Chief Bisi Akande A Last Man Standing In Progressive Politics As He Clocks 85, Says Adebayo Temitope.

Chief Bisi Akande A Last Man Standing In Progressive Politics As He Clocks 85, Says Adebayo Temitope.

The longest serving  former Personal Assistant to late Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Pastor Adebayo Temitope, has described the Celebrant, Chief Bisi Akande as a last man standing  in the progressive family. He made the statement in his congratulatory message to the former Governor of Osun State and first interim chairman of APC on the occasion of his 85th Birthday Anniversary. 

Adebayo Temitope described the Celebrant as a  lucky man  specially made by God. He said Baba Akande achieved what the past progressive Leaders like Papa Awolowo, Pa, Adekule Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya,Chief Bola Ige and Senator Ayo Fasanmi,  struggled to achieve for the Yoruba race but they couldn't.  Baba Akande achieved it by ensuring and witnessing a core progressive man, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being voted to lead the Nigerian government at the centre. 

We thank God for having Baba Bisi Akande, a principled man who is full of progressive ideologies  

Wherever Baba has the opportunity to serve, he  always makes history.  As Executive Governor of Osun, Baba built the state sprawling secretariat and the governor's office called Bola Ige House, which is being enjoyed by successive administrations in osun State. As the first interim national chairman of the APC, Baba formed a strong opposition party that dethroned the ruling party in government. Any time Baba Akande and my late Boss, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, met each other, they always discussed about the long prophetic vision that a day will come when a man of core progressive extraction will rule this Country.  It is unfortunate that Senator Ayo Fasanmi had gone to the glory beyond three years ago when the fulfilment of the vision came to fruition. It is my joy that Chief Bisi Akande has gotten good reports to deliver to the Past Leaders when they meet in heaven.

I pray for the grace of God upon your life, Sir, to enjoy His mercy and goodness on your service to God and humanity.  The statement concluded.

Oyebanji Celebrates Bisi Akande At 85.

Oyebanji Celebrates Bisi Akande At 85.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated former Osun State Governor and first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said Chief Akande's legacies as a nationalist, statesman, political leader, democrat and impact maker have contributed to the development of Osun State, Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

He noted that Chief Akande has become a respected voice in the Nigerian federation in critical times and a man whose influence and honour resonate across party lines in search for a united and indivisible nation.

The Ekiti Chief Executive pointed out that Chief Akande would forever be celebrated as one of the leading lights of the then fledgling APC which he nurtured alongside other party leaders to become a strong election winning platform transmuted from an opposition party to a ruling party.

Governor Oyebanji described Chief Akande as an exemplary leader contemporary political office holders and aspiring politicians should emulate for building a good name that has survived the unpredictable terrain of politics in Nigeria.

According to him, Chief Akande is a political legend whose virtues of accountability, transparency and selfless service to humanity should be continued to be celebrated as ingredients of purposeful leadership needed by the masses.

He noted that the celebrant is a study in political fidelity judging by his loyalty to his political leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Awoism as an ideology as an instrument of social change.

Governor Oyebanji said Chief Akande has consistently upheld the ideals of pro-people progressivism and was subsequently rewarded with enviable political positions like Secretary to the State Government and Deputy Governor in old Oyo State and Governor in Osun State.

He said the government and the people of Ekiti State identify with Chief Akande on his 85th birthday and would always wish him well for more service to Nigeria in years ahead.

Tinubu Salutes Former President Buhari For Visionary Leadership And Service To Nigeria.

Tinubu Salutes Former President Buhari For Visionary Leadership And Service To Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership of Nigeria and commitment to probity, propriety, and service.

Speaking at the launch of two books on the former President; Working with Buhari: Reflections of a former Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, by Femi Adesina, and Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy, by Dr. Udu Yakubu, President Tinubu said Buhari demonstrated integrity and transparency in leadership.

The President said the former President has kept his word not to interfere in government matters after leaving office.

“When you left office, you left a lot of pens and files for me for continuity. I inherited the liabilities and assets of my predecessor.

“You told me it will be difficult to please everyone as a leader. You advised that I should work hard and satisfy my conscience,” he said.

President Tinubu stated that former President Buhari inherited a tottering economy and an overwhelming security situation, but that the former President was able to start the process that would guarantee stability. 

“I am glad that history has been reintroduced in our schools, and this will be part of our curriculum,’’ the President said on the books. 

Describing former President Buhari as an organized and disciplined person, President Tinubu urged him to continue to be a pillar of the nation’s development, even after retirement. 

Earlier in his remarks, former President Buhari thanked the President for attending the event, highlighting some of the peculiarities of the office, which include the likelihood of being misinterpreted and misunderstood.

“We kept records of our stewardship. This event is part of accounting for our two terms in office. Government is a continuum. You run and hand over to the next person,” Buhari said. 

The Chairman of the occasion, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, commended the former President for actions taken to buoy the economy, contain insecurity, and stabilize the polity. 

“You handed over to President Tinubu; it was great. It was really great to hand over to President Tinubu, another great leader who will give Nigeria a new direction,” General Gowon added.

Gov Oyebanji Commends Living Legend Chief Bisi Akande.

Gov Oyebanji Commends Living Legend Chief Bisi Akande.

....As Bisi Akande Foundation Unveiled.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a momentous event today, Governor Biodun Oyebanji graced the public lecture and unveiling of the Bisi Akande Foundation, organized in celebration of the 85th birthday of the distinguished former Osun State Governor and inaugural Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande.

The occasion, held in the capital city of Oyo State, attracted a gathering of eminent dignitaries who joined in commemorating Chief Bisi Akande's remarkable milestone. Governor Oyebanji, paying tribute to the elder statesman, hailed him as a living legend whose enduring legacy continues to inspire many.

Describing Chief Bisi Akande as a paragon of integrity and an exemplar of leadership, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the indelible mark the former governor has left on the political landscape. The public lecture and foundation unveiling served as a testament to the profound impact Chief Bisi Akande has had on the political sphere and beyond.

The ceremony, attended by various leaders and influencers, provided a platform for reflections on Chief Bisi Akande's illustrious journey and the invaluable contributions he has made to the growth and development of Osun State and the APC.

During the unveiling of the Bisi Akande Foundation, the audience witnessed a tribute to the elder statesman's commitment to nation-building and unwavering dedication to the principles of the APC. The foundation aims to further the ideals that Chief Bisi Akande has championed throughout his distinguished career.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's presence at the event underscored the significance of Chief Bisi Akande's influence in Nigerian politics. The tribute delivered by Governor Oyebanji emphasized the enduring impact of Chief Bisi Akande's leadership, portraying him as a beacon of integrity and a source of inspiration for current and future leaders.

As the ceremony concluded, Chief Bisi Akande received accolades not only for his political achievements but also for his commitment to fostering a legacy that transcends political boundaries. The Bisi Akande Foundation, unveiled in his honor, stands as a testament to the enduring impact of a statesman whose contributions have shaped the political landscape of Nigeria.

Tinubu: Kidnapping, Banditry Ungodly; We Will Embark On Massive Education Effort.

Tinubu: Kidnapping, Banditry Ungodly; We Will Embark On Massive Education Effort.

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks, describing the development as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister.

Speaking when he received a delegation of Jam'iyyatu Ansaridden, a highly respected Islamic Movement, at the State House, in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu said while security agencies are acting with dispatch to immediately address the current challenge, all required resources, policies and plans will be rolled out soon for the massive education of Nigerian youths.

The President said education is the antidote to the troubles agitating the nation, adding: "There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning.

"I can assure you that we are here to change the life of our people. We are here to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity. 

"We are dedicated to building a lasting peace with a focus on the comprehensive education of our children. We will get our teachers and their owners involved in an education process that will be relevant to the future of this country. It is important. Knowledge brought me here with your prayers and your support. Without knowledge, there is nothing to generate hope for mankind," President Tinubu said.

The President also emphasized that it was important to promote updated knowledge through existing islamic learning institutions for youths in Northern Nigeria to speed up development in the region, in Nigeria, and throughout Africa. 

"Please embark on special prayers. Embark on proper education for our youths. Kidnapping and banditry are not the way of God. Shedding each other’s blood is bad. And there can be no development without peace. It is only in the area of peace that we can eliminate poverty. We must work for peace in order for our economy to grow better," the President concluded.

In his remarks, the Jam'iyyatu Ansaridden leader, Sheikh Muhammad Lamine Niass encouraged the President to continue implementing his reform initiatives while affirming that his movement, which is reputed for its promotion of peace and tolerance, would continue to pray for Nigeria's peaceful development.

Ajoni LCDA Chairman, Prince Ogungbemi extols our fallen heroes.

Ajoni LCDA Chairman, Prince Ogungbemi extols our fallen heroes.

....As he lays wreaths at the cenotaphs.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a solemn occasion that honors the sacrifices made by members of the military. 

During this year celebration held at Ikole Ekiti, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Prince (Amb.) Michael Ogungbemi upon his arrival at the venue of the occasion inspected a guard of honour mounted by the legion. 

The Chairman later laid wreaths at the cenotaphs as a sign of respect and remembrance for the fallen heros who served and sacrificed their lives to defend the sovereignty of our country. 

This act serves as a poignant symbol of the nation's appreciation for the dedication and bravery of its armed forces. It's a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made and to express gratitude for the selflessness and courage exhibited by those who have served in the military.

Pro-Wike commissioners face fresh screening to rejoin Fubara’s cabinet.

Pro-Wike commissioners face fresh screening to rejoin Fubara’s cabinet.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, invited nine former commissioners who resigned from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for fresh screening as commissioners.

The commissioners resigned in the heat of the crisis between Fubara and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

A good number of them previously served in Wike’s cabinet and retained the same positions or portfolios in Fubara’s cabinet.

Their invitation for fresh screening was contained in a public announcement signed by the Clark of the Assembly, Emeka Amadi, sighted by our correspondent on Monday.

The recall of the commissioners was part of the eight-point resolution reached at a mediation meeting in Abuja headed by President Bola Tinubu.

As part of peace moves, Fubara was directed to reappoint the pro-Wike commissioners who resigned from his cabinet.

Of the nine nominees seven served under Wike as commissioners, while Emeka Woke, who was Chief of Staff to Wike, was the Commissioner for Special Duties to Fubara, before his resignation.

Dr Gift Worlu, though a staunch supporter of Wike, held no position during the latter’s reign, but was appointed Commissioner for Housing by Fubara, and resigned along with the others loyal to Wike.

The letter from the Assembly Clark read: “The Rivers State House of Assembly hereby invites the following commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation as members of the Rivers State Executive Council.

“Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Dr. Jacobson Mbina,  Dr. Gift Worlu, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, Dr. George Des-Kelly, Hon. Isaac Kamalu, and Engr. Austin Chioma.”

They were asked to present themselves before the Assembly at 10 am on  Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

“Nominees are to come along with 40 sets of curriculum vitae, photocopies of their credentials and their originals,” the public announcement added.

Efforts to reach the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, for comments, were unsuccessful as he did not pick up calls put across to his mobile line by our correspondent.

He had also yet to reply to a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report on Monday morning.

It was reported that the lawmakers also, last week, called on Fubara to present the 2024 budget afresh.

The governor earlier presented the budget to the faction of the Assembly loyal to him and subsequently signed the budget into law.

However, following Tinubu’s intervention, it was resolved that Fubara would present the budget approval to get the legislature’s approval.