Ogun APC settles for direct primaries

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress party primaries which is scheduled to hold between September 28 through October 4, 2018, the party leadership in Ogun State have settled for direct mode of primaries to elect its candidates. 

The Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Derin Adebiyi disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting of the party held at the MTR Hall, Ibara Housing, Abeokuta.

Chief Adebiyi noted that the party reviewed its former decision of going indirect and reverted to having direct if consensus fails because the state have succeeded in receiving the party register from Abuja, which would be used to identify party members.

The Chairman who enjoined all party faithful to go out and vote enmasse for President Muhammadu Buhari to emerge as the APC presidential candidate said they should not mind the fact that he has no opposition while appealing to all party members to be united as one.

Responding to the question of omission of names on the register if any occurs, the Chairman said if that happens, the party slip given in 2014 would be used to resolve the issue. 

In his remarks, the National Financial Secretary of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello who affirmed the stand of Ogun State as the home of democracy said "we were the first to agree and accept direct primaries in accordance with the wish and decision of the National Working Committee".

Alhaji Bello urged the people to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner throughout the primaries advising party faithful to avoid violence of any sort. 

Addressing stakeholders, the Chairman, House of Assembly Aspirants Screening committee from Abuja, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose who enjoined aspirants to come with their PVCs, Party Cards and original Credentials disclosed that an impartial body has been set up to conduct the screening noting that if any aspirant is not satisfied, he or she can proceed to the screening appeal committee.

APC Presidential Primaries: Amosun commends party faithful for huge turn out in Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has commended party faithful for the huge turn out recorded in the state as they cast their vote for the presidential aspirants and consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2019 general election, President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Amosun who is the returning officer for the state while monitoring the exercise at the Ajura ward 4 in Obafemi Owode local government area of the state disclosed that the Presidential primaries was conducted simultaneously in all the 236 wards in the state.

Commending party faithful for coming out enmasse to cast their votes not minding the fact that President Buhari is the only candidate, the Governor said this shows the love they have for the president and the party. 

The Governor disclosed that for the Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries, the party register would be used to ascertain the eligibility of party members. 

Governor Amosun who promised his administration's commitment to continue to work more in the areas of education, housing and road construction across the state enjoined the people to embrace investors who are coming to the area while he advised them to collaborate and accommodate them for rapid development.

FRSC ADVISES MOTORISTS AGAINST NIGHT JOURNEY

The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has advised motorists to guide against night journey in order to reduce risks on the highway, particularly the carnages during the ‘’ember months’’.           
The Sector Commander, Mr. Clement Oladele, gave the advice at the 2018 Annual Public Enlightenment Rally, tagged "Alert Today -Alive Tomorrow’’, organised by Ota Unit Command, in conjunction with Shell Nigeria, Iju, Ota.            

Oladele, represented by the Sector Head of Operatios, Mr. Davies Ogiamen, pointed out the need for drivers to embrace safety culture, especially during the ember months, disclosing that, 80 percent of road crashes were caused by human errors, while mechanical and environmental factors accounted for only 20 percent.           
He implored motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on any journey, avoid wrongful overtaking, overloading, the use of second hand tyres and use of handset while driving, saying, all traffic rules and regulations must be ‘strictly adhered to in order to prevent avoidable accident, which could lead to loss of lives.           
Speaking earlier, the Sango-Ota Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr. Adekunle Oguntoyinbo, said the rally was imperative, as there was always an increase in vehicular and human movement during the last four months of the year, noting that the sensitization programme became necessary for the people to have a change of attitude on night journey among other safety measures.          
"Motorists should imbibe safety consciousness and desist from the wrong use of the highways. They should not over-speed nor drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They should check the water level and breaking system before putting their vehicle on the road. They should also check again when they come back home at night, to ensure that the vehicles are still in proper condition for the next day’’, Oguntoyinbo advised.

PMB, Tinubu, Oshiomole 13 APC Governors storm Osun for Oyetola

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has assured that his administration will continue to improve on the health care, education, employment generation and infrastructural development of the nation with a pledge never to tolerate and harbour corruption.

President Buhari gave this assurance on Tuesday in Osun State during the mega rally of the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola at the Oshogbo township stadium.

The President while commending the hospitable nature of the people of the state, said "by voting for and electing Oyetola, you're consolidating on the developmental achievements of the outgoing government in Osun." 

Buhari who disclosed that Oyetola is ready for the enormous work ahead called on Osun people never to allow dark days to return to the state.

The Host Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in his speech said "we're winning the September 22 governorship election in landslide and overwhelming victory.

Governor Aregbesola who was full of assurance that God will be kind to APC in the state said this is because his administration has worked every single day of the two terms alloted by the constitution and have changed the face of Osun State. 

The National Party Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomole urged the people of the state to massively vote for APC to guarantee the continuation of the good work.

Oshiomole who said at times like this, we need people with competence, brain and character and not apprehentice said Oyetola knows where the present government stops and what next is to be done. 

Speaking on behalf of the party leaders, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said we are very proud of the progress that Osun has witnessed in the areas of education, infrastructural development and employment generation. 

While commending the President for having the love of his people at heart, Tinubu assured that APC will give him the victory of the state promising to claim the victory in a peaceful manner. 

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam El-Rufai who spoke on behalf of all the Governors present said "Aregbesola has done extremely well, we are proud of his achievements and we know that the progress would be expanded with the victory of Oyetola", thanking the President for his assistants to all the states at all times. 

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State with twelve of his counterparts from Oyo, Ondo, Lagos, Plateau, Kebbi, Edo, Kaduna, Kano joined by mammoth crowd of party faithful were also present at the rally to throw their support behind the party's governorship candidate.

Others present  include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, party leader, Chief Bisi Akande, Ministers, members of National Assembly and former Governors.

Amosun Orders Arrest of Policemen For Attacking Security Personnel in His Convoy

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday ordered the arrest of some policemen, who attacked security personnel in his convoy.

Men of the Lagos State Police Command, in about eight Hiace buses and two security vehicles, were driving against traffic, as the convoy of the Governor was passing through Mowe/Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Noticing that their action had caused a gridlock, Amosun directed his security men to caution them, but in the process, the officers attacked them, injuring some men of the Department of State Security Service (DSS).

The Governor, who was infuriated, condemned the action of the policemen and thereafter ordered that they should be arrested.

He said officers and men of security agencies are bound to obey laws as their duty is not only to maintain and enforce laws.

Amosun appoints Hon. Talabi as Culture Ambassador in Ogun

The Newly appointed Ambassador for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Hon. Olamide Davies-Talabi has promised to continue to promote and showcase the state's cultural values to the rest of the world.

Hon Davies-Talabi who was appointed as Commissioner for African Commission in Newark, New Jersey stated this after being decorated by Governor Ibikunle Amosun at Governor's Office, Oke Mosan on Friday. 

An indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun state in Diaspora, Hon. Davies-Talabi said part of her plans was to device means of attracting investors to the state.

She described tourism sector as a big investment for the state hence the need to take full advantage of the sector to develop the state.

The Ambassador said she plans to host Ogun Adire by December adding that investors would be invited to increase the commercial activities around Olumo rock.

Ogun APC Picks Consensus Candidates for House of Assembly Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ogun State, yesterday at a stakeholders meeting, picked its consensus candidates for the 2019 state House of Assembly election. 

Candidates were adopted for 23 out of the 26 seats, at the exercise, conducted at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the State capital. 

They emerged after all aspirants from all constituencies met to pick the most suitable candidate among them.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who announced the outcome of the exercise, said it was a demonstration of the transparent democratic ideals of the APC.

He said the arrangement, witnessed by elected party members and political appointees, was peaceful and accepted by all. 

The Governor thanked the aspirants for their cooperation and urged the candidates to prepare for the election.

According to him, candidates for the three remaining seats as well as those of the National Assembly seats, will be concluded tomorrow.

All candidates, in their speeches, commended the party and Amosun for the rancour free exercise.

Ogun APC Endorses Akinlade, Adebajo for Governor, running mate...as Ogun East aligns

The All Progressives Congress in Ogun State have unanimously agreed and endorsed the consensus governorship candidate from the Ogun West Senatorial District, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade as the flag bearer of the party come 2019.

The Party has also chosen the current Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo as the candidate's running mate in the coming general elections.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun made this known on Saturday after a meeting with the party executives, State's Executive Council members, Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas and members of the Consultative Advisory Council from the three senatorial districts of the state held at the Government House, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta.

Governor Amosun who revealed that the party in the state has been able to select all its candidates for all the 40 elective positions through consensus however said anyone who is still not pleased or satisfied with the consensus list can go for forms assuring that direct primaries mode would be adopted.

The Governor who thanked and appreciated other aspirants, party faithful, leaders and all the executive council members for the unity the party has enjoyed in the state congratulated the governorship candidate and his running mate assuring that "we are not God o but come 2019, we are going to have a landslide victory".

Earlier before the announcement of the Governorship candidate and his running mate, the state's party leadership had met with party leaders and stakeholders from Ogun East senatorial district where the people unanimously agreed, accepted and endorsed the consensus candidature of the party. 

The Chairman recalled that after the leaders from Ogun West presented their choice of Hon. Akinlade to party leadership, the party executives called the leaders and stakeholders from the Ogun Central Senatorial district to a meeting on Friday where they unanimously also agreed and endorsed him".

Chief Adebiyi disclosed that the party on the eve of the state's party congress met and zoned the governorship candidate of the party to Ogun West senatorial district in line with the constitution of the party and in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

The National Financial Secretary of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello in his remarks said "I am happy to be here, what the party has done by zoning the governorship candidate to Ogun West is legal and constitutional and it followed the rule of law.

The Ogun East Senatorial Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bayo Yakubu while receiving Hon. Akinlade said whatever the party's decision is binds on all saying "we from Ogun East are here today to endorse the consensus candidate of the Ogun West Senatorial District, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade following the zoning arrangement of the party to Ogun West Senatorial District. 

The Former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Hon. Tunde Oladunjoye and Hon. Yinka Mafe representing Remo constituency in the State's House of Assembly on behalf of the Ogun East people moved the motion for the adoption and seconded the motion respectively. 

In their acceptance speech, the consensus governorship candidate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade and his running mate, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo said "we would do all within our powers with our team to serve and move Ogun State forward".

Ogun Central APC leaders Endorse Hon. Akinlade for Guber Race

Leaders of All Progressives Congress from the Ogun Central Senatorial district have endorsed, adopted and accepted the consensus candidate from the Ogun West Senatorial district, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade as the party's governorship flag bearer in the coming 2019 election. 

The endorsement which had in attendance party leaders, state's executive council members, chairmen of local governments and local council development areas and members of the consultative advisory council, all from the Ogun Central Senatorial district of the state took place on Friday at the banquet hall of the Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta. 

In his remarks, the State's party Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Derin Adebiyi who handed over Honourable Akinlade to the Ogun Central Senatorial chairman, Engr. Yomi Ademefun said "we from Ogun Central have unanimously agreed to fully support any consensus candidate from Ogun West." 

Receiving the consensus candidate from Ogun West, the Ogun Central  Senatorial Chairman, Engr. Yomi Ademefun assured the people of Ogun West of the unflinching support of his district. 

Lending his voice, former Minister, Ministry of Mines and Steel, Alhaji Sarafa Ishola said the candidate of succession in person of Hon. Adekunle has character, capacity and capability to deliver, following his proven records and experience from the public, private and legislative arm. 

Senator Gbenga Obadara while moving the motion for adoption to accept and endorse Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, wished the candidate well saying he is of the assurance that he will do well. 

Reading from the party constitution, the National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello said the decision of the party to zone the governorship position to Ogun West is not gainst the party's constitution.

In his response, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade appreciated the leadership of Ogun West for chosen him and other aspirants for their courage to accept him assuring that no senatorial district would be neglected.

Hon. Akinlade who said the blue print on ground is to complete all on going projects and develop the entire state requested for the counsel and advise of party leaders with an assurance to do all within his power and capacity to move the party forward.

The consensus candidate further assured of his loyalty to all the tenets of the party pledging to deploy all that God has given him to make his government a success. 

Prayers were then offered by Chief Dayo Abatan and Mrs. Toyosi Anifowose for Hon. Akinlade to succeed and proper in the governorship race.

Ogun 2019: Ogun West Elders Adopt Lawmaker Akinlade as Consensus Candidate

Elders of the Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun state, have adopted Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, as the consensus governorship candidate of All Progressives Party (APC), for the 2019 election in the state.

Alhaji Ajibola Olagbaye, made the announcement yesterday night at the residence of one time Secretary to the Ogun State Government and Head of Service, late Deacon Poju Adeyemi, in the presence of Ogun West elders and other aspirants, after a closed door meeting, which lasted hours.

Akinlade, who hails from Ipokia Local Government Area of the state, in the Ogun West Senatorial district, is a serving member of the House of Representatives, representing Egbado South and Ipokia Federal constituency. 

The taxation expert, popularly called Triple A,  holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the Lagos State University.

Speaking after the announcement, as a sign of commitment, one of the aspirants and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekunmbi, commended the leadership of the party in the Senatorial District, for doing a great job.

He congratulated Akinlade, assuring him of his unflinching support and that of other aspirants.

Mr. Dapo Oke, a stakeholder, who said, "indeed we are happy today to hear the choice of Hon. Akinlade, commended other aspirants for being part of history.

Senator Kola Bajomo, on his part, said, “in order that we will not be working against ourselves in Ogun West, we brought all the aspirants together and we unanimously agreed on the choice of Hon. Akinlade.

Responding, Akinlade thanked the elders and other aspirants, saying it is a project and vision for all, assuring party faithful that he would operate an all inclusive government.

Amosun declares intention to run for Senate...I'm not afraid of direct primaries in Ogun

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has declared his intention to run for the Senate position of the Ogun Central Senatorial district under the umbrella of All Progressives Party (APC) in the state in the 2019 general election. 

Governor Amosun made this declaration on Wednesday at the stakeholders meeting of the party held at the MITROS hall of the Gateway Annex to deliberate on the mode of conducting the party primaries.

The Governor while baring his mind on the way the primaries should be conducted appealed to the whole house to adopt consensus adding that in the event that consensus fails, the party would resolve to direct primaries. 

"I am not afraid of direct primaries in Ogun State, I appeal to you all to allow consensus but when that fails, we go for direct primaries", Amosun.

The meeting which lasted for several hours had in attendance serving and former National and State House of Assembly, party chairmen and secretaries from all the local government areas in the state, as well as past Governors and deputies.

Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously agreed that the party in the state should adopt consensus to pick candidates for all the posts available for contest while direct primaries should be adopted in the event that the consensus option fails. 

According to the Governor, the party had zoned the Governorship position of the party to Ogun West Senatorial district and as a democrat, party supremacy will holdsway and the decision of the party to choose a consensus candidate from Ogun West is sacrosanct.

Speaking on getting a consensus candidate from the Ogun West governorship aspirants, the number one man at the helms of affairs in the state said he will hold a meeting with all the aspirants from the senatorial district which he said would be known by Thursday. 

Governor Amosun while addressing party faithful urged leaders of the party in all the Senatorial districts to meet with all the aspirants in their districts and zone to come up with consensus candidates for all positions.

Earlier in his address, the State party Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi made it known that the presidential will be direct primaries, while the states are to decide which one pays each state assuring that in Ogun, all party faithful would be given level playing ground. 

Chief Adebiyi who commended the Governor for contributing in no small measure to the growth and development of the party said "it was his work, sacrifice and commitment that made so many strong members from the PDP to join APC.

Kashamu faction Strong member renowns PDP in Ogun, aligns with APC

Honourable Bowale Solaja representing Ijebu Igbo state constituency 1 in the Ogun State House of Assembly has on Tuesday dump People's Democratic Party, PDP to join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). 

Hon. Solaja who revealed this while speaking with journalists after a meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in Abeokuta said he defected due to the great work and giant strides the Governor has done and still doing in the state. 

The Honourable who was formerly a loyalist of Senator Buruji Kashamu representing Ogun East senatorial district further disclosed that the crisis in his former party, PDP which has brought about several groups and factions said this has also added to his decision to join the winning team assuring that many others are still coming. 

The State party Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi expressed his happiness on the defection saying the All Progressive Congress will continue to grow stronger by the day and win the 2019 polls with convincing victory. 

Adebiyi who was confident that more people would still dump their parties to pitch tent with the ruling party said the All Progressives Congress is ready for those joining and would be well managed.

Ogun 2019: Ogun West Aspirants agree to work for consensus candidate

In continuation of  the quest to ensure the  emergence of Yewa indigenes as the next Governor of the state, the Ogun West Elders Council and another stakeholders group on Monday again met with the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The Chairman, Ogun West Elders Council, Chief Ajibola Olagbayi who addressed Governors' office correspondents after the meeting held behind closed door that lasted for more than one hour said the group has been holding series of consultations in the last one week.

Chief Olagbayi disclosed that the consultations has culminated in the gubernatorial aspirants agreeing to work for a common candidate by signing a pact while those who have not been hitherto working with the group have seen the reason to team up with the group to work for a common agenda.

The group appreciated the Governor for his steadfastness in insisting on the Yewa agenda, saying the Ogun West, more than ever before is committed to fielding a consensus candidate in order to actualise the age long agenda. 

Also Speaking, representative of Stakeholders Group in Yewa, Mr Dapo Oke informed that the groups comprising of different interest groups such as Ogun West Consultative Forum, Ogun West Collective, Ogun West Liberation Forum among others are in sink with the roles of the elders in picking a consensus candidate to actualise the Yewa agenda. 

He thanked the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for being consistent and steadfast with the Yewa agenda, saying Ogun West people so much appreciate his support.

PMB, Amosun commissions largest brewery in West Africa housed in Ogun

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the companies operating in the country to take full advantage of the opportunities that Nigeria offers in the area of ease of doing business to invest in the nation assuring that Nigeria is ready for business.

Buhari made the call this Tuesday during the official commissioning of the international breweries gateway plant, the largest in West Africa region along the Sagamu/Interchange expressway, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha called on other states of the federation to emulate Ogun's industrial stride saying this will help the nation to grow while assuring the international community of an improved economic development of Nigeria.

While appreciating the company for creating employment opportunities for the teeming youth, the President charged all to emulate the international breweries assuring that Nigeria is ready for business.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Governor,  Senator Ibikunle Amosun said the state has attracted more businesses to the state due to the strategic location of the state which gives access to the international community and the security plan put in place by the Amosun led government.

While calling on other companies operating in the state to continue to pay their taxes so as to support the present government in the state, the number one citizen of the state pledged his administration's commitment to continue to create enabling environment for them to thrive. 

Governor Amosun added that the present Sagamu/Abeokuta express road cannot take the kind of investment that will occupy the axis justifying the reason why his government is working on its expansion to a 10 lane dual carriage way.

The global Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Carlos Brito and the Nigerian Managing Director, Ms Annabelle Degroot  said the presence of the company in Ogun State has employed more than 1200 permanent workers with additional 2000 indirect jobs created.