Saraki no threat to us, says Kwara APC chair

Saraki no threat to us, says Kwara APC chair

Kwara All Progressives Congress (APC) said it remains very solid in the state.

APC added the former Senate President Bukola Saraki cannot pose any threat to the party in the state.

APC chair Hon Bashir Bolarinwa spoke in Ilorin, the state capital at a prayer organised in honour of late Governor Mohammed Lawal.

Bolarinwa made veiled reference to the triumphant entry of Saraki to the state capital on Saturday since his defeat at the poll in 2019 general elections.

During the visit, Saraki’s supporters, associates and loyalists trooped out en masse to welcome him back home.

He said: “Let me say this for all to hear. We are not disallowing anybody from entering the state.

“We know that Saraki can no longer pose any threat to APC in the state.

“God that was with us yesterday is forever with us. Our members have no reason to entertain any fear.

“Saraki’s domination of Kwara political landscape is gone for good.”

Speaking on the life and time of late Lawal, the former House of Representatives member urged people in position of authority to always know that power is transient.

“The legacy of late Governor Lawal is still speaking for him. Late Lawal was an embodiment of good work.

” This goes to tell us that our positions, accomplishments are for the betterment of the less heeled in the society. It is what the holy books admonish us to do.

“I therefore urge us all especially the well-to-do to always spare a thought for the less privileged in our midst,” Bolarinwa added.

A chieftain of APC in the state Chief Rex Olaoye dismissed the reported removal of Bolarinwa by some members loyal to Governor AbdulRaman Abdulrazaq as a huge joke.

Olaoye said the APC would complete his term without any interruption.

“The governor has sounded it loud and clear that he did not have a hand in the purported removal Hon Bolarinwa. Bolarinwa remains our chair in the state. No more no less,” the APC stalwart said.

APC warns Saraki against reintroduction of thuggery to Kwara politics

APC warns Saraki against reintroduction of thuggery to Kwara politics

·Decries hoodlums attack on security agencies at Ile Arugbo

Kwara State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has cautioned Senator Bukola Saraki against continuation of his trademark involvement of thugs in his political activities, saying that era is gone for good in the state.

The party’s statement, issued by the state publicity secretary of the party Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro came on the heels of attacks on security agencies by some hoodlums in the convoy of Senator Saraki on Saturday.

A local news medium has reported one death in the attack on security operatives by hoodlums loyal to Senator Saraki.

“For the first time since Senator Bukola Saraki and his minions were overwhelmingly rejected by the people of Kwara State, our state again on Saturday recorded a sad reign of hoodlums at an event organised by the senator. This is sad and unacceptable. It is a reminder to the dark days of his inglorious reign in the state when he not only patronised hoodlums but he also placed them on government’s payroll, thereby legitimising thuggery,” the statement said.

“We have since 2019 put those ugly days of official patronage of hoodlums behind us as a state. While Senator Saraki is welcome back to Kwara from his self-exile after his crushing defeat, we implore him not to bring back the era of thuggery which our government has succeeded in stamping out.

“With his supporters, including the urchins, driving against the traffic, blocking public roads, injuring innocent citizens going about their own businesses, and constituting nuisance to members of the public as was the practice in those ugly years, members of the public have wondered what has changed in the orientation of Senator Saraki, especially his patronage of thugs who had a history of tormenting members of the public and were indeed among those caught in the unfortunate Offa robbery with Government House vehicles.

“It is of great concern that many people were injured as a result of the lawless conduct of Senator Saraki and his minions. For example, many innocent persons have been rushed to General Hospital after sustaining serious injuries from the reckless behaviour of his followers. We do not want such ugly development again in Kwara. We urge decent members of the society to call Senator Saraki and his followers to order.”

Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro
APC Publicity Secretary, Kwara State

Breaking: Kwara Gov to send bill repealing ex-Govs’ pension law next week

Breaking: Kwara Gov to send bill repealing ex-Govs’ pension law next week

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will next week send a bill to the State House of Assembly requesting the lawmakers to immediately repeal the law awarding pension packages to former governors and former deputy governors.

“The Governor has listened to voices of the majority of the citizens opposing the pension law for former governors and deputy governors. In line with his campaign mantra and as a product of democracy himself, he will be sending a bill to the House of Assembly next week requesting them to repeal the law,” according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye.

“As representatives of the people, the lawmakers would exercise their discretion to call a public hearing on the topic to further harvest wider opinions on the topic. However, the Governor feels it is time for the law as it is to give way. He would rather the state commits the scarce public funds to tackling the question of poverty and youth unemployment.”
Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 13, 2020

Kwara Gov greets Senator Oloriegbe at 60

Kwara Gov greets Senator Oloriegbe at 60

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has felicitated with Senator Ibrahim Yahya Oloriegbe on his 60th birthday anniversary, calling him an accomplished medical professional, an outstanding son of Ilorin, and a lawmaker with profound understanding of the essence of the legislature.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, I congratulate my brother and friend Senator Oloriegbe on the occasion of his diamond jubilee. Senator Oloriegbe’s success story did not begin with public office or winning his senatorial election. He has been an outstanding medical practitioner with track record of community service and productive engagements with various global bodies. His bonafide is beyond dispute whether among his professional colleagues or back home among our people,” the Governor said in a statement.

“I am therefore not surprised at the quality of Senator Oloriegbe’s representation and the decency and integrity has has brought to bear in the discharge of his duties. He is indeed redefining legislative representation for our people in the true sense of the word. I pray the Almighty Allah to grant him more rewarding years in good health and infinite mercies of the Almighty God.”

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
12 November 2020

Kwara govt lifts curfew in Ilorin metropolis

Kwara govt lifts curfew in Ilorin metropolis

The curfew in Ilorin metropolis is hereby lifted. This is effective from tomorrow, November 12.

Kwarans may however see increased joint patrols by security agencies within the metropolis and across the state. It is to strengthen the gains of the past weeks and keep criminal elements at bay.

Citizens are to go about their lawful business without any fear. The government sincerely commends citizens and all critical stakeholders, especially the security agencies, for their support for the measures taken to strengthen security in the wake of some recent developments.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 11, 2020

Oyun APC declares support for Gov. AbdulRazaq, calls for unity in the party

Oyun APC declares support for Gov. AbdulRazaq, calls for unity in the party

According to the Communique issued at the end of the stakeholders meeting held at Asiwaju Tajudeen Olabisi Abioye villa in Erin Ile, Kwara State; that was Chaired by the LGA party chairman Hon.Taiye Olaniyi and attended party stakeholders,ward Chairmen, Women leaders, Youth leader’s and Principal Officers and members of All progressive party across eleven wards in oyun local government.

The party chairman Hon.Taiye Olaniyi declared his Memebers 100% Loyalty to Gov Abdurahman Abdurasaq, the executive governor of kwara state, as he re traits the support of all Members to the party. He stressed further by praying for the successful tenure in office of our Amiable and Hardworking Gov.

He finally disregarded all false information going round tagging him as anti-Government of kwara state. That this is the hand work of some known enemies, who believe in cheap black mail to get relevance.
Hon. Taiye Olaniyi hence appealed to all Elected and appointed Political Officers to copy Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq’s Performance, and

In his words, Asiwaju Tajudeen Olabisi Abioye who was the Chief host, urge all the elective office holder’s in Oyun and kwara state at large to emulate the good job of H.E Mallam Abdurahaman Abdurasaq and invest in People’s Oriented Program, so as to fulfil our party”s promises during electioneering campaign.

Speaking Onbehalf of all ward chairmen, the Chairman of the Chairmen; Hon.Joshua oyeniyi expanciate the image of the party before, now and how it will become of us if our elected officers from Ouyn fails to deliver what our people expected from them.

The spokesperson of all women Leaders Mrs Ester Olayemi stressed that all women in the party pledge ther loyalties to His Exellency Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq while they still remain sincerely with the party.

Speaking for the Youths, the Youth Leader Igosun Ward, appreciate the Leadership style of Hon Taiye Olaniyi and declares the support of all Youths in Oyun LGA for Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq.

In a closing Remark, Hon Tajudeen Olabisi Abioye assure the party stalwarts and the good people of Oyun that all rancho in the party will soon be a thing of the part as the Gov is committed to a “Unified and Develop Kwara State”.

APC welcomes Ex-Kwara commissioner, other PDP decampees with glamour (See Photos)

APC welcomes Ex-Kwara commissioner, other PDP decampees with glamour (See Photos)

Ex-Kwara state information Comrade Ben Duntoye and scores of others yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

The event took place at Okerimi Oro in Irepodun local government council area of the state and was attended by the leaders of the APC in the state. Those in attendance at the event includes Kwara South Senatorial Chairman of APC Olayemi Olabanji, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Princess  Bukola Babalola, members of the House of Assembly representing Irepodun Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Tayo Awodiji and Hon.Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq representing Share/Oke Ode Constituency among others.

Addressing the crowd at the event, Comrade Duntoye said that “ordinarily, we are not people who jump from one party to another but after a critical review of this administration and with the obvious steady growth and development being experienced from this progressive and people oriented administration, we are left with no other choice than to dump the PDP for APC in the state so as to join hands with the state Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq to move the state forward in the interest of Kwarans. Our ideology has always been Kwara first.

“There is no controversy that the style of Governor AdulRazaq administration is less talk but characterised with plenty work which Kwarans appreciate.”

Duntoye who was a commissioner under the then Governor Bukola Saraki, added “the APC as a party has brought a new paradigm shift in the governance of the state which hitherto has endeared many residents of the state from road infrastructure, education, health and a lot of other initiatives that will take Kwara state to the next level.”

Duntoye added that “Governor Abdulrasaq’s sterling leadership being exhibited since he assumed office is worth commendation and this has prompted him to put a programme that would go a long way to bring a better lease of life to the people of the state and also to reduce unemployment among youths, the aged, women  through its Social Investment Programme bill recently passed into law by the state house of assembly”.

He promised the leadership of his new party loyalty and positive contributions that would move the APC and the progressives forward.

He added that, the governor will use his wealth of experience in the private sector to bring his local and international contacts to open up the state by introducing initiatives that will attract foreign direct investment and funding to the State.

Also addressing the gathering Mr. Olabanji described  Comrade Duntoye and other decampees as great political asset to the state, advising them to work more for the upliftment of the party in the state.

He also called on them to see the party as their home by always striving harder to be part of the success story of the party.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess  Babalola commended Duntoye and others for taking the stand to dump PDP for APC in the state.

She called on them to be up and doing so as to ensure the growth of the party in the state.

Babalola enumerated various ongoing projects of the Governor across the 16 local government areas, assured that, the present administration would continue to embark on more meaningful developmental projects that would add value to the socio-economic growth of the state.

 

Edu LGA APC declares loyalty to Governor AbdulRazaq

Edu LGA APC declares loyalty to Governor AbdulRazaq

At the end of expanded Party executive meeting attended by all APC Party Executives at LGA level and Principal Excos at Ward level led by their respective ward chairmen, EDU LGA APC issued a communique declaring its loyalty to Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The meeting was convened in Lafiagi, headquarters of EDU LGA by APC stalwart and the party’s campaign Director in the 2019 general elections in the local government, Bar. Aliyu Alhassan who was also contested for Edu Constituency State House of Assembly seat under the platform of the APC.

In his remark, the convener of the all important meeting welcomed all party executives from the local and ward levels to the meeting. He also reminded the Excos that the leader of the party in the state remains the Governor, and urged the excos to ignore some troublemakers who want to undermine the leadership of the Governor.

Other speakers at the event included the local government Party Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed (Labasa), Party Secretary and Women leader.

Also at the meeting were the ward chairmen and women leader who reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq while commending the capital projects initiatives of the Governor in the Local Government including the construction of roads in Lafiagi,Shonga and Tsaragi townships.

The party men also denounced efforts by some elements in the party to bring the party to disrepute by embarking on a mission to overheat the polity.

Campaign after Election is inimical to peace, APC warns

Campaign after Election is inimical to peace, APC warns

Our attention has been drawn to the attack on the party chairman, Alh Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa in Moro local government by some perceived  party loyalists.

While we condemn the attack in the strongest term, we appeal to the party chairman to restrain from behaving in a manner that will suggest antagonism against the government of the day given his antecedents since the inception of the  administration of Gov Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq.

It is equally worrisome the statements on the social media by some party linchpins linking the unfortunate incident to the Governor and the state government.

We wish to state unequivocally that at no time did the Governor involved himself in the party internecine war.
We appeal to the decerning public to ignore this untruth.

Intra party squabble is not alien to party politics all over the world,we therefore appeal to aggrieved party faithfuls to explore the window of reconciliation put forward by the National Working Committee with constitution of a powerful reconciliation committee to look into member’s grievances with the hope to settling them.

To this end, memo have been sought from aggrieved members and this window of opportunity should be explored to settle our differences without any rancour.

We therefore appeal to the party chairman and his entourage to give peace a chance while waiting for the
reconciliation committee’s visit to kwara state.

We urge all party members to avail themselves with the party constitution before carrying out assignments in the name of the party. While visitation to local government arms of the party is commendable, it should be done in line with the provision of the party’s guidelines which requires the endorsement of the state working committee which was not done before embarking on the tour.

We urge all members of the party to disregard news or statements that could further threaten the fragile  peace in the party.

Signed
Alhaji Tajudeen Aro Folaranmi
State Publicity Secretary
APC, kwara state chapter.

Rufai emerges Kwara APC candidate for Patigi bye-election

Rufai emerges Kwara APC candidate for Patigi bye-election

Ahmed Adam Rufai has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s candidate for the March 14 House of Assemblu rerun ballot in Patigi local government area of Kwara State.

Rufai was affirmed as the APC candidate by 4587 party chieftains and members at an affirmation exercise conducted on Friday by a six-person committee from the national headquarters of the ruling party in Abuja.

His nomination/affirmation, which involved party members from across the 10 wards in the local government, was announced by the committee led by AbdulAzeez Anuhi.

Anuhi commended the party leaders, elders, members and the security agencies as well as INEC officials for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

He appealed to the people of Patigi to turn out en masse to vote for APC during the March 14 bye-election.

The rerun ballot is coming a few months after the death of Hon. Ahmed Rufai who represented the Patigi Constituency at the House of Assembly.

AbdulAzeez commended the party leaders, elders, members and the security agencies as well as INEC officials for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs Aisha Ahman Patigi said the APC administration has been doing a lot to turn around the fortune of the state and assured the people of the area that the upcoming Social Investment Programme of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was designed to combat unemployment and extreme poverty.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters Saadu Salahu also highlighted the laudable achievements of the Governor which included Patigi township road, Patigi water works, school rehabilitation projects, Kpada and Gada road works, and the collaborative efforts with neighbouring states that culminated in the award of contract of Pata Etsugi bridge connecting Kwara and Niger States.

Vice Chairman of APC in Kwara North Sunday Oyebiyi commended the party leaders and members for their discipline and massive turn out in the last elections.

Other members of the six-man national electoral committee were Ohalete Wisdom Chinedu (Secretary); Yahaya Dahiru; Habu Kalba Usman; Bashir Adamu Othman; and Shettima Muhammad.

The exercise was witnessed by officials of APC in the State including Deputy Chairman Abdullahi Samari; the State Secretary Muhammad Mustapha Salman; ViceChairman (Kwara North) Sunday Oyebiyi; and the State Organising Secretary Samuel Isa.

The 6-man national electoral committee had earlier disqualified the second aspirant Dr Mahmud Kpotun in the primaries for a number of irregularities in his nomination process at the end of the screening exercise.

Signed
Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro.
PRO, APC
Kwara State