How PDP Aspirants Are Disfiguring Osogbo

If you recall our story last week on Senator Iyiola Omisore’s unique campaign posters, then aspirants’ campaign posters in Osun state will not be strange to you, but what you should know is that the battle for the PDP governorship ticket in Osun state is not mainly being fought with the use of posters and billboards. Gist Plus gathered that all over the state, especially in the state capital, Osogbo, posters of the governorship aspirants are competing for space. The colourful posters pasted with enticing words aimed at attracting the interest of the electorate in their bid to succeed the incumbent governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in 2011. We can reveal to you, fresh and hot, that the painful thing about the ongoing posters’ war in the state is that the PDP aspirants have disfigured the state capital with their posters which were pasted indiscriminately all over the state. The painful part of this, is that the state government has not deemed it fit to use the avenue to generate income for the state by billing any political billboard erected in the state. We learnt that some of those that contested the 2007 governorship election in the state have not removed their billboards in some parts of the state, simply because they did not pay for the space they used for their adverts. Many in Osogbo are now calling on the concerned agencies of the state government to wake up and start collecting necessary dues from these political adverts.

Olusegun Mimiko’s N2M Trick

There is no length Nigerian present day politicians can not go, just because of politics. That is why some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, who recently defected to the ruling Party in the state, Labour Party, (LP), have started having a rethink for their action. Gist Plus can reveal that the defected members to LP are right now regretting over the failure of Governor Olusegun Mimiko to fulfill his promise to them that they cross-carpeted. It was gathered that the Governor promised them the sum of N2 million each if they joined the LP, but it was only the sum of N1 million that he paid them as an advanced payment, promising to balance up after their public declaration To LP.Gist Plus learnt that after waiting for some months and the balance was yet to be paid, as we heard, some of the defected politicians went to meet Gov. Mimiko over the matter, but were shocked by the Governor’s attitude, as he was alleged to have asked to go and work for the party in their various local government areas before demanding for the balance. We even gathered that this made some of the defectors, including a former Commissioner in the administration of Segun Agagu, to start making moves to return to the PDP.

RAJI RASAKI'S WIFE, FATIMAH WARNS TINUBU

Responding to a statement credited to the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that electorate should be up in arms against anyone who may stand on their way during the 2011 elections. THE GIST PLUS can reveal that the statement did not in anyway go down well with Hon. Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, who is a member of the House of Representatives and the pretty wife of former Lagos State Military Administrator, Raji Rasaki, as she warms Tinubu to stop making inciting statement in order to prevent violent activities among youths and uncharitable. Hon. Raji-Rasaki also stressed that it was high time political leaders learnt from past experiences in Nigeria in which case, politics was played with deep seated bitterness, which according to her, ultimately, led to arson, vandalism and general that the first two republics in Nigeria were replete with gory stories of destruction of properties owned by perceived opposition members in the now, mostly the old Ondo State where she hails from.

WHO IS AFTER HON. FOLAKE OSINOWO

Can mischief makers leave Hon. Folake Olunloyo Osinowo, a member of House of Representatives alone? As you read this, they have started spreading an untrue tale about her. This time, THE GIST PLUS gathered that the mischief makers are saying Hon. Osinowo’s aspiration to return to the House of Reps may be dashed, because some have accused her of ‘use and dump politics’. Others claim that she lacks good human relations, some are even spreading rumours that some people in some areas within her constituency, especially those at the Mobil, Ring Road axis cannot forget their maltreatment by this Honourable members during her rerun election. Feelers from her constituency in THE GIST PLUS disposal indicates that the disruption of a programme she held recently at Ibadan Boys High School, where she distributed items to her constituency, is been said to clearly indicates the level of the hostility she should expect to face in her desire to return to the House. This mischief makes told us that even the event was disrupted by some people believed to be thugs. Some bade belle, further said that they were thugs loyal to Folake Osinowo that disrupted the ceremony. THE GIST PLUS heard from sources that this mischief maker said Osinowo reportedly promised the thugs some largesse which she did not fulfill. This is the highest level of gang up by bad belle people against Osinowo’s quest to return to the House of Reps in 2011, but can’t just they leave her alone.

Leave Hon. Folake Osinowo Alone!

Can mischief makers leave Hon. Folake Olunloyo Osinowo, a member of House of Representatives alone? As you read this, they have started spreading an untrue tale about her. This time, THE GIST PLUS gathered that the mischief makers are saying Hon. Osinowo’s aspiration to return to the House of Reps may be dashed, because some have accused her of ‘use and dump politics’. Others claim that she lacks good human relations, some are even spreading rumours that some people in some areas within her constituency, especially those at the Mobil, Ring Road axis cannot forget their maltreatment by this Honourable members during her rerun election. Feelers from her constituency in THE GIST PLUS disposal indicates that the disruption of a programme she held recently at Ibadan Boys High School, where she distributed items to her constituency, is been said to clearly indicates the level of the hostility she should expect to face in her desire to return to the House. This mischief makes told us that even the event was disrupted by some people believed to be thugs. Some bade belle, further said that they were thugs loyal to Folake Osinowo that disrupted the ceremony. THE GIST PLUS heard from sources that this mischief maker said Osinowo reportedly promised the thugs some largesse which she did not fulfill. This is the highest level of gang up by bad belle people against Osinowo’s quest to return to the House of Reps in 2011, but can’t just they leave her alone.

Raji Rasaki’s Wife, Fatimah Warms Tinub

Responding to a statement credited to the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that electorate should be up in arms against anyone who may stand on their way during the 2011 elections. GIST PLUS can reveal that the statement did not in anyway go down well with Hon. Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, who is a member of the House of Representatives and the pretty wife of former Lagos State Military Administrator, Raji Rasaki, as she warms Tinubu to stop making inciting statement in order to prevent violent activities among youths and uncharitable. Hon. Raji-Rasaki also stressed that it was high time political leaders learnt from past experiences in Nigeria in which case, politics was played with deep seated bitterness, which according to her, ultimately, led to arson, vandalism and general that the first two republics in Nigeria were replete with gory stories of destruction of properties owned by perceived opposition members in the Ekiti State where she hails from.

Sen. Omisore’s Unique Campaign Posters

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Otunba Christopher Iyiola Omisore, who is one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP in Osun State, has come up with a unique designed campaign to distinguish him from other aspirants, now saturated Osogbo, the state capital and other towns and villages, just like other PDP governorship aspirants. THE GIST PLUS gathered that Omisore’s campaign posters differed in messages and the manner they we pasted. For instance, one of the very significant message on one of his posters that cannot be ignored is “Atan-Ajanaku”, which means “The head of an elephant”. Such a message many says could not have been directed to anybody else other than Omisore’s fellow contestants who perceived to be very inferior to him due to their political strength. It will be recall recently, the Senator said that some of those contesting PDP governorship ticket were nowhere 11-years ago when he was the deputy governor of Osun state under Chief Adebisi Akande, who is now the national Chairman of the Action Congress (AC). THE GIST PLUS gathered that the Ile-Ife-born politician has stated that the governorship race is not for new comers about the same way the head of an elephant is not for a toddler to carry. Sources told us that the Senator’s desperation to rule Osun state is clearly visible from his campaign efforts especially at his secretariat which sends a powerful signed to everyone that the lawmaker is so committed to the course

Sen. Omisore’s Unique Campaign Posters

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Otunba Christopher Iyiola Omisore, who is one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP in Osun State, has come up with a unique designed campaign to distinguish him from other aspirants, now saturated Osogbo, the state capital and other towns and villages, just like other PDP governorship aspirants. Political Caucus gathered that Omisore’s campaign posters differed in messages and the manner they we pasted. For instance, one of the very significant message on one of his posters that cannot be ignored is “Atan-Ajanaku”, which means “The head of an elephant”. Such a message many says could not have been directed to anybody else other than Omisore’s fellow contestants who perceived to be very inferior to him due to their political strength. It will be recall recently, the Senator said that some of those contesting PDP governorship ticket were nowhere 11-years ago when he was the deputy governor of Osun state under Chief Adebisi Akande, who is now the national Chairman of the Action Congress (AC). Political Caucus gathered that the Ile-Ife-born politician has stated that the governorship race is not for new comers about the same way the head of an elephant is not for a toddler to carry. Sources told us that the Senator’s desperation to rule Osun state is clearly visible from his campaign efforts especially at his secretariat which sends a powerful signed to everyone that the lawmaker is so committed to the course.

Ekiti Central Senatorial Seat:

It is no longer news on how prominent Action Congress (AC) members based in Lagos State have indicated their interest to be among the Senators in the Senate Chambers, Abuja in 2011, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District. Already, Opeyemi Bamidele, a present Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State; Dele Alake, a former Commissioner of Information in Lagos State and present Managing Director of Continental Broadcasting Services, the owners of Television Continental (TVC) and Radio Continental, and Babafemi Ojudu, the Managing Editor of The News Magazine, are some of AC members in the race that many have aptly tagged: ‘Tinubu’s Men’. Political Caucus learnt that many are saying the only headache the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is having now is how to handle the political ambition of the three members of his inner caucus in 2011. But we can reliably reveal that it is untrue that the ex-Lagos governor from source, the Asiwaju is only supporting Dele Alake, the incumbent Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, is the back-bone behind his Commissioner, Opeyemi Bamidele’s senatorial ambition, while Babafemi Ojudu, seems to be the only one standing alone. In all, we can reveal further that the three aspirants are equally qualified in terms of education, exposure and experience and they have the same level of closeness to the ex-governor who many see as their political godfather and the kingmaker of AC. With this, observers are now watching who will at the end get the nod among the three to fly the flag of AC for Ekiti Central Senatorial District. Interesting, the incumbent Senator, Sen. Bode Ola, is also of the Action Congress is said to be keen on returning to the senate. The way the Ekiti Central Senatorial District politics plays out will determine how strategic AC is politically.

How Oshiomhole Walked Out On Tom Ikimi

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi’s inordinate ambition to assume the godfather status of Edo state chapter of Action Congress (AC) have met a stiff resistance from the governance of the state. The Gist Plus learnt that Chief Ikimi received the shock of his life when the governor fragrantly turned down his request for backup official car at the Government House, Benin. Infuriated by Ikimi’s demand, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, whose principles of public conduct has no regard for people like the former minister, walked out on him while he advised him not to equate himself with Chief Tony Anenih, who as a leader has made remarkable investment in his party. A close source revealed that the governor deliberately shunned the 67th birthday anniversary of Ikimi recently held in Benin which was well attended by governors of neighbouring states. Most so, Ikimi’s sudden decision to lubricate his friendship with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who recently defected to PDP may also add to the rift between him and the governor.
Controversy Rages In Three Delta LG’s Over Bid To Return Some Ijaw Lawmakers
Controversy rages in some parts of Delta state over the return bid of some lawmakers to parliament. This has made uneasy calm pervades the three Ijaw local government areas of the state. The Gist Plus gathered that this time around, the tensed atmosphere in Burutu, Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas has nothing to do with youth restiveness in Ijaw section of the Niger Delta, highly acknowledged for militant activities. This discontent borders some incumbent members of parliament, both at the state and national level, from the LGAs in the 2011 polls. The Gist Plus heard that It all started when the lawmakers from the local government area, viz: Mr. Nicholas Mutu, representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999; Mr. Tam Brisibe, representing Burutu Federal Constituency also in the House on the platform of the PDP since 2003 as well as Mr. Reginald Dombraye, Mr. Basil Ganagara, Mr. Solomon Funkekeme and Mr. Frank Enekonogba, who have held the forte as representatives of Bomadi, Patani, Burutu South and North respectively in the Delta State House of Assembly since 1999, signaled their intentions to seek re-election. This discontent against the aspirations of the lawmaker was ignited by many groups in the area, including the Izon Okosu-Out, a council of Ijaw elders in Delta state, coordinated by Chief Bare Etolor and the Ijaw Youth Council. We reliably gathered that their annoyance with these lawmakers is as a result of the fact that the lawmakers no longer offer effective representation to be constituents having overstayed in the different positions. Besides, they are canvassing that opportunity should be given to other constituencies in the area to produce lawmakers. In other words, the impression Etolor was trying to create is that the lawmakers should renounce their aspiration to return to parliament in 2011.

Sen. Teslim Folarin Gifts To Oyo Electorate
As you are reading this, some electorate in Oyo state are already proud owners of motorcycle, refrigerators, sewing machines and water coolers and that is courtesy of Senator Teslim Folarin, who is eyeing the state governorship seat in the 2011 election under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Gist Plus gathered that the gift items from the Senate Majority Leader with inscription “Team Falorin” are being distributed to loyalists and his foot soldier through notable PDP leaders in the state. Meanwhile, the common sight in Ibdan and some parts of the state now is the posters of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja announcing his intention to contest for the governorship seat again in 2011.

Oshiomhole’s Feud With Deputy Cripples Activities In Edo
If what The Gist Plus is hearing is anything to believe, then the cold war between the Edo state Governor, Adams Oshiohmole and his deputy, Pius Odubu, is crippling the routine activities at the Government House. We can reveal the governor when Gov. Oshiomhole was one of the dignitaries with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan during his recent visit to the United States of America, he was said to have not deemed it necessary to hand over the state affairs to his deputy including the responsibility to sign cheques for the day-to-day running of the government. Even, the one man, one vote rally on April 14 was also said to have suffered the same fate. This was as a result of the fact that governor Adams Oshiomhole was stranded in Europe due the Iceland volcanic eruption which disrupted many flights schedule. The Gist Plus heard that with feuds between the Governor and his deputy, the deputy governor may have resolved to dump his seat which has gradually become redundant under the present administration come 2011 election. The source also added that the Mr. Odubu has finally given thought to run for Edo South Senatorial seat in the next election.

Ken Nnamani Frustrated At PDP’s Eleven Years In Power

If there is one person very frustrated at the way and manner, the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has ruled Nigeria since 1999, that person is no other than the former senate president, Sen. Ken Nnamani. The Gist Plus can reveal that Sen. Nnamani must have been deeply frustrated by events, known and unknown to the public, in the ruling PDP to have lashed out at the party the way he did penultimate Thursday in Abuja. Nnamani, one of the prominent members of the rebel PDP Reform Forum, not only ignored the party’s National Working Committee’s summon to come and defend himself against allegation of anti-party activities, he went ahead with the forum’s meeting. At the deliberation which was called to move the party forward, he declared the PDP as a liability. “How many of us now can say we are better off now? Yes, we have men in power for 11-years, but are we better off today? That is a question you should ask ourselves, unless we are courageous enough to ask ourselves, we will be deceiving ourselves as we go into 2011 election”, he said. It will be recall that Sen. Nnamani, along with 18 other members of the Reform Forum, has since been slammed with suspension by the PDP.

Peter Babalola In Regret For Disobeying Oyinlola And Ooni of Ife
The one time highly favoured Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State, Elder Peter Babalola, is now said to be reeling in agony as his planned gubernatorial ambition has now run into a hitch. The Gist Plus gathered that Babalola picked the gubernatorial form of intention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the advice of his boss, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and his godfather, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife. We heard that Oyinlola and the leadership of the PDP in Osun State are said to have zoned the 2011 gubernatorial slot to Osun East Senatorial District, but Babalola is from Osun West Senatorial District. The Gist Plus gathered from sources that he (Babalola) was alleged to have flaunted the order of his boss by picking the form in the first place. Now that the ruling party in the Osun state has finally zoned the ticket to Osun East Senatorial District, the ex-chief of Staff is now said to be confused on his next line of action. Both Oyinlola and Ooni are now alleged not favourably disposed to seeing him again. Sources further said Babalola, who is popularly known as Peter Power, is now seriously biting his fingers. Not with the huge sum of money he has reportedly committed to his governorship ambition. And now we heard the grassroots politician is no longer in the good books of the Ooni of Ife and Oyinlola as well, but the Ikiri-born political strategist is now at a loss as to what would be his fate in the next political dispensation.

Daisy Danjuma Warming Up To Reclaim Senate Seat
After ensuring that his nominee emerged as the ministerial candidate for Taraba state, the former Minister of Defence, now Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC), Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, appears poised to maximize his new found power and influence. The Gist Plus can reveal that the wealthy retired Army General is said to be perfecting plans to help his wife, Daisy, regain the senatorial seat which she lost in 2007 as a result of the hot feud between her husband and former president Olusegun Obasanjo. A source close to the Senator, told The Gist Plus that the pretty woman is once again warming up to reclaim her Edo North Senatorial District Seat.

Polgist

- No Vacancy In Abia Govt House: With the things going on in Abia state, it will difficult to dislodge Gov. Theodore Orji from power in 2011 because of his sterling performance in office. The simple reason is his popularity in the state because within three years in office, he caused massive transformation in infrastructure in the state so much that everybody is now campaigning for his continuation in office.
- Oyelese Lashes Out At Akinjide: Chief Richard Akinjide should know that he is solely on his own in the call for Ibadan to forget 2011 governorship of Oyo state. According to a minister under Abacha regime and a PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo state, Elder Wole Oyelese, in a statement entitled: “Akinjide Yanga Is Waking Trouble”, pointed out that it would have done Akinjide a lot of good to keep a dignified silence at the twilight of his political life than get involved in a messy controversy he may not survive politically.
- Non-performing Rep For Senate: It’s amazing the length ambition can take come politicians, otherwise what can one say about the desire of Hon. Fatima Raji Rasaki, a non-performing member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Constituency 1, seeking her party’s nod to return to the National Assembly as a senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District. One disturbing thing about those who claim to be representing Ekiti state is how bad they have all been performing since they got to the National Assembly.

How Adunni Bankole, Joko Oni Divided Popular Lagos White Garment Church

A lot has been said about the messy feud between two high society ladies, Iyalode Adunni Bankole and Joko Oni, even as the feud is still firing from all angle, but only very few really can tell what the bone of contention is between them. News of the People gathered that the feud between two former friends actually started as a result of competition about who takes the front row in high society parties. But those close to the erstwhile friends disclosed that what ignited the war between them was a Lagos-based popular white garment church pastor in Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos. Reports have it that when Joko Oni joined the church, she became an instant prominent member of the church considering her social status. Sources added that everybody in the church adored her and that she enjoyed every bit of the VIP status accorded her. However, real trouble was said to have started when Iyalode of Gbeguru, Abeokuta, Ogun State, joined the church and the pastor and church members shifted their attention to her as a top society lady that she and whose step-son, Rtd. Hon. Dimeji Bankole occupies an important position in the country.
Sources told News of the People that Oni became envious Adunni Bankole and she started seeing her as a threat to her position in the church. The cold war between the two society ladies was said to have divided the church as some member became loyal to Oni, while others pitched their tent with Adunni Bankole. At a point, rumour mongers took over and there was a story in the church that Adunni Bankole sent some people to remove Oni’s chair from the church. We even heard that the war became so serious that the two women started attacking each other spiritually. Adunni Bankole reportedly conceded defeat and left the church. But as we say in this part of the world, those who fight and run away, live to fight another day. But information available to News of the People is anything to believe, then the pastor has begged Adunni Bankole to return to the church and that he is now locked in a bitter war with Oni who sees him a traitor.

Kemi Nelson Moves To Push Afikuyomi Out of The Senate

If there is anything the Yeye Sewa of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson is so personate about right now, that is how to get to the Senate come 2011, if what we gathered is to be believed. Political Caucus can reveal that the former Commissioner in Lagos State Allen Avenue home in the Ikeja area of the state has been turned to a party secretariat of some sort these days as top politicians in her constituency (Ikeja) now storm there on regular basis to hold meetings with her. A source revealed that the highly influential woman may vie for a senatorial seat because she has already been anointed by her followers and the leadership of her party (Action Congress) for the seat. Political Caucus heard that Chief (Mrs.) Nelson would have fulfilled a long term ambition if she wins the seat. We learnt she has always wanted to go to the senate. It would be recall that the society woman cum politician made moves to go to the senate in 2003 but her dream was cut short with the emergence of Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi as the senator that represented Lagos West Senatorial District at the time. She was then compensated with the position of Commissioner by former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though, she was said to have been given the option of going to the House of Representatives at that time, which she vehemently turned down.