LAGOS BANS OKADA, TRICYCLES IN 15 LOCAL COUNCILS

PRESS RELEASE

…Restricts Their Operations On 50 Highways, Bridges

Lagos State Government on Monday wielded the big stick against the menace of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke NAPEP), proscribing their operations in six Local Government Areas (LGAs), nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and 10 major highways across the State with effect from February 1.

The State Government directed security operatives to embark on a total enforcement of the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 to immediately address the chaos and disorderliness created by illegal operations of Okada and tricycle riders in restricted areas.

Besides, the Government also banned Okada and tricycles from plying 40 bridges and flyovers across the State.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who made the announcement at the State House in Alausa, said the measures were taken by the Government in response to “scary figures” of fatal accidents recorded from operations of Okada and tricycles in the State between 2016 and 2019.

Omotoso said the lack of regard for the Lagos Traffic Laws by the Okada and tricycle riders had resulted in preventable loss of lives, adding that their impermissible movements on restricted highways had also contributed to traffic jams.

He said: “After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.

“The figures are scary. From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as at date.

“Also, the rate of crimes aided by Okada and Keke keeps rising. They are also used as getaway means by criminals. Therefore, after consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, has decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Okada and Keke in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).”

Omotoso said the enforcement would be total, warning that the Government would deal with violators in accordance with the Laws. He added that there would be zero tolerance for the movement of the banned vehicles on the listed highways and bridges.

According to the Commissioner, operations of Okada and Keke NAPEP have been banned in the following LGAs and LCDAs: Apapa LGA, Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Lagos Mainland LGA, Yaba LCDA, Surulere LGA, Itire-Ikate LCDA, and Coker-Aguda LCDA.

Others are Ikeja LGA, Onigbongbo, LCDA, Ojodu LCDA, Eti-Osa LGA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, and Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Lagos Island LGA and Lagos Island East LCDA.

The Okada and Keke NAPEP are restricted on the following highways and bridges:

Major Highways

1. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

2. Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

3. Oworonshoki-Oshodi Expressway

4. Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway

5. Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

6. Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway

7. Lagos-Badagry Expressway

8. Funsho Williams Avenue

9. Agege Motor Road

10. Eti-Osa Lekki Coastal Road

Bridges

1. Iyana- Ipaja Bridge Agege

2. Dopemu Bridge Agege

3. Airport/Ikeja Bridge

4. Agege Motor road/oshodi Loop, Oshodi

5. Mushin/Isolo Link Bridge

6. Dorman Long Bridge

7. Ojuelegba Bridge

8. National Stadium Flyover

9. Apapa-Iganmu Bridge

10. Apapa-Ijora Link Bridge

11. Liverpool Bridge, Apapa

12. Mile 2 Bridge-Loop, Amuwo-Odofin

13. Okota (cele)/Ijesha Link Bridge

14. Apakun/Apapa-Oshodi Bridge Network

15. Ikorodu Road/Anthony Clover leaf Bridge

16. Trade Fair Flyover Bridge

17. Festac/Amuwo-Odofin Link Bridge

18. 2 Flyover Bridges along Alhaji Masha Road

19. Ojota Clover leaf Bridge

20. Ogudu Bridge

21. 3rd Mainland Bridge

22. Maryland flyover

23. Ikeja General Hospital Flyover Bridge

24. Kodesoh Bridge, Oba Akran, Ikeja

25. Opebi Link Bridge

26. Sheraton-Opebi Bridge

27. Jibowu/Yaba flyover Bridge

28. Carter Bridge, Lagos

29. Bariga-Ifako Bridge

30. Apapa-Oshodi Expressway/Alapere Bridge

31. Bariga/Oworonsoki Bridge

32. Apapa-Oshodi Expressway/Gbagada U-Turn

33. Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

34. 3rd Mainland/Oworonsoki Bridge

35. Eko Bridge

36. Apongbon flyover Bridge

37. Cowry Bridge (Officers Mess)

38. Mcwen Bridge (Bonny Camp)

39. Marina/Ikoyi Bridge

40. Ikoyi/Obalende Bridge

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

JANUARY 27, 2020

NOW THAT GANDUJE HAS WON HIS SUPREME COURT CASE, IS IT END OF THE ROAD FOR EMIR SANUSI AS EMIR OF KANO?

Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, EMIR of Kano

With the Supreme Court today affirming the victory of Dr. Umar Ganduje as the winner of that highly controversial election in Kano, which had the PDP candidate coasting home to an upset victory, until that much needed pause and then re-run election, which eventually gave the victory to the incumbent to do another 4 year term. But for that window given, maybe it's another individual that would have been in charge of the state of affairs of the historical state of Kano now. And if that had been the case, maybe the unnecessary battle of wits between the executive Governor of the Northern states, most prominent state-Kano in the person of Dr. Umar Ganduje and the state's most prominent king/royal father, the Emir of Kano in the person of his royal majesty, Alhaji Muhammed Sanusi II, might have ended by now.

Now instead, their battle has escalated to a point of no return. And if the Government would put action to their threats to strip the king of his title, then the current EMIR of Kano, in fact the 14th Emir to be more precise, in the person of the former fiery and uncompromising Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor from (June 2009 till February 2014), who used to be referred to then as just plain and simple 'Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi', might soon also now affix the tag ex-King (emir) to his name.

It was for his uncompromising stance and mouth then, that he was removed (fired) then as a CBN top honcho, when he battled his employers the FGN THEN during his tenure by exposing them. Now that mouth and stance again, has put him in direct confrontation again with those (state Government) who crowned him and the likelihood of him being ousted is quite glaring!

That both combatants are at dagger's drawn has been on for a while now (through out the life cycle of this administration). People have gotten in, to try to mend the fence between the 2, but the issues have refused to go away, always rearing its head at the slightest provocation, as it's been covered only by a thin layer, which gets removed over the slightest of touch. Just imagine the kind of development that could have been brought in to the state were the 2 people to have been united. While Sanusi is well known to be highly connected, influential and quite smart, all of those things that could have worked well to the advantage of the state. The Governor on the other side too as the state's administrator, is said to be quite smart too. So if one can do much, just imagine what 2 could have achieved? Far so much more we believe.

So last week while still awaiting the Supreme Court verdict, a supposed aide of the Governor was said to have spoken of what would happen after the verdict must have been pronounced, as was done today and in the favor of the state Government. The aide was said to have spoken about the plan to remove the so called troublesome Emir, who they believe is part of the reason the administration is not having it easy and not getting seen with the right eyes by all and sundry. Just so it can show that even if Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, The Emir of Kano has international connections and influence, that it is of little consequence when it comes to local politics in Kano.

So prior to this time the state government had done their very best to undermine the king, one of the ways they had done that was to try to whittle down his influence, by appointing more kings (4 more) over a domain he use to control all by himself alone before. When that didn't seem to have had the desired effect, now is this threat to remove him totally.

So now that no more court case is hanging on the head of the Government, would they now remove the Emir like they have threatened to do????

Would his attempted removal not cause chaos in Kano? What is it, that these 2 men have against each other that's so bad and terrible?

Any which way though, June 8, 2020 would be Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II's 6th anniversary coronation anniversary were he to still be the Emir of Kano. 

SHULAMITE OLUFUNKE ADEBOLU ERSTWHILE LAGOS COMMISSIONER REMOVED WITHOUT A MENTION & REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. WHAT'S GOING ON?

Mrs. Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu

... With the Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu. 

Mrs. Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu's nomination as a Commissioner in Lagos State was met with a lot of joy, happiness and great expectations, as everyone and her fans in great numbers inclusive, had thought it was a very well deserved appointment then. One of the many reasons been that, like many of those appointed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu to help him steer the boat of the administration of the state appropriately, she is a professional to the core and a brilliant one at that, not a politician at all by any stretch.

The 46 year old married lawyer by training, before coming on board as an administrator appointed to oversee the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in Lagos State, the State of Aquatic Excellence, had done quite good in her private endeavors, where she had excelled brilliantly.

So when she was given the portfolio as the former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, until when she was removed abruptly yesterday, it was a welcomed development, that all and sundry applauded. People felt that someone who could do a brilliant, most excellent job after taking over from the past commissioner, Mr. Steve Ayorinde had come on board.

So just imagine the utter shock and total disbelief that heralded the announcement yesterday, when in a so called minor reshuffling just yesterday, Thursday, January 16, 2020 when as announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in the person of Mr. Gboyega Akosile, one of those that many had applauded was going to do a brilliant job for the State, was unceremoniously and quietly removed from the state's cabinet without even a quiet mention as to why or what must have necessitated such a decision!!!!

And since that press release of yesterday, tongues have been wagging, with unsubstantiated speculations flying about everywhere.

Could there have been a clash of some sort?

Could there have been some sort of a battle of wits, with the combatants not ready to back down or yield and the end result of which, has led to either the SACK or resignation!

What could have transpired so early in an administration that's still trying to come to the grips of things and whose members have not even spent up to 6 months yet on their various saddles?

What could the brilliant, well trained lawyer have done, that the only thing that could remedy the situation is a sack?

What's going on????

Shuli, as the beautiful mother of 3 and former Commissioner is fondly called by those close to her, is 46 years old and would be 47 come April 8, 2020 as she was born on the same date in 1973.

She had her primary education at the famous Home Science School, Ikoyi, before going abroad to continue her secondary education and A-levels. She got a 2nd Class Upper Graduate degree in Law from the University of Hertfordshire in 1995, then off to the College of Law, Guilford, Surrey, UK in 1996.

She is a Management Consultant with over 22 years of experience. She was an Associate Director at PwC's Advisory Service. She's a Subject Matter Expert in Information, Implementation and Execution of Government Delivery Units. She had worked in some capacity with the former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, though she has come in then as consultant until she became one of the supposed shining stars of the Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu Administration, from which she has now been removed now when she's just about clocking at least 6 months on the job.

Find below the Press release that announced the change, which didn't mention anything whatsoever about why she was dismissed, removed, sacked or sent packing--

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU RESHUFFLES CABINET, WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced minor cabinet reshuffle, with the appointment of three new members.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Gboyega Akosile said eight cabinet portfolios affected by the redeployment include ministries of Local Government, ministry of Special Duties, Wealth Creation and Employment, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Home Affairs as well as Waterfront Infrastructure. Others are the Central Business District and Urban Development.

According to Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has moved three commissioners around, while two Special Advisers have been assigned new roles as commissioners. Affected commissioners and their new portfolios are: Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed who has now been moved to Local Government and Community Affairs; Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, formerly Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs has been moved to the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

Also, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf has been moved from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as Honourable Commissioner.

Two former Special Advisers, Prince Anofiu Elegushi and Architect Kabiru Ahmed are now assigned to the Ministries of Home Affairs and Waterfront Infrastructure as Honourable Commissioners respectively.

The Governor, according to Akosile also announced portfolios of the new cabinet members. They are Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, Commissioner-designate (Special Duties), Mr. Oyerinde Olugbenga Olanrewaju, Special Adviser-designate (Central Business District) and Hon. Ayuba Ganiu Adele, Special Adviser-designate (Urban Development).

Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for believing in the Executive and carrying out the ratification of the cabinet nominees in a manner devoid of mere political considerations other than the interests of the electorate, assuring that his action is in line with his administration’s vision of delivering good governance to the residents of Lagos.

The new appointments and redeployments, Sanwo-Olu said are intended to create a new energy and vivacity for continued delivery of values to the government of Lagos and provision of service to millions of Lagosians.



SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

JANUARY 16, 2020

AS THE GOOD MAN STEPS ASIDE AS FORCED BY THE SUPREME COURT RULING AGAINST HIM. HE LEAVES THIS GREAT STATEMENT BEHIND

Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha 

STATEMENT FROM HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. EMEKA IHEDIOHA, CON, ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION OF THE MARCH 9, 2019.

JANUARY 15, 2020

My dear good people of Imo State,
I address you today, following recent developments affecting our dear state, and in particular the Supreme Court judgement of 14thJanuary 2020.In my relationship with you as Governor of Imo , I had employed regular consultations and dialogue as a tool of political discourse. This informs this course of action.

2. I am reporting back to you our great Imo people on the fate of the mandate you freely gave to me as Governor and Engr. Gerald Irona as Deputy Governor. This mandate has now been truncated and cut short by the Supreme Court, in contravention of the will of the people.

3. We shall always cherish the tremendous goodwill and support you gave us as we grappled with setting up a new administration to rebuild a state that was devastated by bad governance.

4. In the last seven months we sought to elevate merit, unity of purpose, honesty, transparency and an inclusive approach to governance, as the hallmarks of our administration. We sought to restore once again, the pride and dignity of Imo people. We worked very hard to re-engineer the Imo renaissance. But God knows why he has allowed this current state of affairs.

5. No doubt, yesterday’s Supreme Court verdict, came to us as a rude shock and surprise considering the facts on ground, legal precedence and clear verdict of Imo People on March 9 2019, that returned me as Governor with the highest valid votes of 273,404.

6.  I do not agree with the judgement of the Supreme Court. I think it is unfair, unjust and does not reflect the voting that took place during the elections. It also didn’t take care of the sensibilities of the people of Imo State. But as true democrats, Engr Gerald Irona and I have no option but to respect the outcome of that judgement.

7. Consequently, we have put machinery in motion to hand-over the reins of office to the APC Candidate as the the next governor of Imo State. This will be coordinated by the Secretary to the State Government. I therefore direct all members of Imo State Expanded Executive Council, and all political appointees to write their handing-over notes and to return all government properties in their custody, forthwith. I shall not be party to pilfering of Government property or funds.

8. May we use this opportunity to express our gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve, within the short period he granted us. We sincerely appreciate you for all your solidarity and goodwill. We would forever cherish and treasure your love, your trust and your partnership.  We made our mark. Rebuilding our dear state is neither easy nor personal, but a task undertaken for our today and tomorrow.

9. I thank you all for your support which saw us achieve so much and reversed the negative trajectory of Imo State within a space of seven months. It is significant to note that Imo State was looking good again. We were declared the least corrupt State in the Country, the fastest state growing economy in Nigeria and the most improved, in terms of the deployment of Information Technology in service delivery. Our infrastructure was significantly coming to life, civil servants and pensioners were now being paid as and when due and optimism returned to Imo State. It is on record that we were acclaimed as the most sports and diaspora friendly state. Most importantly we returned life and activities to our local governments. Yes we had good plans to make Imo the centre piece of commerce, industry, technology, tourism by providing good leadership and first class infrastructure. Under our watch, Imo became safe with our systematic approach to securing lives and property.

10. All these were made possible by your prayers, support and sacrifices. I therefore appeal to all Imolites, especially our teeming supporters to remain calm and to shun any action that is capable of resulting in a breach of the peace. We can always have different parties, but we would have only one Imo State. In the same vein, I urge you to extend to my successor, the same support you gave to me. It is my wish that he will continue on the path we had set for the rebuilding of our state as well as consolidate on the progress and milestones we achieved.

11. It is incontrovertible that we ran a good race, fought tough battles, (including, principalities and powers)and governed the state well, with the fear of God, accountability, transparency and entrenched due process. We, however, take solace in the book of Ecclesiastics 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”.

12. We step aside with implicit faith in the Sovereign Lord who reigns over the affairs of men.

13. Thank you.
Imo bu nke anyi.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON.

EXCELLENT TRAJECTORY FOR EDWARD ADAMU OF GOMBE AS THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR CBN REPLACES MUIZ BANIRE AT AMCON

Edward Lametek Adamu

Muiz BANIRE, SAN

Seems like there's a wind of change blowing right now across the Government agencies and appointees and all those not well founded, whose roots are not well structured in its path are getting swept away, thrown away, removed or shut out.

Only just yesterday the Federal Government against all the lobbying that was mounted on her, refused to reinstate the former Executive Chairman of FIRS, in the person of Babatunde Fowler, who did all that was humanly possible so as to retain his seat for another 4 year tenure which would have lapsed in 2023, same year that this government/administration of PMB would have also finished her 2nd term too. Fowler's 1st term actually elapsed on Monday, December 9, 2019. He was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the FIRS on August 20, 2015, but his appointment was later confirmed by the Senate on December 9, 2015 hence the date his tenure finished. He had shown his readiness to do a 2nd term so as to be able to consolidate on the results of his 1st term in office, where he had supposedly led the service to raise what was presumed a record breaking revenue over a 4 year span.

Just as Mr. Fowler who is a school mate of the current Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at Igbobi College has left office now without any visible stain on his person and records yet, one only prays that the mud splashing going about in the same service he has just left behind and that has splashed & stained some of those top officials who used to work with him, who have been accused of monumental fraud to the tune of billions of Naira, would not in anyway splash on him too, to the extent that he could be called by the EFCC to come explain certain actions of his and Co.

Just as many were still grappling with the non renewal of Fowler's tenure and his immediate replacement by a thorough-bred tax guru by the name Muhammad M. Hami, the same wind of change has blown again now over another Government agency and it has removed, unseated the erstwhile Chairman of that agency in the person of Mr. Muiz Banire, SAN a former top chieftain of the ruling APC, who probably has only just spent one year at the most as the boss of the agency. Reason why he might have been removed was not stated in the communique that announced his removal.

But his replacement was immediately named and he is none other than a Deputy Governor of Nigeria's Apex Bank, the CBN in the person of Edward Lametek Adamu, who is an indigene of Gombe state. Mr. Adamu from all indications has had a meteoric rise since the advent of this administration not undeserving though. He only became a Deputy Governor at the CBN in 2018 & after just a year as the Deputy Governor of the apex bank he has now being given more responsibilities as the boss of AMCON, that's the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria. 

Mr. Edward L. Adamu is a Quantity Surveyor by training. He graduated from ABU Zaria. He is a business Consultant and leadership Strategist also. He has been at the CBN for 27 years since 1992 when he was employed there. He became CBN's Director of Strategy in 2012, then he became the apex bank's Director of Human Resources in 2016. He was nominated as Deputy Governor on February 1, 2018 and was unanimously confirmed on Marc 22, 2018.

His resume reads ABU Zaria, Bachelors in Quantity Survey, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Institute of Credit Administrators of Nigeria, Wharton Business School, INSEAD, Booth School of Business, IMD Switzerland.

He is a father of 4. 

SEYI MAKINDE OYO STATE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR DECLARES N48B PERSONAL ASSETS

His Excellency, Governor OLUSEYI MAKINDE of Oyo State. 

MAKINDE DECLARES N48BN FIRMS, OTHER ASSETS

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday made good his campaign promise to publicly declare his assets.

The governor, who visited the Oyo State office of the Code of Conduct Bureau in Ibadan to receive a copy of the asset declaration form, said his decision to make the assets public was in fulfillment of his electoral promise.

Details of the assets as contained in the CCB 1 with the name Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, was declared at the High Court of Oyo State, on May 28, 2019.

The assets declaration form, marked OYSE/2019/001 contained details of cash at hand, in the bank, landed properties (developed and undeveloped), household items, share and bonds owned by the governor and his wife, Omini Makinde, as well as his companies.

According to a statement containing the details of the asset form made public by the Chief Press Secretary to Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa, the governor of Oyo State has cash at hand and in the bank worth N234, 742,296.01, as of May 28, 2019.

In dollar terms, the governor had $30,056.99 as of the same date.

The statement added that properties and household items indicated on the asset forms showed that the governor was worth N2, 624,800,500.

In dollars, the governor declared properties and household items worth $4,400,000.

In South African Rands, the governor declared buildings and household items worth R4,400,057,550,04 .

The statement said, “The houses declared by the governor includes nine buildings in Nigeria, two in the United States of America and one in South Africa.

“One of the properties in the United States is described as ‘jointly owned.’

“The details showed the current value of Makinde’s companies stand at N48,150,736,889, with 33,730,000 units of shares as of May 28, 2019.

“The governor also has existing bonds (Eurobond) worth $3,793,500 as well as shares, debentures and other securities valued at N120,500,000.

“The companies listed by the governor include Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited, Makon Oil and Gas Limited, Makon Group Limited, Makon Construction Limited and Makon Power System Limited.”

The asset declaration form indicated that Makinde’s four companies had additional assets denominated as loan notes, including Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited(N1.7 bn); Makon Power System Limited(N148.4 m); Makon Oil and Gas Limited(N34m); Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited(N1.159bn) totalling N3.389bn.

(TPM) 

BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWOOLU DAZZLES ALL WITH HIS 1ST OFFICIAL ADDRESS AROUSING THE EXCELLENT SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM-"AWAKENING A GREATER LAGOS"

H.E, THE 15TH EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, GOVERNOR BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWOOLU 

PROTOCOL

By the grace of Almighty God and Your votes, I stand before you today as your Governor. (Pause)
This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to greatness. Today, I ask you to join me on this journey to awaken a Greater Lagos.

When we speak of a Greater Lagos, we speak not empty words. It is a deep and profound assertion we mean.

We intend to make history by making for ourselves and our children a better future.
Therefore, on this day, on this precious land we call our home, let us stand together in the very face of history.

Let us vow to ourselves, and to posterity that we shall not just dream of a Greater Lagos. Let us agree this day that we shall collectively rise up to build the Lagos of our dreams.

We need not be discouraged by the challenges that may be apparent. Today is an opportunity for us to forge ahead in our quest for a Greater Lagos.

It is possible!

No one should ever underestimate the spirit of Lagos and the resilience of its people. Yes, hard problems may confront us, but we will also confront them. Every problem will lose its potency to our unity.

Therefore, Lagosians, in this new chapter of our lives, we need not cry or fret. We are united by our common purpose of a Greater Lagos and fulfilling future.

Posterity has given us this day to commence our journey to greatness. We need to envision the glorious end of working together, tirelessly and committedly, towards achieving a Lagos of our dreams. By our individual and collective efforts and the Grace of God, these dreams will become a reality.

In Lagos State, our story has been of successes and achievements. Since 1999, our tradition of progressive governance has set Lagos apart and strengthened people’s belief in our ideology.

And that is the very reason I stand before you on this historic day as your Governor. While we celebrate the victory of progressive governance and democracy, tomorrow we must be ready to stand on guard and be fully vigilant.

Democracy and progressive governance hold only to the extent that we protect and nurture them. While Lagos glimmers as a beacon of progressive and quality governance, our nation now undergoes a historic battle to establish progressive and just governance.

Lagos must again rise and help lead this nation to fuller progress and to a closer realization of the greatness that exists within all Nigerians.

This inauguration symbolizes such an awakening.

Today, I stand before you as your governor, but also as your friend, brother; neighbor and your servant. I stand here to ask that you join me to script and fashion this greater Lagos with the creativity of our minds.

More after the break.

ALL IS FAIR IN WAR AS FEMI GBAJABIAMILA'S ENEMIES FIGHTS DIRTY.

Those who do not like Femi Gbajabiamila's visibility and rise, those who do not like the camp that he belongs to (he is unrepentantly a strong member of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's camp) and who would want their pound of flesh have merged together to fight the one they now see as a common enemy. And in fighting the battle to what they believe is a conclusion, they are willing to use every weapon in their arsenals to achieve their goal. For these people, they have embraced wholeheartedly, the maxim that, "all is fair in war". So whatever is is going to take, is what they are willing to give it.

What is it particularly that is bringing so much attention on the exemplary lawyer and law maker, it's none other than the battle for the position of the speaker (leader) of the Federal House of Representatives, which makes the one that emerges for the post, as the 4th in rank on the power hierarchy in the country.

The speaker of the national assembly of a country, is a massive position of influence and what the norm actually dictates is that, the party that's in the majority in the house, picks the person to occupy that position. What the party in the majority normally does is to pick a consensus candidate from amongst themselves, who they would all vote for to become the speaker, but with the APC which is the ruling party, it has been a party in chaos and disarray. So a house divided against itself cannot stand. So if care is not taken, they might just lose out all over again. Like in the 8th assembly.

With so many from the same party laying claim to the post, it hasn't been as straightforward as the party would have loved it. So with the in-fighting in the party getting more intense by the day, making them not to stand as one, it has allowed the opposition to plant seeds of discord to further pull them apart. And that opposition scheming powerfully and might actually spring a surprise.

Part of what they have used to their advantage so far is to bring to question the integrity of the major front runner for position from the APC in the person of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

First was the question of his abroad based daughter, who is a supposed model, whose unrestrained lifestyle they have called into question and then now is this campaign of calumny that is fast gaining grounds that he was a convicted felon in the US in 2007 where he was formerly based. So the idea is basically that how can a former criminal or felon aspire to such a sensitive position as that of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives of Nigeria.

In fact there's even a court case - FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019, was specifically instituted already by a Phillip Undie. The plaintiff, Mr Philip Undie, who identified himself as a taxpayer, in a 25-paragraph affidavit, told the court that he has evidence that the 1st defendant was convicted by the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2007.

Consequently, he as asked the court to determine “whether upon the construction of section 66 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vis-à-vis the judgement of the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, Atlanta, USA, in suit No. SO6YO829 in the matter of Femi Gbaja, the 1st defendant is the fit and proper person to be elected to the House of Representatives and/or to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

To Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila's detractors, It is like one's past catching up on one.

So would this people, these enemies of progress succeed in their dastardly schemes? It is left to be seen as the countdown to the election in June of 2019 gets near.

EKITI'S STATE GOVERNOR DR. KAYODE FAYEMI EMERGES AS THE NEW NGF'S PRESIDENT.

Dr. John Kayode Fayemi

His profile has continued to soar high since he came back for his 2nd term as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State after taking over from rabble-rouser extraordinaire, Peter "the rock" Ayodele Fayose.

At least Ekiti is not just in the news for just about anything anymore, peace and normalcy had since taken over and people are seemingly just moving about doing their things quietly.

And now the very calm, highly cerebral Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has added another feather to his enviable cap after emerging unanimously as the new chairman of the quite influential Nigeria's Governors Forum (NGF). The news of his emergence  wouldn't have been anything extraordinary had it not being that its the "first time in the history of the NGF that a Governor from the SW would be occupying such a position". And with Dr. Kayode Fayemi being an expert in war & conflict resolution, he would bring that expertise to bear on his colleagues as the Governors would engage all other arms of Government. So it's a very very positive and very welcomed development. The days of unnecessary confrontations without necessarily achieving anything, might just be long gone afterall.

The new NGF chairman is known to be a very good ally of the President of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who he served meritoriously as a Minister for Solid Minerals. before he resigned to vie again for the Governorship of his state.

The new chairman was nominated for the post by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who was seconded by the Governor of DELTA state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. He would be leading the NGF for the next 2years till 2021.

Also elected as the Vice-chairman of the forum was the Governor of Sokoto state, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who was nominated by the outgoing Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode who was seconded by the Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu.

In his acceptance remark, Dr. Fayemi expressed his gratitude for the confidence reposed on him by his colleagues.

He then pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and success stories of the forum.

“We will build on commitments with strong partnership with the Federal Government as federating unit and trash out issues as amicably as possible, in the over all interest of the country,” he said.

He then pledged that they would represent the interests of Nigeria irrespective of their political affiliations.

“Whatever we are going to do will be in overall interest of the nation in ensuring that our states are continuously strengthened,”

“Our country derives the benefit of strong, dedicated states to our citizens and the partnership with all arms of government, development partners working with us in the over all interest of Nigeria.

He commended the outgoing chairman of the forum and the secretariat for their commitment to states and Nigeria at large.

Kudos to Dr. Kayode Fayemi on a well deserved appointment. And some have even begun to look forward and ahead already as far as 2023 & are believing the calm mien of the Ekiti state Governor might just be leading him towards the presidency.

Would it happen or wouldn't it happen? Let's just wait and see, for like they say, time is the judge.

What is more curious though is that a coalition that's not too favorable inclined towards Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is gradually day by day gaining more and more access to power and influence. 

GODWIN EMEFIELE SET TO RETAIN POST AS CBN GOVERNOR. TO BECOME THE 1ST EVER CBN GOVERNOR TO SERVE 2 TERMS IN OFFICE.

Godwin Emefiele 

As it concerns the CBN Governorship position, it seems like it's already a done deal as the incumbent, in the person of Mr. Godwin Emefiele whose first term tenure is gradually winding down and would have elapsed come June 2019, which is just a few weeks away. With his renomination by President Muhammadu Buhari, it means he would be going for another 5 years in office again. Emefiele was 1st appointed 5 years ago by the then President Goodluck Azikwe Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, who had removed the then CBN Governor, who went on to become the current Emir of Kano, that's talking about the then Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is now better addressed as Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, HRM, the Emir of Kano.

Many names had popped up in speculation as the likely successor to Mr. Emefiele who prior to becoming the CBN Governor was the MD of Zenith Bank Plc. The reason why many had thought there was going to be a definite change of baton from Emefiele to another person was because none of those who had ever being in charge as the head honcho of the apex bank in Nigeria had ever lasted more than a tenure (first term). They have always been replaced after their first term & only term in office. So with his nomination again for the post by President Muhammadu Buhari, to retain Godwin Emefiele for a 2nd term. If the appointment should scale through, which it would, it would just amount to Emefiele breaking a record as the 1st ever CBN Governor to be retained to do a 2nd term of another 5 years.

Much as many had claimed that the CBN Governor was somewhat docile and had not really stamped his authority on his position and not done anything extraordinary for the Nigerian economy and fiscal policy to retain the post, it seems like the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari have seen in him, what most have not seen or have not being willing to see and not just that alone, there might just be many things that he has done, that have been quite positive and that have worked very well towards the economic policies of the administration, which has sold him very well. So things have worked well for the man not seen by many, to be overly ambitious and not seen to be desperate to want to retain the position. For Emefiele, it looks like he has given credence to the assertion that, good things comes to those who wait or that the patient dog, eats the fattest bone.

So as Emefiele retains his post, that just puts to bed the speculation of the likelihood of the 'FIRS boss', who also doubles as the 'Chairman of the Joint Tax Board', in the person of 'Mr. William Babatunde Fowler' and others also so speculated, taking over from him as the CBN Governor. Those who had tried to sell the idea of Mr. Fowler had thought that him coming on board the CBN was fantastic proposition. But now with the CBN post gone, maybe the super hardworking tax czar would now be considered for a ministerial position instead, as many are of the opinion that a change of baton might actually also be coming up at the FIRS too. 

REASONS WHY BABATUNDE FOWLER DESERVES TO BE THE NEXT CBN GOVERNOR

William Babatunde Fowler 

We had written about the likelihood of the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, who also doubles as the Chairman of Joint Tax Board in the person of Mr. Babatunde Fowler becomimg the next Governor of the Apex Bank in Nigeria a few days back and some had expressed their opinions as per what they thought about it. One particular person we had spoken to raised a point saying anyone that must be in charge at the CBN, must be someone that has, one, a banking background and two must also be someone who has a fantastic grasp, knowledge and understanding of the economy and policies of the country amongst several other things needed. And we quite agree too with all of that and more.

But before we go on, it must be well stated here, that this write up here is strictly our opinion and that it wasn't sponsored by anyone, neither was it engineered by any individual or groups of people. And we know very very well that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, allows us to have our own opinion and allows us the opportunity to also express freely that opinion as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights others.

So away from the above. If one of the major requirements needed for anyone to become the next Governor of Nigeria's number 1 Bank is banking experience, then having spent not less than 2 decades at 2 banks rising to the level of a General Manager, before quitting to join the public service then Mr. Fowler is very well qualified then. For 6 years (84 to 90), Mr. Fowler worked at Commercial Bank (Credit Lyonnais) becoming the Branch Manager of the only branch of that Bank outside her HQ. Then for the next 14 years of his life, he worked at Chartered Bank, where he came in as a senior manager, but left as a General Manager of that same bank after achieving so much. Part of these was helping to increase the branch network of Chartered Bank then, from 2 to 11, in just 5 years! Not to talk of loads of other things he did too. He made Chartered Bank of the top 3 banks in the country in terms of revenue collection for the states and Federal Government agencies.

When he left the private sector to move to the public sector by working for Lagos State for all of 9 years till 2015, he led the LIRS to break every records available and conceivable in revenue generation via tax collection. People generally look at it like, there wasn't anything so extraordinary about what he did or was able to achieve. But for one to have led an organisation, an autonomous government parastatal that helped to shoot what was accruing to that government of a state from [3.6billion monthly to 23 billion monthly], that is something that is unbelievably extraordinary at least to us. To even add to that, if it were so so easy like some have come to claim, how come prior to him coming on board the people there before didn't do a quarter of what he now came to do later.

It was because of his exemplary feat and service to Lagos State, that the Federal government thought it best to see if he could come replicate what he did in Lagos at the Federal level too and truth be said, he hasn't failed at all. For it has been garlands upon garlands, achievements upon achievements since he came on board in 2015. Here is a man that his work and feats have spoken for him. Just like the scriptures has said, in Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, and bringeth him before great men. It's not a matter of rhetoric for Mr. William Babatunde Fowler, but of actions.

Just imagine that N5.32 trillion was what the FIRS contributed to the nation in 2018 alone, that's N1.292 trillion more than what they collected in 2017 (which was N3.3 trillion. That amount 5.3 trillion, is the highest ever collected in the history of Nigeria. And it must be well stated that the revenue has been increasing annually since he came on board. It must also be well noted that, this is part of the funds shared by the 3 tiers of Government annually. And for 2019 alone, the target is N8 trillion Naira. So from the foregoing then, If one is good at what he or she does, the person must be well commended and compensated then.

For someone who has done exceptionally well like he has done already at the assignment that was given to him, surpassing all expectations so glaringly, just imagine then what sanity and revolutionary approach he would bring to bear at the apex bank of and when appointed.. Especially as the current Governor's 1 term tenure would soon be coming to an end. To show how exceptionally good Babatunde Fowler is, even the "African Tax Administration Forum", a body that comprises of all the tax czar in the 38 countries of Africa  recognises that he is a guru par excellence, as he is leading them again on a 2nd term of another 2 years till 2020. He was reelected unopposed by all the 26 members that participated in the election.

So it's like putting a round peg in a round hole.  Like we have always said, "who the cap fits, let them wear it".

William Babatunde Fowler is the man for the job. 

Osibajo, Ambode Launch Trader-Moni, Urges Recipients to Use Loan Judiciously

It was an ecstatic moment mid afternoon 2 days ago as the Vice President of the nation, Prof. Yemi Osibajo unveiled the Federal Government’s Trader-Moni initiative, a Government enterprise and empowerment programme to petty traders at the Ketu and Adebayo markets in Lagos.

The Vice President who was accompanied by the Lagos state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) Lagos State governorship candidate for the 2019 election, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, toured the markets to the delight of all and interacted with the market men and women assuring them that the government will increase the loan to each individual provided they use what they have gotten  judiciously and are also faithful in paying back the sum as at when due.

Reacting to the Government’s gesture at the Ketu Market, the Babaloja Ikosi, Ikosi-Ketu market, Chief Akanbi Taofeek said by remembering the petty traders, the Federal government have taken the right step in the right direction. He went further to say that  although, the amount involved is small, the Babaloja said it would still go a long way to ease the suffering of the down trodden Nigerians and traders who are very much in need of such interventions. The Babaloja assured the Government of good support to ensure that the recipients keeps to what he calls “very encouraging repayments terms”.

Speaking in the same vein, the Iyaloja of the Ketu market, Mrs. Amope Adesanya, urged the Government to sustain the tempo with which they have come out to unveil the loan assistance to the common traders without the usual insurmountable requirements by Microfinance Banks and similar organizations.  Hence the desire of the market associations to support the government to ensure that the money goes round to the traders.

Some of beneficiaries who spoke on their experiences included - Ismaila Orilowo and Sunday Adekunle, both Meat Sellers at the market. While Orilowo noted that the initial loan sum of N10,000 may have been too small for his kind of business, but he still praised the Government for at least starting something.  “If such initiative had been on, all the while, a lot of economic burdens will have been eased for the common Nigerians”  Orilowo who is a cluster leader in the meat section of the market confirmed that at least a dozen traders in his team have received the money.

Elfreda Asuquo-Edet, a vegetable  trader who revealed that she had declined to register with the Trader–moni officials on their first visit to the market because she had thought it was another scam, she however expressed joy that she has benefited and invested the sum in improving her trade.  “I like the condition because it’s not going to stress me at all”, she said.

Another beneficiary, Blessing Augustine said, I am happy the Government at long last has thought about the masses. The money will help in my trade and the way it is structured, it will encourage beneficiaries to pay back on time so that they will qualify for the next step of bigger sum”.

The trader-moni initial loan sum is N10,000 for 6 months to be paid back at N430 every week. And the total sum payable thereafter is N10,250. Thereafter the trader can access N15,000 for another six month and pay back N15,375. The trader can then apply for N20,000 for 6 month with pay back sum being N21,000. If the customer is faithful he can obtain N50,000 with pay back sum at N52,000 while the highest loan sum is N100,000.

AT THE ADEBAYO MARKET
The VP and his entourage made up of the Lagos state Governor, Akinwumi Ambode and the APC Lagos state governorship aspirant for the 2019 general election, Babajide Sanwo-Olu also visited other markets too.

Speaking also about the project, the Babaloja of Adebayo Market and Bariga LCDA, Alhaji Rasaq Rabiu said the presidency made a thoughtful decision in remembering the traders and giving them the financial support which will boost their businesses.

According to him, “we thank God; the Vice President came here because of the money they are giving to the traders’, money to maintain their markets so they can make profit. Those who collected this money will not curse the Government rather they will praise them. We will continue to pray for the  Government to continue and do more than this”.

Mr Rasaq added that the traders have been sensitized that the money is a loan which they must return within six months which will enable them to acquire the next phase.

A catfish seller, Miss Adeola Oyekanmi who got her money within three days of registering for the project couldn’t hide her feelings as she hailed the Government for considering them in the project. “We started hearing about it since Friday that we should come and register and after registering we got a message and the next was a credit transfer alert. I got the money today. The money will improve my market, I am selling fish and I have N50,000 , if I add the N10,000 to it, it will boost my market, It will help me a lot, she said.

Also, a stock fish seller, Mrs Unwachukwu Ebere said she was happy on hearing about the money though she did not know it is a loan. “ I have collected my money. The money will boost my business. I am doing business with 5,000, if I add the 10,000 to it, it will surely help me.

The Iyaloja of Adebayo Market, Bariga who was also a beneficiary of the Trader-Moni initiative said the money is a good way of encouraging the traders and it will help them. According to her “The loan is good. Giving N10,000 is better than nothing.  She added that the interest rate is very small which should not be the problem for people who have collected it.

A trader, Mrs Ogunmayi who specializes in selling shoes and bags said though the money is good for petty traders, but she thinks the Government should come up with projects that will benefit those in her category.

Speaking to the press on the project, a representative of GDM, a consulting company for the Trader-Moni initiative, Mr. Olarenwaju said the information and intergration of the people towards the project has been on for almost three months. He said people were skeptical about it at first, after telling them because they are not seeing the money immediately then. He is however delighted that the people were not disappointed.

The Trader-Moni initiative is supported by the Bank of Industry and the loan repayments can be done at any of the major banks likes of Union Bank, Jaiz Bank, Fidelity Bank, GTBank, Sterling Bank, UBA, Heritage Bank, Wema Bank, Ecobank and Stanbic Bank. 

DR. IBE KACHUKWU POOH-POOH'S ALLEGATION OF FALSIFICATION OF CERTIFICATES

Dr. Emmanuel Ibe KACHIKWU. 

It had gone viral all of yesterday that the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu had been economical with the truth about the grade of one of his results/certificates, specifically the one that he graduated from the UNN with First Class honours degree in Law.

Many had thought that why would he have claimed to have gotten a First Class when he in actual fact had gotten a Second Class Upper honours, though he was the best graduand in his class. The brilliant oil and gas expert whose resume is as staggering as they come as thought to respond very matter of factly to the allegations.

Hear him--

My attention has been drawn to a publication on an online medium Premium Times with a title “FACT-CHECK: Document shows Kachikwu lied about graduating with First Class in Law”. In the publication the writer alleged that I, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu misrepresented information about obtaining a First Class Degree from the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka, citing a presentation done at Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Abuja.
I would like to categorically state the following facts;

1. That my official CV and resume is in the public domain and has been submitted to various levels of Government and Parastatals. Also the document clearly states that Dr. Kachikwu obtained a “Second Class Honours (Upper Division) degree” from the Faculty of Law in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where I graduated as best student in 1978. In addition, no First Class Honours were awarded by UNN that year. However, I was on the list for best graduands with Second Class Upper Honours for that year. At no time have I misled the Nigerian public or my colleagues in believing otherwise.

2. On the presentation I made at the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) cited by Premium Times, the substance of the assertions was to the effect that I had a first class performance in school and was emphasizing on the need for hard work amongst youths to get them to the top of their game.

3. To give credence to the statements made during that presentation, I was the best graduating student in the Nigerian Law School in the year 1979 (the first in class) with multiple prizes (winning 5 out of all 7 prizes given). In 1979, the Nigerian Law School had not begun a process of classifying its certificates. That begun many years later. However best graduands have subsequently now been classified in the First Class category by the Law School.
My results in Harvard University, which is captured in my CV correctly states that I was a Distinction graduate for the Master’s degree programme (First in Class) at Harvard University and I went on to obtain my SJD in a record time of one and a half years.

4. I have worked at the highest level of the Oil and Gas industry globally for over 3 decades and indeed lectured at respectable global institutions like University of Ife, Nigerian Law School and Harvard Law School.

5. Since my appointment three years ago, first as Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, then as GMD/ Honourable Minister of State, and now as Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, championed the change agenda in the Petroleum sector and changed the narrative on performance in the sector.

Finally, I have also taken the liberty to attach my CV that shows all my awards and accomplishments for the sake of posterity.

It can be found on the link below:

http://www.ibekachikwu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Dr-Emmanuel-Ibe-Kachikwu-CV-Resume.pdf

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

EIK

FUNKE ADESIYAN REACTS AFTER HER MANDATE WAS STOLEN ON THE MANTLE OF PARTY POLITICS!!!

Funke Adesiyan 

Actress, businesswoman and Philanthropist, Funke Adesiyan a few days ago had celebrated to high heavens after the end of the primary election to pick or elect those to represent her party at the next election come 2018.

A celebration, spontaneous and from the heart had been because she had won on the field of the day. But alas, just a few days afterwards, it seems like her victory was in vain, as the powers that be allegedly had thought better of that hard earned and won victory and had swiftly and without a care and remorse removed the carpet deliberately off her feet. Below is her reaction. It may be a blessing in disguise though.

"Dear friends,

We have come to the end of a long journey. A very rigorous and eventful one. The people of Ibadan South East 2 have spoken. They spoke loudly and clearly. 

The journey of the last one year has been halted, and I thank you all for standing by me. For believing in my vision and for throwing your weight behind me in critical moments. I will never  take this significant support for granted.

The primary election has come and gone and I have been made to believe and accept the outcome in good fate.

While I am not quite happy that my hard-earned mandate was taken from me, as this stands against the principle with which I stand for, I can't go against the wish of our great party,  All Progressives Congress (APC).

"I can't understand why people, who bought forms sold at exorbitant prices, went for primaries and emerged winners only to be told that their names had been swapped for other anointed candidates".

One may be tempted to ask why we had primaries in the first place if the party's hidden agenda was to impose candidates?

This is one old injustice that has continued to dwarf the progress and entrenchment of internal democracy, one that has denied many people the full blessings of fulfilling their ambition politically. 

There is no better evidence of this than the brazen act of injustice that forced me to surrender my mandate.

I urge all my supporters not to be wary as this is a phase that will soon pass. 

Today, I hold in my heart nothing but love for my people as I call on you all to not despair of our present difficulties but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of our party (APC), Oyo State and Nigeria because nothing is inevitable here.

I implore you all to go all out and vote for the APC in the 2019 general election and ensure that we record a resounding victory. 

Thank you and God bless you.

Funke Adesiyan".

APC LAGOS EAST SENATORIAL CONTEST CAN OSINOWO AKA PEPPER SLAMDUNK THE FORMIDABLE ASHAFA?

Hon. Bayo Osinowo vs. Sen. Gbenga Ashafa 

After the massive battle between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu to pick the next APC Governorship flagbearer for the 2019 election, in a battle that was akin to world war 3, where BOS emerged victorious at the end of the day, the next battle that was of massive proportion again, which many had even tagged "wrestlemania 100" because of the caliber of opponents facing each other was that between the 2 terms incumbent Senator representing the Lagos East Federal Constitutency, that's talking about the stupendously wealthy, Senator Gbenga Bereehu Ashafa and Hon. Bayo Osinowo aka Pepper.

Many had thought that with Senator Ashafa's very very deep pocket, his perceived closeness to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of APC and his experience at being on his 2nd, 4 years term as a Senator pand now gunning for the 3rd term, that it was going to be either a straight forward battle, an annihilation of a sort, have found in Bayo Osinowo, a rugged battler, one not easily intimidated by anything and a highly resourceful grassroots mobilizer, ready to give as much as he can also take.

What the Chairman of the Committee on Land Transport, in the person of Senator Ashafa, who is in his 60s had thought would just be a walk-over, over his opponent in his 60s too (infact both are 63, with Ashafa older by by 5 months), in the person of Hon. Bayo Osinowo has been found to not just be as straight forward as was envisaged. Senator Ashafa though boasts an intimidating profile.

From running his own thriving company which he later sold in 98, he became the Director of Planning, Governor's office during Asiwaju's tenure as Governor of Lagos. From that position he later became the Executive Secretary in charge of Land use and allocations in Lagos for 5 years (2001 to 2005), from that lucrative position he was elevated to the more powerful position of Permanent Secretary Lands Bureau, where he reigned for 6 years (2005 to 2010). It was from that position that he later became a Senator in 2011.

Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo also known by his nickname pepper on the other hand, is a member and has been a (Lawmaker) of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in fact a very influential one at that on his 4th term (16 years) 2003 till date representing Kosofe 1. So he is not a neophyte like some have thought. Apart from that also, he has also done very well for himself in business too (construction and dredging), with a massive and thriving investment in the marble business. The other major factor that must have also given him the confidence to want to want to take over from Ashafa is also because he too like Ashafa, has the listening ear of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and not just him alone, also that of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Some have even speculated, though without any confirmation whatsoever that he might actually be an anointed of the Jagaban, on that we are not too sure and that's because, Asiwaju and Senator Ashafa have both come a very long way and if in actual fact there was going to be a change of baton, we are too sure that Senator Ashafa would have withdrawn tactically from the contest in the 1st instance.

So the actual battle went down yesterday and though the results have not come out officially, some have claimed that an upset might be in the offing! So we are eagerly waiting to hear the official results and pronouncement later today to see who amongst the 2 gallant men, would carry the day.

PHOTO SPEAK-GOVERNOR ELECT OF OSUN VISITS ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Governors Akinwunmi Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola, Gov-elect Gboyega Oyetola, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu & former Defence Minister, Musiliu Obanikoro

Aregbesola, Oyetola & Asiwaju 

In unity we stand. The 3 Musketeers

A disaster that would have been of monumental proportion for the APC was averted in the State of Osun on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke of the PDP already had one hand on victory at the ELECTION, before it was snatched at the death, by the most meagre number of votes ever to determine a Governorship Election in Osun State and most probably in NIGERIA. He felt he was already coasting home, what this just tells everyone is that, it is never over until it is fully over. Anything can still happen at the dying seconds that can change the course of history!!!

The relief to the APC party as a whole, to the outgoing Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, soon to become a Senator and to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been palpable. That relief was quite obvious for all to see when the day after the run off was done & concluded, the current Governor, the Ogbeni himself was seen in public, jubilating in relief and singing a Yoruba thanksgiving song, poignant with meaning which we would interpret below.

🎶O ye ka dupe, O ye ka Dupe, Araa son⚡⛈️, atagun fe🌬️, iji ja🌪️, ko gbe wa loo, O ye ka Dupe!!!! 

Which translates to "We should be thankful (grateful & full of gratitude), O we should be thankful,, ,  there was the loud rumblings of thunder and the lighting struck, the wind blew immensely, in fact the tempest (whirlwind) raged somewhat incontrollably, but in it, we weren't carted away, we are so full of gratitude and thankful!!!

The song above revealed perfectly well, how the camp must have felt and that the camp was shaken and they felt it, so what a relief to turn back the apple cart to the path it was on before again!!!

Senator Adeleke and the PDP are still raging as it were and they have a right to, as what they had thought was a sure victory, a done deal was snatched and smashed from their hands and mouth.

We are still expecting fireworks at the tribunal and courts though, in fact to the Supreme Court all the way. So even if "Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola" is sworn in like he would and should, his 1st 2 years would see him facing and dogged with litigations. A major distraction no doubt.

What the Osun election has already signposted for any smart enough to see it and understand it, is that, it is now quite obvious that the opposition seem to have woken up kind of from their slumber and are ready to fight it out! What is sure now is, if they pick the right candidates and are willing to go all the way like they did do with this Osun election, they would surely cause some major upsets here and there. What that now says is that, what used to be very assured is no more safe!

In the pictures above, outgoing Governor of the state of Osun-Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is seen here presenting the Governor elect, Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola to the National Leader of the ruling party the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Those who understands innuendos and body language would have understood what this action was all about. One thing we would have expected though would have been a picture or pictures, where all the people above would also have included the national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor elect of Ekiti, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Dr. Ganduje, in fact all those who made sure this victory was certain, all of them that went to see Senator Iyiola Omisore and convinced him, including the SDP chieftain himself. It would have shown gratitude and it would also have shown a united front!!!! 

BAD NEWS FOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA AS COURT NULLIFIES IMPEACHMENT AND REINSTATES DEPUTY

The court in Imo State might have added to the issues with the Governor of Imo State in the person of his excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha as what he had thought was a finished job, when the state House of Assembly telegraphically impeached his well loved deputy, so as to render him comatose and irrelevant has somewhat backfired.

The court in Imo State has stated equivocally that the hatchet job of an impeachment was null and void and couldn't be supported by the law.

According to Justice Iheka of Court 8 of the Imo State Court of Law, the purported impeachment of Prince Eze Madumere, by the Imo State House of Assembly had no basis in law. The way and manner by which the impeachment was done is not supported by the law. So the Deputy Governor was reaffirmed and reinstated to his post with immediate effect.

With this judgement, we are too sure that the fire works would start anew again. It would be recalled that after the Deputy Governor was then impeached by 19 members of the state House of Assembly, Governor Rochas Okorocha had tried to immediately install another more placable one in his place in the name of Sir Calistus Ekenze, but the court in July of 2018 had restrained the Chief Judge of the state via an interim injunction not to swear the Governor's choice. So after that initial judgement, is this new judgement stating the status quo as it was before must be maintained. 

MORE DRAMA ADDED TO THE DRAMA IN LAGOS AS JIMI AGBAJE THROWS IN HAT TOO TO CONTEST!!!

Jimi Agbaje 



The drama to see who becomes the next Governor of the state of excellence, that is Lagos State has gone totally off the roof, as renowned Pharmacist and politician, infact the alleged winner of the last election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje 61 (Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje), a relation of the MD/CEO of GTBank-Segun Agbaje has again thrown his hat into the race too.

JK/JayKay like Jimi Agbaje is better known had contested in 2015 as the flagbearer of the PDP then, and from the results that was declared which swept Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC into power, the gentleman was said to have lost gallantly but by the nearest margin possible in an election, especially one contested for in Lagos. There were those then, who actually felt and even believed that JK might have won that election, but at the end of the day the officially declared result /record said Akinwunmi Ambode won and the rest like they say is history.

So after 3 years in oblivion, without even a whimper of any kind, somewhat licking his wound and totally minding his business, doing all that was possible to get his company back on sound footing again, the man who gave the APC a major scare then and a run for their money has decided all over again, to give the race towards becoming the Governor of Lagos a fair try once again.

We think that with what is seemingly ongoing at the APC, where there is the likelihood that the incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode might not get the nod for a 2nd term, the PDP are of the opinion things might not augur well for the APC, so they are preparing to take advantage of the situation. Some are of the thought that if Jide Sanwoolu actually emerges as the APC aspirant or candidate and Ambode is discarded, there might ensue some form of protest votes against the APC, just like it happened with SDP & NRC, many years back, allowing for a good candidate of the opposition the opportunity to just sneak in and take the poll. Sane way Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola came in to power then though his reign was shortlived!

So with JK expressing his interest and intention, maybe it would be a battle between JK and Femi Otedola, to secure the ticket of the PDP to run against whoever emerges on the card of the APC. Though Otedola's interest in becoming a Governor of Lagos had been thought to be later in the future, precisely 2023, he might be forced to move that ambition backward to 2019, with how things are panning out, especially if Ambode were to lose out to Sanwoolu at the APC primary that's upcoming!

People have claimed amd had said there had been some kind of unsubstantiated gentleman's agreement between Ambode & Otedola not to run against each other for any reason, but the so called agreement becomes null and void, in the circumstance that Ambode is not involved no more as a candidate of the APC.

But even if the oil and gas mogul would want to run, he would still have to battle it out 1st with gentleman JK, who also would need to resurrect his comatose team and machinery for the fierce battle ahead. First in a duel with either FO and some others, to see who would become the Party's flagbearer, before moving in to face the main battle for the massive prize!

So would it be Ambode vs. JK part or series 2? Or would it be Sanwoolu vs. JK or FO-battle royale in Lagos? Hmmmmmmm.......

Let's just wait to see, as the unending drama unfolds!!!! As we the spectators/audiences gets our popcorns to watch in HD!