Politics
LG dissolution: Oyo APC needs training in democratic procedures – PDP
Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) requires training in democratic governance.
The PDP, which was reacting to calls for the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly in the dissolution of local governments in the state said that APC’s abysmally poor knowledge about democratic processes and procedures amount to a great disservice to the teeming population of Nigerians who fought tooth and nail to send the military men back to the barracks in 1999.
A statement by the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, maintained that the APC needed to be educated on constitutional procedures as far as Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is concerned.
The party said: “It is appalling that a party that has led this state, the Pacesetter State for good eight years, could still harbour undemocratic tenets, such that it could be calling for invocation of extra-constitutional means for the resolution of issues relating to the management of Local Government Councils in the state.
“Initially, we thought that such an idea would only be bandied by the sacked council chairmen, who were blinded by unbridled ambition. We were, however, shocked to see the APC regurgitating a similar idea earlier circulated by the illegal council chairmen.
“Let us freely offer the APC the advice they really deserve. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) clearly guarantees the democratic system of governance in the local governments. The same constitution also enables the Houses of Assembly of the States to make laws for the administration of local governments, while also guaranteeing the establishment of joint State and Local government accounts.”
The PDP wondered why the APC, which only conducted election into the local governments in the seventh year of its eight-year reign in Oyo State is now playing to the gallery on constitutionality, querying why the party did not remember the Presidency, the National Assembly and the Rule of Law when it recycling caretaker committees as heads of the local councils.
“We need to remind the APC in Oyo State that the election that brought in the so-called members of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria(ALGON), whom it is now fighting for, was only conducted in the seventh year of the tenure and the election was against all known tenets of democracy and the Rule of Law.
“We are aware that the said council election that was conducted by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi was held in defiance of injunctions of the courts. We are also aware that the said election was held into 68 local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), a clear affront on the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999, which recognises only 33 local governments in Oyo State.
“Even President Muhammadu Buhari, the 109 Senators and the 360 members of the House of Representatives who are being called upon by the APC to hop on the train of illegality know more than the leaders of Oyo APC that the Constitution remains supreme,” the statement further said.
The PDP stated that but for Governor Makinde’s decision to end the illegality foisted upon the State by the immediate past APC government, the malaise would have continued, saying: “The decision of the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to terminate the illegal tenure of the ALGON members in the councils can only be likened to medical personnel applying the much-needed medication to an ailing patient.
“The situation as regards the management of the councils by the APC prior to the assumption of office by Engineer Makinde was tantamount to serial violation of the Nigerian Constitution, only the actions taken by Governor Makinde could have cured the degenerating situation.”
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has voiced confidence in the imminent fruition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and policies, predicting positive results soon.
Oseni’s remarks come amidst heightened anticipation surrounding the president’s initiatives and their potential impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
The politician, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, in a statement on Wednesday, by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, highlighted the transformative potential of Tinubu’s reforms, emphasising their capacity to address pressing issues and stimulate progress across various sectors.
“I want to encourage Nigerians to face the present challenges before us as a nation with renewed hope. I am aware of the impact of the ongoing economic reforms of the federal government on the mood of the nation, but I am confident that President Bola Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians and that these reforms as well as his policies will sooner rather than later yield positive results.
“With May 29 serving as a symbolic marker for assessing the trajectory of these reforms, I want to express optimism about the forthcoming developments under Tinubu’s leadership,” the lawmaker remarked.
Oseni further lauded Tinubu’s strategic vision and track record of effective governance, citing his ingenuity, experience, and tenure as Governor of Lagos State as a testament to his leadership capabilities.
According to him, Tinubu’s experience in driving economic growth, infrastructural development, and social welfare programmes positions him as a formidable force in steering Nigeria toward prosperity.
As the nation awaits the realisation of President Tinubu’s agenda, Oseni called for unity and support from all stakeholders, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in translating policies into tangible outcomes.
He, however, urged fellow legislators and citizens alike to rally behind the president’s vision, recognising the potential for positive change that lies ahead.
As Nigeria marks another year of constitutional democracy, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has issued a cautionary statement to Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging a continuation of inadequate governance and superficial achievements.
In a press release made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, expressed disappointment in the lack of substantial progress and transparency under Makinde’s leadership.
“The first year of Governor Makinde’s second term in office has been established to be a continuation of window dressing, ubiquitous noise-making, and grandstanding at the Agodi Government House as against the expected quality service delivery and building of strong institutions for democracy and good governance to thrive,” the statement read.
APC further criticised the governor for allegedly bypassing due process in contract awards and failing to prioritize key sectors such as healthcare and education.
The party also highlighted issues such as industrial action by healthcare workers, teacher shortages in public schools, and the stagnation of agricultural development despite the state’s agricultural potential.
Continuing, the statement accused the Makinde-led administration of neglecting the traditional institution and exacerbating youth unemployment, citing alleged manipulation of local government affairs to maintain control.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, has unveiled innovative strategies to combat youth drug abuse in the area.
His transformative agenda, known as the 3Es, focuses on Youth Education, Engagement, and Empowerment.
Recognising the alarming rates of drug abuse among Nigerian youth, Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), embarked on a dedicated journey marked by visionary leadership.
The 3Es agenda, which targets the root causes of substance abuse, was elucidated by the lawmaker during the Special Edition of Bayo Faleke Annual Public Lecture On Radio. According to the APC chieftain, his motivation stems from firsthand experiences during the electioneering campaign, where he witnessed the pervasive influence of drug abuse on vulnerable youth.
During interactions with youth in his constituency, Oseni said he encountered resistance to all forms of assistance, leading him to adopt a multifaceted approach to address the issue effectively.
“During my campaigns, I encountered many youths who were overwhelmed by drug abuse. I held a session with them in the Ijokodo area of my constituency. We had a discussion lasting almost 2 to 3 hours, during which I specifically expressed my intention to empower them, provide financial support, assist with their education and careers, and help in any way possible.
“I was deeply troubled when some of them expressed disinterest in these opportunities, insisting that all they wanted was money. They conveyed that they were content with their current situation. This revelation saddened me deeply.
“I also visited the second local government area within my constituency and encountered a similar situation. The sheer number of youths following me made me realise the magnitude of the challenge I faced in addressing youth issues comprehensively. This realisation prompted me to focus on what I call the 3Es,” he remarked.
Under Youth Education, Oseni initiated programmes to alleviate financial burdens on students and ensure equal access to educational opportunities by covering the costs of WAEC and JAMB examinations among others.
The lawmaker’s Youth Engagement efforts prioritized sustainable employment opportunities over short-term solutions like providing motorcycles. Through the appointment of over 60 Special Assistants, Oseni aimed to foster a sense of purpose and belonging within the community.
Youth Empowerment was central to Oseni’s strategy, with a substantial N100 million grant allocated to support youth businesses and deter criminal activities and drug abuse.
He stressed the importance of advocating for the removal of affected youths from the streets, emphasising the role of prayer alongside government efforts to curb drug abuse.
“I identify with some of them and to the glory of God, I have plucked them from the streets, and their lives have improved. As a legislator, alongside the ongoing efforts by the federal government to curb drug abuse among our youth, including the strengthening of NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies, advocating for the removal of these affected youths from the streets is crucial. Additionally, prayer plays a vital role in all situations, and we must continue to pray for them,” the lawmaker added.
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