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Ekiti Senator, others defect to SDP ahead of 2018 election

Published

6 years ago

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has lost more leaders and members as they announced their defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Among those who quit the PDP for SDP are former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Clement Awoyelu, former High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Yemi Arokodare, former Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Omotomilola Osunde, among others.

Rising from a meeting in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, they said they took the decision to join SDP because they could no longer stomach the alleged dictatorial tendencies, impunity, and lack of respect for elders and subversion of party constitution by Governor Ayo Fayose.

They condemned the attempt by Fayose to impose his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, as the sole candidate ahead of the July 14 governorship election which they said was done in violation of party guidelines and Electoral Act.

They also berated Fayose for victimizing party members who disagree with him on principle and turning the party to his personal estate.

Awoyelu is the first state PDP Chairman while Bejide who is the first State Secretary later served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Addressing reporters after the meeting held in his Ekute, Ado-Ekiti residence, Awoyelu who represented Ekiti Central in the Senate between 2003 and 2007 said Fayose and his faction frustrated all peace moves to resolve the crisis in Ekiti PDP.

He said a whole faction of the PDP, led by Chief Williams Ajayi had defected, saying the SDP will work hard to ensure that the party wins the impending gubernatorial poll in the state.

Ajayi was leading a splinter group before Appeal Court validated the pro-Fayose group, led by Chief Gboyega Oguntuase as the authentic faction.

Awoyelu said: “We have been on this issue for long, particularly since Governor Fayose pronounced his deputy the sole candidate for the next election. We have experienced impunity, reckless imposition and lack of respect for elders being displayed by the governor.

“As a leader, I could not have taken a unilateral position on an issue that affects the corporate existence of all of us. So today, we met and we all agreed to move en mass to SDP.

“We are receiving complaints every day about how PDP members loyal to Fayose have been victimizing their perceived enemies in PDP.

“We could all see how a man has turned himself into a dictator in a party we all laboured to build. Looking at all these infractions, we have agreed not to return to PDP, we are now to move en mass to SDP.

“We deliberated well before taking this decision and since it was the voice of the people, I have to abide by it as a leader”, he added.

Awoyelu said the decision to defect was not triggered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s association with SDP.

Awoyelu said: “We are old enough to take actions on our own, we are not neophytes in politics, so this is not true.

“We are aware that Obasanjo has formed a National Intervention Movement (NIM), which he said was not a political movement.

“But, we will be happy if this group is ready to work with SDP. Our aim is to take over Ekiti and Nigeria in 2019 and we are ready to work with like minds to achieve this task”.

On whether the constitution of the executives from the wards to the State level may spark up controversies in the party between the old and new members, Awoyelu dispelled such insinuation, saying there are no class differences in SDP.

“We are all one, whether new or old and it is the secretariat that will give directive on how the executives should be constituted”, he said.

.The Nation

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GRPolitics

Governor Peter Mbah Signs Multi-million Dollar Joint Venture To Birth Job Opportunities, Promote Sports And Youth Development In Enugu State

Published

4 months ago

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January 23, 2024

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The Governor Of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has disclosed a recent deal he signed for the good of the people of Enugu. On his Facebook page he wrote;

“I was delighted to sign a multi-million dollar joint venture agreement with the Del-York Group for “The 042 Arena and Entertainment Park” over the weekend.

The multi-purpose sports and entertainment hub is designed to focus on key areas of development, training, innovation, education, talent discovery, hospitality, and entertainment, among others.

The Sports Arena will on completion feature training facilities, athlete housing, a physical therapy and sports medicine centre, and a performance centre, while the Entertainment Park will have a variety of designs, including screening rooms, stages, amphitheaters; and live, work and play facilities, among others.

It gladdens my heart that investors are now favouring our dear state as a location for businesses and investments. This demonstrates the success of our ceaseless efforts to make Enugu the safest place to live, invest, play sports, and enjoy leisure.

I’m hopeful that this project will create thousands of jobs for Ndi Enugu and also attract more investors and tourists to our state. It will also provide a platform for our young people to showcase their talents, thereby promoting sports and youth development in our state and the entire South-East region.

Many thanks to the CEO of Del-York, Linus Idahosa, who came up with the concept and chose Enugu as the planting soil. My administration will give him and his team all the needed support to flourish.”

Here are pictures from the signing ceremony.

We commend the Governor on this development.

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Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State

Published

8 months ago

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September 29, 2023

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Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates The Minister For Works, Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State

The bridge which is on the federal road, had sunk in on Monday.Thank God no casualties were recorded due to the less movements around the area on the it happened.

Here’s what the Governor wrote;

“Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to Enugu State. The minister who came to inspect the collapsed bridge between the New Artisan flyover and the Naira Triangle, at the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, assured me of its immediate reconstruction.

“He commended me for ameliorating the plights of my people by undertaking to dualise the Enugu State’s part of the Enugu-Abakaliki road, and also assured me that the federal government would expedite the necessary approvals.

“I sincerely appreciate the minister for the prompt response, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inclusive leadership. This, for us, underscores the president’s commitment to his oath of office.”

Here are pictures from the scene visit

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PHOTO: Governor Peter Mbah Speaks At 2023 Lagos Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (LCCI)

Published

9 months ago

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August 29, 2023

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The Governor of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah was one of the guest speakers at the 2023 LCCI. While posting pictures from the conference on his social media page, He wrote;

“Today, I was honoured to stand as Guest of Honour and Speaker on the platform of the 2023 Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Business Conference and Expo.

This event underscores our commitment to global partnerships and trade cooperation. From Enugu, I have proudly joined the dialogue that transcends borders.

As we engage in vital conversations, I extend a hand of partnership, inviting stakeholders to explore our nation’s potential. Together, let’s unlock avenues for national growth and prosperity.

In Enugu State, we are open for business; building partnership with the private sector to unlock the capital market, attract investments, and retake our place in the local and global economy.

I’m excited to share with you our state’s abundant investment opportunities and government inventives in agriculture and agro-industry, logistics and aviation, tourism, real estate, mineral resources, information and communication technology (ICT), among others.

We are also de-risking business investment in key sectors by providing access to land, providing support infrastructure, handling engagement with host communities, and facilitating the approval of building permits.

Amid challenges, our resolve for a robust business environment remains unshaken. We are intentionally revisiting our ease of doing business indicators to ensure the environment is conducive for businesses to thrive.

Join me in embracing this momentous stride as we amplify Enugu State’s prominence on the national and world map.”

Here are pictures from the conference.

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