Politics

Plot To Impeach Gov Ambode Thickens

Published

6 years ago

October 21, 2018

A fast-paced plot is unfolding in the Lagos State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sack embattled Governor Akinwunmi Ambode before the expiration of his single term on 29 May, 2018, Saturday Tribune learnt from both pro and anti-impeachment groups in the state.The plot, which is now at an advanced stage, according to sources on both sides of the divide, is mainly being hatched by the elite in the party but being sold to the rank and file as a last-minute solution to feared defeat of the party in next year’s governorship election.Factional chairman of the state chapter of the party, Mr Fuad Oki, has warned the House of Assembly to drop its threat to impeach Governor Ambode or it would incur the wrath of Lagosians.Also, a Lagos-based civil rights movement, Save Lagos Group (SLG), said it had concluded arrangements to picket the House of Assembly next week over what it termed illegal impeachment process against Ambode, warning the Hon. Mudashiru Obasa-led Assembly against being used by those it called selfish individuals to impeach the governor.One major weapon to get the public to the pro-impeachment side, according to findings, is the raging issue of heaps of refuse in the state, which has become a major talking point with the House of Assembly directing the restricted PSP operators to resume work all over the state.The state is contracted to Visionscape for major refuse disposal engagements, while the PSP operators who hitherto had the entire space to themselves are now restricted in their operations.The “sacking” of the PSP operators had been a major contentious policy issue for the Ambode administration.On Thursday, the state legislature ordered the local service providers back to work, including areas where they had been barred by the state environmental laws, passed by the assembly.A top source in the dogfight told Saturday Tribune that the discontent of residents of the state over the challenged capacity of Visionscape to handle the refuse business is now being explored by the party elite to push their agenda through.It was learnt that after the appearance of the commissioners summoned by the state assembly, the lawmakers would launch an investigation into the payment allegedly made to Visionscape on the order of the governor, after the assembly had pronounced the foreign firm a ghost.The “accountability” probe, according to a top anti-impeachment element, will likely be spread to other contractual issues with the assembly expected to pronounce the governor guilty of misapplication of state funds, among other impeachable offences to abe listed against him.“These people (lawmakers and their patrons) are forgetting history. Is this not the same nonsense they tried with Fashola (former governor)? What came out of that process? They are inviting crisis and they would have it,” the obviously embittered party leader told Saturday Tribune.It was learnt that though all commissioners but two have deserted the governor who was stopped by the same party elite from seeking a second term in office, his camp is not planning to allow those behind the impeachment plot to have a field day or a smooth passage.“Yes, we are very aware they are planning to impeach Akin (Akinwunmi Ambode) and we are saying, let them try it. I am surprised with the way the media is allowing these people (pro-impeachment camp) to get away with impunity. Is legislative motion not mere advisory? Can they order the governor around in the name of motions?“Imagine them usurping executive function by directing PSP operators back to work.Will they pay them? Maybe those ones want to work for free. Party members are not buying their ploy and they would be shocked next year. Do they think Lagosians are fools? Because Akin went back into his shell after the charade of primaries, do they think he is a fool? Let’s wait and see. There is always a limit to nonsense like this,” the party leader told Saturday Tribune.About a

News

Breaking: Former Minister of FCT, Lt General Jeremiah Useni is Dead.

Published

2 weeks ago

January 24, 2025

lagoslately

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has announced the death of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.

The elder statesman died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.

In a statement in Jos, Governor Mutfwang described his death as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.

The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.

He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.

Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.

News

Alaafin: How selection process turned controversial

Published

3 weeks ago

January 18, 2025

lagoslately

After the death of Oba Adeyemi on April 22, 2022, about 198 contenders signified their interest to assume the revered throne.

But, the number was pruned from 65 to 10 by the Oyo Mesi, a council of kingmakers after a rigorous interview and consultation with Ifa Oracle.

Then, the kingmakers were reported to have nominated Prince Gbadegesin.

After the nomination of Prince Gbadegesin by the estranged kingmakers, there was a row among the kingmakers over the sharing formula for the sum of money allegedly offered them for the selection.

It was gathered that it was the sharing formula that sowed the seed of discord. It was alleged that two of the kingmakers felt the larger portion of the cake was taken by one of them.

Inundated with complaints and alleged monetisation of the process that led to the selection, the‘greased palms’, the governor restrained himself from giving approval to the name forwarded to him by the kingmakers.

The governor insisted that due process must be strictly adhered to.

The governor, as reliably gathered instructed the kingmakers to go back to the drawing board by re-consulting Ifa Oracle without being induced by any one of the princes which the kingmakers rejected.

Ifa Oracle consulted outside Oyo;
In what could be termed an unprecedented move, the state government reportedly went and sought the services of a neutral ifa priest, Professor Wande Abimbola, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife and the head of all Ifa oracle diviners to ask Ifa Oracle which of the aspirants he preferred.

Ifa picked Prince Owoade — Prof Abimbola
In a viral video last weekend, Prof Abimbola was heard saying that the Oyo State government contacted him on the divination process.

According to the Ifa diviner, the Oyo State Governor called him to ask Ifa who the right choice would be.
The Professor of Yoruba explained the rigour he went through before picking the new Alaafin.

He said: ”I spent ten days seeking the face of Ifá oracle and Ifá made its choice. Ifá chose Prince Owoade.”

The Ifa representative also alleged that the Oyo kingmakers tried to monetarily influence him by persuading him to stick to their initial nomination to which he said no.

This was how Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade became the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Politics

BREAKING: Makinde Presents Staff Of Office To New Alaafin Of Oyo

Published

3 weeks ago

January 13, 2025

lagoslately

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

Last Friday, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said Owoade after thorough consultations and divinations, was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the governor.

He said the announcement put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

The commissioner called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating this momentous occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.