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PDP, APC Disagree over Makinde’s 100 Days in Office Achievements
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have come against each regarding the achievements and otherwise of Governor Seyi Makinde after 100 days in office.
In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, APC said: “There is no award for anyone to guess which state in Nigeria is being governed by an accidentally unprepared governor, because anyone who guesses would certainly guess right as Oyo State.
“Imagine Oyo State governor who, within himself, knows that he has added nothing to what he met on ground, in the last 100 days, to still be bold enough to come to the public with blatant falsehood and lies that only 10 per cent of contract sum is actually used to service contracts by his predecessor and the remaining 90 per cent goes back to the awarder of the contracts.
“Thank God, Governor Seyi Makinde, you have set up Oyo State Anti-Graft Agency and you are now in power. Please, you are challenged to do the needful as we are giving it to you that, this is white lies which are not tenable anywhere in the world.“We are not surprised to hear that from you because you have penchant for contradicting yourself.
“Three of such cases are ample evidence to your oscillating words. During your campaign, you said that Oyo State’s workers deserve more than N30,000 minimum wage, which you have refused to pay and even refused to revisit with your 100 days in office. Your promise to make LAUTECH, solely owned by Oyo State institution within your first 100 days has fallen flat like your other promises. Imagine the blatant 360 turnaround to your promise of reduction of tuition fees, pleading with Ibadan Polytechnic’s student that reduction is not feasible for now.
“What has Governor Seyi Makinde done to justify his governance in 100 days? Perhaps, Governor Seyi Makinde may want to commission the Model Schools built and completed by Sen. Abiola Ajimobi which Ajimobi’s loaded schedule denied him of commissioning.
“Permit me to remind His Excellency, Engr. Makinde that Oyo State’s people were promised that their maize would be exported to Botswana, and thank God, this is the season of maize. We deserve to know how many tons of maize has been exported? And how has this been impacting on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)?”
In its response, the PDP, accused the state’s chapter of the APC of being desperate to blackmail the laudable achievements of the state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde and the ruling party in the state. The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akeem Olatunji, accused APC of sponsoring all manners of falsehood against PDP and the Makinde government aimed at belittling the successful clearing of the rot left behind by APC in Oyo State and the positive turnaround the state has begun to experience since Makinde assumed office.
According to Olatunji, “We are greatly appalled at the desperation of APC to publicise all manners of lies and falsehood against our government. There is a permissible level of decency in politics and we expect everyone to follow that cause.“Rather than wish our state well after the eight years of disastrous rule and bad governance APC foisted on Oyo State, that party is standing alone as a rotten apple in the basket, seeking to negatively affect others.
“Let us assure the lie merchants in APC that our party, PDP, stands firm with Governor Seyi Makinde, and the laudable achievements he has recorded in 100 days. No member of PDP is angry with the governor and no one is expressing any such frustration as contained in the lies being marketed by APC.”
The statement indicated that PDP is solidly behind Makinde, as he continues laying the foundation for the accelerated development of the state. The PDP’s Publicity Secretary added that PDP is more than ever before united as a family, saying: “We are impressed at the globally acclaimed good works of our governor. No one abandons a good product, not even the blind.
“Let us place on record that purveyors of such stories are either deluded, suffering from acute amnesia, or just trying to make a nuisance of themselves. It is not only unfounded, frivolous and malicious but also a great lie that stands no reason. Governor Makinde is no longer about Oyo State; he is already a nationally acclaimed deliverer of good dividends of democracy and good governance.
“We as a party are more than ever before proud of our God-sent ‘Mr. Talk and Do Governor,’ who works more and talks less, and this willpower of Governor Makinde has rekindled our hope and faith in the actualisation of the Oyo project embarked upon by our governor.
“We are 100 per cent satisfied with his every move and decision, because he treats every member of PDP as members of the family. We therefore enjoin all members of the public to disregard in totality the distractive publications, falsehood and unbridled lies being peddled against the service-delivering governor.”
The Guardian
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
