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We’ll match APC and ensure they don’t rig Ondo guber election – Gov. Makinde
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would do everything within its power to fix the Party and Nigeria, while assuring that the Party would prevent the All Progressives Congress (APC) rigging the forth-coming gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Governor Makinde said this, on Thursday, in Abuja, at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the Roadmap for Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI).
PDI is the research arm of PDP established in 2,000 to promote a new democratic culture in Nigeria and Africa through the provision of value-added education, training, capacity building, research, and documentation programmes.
Governor Makinde said that PDP could fix Nigeria, adding that “we will fix PDP and then PDP will fix Nigeria, which will be the basis of real hope for the people of Nigeria.
“As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP has to provide real hope for Nigeria. By revitalising the PDI that real hope is being provided for our people.
“Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to provide an ideological foundation,” he said.
The governor said that with the inauguration of the board, PDP was moving a step closer to defining the ideology it stood for.
He advised politicians and leaders who were given opportunity to serve to always ask themselves what they want to be remembered for.
The governor also pledged his commitment to strengthening of the country’s democracy and PDP.
He continued, “From 2019, I’ve been benefitting from PDP. So, I want to say thank you to our great party, and all the stakeholders gathered here today, for giving me the opportunity to get not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella.
“The only thing I can promise you, is that, since I fetched water from that well, and I have been drinking since 1999, I will not pollute the well when it is time for me to exit that office,” he said.
Governor Makinde also urged PDP leaders, members and stakeholders to go into the November 16 Ondo governorship election united and resist any attempt to truncate the election.
He said that the PDP needed true reconciliation and unity to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo. “Our great party, the PDP, will not allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the election. Our chances are bright”.
In his remarks, former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, emphasised the need to jointly build the PDP, saying parties were built on ideas, philosophies and policies.
He urged PDP members to move away from building ideas on self or on ambition, as Nigeria move towards 2027.
“We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts from. This is the foundation that is important.
“Let us desist from talking about who is running for councillors, or who is running for governor, or who is running for president in 2027.
“Let us talk about what is PDP. What does PDP represent? These are the issues and policies that we must take into account,” Saraki said.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of PDI Board of Governors, Taofeek Arapaja, pledged the governing board members’ commitment to the mission, and vision of PDI, and to the guiding principles of the PDP.
Arapaja, who is the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), commended the party leadership and Makinde’s efforts at revamping PDI, said that the board would advance the principles of PDI to enrich Nigeria’s democracy.
“As we embark on this journey, we pledge that we will live with innovations, transparency and inclusivity.
“We are passionate about equipping the next generation of leaders and ensuring that the PDI becomes a true engine of progressive thoughts, skills, building and intellectual discourse within our party and beyond.
“We envision a PDI that is not just a research institute, but a vibrant, inclusive hub for the youths, women and all party members,” Arapaja said.
The Director General of PDI, Dr Edward Adie, acknowledging the support of Makinde for revamping of the institute, seek support from all in terms of funding, personnel among others.
He said that research institute such as PDI was critical for party electoral success, funding substance of power and needed training for political leaders.
News
Alleged Assault: Lawyers dump bolt driver for apologizing to Abia Reps member
By Francesca Hangeior
The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.
The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.
Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.
However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.
A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:
“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.
“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.
“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”
News
Olaiya Flyover Bridge In Osun Closed Temporarily
The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.
According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.
Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.
The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast
The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.
However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.
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