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JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa sacks commissioners, governor’s aides

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3 months ago

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The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

The governor also relieved all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants of their duties.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the governor said the development would take immediate effect.

The statement read, “All members of the cabinet are to immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior administrative officers in their respective offices.

“All the affected officials are directed to hand over all government properties in their possession.

“The governor thanks the affected officials for their services and contributions to the development of the state.”

Aiyedatiwa was on December 27, 2023, sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital.

Before his death, Akeredolu had transferred power to Aiyedatiwa via a letter to the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, when he was to proceed on medical leave in Germany.

The development followed the intervention of President Tinubu who intervened in the crisis that resulted from the failure of Akeredolu to hand over to his deputy after he returned to the country from Germany in September.

Although Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in the first week of September after a three-month medical leave, he was operating from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The state House of Assembly had commenced an impeachment process against the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct. This led to a division in the state assembly and the state executive council as well as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, Tinubu met with the leadership of the assembly and the state APC at the State House, Abuja, last month, where it was decided that Aiyedatiwa should take over as the acting governor.

Shortly before the swearing-in of Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser to Akeredolu on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye and the Chief Press Secretary Mr Richard Olatunde, resigned from office.

In the letters of resignation signed by the duo, addressed to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, the aides cited the demise of the governor as the reason for their action. The letters came in, some hours after the death of Akeredolu.

Aragbaye’s letter was titled ‘Resignation of appointment as Special Adviser Union Matters and Special Duties.’

The letter read, “I write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as Special Adviser Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday 27, December 2023. My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredulu, SAN, CON , whom I am loyal to even in death

“I sincerely thank His Excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now as Special Adviser. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards. “

Olatunde in his letter titled ‘Resignation Letter’ partly read, “ It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tender my resignation as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, effective from today, Wednesday 27, 2023.”

It further stated,” My decision to resign from office is hinged on the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

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Concerns raised over whereabouts of security expert, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro

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9 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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Concerns have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, a prominent Nigerian diplomat and security expert.

 

Amb. Adegbenro, known for his contributions to national security and international diplomacy, has reportedly gone missing after honoring a police invitation on April 26, 2024.

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Networks (CCSN), in collaboration with the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has raised alarm over his sudden disappearance.

 

According to information gathered from the management of NATCOM, Amb. Adegbenro was called by the Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force to respond to a petition.

 

However, since his appearance, there has been no communication from him, and his family and associates have been unable to locate him.

 

Despite rumours of his release on April 29, 2024, his whereabouts remain unknown, with his phone unreachable.

 

Expressing concern over the situation, it is highlighted that Amb. Adegbenro holds a significant role as a Special Emissary of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) and has been instrumental in fostering collaborations between Nigerian security agencies and international organizations like the EuroPolice Federation.

 

Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), a signatory to by Nigeria, calls have been made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for transparency and adherence to due process in Amb. Adegbenro’s case.

 

The CCSN/OHC-IHRC NG emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, urging authorities to provide clarity on his situation.

 

The statement further appeals to Nigerian authorities for intervention, stressing the necessity of a thorough investigation into the allegations against Amb. Adegbenro.

 

Justice and accountability are deemed essential in addressing the situation effectively.

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Costal highway: Landmark Beach refunds customers after demolition

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10 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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The management of Landmark Resort Beach says it has initiated the refund process for customers impacted by the recent demolition of portions of its properties by the Federal Government.

According to a statement posted on its X account on Friday by Landmark Africa, the parent company of Landmark Resort Beach, refunds are being facilitated through the Landmark Citizen App.

While acknowledging the patience of their customers, the management advised that completion of the refund process may be delayed due to the high number of requests.

“Dear Landmark Citizens, we would like to assure you all that we have started issuing refunds to those who requested a refund of their money on the Landmark Citizen App.

“Please be patient with us, due to the volume of requests, this process will take some time. Be rest assured that all refund requests will be processed,” the statement read.

A portion of Landmark Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos, was demolished on Monday to accommodate the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Minister of Works, David Umahi has defended the demolition, citing that the Landmark centre encroached upon the Federal Government’s right-of-way.

The Breeze Beach Club, Mami Chula and other beach businesses were also demolished in the process.

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Auwalu Abdullahi Rano: Ice block seller who became billionaire, owns 120 filling stations, 600 trucks, 60m litre tank farm

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10 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, popularly known as A.A Rano, transformed from a humble boy from Kano Village into a billionaire magnate, overseeing a conglomerate that includes 120 filling stations across Nigeria.

Born into an average family in Lausu, Kano State, Rano started small, with an ice block and groundnut oil business, including other local items.

Rano has gone into building a multi-billion naira enterprise spanning various sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

Today, Rano owns AA Rano oil & Gas industry in Nigeria with 56 ML Tank farm in Lagos, with 120 retail outlet/ fillng stations across Nigeria and over 600 trucks & LPG terminals as well as acquired vessel (M.T LAUSAU).

His ventures include RanoGaz, a state-of-the-art Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal, a rice milling company, Rano Lubricant, Rano Air, Lausu Marine and Logistics, AA Rano Terminal, and AA Rano Road Haulage.

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