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Jun 24th, 2009
Jun 24th, 2009
Court agrees with Mimiko over LG Chairmen. Caretaker committee sworn in
The Akure High Court has ruled in favor of Mr Governor, Dr. Mimiko that the election that brought in the local government chairmen into power was illegal (for lack of better word), so they have to go.
Information from Akure also confirms that a caretaker committee/interim chairmen have been sworn in to run the local governments pending a new election.
More information soon…
31 Responses to “Court agrees with Mimiko over LG Chairmen. Caretaker committee sworn in”
HALLELUIA for God is good and justice will be served always in Ondo State. Please the Caretaker Committee should remember that they are chosen to take good care of the state of affairs of the Local Government pending when proper LG Chairmen are elected hopefully in the near future. This they should do without fear or favor.
Peace my people
READ THE DETAILS COURTESY OF THIS DAY NEWSPAPER:
Ondo: Court sacks LG chairmen
From James Sowole in Akure, 06.25.2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
An Akure High Court yesterday declared that the December 15, 2007 local government council election in Ondo State was illegal .
Justice Nelson Adeyanju of Akure High Court, in his ruling, declared that the process that produced the chairmen in the 18 local governments areas of the state was illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and should not have been held in the first instance .
Barely two hours later, Governor Olusegun Mimiko swore-in Caretaker Chairmen to supervise administration of the dissolved local governments councils, an action government said it took to avoid lacuna at the councils and to enable them embark on developmental projects. But the State House of Assembly at a news conference presided over by the Speaker, Taofeek Abdulsalam, declared the action of the governor as illegal, null and void and of no effect because the Assembly was not carried along in the exercise as required by the Local Government Law of the State.
Abdusalaam, who was flanked by all the principal officers of the legislature, ordered the State Police Commissioner, to effect arrest of anybody “who may want to take over the running of council administrations and charge them for trespassing”.
Citing Section 12 (4) (2) of the Ondo State Local Government Law 2007 as amended, the speaker said : The governor shall acting on sanction of resolution supported by two third majority of the House of Assembly dissolve any local government and appoint an interim committee to oversee its affairs for a period not more than three months or for such longer or further period as the House of Assembly may determine’’.
Since the Assembly was not carried along, the Speaker therefore ordered that “on no account must any agency of government release any fund for these illegal entities and that all well-meaning individuals should impress it on this administration to desist from illegalities.”
The Speaker said the judgment was being appealed as at the time of the press conference. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state also described the action as “most unfortunate and an example of the fact that this state has unfortunately gone to the backwardness of lawlessness”.
In a release by its Publicity Secretary, Adeyemi Adedipe, the PDP which also quoted the extant law said it was unfortunate that the governor, who is a product of rule of law, is now engaging in illegality.
When a dog is backing and you don’t mind it, it will wringly its tail and go back. If you give PDP attention, then you will enlarge them. Just go on with and fulfill that mandate given you.
Good words of advice indeed Oladimeji
Thank God we are almost there. The Almighty God that crowned Gov. Mimiko will continue to protect him from any kind of attack, either physical or spiritual. We live in a complicated society where many who are capable and ready to move Nigeria forward are being discouraged by the people who will not allow peace to reign. I could imagine what the governor must be going through right now as pernicious attacks and expectation of the people keep rising. Life is very though for those who believe in shaping our society. My question this afternoon is ‘‘Can anyone who believes in the rule of law, with a big heart, ready to change the community for better and also against corruption be successful in our society without being hated or attacked perniciously?’’ Pls give your comment. Justice 4all.
Iroko Kekere my brother, I will not shy away from the challenge of your question. CAN ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN THE RULE OF LAW WITH A BIG HEART READY TO CHANGE THE COMMUNITY FOR BETTER AND ALSO AGAINST CORRUPTION BE SUCESSFUL IN OUR SOCIETY WITHOUT BEING HATED OR ATTACKED PERNICIOUSLY? This I say can be achieved but before this is achieved a lot of other changes will have to take effect first vis a vis:
1. We need to work together to INCREASE the number of people that believe in the rule of law and are ready to change the community.
2. We need to ensure that people who believe in the ROL and are against Corruption are given a chance to operate, function, work, be relevant, make a difference in the society.
3. We need to concentrate on our youths and prevent them from being sucked too far into the “corruption and sycophancy and cheating/stealing is the only way to success” syndrome.
4. We need to come against those dinosaurs that will never change and will keep trying to “fool all of the people all of the time”. For example, EFCC has been for a long time “barking mad” but what results so far? So when Madame Farida comes out with new noise, what do we do?
5. Nigeria should adopt a culture of name and shame. We see and read about what obtains in the British Parliament and Politics. Their Speaker of the House was forced to resign recently due to allegations of abuse of office. I live for the day when this can be done in Nigeria/Africa. What stops Nigeria following suit? What stops bloggers and those in relevant position getting to the real news and making it public? This is why I have respect for Sahara Reporters. The blogger speaks truth with facts and backing. Yes he was intimidated, arrested, detained, some even reported that he was killed etc. But he lives and continues to do his bit.
6. We need to organise Lectures, Seminars, online competitions and think of other creative ways to fight the evil in our midst and in our society. We need to come together with COMBINED SYNERGY and dont just all continue trying to do it individually.
It is clear that as things are right now, most of our current leaders dont want a change for good in our society. The corruption and disregard for the rule of law sickness in them has become a mastetised cancer. They are good for nothing people who are definitely not good for Nigeria, and they should GO, be sent packing, not supported, not allowed to keep on cheating their ways into government etc.
Now to your question on a more specific level. Yes that person can be successful, but of course no that person cannot avoid hateful or pernicious attacks from SOME quarters if not most. Depending on the style adopted by the person, the attacks could either be very vigorous or watered down (feeble).
That somebody must prove himself first and prove that he or she is not one of the many we have in Nigeria, who will kill and cry against murderers. That somebody must have a track record that shows integrity and love for truth, justice and fairplay. Can Fashola be trusted now by the people? Can Mimiko be trusted by the people? Can Farida Waziri, Dora Akunyili, Alao Akala, Comrade Oni, Aondoakaa and even PRESIDENT YARADUA be trusted? I could go on with more names but I am sure you get my drift.
Even if the attack is strong but that somebody stands on the truth and fights on without tiring; if that somebody STRATEGISES and doesnt attempt to take on the whole populace of evil doers but does what I have analysed so many times in the past on this site, i.e. uses the FORCE-FIELD analysis, the person would most likely be successful. But if we have a loud empty barrel, that is not even a vissioner and realist but with heads in the clouds, ready to play nonsense games and not COMMITTED, the person cannot be successful. So the attacks will come and God will give the Godly person victory and success would be attained. But the liar will fail. My bible tells me of the result of the acts of the foolish man who buit his house upon the sand on the one hand; and the wise man who built his house upon the rock on the other hand. The floods came and anyone with wisdom will know what happened. This is why THE HOUSE THAT MIMIKO IS BUILDING IN ONDO STATE WILL NEVER FALL, unlike the house that Agagu built for 6 too long years.
NEVER SAY DIE is my motto. I used to try to achieve at all cost but now I flow and learn and observe and strategise in order to achieve. I will never give up for SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE. What about you my brother, I am sure you have you strategy and as long as we all do it for good and truth and justice, WE SHALL OVERCOME. WE SHALL WIN THE RACE. WE SHALL NOT BE EXEMPT FROM CONTRIBUTING OUR BEST TO OUR SOCIETY. Alluta Continua, but let us combine energy = and use synergy to fight the evil in our midst in Nigeria.
Now I have my own question, for like you my writings are always A CRY FROM THE HEART – Can anyone who believes in the rule of law, with a big heart, ready to change the community for the better and ready to fight corruption be given a fighting chance to contribute in our society, even if the person talks from afar? Wisdom comes in different shapes and sizes. God bless Ondo State. God save Nigeria and God bless Africa.
I remain your sister, Irokobirin.
PS: I have taken the liberty to leave my answer to your question as a blog post on African Loft Community under the title – QUESTIONS FOR ONDO STATE. Peace my brother
How can rule of law be entrenched in a society where majority of the populace do not even know what the constittution of their country says. We must not only seek to govern but must also seek to make the people know their rights and priviledges as citizens of Nigeria. Part of the campaign must be to demystify the constitution from being a lawyer document to become the people’s document. We must translate it to various languages so people can assimilate it.
What is happening in Nigeria is akin to what happened during the dark ages when the knowledge of the Bible was only allowed for the priest. No matter how good we may be if this is not done, a rogue may take over and we will return back to the same position we started.
Everyone in UK know their right as citizens that is why things work and our leaders send their children their to study while they cripple our educational system. WE CAN MAKE A DIDDFERENCE THOUGH. SO LET US NOT GIVE UP. NIGERIA WILL BE THE BEST NATION ON EARTH
Omotaylor my dearest sister in the Lord and the struggle, you are a rare kind of a woman worth of many men who is richly blessed with wisdom by God. Your indefatigable contributions on this forum have inspired my contributions too and at the same time been the fuel to my turbo engine to continue the smooth cruising. And I must confess to you that I crave for your opinions as a baby crave for the mother’s milk. You have hit all the areas that needed for my question.
Your question ‘‘Can anyone who believes in the rule of law, with a big heart, ready to change the community for the better and ready to fight corruption be given a fighting chance to contribute in our society, even if the person talks from afar?’’ I doubt it my sister if this can be possible as our society is not ready for that yet but to frustrate and discourage such person. We are only interested in those who will bring more sophisticated and deadly weapons to slaughter the nation but not those who are ready to take as priorities the modern basic necessities of life that will change the peoples’ lives, create community that is safe where people can live together in harmony and realise their dreams and objectives.
Actually, the question I posted yesterday came as a result of somebody I know who has been recently accused of attacking the leaders by some people back home for his contributions as a blogger. This is a person who is very keen in joining hands with others not only to work for them but to serve them well. I cannot go into details here but I found it very demoralising to know that some ordinary people in our community do not even like the ideas we have put together in our own little way to help fight injustice that is holding Nigeria back in climbing the ladder of progress.
How joyful would it be if we could accomplish the magnificent work of our heroes who fought so hard for our independence? They had cleared the coasts for us to live like normal people and free of colonial deprivation. The aim had been to make all Nigerians, men, women and children the main beneficiaries of our God given abundant resources. But today Nigeria has been drifted away from that aim and we are faced with the worse and shameful conditions. Today corruption has eating the flesh of the good intentions of our great leaders and left to us the remains of the valueless carcass. Today the division and inequality in our society are difficult to tackle. And instead of working together to achieve these profitable benefits that will change the life of every Nigerian and build a society in which ambition and compassion are seen as partners we all chose to pursue our own selfish individual aims. I think the time has come when we the ordinary people as well must stop playing part in bringing the nation down. ‘‘Nigeria will be the best nation on earth’’ as Oladimeji Olutimehin have commented but that is if we must dwell and walk in the right path. Nigeria is ready when Nigerians are ready. Let’s give the fighting chance to the right people to contribute. Justice 4all.
It is the time for the honest minds and capable hands to handle and lift Nigeria up.
Pls read one of those things WHY Gov. Mimiko and the new government are taking time.
O D S G Discovers Secret Bank Accounts (Jul 1,’09)
Ondo Discovers Secret Accounts
Source: James Sowole, THISDAY
Ondo State government yesterday said it had discovered some secret accounts allegedly run by the administration of Dr Olusegun Agagu, who was removed from office on February 23, through judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal Benin.
The discovery was revealed by Commissioner for Information, Mr Ranti Akerele, during an interview with reporters in Akure, saying that was one of the reasons the current administration does not want to hastily declare the financial status of the state when Mimiko took over on February 24.
However, Akerele did not give details of the discovery.
But in a swift reaction, former commissioner for Finance, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, said Agagu never operated any secret account.
According to him, Agagu was never a signatory to any state government account adding that all accounts were operated through him and the Accountant General, and challenging Mimiko to arrest operator of the account.
Akerele said Mimiko painstakingly went through the accounts, because the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration led by Agagu, deliberately muddled the state’s finances.
The harder they come the harder they fall. All hidden secrets will be make public soon.
Iroko Kekere, I do get your drift and too many disheartning things are happening in our dear Mother/Fatherland nowadays. I 100% agree that NIGERIA WOULD BE READY WHEN NIGERIANS ARE READY. Spot on I dare say. Thanks once again for your very kind words. I wish I see in me what you see for most of the time I see a Nigeria that Omotaylor has not imparted on enough. I see a brick wall that needs to be broken down and I will not use my head to try break it, hence I am still searching for the correct instrument to use so that the mission is successful. All the same, I am grateful and will try live up to the good name. Please ask BDN Chair for my number so that we can talk. I think it is time some of us get talking and plan how best to be our brothers’ keepers.
Well wherever we are for now we can and should still continue to make our individual contributions to a better Nigeria. God will make a way where there seems to be no way for His Own. Let us keep the spirit up and the ideas forthcoming.
Peace my people
My question for the week is this:
There are always two sides to a story, right. But how does one decipher which side is true and which is false, when both sides are in conflict?
I reserve my thoughts on this for later.
I have a straight and simple answer to your question Ms Omotaylor. Yes there are always two sides to a story and for one to separate the chaffs from the grains it is imperative to understand that whenever there is a conflict, there is always the possibility of convincing lies that can overshadow the truth. As many of us are spurious and professionals in turning false stories to perfect true stories disregarding empathy to discredit the truth in order to be favoured, win sympathy or having envious feelings, it is very difficult for one to tell which is which although sometimes very obvious. However, I will tell you it takes acumen and honest mind to decipher the sides of a story. But to be fair and just, both sides of a story must be listened to without prejudice and bias. There is a Yoruba adage that says ‘‘Agba osika longbo ejo enikan dajo’’ (only the wicked adult judges from one side of a story). As usual the prayers and physical actions to lift Nigeria up must not stop regardless. Justice 4all.
Thanks to you my Comrade brother Iroko Kekere. I like your answer for it is very fairly balanced. As much as the Yoruba adage says that “enu opuro o kin seje” (the mouth of a liar never bleeds), I believe that one day the liar will run out of ideas. Moreso the liar is bound to make mistakes and counter himself. But above all what I believe the most is this “BI IRO BA NLO LOGUN ODUN, OTITO IJO KAN A LE MU” i.e (if lies go for 20 years, one day truth will overtake it).
Let us take for example the current Ondo State state of finance saga. Mr Alasoadura is always the quickest to counter any claim and try the hardest to convince the people or even force them to believe him. Meanwhile, if the listeners are patient, if they balance what they hear and if they do not jump to quick conclusions, the cracks in Alasoadura’s claims will begin to show and will widen more and more. First Agagu was not that specific in what was left in the State coffers. Alasoadura then gave figures which are higher than what his former master gave. He was unable to list and specifically print out what the figures are. Instead what he did was make jest that Iroko the wise could have just checked the accounts and announced. But one thing I deduce from the saga is that IRoko holds some aces (maybe all four) and only a fool will waste or expose the aces until when needed. This is what I believe is happening. When you want to make concrete statements and back it with facts, you take your time, investigate properlu, cover all grounds and then BOOM BOOM BANG, hit the enemies of the State HARD.
Let us all be patient and wait for EXPOSURES and facts and not irrational quick and fingerpointing statements from the opposition in Ondo State.
Power to the people and peace to Ondo State.
Thought for the day – PROVERBS 4 VS 7-END IS VERY POWERFUL AND SHOULD GUIDE THE GOOD AND GODLY IF FOLLOWED:
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
MAY THE GOOD LORD ORDER AND GUIDE OUR STEPS IN ONDO STATE. OUR GOVERNOR WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY DIRECT COMMUNICATION FROM THE LORD LIKE JOSHUA DID. PLEASE LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD AND NOT OF MAN AT ALL TIMES.
long time to my people in the forum.this government will be the best in Ondo State..we are almost there.it has been a long time iroko kekere.
It has been A LONG TIME Lekan at Akure. Glad to hear from you and yes I echo your statement of intent on Ondo State. It will be the best government Ondo will ever see under Governor Mimiko our Iroko. All is well for God is on the throne.
Remain blessed my people and keep this site “staying alive”.
THE SAGA CONTINUES – AGAGU CALLS THE BLUFF BUT WILL HE WIN? LIKE I SAID BEFORE, PATIENCE IS THE KEY WORD IN THIS MATTER. READ BETWEEN THE LINES, INFO ABOUT THE ACCOUNTS ARE GRADUALLY COMING OUT BUT I BELIEVE WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, WHEN ALL FACTS ARE COLLATED, THE PUBLIC WILL HEAR THE REST. READ ON COURTESY OF THE GUARDIAN:
Agagu, Ondo govt trade claims over ’secret accounts’
From Niyi Bello, Akure
FORMER Ondo State governor, Olusegun Agagu, has denied claims by the current government in the state that he operated secret bank accounts holding state funds during his six-year administration.
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He challenged the incumbent government, which claimed the discovery of the accounts to “publish the details of its findings”.
Agagu’s declaration was in reaction to the lingering controversy between the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government and the incumbent Labour Party (LP) administration over the true position of Ondo State accounts.
The former governor, who expressed dismay at “the very high and unprecedented level of blackmail in the current Ondo State” urged the new government “to face the problem of governance if it is truly prepared for the task rather than trying to destroy characters and chase shadows to distract the people’s attention from asking for dividend of democracy”.
He said: “If they discover any account, let them make all the details available to the public. Let them disclose the signatories, the names of the banks and the branches such accounts are domiciled. Let them unveil all information or they would be guilty of attempts to rubbish people’s names and integrity in their bid to hide their inadequacies”.
Last week, the duo of the Commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele and the state LP chairman, Olaiya Oni, announced what they called “a shocking discovery of two secret accounts with some banks in Lagos, which were being run by the former government with a sum of N500 million in one of them”.
According to Akerele, the discovery of the secret accounts has justified the decision of the state government to scrutinise all the books before making a categorical statement on the financial position of the government.
There has been so much controversy on the amount left in the state coffers by the last administration, which claimed that not less than N38 billion was in the accounts while the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said the accounts were in the red.
Although Agagu challenged Mimiko to declare how much he met in the state’s coffers, the governor said reconciliation was going on to ascertain the exact financial position of the state and that the process would take some time before it was concluded.
Akerele said the situation was compounded by the non-presentation of a hand-over note by the Agagu administration to the Mimiko government even when all indices pointed to the fact that there was going to be a change of government.
According to him, “Agagu ought to have prepared a hand-over note for Mimiko having been sacked by the Justice Garba Nabaruma-led Election Petitions Tribunal in July. It was obvious to every discerning mind and followers of events in the state that Mimiko was a governor in waiting.
“We recently discovered two state government accounts with some banks in Lagos State. The accounts were secretly run by the past administration. There would have been discrepancies in the figure if the governor had rushed to declare the financial status of the state immediately he took over.
“People should ask Agagu why he refused to prepare any hand-over note despite having seven months to prepare for his exit after the verdict of the lower tribunal.”
Akerele further claimed that having known the magnitude of alleged shady deals the past administration was involved in, the PDP in the state wanted to stampede Mimiko to give a figure so that they could use the discrepancy, which would arise from it against him.
Corroborating Agagu’s denial of the existence of secret accounts, his former Commissioner for Finance, Tayo Alasoadura, who described the allegation as “absolute rubbish”, said: “Dr. Agagu did not operate any secret account. He was never a signatory to any state government account. The accounts were operated through me and the accountant general.
“But if they have discovered any secret account, let them make it public and get whoever is behind it arrested. It is a ploy to deceive the people but we are happy that the people of our state are wiser and they will not allow anybody to deceive them”.
ALASOADURA IS ALWAYS THE QUICKEST TO DENY – IS THIS ONLY BECAUSE HE WAS THE EX FINANCE COMMISSIONER OR IS THERE ANY CUPBOARD SKELETON DANCING AND JINGLING???
What has the ‘messiah’ Mimiko done so far to prove that he deserves his mandate. besides being excellent at propaganda and reminding us oover and over again about his precedeesor’s misdeeds, I will like his protagonists on blog/forum to enlighten the many other Ondo indigenes what his messiahnic works have been in almost 6 months. I believe most of us that read this blog are young, and young people hopefully are the most objective nowadays.
I just need some enlightenment. By the way, what’s the status with the proof of Agagu and his men having secret accounts?
debo jyde do not let personal hatred becloud your sense of reasoning. for you to have said that mimiko has not started, is like someone who is sleeping deeply and claiming that he was whiling away time.
havent you see the mother and child clinic at aule. what about ultra mordern park at akure /ilesha express road. what about the rehabilitation works along owo/ ogbese road.
between 2003 and 2005 agagu kept on displaying road map. he didnt have any thing to lay claim to except politiking and siphoning our money.
open your eyes very well and see new horizon.
Patience is a virtue and if adopted, all good works that are gradually being actualised in Ondo State will be so so clear for all too see. Our Man Mimiko is really working very hard. Dont forget that there are transitional issues and other wrongs to also put right. Ondo State is enjoying peace and people faces are relaxed and even smiling. That heavy weight and burning that was pressing down on numerous individuals are lifted and all we need to continue doing is support, pray and aid Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko in this God blessed task of Governing Ondo State. We shall not be let down and of course Ondo State will keep a diary of achievements which although she does not brag and boast about under Mimiko will be praised and raised by the generality of the people.
Sorry folks that I have been out of the scene for a while. Internet access in Nigeria poses a problem for me. Even armed with a brand new laptop, I had to say no to so many opportunists who wanted me to pay thousands to get a 3-G or what have you. As I have no money for anyone to sighon, I decided to take my time.
Talking about cheating and corruption… Nigeria has a big problem. Almost everyone believe that they need to steal, covet, cheat and lie to get money off others. God save us.
Ondo State my people, make sure that you as individuals live a honest, God fearing and people loving life. You can make a difference and change even the most stubborn conman around you. We cannot fight all evil doers but we sure can change them. First by not joining in their evil intents, Second, by not accepting their evil intent, and greatest, by preaching honesty, hardwork and love to them. I pray that in the name of Jesus, that all bad people will have a change of heart so that the good can overcome and overshadow the bad (amen).
Peace my people.
Fapohunda, I actually like the Governor. So there’s no personal hatred. Once you become a public figure, criticism becomes a way of life on your end. The reason why developed countries are developed is because they are amenable to constructive criticism. So, sir, try to view other’s opinion positively and don’t jump to attacks. Thanks for highlighting his achievements. But the truth is the truth. He promised a lot in first 100 days. Has he achieved those promises? I believe you are young. Therefore, as a member of the younger generation, don’t let your folks down. Embrace other’s opinion with a progressive reaction.
@ debo jyde,with all the evidences physically exposed to the whole world now, would you still proclaim a propaganda act? With your latest comment I realised you are very intelligent and if am not wrong educated as well. With these qualities of yours I strongly advise you to look closely and digest the broadcast of Gov. Mimiko last night maybe you had been mislead by Agagu and his team. Pls enjoy the facts and make your sincere and genuine comments as a young and hopeful Nigerian. courtesy of VANGUARD.
I inherited N117bn debt from Agagu – Mimiko
National News Aug 10, 2009
By Dayo Johnson
GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday made public the position of the state finances, revealing that the immediate administration of Dr Olusegun Agagu left N117billion debt for his administration.
In a swift reaction, however, the immediate past governor Dr Olusegun Agagu said the allegation was diversionary and a way to cover the present administration’s lack of vision.
In a statement to newsmen in Akure yesterday, Dr Agagu said “our government did not owe a dime as at the time Mimiko was installed.”
Speaking through his former Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Agagu, the former governor said “In fact we had paid 50 percent mobilization on most of the contracts awarded and had enough money ready for any certificate that cold be due.
“We were not owing salaries, allowances, banks or contractors. The whole issue of debt is diversionary and a way of covering their lack of vision.”
The incumbent governor in his broadcast said over N282b accrued to the immediate past administration in six years, while only N51b accrued to the late Chief Adefarati administration between 1999 -2003. According to him, the N117bn left behind by Agagu as commitment on contracts and other liability was about 300% above the N34.2b which his government met as liquid assets from the Agagu administration.
The Governor pointed out that given the wide gulf between the inherited State’s liquid assets of N34.2b and the liabilities of N117b the situation had placed a lot of stress on government in meeting the genuine aspirations of the people of the State as encapsulated in its manifesto.
He further said that “at the present level of income, and even without government embarking on any new capital project expenditure, it will take us at least Ten years to meet these commitments.
The reality from the foregoing therefore is that the State will have to re-prioritize
ongoing capital projects.”
Describing the spending as mindless and questionable, Dr Mimiko said that this suggested “a deliberate action particularly after the July 25, 2008 Tribunal verdict, to render the State bankrupt as well as a hint of a predatory mindset determined to lay the finances of the State to waste rather than leave behind a healthy balance in the event of a court-ordered ejection from power.”
“The value of such contracts awarded between July 25, 2008 when Election Petition Tribunal gave its verdict and the Court of Appeal affirmation of February 2009 was in the excess of N51.1Billion. This exceeded the value of those awarded in the entire first four years of the administration.”
Dr Mimiko equally revealed that contracts for road construction and buildings attracted 50% mobilization fee in those seven months of contract bazaar as against the 30% obtainable in the preceding era and as sanctioned by extant financial regulations.
He listed some of these projects with funny payments obviously used to skim the State of billions of naira as: the Ajagba-Iyasan Road whose earthwork component worth N300M, earlier done early in the Agagu Administration was duplicated and the entire contract was re-awarded to Messrs GSQ Ltd for N902m.
The governor said that a Lawn mower for the Golf Course project in Idanre was supplied for N1m when a lawnmower of the same specification sells for N65, 000.00 per unit in the open market in Akure.
The Owena Multipurpose Dam, a contract of N14Billion was hurriedly rushed through, out of which N3.8Bn was paid few days to the exit of the administration.
According to him, the State government had approached the World Bank to help procure the services of a consultant of international repute to help re-assess the project.
The Adagbakuja New Town, a project initiated by the Adefarati Administration under the name, Ugbo New Town and for which that administration had carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment through the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission
The governor disclosed that when Dr. Agagu came on board, the Environmental Impact Assessment was replicated for N25m followed by a Master Plan design (Urban and Regional) at N95m while another N70M was spent on a purported ‘Master Plan (Engineering).’
“A contract of N6.7Bn was awarded for sand filling of the area with 100% payment already made without retention fee for post-consolidation period as conventional practice requires.
Meanwhile, aides to the former governor said that Dr Agagu would react to the broadcast after he might have digested the content thoroughly.
The clash of the Titans, but who is the truthful Titan? All will be revealed in due course. My people, please look deeply at the facts above and decide if this is “a diversionary” call. Agagu did spend and waste the State resources on his way out of office and these monies will need to be replenished in order that the new government carry out swiftly the agenda on ground. Patience I always say is a virtue. Wait a bit longer and let us see if Mimiko is delivering or not.
As a reminder, let us cast our minds back to Obama of the USA and his promises which were genuine and not a campaign gaff, BUT when he got into office, he realised that the economic and political situation was much more than he bargained for. He was not “crucified” for this or attacked unwittingly. Nevertheless at the same time, it did not stop Obama from performing and we witness a young President of the USA carrying on successfully. Governor Mimiko will deliver the goods, but we have to show some understanding. He had no access to the accounts prior to resuming office, and thank God Labour Party was able to cry foul when Agagu in less than three months gave contracts out to the tune of over 65 BILLION NAIRA! So why dont we believe that this same Agagu can leave debts of N117billion? VERY POSSIBLE AND TRUE I SAY.
Agagu wrecked havoc in Ondo State and damage control is Mimiko’s first task in order to carry out his election promises. Man proposes, God disposes. Even if there is a delay due to wickedness in high places from the former government, Patience is what will get us there. There is no point trying to attack or mock Mimiko at this early stage, especially if you want the good of Ondo State. Look on the bright side, see how much organised Ondo State is becoming. Very soon all jigsaw puzzles will fall into place.
Peace my people – Yound and Old
Patience is what is needed. With time all hidden agenda of the Agagu government would be made known. Please read courtesy of The Guardian:
Ondo moves to probe Agagu’s aide over secret account
From Niyi Bello, Akure
THE government of Ondo State has requested the State Police Command to arrest and prosecute Mr. Bode Obolo, former Special Assistant to former governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu on multilateral relations for allegedly running a secret government account during the tenure of the past administration.
The development came as the House of Assembly ordered fresh investigations into the secret accounts scandal that has, in the last two months, pitched the government against the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
While the government insisted that it had indeed discovered the accounts to show that the Agagu government was involved in a lot of financial improprieties, some officials of the former administration described the allegation as a ruse. They called on the Labour Party (LP) government to disclose the particulars.
The mainly PDP membership Assembly also ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, as both the Commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele, who made the disclosure, and his Finance counterpart, Wole Akinterinwa, were not able to substantiate the allegations with documentary evidence.
But in a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state on Monday, Governor Olusegun Mimiko shed more light on the controversy with the disclosure of the account number in an undisclosed bank in Akure, the state capital.
Mimiko, in what he said was an example of personalisation of government accounts which he alleged was prevalent during Agagu’s tenure, added that the head of multilateral relations unit operated an account solely on his own on behalf of the government.
According to the governor, “the said official was the sole signatory to the account with No 0122070235677001 and he solely operated it contrary to the regulation governing the operation of public accounts. Our preliminary findings showed that about N1 billion went through this single account! Curiously, this official still withdrew money from the account after government froze all accounts.
“The last withdrawal, the sum of N9.1 million, was in June 2009, four months after leaving office. We also found out that other accounts were opened outside the state in government’s name in manners that did not conform to laid-down rules.”
Obolo who also headed the multilateral unit of the Governor’s Office and was overseeing government’s relationship with international agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), was alleged to have operated the accounts in which government funds were being kept without following regulations guiding such transactions.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Donald Iroham, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aderotimi Adelola, the state government reportedly requested that the said Agagu’s aide should be invited for questioning by the police to get to the root of the allegations.
The letter also expressed government’s desire to unravel other personalities that may be involved in the illegal running of the accounts and bring them to book with a view to retrieving public funds that may have been stolen by such personalities.
During plenary yesterday, the Assembly while playing host to both Akinterinwa and Akerele who came to apologize for their inability to furnish the lawmakers with the required facts of the secret accounts, directed its Public Accounts Committee to begin fresh investigations into the matter.
The Speaker, Taofeek Olawale Abdusalaam, who presided over the session, said “with the allegations and the fresh facts disclosed by the governor yesterday, even though he didn’t deem it fit to address us directly, we found it necessary to order the committee to get to the roots of the matter so that fingered officials could be punished and state funds retrieved”.
The seven-man Niyi Adebusuyi committee on Public Accounts was given two weeks to submit its reports while the two commissioners and the ministry officials were asked to stay behind and furnish the lawmakers with the necessary information.
On of the mistakes africans make is to think a politician can be their messiah. The Messiah of ondo state are the people themselves not someone that is elected. Its high time we begin to see it this way that our individual contributions is what will bring collective development of our state and nation and continent. What we need to ask ourselves is what has a particular politician done when he was not in government, what is he she contibution to the building of our state and nation before we should trust them with billions of task payers money. someone who can not manage is personal money cannot handle our money in trust.
I like Mimikos broadcast, but he should have done what would have been done in a developed world. The people are not judges, his broadcast was suppose to be the work of the judiciary. No one is guilty until he is found guilty by a competent court of all. If the past government stole money and he has evidence then he should have taken them to court, seek redress and take back the money. That is how things would have been done. Some days after his broadcast, who has been arrested and charged to court.
He is a Christian, so he should not return evil for evil. Extrajudicial judgement is sowing a seed that he will later reap. Let the police and Judges do their work and find them guilty. If he loves the people of this state as he says, then the dualisation of Ondo Rd and Fiwayase Ijapo Rd project should have been completed by now. Every contrary who ran away should be arrested and prosecuted and the contract reawarded. I am careful of politicians and indeed people with too much talk, because they would have expended their energy talking and have no time to implement and execute good works.
Omotaylor, I know you are a good, faithful and loyal supporter of the governor, that is good, but we should not be too high minded. Nigerians have been over patient and gullible, you should not talk of patience. Let the governor defend his mandate and not allow pride and the feeling of they against us begin.
I wish him all the best
Mr Oladimeji Olutimehin, there is a whole lot of truth in your saying that ‘The Messiah of ondo state are the people themselves not someone that is elected’. I regard this as an axiomatic truth indeed. We need a lot of people like you who can come up with ideas that are objective and dispassionate. Elected politicians can only do so much, with a lack of vibrant and informed electorate in any given polity, you might as well say sai gobe to good governance. A lot of our politicians are in politics for what they can get out of the system, not what value they can add to governance, which is why the whole place is in abject state. look at the Benin – Ore road, a federal minister was at a section of the road about four years ago, lamenting the poor condition of the road; go back to the road and you will find nothing has been done to it. This is our fate in Nigeria, the poor and hapless electorates. So until we actually ask politicians to start giving account of their stewardship, the status quo will persist.
Mr Oladomeji Olutimehin, very good and true comment indeed and I really mean this. I can judge from your comment that you are a man of the people and people like you warm my heart.
On your remark to me, true say that I am a true loyal supporter of the Governor, but I am not and will never be highminded about anything. I support a good cause and pray that it remains a good cause. I will never play the sycophant or gullible fool who will blindly support anything, including wrong things. I for one, if I note that Mr Governor is doing something wrong, I will without condeming him and by asking if there was no better way of doing things, present an alternative in a mature and constructive way. The reason why I have not had to do this yet, is because I have tried to study the modus operandi of the Governor. I am not fighting this battle for what I can get but for what THE PEOPLE OF ONDO STATE SHOULD BE GETTING. For this, I call for patience because it was with calculated, sensible and intelligent patience that Mr Governor got his Mandate back.
Ondo State has a lot of complexities and these are to be sorted out. If Mr Governor chooses to be patient and release info as deemed fit, then patience is what we need. For example if we all start to castigate him now, and he proves us wrong then we would have done him and injustice. If we bear with him and he does not deliver then he would have done God, Labour Party, the people of Ondo State and even little ME wrong. I pray this is not the case for what would I have supported Democracy and fight injustice for? I note that he is working on and if there are areas of concern, I understand he has a personal website. Let us make good use of this and bring our concerns to him. We are the messiah of our state as you said and we all would have to work together for the good of Ondo State.
Dear Ola Olu, I value people like you from your comment and please keep up with it and on this forum too. I sometimes feel anxious about what it would mean if Mr Governor turns out to be like any of the other politicians who are in it for what they can get only but I have a very deep conviction the Mimiko will not fail Ondo State. After 6 months in office, let us see what he would do and announce as his achievements so far. After this we can pose direct questions and challenge him directly. We want to be fair to everyone including Mr Governor amen
Peace my brother and peace my people.
Our loyalty is to the constitution not to any man. At times I just think when we talk about projects we are just pursuing the wrong things. We should empower our people, teach them the constittuion, write it in the language of the common man. Let every pone lay claim to the country.
I love the governor, but all those Agagu projects that they are cancelling to start others is a waste of tax payers money. I don’t buy. This is the time whenhe is suppose to focus the money available on key projects not dismiss the once that has already been done. People love him and hate PDP already, but by trying to do all this when the people come to know the truth, they will hate him.
He has a great opportunity and I believe he will make it, if he puts in more effort and serve the people as his slogan is. I believe the constitution and the people of Ondo State would prevail at the end of every thing.
Thank you for this forum
I understand that His Excellency has an official website, it might be worth our while to lay our concerns to him direct via the website. Raji Rasaki did this and from some things I have seen him do in Lagos State, I am apt to believe that he does value the common people’s input and not only listens but hears them.
To Ola… Olu… is Mr Governor cancelling Agagu projects just like that or is he checking workable projects that were justly contracted out and finding none? I do not believe Mimiko would just cancel projects just because it was given out by Agagu. We should remember that Agagu started so many new projects at undefendable costs just to waste away the coffers of the State when he knew he would not win the appeal. We should consider things deeply and see if there is any sense behind some actions before we blame the governor.
I pray that the people of Ondo State and the Constitution prevails at the end, but I go one step further, I pray this is done via the Governor who is the No1 person in Ondo State and who is responsible for everything in Ondo State. If Ondo State does well the Kudos is on him and if Ondo State doesnt the shame is also on him. For this reason I pray he wins and I support him fully all the way. I pray I do not have any cause to change my mind.
Peace.
Oh pardon me, what was I thinking when I said Raji Rasaki.. I meant BABATUNDE FASHOLA. A thousand apologies.