Politics

2023: GAC Breaks Silence On Plans To Replace Sanwo-Olu With Hakeen Muri-Okunola

Published

3 years ago

January 30, 2022

Adebayo

The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has debunked viral new on the social media that it has sanctioned the replacement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the state Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola in the 2023 Governorship election in the state.

The Secretary of the GAC, most powerful and highest political decision making organ in the state, Alhaji Mutiu Are disclosed this via a press statement released on Saturday, 29 January, 2022.

GAC further stated that it is not within its realm to choose a replacement for any Governor.

The statement said the news was spread to cause disaffection among party members and leaders noting that the GAC has not discussed the issue of second term.

Read full press statement below;

The attention of the Governance Advisory Council has been drawn to a vexatious post circulating on WhatsApp purporting that the GAC, party leaders and stakeholders have settled for a replacement for Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.

Ordinarily, we would not have dignified such an anonymous post with any response.

However, because of the possibility that some unwary persons may believe the words contained therein and interpret them as factual, the GAC would like to state as follows:

That the GAC has not settled for any person to replace Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu as governor. Therefore, it is absolutely false and preposterous for anyone to suggest so.

That the process of picking a Governor is clearly stated in the constitution. And contrary to the false impression the merchant of hate, confusion, discord and disharmony wanted to create with the post, there is no discussion of second term ticket by the GAC.

It should also be pointed out that it is not within the realm of GAC to engage in picking replacements for a governor.
4. Importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not signaled the commencement of the process for governorship election in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-olu was elected for a 4-year tenure which is still ongoing. The matter of replacement of the governor does not arise and is patently subjudice.

Governor Sanwo-olu is doing a wonderful job delivering infrastructure projects for Lagos and working daily on making the state better for all its residents.

Finally, we urge those behind this dangerous, dysfunctional and misguided post to desist forthwith.

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Politics

Coalition of Ikeja Youths To Sahara Reporters: Your Allegations Against Faleke Not True

Published

7 days ago

September 12, 2024

Adebayo

The Coalition of Ikeja Youths (CIY), a Lagos-based youth organisation has reacted to the recent publication by Sahara Reporters, an online medium accusing Honourable James Abiodun Faleke using a Kaduna College as front for buying SUVs for traditional rulers.

The organisation in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olorunsogo Adeniyi; and Secretary, Blessing Chukwu, described the report as not true, urging the media organisation to do a proper fact-check on the matter. It even invited the media organisation to come to Ikeja on fact-finding trip.

According to the group, Faleke has been upright in all his dealings and follow due process in his constituency projects and empowerment programmes.

The group noted that as a lawmaker, Faleke has not been involved in awarding of contracts for his constituency projects. “His only job is to select projects that will benefit his constituents. Contract award is the duty of the Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) under which the project is domiciled. And the process of the contract award passes through the procurement process as laid down by the Procurement Act. Our representative is not involved in all these,” CIY explained.

Thus, the group explained further, all constituency projects of Faleke were budgeted for including purchase of vehicles for traditional rulers and community leaders which is also another form of empowerment for them.

“Don’t forget that the traditional rulers and the community leaders the vehicles were purchased for are also constituents of the lawmaker. There was nothing to hide or fishy in the purchase and distribution of the vehicles. They were publicly presented to the beneficiaries,” the group said.

The group was emphatic that Faleke has and continues to be a worthy representative of Ikeja people in the Green Chamber.

“We made bold to state here that Faleke has been and is still representing the good people of Ikeja Federal Constituency very well in the Green Chamber.

“We’re happy that this man has not only succeeded in taking hundreds of jobless youths off the streets, he has also succeeded in making successful entrepreneurs out of them through his various empowerment programmes which have been done through his various constituency projects”, the group said.

“Faleke has distributed over 400 mini-buses to youths and women as part of his constituency projects. He has also distributed hundreds of tricycles, countless number of deep freezers, grinding machine, sewing machines and pop-corn making machines to his constituents.

“Apart from all these, Honourable Faleke has facilitated the construction of over 37 roads in various communities and areas in the constituency and we made bold to say that he has become a reference point in quality, effective, positive, efficient and progressive representation not only in Lagos but in the entire federation of Nigeria.

“We want to invite Sahara Reporters to come to Ikeja Federal Constituency and see the number of caterers, fish farmers and small scale traders that are now fully engaged as a result of Faleke’s various constituency projects. We want the media organisation to send its crew to come and talk to various police divisions in the constituency and see how Faleke has enhanced their operations through vehicle and other security items.

“What about the various school interventions: construction and rehabilitation of school buildings, provision reading and writing materials for teachers and students as well as provision of laptops to students,” the group said.

The group also highlighted Faleke’s road construction and rehabilitation interventions, his light-up Ikeja programme which have seen virtually all the streets in the constituency enjoying street lights as part of the reasons his constituents love him and will always support him.

“It will be hypocritical to blame him if few of these street lights are not working which may be due to mechanical fault or whatever,” CIY noted.

CIY concluded that rather than maligning Faleke, he deserves the commendations of all for his various interventions in Ikeja Federal Constituency which have positively and progressively impacted on his constituents.

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Politics

Sen. Gbenga Daniel’s Federal College of Aviation Technology Bill Scheduled for Public Hearing

Published

3 months ago

July 4, 2024

Adebayo

A public hearing has been scheduled for the proposed bill regarding establishing the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Ogun State.

This bill, titled the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill 2024 (58.52), has been proposed by His Excellency Senator Otunba Engr Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng.

All stakeholders and members of the general public are invited to attend this important event. The hearing will provide an opportunity for discussion and input on the proposed bill, which aims to establish a specialized institution for aviation technology in Ogun State.

The Special Guest of Honor for the public hearing is the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, OON.

Date: Thursday, 11th July 2024

Time: 12:00 noon

Venue: Conference Room 231, New Senate Building, National Assembly, Abuja

All interested parties are encouraged to participate and contribute to the discussion on this important legislative proposal.

All stakeholders and members of the general public are invited to attend this important event.

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Politics

Otunba Gbenga Daniel Under Periscope

Published

3 months ago

June 27, 2024

Adebayo

Reminiscent of historical figures, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in just one year since his inauguration as Senator representing Ogun East in the Red Chambers, is proving once again to be both disruptive and futuristic in his legislative approach, echoing his unmatched achievements as a one-time governor of Ogun State, writes Seunmnuel Faleye.

Evoking a similarity to the legendary American lawmaker, Senator Robert C. Byrd, whose tenure in the U.S. Senate spanned over half a century and who was known for his relentless pursuit of infrastructure development in West Virginia, Daniel’s actions are a testament to how a determined legislator can transform the socio-economic landscape of their constituency. In Nigeria, a similar narrative is unfolding with Senator Gbenga Daniel, who is forging a new path with his visionary and strategic representation. Within his first year in the Senate, Daniel has spearheaded the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo and the Naval Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside – both unprecedented federal institutions in the region. These initiatives are poised to be game-changers, infusing new dynamics into Nigeria’s aviation industry and maritime security.

During a recent dialogue with journalists at the Iwe Iroyin secretariat, Senator Daniel gave a detailed account of his legislative achievements, emphasizing the dearth of federal institutions in Ogun East. The expanse from Idi Ayunre, the boundary of Ogun State with Ibadan in Oyo State, through Oru, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu East, Ijebu North East, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Remo North, to Sagamu has long been devoid of federal presence. Senator Daniel’s interventions are not just filling this gap but setting a new standard for impactful representation.

As Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, Senator Daniel left an indelible mark on the region’s educational and industrial scene. He founded the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), the Gateway Polytechnic in Saapade, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo, and the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in Oni, Ogun Waterside. Additionally, he relocated the Olabisi Onabanjo University to its permanent site in Ago Iwoye, moved the Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu in Odogbolu, and established the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) in Sagamu. These institutions, still standing today, underscore his commitment to equitable development.

In his senatorial role, Daniel has further elevated his legacy by attracting significant federal investments to Ogun East. The Bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate, with a public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2024. This institution is set to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s aviation sector, addressing the critical need for specialized training. It promises to produce a new generation of skilled aviation professionals, thereby enhancing the country’s aerospace capabilities and positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global aviation industry.

Similarly, the establishment of a Naval Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside, represents a strategic initiative to bolster maritime security. With a two-billion-naira (N2b) allocation in the 2024 Budget, this naval base will enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the Ijebu area. It will also play a crucial role in securing Nigeria’s waterways, combating maritime crimes, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods along the nation’s critical waterways.

Senator Daniel’s legislative approach reflects a profound understanding of the socio-economic needs and developmental aspirations of his constituency. His initiatives are not merely reactive measures but part of a broader, futuristic vision aimed at transforming Ogun East into a hub of educational excellence and maritime security. By leveraging his political acumen, visionary leadership, and long-standing experience as a boardroom honcho and Chairman, Kresta Laurel Limited, Daniel is orchestrating a new dynamic in strategic representation, ensuring that Ogun East reaps the benefits of federal presence and investment.

List of bills presented by Senator Gbenga Daniel and their current status:

South West Development Commission Bill

Status: 2nd Reading on the 21st of February 2024

Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo

Status: 2nd Reading was taken on the 15th of November, 2023

Terminal Illness Trust Fund Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 2nd of November, 2023

Media Practitioners Registration Council of Nigeria Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 27th of February, 2024

Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

Hospices (Establishment) Bill

Status: Not specified

Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Birth-Right Citizenship) Bill

Status: Not specified

Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sovereign Investment Authority and the Sovereign Wealth Fund) Bill

Status: Not specified

Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

FCT, Destruction of Mosquitoes and Other Disease-Bearing Insects Bill

Status: Not specified

Finally, Senator Gbenga Daniel’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by a proactive and transformative approach to legislation. His initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology and the Naval Base, underscore his commitment to elevating Ogun East to new heights of development. As these projects come to fruition, they will stand as enduring testaments to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to his constituents. Like Senator Byrd’s legacy in West Virginia, Daniel’s work in Ogun East is set to leave a lasting impact, driving the region towards a future of prosperity and security.

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