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OndoDecide’20: Ajayi, Akeredolu, Jegede, Others sign peace pact. [Nigeria]

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Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Akeredolu; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede; the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Agboola Ajayi, and others, have signed a peace pact ahead of the Ondo State Governorship election slated for Saturday.

They signed the pact on Tuesday in the state capital, Akure, pledging to shun violence during the election and avoid actions that may undermine the peace accord.

The event, facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC), had the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmoud Yakubu; and the Inspector-General Of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who was represented by the DIG Of Police, Research and Planning, Oyebade Adeleye, in attendance.

Others in attendance included the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo and traditional rulers from the state.

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With the election drawing close, there have been claims and counterclaims about attacks from the two leading contestants, the candidates of the APC and the PDP.

In the weeks leading up to the election, the convoy of the PDP candidate, Jegede has been attacked severally – a situation which he credited to ‘hoodlums’ who according to him, escort the governor.

“Why should hoodlums be following a governor?,” Jegede asked, in an interview last Wednesday, as he reiterated that it can only be because they are threatened by him.

The APC, on the other hand, has accused the PDP of attacking its party properties in Owo the hometown of incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

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They also accused some supporters of the opposition party of shooting at passers-by and damaging their vehicles, shops and other building in an attack.

While both parties have denied responsibility of the attacks, they have now signed the pact, agreeing to a violence-free exercise.

Jegede had contested in 2016 under the PDP and is hoping to secure a victory this time.

Also looking to secure a second term, Akeredolu on Tuesday, however, gave an assurance that the election will be peaceful, even as he urged INEC to ensure that the exercise is free, fair and credible.

#Newsworthy…

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OndoDecide’20: Days after leaving PDP, Ajayi defects to ZLP.

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The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has officially defected to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

He made the announcement on Friday at a colourful ceremony held at the state secretariat of the party in Akure, the state capital.

Addressing a crowd of party faithful at the event, the deputy governor said he was happy to join ZLP and was confident that the party would win the forthcoming governorship election.

He appealed to all loyalists of the party not to exercise any anxiety but be united and work for the party’s success in the poll.

Ajayi was received into the ZLP fold by the state party chairman, Joseph Akinlaja, and other leaders of the party in the state.

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In an earlier remark, Akinlaja told the deputy governor that the ZLP members in Ondo were happy to receive him and his teeming supporters across the state into the party.

He was full of confidence that with the governorship election conducted under a free and fair atmosphere, ZLP would win convincingly.

The party chairman also disclosed that the official declaration of Ajayi as the ZLP governorship election would take place later.

Ajayi’s defection to the ZLP, which is in line with his resolve to contest the October 10 governorship election in the state, has put an end to the speculations that Ajayi planned to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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In June, the deputy governor left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP, where he contested for the party’s governorship primary election.

He was, however, defeated by Mr Eyitayo Jegede who won the PDP’s governorship ticket, prompting Ajayi to leave for the ZLP to actualise his ambition of becoming the governor of the state.

Although some of his supporters agitated that Ajayi be picked as Jegede’s running mate, that was not the case as another person was chosen for the position.

The deputy governor’s exit from the APC followed a disagreement between him and the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who has since emerged as the APC flagbearer for a second term in office.

#Newsworthy…

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OndoDecide’20: Ajayi’s exit will not affect our victory – PDP

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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the exit of the Ondo Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, from the party.

The PDP noted that Mr. Ajayi’s exit will not affect the party’s victory in the October 10, governorship election.

Mr. Ajayi on Monday resigned his membership from the PDP.

The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Preretei, in Akure, the state capital, reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has received the exit of Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi from the Party, from just online publications.

“As a party, we are have not received his letter of resignation but we wish him well in his political journey.

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“Agboola Ajayi joined our party on June 22, 2020, and participated at the Governorship Primaries having received a waiver from the National Secretariat of the Party.”

According to the statement, the exit of Agboola from the PDP will not affect the prospects of the party in winning the October Gubernatorial Elections this year.

The statement concludes: “The PDP remains solid, strong and more determined than ever before to win the forthcoming Governorship elections with a credible and competent candidate in the person of Eyitayo Jegede, (SAN).”

Mr. Ajayi in his resignation letter said his decision was a result of the call by the majority of the good people of Ondo State to give hope to the hopeless, provide credible and purposeful leadership in the State.

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However, the chairman of the PDP in Apoi Ward II of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Festus Oboro, is said to have acknowledged the receipt of the resignation letter on the 9th of August, 2020.

Hon. Ajayi left the APC and rejoined the PDP on June 21, 2020, at his home town, Kiribo.

He contested the governorship primary election in PDP but lost to Eyitayo Jegede.

The deputy governor in his latest communique reassured his supporters to remain focused and committed as he will be announcing his next line of action shortly.

#Newsworthy…

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Agboola Ajayi resigns from PDP month after leaving APC.

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The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi has resigned his membership from the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

This was made public by a statement from the Media Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Allen Sowore.

The Deputy Governor in a statement on Monday appreciated the National Leadership and members of the party for their warm reception and acceptance in the short period he rejoined the party.

He said his decision is as a result of the call on the Deputy Governor by the majority of the good people of Ondo State to give hope to the hopeless, provide credible and purposeful leadership in the State.

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The Chairman of the PDP in Apoi Ward II of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Festus Oboro, is said to have acknowledged the receipt of the resignation letter on the 9th of August, 2020.

Hon. Ajayi left the APC and rejoined the PDP on June 21st, 2020, at his home town, Kiribo.

He contested the governorship primary election in PDP but lost to Eyitayo Jegede.

The deputy governor in his latest communique reassured his supporters to remain focused and committed as he will be announcing his next line of action shortly.

#Newsworthy…

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OndoDecide’20: Agboola Ajayi shuns PDP | Details

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The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, on Tuesday, shunned the congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Although Ajayi shunned the congress, there are reports that the deputy-governor plans leaving the party.

Noble Reporters Media learnt he plans to contest the October 10 governorship election under the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

This comes two weeks after he failed to clinch the party’s ticket, having lost to Eyitayo Jegede.

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Over 2,000 delegates from across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state converged on Akure, the state capital for the PDP Congress.

A file photo of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi. (Noble Reporters Media / Adigun Michael Olamide)

Two aspirants are contesting for the chairmanship of the party: former State Vice Chairman, Fatai Adams, and former National Youth Leader of the party, Dennis Alonge-Niyi.

Members of the party are conducting the exercise to elect the Executive Council Members.

The delegates were made to observe the COVID-19 protocols by using face masks and washing their hands.

#Newsworthy…

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News+: Ajayi Agboola yet to declare for ZLP – Okeowo says

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The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has reacted to the reports that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he joined from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ajayi’s Chief Press Secretary, Babatope Okeowo, faulted the claims that his principal has defected to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on which platform he would contest the October 10 governorship election in Ondo after he lost in the PDP primary.

Okeowo told Media (known to Noble Reporters Media) during a telephone chat on Sunday that the deputy governor was under intense pressure from his supporters to contest for the election.

He, however, insisted that his principal has yet to declare for the ZLP or any other political party to contest the governorship election.

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The deputy governor’s aide added that Ajayi has yet to take a decision on his next political move, saying he would likely make a declaration before the end of the week.

When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of ZLP in Ondo, Felix Olatunde, told Channels Television that the party has adopted Ajayi as its governorship candidate.

He explained that plans were being perfected to ensure that was done, noting that the candidate of the party, Rotimi Benjamin, had stepped down for the deputy governor.

Earlier, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Zadok Akintoye, issued a statement that Ajayi was still a member of the party.

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The deputy governor defected from the APC to the PDP in June to fight for the party’s governorship ticket in the primary but lost to Mr Eyitayo Jegede.

Thereafter, some of his supporters agitated that Ajayi be picked as Jegede’s running mate, but that was not the case as another person was chosen for the position.

The deputy governor’s exit from the APC followed a disagreement between him and the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

While he left the party in a bid to unseat the governor in the forthcoming election in Ondo, Governor Akeredolu has since emerged as the APC flagbearer for a second term in office

#Newsworthy…

Sport Today

POTY Awards: Eagles star, Semi Ajayi gets West Bromwich nomination

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Newly-promoted English Premier League side, West Bromwich Albion have nominated Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi, for the club’s Player of the Year award for 2020.

Ajayi, 26, teamed up with the Baggies in the summer of 2019 from League Two side, Rotherham United, going ahead to becoming a mainstay in the side’s defence.

The Nigerian scored five goals in 43 league matches for Slaven Bilić’s side to help them gain promotion to the English topflight after they finished second behind Leeds United.

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“One historic campaign. Promotion to the Premier League secured. But there are still important matters to wrap up from the memorable 2019/20 season,” the club said on its website.

It added, “Voting is now open for the Ideal Boilers Supporters’ Player of the Season award – your opportunity to crown Albion’s star man in this promotion-winning year.”

Slide to see images

Ajayi, alongside 14 others, will be vying for the prize with the shortlist including players who featured in at least 23 matches for the Baggies in the Championship.

They include Sam Johnstone, Darnell Furlong, Hal Robson-Kanu, Kyle Bartley, Filip Krovinović, Jake Livermore, and Matt Phillips.

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Other contenders for the award are Matheus Pereira, Conor Townsend, Charlie Austin, Romaine Sawyers, Kyle Edwards, and Grady Diangana.

In April, Ajayi was included in the FIFA 20’s Ultimate Championship Team of the Season alongside Super Eagles prospect, Ebere Eze who plays for Queens Park Rangers (QPR).

Semi who narrowly missed out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where Nigeria clinched the bronze medal, took to his Instagram handle to celebrate the feat.

“Humbled to have been included in the EFL Team of The Season So Far Thank you for all of your support this season,” the Baggies defender wrote on the social media platform.

Read Also:

West Brom player, Ajayi calls Ronaldinho his hero.

#NobleSports…

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OndoDecide’20: Agboola loses to Eyitayo in PDP primaries

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Former attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election for the October 10, 2020 guber poll.

Eight aspirants – Jegede, Banji Okunomo, Bode Ayorinde, Boluwaji Kunlere, Sola Ebiseni, Godday Erewa, Eddy Olafeso and the state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi – participated in the election.

Jegede polled 888 votes to clinch the party’s governorship ticket and slug it out again with Akeredolu of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the governorship election. Ajayi emerged the second runner-up with 657 votes.

The winner was the party’s candidate in the 2016 governorship election but defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Former attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede

The chairman of the primary election committee and governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, while kicking off the election said: “It is our expectation that this Ondo State primary election will be seamless at the time it is completed. We hope to see that the Ondo State chapter of the PDP elects a widely acceptable flagbearer.”

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According to him, the candidate should be able to make the ‘umbrella’ stronger and win the upcoming governorship election in October.

Ugwuanyi disclosed that the aspirants were properly screened for the election and made to sign a peace pact.

“We are in agreement on strict adherence to electoral guidelines on the conduct of a credible, free and fair gubernatorial primary election in Ondo.

    “We also agreed to observe the protocols laid down by National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) for prevention of Covid-19 transmission,” he said.

    #Newsworthy…

    In the news

    Ondo Chief Judge reject NASS request to probe Ajayi

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    Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, has rejected the State House of Assembly’s request to investigate the State Deputy Governor.

    This comes after 14 members of the Assembly served an impeachment notice on the deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi, whom they accused of gross misconduct.

    However, nine other lawmakers were opposed to the planned impeachment of Mr Ajayi by their colleagues in the Legislative House.

    According to the Chief Judge, the Assembly did not meet the constitutional requirements needed to impeach the embattled deputy governor, adding that the Assembly failed to form the two-third majority required to impeach the deputy governor.

    Governor Rotimi Akeredoluand Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi

    Justice Akeredolu also said she had received a letter from Ajayi’s lawyers stating that the process of impeachment was sub judice.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    Investigate allegations against Ajayi – NASS tells C.J

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    A call has been made to the Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, to immediately set up a panel to investigate the allegations levelled against embattled deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

    The call was made in a letter to the Ondo State CJ on Thursday which was issued by the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun.

    The speaker stated in the letter that the setting up of the panel to investigate Ajayi was in line with section 188 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

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    In the letter to the CJ which was signed by the speaker, it was resolved by the Ondo State Assembly that the allegations against Ajayi be investigated forthwith.

    Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi

    The letter read in part, “By the Resolution of the House today (Thursday) pursuant to Section 188 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it was resolved that the allegations be investigated forthwith.

    “It is in line with the above that request that you set up a seven-man panel to conduct the investigation as resolved by the Honourable House and the panel shall, as soon as possible, report back to the House,” it added.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    Every plan to impeach me will fail – Ajayi

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    The Assembly has twenty-six members and would require 18 members (two-third) to successfully perfect the impeachment.

    Agboola Ajayi, Ondo State Deputy Governor, says the impeachment plot against him will fail.

    Ajayi spoke with SaharaReporters on Monday night.

    Fourteen members of the state House of Assembly had on Tuesday reportedly served Ajayi a notice of impeachment.

    The allegations levied against the deputy governor include gross misconduct, financial recklessness, abandonment of office, official duty and other assignments among others.

    Noble Reporters Media gathered that nine other members of the Assembly have pulled out from the plot.

    The Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Iroju Ogundeji, and the Majority Leader, Jamiu Maito, were parts of the nine members that refused to sign the impeachment notice.

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    Others included Favour Tomomowo, Rasheed Elegbeleye, Festus Akingbaso, Adewale Adewinle, Samuel Edmisan, Tomide Akinribido and Success Torhukerijor.

    The Assembly has twenty-six members and would require 18 members (two-third) to successfully perfect the impeachment.

    Agboola Ajayi

    But Ajayi told Media (known to Noble Reporters Media) that he had yet to be served the impeachment notice by members of the State House of Assembly contrary to reports.

    He said he would consider the impeachment notice as a rumour since he had not been “served officially”.

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    He said, “It is a kangaroo impeachment notice and it is even dead on arrival and I don’t know how the Assembly wants to go about it.

    “I have not been officially served a copy of the impeachment notice and people are already reporting it.”

    Recall with Noble Reporters Media that Ajayi had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to halt his impeachment proceedings by members of the state House of Assembly.

    The Deputy Governor in the suit filed by his lawyer, Mr I Olatoke sought the enforcement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of association.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    14 house members sign Ajayi’s impeachment notice

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    Ondo State Deputy Governor Recieves Impeachment Notice as 14 House Members Signs Impeachment Notice

    Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have served an impeachment notice on the state Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi accusing him of gross misconduct.

    Ajayi resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP but insisted on remaining in office.

    At least 14 of the lawmakers have signed the impeachment notice served on the Deputy Governor. However, 9 lawmakers have pulled out of the planned impeachment of the Deputy Governor. The lawmakers in a letter signed by them and presented to the Assembly Speaker, Bamidele Oloyelogun, said they were not in support of the impeachment of the Deputy Governor.

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    Ondo State Deputy Governor Recieves Impeachment Notice as 14 House Members Signs Impeachment Notice

    The lawmakers include Iroju Ogundeji, Jamiu Maito, Rasheed Elegbeleye, Tomide Akinribido and Samuel Ademola. Others are Favour Semilore, Festus Akingbaso, Williams Adekunle and Tohr Success.

    There is heavy security presence at the Ondo State House of Assembly as the lawmakers hold plenary with journalists barred from covering the proceedings.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    Update: Ajayi Agboola may suffer impeachment

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    Following the running battle between the embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi and his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, all might have been concluded for the impeachment of Ajayi.

    NRM gathered that the impeachment proceedings against Ajayi might commence on Monday at the hallowed chamber of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    This was sequel to the sudden recall of the 26 lawmakers who had been on recess to immediately resume legislative duties at the Assembly.

    The Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Bode Adeyelu had in a short message sent to the legislators directed them to ensure compliance with the directive given by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun.

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    The message reads, “This is to inform all Honourable Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly that following the expiration of your RECESS on Friday, 3rd July, 2020, l have been directed by the Rt. Honourable Speaker Oleyelogun Bamidele David to enjoin you to resume for Legislative duties on Monday, 6th July, 2020.

    ONDO GOVERNOR, ROTIMI AKEREDOLU AND ONDO DEPUTY GOVERNOR, AGBOOLA AJAYI

    “All Honourable members are to please treat this information as very important.”

    According to an impeccable source among the legislators who craved anonymity, top on the agenda of what will be deliberated at the floor of the House will be the trending issues in the state, particularly the deputy governor’s saga.

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    The source added that it is likely that the Assembly might initiate impeachment proceedings against Ajayi.

    Recall with Noble Reporters Media that two weeks ago, Ajayi defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to run for the governorship ticket of the party even as he insisted that he will not resign his position as deputy governor.

    But Akeredolu over the weekend made a formal declaration foreclosing the consideration of handing over governance to Ajayi following the COVID-19 positive status of Akeredolu with the deputy governor giving his boss 21 days ultimatum to handover to him as acting governor.

    Ajayi had accused his boss of doling out N10 million to entice each of the lawmakers in a bid to meet the requirement of two-third majority, that is about 18 out of the 26 lawmakers in the state in order for the impeachment to scale through.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    Ridiculous! – Akeredolu replies APC after telling him to step down as Ondo Gov.

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    The Ondo State Government has described as ludicrous a recent claim by one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirants, Chief Olusola Oke that he made overtures to Governor Rotimi Akerodolu to step down for him ahead of the election.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale, who stated this added that such statement made by Oke to journalists after the submission of his nomination and declaration of interest forms in Abuja, should excite not only sympathy but also a grave concern for perception of some public figures.

    Oke, the controversial Unity Forum candidate claimed that he had been “reaching out” to the Governor Akeredolu, SAN, with a view to having him step down for his aspiration to govern Ondo State.

    Odebowale said it is laughable that any aspirant could ask the incumbent governor of the state with the largest concentration of enlightened and informed people to negotiate with a local champion who has never won a pan-Ondo State or even a Senatorial election since he joined politics.

    Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu

    He said: “It is laughable to see a man who rejoined the APC after suffering the most crushing defeat in the last gubernatorial election in the state, boast of his political stature necessitating exigent intervention. It is sad indeed that the man who alleged that he lost the gubernatorial primaries in 2016 because of phantom 300 votes allegedly given to an opponent and the eventual winner could not use his popularity to win on another political platform, the moribund Alliance for Democracy, (AD), resuscitated to promote treachery.

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    Odebowale said that unlike Governor Akeredolu who won the 2016 election, Oke only “flaunts some specious credentials of service won in two local government areas in 2012 and 2016. He had earlier attempted to be in the National Assembly twice and failed while he was the Chairman of OSOPADEC and a member of the NDDC, he can hardly point to many projects he executed in the state.

    “He cannot point at any project evidencing altruistic intervention today. His stint as the National Legal Adviser of the PDP …brought nothing to the people even as every loss at the polls often provided an avenue to defect to another party, “ he said.

    According to him, Governor Akeredolu, SAN, will be seeking the support of the good people of Ondo State to serve, yet again, and will be depending on his performance as his scorecard will be presented to the people to afford them the opportunity to choose between proven altruistic service and other aspirants.

    He said the people of Ondo State have left no one in doubt as regards their consistent avowal against all acts and suggestions tending towards subjugation, and their ability to discern is legendary. He added that they will speak as they have always for the candidate of their choice in the next election.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    You’re not capable, hand over to me – Ajayi tells Ondo Gov. Akeredolu

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    Sequel to the COVID-19 status of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, his deputy, Agboola Ajayi has urged his boss to do the needful by handing over to him as acting governor.

    On June 30, Akeredolu had begun self-isolation after he was confirmed COVID-19 positive insisting that he will still be treating and attending to files.

    Ajayi, who gave his boss 21 days ultimatum, stated that Akeredolu’s COVID-19 status, which returned positive was an indication that he is incapacitated.

    Akeredolu had on Friday described his deputy as a threat to governance in the state emphasizing that Ajayi no longer belongs to the APC and governance in the state stressing that it is a non issue that he should handover governance to Ajayi.

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    Recall with Noble Reporters Media that on June 21, 2020, Ajayi left the APC following months of frosty relationship with his boss, after which he picked the membership card of the PDP.

    Shortly after his resignation from APC, the Deputy Governor disclosed that he will not resign from office, stressing that the people who gave him the mandate did not ask him to resign as deputy governor.

    According to the deputy governor who spoke through his Media Adviser, Allen Sowore emphasized that “it should be noted, that Mr Governor is at liberty to handover or not within 21 days after which the constitution becomes operational.

    “Ostensibly, the refusal and failure of Mr Governor to handover the running of government to his deputy while he is temporarily incapacitated in self-isolation underscore his absolute disregard for our nation’s supreme document, 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the tenets of rule of law. The Governor’s position is a spite on the Ondo State people and a direct assault on the provisions of the constitution which he swore to uphold.”

    #Newsworthy…

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    Ajayi cries as Police withdraws his escort

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    The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, on Wednesday, alleged that the Nigerian Police Force has withdrawn his police escort.

    This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the deputy governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Babatope Okeowo, in Akure.

    Noble Reporters Media gather that there has been rancour between Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his deputy for some time.

    The seemingly intractable crisis had led to Ajayi’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on June 21 at his home town, Apoi, in Ese-Odo Local Government area of the state.

    NRM also learnt that had, on Tuesday, sacked seven aides of the deputy governor and his wife.

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    “The deputy governor wishes to raise the alarm over the withdrawal of his police escort on the order of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bolaji Salami, thus putting his life and those of his family and staff in danger.

    The statement also alleged that the police had, on June 21, taken the deputy governor hostage for more than four hours at the Government House.

    “This happened despite the fact that Ajayi enjoys immunity under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We are not oblivious of their surreptitious move to undermine the security of the deputy governor and strip him of his security apparatus to make him vulnerable in order to carry out their evil agenda,” the statement said.

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    It called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector- General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the Director-General of State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, to be aware of ‘this latest ugly development in Ondo State’.

    “Should anything happen to the deputy governor, his family and staff, the commissioner of police in Ondo State should be held responsible,” the statement said.

    When contacted on the telephone, Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, denied the allegation, describing it as unfounded.

    “I am not aware of the withdrawal of the police escort of the state deputy governor. It is not true,” Ikoro said.

    #Newsworthy…

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    In the news

    I am still Ondo deputy governor – Ajayi claims despite leaving APC for PDP

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    The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi has said he would maintain his position despite his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ajayi dumped the APC on Sunday in Apoi Ward 2, Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state and joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the ward.

    While tendering his resignation letter from the APC in Apoi Ward 2, Ajayi said that he left the ruling party did not mean he was leaving his position as the state’s deputy governor.

    He said, “My people that voted for me did not ask me to resign, so I remain the deputy governor of this state. I was duly elected as a deputy governor.

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    “The reason I am taking this action is known to all of you. I listen to the advice from all supporters across the state.

    “The Ese Odo Local Government will continue to witness peace and progress.”

    Ajayi’s dumping of the APC came a day after he was prevented from going out of the government house in Akure, the state capital by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bolaji Salami.

    #Newsworthy…

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    Sport Today

    West Brom player, Ajayi calls Ronaldinho his hero.

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    The 26-year-old Nigeria international has revealed his admiration for the former Brazil and Barca star

    West Bromwich Albion centre-back Semi Ajayi has described Barcelona legend Ronaldinho as his hero.

    The 39-year-old Brazilian is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and famous for his dazzling skills and ability score and create goals.

    Ronaldinho featured for a number of clubs in Europe, including Barca, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and won the Ballon d’Or award before his retirement in January 2018.

    ‘Kloppo, smoke a cigarette now and calm down!’ – Dortmund legend reveals what Liverpool boss is really like

    Ajayi, who has been delivering solid defensive performances for West Brom this season, has revealed his admiration for the versatile but mercurial midfielder.

    “Ronaldinho? Yes, there was nobody like him at the time. He did things no other player was trying; definitely my first football hero,” Ajayi told his club website.

    Emulating his hero, the Super Eagles star has shown his versatility, playing in centre-defence, full-back and midfield roles.

    The former Rotherham United man, however, revealed his preferred position is centre-back, where he has flourished for the Baggies this campaign.

    “I feel most comfortable at centre-half. Always have done,” he continued.

    “I’m more than happy to step into midfield if asked but I’ve never thought of myself as a midfield player.”

    Ajayi has featured in all but two of the Baggies’ Championship games this season to help them to their current second spot on the table, only one point behind Leeds United.

    The defender will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when the league resumes, having been suspended along with major competitions across the world due to coronavirus fears.

    #NobleSport