Plateau Killings: Humanitarian minister pledges support for survivors.

Plateau Killings: Humanitarian minister pledges support for survivors.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has condoled with the government and people of Plateau State on the recent killings in the state, stating that humanitarian support will be provided for the survivors.

In a post on her X handle on Wednesday, Edu assured that the ministry in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu will collaborate with the Plateau government to bring humanitarian succour to the survivors of the attacks, and the affected communities.

She wrote, “I condole with the State Government and People of Plateau State, especially families of the victims of this unnecessary assault on humanity which have left many dead and injured while many more are displaced.

“As a Ministry directly in charge of responding to humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, #fmha_pa has been directed by #officialABAT to collaborate with the Plateau govt to bring humanitarian succour to the survivors of the unfortunate attacks as well as the affected communities.”

She added that the ministry will not relent in its efforts until all humanitarian crises are resolved.

It was reported that over 150 persons were killed and thousands displaced as terrorists attacked communities in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve.

President Bola Tinubu also directed security agencies to scout for and apprehend culprits of the attacks.

Abass mourns Akeredolu, says death painful.

Abass mourns Akeredolu, says death painful.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu describing his demise as a painful loss.

Akeredolu who battled prolonged ailment died on Wednesday at the age of 67.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described Akeredolu’s death as a big blow to the All Progressives Congress family, even as he said that the late Governor was one of the brilliant legal minds in the ruling party.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akeredolu rose to the pinnacle profession before joining partisan politics.

The Speaker further described the deceased as “A champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism.”

Speaker Abbas recalled how the late Akeredolu was one of the leading human rights activists who fought against military rule, leading to the return of democracy in 1999.

While he was a member of the inner Bar as a lawyer, Abbas added that Akeredolu not only became a governor but was Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum.

The Speaker extended his condolences to the Akeredolu family, the people, and the government of Ondo State and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Born on July 21, 1956, Akeredolu hailed from Owo in Ondo State. He studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (then University of Ife) graduating in 1977. He was called to the bar in 1978.

Akeredolu, politician with exceptional leadership skills – Ganduje.

Akeredolu, politician with exceptional leadership skills – Ganduje.

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, mourned the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who he described as a politician with exceptional leadership skills.

Akeredolu passed away after a protracted illness at the age of 67.

The APC national chairman, in a tribute released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, in Abuja, described the death of the former National President of Nigerian Bar Association as a great loss, not only to Ondo people, but to Nigerians as a whole.

While saluting his courage as an accomplished lawyer and advocate for progress, Ganduje said the governor left behind a remarkable legacy of dedication towards the development and betterment of Ondo State.

He said, “As we reflect on Governor Akeredolu’s remarkable contributions to public service, we remember his unflinching commitment to the principles of democracy, his determination to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people he served, and his undying love for Ondo State and its citizens.

“Throughout his tenure, Governor Akeredolu exhibited exceptional leadership skills, fostering economic growth, implementing critical infrastructure projects, and championing initiatives that enhanced the standard of living for the people of Ondo State. His dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and unity within the state will forever be remembered.

“Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape. His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand.

“On behalf of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I extend our deepest condolences to the family, the government, the people of Ondo State, friends, and loved ones of Governor Akeredolu. We share in their grief and offer our heartfelt support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, may they find solace in knowing that his contributions to Ondo State will be forever cherished.

“As we come to terms with this loss, let us honour Governor Akeredolu’s memory by remaining committed to the ideals and principles he held dear. Let us continue to work together, building on his firm foundation and striving for the progress and prosperity of Ondo State. Indeed, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s legacy will endure, and his vision for a better Ondo State will never be forgotten.”

Akeredolu's Death A Monumental Loss, Says Gov. Oyebanji.

Akeredolu's Death A Monumental Loss, Says Gov. Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji , has expressed his condolences on the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing it as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and the country at large. 

Oyebanji in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was devastated by the news of the death of the Ondo State Governor, who was once President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). 

The Governor said his administration and the entire people of Ekiti State identify with the government and people of Ondo State at this critical period of mourning of the chief executive of the Sunshine State.

Oyebanji described Akeredolu as a legal giant and scholar, an administrator par excellence, a consummate and courageous politician who spoke truth to power till he breathed his last. 

He said the late Governor made a great difference in the lives of his people and the nation through a combination of purposeful leadership and commitment to excellent service delivery. 

He regretted that Akeredolu's death has robbed the country of a committed statesman who was interested in and was irrevocably committed to the development of his state and the country.

“This is indeed a sad day. I have lost a senior brother, a friend of our dear state, a dogged fighter and a visionary leader” Governor Oyebanji said. 

Oyebanji further described Akeredolu as a man of excellence, class, candour who was imbued with uncommon brilliance which he brought to bear in the day-to-day administration of Ondo State and has been widely acknowledged as a major agent of transformation of the State.

He noted that Akeredolu's death is also a painful loss to the Southwest Governors' Forum and the Southern Governors' Forum both of which the deceased chaired and used as platforms to enrich governance and standard of living of citizens.

According to him, Akeredolu advocated for the entrenchment of democracy and good governance to the best of his ability using the platforms of politics and legal profession.

Oyebanji said Akeredolu has left legacies that can never be obliterated as a lawyer, Attorney General of old Ondo State, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Governor of Ondo State, Chairman of Southwest Governors' Forum, Chairman of Southern Nigeria Governors' Forum, Chancellor, Diocese of Owo, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, among others.

He prayed God to grant the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the children, friends and associates, the Owo community and the entire citizens of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the loss.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, I extend our condolences to Arakunrin Akeredolu’s immediate family, the Owo community and the good people of Ondo State.

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.”