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In a final push ahead of Saturday’s election in Ondo State, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the election is a litmus test for Nigerians to demonstrate that their hunger and anger can lead to real change.
He stressed that it is incumbent on the people of Ondo State to turn out in large numbers on Saturday to make a bold statement about their desire for good governance.
According to a newsletter released on Thursday night, titled “It’s Time to Make a Bold Statement,” the Oyo governor said that those who value good governance should vote for the Peoples Democratic Party in the election.
Makinde argued that the PDP is the party that can rescue Nigeria and lift it out of its current economic challenges. He pointed out that evidence from PDP-governed states shows the party’s ability to deliver the development needed across the country.
“Let me begin by encouraging everyone in Ondo State to come out this Saturday and make a bold statement in the Ondo State elections. Let all supporters of good governance stand up and say enough of the APC and its lack of people-centred policies. It is time for Nigerians to rally behind the PDP as the party that can help Nigeria overcome the economic challenges it faces.
“I want to remind you that Ondo State is a litmus test for Nigerians to show that their hunger and anger can bring about real change. Tell everyone you know that the PDP is the party that can rescue Nigeria. If you are still undecided, look at all the efforts being made by PDP governors for their people. Just yesterday, we presented our Budget of Economic Stabilisation.
“As always, it was a people-first budget. Based on data from previous years, there is a 7:10 chance of us successfully implementing the items in the budget. So, the people of Oyo State can expect more infrastructure development, more educational projects, and greater economic progress.
“In conclusion, economically, we look forward to better times in 2025. We just have to keep pushing and making the right decisions in the overall interest of our people and our nation,” Makinde stated.
United Bank for Africa Plc has issued 6,839,884,274 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N35 per share in a rights issue to raise N239.4bn in a bid to meet the fresh capital requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The rights issue which opened on Friday (today) allows existing shareholders to purchase one new ordinary share for every five existing ordinary shares held by shareholders as of November 05, 2024.
In late March, the CBN announced an upward review of the minimum capital requirement for banks in the country.
In a letter to the shareholders informing them of the rights issue, the Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, noted that following the resolution of the Group’s shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held in May 2024, authorising the establishment of the N400bn Equity Shelf Programme, UBA will embark on a Rights Issue, as the first step in its broader capital raising programme.
“UBA’s Rights Issue aims to raise N239.4bn, through the issuance of new ordinary shares to our shareholders. The primary objective of this rights Issue is to further strengthen our capacity to take advantage of growth opportunities and sustain our leadership in the banking industry,” Elumelu said in the letter.
On the use of proceeds, Elumelu noted that, beyond regulatory compliance, the funds will expand the Group’s lending capacity, invest in digital infrastructure, support sustainable business practices, and expand the group’s African operations.
Elumelu also highlighted how UBA is driving economic growth across Africa, saying “Our historic partnership with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, where UBA pledged up to $6bn in financing over the next three years to support eligible SMEs across Africa underscores our commitment to fostering economic development.”
It was revealed that application for the provisional allotment of the Rights to the new ordinary Shares will be made exclusively through the NGX e-offer portal, during the offer period, while existing shareholders may also apply for additional shares above their provisional allotment as described in the Provisional Allotment Letter. Shareholders who are customers of the Bank are also encouraged to access their Rights through UBA’s internet banking and mobile banking channels.
At the end of the third quarter, the gross earnings of UBA appreciated by 83.2 per cent year-on-year to N2.39tn from N1.31tn in the same period of 2023. Its profit before tax went up by 20.2 per cent to N603.48bn from N502.09bn in Q3 2023, while profit after tax also rose by 16.9 per cent to N525.31bn from N449.26bn recorded a year earlier.
The lender’s total assets rose to N31.80tn, representing a 54.0 per cent increase over the N20.65tn recorded at the end of December 2023.
In the 2023/2024 report year, UBA won ‘Bank of the Year’ awards in eight of its subsidiaries – Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Republic of Congo; Sierra Leone; Tanzania, as well as the Regional Award for Africa and in 2024 has won World Best Frontier Markets Bank and Best SME Bank Africa.
UBA Plc offers banking services to more than 45 million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries.
Emeka Anyaoku, former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, says the 1999 constitution cannot address the nation’s socio-economic challenges.
Anyaoku spoke on Wednesday in Lagos at the launch of the book titled, ‘The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus’, an autobiography by Akinjide Osuntokun, a professor of history and former ambassador to Germany.
The elder statesman argued that the current constitution has failed to accommodate Nigeria’s diverse population and, as a result, impedes national progress.
He emphasised the country’s diversity, asserting that Nigeria’s pluralistic society—comprising distinct groups with varied histories, cultures, languages, and religions—requires a constitution that promotes unity and inclusivity.
“To those who think that the trouble with Nigeria today is the political leadership, I would say that as long as we have the 1999 constitution as our grundnorm, not even Angel Gabriel or Malaikah Jibrin as leaders can successfully tackle the divisiveness, the underperforming economy with the resultant poverty, insecurity, humongous corruption, and the other major challenges currently facing Nigeria,” Anyaoku said.
“The universal lesson is that pluralistic countries which have survived as single political entities in unity and progress are those that addressed their pluralism, that is their diversity, with genuine federal constitutions. Examples of such countries are India, Canada and Switzerland.
“I believe, therefore, that if our pluralistic Nigeria is to achieve true unity and political stability, and to successfully tackle the serious challenges that the country currently faces, it must have a truly federal constitution.
“The divisiveness, the underperforming economy with the resultant massive poverty, the insecurity, the humongous corruption and the other major challenges currently facing Nigeria — my warning, therefore, is that for the sake of preserving our country, the federal government and national assembly should not delay any longer in acting to what is clearly a universal lesson.”
He stressed that a return to the principles underpinning Nigeria’s 1960/1963 constitution, which he believes was negotiated by the country’s founding fathers and better accommodated its diversity, would be crucial for the nation’s future.
Anyaoku noted that after the 1960 constitution was implemented, Nigeria experienced greater unity, stability, and development — until the military takeover in 1966, which introduced a unitary system that has persisted in various forms to the present day.
“We must have a true Nigerian peoples democratic constitution based on the principles that underlie our 1960/63 constitution which was painstakingly negotiated and agreed by the founding fathers of independent Nigeria,” he added.
“As many of us in this room will remember, Nigeria was more united, stable, and developing towards achieving its potential after that constitution until the military intervened in governance in January 1966 and introduced a unitary constitution that has virtually existed, albeit in different forms, until today.”
Under the 1960 constitution, Nigeria had three regional governments with significant autonomy, a bicameral legislature and a parliamentary system.
It was subsequently replaced by the 1979 constitution, and later 1999 constitution.
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned till November 27, 2024, the arraignment of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
He is facing trial in the fresh 16 charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Bello, and two others – Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to commit an offence to the tune of N110.4bn.
EFCC counsel, Jamiu Agoro, at the resumed hearing, asked the court for an adjournment to enable Bello to be present in court for his arraignment, since the order of the court given on October 3 had not elapsed.
According to the prosecution, the 30-day window issued by the court was still running for the summons earlier issued.
Recall that the court had issued a public summon for Bello to appear before it to answer the 16 new charges pending against him.
Justice Anenih issued the summons after the EFCC filed an application claiming inability to serve Bello with the charge filed on September 24.
Justice Anenih, in a ruling, ordered the EFCC to publish the public summons in a widely circulating newspaper.
She also ordered the EFCC to paste copies of the public summons on Bello’s last known address and in conspicuous places on the court premises.
While Agoro prayed to the court for an extension of time for Bello to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment, he also craved the indulgence of the court to grant an order to paste a hearing notice at his residence.
Agoro said “I will humbly pray to your lordship for the extension of time for the first defendant who is supposed to appear before your lordship to be in court.
“We feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while the 30 days is still running.
“My Lord, I also want to pray that in the event that your lordship is magnanimous to grant this request the court approves the same to paste a hearing order at the last known address of the first defendant.
“The last known address of the first defendant is No 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4. My Lord, that is our humble application.”
Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants (Oricha and Hudu) were granted administrative bail by the anti-graft agency.
Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), who confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail by the prosecution, said he had no objection to the application for adjournment.
The third defendant’s counsel, Z. E. Abass, was in compliance with Saiki’s submission.
They also prayed the court to continue to allow their clients to enjoy the administrative bail granted them.
The prosecution counsel afterwards, prayed the court for an adjournment.
He informed the court that a discussion had been had with the defence team and they had agreed to come back on the 27th day of November 2024.
He also said the 20th of November date earlier given was not convenient for him.
After listening to all the parties, the judge granted EFCC’s application for adjournment.
She also granted the request to paste the hearing notice at his residence.
The trial judge adjourned the case to November 27 for arraignment.
She said “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the second and third defendants. The application is granted.”
MultiChoice Group Limited has written off $21m deposited in Nigeria’s Heritage Bank following the financial institution’s liquidation earlier this year.
This disclosure was contained in the company’s interim financial statements for the half-year ending September 30, 2024.
The sum was classified as irrecoverable after the Central Bank of Nigeria revoked Heritage Bank’s operating licence, effectively shutting down the institution.
The financial statement document read, “Following the revocation of Heritage Bank’s banking licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria on 3 June 2024 and its subsequent liquidation, the group wrote-off its receivable relating to the cash held with the bank.”
MultiChoice’s decision to write off the funds underlines the difficulties faced by businesses navigating Nigeria’s financial sector, particularly amidst an unstable economic climate.
Nigeria remains a challenging terrain for MultiChoice, with the group grappling with soaring inflation, and a continuously depreciating naira.
The company also reported lower cash remittances from Nigeria, extracting only $65m during the period under review, compared to $91m in the same period last year.
Exchange rate losses further compounded the financial strain on the group’s operations in its largest African market.
It noted, “The further depreciation of the naira against the US dollar has resulted in further foreign exchange losses on non-quasi equity loans (on the USD-denominated intergroup loan from MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. to MultiChoice Nigeria Limited), contributing to the ZAR2.1bn (1H FY24: ZAR2.4bn) recognised in the condensed consolidated income statement.
“The group extracted USD65m from Nigeria in the period (1H FY24: USD91m) at an average rate of NGN1,516:USD (1H FY24: NGN794:USD), incurring extraction losses of USD1m or ZAR20m (1H FY24: USD28m or ZAR518m) in the process.
“The group held USD11m in cash in Nigeria at period-end, down from USD39m at end FY24, a consequence of consistent focus on remitting cash, the impact of translating the balance at the weaker naira and the write-off of the USD21m receivable relating to the cash held with Heritage Bank before its license was revoked and the bank was liquidated.”
The firm also noted that Nigeria accounted for 63 per cent of the MultiChoice Group’s subscriber losses in its Rest of Africa segment since FY23.
The decline, largely driven by severe economic pressures including inflation and the weakening naira, highlights Nigeria’s substantial contribution to the overall reduction in the subscriber base.
From FY23 to 1H FY25, active subscribers in the Rest of Africa dropped significantly, with Nigeria showing a net loss of 1.1 million.
Multichoice Group, owners of DSTV, had earlier said that it had an account balance of N31.6bn with Heritage Bank, before the bank’s liquidation.
The PUNCH recently reported that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation announced plans to sell off properties and assets belonging to the defunct Heritage Bank in a bid to recover funds for uninsured depositors.
This move, which the NDIC describes as crucial, is part of its statutory mandate as the liquidator of failed banks under Section 62(1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023.
The exercise, scheduled to begin on December 4, 2024 will involve competitive bidding for the bank’s landed properties and chattels located at 36 sites nationwide.
Nollywood movie marketer, Kazim Adeoti, has spoken about criticism surrounding his marriage to actress Mercy Aigbe.
Naija News recalls that in January 2022, Mercy unveiled Adeoti as her husband, after which the first wife to the filmmaker, Funsho Adeoti, accused Mercy of snatching her husband.
However, Kazim defended his decision to marry a second wife, citing his Muslim faith.
Speaking on the controversies surrounding his marriage, Kazim, in an interview with journalists at the National Film and Video Censors Board’s (NFVCB) 4th Peace Ayiam Osigwe (PAO) Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference on Thursday in Lagos, said as a public figure, he cannot control others’ opinions or narratives about his marriage.
Kazim added that he stays focused on his work, believing the end justifies the means.
He said, “When you find yourself in the public domain, you cannot really control a whole lot of opinions or narratives. What is most important is for you to be focused and at the end of the day, the end justifies the means.”
Kazim also discussed the challenges facing the Yoruba movie industry, highlighting funding as a significant obstacle.
According to the movie producer, collaboration and adequate funding are essential to producing high-quality movies that showcase original storylines and talented actors.
He added, “I think it is more of a collaboration issue because we have what it takes to shoot good movies. When it comes to the storyline, the originality, telling our real stories and fantastic actors, we have it all.
“But in most cases, what we are lacking is the funding and that is what limits our bringing those stories into reality. This is because we know if we do it this way, this is how it should be done but when we do not have the adequate funding, it limits the job.”
Listen To Your Elders, You Have Much To Learn – First Lady, Remi Tinubu Tells Nigerian Youths
AFOLABI
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has charged youths in the country not to push aside the admonition and advice from parents and the elders.
Naija News reports that the former Senator stated this while speaking on Thursday at the One Day workshop for women and youth on corruption prevention organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, in Abuja.
The First Lady pointed out that the fight against corruption must begin in the homes where mothers must be at the forefront of the battle.
She said: “We must move beyond the desire to have our voices heard and step into roles where our actions are impactful. Let us take a moment to reflect on the words of our elders: ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. In the same vein, it takes the collective will of the entire nation to defeat corruption”.
Senator Tinubu urged mothers to take their role as nurturers more seriously especially as corruption is a societal challenge that strikes at the heart of development.
Mrs Tinubu said: “This menace is seen in every sector, from the trader in the market, to the private sector, government agencies, the judiciary and even in places of worship to mention a few and age is no barrier. It is for all of us and for the future of our beloved country, that we must remain resolute in our efforts to combat this scourge. We cannot leave this battle to government agencies alone.
“It is time for us to take our place as mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters, leaders and reformers to do the needful. Women are nurturers but recently, we have left our children to raise themselves with the excuse of providing a better life for them.”
In his address the chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, emphasized that the fight against corruption is one that the commission is determined to win and this is the reason for adopting the approach of involving mothers, youth and other critical stakeholders.
There were goodwill messages from representatives of the youth, Code of Conduct Bureau, JAMB and security agencies among others.
The registrar of JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede in his message noted that the mothers have a crucial role to play in ensuring that corruption is not integrated or perpetuated in the upcoming generation.
On the part of the Commissioner for Youth, Kogi State, students must move from protests to participation.
Ondo Decide 2024: Eight Governorship Candidates Declare Support For Aiyedatiwa Ahead guber election
AFOLABI
Eight governorship candidates of various political parties have declared support for the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the state gubernatorial election.
Naija News reports that Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election, stated this on Thursday in Akure during an interactive event organised by the Special Engagement Committee of the APC National Campaign Council.
Aiyedatiwa declared that the eight governorship candidates who declared support for him showed that the people of the state were with the APC.
The Governor appealed to his supporters not to relax until he is victorious in Saturday’s governorship election.
Aiyedatiwa said that the remaining hours before the election should be used to intensify the mobilisation drive towards delivering victory for the party.
He said, “We have only one agenda ahead of us; that is to deliver the victory on Saturday because we have campaigned across the state and listened to the plights of the people.
“Let us go back to our communities and continue the work; we must not be complacent; there are still works to be done and we must be ready to finish the work for ultimate victory.
“Just this morning, eight governorship candidates have declared support for us ahead of the election and that should tell us that the people are with us.”
The Governor added that when elected, he would deliver on his promises to the people towards the development of the state.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says the investments and securities bill (ISB) 2024 is proposing a penalty of not less than N20 million or 10 years imprisonment or both for ponzi scheme operators.
Emomotimi Agama, director-general of SEC, spoke at the public hearing of the bill on Thursday in Abuja.
Agama said the bill also prescribed stringent jail terms and other stiff sanctions for the promoters of ponzi schemes.
He said the commission introduced an express prohibition of ponzi and pyramid schemes and other illegal investment schemes to prevent illicit fund managers from fleecing unsuspecting Nigerians of their funds.
Agama also said the commission had observed areas which required review in the ISB 2007 to strengthen existing provisions, remove ambiguities, and introduce new provisions that would enhance the international competitiveness of the Nigerian capital market.
“A vital provision in the bill is the new stipulation that the Investor Protection Fund (IPF) set up by the securities exchanges would compensate investors who suffer pecuniary losses arising from the revocation or cancellation of the registration of a dealing member firm,” he said.
“In the extant law, compensation from the IPF is limited to instances of ‘bankruptcy’, ‘insolvency’ or other acts of ‘negligence’ by a dealing member firm.
“This bill also contains an entirely new part which provides for the regulation of Commodity Exchanges and Warehouse Receipts.
“These provisions are essential for the development of the entire Commodities ecosystem.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria needs and deserves a world-class capital market to facilitate on-going economic diversification.
“The passage and enactment of the Investments and Securities Bill will be a pivotal step in this direction.”
‘BILL WILL RESHAPE NIGERIA’S CAPITAL MARKET’
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the ISB 2024 was a beacon of hope for the nation’s economic landscape.
Akpabio, represented by Binos Yaroe, senator representing Adamawa, said the country is taking a bold step toward modernising its financial market and fostering transparency by repealing the ISB Act 2007.
He said the bill is designed to create a robust and equitable environment for investments to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
On his part, Osita Izunaso, chairman of the senate committee on capital market, said a well-developed capital market which serves as the bedrock for long-term capital raising and industrial development, is imperative.
Izunaso said the capital market requires a strong legal framework that conforms to the evolving societal and global realities.
“You will all agree with me that fintech has caused a lot of disruptions in the capital market in recent years such that digital assets platforms are fast gaining ground as a critic aspect of the capital market ecosystem,” he said.
“Having operated the ISA 2007 for over 15 years, it has, therefore, become apparent that the law requires holistic review in order to strengthen its existing provisions, remove ambiguities, and introduce new provisions that will enhance the international competitiveness of the Nigerian capital market.”
Izunaso said the bill would help reposition the market strategically to fulfil its role as a critical segment of the Nigerian financial system.
The ECOWAS court of justice has dismissed a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking N50 million compensation from the federal government for each victim of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
In March 2022, gunmen attacked an Abuja-bound Kaduna train with over 970 passengers onboard.
Many passengers were killed, several persons injured, while 61 were abducted during the attack.
All the abducted passengers were released at various intervals, with the latest batch freed after seven months.
Following the attack, SERAP filed a suit before the ECOWAS court against the federal government on behalf of some of the victims.
However, in the ruling on Thursday, the court held that SERAP’s claims were inadmissible because they failed to meet the “victim status” requirement essential for litigation under Article 10(d) of the same protocol.
Dupe Atoki, who delivered the judgement, described the case as “unsuitable as a public interest litigation” because the victims were “identifiable individuals rather than an indeterminate public group”.
“The court recognises its jurisdiction to hear the case as it involved potential human rights violations within a member state, in accordance with Article 9(4) of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol,” the court ruled.
“However, the court determines that the case does not meet the criteria for a public interest action, or actio popularis, which requires that the alleged violations affect a large, indeterminate segment of the public or the general public itself.”
The court added that the reliefs sought by the claimants, including specific monetary compensation, should have been directed at the identifiable victims of the attack, rather than the public at large.
In April, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced the arrest of Ibrahim Abdullahi, the suspected mastermind of the fatal train attack.
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Ondo Decide 2024: Two ex-deputy governors, a medical psychiatrist in race for governorship election
AFOLABI
On November 16, voters in Ondo state will head to the polls to decide who will pilot the state’s affairs for the next four years. Nothing is certain yet. Either the status quo will remain or change.
In the last few months, political gladiators in and outside the state have been making moves to woo voters.
However, the political tension in Ondo is not as heated as the September governorship election in neighbouring Edo state, where Monday Okpebholo was elected governor.
Unlike the Edo election, the build-up to the Ondo election has been relatively peaceful and devoid of heated political dramas.
Two former deputy governors — Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — have been tipped as favourites to win the Ondo election. The two politicians are not newcomers to the state’s political system.
Ajayi, 56, served as the deputy governor of Rotimi Akeredolu, then governor of the state, from 2017 to 2021. He fell out with Akeredolu in the build-up to the 2020 governorship election.
Ajayi defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the election but lost in the primary to Eyitayo Jegede. He then moved to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), where he clinched the party’s governorship ticket. Akeredolu also picked Aiyedatiwa as his running mate.
The former deputy governor came a distant third in the election, which was won by the joint ticket of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa.
Following Akeredolu’s death in December, Aiyedatiwa became Ondo governor.
Although Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi are favourites to win the Ondo election, Abass Mimiko, candidate of the ZLP, is an underdog in the race.
TheCable further provides a lowdown on the three major candidates
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AIYEDATIWA: THE ‘LUCKY’ GOVERNOR EYEING A FULL FOUR-YEAR TERM
Born on January 12, 1965, Aiyedatiwa hails from Obenla, an oil-producing community in Ilaje LGA of the state. He is a businessman and former commissioner of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Aiyedatiwa attended Saint Peter’s UNA Primary School, Obenla and Ikosi High School, Lagos. He obtained a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from Lagos State College of Education in 1986, and he also got an advanced diploma from the University of Ibadan. In 2013, he obtained a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Fate smiled at the former deputy governor in December 2023 after Akeredolu’s death. Aiyedatiwa was immediately sworn in as the new governor of the state to complete the four-year term of his late principal.
Although Aiyedatiwa has repeatedly denied the insinuations, the relationship between Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu had turned sour in the dying moments of the late governor.
Political analysts have argued that Aiyedatiwa, who was believed to be a political neophyte, would not have gotten the governorship ticket of APC if Akeredolu was alive. Olusola Oke, the most influential politician from Aiyedatiwa’s LGA, was said to be Akeredolu’s favourite. Nonetheless, Aiyedatiwa beat Oke, who came in third, during the APC primary election to clinch the ticket. Oke, who was said to have brought the governor into state politics, has since collapsed his political structure to support Aiyedatiwa.
At the moment, the governor is unarguably the strongest candidate in the race owing to the incumbency power and the popularity of the APC in the state. APC has been a force to reckon with in Ondo since the 2016 election.
Aiyedatiwa also enjoys the support of top APC chieftains in and outside Ondo.
However, it appears that the governor is yet to pacify some of Akeredolu’s loyalists, who were not pleased with the politicking that took place when the former governor was sick.
In what appears to be a political move to pacify Akeredolu’s kinsmen, Aiyedatiwa selected Olayide Adelami as his deputy governor and running mate. Adelami hails from Owo, the same town as late Akeredolu.
Speaking during a campaign rally, Aiyedatiwa promised to carry out more infrastructural projects across the state, if elected governor.
He said his administration has touched every sector of the state in the last 10 months, adding that he would do more if elected.
Critics of Aiyedatiwa have argued that governance and election are not based on luck. The question in the minds of many is, “Will Lucky be lucky this time around?”
AJAYI: THE CANDIDATE WITH THE MOST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Born on September 24, 1968, Ajayi hails from the Kiribo community in Ese-Odo LGA of Ondo state.
He had his primary and secondary education at Community High School in Kiribo and Methodist High School, Okitipupa, after which he bagged a law degree at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, and was called to bar in 2010.
Before he became Akeredolu’s deputy governor, he had been in politics as far back as 1988, when he was the Social Democratic Party chairman of Old Opoi Ward 1. He later moved to PDP and served in different political positions in the LGA. He was elected as the chairman of Ese-Odo LGA from 2004 to 2007. Ajayi was also elected as a lawmaker to represent Ilaje/Ese-Odo in the house of representatives from 2007 to 2011. In Ondo south, many call him the grassroots politician.
This is the second time Ajayi will be on the ballot for the Ondo governorship election. The former deputy governor contested the 2020 election under the umbrella of the ZLP. He came a distant third with 69,127 votes.
This time around, Ajayi is contesting the election under the platform of a major political party — the PDP.
To become the governor of the state, Ajayi must beat his closest challenger, Aiyedatiwa. The duo are from the same senatorial district — Ondo south. Ajayi hails from Ese-Odo LGA, while Aiyedatiwa is from Ilaje LGA. Ilaje/Ese-Odo used to be one LGA until they were separated.
Since the votes from Ondo south will be divided between Ajayi and Aiyedatiwa, the two other senatorial districts — Ondo north and Ondo central — will play a deciding role in the race.
Speaking during a recent debate, Ajayi accused Aiyedatiwa of “destroying” Akeredolu’s Amotetun legacy and that the security of the state has deteriorated under the incumbent governor.
“I must give it to our late boss; he had the courage and boldness to say we must establish Amotekun which is more or less a state police arrangement,” Ajayi had said.
“But unfortunately these days, that legacy is almost destroyed by the incumbent governor.”
Ajayi said he would strengthen the Amotetun security outfit with modern equipment if elected governor.
WILL ABBAS MIMIKO ACHIEVE HIS BROTHER’S FEAT?
Mimiko, from Ondo town, is a senior consultant psychiatrist and psychologist. He obtained his bachelor of medicine and surgery degrees from the University of Lagos in 1987. He worked in the United States and is said to be board-certified in psychiatry and neurology in America. He is also a published poet.
Mimiko will surely pray to attain what his elder brother, Olusegun Mimiko, achieved during the 2007 and 2012 Ondo governorship elections with the LP.
This time around, another Mimiko is eyeing the number one seat in Ondo under the platform of the ZLP. Although he is a political newbie, he is hoping to pull out a surprise move to defeat other candidates.
Recently, Mimiko said he does not need his brother’s endorsement to win the November 16 election, and what he needs is the endorsement of the people of the state.
In his manifesto, Mimiko promised to implement the seven Ks agenda if elected governor.
The seven Ks initiatives were worded in the Yoruba language. The agenda seeks to end hunger, provide clean water, create jobs, and ensure quality education and healthcare in Ondo state.
However, Mimiko is from Ondo central. His chances are dim with the two major candidates coming from Ondo south, where the next governor is expected to come from based on the unwritten power rotational system in the state.
Only time will tell whether he will pull a surprise like his brother, Olusegun Mimiko, a former governor of the state, who won the election under the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
OTHER CANDIDATES IN THE RACE:
Ebiseni Nehemiah — Labour Party
Falaiye Ajibola — Accord Party
Omolere Akinuli — Action Alliance
Ajayi Adekunle — African Action Congress
Akinnodi Ayodeji – African Democratic Party
Popoola Olatunji — All Progressives Grand Alliance
Ogunfeyimi Isaac — Allied Peoples Movement
Fadoju Amos Babatunde — Action Peoples Party
Olugbenga Omogbemi — New Nigeria Peoples Party
Ajaunoko Jenyo — National Rescue Movement
Alli Babatunde Francis — Peoples Redemption Party
Akingboye Benson Bamidele — Social Democratic Party
Adegoke Kehinde Paul — Youth Party
Akinmurele Otiloloju — Young Progressives Party
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has expressed its commitment to supporting extra-year students facing academic challenges by considering the option of granting them a waiver.
The move is in response to a recent suicide attempt by a 200-level student who attempted suicide following academic struggles.
PUNCH Metro exclusively obtained an internal memo on Wednesday, dated November 1, 2024, from the university’s Senate Division.
The memo revealed that a special Committee of Deans meeting was convened to address the case of the affected student and thereafter came up with compassionate measures.
The memo, signed by the Deputy Registrar, M.S. Oluwajoba, revealed that the student, whose name was not stated, had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education, and reportedly attempted suicide on October 16.
The incident prompted the Dean of the Faculty to take up the matter to the higher authorities.
The memo seen by our correspondent was titled, “Decision Extract: Re: Special Meeting of Committee of Deans held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024,” and directed to all deans.
It partly read, “The Dean, Faculty of Education reported a case of a suicide attempt by a Part II student who transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. After due deliberation on the matter, the Committee decided that: Members of staff should continue as usual to offer support to our students.
“The departmental and the Faculty Boards of Examiners are advised and encouraged to provide an enabling environment for students’ support.
“Staff and Part Advisers should kindly cooperate in this regard.
“The above information supersedes the earlier circulated decision extract.”
An earlier circular from the office, dated October 17, 2024, had said any student who had only one or two courses to pass to graduate, having attempted those courses in the previous semesters, “should be considered to graduate on compassionate grounds provided such assistance SHALL NOT change the candidate’s class of degree.”
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the decision of the institution, noting this was to prevent further suicide attempts.
In an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, the varsity spokesperson said, “We want to reduce to the barest minimum the commission of suicide due to academic stress or rigour especially by those in the final year who are repeating one or two courses and they are being delayed by that.
“So, the human face there is, given the situation and circumstance of the country, we should just let them go. It doesn’t cost the university anything, and so that it will not be that somebody commits suicide because of extra academic years.”
Our correspondent however gathered from a top official that the decision “is not official” but considered “in the wisdom of the university” given the sensitivity of the situation.
The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command has apprehended three suspects for allegedly stealing two phones from an accident victim on Governor's Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
It was gathered that the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday night while searching the victim's pockets and vehicle instead of offering assistance.
This was made known in a statement by the RRS on Thursday.
The statement identified the suspects as, Isaiah Adegbenro (38), Edet Johnson (30) and Efe Sowemimo (28) were arrested few meters aways from the accident point while trying to escape with the phones.
"The accident victims were heading towards Ikeja in a red Toyota Camry 2010 when the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a road divider in front of Adeyemi Bero end of Governor Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
"The three suspects who were close to the scene when the accident happened, rather than assist the driver and the occupants out of the badly damaged vehicle, were ransacking the victims’ pockets and vehicle.
However, stolen from the accidents victims were: an iPhone 15, valued at N1,300,000 and an iPhone 12 worth N620,000
Meanwhile, the RRS operatives who were patrolling the area, when alerted about the actions of the fleeing suspects pursued them and recovered the two iPhone from their pockets.
The operatives assisted the victims to the hospital and also removed the vehicle from obstruction.
The suspects have made significant confessions. They are to be charged to court today in line with the directives of Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Shola Jejeloye.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has issued a warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Makinde warned INEC to allow the votes of the people of Ondo State to count.
While speaking, the governor also emphasized that elections in the country should not be a “do-or-die affair.”
Makinde made these remarks while receiving the leadership of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) on Wednesday.
He urged INEC to ensure that people’s votes count in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Makinde further reiterated his administration’s commitment to building institutions that will guarantee good governance and support the state’s continued growth.
He stated that his administration aims to be remembered not only for infrastructure projects across the state but also for establishing strong institutions.
“Election should not be a do-or-die affair; the people’s votes should count.”
“I want to thank you for the kind words about the projects going on in Oyo State and our efforts here and there.
“But I think about what we want to be remembered for when we leave office. We don’t want to only be remembered for the fact that we constructed roads, improved infrastructure, and all that.
“Some people asked why we are reconstructing all the inner roads in Ibadan, and I said when we came in 2019, we repaired those roads, but they did not last more than one rainy season. We tried it again and got exactly the same result. We realized that the majority of the roads were 50 years old and had reached the end of their useful life.”