- ••Says Ondo Coastal Area “ll Be Made Tourist Centre
- ••Ondo Is A Progressive State- Gov Akeredolu
- ••Mammoth Crowd ‘Shut Down’ Rally In Akure
Akure, the capital of Ondo State stood-still on Saturday as mammoth crowd thronged major streets in the town to catch a glimpse of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu was in Akure in continuation of the Presidential campaign rally of the APC.
Massive crowd stormed the Akure Airport to received the APC candidate. The huge crowd followed the long motorcade conveying the Presidential candidate to the venue of the rally.
The massive crowd filled the expansive M.K.O Abiola Democracy Park, venue of the event, to the brim.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON received Asiwaju Tinubu and his entourage at the Airport.
Governor Akeredolu was joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Ekiti State counterpart, Mrs Christiana Afuye also joined the Governors to receive the APC Presidential candidate.
Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye; former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore; other members of the National Working Committee, members of the Ondo State Executive council, leaders and members of the party, were also on ground to receive the APC Presidential candidate.
The jet conveying Asiwaju Tinubu and his entourage touched down at exactly 12:50pm at the Akure Airport.
At the rally, the former Lagos State Governor promised to make the coastal area of the state a tourist centre.
According to him, if elected, his government will develop Ondo Deep Sea Port and develop hydroelectricity.
He said he will give the people uninterrupted energy and not estimated billings, adding that the people will enjoy good governance.
His words:”We will tame the surge of Atlantic like we tamed the surge in Lagos. For good and proper things to happen in this country, we will definitely look at all the abandoned projects and failed promises of the past and rehabilitate them, give you the opportunity to become a manufacturing centre and economic centre in Ondo state.
“We will definitely develop Ondo Deep Sea Port. We will develop hydroelectricity and give you uninterrupted energy and not estimated billings, stealing your money. We will do more . Don’t create conflict, don’t create enmity, we are a people of peace, progress and prosperity.
“The message we bring here today is that of a renewed hope, a renewed assurance that education will receive priority in our government. No children of the poor will be left behind.
“If you don’t have the money we will establish student credit loan so that you can go to school. You will be educated, you will be experts to be what you dream and desire to be. Your future will not be bleak. You are given this assurance by me, you trust me, you trust what I did in Lagos.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians of renewed hope, promising to change the narratives of the people of the country for good.
The Presidential campaign rally was attended by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Chief Betty Anywanwu-Akeredolu; Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Ekiti State counterpart, Mrs Christiana Afuye.
Others were Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye; former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore; other members of the National Working Committee, members of the Ondo State Executive council, leaders and members of the party and thousands of APC supporters and loyalists.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was full of gratitude to people of the state for the rousing welcome and warm reception given him, described the people of the state as dependable and sincere.
He appreciated Governor Akeredolu for always standing up for justice and fairness, stressing that Ondo State is the home of the progressives.
Asiwaju Tinubu informed the mammoth crowd that the coming election is for the betterment of the people and the country in general.
The former Lagos State Governor pleaded with the people not to lose their PVCs, saying the rally signaled a renewed hope for the country.
Tinubu, who expressed confidence that he will win the election, also urged the people not vote for those who will sell their future or make their children go to bed hungry.
He said he was determined to create safer, more prosperous and dynamic society.
According to him, the progressive governance can only be brought to the people by someone who had once governed in a progressive manner.
He noted that the PDP Presidential candidate is not ready to do the courageous and hardwork required to build a better nation.
“He cares little that his policies and actions will impoverish you and you will be left with nothing.” He added.
Tinubu also took a swipe on Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing him as a wicked parent who held money in his hand while the children go to bed hungry.
The APC Presidential candidate explained that when Obi served as Governor of Anambra State, no farmer or city dweller prospered, urging Nigerians to reject the LP Presidential candidate at the polls.
He noted that Nigerians cannot entrust their future or that of the nation to “Mr Sell Everything” like Atiku and “Mr Stingy like Obi” .
The APC presidential candidate said himself and his running mate, Shettima have brought a message to renew hope through empowerment to all Nigerians.
“I love what Akeredolu has done. I respect Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, he has improved infrastructure status of Ondo State. He has restored Ondo State glory in the plantation. Cocoa plantation will fetch fortunes, he has put Bitumen on front burner. He is chatting the path of industrialization of Ondo State. He is making Ondo State a definite tourist destination.” He said.
The host and Ondo State Governor,Arakunrin Akeredolu, who assured Tinubu that Ondo State is a progressive state, said the APC will emerge victorious in the coming elections.
He appreciated all the party leaders and governors, especially Ganduje for gracing the rally.
Also, the National Secretary of the party and former deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, said Nigerians will vote APC in the coming elections, promising that APC will change the narratives and bring hope to the hopeless.
Earlier, the State Chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin, said Ondo State people are already “BATified”, saying APC stands strong in the State.
“We are united under the able leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Ondo State will beat Lagos State in terms of numbers of votes. APC will deliver Ondo State for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. All our candidates for Senate,, Reps and House of Assembly will win in the coming polls”, Adetimehin added.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 7, 2023
2023: TINUBU COMMISSIONS SOUTHWEST CAMPAIGN OFFICE IN ONDO
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Southwest Campaign office of the party.
Asiwaju Tinubu was led to the campaign office by the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
State chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin was also present.
They were later joined by Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye; National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore; and other party leaders.
The campaign office is located beside Akure South Local Government Secretariat, Ilesa road, Akure, the state capital.
Commissioning the campaign office immediately after the APC Presidential Campaign Rally at the M.K.O Abiola Democracy Park, Asiwaju Tinubu said Governor Akeredolu has demonstrated serious commitment to progressive politics.
His words:”This is a serious demonstration of commitment to progressive politics, to democratic principle that we adopted as the hallmark of our own political philosophy.
“Together, we have worked to build democracy and it has not been easy even though it is the best form of government but it is very difficult to navigate.
“You have demonstrated with this building that you are truly committed to the developmental program of our time and of Ondo State. You have demonstrated in many areas of infrastructural development, in setting this State on the path of prosperity, manufacturing and youth development.”
Governor Akeredolu later conducted the Presidential candidate round the campaign office.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 7, 2023.
GOV AKEREDOLU RECEIVES APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, TINUBU AT AKURE AIRPORT
- Mammoth Crowd Storms Airport To Receive Tinubu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has received the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Akure Airport.
Governor Akeredolu was joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Ekiti State counterpart, Mrs Christiana Afuye also joined the Governors to receive the APC Presidential candidate.
Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye; former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore; other members of the National Working Committee, members of the Ondo State Executive council, leaders and members of the party, received the APC Presidential candidate.
The jet conveying Asiwaju Tinubu and his entourage touched down at exactly 12:50pm at the Akure Airport.
Mammoth crowd already converged on the Airport to welcome the former Lagos State Governor amidst fun-fair.
In the entourage of the APC presidential candidate was the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 7, 2023.
Reverse unlawful electricity tariff hike, SERAP tells Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Minister of Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba and the Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor James Momoh to immediately reverse the unlawful, unjust and unreasonable increase in electricity tariff, which reportedly occurred in December 2022.”
SERAP also urged him to “ensure the investigation of the spending of public funds as ‘investments and bailouts’ by successive governments to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and generating companies (GenCos) since 2005, and prosecution of cases of corruption and mismanagement.”
Following reported approval by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), electricity tariffs were increased across DisCos in the country in December 2022. Several prepaid customers have reportedly confirmed the increase. Both the Minister of Power and NERC have refused to confirm or deny the increase.
In the letter dated 7 January, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The increase in electricity tariff would exacerbate the extreme poverty across the country, and undermine the ability of millions of Nigerians to satisfy basic human needs.”
SERAP said, “the increase in electricity tariff failed to follow due process. It is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], the Electric Power Sector Reform Act and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
According to SERAP, “millions of Nigerians continue to live in darkness despite the spending by successive governments of trillions of naira as investments and bailouts to electricity companies.”
The letter, read in part: “the increase is unjustified, especially given the unreliable, inefficient and poor quality of electricity in the country. Rather than providing electricity discounts to poor Nigerians, successive governments continue to give bailouts to electricity companies.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Your government should have used the report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which shows damning revelations that some 133 million Nigerians are poor as a basis to improve access to regular electricity supply, and extend electricity to remote rural households.”
“The latest increase in electricity tariff is coming on the heels of the NBC report which shows that over half of the population of Nigeria are multidimensionally poor and cook with dung, wood or charcoal, rather than cleaner energy. High deprivations are also apparent nationally in sanitation, time to healthcare, food insecurity, and housing.”
“Access to regular electricity supply would improve the quality of life of the population.”
“Electricity is an essential public service but millions of Nigerians continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sector–staying in darkness, but still made to pay crazy electricity bills. Electricity supply remains inadequate and irregular.”
“Regular and uninterrupted access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Your government has legal obligations to ensure that the operations of NERC and electricity companies do not impair the effective enjoyment of the right.”
“Access to affordable electricity services is a prerequisite for improving the condition of people living in poverty. It is a means to generate other important services that mitigate poverty, bearing in mind that access to electricity facilitates the eradication of poverty.”
“The hike in tariff would increase financial burdens for socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians and further marginalize and disproportionately affect them, and exacerbate their vulnerability to discrimination.”
“The failure of successive governments and high-ranking government officials to prevent widespread and systematic corruption in the electricity sector and to bring suspected perpetrators to justice is the primary cause of the exploitation of electricity consumers.”
“Investigating the spending of investments and bailouts by successive governments in DISCOS and prosecuting anyone suspected of corruption and mismanagement of public funds, and recovering any proceeds of crime would end a culture of impunity in the power sector, and improve access to and affordability of electricity in Nigeria.”
“Successive governments have failed to increase power generation and provide Nigerians with regular and uninterrupted electricity supply, with many electricity contracts shrouded in secrecy, and trillions of Naira going down the drain.
“Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’”
“Under Section 16(1)(a)(b), your government has the obligations to ‘harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an efficient, a dynamic and self-reliant economy’, and to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen.’”
“Nigeria has also ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which recognize legally enforceable economic and social rights, such as the rights to education, health, safe food and clean water, security, and shelter.”
“Your government also has legal obligations to ensure that socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians including the 133 million the NBC documents as poor enjoy non-discriminatory access to basic household services including electricity.”
“Under Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria dealing with Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, high-level public officials have a clear obligation to ‘eradicate all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Furthermore, the constitution prohibits the exploitation of Nigeria’s human and natural resources for any reasons other than for the good of the community.”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”
“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has adjudged the failure of the States to provide basic services such as electricity as violating the right to health.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
8/1/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS FCT, WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTERS ON 64TH BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari shares in the joy of celebrations as Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello, and Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, clock 64 years, January 8, 2023.
President Buhari warmly felicitates with families, friends and associates of the ministers, who have meritoriously served the country, making noticeable and commendable differences in their positions with humility and focus, further bringing government closer to the people.
The President notes the stability, decency in allocations and predictability that the FCT Minister has restored in the capital city, through hard work and collaboration with stakeholders, especially local communities, opening up places for more infrastructural development, and attracting tourism opportunities for growth.
President Buhari extols Tallen for pushing and ensuring actualization of policies that favoured women and children, particularly the girl-child empowerment, and remaining a strong voice for the campaigns against domestic violence, exploitation of children and equal opportunities in work places.
The President prays for more of God’s blessings on Mohammed and Tallen.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 7, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES WITH ROLE MODEL NURSE, UGOCHI ONYEKWERE AT 50
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates health worker, Mrs. Ugochi Onyekwere, on her 50th birthday, January 7, 2023, rejoicing with the nurse, who has spent almost 30 years serving humanity.
The President notes the sense of pride, warmth, and kindness that Onyekwere shares while attending to patients at home and abroad over many years, becoming an inspiration to many young people to follow in her footsteps.
President Buhari lauds the former model, whose versatility spreads into tourism and hospitality, taking up the challenge of showcasing Nigerian culture in clothing, food, and music in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States.
The President prays for the well-being of the nurse and her family, while urging her to keep flying the Nigerian flag.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 6, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES BURUNDI OF BROTHERLY SUPPORT
In the spirit of African solidarity and brotherliness, Nigeria will support Republic of Burundi in diverse ways as necessary, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured.
The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the Special Envoy of President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who came with a message.
Hon. Audace Niyonzima, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning of Burundi, said his President sent goodwill for the New Year to Nigerians and President Buhari, and also wishes the country well in general elections scheduled for February and March, this year.
“We pray that the polls would be peaceful and successful, so that Nigeria would maintain her reputation as a bastion of peace and stability,” the Special Envoy said.
On request for assistance in the area of energy provision, particularly fuel, by the Burundi leader, President Buhari said he knows what it feels like for a country to suffer from energy shortage, and promised that he would get the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to look into the request.
President Buhari said he was looking forward to the polls, and retirement, since he had satisfied the constitutionally required two terms to be in office.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 3, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, PROF BOLAJI AKINYEMI AT 81
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family and friends of Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi in celebrating his 81st birthday, January 4, 2023, rejoicing with the former Minister of External Affairs on many years of impactful service to the nation.
President Buhari lauds the scholar and administrator for his patriotism, and visionary leadership, which shaped the country’s foreign policy and increased influence in Africa and across the globe, particularly the creation of the Technical Aid Corps that shared professional skills with other nations.
The President notes the courage and experience that Prof. Bolaji brought into every opportunity to serve the nation, and the lasting changes in strengthening political, diplomatic and academic institutions, with ideas that generations will continue to enjoy and update.
As the former Director – General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA) celebrates another age, President Buhari affirms his relevance and influence in the country’s historic transitions, reforms and growth, appreciating his voice of wisdom and knowledge which continues to guide leaders.
The President prays for Prof Akinyemi’s good health and strength, and blessings upon the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 3, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
On behalf of Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Pope Francis, the Catholic Church in Nigeria and around the world, as well as all Christian faithful who mourn the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
The President pays tribute to Benedict XVI who was greatly admired globally for his selfless leadership, renowned learning as a theologian, and dedication to advance inter-faith dialogue and peace.
President Buhari believes that the late Pontiff will be remembered as a true servant of God who used the benevolent gifts of the Almighty upon his life to serve the Church and humanity in humility, reverence and piety, living in word and deed the virtues of a true Christian disciple.
The President prays that the Pope Emeritus receives eternal embrace in the loving arms of the Lord, whom he served faithfully throughout his vocation.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 31, 2022
