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Aftermath of People’s Democratic Party PDP Primary election, the  Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi may be on his way to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Our reporter authoritatively gathered that Ajayi, on Friday night, met former Governor Olusegun Mimiko at his residence in Ondo town to discuss the possibility of flying the party’s ticket.

 Curiously, the meeting of the duo came a few hours after the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and estranged political son of Mimiko, Eyitayo Jegede visited Ajayi at his Okitipupa residence as part of his reconciliation moves after the primary.

Ajayi, maternally from Ondo town, was said to have received an appreciable support from Mimiko during the primary, but lost to Jegede at the PDP primary.
Sources in ZLP revealed that Ajayi is begging Mimiko, who is the national leader of the party for the ZLP governorship ticket.

Already, ZLP had elected Hon Rotimi Benjamin as its candidate for the October 10, 2020 governorship election in the State.
Although Mimiko had yet given a definite answer to Ajayi’s request, it was still unclear what the implication of such overtures would be for Benjamin.

But if the request sails through, Ajayi told Mimiko that his running mate would come from Owo, the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

All the same, Mimiko is expected to meet his associates and followers on Sunday to deliberate on the matter.

It will be recalled that Ajayi, who dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for PDP, came second in the party primary election that produced Mr. Eyitayo Jegede as the PDP governorship candidate.

After the PDP primary election, the deputy governor, through a statement signed by his Campaign Director General, Dr. Kola Ademujimi had said:
“PDP remains our party and we therefore want all our supporters to remain loyal to the Party as we work towards the way forward”

 It was gathered that Ajayi’s to contest under the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP) but might have abandoned that idea following the outburst of the SDP state leader, who is also the lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye a.k.a Small Alhaji on his Facebook page that the party won’t become a dumping ground for desperate politicians.

The ZLP source said: “we were shocked to see Ajayi at Mimiko’s house yesterday night (last Friday). He told our leader that he would like to contest the October 10, election under ZLP and assured him that he has enough resources to win the poll.

 “According to the deputy governor, one of his strategies is to pick his running mate from Owo local government, the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN in order to divide the votes from the town.

“But kindly note that Mimiko has not given him his word. He told him that he would meet his supporters soon and get back to him. I doubt if Ajayi will have his way in ZLP.

“Some of us knew how he supported Agbo may be because his mother is from Ondo town and you know if course blood is thicker than water. If the man failed at the primary to Jegede, another failure would rubbish the integrity of our leader, Iroko”, he said.

In a reaction , the Media Adviser to the Deputy governor, Allen Sowore told ROVING REPORTERS that Agboola is only consulting with his supporters and will come out with his next line of actions.

 Sowore said “ The deputy governor is only consulting with his supporters and in another one week, he will come out with the next line of action . All I can tell you now is that he still consulting. ”

You know the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede SAN, visited him yesterday- 24th July, 2020.

He has been meeting with the critical stakeholders in a view to determine the next line of action. ”

The Flag bearer of People’s Democratic Party , Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, has promised the people of Ondo Southern senatorial district stable electricity if elected as the Governor of the State in the forthcoming October 10, 2020.

This he made known during an interactive session with Crest FM in Alagbaka, Akure the state capital, during the maiden edition of its radio programme on Friday, ‘Victory Interviews’.

The programme was tagged and designed to X-ray the intentions and plans of candidates contesting in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, scheduled by INEC to hold on 10th October 2020.

It would be recalled that these parts of the State, especially, Okitipupa, Ilaje, (the riverine areas), Ese-odo, and Irele , have been in blackout for the past 10 years.

In his words, “Yes, I am a native of Akure and I am not ashamed of it, but I can also be classified as a native of other communities in the state.

“I had gone round, visiting the riverside areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo and I could feel what they were going through. From that area up to Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo, they don’t have electricity at all; unlike Akure that has a little supply

“So we are going to provide electricity in these areas and also build them hospitals as they lack medical facilities and are battling with mosquito bites.

“I have been to Akoko areas, to Okitipupa and all parts of the state and I know what their problems are,” he explained.

The governorship candidate, who was a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in the state, particularly lamented the hardship that the less-privileged residents of the state were going through.

“The free health services reserved for pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly citizens and the physically challenged people under the PDP administration are no longer there.

“Our education sector too is in shamble, to the extent that, tuition fee of N35,000 in the institution is now N230,000: thus denying children of poor people access to education.

“If I am elected governor of Ondo State, we will reduce the tuition fees of not just Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, but all tertiary institutions in the state,” he assured.

Sorting of ballot papers is yet to commence more than one hour after voting ended at the ongoing governorship primary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.

It was gathered introduction of fresh 17 names after delegates have voted is causing fresh crisis as many of the aspirants insisted the names were strange to them.

The Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi- led Committee went to a closed door meeting for over 30 minutes and came out without declaring what to do with the list.

It was gathered the list contained names of former local government chairmen of the party who defected and later returned.

Some aspirants insisted the people have not properly rejoined the PDP

Talks are still on between the committee and aspirants on whether to accept the list or not

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, has wished Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State a speedy recovery from coronavirus infection.

In a press statement signed by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on media, Akogun Tai Oguntayo, the Speaker prayed that Fayemi would soon recover and resume his loft programmes for the benefit of Ekiti people.

Describing the governor as a truthful leader, Afuye said “it is highly commendable that the governor promptly declared his status and ordered that all his aides should go for immediate test.”

He said just like the war commander who stays in the battlefront to defend his people, “it is an irony of fate that the governor tested positive despite the fact that Ekiti recorded one of the lowest infected States in the Country.”

Afuye however noted that “with the great concern and prayers of Ekiti people for the governor, I have no doubt in my mind that in a couple of days he shall bounce back on his chair to continue his good work”

Governor Fayemi tweeted on his tweeter account this morning that he tested positive to COVID-19 but was asymptomatic. He has since gone on self isolation while his team of medial experts are working on him.

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) says an acute power supply limitation and inability to connect more communities in Ondo South to the national grid was due to a damaged breaker at the Ondo 132/33KV Station.

The Chief State Head, Ondo and Ekiti States, Kunbi Labiyi, stated this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Akure.

The riverside communities have been in darkness for close to 10 years.

Parts of Ondo South that are affected by the blackout are Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Irele local government areas.

Mrs. Labiyi said that the inability to connect the communities to the national grid was due to a damaged breaker at the Ondo 132/33KV Station and the inability of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to make bulk power available for evacuation in the area.

“Power supply to the Ondo South zone has always been grossly inadequate due largely to availability from Ondo 132/33KV injection substation which is the only source of supply now.

“This limitation has further been worsened by a faulty breaker on one of the 2X30MVA transformers which tied customers from Ondo town down to Okitipupa on one 30MVA transformer, thereby reducing what could be wheeled out at any particular time,” she said.

According to her, the starting point of getting power to customers in the value chain is the TCN which makes bulk power available to distribution companies to evacuate at different locations which unfortunately has not been met in this case.

She added that Ondo TCN, where Ondo South currently gets supply, was about 150km away, with network traversing thick vegetation and farmlands which results in low quality of supply.

“Until TCN embarks on prompt repair of the faulty breaker, the challenge in Ondo South will persist.

“As a strong commitment towards getting a sustainable solution to the power crisis in Ore and Ondo South, we have entered into a third-party arrangement to connect the region through an off-grid embedded power which is billed to materialise soon.

“However, we are hopeful that the ongoing construction of Erinje 2X60 MVA 132/33KV injection substation by the NDDC will complement all the efforts already put in place by BEDC when it is completed, ” she said.

Ibi Giga Grassroot Network-Ondo South under the leadership of Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, heartily rejoiced with Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ( SAN ), Governor of Ondo State on his 64th Birthday and his landslide victory of Ondo State APC Gubernatorial Primary Election.

“What Arakunrin is celebrating, is the divine grace of vision, courage, sagacity, foresight, fidelity to the progressive cause, commitment to the New Ondo State and creative governance”.

These are contained in a statement released by the Head, Media and Communications,Ibi Giga Grassroot Network-Ondo South, Bombay Ladi Okunniga while felicitating with Ondo State Government, Arakunrin, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on his 64th birthday.

“You are an epitome of service and patriotism”.

“You are a man who abhor failure,..set goals and ensure that they are accomplished.

“Your personal charm is infectious and hard-work quite motivational.

“It is gratifying that you are waxing stronger in strength and character as a soldier of democracy, apostle of good governance, a stateman of repute, a towering progressive Governor and a reference point in Political Leadership.

“You never belief in impossibilities.

“Ibi Giga Grassroot Network-Ondo South, pray today as always to the Almighty God to always renew your strength as you continue to lead by example and serve as a beacon of hope of our New Ondo State.

DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS, YOUR EXCELLENCY.

By Bombay Ladi-Okunniga.

Heavily built Olabimpe Akinnusi who hails from Idepe Okitipupa was born to the noble family of Prof. and Mrs Akinnusi over four decades ago.

Given her humble parental background, Bimpe exhibited a rare character traits as a child.

After her Secondary education in Nigeria, Olabimpe Akinnusi travelled to United States of America in 1994 where she is now a certified Health Care Practitioner.

Truly Olabimpe Akinnusi look intimidating by her outlook, but on meeting her, you cannot help but be attracted to her general knowledge of health issues, politics, charisma and politeness.

A cute and Classy lady who will make an admirable personality.

At such a relatively young age, Olabimpe Akinnusi had done a lot to improve the life of many people as she was at her best while relating her story online, from the scratch, a story of an average girl who struggled to find the golden fleece.

“For me, it was a thrilling experience with God in charge and in control..He granted me His peace and joy out of His love and grace, He gave me satisfaction and contentment and keep my spirit high” , she said.

Enthusiasm is an emotion, optimism is an attitude, faith is a substance, Bimpe has all these attributes and she is very ambitious too.

Highly respected voice in All Progressives Congress ( APC ), U.S.A chapter with a wide range of connection in and around the present Ondo State Government and her view on Government policies carry a lot of weight in certain circles.

As health care practitioner based in Dallas Texas, U.S.A, her position, foersight and vision enable her in rendering unquantifiable humanitarian services to her people back in Nigeria.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, she has been on the Frontline educating, campaigns and given series of Palliatives particularly to the people of Okitipupa LG and for some years, she has been given scholarships to students in her Community and equally providing succor to the widows.

A shrewd politician, smooth talker, amazingly charismatic with immense drive full of ideas and highly visionary.

On the reason why she is in the forefront supporting the re-election bid of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Olabimpe Akinnusi said, “we are in a crossroads in our state history, where one wrong turn may take us back to the sorry state from which we are coming”.

“So, for Akeredolu’s sagacity, vision for the NEW ONDO STATE and boldness, our ‘Talk and Do’ Governor deserves a sound ovation” , she said.

“As a party, we can argue and resolve amicably no matter the issue, there is no problem that cannot be resolved and we must quickly resolve all the issues generated before and after the recently concluded Ondo State APC Gubernatorial Primary” , declared the Idepe born Health Practioner/ Politician.

Presently, Olabimpe Akinnusi is in the big league whose wealth of experience of Innovative thinking remains commendable as she will always be appreciated by posterity.

Olabimpe Akinnusi is a star for now, she dine and wine with who is who in Government circle.

Eight Aspirants are participating in today’s Primary Election of the PDP in Ondo State with over two thousand delegates to choose who becomes the party’s flagbearer for the state October 10 governorship Election.

The aspirants are Eyitayo Jegede , Agboola Ajayi , Bode Ayorinde , Godday Erewa , Eddy Olafeso , Banji Okunomo , Sola Ebiseeni and Boluwaji Kunlere.

The delegates from the eighteen council areas are converging on the International Event Centre , The Dome in Akure the state capital for the exercise.

Already the party’s national working committee had appointed Enugu state governor , Ifeanyi Ugwanyi as the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee.

Ondo PDP director of media and publicity , Mr Zadok Akintoye told Radio Nigeria that all arrangements had been put in place for a hitch free exercise .

The winner in today’s Election will be challenging the incumbent , Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the APC who is seeking a re-election in the October 10 governorship polls 

Positivefm

By Akinrinlola Olumide

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”, says Charles Dickens in his book, the Tale of Two Cities. That’s the way the Biblical King David might have looked back following his challenging periods before he came to power as Israel’s king. I think Banji Okunomo, the youngest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ondo State would say the same thing now as he struggles to win the ticket of the PDP ahead of the primary slated for July 22, 2020.

King David had some difficult times in his lifetime. He was the youngest in the family, and it seemed as though he got all the dirty work. His brothers did not look up to him but treated him with a measure of disrespect and disdain because the family saw him as nobody and a man without any value. He was not even present for selection as Israel’s king, yet God made him the King of Israel because the crown was on his head. And because God does not look at the things people look at, God looks at the heart, hence he became the King of Israel despite being the youngest among his brethren.

Now, as the battle for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP becomes thickens, I can boldly say that Okunomo is another young David who would spring a surprise during the PDP primary to the dismay of many people who didn’t look up to him.

Just like King David, Okunomo has passed through many challenging periods in his lifetime most especially in the course of his ambition to become the governor of Ondo State.

Okunomo was the first to start his governorship campaign and was at the same time advancing the course of zoning for Ondo South. During this time, some of the chieftains of the party who now wanted to harvest the golden fruit produced by the tree of zoning planted by Okunomo were mocking and calling him all sorts of names then.

Some said he is a Facebook aspirant, some called him Ondo South governor, some said he is an Ilaje governor, but when the young man refused to be distracted and the agitation for zoning became loud, some of these leaders declared their ambitions for governor. They didn’t just join the race, they never stop in their cheap blackmail against the anointed one – Banji Okunomo. They claimed he is too young to rule Ondo State in his 40s.

They continued by saying Okunomo didn’t have the resources to run for the office of a governor. But when Okunomo became the first to pick the expression of interest and nomination forms of the party, they said he was gunning for deputy governorship candidate slot.

But when he became obvious he was so serious to become the state governor, they alleged he has been offered the sum of N400M as a pay off to step down for a particular aspirant.

When this blackmail failed, they later petitioned the PDP governorship screening committee led by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara to discredit and disqualify him whereas the said petition was found to be baseless, empty and bereft of atom of substance and the petition ended up in the waste bin , when no truth and no merit were found in the petition.

Now, they have started alleging the same man they claimed does not have the resources to run for the office of a governor of trying to induce the delegates with money to win the ticket of the party by next week Wednesday.

The truth is that Okunomo was walking when others were crawling. He was running where others were walking. He was flying when others were driving. He was busy engaging the delegates when some were busy writing petition and sponsoring cheap blackmail on social media.

Okunomo has developed close and enduring friendships and alliances with the delegates when some people were doctoring delegates list to rig the election. Okunomo is now a serious threat to those who saw the ticket of the PDP as their rightful inheritance, leaving the factor of providence with the fact that God rules in the affairs of men and He enthrones Princes and Kings as it pleases Him.

You cannot become a King when the crown is not on your head. Those who didn’t get promotion from God have always lived to regret it till they died. The book of First Corinthians 1: 26 -29 says: ”But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.”

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose, God raised you up, that He might show His power in thee, and glorify His name throughout all the earth. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”( Romans 9:15-17).

So as we count down to July 22, 2020, for the PDP Primary, I beseech all the delegates to beware of the Saul’s, and be on the lookout for the David – Banji Okunomo, the youngest and the most maligned PDP governorship aspirant in Ondo State, for the crown, has abandoned Akeredolu and has come upon his head, ahead of the governorship election on October 10, this year.

Akinrinlola Olumide, is the Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, representing Ondo South at the 9th Assembly.

PROTOCOL

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds”

“Courage brother! Do not stumble”

“Though thy path be dark as night, there is a path to guide the humble. Trust in the Lord and do the right”

Today, history is made. History is made not because of my victory at the just concluded primary of our great party. In unpretentious terms, the strong will, dedication, perseverance as well as the palpable resolve of all-party men and women at this very event present a historic moment to behold.

While I consider this evening reflective of our collective desire to sustain our party in Government, our expressed direction, the exceptional comportment on the part of our delegates and the seeming show of love for one another has thrown further challenges upon me as your leader and Governor.

Most profoundly, I salute the courage of my brother aspirants. They have enriched the contest, no doubt. I must say that I am particularly enamoured by the determination and the industry we all put into this endeavour.

All the same, the campaigns preceding this day have been noticeably fraught with mixed feelings. Relationships in some cases may have been bruised and interests hurt. In other cases, methods deployed to run these campaigns may not have been pleasant. I plead with all us to leave these in the past and move on. This is more so that, all aspirants, including myself were either victims or indirectly responsible for such unpleasant circumstances. We must find spaces in our hearts to forgive one another.

I am convinced that our individual pursuits were driven by the altruistic motivation to strengthen our great party and more importantly, take our dear State to loftier heights.

Therefore, I find it delightful to say here and now, that we have all won together. Consider me as the custodian of your vision for the Sunshine State. Together, we shall move the State forward. Under my watch, we shall witness a more robust, reassuring and rewarding relationship.

As a way of engendering unity of purpose and cohesion amongst all party men and women, in a matter of hours, I shall commence, in an inexorable manner, a process of reconciliation to heal all perceived wounds. We need one another more in the future than now.

May I use this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to my brother Governor, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and his team for this wonderful outing. You have displayed a high sense of professionalism and an immeasurable degree of competence.

You have demonstrated that a credible electoral system is possible and achievable. The transparency you have exerted today is the platform I intend to leverage upon for reconciliation.

Please permit me, my brother Governor, to use you as a point of contact to express my profound appreciation to the national leadership of our great Party, especially Mr. President, President Muhammadu Buhari, our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the National Caretaker Committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. I would also like to appreciate all Party delegates, starting from the State Party Executives, who came from all the Local Government Areas in the State for their unalloyed support and dedication to this party. I can assure you all, Ondo State is an APC State, together, we shall deliver come October 10.

May God provide always, His Grace, Favour and Mercy as you return to your various destination and States.

I thank you all and God bless