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Akeredolu down with blood cancer – Investigation; not true, sickness not life-threatening, says spokesman
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is sick, his wife, Betty Akeredolu, has said. But she did not disclose the nature of the sickness.
Investigation by an online new porter SaharaReporters, has revealed that the governor is treating an ailment called leukemia, blood cancer.
“The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has leukemia, he is really down,” the report quoted one of the sources in the Government House as saying.
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body.
It is a cancer of blood-forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.
White blood cells are considered potent infection fighters which grow and divide in an orderly way, as the body needs them. But for those with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which do not function properly.
Treatment for leukemia can be complex depending on the type of leukemia and other factors.
The governor’s wife recently cried out that her husband was sick after taking a “concoction” from one of his female aides, Bunmi Ademosun.
In a leaked audio file, the First Lady accused Ademosun, the special adviser to the governor on Multilateral and Inter-Governmental Affairs, of sneaking to give Akeredolu a local herbal drink.
“This is Arabinrin, I have a message for Ademosun and I believe that she’s on this Aketi’s women platform. I want this woman to stay away from my husband, stop sneaking in concoction.
“According to her, they are from her fake pastors to give my husband to drink. We rely on medical care. We rely on western style of medical care and Aketi will get well.
“What has triggered this very message is her recent meetings to become the deputy governor of Ondo state. Look at you, what have you got upstairs to become the deputy governor of Ondo state? Peradventure anything happens to Aketi, Lucky takes over, it’s a constitutional thing. But for you to be scheming, for you to be scheming. I warned Aketi from the beginning that this woman is evil, this woman is no good and it’s happening. She has nothing good for you and I warned you. This woman is bloody evil. But I’m warning her for the very last time to stay away from my husband.
“And look, if you are dealing with an Igbo woman in this kind of situation, I’ll deal with you mercilessly that you won’t forget in your life. For the very last time Ademosun, stay away from Aketi, you won’t find it funny with me. You are a very terrible woman, go away and enjoy your look,” the governor’s wife is heard saying in an audio file.
But the governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said his health issue was not an unusual one, and that the governor was not incapacitated.
In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesperson said the challenge was not life-threatening.
He said though the governor is physically frail, he was still carrying out his official duties.
The statement read in part, “We have observed the growing anxiety about the State of Health of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“The good people of the state and, by extension, other friends and well-wishers continued to express concern over the wellness of the Governor, especially since yesterday.
“We are constrained to respond to these concerns and assure our people that by the grace of God, there is no cause for alarm on the Governor’s state of health.
“Governor Akeredolu, just like every other mere mortal has had some health challenge for which he has since received treatment and recuperating speedily.
“Since the Governor is not a superhuman and the immunity his office enjoys does not extend to physical wellness or otherwise, the health issue is therefore not an unusual one.
“However, contrary to speculations and insinuations making the round, the Governor though frail, is discharging his official functions.
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“Mr Governor is not faced with any life-threatening illness that would have encouraged any alleged conspiracy in his administration.
”He, in fact, held Executive Council meeting with the Exco members till 4pm on Wednesday, 11th January, 2023 after the Security Council meeting where far-reaching decisions were taken on the escalated clashes in Ikare-Akoko.
“On January 7, 2023 Governor Akeredolu led his brother Governors in the Southwest and other party bigwigs to receive the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure for the State Presidential Campaign Rally. On January 8, 2023, he was at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House Cathedral, Region 22 Headquarters, Oke-Ijebu, Akure for the Holy Service commemorating the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.
“For emphasis, the governor, who participated in rigorous campaign activities on the 7th of January, couldn’t have been bedridden as widely speculated.”
This is not the first time the governor would be down with a major ailment.
In April 2022, SaharaReporters reported that the Ondo state governor was hospitalised in Germany after falling ill.
In 2019, he was also out of the state for five weeks while seeking medical attention in Germany and Abuja, Nigeria.
“Yes, I needed to seek medical attention. It was nothing so serious as overblown because it is routine. But on my return, I needed to take some time off based on advice. It wasn’t as serious as people blew it,” he had said after arriving in Nigeria from Germany.
“But basically, my stay back in Abuja was indeed not a serious period to even rest because I had to attend to a lot of issues that will move the state forward.
“I received in audience a world-class medical foundation, Medicus International, from Germany as I presided over the signing of the MoU for them to build a world-class Medical city in Akure.
“You are aware that I attended the governors’ forum meeting as well as the National Economic Council meeting and several others. Of particular note was the meeting I held with the World Bank that will bring in a capital of about $19 million for the development of the state. As you can see, I’m back fresher and stronger to continue the work the good people of the state mandated me to do.”
The governor’s confirmation of his illness contradicts the position of Donald Ojogo, the then-information commissioner, who had earlier said Akeredolu did not seek medical attention.
In April 2022, he described reports that Akeredolu was ill as wicked and misleading.
News
New Edo Gov Okpebholo takes oath of office, Shettima, others present
New Edo Gov Okpebholo takes oath of office, Shettima, others present
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led the Federal Government delegation to the inauguration of Monday Okpebholo as a brand new governor of Edo State.
Other dignitaries at the event are Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, chair of the governors forum; and Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo.
Many sitting state governors across the country elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that also graced the ceremony are Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, among others.
The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, were also at the ceremony, held inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Okpebholo took his oath of office at about 1pm on Tuesday.
Dennis Idahosa was also sworn in as Edo deputy governor.
The new governor rode in an open-top van round the stadium while acknowledging cheers from supporters.
As candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo won the September 21 off-cycle governorship election in the state.
He polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came second with 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), came third with 22,763 votes.
News
Things will get better, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu assure Nigerians
Things will get better, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu assure Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Monday, admitted that Nigerians are experiencing social and economic difficulties, assuring that the situation will soon change.
While Tinubu insisted that his government was on the right track, he argued that solutions to complex problems could never be as instant as coffee.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu, who called for prayers, described the current leadership as tough men working to get Nigerians through difficult times.
Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke at the 70th birthday of Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community, Pastor Tunde Bakare, PTB, organised by the Citadel Global Community in Lagos.
Those present included former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), represented by Evangelist Austin Kemie; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Attah; former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amechi; former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, represented by Ogwa-Olusan of Warri, Chief Mene Brown; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), represented by Asoya of Isoya Ife, Oba Muraina Adedini; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo III.
Tinubu, in his speech, said: “The President acknowledges that times are hard, but at the end of it all, there is always light. And solutions to complex problems can never be as instant as coffee, but we are on the right track.”
On the celebrant, the President described him as a spiritual leader and advocate for truth who had left an indelible mark, not just on those who follow his teachings, but on the nation as a whole.
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said: “We are here to celebrate a true man of God, a most precious human being. It gives me great joy to honour a man whose life has been an embodiment of passion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. PTB has been a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless in our society.
“His decades of service and dedication, principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness have been in the respect and admiration of many across this nation. His life journey reflects our commitment not just to spiritual growth, but also to the social and political development of our country.
“I acknowledge your relentless passion for better Nigeria, a country where equal justice and good government prevails. This celebration is a testament to a life of strength and courage, of powerful messages and fearless advocacy, deep volumes of your dedication to lifting humanity.
“It is these values that allow you to make such a difference. As you unveil your token of growth, the vast but definitely not the least, we look forward to gaining insights into the endless experiences that have shaped you into the formidable figure we see today.”
It’s tough time, public servants need prayers – Sanwo-Olu
Sanwo-Olu, in his address, said: “We that are in public service, we need all your prayers. It’s tough times, but you see, we are also tough men, and we know that at the end of the tunnel, there will be a bright phase.”
On the celebrant, the governor said PTB was not just a father to all, noting: “He is a man that is completely detribalised. He is a man that, with all the complexities of understanding people, stands up for fairness, equity and justice. There’s still a whole lot that God is still going to use you for, not only to this nation, but to the world. We thank God for who you are. You are a vessel of God.”
PTB testament to Ogun legacy of trailblazers – Abiodun
Abiodun, in his remarks, said: “We join him in reaching the remarkable 70. Considering the brevity of life, reaching 70 is not easy. PTB has made life one of purpose and significance. I have had the privilege of drinking from his wealth of knowledge. He stands as a testament to the Ogun State legacy of trailblazers. He is among the distinguished ambassadors of our state. As a spiritual guide, he has mentored many. PTB has touched lives.”
Let’s put nation first – Bakare
Meanwhile, Bakare, in his vote of thanks, urged Nigerians to put the country above personal needs, saying: “I want to appeal to you on this day that let us think of nation first. Let’s be less concerned about what we can get out of this nation. Let us think of how to make this nation a better place to live.”
Things will get better, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu assure Nigerians
News
Obaseki inherited N55bn debt, left N410bn behind – Transition report
Obaseki inherited N55bn debt, leaving N410bn – Transition report
The Transition Committee of the All Progressives Congress has recommended a probe into N410 billion in local and foreign debts allegedly owed by the Edo State government.
The committee made the recommendation on Monday in its report presented to Monday Okpebholo ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday as Edo’s fifth democratically elected governor.
Presenting the document, Pius Odubu, the chairman of the committee, said the committee was presented with N410 billion in debts as against the N55 billion inherited by the outgoing government in 2016.
“For those of you who have the capability to fact-check, you will find out that the indebtedness today is much more. It is over N500billion,” he said.
Odubu, an erstwhile deputy governor, said the committee also recommended a review of memoranda of understanding on the management of Central and Stella Obasanjo hospitals.
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“All employment carried out in the recent past should be cancelled, while the governor should investigate the true ownership of the Ossiomo power plant and Radisson Blu Hotel.
“The same with the Museum of West Africa Arts-MOWAA. We deserve to know the state’s equity in these companies as the outgoing government went blank on these enquiries.
“We also demanded a comprehensive review of the World Bank-funded EdoBest programme, and a probe should be instituted to uncover its rather opaque operations,” he said.
Odubu added, “All major contracts issued by the state government under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges should be reviewed as they appear not to have followed due process, including the payment advance awarded to the contractors.
“The procurement agency indicted the government in its own report to the transition committee. Hence, we have advised the incoming governor to take a critical review.”
The committee chairman also called for streamlining the ICT ecosystem in the state, which he said appeared to be a duplication of duties.
“The outgoing government didn’t provide audited financial statements published or unpublished. Hence, the committee is advising the government to institute an inquiry into this.
“The government couldn’t account for the number of teachers in the state. Hence, we demand a proper teacher headcount,” Mr Odubu said.
The committee chairman said the document, comprised of a 24-page report and 800 annexures, was a product of three weeks of rigorous assignments, meetings, interactions, engagements and analyses of the documents presented to the committee.
Obaseki inherited N55bn debt, leaving N410bn – Transition report
(NAN)
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