Politics

Oyebanji freezes Ekiti accounts after inauguration

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2022

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

Governor appoints Adubiaro as SSG, retains Oyebode as CPS
Tinubu urges state to vote massively for ruling party in 2023

Few hours after taking the oath of office, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji yesterday froze all operational accounts of the state government with immediate effect.

The new helmsman said all financial officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must comply with the directive on the freezing of the accounts.

At the swearing-in of the governor, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinibu, seven governors of the party, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Kebbi State governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (NGF), Atiku Bagudu, led the governors.

Other party chieftains and members from various walks of life also attended the event.

Also present were former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).

Oyetola was represented by his deputy, Bendict Alabi; while Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; outgoing Ekiti State Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi; the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonsakin, were also present.

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Others are: ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubike Iherijika; Senators Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Michael Bamidele, Musiliu Obanikoro, as well as the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, traditional rulers, amongst other, were also at the event.

The 10,000 capacity pavilion was filled to the brim with admirers who adorned different aso abi (family ceremonial uniforms) for the inauguration.

Oyebanji was sworn in alongside the deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, as the fifth democratically elected governor of Ekiti State by the Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye.

He took the oath of office and allegiance before the CJ at 12:52 p.m before the ecstatic crowd and thereafter signed required documents empowering him as the state’s new helmsman.

Afuye had taken the oath of office and allegiance at 12:42 p.m before Justice Adeyeye and signed the necessary documents empowering as the second citizen of the state.

Hitherto, former Governor Kayode Fayemi had handed over the Pen of Authority to Oyebanji, which was the first time in the state’s political history.

In his inaugural speech, Oyebaji promised to run an all-inclusive government that would be just, equitable and fair to all, irrespective of religious and political inclinations.

The governor said his administration would focus on human capital development, good governance, agriculture and rural development, Arts, Culture and Tourism, infrastructure and industrialisation to transform the state to microcosm of development.

He hailed Fayemi for attracting development to the state, promising to consolidate the gains of the last administration.

Oyebanji also promised to take Ekiti to higher pedestals through socio-economic development.

“Ekiti Kete! Today is a great day for us, and we should all be proud. Today, we are observing history being made, and a new chapter of our story being written.

“It was in this spirit of oneness that they bound together as a united Ekiti confederacy and emerged victorious against external forces that sought to subjugate us in our own land. In unity of purpose, they fought and contained attempts to dominate us at different epochs in our history.

“This same spirit of unity has been passed down generations, and guided the founding fathers and mothers who built on efforts made since the Second Republic, and led the successful struggle for the creation of our own Ekiti State.

“This was a struggle led by our revered traditional rulers and prominent citizens which resulted in Ekiti becoming the only entirely homogeneous state in Nigeria,” Oyebanji said.

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Speaking on his plans for the state, he said: “My vision is for Ekiti State to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace and progress; a land in which transformed people and communities can reap the fruits of their labour in dignity, good health and safety; a land of honour where integrity matters.

“For this vision to be actualised, we need to focus on a roadmap to get there.”

The new governor promised to execute the recently unveiled Vision 2050 economic roadmap initiated by Fayemi to make Ekiti a model.

In his speech, Asiwaju Tinubu hailed Ekiti electorate for voting massively for the APC during the June 18, 2022 governorship election.

The APC presidential candidate promised that Oyebanji would not betray the confidence reposed in him.

“Ekiti Kete! I commend you for voting Biodun Oyebanji in the governorship election. Some termites came in the name of politics to steal your votes, but you resisted them.”

The former Lagos State governor urged Ekiti electorate to continually support the ruling party in all elections, especially in 2023, saying Nigerians will not regret voting for the broom party.

He said: “In 2023, shine your eyes and prevent vote riggers from stealing your votes. Vote APC. It is the only party that can give you good governance.”

Also, the new governor has appointed Dr. Habitat Adubiaro as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and retained Mr. Yinka Oyebode as the Chief Press Secretary.

Dr. Adubiaro, who hails from Ado-Ekiti, was a senior lecturer at the Department of Industrial Chemistry of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

She attended L. A. Primary School at Ikereku in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital; Igboora High School, Igboora, Oyo State, for her secondary education; the defunct Oyo State College of Arts and Science at Ile-Ife for her Higher School Certificate (HSC) between 1985 and 1987.

Dr. Adubiaro later attended the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State where she bagged a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1994; a Masters and doctorate in Food Chemistry at Ekiti State University in 2004 and 2010.

Oyebode was the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Dr. Fayemi during his first term, the Special Adviser on Media when he was the Minister of Solid Minerals and CPS during his second term as Ekiti State governor.

The appointment, Oyebanji is with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Bamidele Agbede.

The Nation

Politics

APC to El- Rufai: Stop sulking, you’re blinded by ego

Published

15 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai

APC to El- Rufai: Stop sulking, you’re blinded by ego

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, that the ruling party has deviated from its ideals as baseless and driven by personal grievances.

In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai had accused APC of abandoning its progressive ideals, claiming that the party had become a platform for politicians pursuing personal interests. The former governor, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), also criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration, claiming it has failed to deliver on its promises.

But, the APC in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, yesterday claimed that El-Rufai’s exit from the party was an act of self-interest due to his failure to secure a ministerial position under Tinubu’s administration. The party also claimed that El-Rufai’s allegations that it has deviated from its ideology was a smokescreen to mask his personal disappointment and bruised ego.

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The party criticised the former governor’s decision to join the SDP, questioning how the party could be considered an ‘ideological safe haven’ for progressive politics. It described his call for opposition members to join him in the SDP as an invitation to ‘drink from a chalice poisoned by selfishness, vengefulness and delusions of grandeur.’ The APC accused El-Rufai of being driven by self-interest rather than a genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress.

“Assuming that matters of political conviction had anything to do with his exit, exactly how is the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai’s new political abode, an ideological safe haven?

His call for opposition members to join him under the SDP banner is nothing short of an invitation to drink from a chalice poisoned by selfishness, vengefulness and delusion of grandeur,” the party said.

APC to El- Rufai: Stop sulking, you’re blinded by ego

Politics

BREAKING: Jandor returns to APC after meeting with Tinubu, others

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Jandor returns to APC after meeting with Tinubu, others

The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 governorship election in Lagos State, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, aka Jandor, has returned to the All Progressives Congress.

Jandor who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party in 2022, made the announcement on Monday, March 17, 2025, during a press conference at his office in Ikeja, weeks after resigning from the PDP.

He said, “After extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.

“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress.”

Addressing concerns about his earlier exit from the ruling party, he likened his experience to a Yoruba adage about learning from different situations.

“Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.

“In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state.

“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle work against his own party, and wilfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative,” he stated.

He acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in persuading him to re-join the APC.

Jandor said, “Let me once again extend our sincere gratitude to the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recognized our modest contributions to democracy and nation building.

“I must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been on our case for over one year to return ‘home’, and join hands with Mr. President.

“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu immediately put a call across to say “Egbon, this is the time to come back home.” Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he has had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for.”

Jandor assured his supporters that the move was in Lagos’ best interest and urged them to join him in the new political chapter.

BREAKING: Jandor returns to APC after meeting with Tinubu, others

Politics

10 ex-Buhari’s ministers to dump APC for SDP

Published

4 days ago

March 15, 2025

Trends Admin

10 ex-Buhari’s ministers to dump APC for SDP

There are strong indications that several former ministers who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari are set to defect en masse to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

A senator from the ninth National Assembly, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that at least 10 former members of Buhari’s cabinet are preparing to join the SDP.

“What they’re waiting for is the finalisation of the party structure in their respective states,” the source said.

Investigations reveal that key figures who are also planning to defect include former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a prominent ally of Buhari, made the first move by officially joining the SDP on Monday. Citing concerns about the APC’s trajectory, he stated: “Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation.

“I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the party’s capricious trajectory. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish,” he said.

El-Rufai, a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, also revealed that he consulted Buhari before making his decision to leave the ruling party.

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“I left the APC with his (Buhari’s) full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party because I involve and consult with him on all my matters,” he told BBC Hausa.

CPC Bloc Distances Itself from APC
El-Rufai’s defection appears to have triggered a larger exodus, particularly among members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party founded by Buhari before it merged with others to form the APC in 2013.

Following his move, former senator Ahmad Kaita and a member of the House of Representatives from Katsina also joined the SDP. Other notable figures who have followed suit include former Kaduna State commissioners for Agriculture, Justice, Health, and Education, as well as the state’s former Head of Service.

Additionally, Adamu Modibbo, the former APC Campaign Secretary in Gombe State during the 2015 general elections, has switched to the SDP, now serving as its chairman in the state.

Former APC Publicity Secretary in Borno State, Abdulaziz Galadima, also confirmed his departure, stating:

“The party has deviated from the principles and ideology on which it was founded. Many original CPC members will leave the APC for the SDP or another party.”

Coalition Talks Gain Momentum
Sources suggest that the movement extends beyond former CPC members, with prominent politicians from the PDP, ACN, and APC reportedly engaged in coalition talks.

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A close aide of Malami, speaking anonymously, hinted at broader political objectives, saying:
“It is not about ousting Tinubu in 2027 but about our conviction that we have better and more credible constitutional alternatives to offer Nigerians in governance.”

Among those reportedly involved in the coalition discussions are former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Emeka Ihedioha, Liyel Imoke, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola, along with ex-Senate President David Mark and former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.

Growing Discontent Within APC
A senior APC chieftain in Imo State confirmed that discontent among CPC-aligned politicians is driving the movement.

“That some ministers who served under Buhari are leaving or will leave the APC is confirmed. However, they may not join the SDP, but I know they are part of the coalition movement,” he said.

He further added: “President Tinubu has mismanaged the success of our party. APC bigwigs, both in the North and South, are not happy, and the President doesn’t care. You don’t grow by reducing in size. The APC is reducing in size.”

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development Solomon Lalong also acknowledged ongoing political discussions involving former ministers and senators.
“We are in discussions with many people across the country, including former ministers and senators. But because it is at the level of discussion, I will have to protect their identities,” he said.

Lalong attributed the dissatisfaction to Tinubu’s leadership style, warning:

“This problem Tinubu found himself in is self-inflicted. It is caused by his ego. He is an egoistic personality who sees himself as an emperor.”

Aregbesola’s Political Future

While Rauf Aregbesola’s camp has remained tight-lipped, sources indicate that the former Minister of Interior has been approached to join the SDP.
A close associate revealed: “I can’t confirm whether it is the SDP we are joining, but I know there is an ongoing political movement. Some ministers and former APC officials are involved.”

The insider suggested that this movement could eventually lead to a broader coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.