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Adeleke Takes Office As Sixth Osun Gov … Fires 30 Perm Secs, Others, …Freezes Bank Accounts …Vows To Correct Past Injustices

Senator Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, officially took over as the sixth governor of Osun State, at an elaborate inauguration an swearing in ceremony in Osogbo, the state capital.
Adeleke had won the Osun gubernatorial election of July 16, 2022, against the main contender and outgoing governor of the state, Prof Adegboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke won the election as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after loosing out in the same party in the 2018 gubernatorial election.
Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo, administered the oath of office on Adeleke at the Osogbo City Stadium.
Earlier, Justice Ojo administered the oath of allegiance on Adeleke’s deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi.
Speaking after his inauguration at the Osogbo City Stadium, he said every corrupt acts perpetrated by the past administration would be adequately addressed.
Adeleke immediately ordered the freezing of the state’s accounts in banks and in other financial institutions.
Adeleke directed an immediate return to status quo ante of all appointments, placements and other major decisions taken by Oyetola’s administration from July 17, the day after the governorship election in the state.
He said a panel would be set up to conduct out an inventory of government assets and recover those in wrong hands.
The governor ordered an immediate reversal to the Constitutionally-recognised name of the state as Osun State from former “State of Osun’’.
The penultimate governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, now minister of interior changed the name from Osun State to ‘State of Osun’.
“All government insignia, correspondences and signages should henceforth reflect Osun State, rather than `State of Osun’, which is unknown to the Nigerian Constitution.
“Under my watch as the governor of Osun, I will boldly correct all past injustices, corrupt acts or policies by any previous administration, which are against the collective interest of our people,’’ he said.
He assured that all directives he gave on Sunday would be backed with appropriate executive orders.
Adeleke assured that as governor, he would meet Osun people’s expectations as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
He said his administration would also demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure in the state.
“I know that as a product of the collective will of you my people, there is a heavy weight of history on my shoulders and I accept the urgency of your expectations.
“The depth of your aspirations and your conviction in me to build a better state will not be misplaced,’’ he said.
Adeleke said that all policies that were not favourable to the growth and effective local government administration would be reviewed in accordance with the law.
He assured labour unions in the state of his administration’s willingness to protect workers’ interests and to promote their welfare at all times, adding that he would be labour-friendly.
The governor frowned at what he described as mass employment by the immediate past administration without financial backing.
He pleaded with workers to give him a few weeks to review and sort out all “malicious actions and confusions’’ that the immediate past administration had created since July 17.
The governor also promised to fulfil his campaign promises.
The promises included welfare of workers and pensioners; boosting the state’s economy, home-grown infrastructure policy and people-focused policy on education.
Others were affordable healthcare, security, social welfare and agro-based industrialisation for wealth and job creation.
“I hereby extend a strong hand of fellowship to the other arms of government, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
“As a former lawmaker and a graduate of criminal justice, I appreciate the importance of collaboration between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
“I call on all political parties to unite in the best interest of the state. Election is over. Now is the time for governance. We are open to fresh ideas in line with our manifesto.
“For the purpose of emphasis, I will be a governor for all Osun people regardless of differences in language, faith, political affiliation or any other considerations,’’ he said.
Adeleke assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to correct injustices of the past as he assume mantle of leadership in the state.
This is as he assured the people of Osun of his readiness to meet their expectations as the new administration berths.
“I am well aware of the fact that my responsibility as the Governor and Chief Security Officer of Osun State entails meeting the legitimate expectations of our people.
“Therefore, I promise that those expectations of the workers, traders, artisans, farmers, business owners, students, pensioners, traditional and religious leaders and, indeed, all residents of Osun State will be met by the grace of God and the cooperation of everyone.
“Under my watch as the Governor of Osun State, I will boldly correct all past injustice, corrupt acts or policies by any previous administration, which are against the collective interest of our people.
“Let me state here that from the education, health, mining sectors, agriculture, road infrastructure and supply of potable water, let it be known to all that it is no longer going to be business as usual.
“And, I repeat, it is no longer business as usual.
“Our administration will demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure.
“Your Governor will be a people’s Governor.
“I will be accessible, responsive, consultative and proactive in handling small and big matters of state governance,” said.
Dignitaries at the inauguration included Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo; Udom Emmanuel, of Akwa Ibom; Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta; Aminu Tambuwal of Kano; and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Others were PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his wife, Titi, PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyiorcha Ayu, and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
The rest were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose; Tony Elumelu; and David Adeleke, aka Davido; among others.
Ahead of the ceremony, the Nigerian Police, Osun State Command and other sister security agencies in the state had also assured that security had been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order before, during and after the inauguration ceremony.
The state Commissioner of Police, Faleye Sunday Olaleye, while giving the assurance, also warned criminally minded individuals to steer clear of the state as the Osun Police Command was well placed to make the state inhabitable for them.
Parents and guardians were also warned to dissuade their children and wards from being used as tools in the hands of disgruntled politicians.
The security agencies, to back up their resolve, last Saturday, embarked on a show of force around major parts of Osogbo, the state capital.
Meanwhile, in a farewell statement to the residents of the state, the outgone governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed that his administration is leaving behind ¦ 14billion cash in the state’s coffers, just as it had paid ¦ 97billion of the debts it inherited from the Rauf Aregbesola administration in 2018.
While maintaining that he was stepping aside, he stated that the results of the last gubernatorial election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which favoured Senator Ademola Adeleke was already being challenged by him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
“As I step aside today following the conclusion of the four-year tenure you freely gave me, I thank God and I thank you for your support, cooperation and prayers over the years.
“As we draw the curtains on this first tenure, we are convinced that we neither reneged on our promise nor disappointed you. We kept faith with you and maintained fidelity with our electoral promises. It was our wish to continue to serve you but we are constrained by the outcomes of the July 16 Governorship election which we are already challenging in court.
“As a law-abiding citizen and government, we are stepping aside to allow the law take its course.
“However, we look forward to continue to serve you in no distant future. We have absolute trust in God that we shall be back soon, as we have implicit trust and confidence in the Judiciary to do justice in the case before it.
“We are confident that this period of temporary political eclipse shall pass. The sun shall shine again, brighter and warmer and the sustainable development and participatory governance that we enthroned, which have been applauded by local and international organisations, shall be restored and put on a surer and better footing.
“As we end our first term, we are rest assured that Osun is more stable economically than we met it in 2018 and it remained the most peaceful state in the country under our leadership.”
Meanwhile, loyalists of the new Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, had reportedly slaughtered over 100 cows to mark his inauguration ceremony as the Osun State governor.
It was gathered that celebrations held across the various councils in the state after the official oath-taking.
The PDP members and Adeleke loyalists, it was gathered, bought the cows were bought to celebrate Adeleke’s swearing-in, which they described as ‘the burial of All Progressives Congress (APC) government’ in the state.
According to sources at the party’s secretariat, the cows had been distributed to the 332 wards of the 30 local government areas of the state, while prayers from selected Christian and Muslim leaders would be held to seek God’s blessings for the incoming government.
Aside from the cows that arrived in trailers provided by committed PDP leaders in the state, other party members were said to have contributed money towards their entertainment, while arrangements for musical performances have been made.
It was gathered that in Ede, the country home of Adeleke, the celebration held at different locations of the town.
Celebration also took place at the market square of Ipetumodu, the headquarters of Ife North Local Government Area of the state.
In Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of the state, 15 cows were reportedly slaughtered, while 20 were used for the celebration in Osogbo, the state capital.
While 20 cows were also slaughtered for the celebration in Ejigbo, the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government Area of the state, four were slaughtered in Modakeke of Ife East Local Government Area of the state.
One of the organisers and PDP chieftains, Bola Oyebowale, told newsmen that the events took the form of a carnival.
Oyebowale expressed excitement at Adeleke’s victory at the poll, which, according to him, “would lift the state out of backwardness and poverty which the APC forced on it.”
Recall that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command said it deployed a total of 3,700 personnel for the inauguration.
Similarly, Osun State Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, said the agency had deployed 250 personnel for the inauguration.
On its part, for the inauguration, Osun Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Paul Okpe, said 350 personnel would be on duty.
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We’ll Comply With Supreme Court Judgement, Fubara Assures …As CJ Inaugurates Judges’ Quarters

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will implement, to its fullest, the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the political crisis in the State.
The Governor maintained that what is important, in all of the happenings that had been witnessed, has been the protection of the interest of Rivers State because it must be above whatever personal interest that anybody could hold and canvass.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance during the inauguration of the new Judges’ Quarters, a housing facility completed by his administration for Judges indigenous to Rivers State by birth or marriage, at Old GRA, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, yesterday.
The Governor explained: “It has not been an easy 16 months, but what is important is the interest of our State, which must be above our personal interest. I want to say it here, very loud and clear to everyone, the Supreme Court has given a judgment, my administration is going to implement the judgment to its fullest. The reason is clear: It is not about me, it is about the good of this State.”
Governor Fubara alluded to the quantum of loss, in terms of money expended, in prosecuting the political crisis, on both sides, which has gone to waste, regrettably.
Such financial resources and other efforts, he said, would be more profitable, if they were synergised, and channeled to courses that promoted the genuine well-being and good of the State, adding that something more assuring would have been showcased.
Governor Fubara stated: “Thank God where we are today, I can assure you publicly that, any day, any time, I have not gone back on that my statement: that nothing (no price) is too big to pay for peace in this State, because at the end of the day, it is about our people. It is not about me, I will leave office but the good work that I have done will speak for me and will defend my generation.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara emphasised that it further shows that his administration takes the issue of welfare, particularly of judicial officers, seriously, explaining that his administration inherited the project and with reports from the Ministry of Justice and some concerns from the Judiciary, it became imperative to continue with it.
He said, “We give glory to God that today, we have completed this project, and we are willing and ready to hand it over to the lucky judges who are going to live here so that they can perform their duties effectively.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the need for proper maintenance of the housing facility and the entire premises so that it can offer required satisfaction, maximally, and assured the Executive’s readiness to provide support in that regard.
Performing the inauguration, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, recalled how he laid the foundation stone of the project, which was initiated by the immediate past administration on May 22, 2023, and thanked Governor Fubara for continuing and completing the project, which now represents another milestone and great accomplishment for the Rivers State Judiciary.
He added, “We are pleased with this landmark achievement, which represents the continuation of the policy of providing befitting residential accommodation for judges of Rivers State on owner-occupier basis or monetary ground in lieu there-off. This is backed by the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers Law No. 10 of 2021 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, and signed into law by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government, in the past years, has been in the fore-front in ensuring that judges are quartered while in service, and in recent years, has gone further to allocate official quarters to judges on the basis of owner-occupier or monetary ground of a fixed sum in lieu there-off.
“The policy of providing official accommodation for judges on owner-occupier basis or monetary ground in lieu there-off has reduced greatly the pressure on judicial officers who hitherto struggle to build retirement home while in service with limited resources. Such pressure and desire to own retirement home in time past was a major concern and have its own impact on job performance”, he added.
In her address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo, explained that the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers, Law No. 10 of 2021 established a housing scheme for judicial officers who must be indigenes of Rivers State either by birth or marriage.
Mrs Clapton-Ogolo said: “The scheme provides for ownership of a decent accommodation in the state by every judicial officer who is an indigene of Rivers State or married to an indigene of Rivers State or monetization of the accommodation, subject to the approval of the government.
“In accordance with the above law, today, the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State will commission seven duplexes of five bedrooms, which are exquisitely furnished. Our judges deserve nothing less. I pray that these duplexes will not just be a living houses for our judges, but homes where our judges will find peace and rest as they discharge their duties, as judges, to God and to men,” she added.
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Fubara Assures Residents Of Adequate Response To Fire Outbreaks In PH …Commissions Rebranded Borokiri Fire Service Station, Vehicles

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the Borokiri Fire Service Sub-Station in the Old Port Harcourt Township will serve as a local-level fire disaster management resource centre to provide quick response to emergencies and ensure protection of lives, property, and the environment from fire disasters.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Fire Service, Borokiri Sub-Station in the Old Port Harcourt Township in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, last Thursday.
The Governor stated that fire service stations are essential components of critical services that must be provided by any government for its people as proof of commitment to their safety.
Governor Fubara maintained that the inauguaration of the station, therefore, aligns with what government must do without fun-fare because discharging statutory responsibility to the citizenry is not anything to advertise.
He said: “The purpose of government is to provide services. The purpose of government is to protect lives and property. So, while we are doing those things that we are elected for, and we now start showcasing it, sometimes, it doesn’t make any sense. But, that is what the business has really turned into, which is, whatever you are doing now, you have to showcase so that they will know that you are really working.”
Governor Fubara also said: “Some persons will commission borehole, some will commission all sorts of things, and they do adverts for it. But for us, we have chosen to showcase to the world vital and most needed items of service as a government. What we are showcasing here today is one of the essentials of governance. Fire service station is a very important component in every system.”
Governor Fubara explained that some days ago, he unveiled the modernised and remodelled Headquarters of the Rivers State Fire Service to signal the restorable of stable and regular response to fire disasters across the State.
He said, three days after, he has returned to show to the world a similar word of revitalisation that has been achieved on the Borokiri Sub-Station that will end years of absence of such services available to the residents in that part of the township.
Governor Fubara stated: “Borokiri is a section of the Town, one of the densely populated areas of Port Harcourt City. The essence of rehabilitating this Fire Service Station is to cater to the huge population that is living here.
“We had cases of fire outbreak, from time to time, and we have never adequately responded to them. I strongly believe that after this minute, whatever that would happen, provided it is within the power and jurisdiction of this station, it would be combated adequately.”
Governor Fubara expressed delight over what has been achieved and made available to the people, who are also grateful, and appreciated it with gratitude, exemplified with the joy and excitement on their faces, stressing that this is the reason why his administration will remain resolute, and continue to work to better the lives of all residents in the State.
Performing the inauguaration, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, said the project reflects purposeful leadership that has prioritised the wellbeing of the people because they will get assistance to tackling fire incidences when it occurs.
He pointed to the massive rehabilitation work that has been achieved on the long abandoned fire station, which now offers the assurance of more jobs created to engage willing youths to work, adding: “Your Excellency, I was Secretary to the Government in this State, this fire station existed then. I must confess that what I am seeing today is a state-of-the-art fire station. Thank you for your care and for your love.
“This is also an opportunity to expand the possibility of work for our people. When there are instruments to work with, you need people to use them and drive these vehicles to fight the fires. I am sure that our Governor will use this, as a point of reference, to ensure that we have employment within the system that gives our youths something to do.”
Dr Sekibo also said that Governor Fubara carries the collective hope and vision of all Rivers people who are resolute and determined to continue to support him, saying that this is the more reason why President Bola Tinubu should also support Governor Fubara who, as an ally, has continued to work for the success of his administration.
Dr Sekibo also said that, for the first time in 24 years, the Ijaw Nation, which is domiciled in more than 8 local governments of Rivers State, now have the opportunity of governing the State and enjoys massive support of the people.
So far, he noted, the leadership provided by Governor Fubara has been tested in the bold decisions that he has taken to steer the progress of Rivers people, emphasising: “The work our Governor has done in this State in the short time he has been Governor, shows that he prioritizes our interest, and indeed, cares for the unity of this nation.
“This Governor, at a time when our funds are seized, he made sure that there was no problem in this State. He made sure that essential services continued, he didn’t try to create problems for the Federal Government.”
He pointed to how Rivers people have always supported the government at the centre and have not ceased, adding that under the leadership of Governor Fubara, Rivers people are still and will continue to support the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.
He explained: “Mr President, the dear President of Nigeria, our own President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we, the Rivers people, have always supported the government at the centre. We have always worked with the government at the centre. This Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has convinced Rivers people that they must stand with their President, and so, we stand with you.
“There might be persons telling you stories, especially when they see people like me, who was a core Atiku man. They will say, don’t you see, it is Atiku people that are with the Governor. There are also Atiku people that are with them there in Abuja. But, the Governor has convinced us that the place to be is to be with our President. So, Mr President, we stand with you. We stand with you because that is the right thing to do. The election delivered you as our President, and so, we stand with you. The election also delivered our Governor, our son, and we stand with him.”
Dr Sekibo advised Rivers people, who felt demoralised by the Supreme Court judgment, to brace up and give unalloyed support to Governor Fubara, who has assured of obeying the ruling to the latter.
In his speech, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, said the Rivers State Fire Service, Borokiri Sub-Station was abandoned for years, but quickly added that Governor Fubara has rehabilitated the structures, provided necessary materials, equipment and fire trucks to serve the people better, and guarantee their safety.
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We’ve Strengthened Rivers Fire Fighting Capability – Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the modernised fire-fighting units with new buildings, necessary machinery, materials and equipment will strengthen the emergency response capability of personnel to fire incidences in the State.
The Governor pointed to how the provision will drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the vulnerability of Rivers population to fire disasters, as according to him, there will be timely assistance to victims to reduce damage and bolster conditions for sustainable development.
Governor Fubara, who gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters Station, located by Isaac Boro Park Flyover, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, yesterday, said the gesture serves as a consolidation of the promise made, in line with his vision of governance: to provide quality service to the good people of Rivers State.
He explained that some years ago, the State was at the mercy of the multi-nationals that had functional fire trucks to respond to most fire incidences, and pointed to setbacks that greeted some emergencies, adding that the records of losses to fire incidences were colossal.
Governor Fubara said: “We lost the Mile One Market because we couldn’t respond adequately. We lost, even what we call, the Fruit Garden Market because we could not respond. Are we talking about houses, lives that have been lost in this State because of inadequate fire service?”
The Governor insisted that the purpose of governance is to provide such quality social services, protect lives and property, and make living comfortable for the people, asserting that his administration has not failed in those regards, and has continued to intensify the provision of services that have made Rivers people happy.
He said, “And, what we are doing today is to tell the good people of Rivers State, and to showcase to the world, that there is governance in this State. Not governance for the sake of governance, but governance that is purpose-driven, governance that is interested in projects that will change the lives of our people.
“Some days ago, a tanker fell along the Woji-Elelenwo Road. If it were before, lives would have been lost. But immediately, the fire service, not the multi-nationals, it was the Rivers State Fire Service that responded and arrested the situation. What else are we talking about?”
Governor Fubara said Rivers people are very happy with the consistent delivery of infrastructure projects that address the critical problems experienced by the people in the larger society, emphasising that he believed strongly that even if some persons are indulged in clandestine activities, and determined to discredit his administration, Rivers people are happy, indisputably so.
He explained, “We are not interested whether those people who are commissioned to undermine us are unhappy, that is not our business. Our business is about Rivers State and Rivers people. So, like the Commissioner said, we did not just do this for the sake of glamour. You come here, you see a painted house, every facility that is required in a well-built fire fighting facility, is all in this place.”
Governor Fubara said further: “You can image a government that has a fire service and the firemen are not working. It is only at the end of the month you pay them their salaries. You can see that they were not happy and unproductive. But today, they are happy because they have a big responsibility now ahead of them: to ensure that lives and property of the good people of Rivers State are adequately protected. So, I want to thank you for this particular spirit at this moment.”
Governor Fubara commended the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Sam Anya, for driving the process to conclusion, and the contractor for delivering the project on schedule, and assured that his administration will continue to ensure the protection of lives and property while defending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Governor Fubara also told Rivers people to expect the provision of more basic amenities, unbiasedly, and advised those in charge of the firefighting equipment to safeguard and protect them so that they can serve their purpose maximally.
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, explained that since the first fire service station was built in the 1960s, this was the first time the facility is being remodeled and upgraded, emphasising that certain features were introduced and added to make the station comparable to fire service stations nationally.
He stated: “We have gym, sick-bay, offices and state-of-the-art equipment that we will use to combat fire. Your Excellency, we have also, new fire trucks that you have acquired. Before now, we did not have any truck, and when incidents happen, we have to call the Federal Fire Service or call Agip or Shell Fire Service. But thank God that His Excellency, in his wisdom, has given us state-of-the-art facility, and we don’t need to call any other person again.”
In his address, Head of Local Government Administration, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr. Clifford Paul, said Governor Fubara has turned the once dilapidated fire service station and its equipment into a modern masterpiece, which represents a significant milestone in the collective commitment towards tackling fire incidences.
Mr Paul stated that it will certainly enhance the capacity of personnel and reinforce their preparedness to respond to emergencies in the event of fire outbreaks.
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