- Says Intelligence Gathering Crucial To Effective Security
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has reiterated the need to have State Police to effectively secure the lives and property of the people.
Governor Akeredolu noted that the Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and understaffed and lacks the capacity to adequately secure the people.
The Governor spoke in his office on Thursday while playing host to the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 17, AIG Yunnus Mohammed Akeera.
He was accompanied to the Governor’s office by the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Oyediran Oyeyemi.
Governor Akeredolu said the fact that a single police command in Abuja cannot adequately secure the country has led to the demand for State Police.
He said:”As you know, the Zone 17 is probably one of the newest. When the Zone was created the State Government had to shoulder a lot of responsibilities. When we got you a location, we had to renovate it.
“We do not run away from the fact that the Police is overstretched. The same way, we do not run away from the fact that a single police command in Abuja will not be adequate to police the large populace of the country. This has led to our demand for State Police.
“We can complement each other. I have had Senior Police Officers who agreed on State Police. Maybe they can’t say it in the public. Go to Ekiti and even here in Ondo State, most of the Police Stations have no vehicle. Look at the unfortunate incident that happened in Owo, Police said they had no vehicle to pursue the perpetrators.
“Let us all sit down and agree that we should have a system that wil create division of labour. We can have the Federal Police and then, the State Police. You can face up major task like intelligence gathering and pass it to the State Police to work on.
“What is happening, if not for lack of intelligence people will not go to Kuje and attack the place in Abuja. We need your cooperation too in this our cry for a dual Police System that can work together.
“People are moving down south to take refuge in our forest. You don’t have the men and officer to secure the country. Police is understaffed. We appreciate your limitations in terms of men, ammunition and so on.” The Governor said.
Earlier, the newly deployed AIG Yunnus Mohammed Akeera said he would carry on with the good work the Governor has done on security and deepen it.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 7, 2022.
OSUN ELECTION: GOV AKEREDOLU, ASIWAJU TINUBU, OTHERS CAMPAIGN FOR OYETOLA
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday joined the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other APC Governors at the mega rally in support of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State.
The APC campaign grand finale was held at the Osogbo Township Stadium, Osogbo.
Former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, APC Senators, Reps members; members of the APC National Working Committee, National Campaign Council, National and Regional structures of the party, women and youth groups as well as various associations in the state also attended the rally.
The Osun State Governorship election will hold this Saturday, July 16.
Governor Akeredolu was accompanied to the campaign rally by his deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; State chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin and other state working committee members.
The Chairman, National Campaign Council for Osun election and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed to the residents of Osun State to vote massively to re-elect Governor Gboyega Oyetola for a second term so that the good work will continue.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 12, 2022.
MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET: IGNORE RELIGION, VOTE COMPETENCE-GOV AKEREDOLU
- Says Work Stops On The President’s Table
- Swears-In Two New Commissioners, Charges Them To Shun Distraction
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Wednesday, called on Nigerians to vote for competence in the 2023 Presidential election, adding that the faith of the Vice President doesn’t affect performance in any government.
Governor Akeredolu, who expressed confidence that the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will rescue the nation, noted that the work stops on the President’s table.
“Muslim-Muslim Ticket has nothing to do with performance. Let’s vote for someone that can do something. The work stops on the table of the President. It is the President that you are voting for. He decides what happens. Whether it’s a Muslim/Muslim or Christian/Christian, it should not matter to us in the South because we fought for this.
“I have no doubt that given the opportunity, from what he has done in Lagos, Asiwaju Tinubu will turn things around for the better.”He said.
The Governor spoke at the swearing-in of two new commissioners, held at the at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, the State capital.
The new Commissioners are Mr. Sowore Akinwumi Samson and Mr. Ologbese Adeboboye Joseph.
He charged them to shun distractions from members of their families, friends and political associates.
Governor Akeredolu said he was excited to have personalities imbued with the requisite capacity for the advancement of the cause of good governance.
He stressed that his administration will always be bold to demand commitment and loyalty which must be absolute, adding that his administration commenced a political journey on the path of rectitude.
“As we coast towards fulfilling our promise of redemption, we shall not condone any acts which give the faintest hint of disloyalty and dishonesty. We have always placed the people at the centre of all activities. We shall not depart from this path of honour.
“Our resolve to protect the lives and property of those who gave us the mandate to serve was tested in a most horrific manner recently.
“Some cowards sent a message in acknowledgement of our role as a major catalyst in the renewed and determined quest to deepen the current democratic experiment in the country.
“Our stance has attracted considerable approbation among our countrymen and women, who appreciate the need for reasoned and ceaseless interventions in our bid to situate the current democratic practice within the acceptable norms in the modern world.
“We are not unaware of the enormous threat which our stance poses against the hegemonic agenda of some elements. Though shaken by the scope of the horrendous crime, we remain unbowed and focused.” He said.
The Governor said he’s determined to stamp out the roots of evil, planted by those whose design is to create confusion among the various groups of the people,
Arakunrin Akeredolu, who noted that the signs are ominous, assured that the collective resolve of the people will defeat perfidy ultimately.
“We are encouraged by the ceaseless stream of evocations expressing, not only approval of our modest inputs to protect lives and property in the discharge of our immediate mandate in Ondo State, but also, and more importantly, messages delivered by organisations, coupled with the actual visits and donations by prominent and revered patriots in solidarity with the government of Ondo State and, especially, the Olowo-in-Council and the people of Owo Kingdom on the horrendous crime committed in the ancient Kingdom against the people have been soul-lifting.
“We equally express profound gratitude for the condolence messages received from foreign missions, the Federal and State Governments, numerous individuals within the country and from across the globe.
“We are grateful indeed that all of us shunned partisanship and stood against barbarism. We are determined to stamp out the roots of evil, planted by those whose design is to create confusion among the various groups of our people. The signs are ominous but our collective resolve will defeat perfidy, ultimately.” He said.
Governor Akeredolu, who admonished the new Commissioners to discharge their duties creditably, stressed that his administration will discourage, actively, all disgraceful acts which seek to shortchange the people.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Chief Judge of the State, Justice Williams Akintoroye; APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; the Kalasuwe of Apoiland, Oba (Professor) Adejimola Amuseghan, among several other dignitaries and top government functionaries.
Spouses of the new commissioners and family members were also in attendance.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 13, 2022.
Press Statement
Akeredolu Assigns Portfolios To Two New Commissioners, Reassigns Olateju, Adeyanju, Olotu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has assigned portfolios to the two new Commissioners that were sworn-in earlier on Wednesday.
The two new Commissioners are Mr. Akinwumi Samson Sowore and Prince Jacob Adeboboye Ologbese.
Mr. Sowore has been assigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs while Prince Ologbese has equally been assigned to the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora.
Similarly, Governor Akeredolu has redeployed three old Commissioners to different ministries. The redeployment is aimed at improving governance and deploying talents to reinvigorate certain sectors.
The former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola Olateju, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Information and Orientation while the former Commissioner for Physical and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Fatai Olotu Aburumaku has also been redeployed to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju, who was formerly the Commissioner for Water and Sanitation has been redeployed to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Governor Akeredolu charged the new and reassigned Commissioners to work in line with the One Administration mantra of his government, while urging them to give their best in the discharge of their duties.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 13, 2022.
GOV AKEREDOLU SIGNS FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMOTEKUN LAW
- As Ondo Govt Gives Update On Owo Attack Victims
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has signed into law the first amendment to the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law.
The Governor, who assented to the bill at the State Executive Chamber of his office, noted that the new amendment became imperative in light of the heightened insecurity across the state.
He assured that the amended Law will enhance the security architecture of the State and help the Amotekun Corps to perform better.
The Governor appreciated the State House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill.
Similarly, the Ondo State Executive Council has taken some far-reaching decisions to further shapen the course of governance for the well-being of people of the state.
Addressing Government House Reporters at the end of the Council meeting, the newly reassigned Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju regretted that one more death has been recorded as a result of the June 5 terror attack on St Francis Catholic Church,Owo .
She said the number of fatalities is now 41 while 17 persons were still being hospitalised.
While commiserating with the bereaved families and praying for speedy recovery of those still in the hospital, the Commissioner restarted the commitment of the State Government to having a memorial site built in honour of all the victims.
Also at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye appreciated Governor Akeredolu for assenting to the amendment to the law which established the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
He assured that the development will scale up the operational capacities of the state security outfit.
He used the occasion to announce the procurement of newly acquired operational vehicles to be distributed to all security operatives in the state including the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Directorate of State Security and Amotekun Corps to fortify the performances of security agencies in the state.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 13, 2022.
TRAIN, EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN ON RIGHT VALUES, THE WORLD IS CHANGING, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS NIGERIANS
President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Wednesday implored parents to inculcate right values in children, including deep fear of God, respect for constituted authorities and living a purposeful life through continuous education.
The President charged the youth to seek education, not for government jobs which are unavailable but to arm themselves with skill and ability to fight poverty and to meet the needs of the 21st Century.
The President, who was at the Emir of Daura’s Palace for the Sallah homage, said more time should be given to the coaching of the future leaders, with basic knowledge of moral values, as the fast changing world, driven by new technology, would be more competitive and demanding.
“I was locked up for more than three years, after leading the country. At that point, I realised and I told my children that your net worth is what is in your head, not what you have acquired in life.
“My focus has always been on training the children to be relevant wherever they find themselves. I told my children, particularly the girls, that they can only get married after getting a first degree.
“They already know that I am not leaving anything for anyone to inherit. My greatest legacy to the children is to ensure they are properly educated,” he said.
The President noted that the younger children should be guided and taught history, as they would find it hard to be patriotic, responsible and respectful, without a thorough understanding of their backgrounds.
“Whoever does not have a good sense of history will easily make mistakes.
“We should ensure the children get proper education. The knowledge they acquire should not be towards getting government jobs. We don’t have jobs in government anymore. With technology, governments are becoming more smaller, nimble and efficient.
“Emphasis should now be on skills acquisition and competence in creation and deployment of technology. During the Covid-19, we asked all level 12 downward to stay at home, and surprisingly the systems worked effectively, the President noted.
President Buhari told the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, that he will be more regular in visits, preparatory to the handing over in May, 2023, adding that the prolonged absence was due to the demands of his office.
“This is the longest I have been away from home. Infact, the Emir took to the court of public opinion at the prayer ground, when he openly told everyone that I had not visited Daura for close to a year,” he added.
President Buhari said all Nigerians must make sacrifices to move the country forward, especially the public servants, calling for more selflessness and inclusion.
“At the end, it is only God that can reward your efforts, not man,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Aminu Bello Masari listed the achievements of the President to include social security, which was created to cater for the poor, and ensure that they receive some money at the end of every month.
“No government in the history of this country has done more to reduce poverty like President Buhari’s administration. He asked religious and community leaders to bring enlightenment to bear on successful government programs such as the Social Investment Program, SIP through which 120,000 poor citizens in 12 Local Government Areas of the state receive a monthly payment of N5,000 and this is happening in all the states.
“Today, we have over 863,000 children in the state being fed under the school feeding program. This has created 10,000 jobs for women cooks, 14,000 young men and women enrolled in N-Power.
“We have food vendors who are engaged and earning their livelihood. All the foolish talk on social media is by those who only think of themselves. Our elites are never happy or appreciative until something gets to their pockets,” he said.
Masari said security in the country had improved considerably, compared to when the President came into power, reminding the Daura Emirate Council, title holders, political leaders in the state and citizens across the entire federation to remember the bombings if mosques and churches before 2015 that had hindered worship, problems which explained are no longer with us.
“Human beings forget easily. It is true that we have not reached where we want, but efforts are being made to ameliorate the situation. Look at the size of our security compared to the population, you will know we all have to be involved in securing the country,” he added.
The Emir of Daura thanked the President for the infrastructural and institutional developments in the state, saying generations will remember and remain grateful to President Buhari.
Dr Faruk urged the President to increase his patience and tolerance as he begins to countdown, knowing that the ultimate reward for all his sacrifice will come from God.
“All Nigerians, both good and bad, know you are doing your best. In life you will have people who like you, and those who do not like you. If you have many wives, or many children, they will not like you equally.
“Some are insulting you and belittling your efforts now. Don’t worry. They will do the same thing to the next president.
“Keep doing your best, and remain tolerant as a leader. In Daura here, even the blind or the leader of all the blinds know that you have made a great difference. We are grateful, and proud of you,” the Emir said.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 13, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI PARTICIPATES IN TRIAL CENSUS IN DAURA, CONGRATULATES NPC ON PREPAREDNESS
The first phase of Census 2023— the trial House listing and House numbering took off officially in selected local government areas of the country today, Wednesday with President Muhammadu Buhari blessing the exercise, urging officials to justify the confidence of the government by returning accurate, verifiable and dependable data.
To mark the commencement of the exercise, the National Population Commission (NPC) accredited President Muhammadu Buhari at his country home in Daura, Katsina State.
“I am happy you have started the process, and congratulations. I know this will require a lot of time, skill and stamina,” President Buhari told the team from NPC led by the Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra.
After the digital capturing, the chairman explained the modalities and technicalities of the Population and Housing Census to the President.
Kwarra said President Buhari had been designated number one on the list, from Daura, Katsina, and his house was also the first.
The chairman said the trial commenced with the President, followed the conclusion of the training of the field functionaries for the Trial Census exercise, who will begin the fieldwork of the Trial Census from 13th to 30th July, 2022 in the selected Enumeration Areas and Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the Trial Census, also known as the “census dress rehearsal”, was one of the pre-census activities to evaluate all aspects of the census operation before the main census on a limited scale.
“It is a process in which all census operations are tested in a detailed and comprehensive manner to assess the level of preparedness of the Commission to conduct the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
“The Trial Census shall cover a total of 7681 Enumeration Areas (EAs) in the 36 States and the FCT. Six LGAs have been selected from the six selected States in the six geo-political zones of the country for full population enumeration while forty-five EAs in nine LGAs cutting across three senatorial districts were selected from each of the thirty States and the FCT for enumeration,” he added.
The Trial Census fieldwork includes, building numbering and household listing from 13th to 15th July, 2022; validation of EA frame from 16th to 18th July, 2022; person’s enumeration from 19th to 25th July, 2022; and enumeration mop up from 26th to 30th July, 2022.
As part of the exercise, Enumerators are expected to visit all residential and non-residential buildings within the selected Enumeration Areas and number the buildings and enumerate members of households in the buildings.
At the end of the trial census exercise, the NPC expects to take away lessons on their chosen methodology, work load, challenges of data collection in peculiar areas and the education as well as the adequacy of the preparation of their enumerators.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022
Press Statement
PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu Resumes Duty After Vacation…Confident on PDP’s Victory in Osun Governorship Election
The National Chairman of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu has officially resumed duties following his return from a short vacation abroad.
Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been duly informed on the return and official resumption of duty by Dr. Ayu as the National Chairman of the PDP.
Dr. Ayu who met with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja today, commended the Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, for effectively holding brief as Acting National Chairman for the period that he (the National Chairman) was on vacation, in line with the provision of the Constitution of the PDP 2017 (as amended).
He also applauded the members of the NWC, other Organs and critical stakeholders of the Party for the cohesiveness and unity of purpose that pervade the Party.
The National Chairman expressed confidence that with the prevailing overwhelming support of the people, the PDP and its candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke will emerge victorious in the Saturday, July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun State.
He also expressed satisfaction that the on-going consultations and efforts for the success of the PDP in the 2023 general elections are yielding very positive results.
The National Chairman therefore called on all members and teeming supporters of the Party to remain united and focused on the PDP’s mission to Rescue, Redirect and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary