NEWS
My Sole Ambition as Governor is Selfless Service – Adeleke
From Kunle Idowu, Abeokuta
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has again restated his commitment to transparency in governance and project implementation.The governor stated this while hosting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu in the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo.
The ICPC Chairman led other management teams of the anticorruption agency to Osun State for the strategic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on project monitoring and evaluation. Adeleke disclosed that his government has zero tolerance for corruption as it implements the ongoing multi-billion naira infrastructure agenda.While stating that many friends and foes challenged his government on how he would get funding, Senator Adeleke said his administration decided to implement the agenda through financial discipline and blocking of revenue leakages.”Our Government rolled out several initiatives which include the creation of a project account, blocking off all leakages in revenue generation, increment in the internally generated revenue, reducing the overhead cost and deliberately saving from government earnings”, the governor stated.Governor Adeleke explained that the projects are ongoing in line with specifications and are being strictly supervised by professionals.”As infraplan is being implemented in phases, the first phase has reached an advanced stage. Our Government has turned Osun into a huge construction site with all the senatorial districts and local government areas benefiting”.While assuring the ICPC Chairman that his “sole ambition as the Governor of Osun State is selfless public service, he declared that his team is giving back to the society by ensuring judicious application of public funds and resources.””During the inauguration of my cabinet, I told those with the corrupt mindset to opt-out. We are enforcing a rigorous vetting in the financial approval process” the Governor disclosed.”Our Government is partnering with ICPC to deepen good governance in terms of anti-corruption protocols”, the Governor told the visiting ICPC team.Earlier in his address, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu said he was in the state for a significant event, marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Osun State Government.According to him, this collaboration embodies our collective resolve to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability in Osun State.He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ademola Adeleke, for his unwavering support and commitment to making this event a reality, commending the display of political will in the anti-corruption crusade.He spoke further: “The United Nations Convention against Corruption(UNCAC) Article 5(2) mandates that “Each state party shall endeavor to establish and promote effective practices aimed at the prevention of corruption.” Similarly, the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) enshrines the principle that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” These foundational texts provide a clear directive: corruption in any form must be eradicated for our nation to thrive.“Section 6 (b-f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act empowers our Commission to undertake a comprehensive range of activities. We are tasked with evaluating and reviewing public bodies’ practices, systems, and procedures to identify and mitigate fraud or corruption. We instruct, advise, and assist officers, agencies, and parastatals in combating these issues.“We recommend necessary changes to reduce bribery and corruption, educate the public on related offenses, and garner public support in this vital fight. These provisions have been affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of the Attorney General of Ondo State v Attorney General of the Federation and Others, reinforcing our mandate.“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward.“Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State.“As the Chairman of the ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government. Our collaboration with the Osun State Government is a testament to this belief. Together, we will galvanize support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption. This also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for “improved governance for effective service delivery.”“In conclusion, let us remember that our success in combating corruption is not merely for the present generation but also the future of our beloved nation. By working together, we can create a society where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the norms. I am confident that we will achieve our goals with the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved”, he noted.The Highlight of the event was the signing of the memorandum between the State government and the ICPC.Present at the signing were the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Commissioners, Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries and officials of ministry of justice among others.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”
By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.
There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.
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