Nelson Ugwuagbo

The newly sworn in Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to immortalise the late governor of the state, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who died yesterday after a protracted illness.

The governor made the pledge when he led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the residence of the former Ondo State Governor in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to commiserate with the Akeredolu family.

He noted that the late Akeredolu will never be forgotten because his legacies and impacts can be seen and felt across the State and the country.

The governor described his late principal as a sincere, courageous, selfless and patriotic leader who fought for his people, championed development and touched many lives.

Aiyedatiwa in an emotional tribute, also described the former governor as a caring and compassionate husband, father and grandfather, adding that it was a rare privilege to have served under his tutelage.

He reiterated that the demise of his late boss is a great loss to Ondo State, tthe Southwest region and Nigeria at large, stressing that Akeredolu’s struggle for a peaceful, fair and just society is one that can never be forgotten in a hurry.

The governor noted that the legacies of late Akeredolu will continue to reverberate in his invaluable contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Ondo State, the growth of the Anglican Church and the reforms in the legal profession in Nigeria.

He emphasized that Akeredolu completed and fulfilled his mission on earth and was blessed with wonderful children that can sustain his good name.

Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.

Prayers were offered for the Akeredolu family, while Governor Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.

A 23-year-old woman, identified as Amanda Uchechi Ugo, has allegedly shot and killed police officer Cosmos Ugwu at the Ezinihitte Area Command in Imo State.

The tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, December 26th, at the Ezinihitte Area Command in the Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

Leading Reporters gathered incident occurred around 6:30 PM during Boxing Day. Upon hearing three gunshots from the deceased officer’s room, officers on duty took cover.

“When officers entered the room to investigate the commotion, they found Corporal Ugwu lying lifeless in a pool of blood.” the paper said quoting an unnamed source. “The woman had reportedly fired three shots: two to his chest and one to his left hand. He was rushed to Evergreen Hospital in Ezinihitte but unfortunately pronounced dead by the attending physician.”

The deceased and Ms Ugo had allegedly had a heated argument in the room before the shooting. During the altercation, Ms Ugo allegedly gained access to Corporal Ugwu’s firearm and fatally shot him.

“It was like something out of a movie,” the source added.

The Special Adviser to the Ondo state governor on union matters and special duties, Dare Aragbaye and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, have resigned from their appointments.

Aragbaye in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government SSG, dated December 27, said he was resigning because of the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

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The letter reads ” l write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on 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 Arakunm Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to oven 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, Special Adviser.

Also, the CPS to the governor, Richard Olatunde, in a letter dated Wednesday 27,said that his resignation was hinged on ” the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Olatunde’s letter reads “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.

“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.

“Throughout my tenure as the Chief Press Secretary, I was fortunate to witness firsthand exceptional qualities of Governor Akeredolu. His courage, truthfulness, and honesty were unrivaled, and they served as a constant source of inspiration for me.

“His leadership and dedication to the development of our state ignited within me a drive and passion to serve and contribute my quota to the progress of our beloved state.

“Governor Akeredolu was not only an administrator but also a rare gem whose personality exuded honour and courage. It was a privilege to have served under his administration and to have been associated with such an exceptional individual. His demise has left a deep void in our hearts, and we mourn the loss of our hero and benefactor.

” In light of this tragedy, I believe it is essential for everyone to honour and respect Governor Akeredolu’s legacy and memory. As we navigate through this difficult period, I beseech all to support one another and draw strength from the unity that our late governor exemplified.

” I would like to express my gratitude to everyone including Journalists, politicians and other stakeholders for the support, guidance, and opportunities I received during my time as Chief Press Secretary.

” It has been an invaluable experience working alongside such dedicated professionals, and I will cherish the memories and lessons from this role.

“I understand the challenges that lie ahead for our state, and I have faith in the resilience of our people to overcome them. Moving forward, I will continue to contribute to the development of our society in any way I can, carrying with me the principles and values instilled in me by my mentor, principal and father, Governor Akeredolu.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has refuted the rumoured rift with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume.

Alia described Akume as a national pride and the father of Benue State.

He spoke at a symposium in Makurdi, the Benue State capital to mark his birthday.

According to Alia: “I want to unambiguously debunk the circulating rumours of discord between the SGF and myself. These speculations exist solely in the imaginative realm of opportunists, instigators of turmoil, and merchants of mischief who thrive on chaos. The said fracas is only a figment of the imagination crafted by those who seek to profit from the crisis.

“For pockets of disenchanted members of our party here in the state, we are already in talks to address various areas of discontent. However, while we try to do so, we shall ensure that the will of the masses who voted us into office, prevails.

“I therefore enjoin each and every one of us to dismiss such baseless notions and focus on the shared commitment to truth, unity, and progress that defines our collective journey.”

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, is dead.

Born on September 27, 1958, the 8th Speaker of the House of Representatives died in Abuja on Wednesday morning.

According to family sources, late Na’Abba battled with ailment for a long time before passing away.

He was once flown abroad for medical treatment and stayed there for some months before he recovered and returned to Nigeria.

According to the sources, the remains of the former Speaker would be buried in Abuja today according to Islamic rites.

Late Na’Abba joined the Peoples Democratic Party, and became the party’s candidate for Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, a position he  won during the April 1999 general elections.

He subsequently emerged Speaker of the House of Representatives after the political crisis that led to exit of the first Speaker of the Fourth Republic,  Salisu Buhari.