News
2019: Ajimobi Orders Cabinet Members Seeking Elective Positions To Resign
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi has called on members of his cabinet aspiring to contest elective positions in the 2019 general elections to resign immediately.
Ajimobi made the call last weekend in Ibadan at a meeting with governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Our correspondent reports that the Governor also met with political appointees aspiring to contest elective positions in the 2019 elections.
The governor said that it was mandatory that they resign their appointments immediately, adding that some of them no longer have time for their jobs.
The governor stated that resigning would give them the opportunity to concentrate on their aspirations while providing others opportunity to serve.
“We still have some months to the end of this administration. They either stay or leave for others to have the opportunity to serve.
“You will see that some will not resign. We want to reduce the gamblers.
“We want people who are serious; those who are seriously committed to either seeking offices or focused on governance,” he said.
Ajimobi also disclosed that unity and progress of the party were among topics discussed at the meeting.
He added the meeting also availed those present the opportunity to appreciate the aspirants for their commitment to the party.
The governor described the APC as the party to beat in the next election, saying other political parties in the state were “subsidiaries.”
“It is clear to all and sundry that APC is a party to beat in the state. When you have this kind of position, there is the tendency to have people fighting for positions.
“We appeal to them to work as a family. The leadership of the party is ready to accept whatever type of primaries they prefer, be it consensus, direct or indirect.
“We want to ensure that we practise democracy in the truest sense. We are happy with the response of the aspirants and they have all agreed on indirect primaries,” he said.
The governor, however, disclosed that aspirants had resolved that whoever was chosen as the flag bearer at the end of the primaries would be acceptable to all.
Ajimobi expressed delight at the spirit of brotherhood displayed by the aspirants, saying they were all eminently qualified to govern the state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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