OPIC: Between Abiodun’s men and Amosun’s loyalists

Sentry

The rivalry between supporters of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and loyalists of his predecessor and senator representing Ogun Central at the National Assembly, Ibikunle Amosun, is not abating.

If anything, the gulf between the two prominent blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Gateway State is deepening. Recently, the intra-party grudges heightened after Amosun’s loyalists went to town with allegations that Abiodun may have quietly embarked on a move to probe the former governor’s administration.

Sentry gathered that the crux of the disagreement is than action taken by Ogun State House of Assembly. During the week, the assembly through its Committee on Public Account and Anti-Corruption called on the immediate past Managing Director, Ogun State Property and Investment Corporations (OPIC), Jide Odusolu, to explain the finances of the corporation under his watch – especially in relation to the running of its investments.

Hardly had the assembly issued the directive before tongues started wagging that Amosun was the target of the alleged probe. For their part, Abiodun’s supporters wondered why the senator and his men were disturbed if they had no skeleton in their cupboard.

“Abiodun hasn’t got time to chase shadows. They are just afraid of their handiwork. Otherwise, must they interpret everything as being targeted at them,” a party leader asked on Wednesday.

Reminding Sentry that Committee Chairman, Musefiu Lamidi, also directed the management of OPIC to furnish it with more documents on how the corporation was ran under Odusolu, a known ally of Amosun, a former commissioner in the state challenged the governor to come out openly with his intentions.

“If he wants to probe his predecessor, he should say it and stop using ideas,” he told Sentry. As we speak, the rumbling continues

End SARS: Ogun panel receives 20 petitions, announces days of sittings

Less than two weeks after its inauguration by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation has received no fewer than 20 petitions.

Ottagistreel reports that the panel was set up by Gov Abiodun to investigate complaints and petitions of victims of police brutality and abuse of human rights by security operatives in Ogun State.

This was part of the demands of the End SARS protesters as they sought justice for individuals who were victims of police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

Speaking after a meeting with members of the panel on Friday, the Chairman, Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (Rtd), said “we have received 20 petitions already and sitting starts immediately.”

According to him, the sittings of the panel would be transparent and open, saying media stations are invited to cover same.

Olugbemi disclosed that the maiden sitting of the panel would hold on November 5

He added that the panel would be sitting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, by 10am at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta.

A statement by the media officer of the panel, Femi Osipitan, called on members of the public, who may have complaints to send in their petitions to the Secretary of the Panel or send an email to endsarsjudicialpanel@ogunstate.gov.ng.

“Justice will surely be delivered,” the statement read.

Ogun: Truck crushes woman in front of father’s hotel

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has said that a truck crushed a middle-aged woman at Onihale area, near Owode-Ijako, in the state on Thursday.

Mrs Temitope Oseni, the Owode-Ijako Unit Commander of TRACE, who spoke on behalf of the Corps Commander, Mr Seni Ogunyemi, told NAN in Ota, that the incident occurred at about 8:23 am.

Oseni said that a FAW truck, marked BHN 1353, was inbound Onihale area when it suddenly lost control due to brake failure and rammed into a motorcyclist and a woman who was about to alight in front of her father’s hotel.

According to her, two boxer motorcycles and four persons were involved in the accident, with a male sustaining injury.

She said that the corpse of the deceased had been released to the family for burial, while the injured was taken to Famous Hospital at Iyana-Ilogbo, Ogun, for treatment.

The TRACE unit commander also commiserated with the family of the victim and prayed to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

She said, “the truck and the two motorcycles had been removed from the road to ease free flow of traffic in the area

We’ve not received constituency allowance – Ogun lawmakers cry out

Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have said they are yet to receive their constituency allowance since they were inaugurated in June 2019.

This, they said, was contrary to insinuations by members of the public that the lawmakers have not been embarking on any projects despite receiving constituency allowance.

The Speaker of the Ogun Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, on Wednesday, said the members were yet to be paid their constituency project allowance.

Ottagistreel gathered that the lawmaker representing Ado-Odo/Ota II constituency, Musefiu Lamidi, had, during plenary, expressed concern over what he called the “misinformation in some quarters that members of the assembly had received their constituency project allowance and had failed to do the needful in their constituencies.”

Lamidi stated that he was accused by his constituents of collecting constituency projects allowance from the government and had refused to use the money accordingly.

Reacting, Oluomo informed that most of the projects embarked upon by the lawmakers in their various constituencies were being financed from their personal resources.

“We have spent one year and a few months; no one has collected constituency project allowance because of the economic situation in the country; anything we do is from our sweat.

“The assembly will not hesitate to do the needful immediately we receive any money from the government

Ogun community tackles Dangote over health hazard

Some youths in the Yewa-South Local Government Area of Ogun State, under the aegis of Ilaro Youth Development Forum, have warned Dangote Cement over the health hazards it has exposed the residents to.

The group, which accused Dangote factory of failing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the community on Corporate Social Responsibility, gave a seven-day ultimatum for a redress, failure of which they threatened a mass action.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Youth Coordinator, Bolu Salako, alleged that recklessness of the truck drivers had resulted in “casualties of over 2,000 indigenes of Yewaland.”

Salako said, “Dangote’s Ibese factory should allocate 20 per cent of its employment to the youths of Ilaro.

“Dangote should construct primary health centres, truck parks to ease the illegal parking of trucks on the roadsides, advancement or growth programmes for artisans, market women and small scale business owners, construct three block of classrooms across the six public secondary schools, offer scholarship and bursary to Ilaro indigenes in tertiary institutions.”

They also appealed to the government to bring an end to Customs killings in the area, calling for the total removal of all Customs roadblocks.

The Group Manager, Corporate Commission, Dangote, Anthony Chiejina, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report

We intentionally gave COVID-19 palliatives to ‘hungry youths’ – Gov Abiodun denies hoarding food items

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said his government on Monday deliberately gave out COVID-19 relief packages to some Sagamu youths, who he said they were angry as a result of hunger.

Gov Abiodun’s comment was a reaction to videos circulating on the social media wherein it was seen that some suspected COVID-19 palliatives warehouses were looted in Sagamu, Ifo and Ijebu-Ode.

The Governor, while addressing a press conference at Okemosan, Abeokuta this evening, said “none of our COVID-19 warehouses were looted.”

Abiodun said he was not aware of any looting incident in Sagamu.

According to him, “We intentionally decided that as part of our continuous engagement with our youths across the state, in Sagamu local government, we made available some palliatives for the youth, knowing fully well that a lot has been happening across the rest of the country. We appreciate the fact that these are very difficult and trying times.

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“There’s a lot of anger derived from hunger and the pandemic has not helped them. It is time we all appreciate that things are a bit tough,” Abiodun stated.

The Ogun Governor denied stockpiling the COVID-19 palliatives, saying the story was a narrative by a few to malign and paint Governors of different states bad.

POLICE IN OGUN PARADE SUSPECTED LEADER OF CULT GROUP

 

The Ogun State Police Command day they have arrested a “notorious confraternity leader,” identified as Akibu Tikare. 

Abimbola Oyeyemi, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the arrest said the suspected cultist had been “on the wanted list of the Ogun State Command before now.

The Police PRO said he was arrested at the scene of a robbery operation by policemen attached to Ogijo division on Saturday, October 24.

“He was arrested following a distress call received at Ogijo division at about 9:30pm that a group of armed robbers were operating between Gbaga and Kamalu area of Ogijo, robbing people of their belongings at gunpoint.”

“Some of the victims have identified him as one of those that robbed them of their property including but not limited to phones and cash,” he said.

After being alerted, Oyeyemi said the DPO of Ogijo Division, CSP Muhammed Suleiman Baba, led his men to the scene where they arrested the suspect with a locally-made double-barrelled short gun with the aid of some members of the vigilante group in the area. 

He further stated that other suspected members of the group, who allegedly came from Ikorodu and Owutu area of Lagos State, escaped from the scene. 

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Cp Edward A. Ajogun has directed the transfer of the suspect to the State CIID, while ordering that the escaped suspects be tracked and arrested.

Ogun govt reacts to group asking Igbo indigenes to quit Yoruba land

The Ogun State Government has opposed the call by a group identifying itself as Young Yoruba For Freedom (YYF) that Igbo indigenes should quit Yoruba land within 48 hours.

The state government said its attention was drawn to the video making the rounds on social media posted by the group led by one Adeyinka Grandson.

While priding itself as a responsible government, the Ogun State Government said it considers such a pronouncement barbaric, reckless and irresponsible.

A statement made available to Ottagistreel and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, on Sunday said “Ogun will remain home to all Nigerians and foreigners who have a legitimate reason to live, work, visit or do business here. We shall also protect their lives and properties and look after their wellness, welfare and wellbeing.”

According to Somorin, it is a well-known fact that Yoruba, especially of Ogun State extraction are cosmopolitan, urban and too civilized to discriminate against people on account of their ethnic origin or circumstances of birth.

We believe YYF’s position neither represent the views of the Yoruba race that is reputed to be accommodating, tolerant and refined. YYF is definitely not speaking for the Yorubas and the good people of Ogun state,” he said

The state government warned the YYF and their collaborators to stop fanning the embers of discord, disunity and creating unpleasant aggression against Nigerians from other parts of the country who have investments in the state, saying “Ogun state will always be home to people who wish to live, play or do business here.”

Ethnic jingoists are, therefore, advised in their own interest to desist from heating up the polity, creating tension or providing excuses for their nefarious agenda.

“We have put security people on red alert to be more vigilant and to arrest any agent provocateur and to protect lives and properties.

Police and other security agents have the backing of the State to deal decisively and apprehend felons disguising as Yoruba irredentists and stop them from their campaign of calumny, looting, maiming, burning and destroying public and private properties,” the statement concluded

Ogun okays resumption of schools Monday

‌The Ogun State Government has ordered the resumption of academic activities in both public and private schools in the state on Monday.

The state government had last week declared all schools closed in the wake of rising tensions that followed nationwide protests.

The government said this through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, on Sunday.

The statement read, “This is to announce to the general public that all schools are to resume academic activities tomorrow, Monday, 26th October, 2020.

With peace returned to all parts of the State after organisers suspended protests in the State, Government announces the resumption of academic activities in all schools across level

Ogun needs 150 doctors to address shortfall, says Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that the state needs additional 150 doctors in the junior cadre to reduce the acute shortage of manpower in the state-owned hospitals.

The governor disclosed this while speaking with journalists during the National Physicians’ Week of the Nigerian Medical Association in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Abiodun said he had given approval to all state-owned hospitals to commence the recruitment of 20 consultant doctors as a way of addressing manpower shortage.

The governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, said the recruitment was necessary to reduce the shortage of manpower and also boost health care delivery in the state.

Abiodun added that he had also approved the regularisation of payment of appropriate remuneration for all doctors working in state-owned hospitals.

He disclosed that the state would commence the implementation of the appropriate remuneration to state doctors by the end of October.

The governor said, “Every reasonable and responsive government must ensure an enduring policy on health because of its direct link to the sustenance of the economy.

“What has been requested now is that we still have 150 health workers at that level to be taken care of.”

The state NMA had in September threatened to embark on strike following what it called inappropriate remuneration and short-changing of the medical doctors in the employ of the state.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the state NMA Chairman, Dr Oladayo Ogunlaja, said a Memorandum of Understanding with the government over the agitation for regularisation of pay and other improved welfare demands was not implemented.

He said the doctors awaited the implementation effective this month-end.

Ogunlaja said, “The government has graciously approved the appropriate remuneration for all doctors working with the Ogun State Government.

“That means what the Federal Government pays its doctors at FMC and other teaching hospitals is the same salary the Ogun State government has promised to pay now

End SARS: Ogun reads riot act as hoodlums ‘threaten’ to attack, loot govt property

The Ogun State Government has warned those planning to attack public and private warehouses – storages, commercial premises, public buildings and private businesses against such acts.

A statement by the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Waheed Odusile, confirmed that the warning came, “against the backdrop of audio messages trending in some circles detailing plans by some criminal elements who had hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protests to attack government properties in different locations in the state, with the intention of looting such.”

While warning of dire consequences, Odusile said, “Our combined team of law enforcement agents have been put on the alert to protect public buildings and similar properties belonging to the government and other facilities in all locations around the state.”

According to the newly appointed Commissioner for Information, anyone planning to attack any of the facilities should, in their interest, shun such move.

He added that though the government is in support of the legitimate demands of the #EndSARS protesters, it will deal decisively with any act or conduct by hoodlums likely to lead to a breach of public peace

One killed, house burnt as rival youths clash in Ogun

One person has been reported dead in a clash between some rival young guys in Agosasa, Ipokia Local Government area of Ogun State, Ottagistreel  reports.

The deceased man, who was identified as Alari David, was allegedly stabbed to death by three brothers and their friend on Thursday.

Locals identified the suspects as Umar Musa, Taiwo Musa, Kehinde Musa and Kehinde Oyajinmi.

Our correspondent gathered that the crisis started on Wednesday evening when David was first attacked by his alleged killers during a brawl.

On Thursday, David was said to have gone to the Musas’ house to report the incident to their parents.

An indigene of Agosasa, who did not want to be named, disclosed that another crisis ensued when David got to his attackers’ house without meeting their parents at home.

“They stabbed the boy on Tuesday and he went to their house with his friends to report those that stabbed him to their parents.

“Getting there, they didn’t meet the parents but they met the guys with knives,” the source said.

It was gathered that another fight broke out and “the boys attacked David again, stabbing him in the chest.”

“He was immediately rushed to Olutunu Hospital in Agosasa, but he died at the gate of the hospital,” the source disclosed.

Another source revealed that David’s friends, who were infuriated by his killing, set the suspected stabbers’ parents’ house on fire, causing serious mayhem in the ancient Ogun Community.

Our correspondent learnt that it took the intervention of the traditional institution in Agosasa to restore peace.

As of Friday, the three brothers and their friends are yet to be arrested as they fled the town immediately, a police source, who pleaded anonymity, told Ottagistreel 

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said he had not been briefed about the incident, promising to revert

End SARS: Ogun prosecutes four policemen for murder

In line with the request of the Nigerian youths that policemen involved in police brutality and extra-judicial killings be brought to book, the Ogun State Government is set to prosecute for policemen for alleged murder and manslaughter, Ottagistreel reports.

A statement by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, on Thursday, invited the public to monitor the “criminal cases against the defendant police officers.”

Akingbolahan revealed that the state is prosecuting one Inspector Wasiu Lawal for murder on November 10 at the High Court of Ogun State, sitting in Ipokia.

Also, Okoi Obi will be facing charges for manslaughter December 2, at the Ijebu-Ode High Court.

Ottagistreel reported that both Inspectors Niyi Ogunsoro and Ahmed Mohammed will be charged for murder at the High Court sitting in Abeokuta and Ilaro respectively, saying dates of the hearing will be communicated.

The Ogun Attorney-General informed that additional cases would be added as soon as charges against defendants are concluded.

Meanwhile, members of the public are also invited to submit petitions or information on human rights abuses by security personnel to endsarsjudicialpanel@ogunstate.gov.ng or by calling these phone number: 07080601223, 07080601224 and 07080601225

End SARS: Ogun youths suspend protest

Organisers of the End SARS protest in Ogun State have suspended the protest on Wednesday.

Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed this in a statement this evening.

According to him, the original organisers of the protests have since realized that the protests have been hijacked, saying they “sent out a notice that they have suspended street protests.”

Abiodun, who commended the peaceful conduct of the genuine youth protesters in Ogun State, called on others still purporting to be protesting to return home “as it is obvious that hoodlums and miscreants have hijacked the lofty idea”.

Ogun State Governor, commiserated with the families of those who have lost their loved ones and properties in the END SARS violence in different parts of the country.

He described the deaths and arson as “unfortunate and unwarranted”.

The Governor expressed displeasure over the burning of Atan Ota police station; the killing of the Divisional Crime Officer and one other person; the attack on the Divisional Police Officer; sporadic gunshots by hoodlums in some locations in the state; violent supremacy battles among miscreants and blockade in some parts of the state, among others.

He warned that strident measures may be announced should acts of breach of public safety and security continue.

While calling for demonstrators to bring the protests to an end and allow for the full implementation of their demands, Abiodun urged security agents to exercise caution in dealing with the #EndSARS protesters to avoid further loss of lives and properties.

He acknowledged the right of the people to protest but regretted that “blockade of highways and other roads, destruction of public and private property, and unfortunate loss of lives are clear deviations from the original intention of the protest.”

Governor Abiodun who has deployed security men and women to ensure an end to the violence, directed the security team to continue to patrol the major streets to ensure peace and tranquility in the day-to-day activities of citizens.

“I plead with all our public and private hospitals to treat all in need of medical attention brought to their facilities”, the statement added.

The Governor further said: “For us, the lives of all citizens and residents of Ogun State matter. We must also recognize that any property destroyed directly diminishes our commonwealth and undermines the momentum of our development. It is our joint responsibility to ensure safety of lives and property and we must all understand that the current state of violence does not do anyone any good.

“The people of Ogun State should please report all acts of molestation, breaches of peace or extortion by calling 112. Our Quick Response Squad (QRS) alongside other law enforcement teams are on alert to respond quickly. Once again, appeal to our people to allow peace to reign do not attack law enforcement,’’ the statement concluded