This is contained in a communique addressed to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja and signed by six out of the 10 aspirants and made available to our correspondent on Monday.

The communique which was signed by Olaleye Segun (Ward 11), Lapade Idris (Ward 5), Farouk Arisekola (Ward 5), Adekunle Oladeji (Ward 10), Saheed Aderounmu (Ward 8) and khalil Mustapha (Ward 5), was copied to President Bola Tinubu, APC National Executives, National Working Committee, and Delegates Congress Committee.

Also copied were the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, Oyo APC Executives, State Working Committee, INEC, party members and all stakeholders in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

The signatories raised concern over the absence of a delegates’ congress which was a constitutional prerequisite for conducting valid primaries.

They cited breach of party rules and electoral guidelines, describing any outcome from the purported primary as illegal, illegitimate, void and would remain unacceptable.

The aggrieved aspirants noted that the leadership of APC in Ibadan North also aligned with their rejection, urging the public to disregard any claims from the said primary.

They also called on the APC National Working Committee to uphold internal democracy by ensuring credible elections.

The aspirants further reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and called for immediate intervention and the conduct of a transparent, inclusive and constitutionally compliant primary election in Ibadan North.

They called for fairness and transparency in the up-coming constituency by-election process, while urging all stakeholders to prioritise internal democracy and justice to restore confidence among party faithful in the federal constituency.

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He made the allegation during an AU Anti-Corruption Day event on Thursday in Ibadan.

Olukoyede, represented by the Commission’s Acting Zonal Director in its Ibadan office, Hajiya Hauwa Ringim, said that virtual assets were becoming preferred channel for hiding illicit wealth.

He described virtual assets as digital monetary representations that could be traded or transferred, stressing that while not criminal, they become dangerous when used fraudulently.

Olukoyede lamented Africa’s growing loss to illicit financial flows, listing money laundering and digital fraud schemes as major threats to the continent’s development.

He said that the EFCC had observed an alarming increase in politicians using cryptocurrency wallets to store unexplained wealth and facilitate fraudulent investment activities.

The EFCC boss said that the agency was addressing the challenge with training and intelligence.

According to him, the commission’s efforts resulted in breakthroughs like the CBEX investment scam investigation as well as prosecution.

Olukoyede warned investors against negligence, saying most scams succeeded due to lack of due diligence and delayed reporting of suspicious transactions to relevant authorities.

He said that ponzi schemes remain widespread, with desperate investors easily falling prey to enticing but fake digital investment promises.

The commission’s chairman said that virtual assets fraud could be prevented through public awareness, proactive measures and stakeholder engagement by anti-graft agencies as well as regulators.

Olukoyede added that understanding digital fraud was crucial, urging citizens to acquire knowledge and report shady schemes before they escalate into national scandals.

A professor of Criminology from the University of Ibadan, Oludayo Tade, said Nigerians must beware of unrealistic digital investment promises that signal fraud.

He advised Nigerians to avoid schemes offering suspiciously high returns, warning that 50 per cent profit within a week are clear signs of deceit.

The don said that fraudsters exploit the image of celebrities as well as influencers to build trust and deceive unsuspecting investors across media platforms.

He called on government agencies to expand public awareness of red flags, warning that many victims often fell for similar scams repeatedly due to ignorance.

The criminologist urged authorities to fund investigative efforts and punish offenders, saying fraud prevention was more effective than belated enforcement actions.

The event had in attendance, the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security, retired CP Fatai Owoseni, Security Commanders, Civil society organisations, students, youth groups among other stakeholders.

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Bashiru made this known on Monday in Ibadan, during a media roundtable organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B.

Our correspondent reports that Zone B, led by Vice-President Mrs Ronke Afebioye-Samo, comprises all six South-Western states.

Bashiru said Tinubu’s policies — from subsidy removal, naira floatation, student loans, infrastructure drive to agricultural interventions — are showing impressive progress nationwide.

According to him, subsidy removal has increased national revenue, with the government generating ₦9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024.

“Over 4,000 roads are under construction across Nigeria. IMF debt has been cleared, and genuine foreign investments are returning,” Bashiru stated.

He highlighted food sovereignty, agricultural intervention, and success of the student loan scheme as key achievements of Tinubu’s government.

“Recently, the Federal Government launched 2,000 tractors for mechanised farming, distributed across 15 states.

“Several billions have also been released as intervention and social security funds to support small businesses and ease economic hardship.

“These efforts are commendable. I can confidently say we are now seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

Bashiru affirmed that Tinubu’s policies have placed Nigeria on a path of progress while addressing inherited economic challenges.

He urged Nigerians to support the administration, assuring that more people-focused policies will be implemented to uplift the nation.

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This is contained in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan on Sunday.

The APC described the approved renovation project as wasteful, insensitive and gross misplacement of priorities.

Our correspondent recalls that the state government had announced the approval of N63.5 billion for a comprehensive overhaul of the government house.

It also approved N132 million for gardening purposes at the governor’s residence and N14.3 billion for the procurement of Instrument Landing System (ILS) for the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan.

The APC accused the governor of disregarding the state’s economic realities as expressed by his obsession with lavish projects that would only benefit a few.

It criticised the justification for the renovation project, noting that the government house was last refurbished in 2017 by the late former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and remained in good condition.

The party also described the governor’s alleged plan to acquire two aircraft for aerial security monitoring as another dubious expenditure.

According to the party, the aircraft may end up serving as a means for a few within the government to embezzle funds, rather than enhancing state security.

The APC raised concerns over alleged contract splitting in the airport upgrade project.

It stated that the government had earlier committed N10 billion, only to now approve additional N14.3 billion without transparency.

“We watched as voices of reason across the globe condemned this latest waste of public funds.

“Sadly, this is reminiscent of the governor’s previous extravagance, such as the controversial N2,100-per-copy exercise books scandal in 2019.

“The administration continues to disregard the people’s needs in favour of white elephant projects,” it said.

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Ibikunle in an interview with our correspondent, on Tuesday in Ibadan, described the president as a master political strategist whose popularity had continued to soar across the country.

He dismissed claims of political unrest in the North as mere outcries from individuals whose personal expectations were unmet.

“The real northerners who determine election outcomes are not among those expressing grievances.

“Those making agitating are only doing so because they didn’t get what they expected,” he said.

Ibikunle further dismissed the political relevance of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai in the current political landscape.

“Atiku is no threat to President Tinubu. He has defected several times and failed in his presidential ambitions.

“As for El-Rufai, he’s more of a technocrat than a politician and holding a former governorship position doesn’t necessarily make one a political heavyweight.”

Ibikunle said that President Tinubu was firmly in control and deeply strategic in his leadership style.

“When he assigns a political task, four other people you don’t know are working with you, observing and reporting. That’s how deep his political playbook runs,” he said.

The executive director said that President Tinubu’s political base has expanded since assuming office.

“Before he became president, the South-West was 70-30 politically. Now, he controls the entire region,” he said.

Ibikunle allayed fears of possible imposition of one-party system in Nigeria, saying the president won’t impose such as a democrat.

“President Tinubu is a democrat who will never impose a one-party system, but the majority naturally supports him.

“Tinubu is God-ordained and came fully prepared for leadership,” Ibikunle said.

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Ladoja told newsmen at his residence after the Eid prayers that it has always been his target to become an Olubadan and was not going to wear any other crown

Our correspondent reports there had been widespread speculation that the Ibadan high chiefs would be installed as beaded crown-wearing kings from July 7.

Some high chiefs who were crowned during the administration of the late Abiola Ajimobi had surrendered the crowns after an out-of-court settlement.

This was to pave way for Oba Lekan Balogun’s ascension to the Olubadan throne.

However, Ladoja said information at his disposal revealed that the high chiefs were now seeking permission to resume wearing of their surrendered crowns.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, said it was illegal for any Ibadan high chief to think he can resume wearing an already-surrendered beaded crown.

He said there would not have been a new Olubadan of Ibadan by now if the high chiefs had failed to surrender their crowns and withdrew the case in court.

“I joined the Olubadan line on Oct. 1, 1993. I joined as ‘Jagun Olubadan’ and my target was to become Olubadan. I did not expect that I was going to wear any beaded crown on the way.

“If I wanted to do that, I would have become the ‘Baale’ of my village and I will be called ‘Baale’. Our role as high chiefs is to advise and support the Olubadan, not to wear crown with him,” Ladoja said.

The former governor said he as an individual was not interested in any other crown apart from that of Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding “only God chooses kings in Ibadan”.

Ladoja expressed dismay at the fact that some high chiefs want to short-circuit the system, saying such was alien to the Ibadan tradition.

He said that it was not fair or right to have high chiefs as kings, adding there was no need to mend what was not broken.

“I told them the story of Aliiwo. When Aliiwo was coming from Iwo, he passed through Lagun village where he left his followers to stay with other warriors in Ibadan.

“If he had wanted to become Onilagun of Lagun, he would have done so. But people who started Ibadan said that they want to rule themselves. They want to rule the villages from the town,” the Otun-Olubadan said.

The former governor added that he would however not go to court on the matter, saying there was no issue in the agitation of the high chiefs.

Ladoja said that any Ibadan indigene can go to court over such issues since every bonafide Ibadan man is a potential king.

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This is contained in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan.

Our correspondent reports that Tinubu became the nation’s 16th president on Monday after taking the oath of office at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that Tinubu was sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, as the immediate successor to former President Muhammadu Buhari who just completed his two terms in office.

The APC said that Tinubu would meet their aspirations in terms of national rebirth, economic growth and life abundance.

The party urged Nigerians to support Tinubu with prayers in view of the herculean task ahead.

The APC expressed delight at the peaceful transition between Buhari and Tinubu despite threat as well as intimidation from some opposition elements.

It assured Nigerians that Tinubu would put Nigeria on the track of accelerated growth and development.

“Our new has demonstrated a great deal of passion, resilience and zeal to rewrite the story of Nigeria and thus reposition it as the true Giant of Africa.

“As we commend Buhari who did his best to fix Nigeria in the last eight years, we guarantee that the next four years of Tinubu would be full of success stories.

“We are fully behind our national leader and President. We urge all citizens and residents of the country to remain optimistic. They should be ready to play their part,” it said.

The APC said that Nigeria would be great again with the kind of peace and tranquility which heralded the grand finale of the democratic transition.

“With the kind of peace and tranquility which heralded the grand finale of the democratic transition and the huge presence of well- wishers, drawn from across the globe.

“It is safe to say that Nigeria would be great again. We congratulate Mr President and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

“We also congratulate the Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima and the APC national leadership on this monumental feat,” it said.

It assured them of their full cooperation and support as they begin a new chapter in the nation’s national life.

The APC expressed optimism the Tinubu administration would usher in unprecedented growth and development for Nigeria.

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The Oguntoye Twins were awarded International Cultural Ambassadors on Thursday at the 2023 International Museum Day celebration in Ibadan.

Our corresppndent reports that the Twins, who are founders of Twins Tourism, initiated the famous World Twins Festival.

Theme of the event was: “Museums, Sustainability and Well being” and it was chaired by the Nigerian former Ambassador to Philippines, Amb. Yemi Farounbi.

Our correspndent reports that among others awarded in recognition of their immense contributions to culture and African traditions were Farounbi; Alhaja Romoke Ayinde; Karamat Ajala and Ajibola Ogunkeyede.

In his remarks, Farounbi told participants at the event to be in-charge of their today, as leaders of tomorrow, urging them not to throw away cultural values.

He demonstrated to them the great lessons in the conserved car used by the late Premier of Western Region, Chief S.L Akintola, saying that it could teach them about greatness.

Earlier, Prof. Abba Tijani, the NCMM Director-General, said the International Museum Day, had through the years, become a veritable avenue to advocate role of museums in the society.

Tijani, represented by Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, a Deputy Director and Curator, National Museum of Unity in Ibadan, said that Museums play vital roles in the society.

He said that theme for the year’s Museum Day has opened up huge possibilities for museums and cultural organisations to engage with health as well as wellbeing of the society.

Participants at the event were drawn from American Space Ibadan, Nigeria Association of French Teachers, Museum Society of Nigeria, Friends of the Museum and selected secondary schools, among others.

It featured cultural performances by Ogere Community High School, Inter Schools Quiz competition, cutting of the International Museum Day celebration cake, among others.

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This is contained in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Yekeen Olaniyi and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Our corrrspondent reports that Folarin, the Oyo State APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content.

Our correspondent reports that the well-equipped 100-bed hospital is located at Abonde area of Ona-Ara Local Government in Oyo State.

At the inauguration were Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals and Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital.

Folarin said that he facilitated the project to promote qualitative healthcare for women and children as well as relief UCH, the only federal tertiary health institution in the state.

According to him, the 100-bed facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, scanning room, consultation rooms and laboratory.

“Others are ultra-scan machine, vacuum extractor delivery set and emergency cart with full compliments. The advanced medical facility also has quarters for doctors and other medical personnel.

“The project was made possible through the office of Senior Special Assistant to President on SDGs.”

He, on behalf of his people, expressed gratitude to the president and Orelope-Adefulire for the consideration as well as successful completion of the project.

The lawmaker said that the healthcare facility would be operational as soon as members of management board were appointed.

Folarin thanked the people of Oyo Central for giving him the opportunity to represent them in the red chamber on three different occasions.

He also thanked APC leaders and members in Oyo State for the opportunity to fly the ticket of the party in 2019 and 2023 elections.

Orelope-Adefulire said that the project was a strategic intervention directly linked to the achievement of SDG-3 on ‘Quality Health and Well-being for all’ as well as other cross-cutting SDGs.

She lauded Folarin for high level dedication as well as commitment toward ensuring the project was approved by the president and completed before his tenure lapsed as a federal lawmaker.

Also, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo described the project as first of its kind to be facilitated by a lawmaker in the state.

Otegbayo said that the medical facility was a world class and everlasting legacy of Folarin.

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The industrial action was called by the hospital’s chapter of the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and announced by its Chairman, Dr Ayobami Alabi and Secretary, Dr Taiwo Alatishe in a statement.

They stated that the decision was based on a congress resolution arrived at, at the expiration of an ultimatum earlier issued.

The chapter’s MDCAN declared that it had critically observed the situation in the hospital and there was no definite assurance that issues in contention would soon be resolved either partly or wholly.

The association stated that it had made efforts in the past to safeguard the hospital from total collapse and to reposition it for better training, research, and services for which it was established.

It declared as unacceptable the continued non-payment of salaries of its members recently employed.

It also decried the “delay and difficulty in payment of 2016 to 2017 salary arrears by the management.

It added that some of the other issues in contention were shortage of manpower across the different cadres of doctors, including consultants, specialists across different fields, resident doctors, specialists in training and house officers.

“The prescribed ratio of doctors expected to function in a tertiary hospital is already distorted and highly eroded by this shortfall undermining quality training and service.

“The persistent inability of hospital management to employ doctors and other staff hinged on the excuse of paucity of funds, has led to failure in expanding the scope of training and services,’’ it stated.

It also decried the decadence in infrastructure, equipment and facilities which it stated was making the hospital to operate below the optimal standard expected of a teaching hospital.

It listed the poor conditions of service to include lack of basic facilities like offices for consultants and non-response from management in spite of years of appeal.

The withdrawal of service “is done to safeguard the hospital from total collapse and to reposition it for better training, research, and services for which it was established.

“The board of the hospital failed to respond appropriately and satisfactorily to all these challenges over the years despite our various engagements, tolerance and show of understanding.

“This treatment is anti-labour. It is also considered inhumane with the attending psychological and emotional trauma,” it stressed.

It noted that it was becoming impracticable for the hospital’s management to provide basic amenities for effective service delivery.

The MDCAN appealed to the public, traditional rulers, critical stakeholders and the state government to come to the rescue of the teaching hospital to reposition it for better output.

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