality in our country. This has come like a beautiful storm and we all look forward to its manifestation.”

He added, “Your Excellency, the entire workforce of Edo State has directed us, as their leaders, to express their profound gratitude for your kindness and benevolence. We also want to put on record that the beautiful ambience of our working environment has remained a reference point across the country.”

The Edo State NLC Chairman assured Obaseki of the support and solidarity of the workers, noting, “We express our unalloyed commitment to Your Excellency’s Administration and our resolve to remain with you in all your drive to complete your tenure strongly and have a worthy successor.

“Be assured always of the solidarity of the Edo State workers.”

South Africa floods kill seven, 11 missing.

South Africa floods kill seven, 11 missing.

Rescue teams battled in torrential rain Tuesday to find victims of flash floods across a South African province that left at least seven dead and 11 missing, officials said.

A muddy deluge up to 10 metres (33 feet) deep swept through a district of Ladysmith, in KwaZulu Natal province, destroying homes and carrying away cars, rescuers said in a report filed by AFP on Tuesday.

Six people were confirmed dead and 10 missing, provincial authorities said.

Further south, an overflowing river at Mandeni carried away three people. One eight-year-old boy was confirmed dead and one man was missing, the IPSS rescue organisation said.

Rainstorms held up the search for bodies in Ladysmith, 230 kilometres (140 miles) northwest of Durban, where the torrent hit late Sunday.

Tereza van den Berg, a team leader for IPSS, said that the torrent “in places 10 metres deep” tore through a caravan park and carried away vehicles crossing a bridge.

“Nobody had a chance to grab anything,” she said. Some of the cars were found three kilometres downstream.

Three bodies were found in a minibus carrying nine passengers. The other six are still missing.

One body was found in a house that was destroyed while two other people who were also inside are still unaccounted for.

At least two other people were killed after becoming trapped in their cars by the floods that swept off the Bellspruit river.

More severe storms were predicted across the province on Tuesday.

KwaZulu Natal has been hit by worsening floods and weather disasters amidst the global rise in temperatures.

More than 450 people died in floods and landslides after a fierce storm hit Durban, the province’s main city, in April 2022.