Headlines
Finally, Akeredolu Transfers Power to Aiyedatiwa, Proceeds on Medical Leave
Recall that Governor Akeredolu returned from Germany on September 7 2023, after a three-month medical leave and has since remained in his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital where he has been performing his official duties, a move which has generated lots of criticism.
However, a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, made available to Journalists in Akure on Tuesday revealed that a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.
It emphasised that in the absence of Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity.
“During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.
“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations”, the statement added.
Besides, barely two weeks ago, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kayode Ajulo, alleged that some government officials in Ondo were forging the signature of Akeredolu on documents.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Ajulo alleged that the absence of Akeredolu since June 2023 has created a huge vacuum in the state.
The lawyer who is an indigene of the state also alleged that some cabals had hijacked the governance of the sunshine state since Akeredolu did not properly hand over to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, positing that the deputy governor should be the acting governor in the absence of the governor. He added that any other arrangement was illegal.
Also, last Thursday, the Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Razaq Obe, wrote the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alleging forgery of Akeredolu’s signature on official documents.
Obe, in a letter dated December 7, 2023 confirmed the irregularities in the signature of his principal.
ThisDay
The first hostages freed from Gaza under a long-awaited ceasefire agreement are back in Israel. The news sparked jubilant scenes in Tel Aviv where large crowds gathered ahead of their release.
The three freed Israeli hostages – the first of 33 to be released over the next six weeks – are Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari. They are said to be in good health and are receiving treatment at a medical center in Tel Aviv.
In exchange, 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released by Israel from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli military withdrew from several locations in southern and northern Gaza after the truce began earlier on Sunday, an Israeli military official told CNN.
Displaced Gazans have started returning to their homes, while the aid trucks laden with much-needed supplies have crossed into Gaza. Here’s what we know about how the ceasefire deal will work.
Hamas, despite suffering devastating losses, is framing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a victory for itself, and a failure for Israel.
One of Hamas’ main goals for taking some 250 people during its brazen October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. As Israel pounded Gaza in response, Hamas vowed not to return the hostages until Israel withdrew its forces from the enclave, permanently ended the war, and allowed for rebuilding.
Source: CNN
The leader of UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said she doesn’t want Britain to be like Nigeria that is plagued by “terrible governments.”
Speaking on Thursday at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank producing research on economic and social issues, Badenoch expressed fears that Britain may become like Nigeria if the system is not reformed.
“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.
“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.
“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.
“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”
Badenoch has been in the news of late after she dissociated herself from Nigeria, saying she has nothing to do with the Islamic northern region.
She also accused the Nigeria Police of robbing citizens instead of protecting them.
She said: “My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
