Connect with us

News

Eid-el-Kabir: Bamidele Warns Against Electoral Violence, Says No Nigerian Should Die Over 2027 Elections

Published

on

Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Share

 

Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele has warned political actors against promoting violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that no Nigerian deserves to lose his or her life because of political ambition.

Bamidele made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs to commemorate the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration. He urged Nigerians to embrace the virtues of faith, obedience, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

According to the Senate Leader, Eid-el-Kabir should serve as a period of reflection and renewed commitment to national unity, peace and collective prosperity, especially as the country gradually enters a heated political season ahead of the 2027 elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6.

He expressed concern over the history of electoral violence in Nigeria, noting that thousands of lives had been lost during previous election cycles. Citing data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), Bamidele said at least 1,639 Nigerians were killed in election-related violence between 1999 and 2023.

The Senate Leader recalled that about 80 people lost their lives during the 1999 elections, 100 in 2003, 300 in 2007, 800 in 2011, 100 in 2015, 150 in 2019 and 109 in 2023.

He stressed that the country could no longer afford such bloodshed, insisting that political campaigns and elections must be conducted peacefully and strictly in accordance with the law.

“Regardless of political affiliation, we must all recognise that Nigeria belongs to all of us. No political ambition should lead to violence or the loss of innocent lives before, during or after the elections,” he said.

Bamidele urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of plunging the country into chaos or instability.

The Senate Leader also called for prayers for children, parents and teachers currently being held captive by bandits and kidnappers across the country, particularly the 87 victims recently abducted in parts of Borno and Oyo states.

He described the continued detention of children by criminal groups as a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and assured Nigerians that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the victims’ release.

“We must remember all our children and parents still in captivity across the federation. Our prayers are with them, and security forces remain committed to rescuing them and reuniting them with their families,” he stated.

Bamidele further assured Nigerians that the National Assembly remained committed to strengthening laws and policies aimed at improving security across the country, including in remote communities vulnerable to attacks.

He added that lawmakers were also working towards strengthening the nation’s social security framework to better support young Nigerians and vulnerable citizens.

The Senate Leader maintained that kidnapping remained a serious crime against humanity and vowed that efforts would continue to ensure that perpetrators and their collaborators face severe punishment under the law.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as an opportunity to pray for peace, unity and national stability as the country prepares for another democratic transition.

News

Adubiaro Expresses Gratitude to Oyebanji Over Reappointment as Ekiti SSG

Published

on

Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro
Share

 

Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro has expressed profound gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for reappointing her as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), describing the renewed mandate as an honour and a call to greater service.

Adubiaro, in a statement issued following the announcement of her reappointment, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in her capacity, dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

She pledged continued loyalty, diligence and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Oyebanji administration, assuring that she would work towards the successful implementation of its policies, programmes and development agenda.

The SSG said her renewed appointment offered another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Ekiti State.

She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her encouragement, support and contributions to the growth and development of the state.

Adubiaro extended her gratitude to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, and Olori Abosede Adejugbe for their goodwill, prayers and support, noting the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development.

She equally appreciated the Grand Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwestern Nigeria, including Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, as well as the Muslim community in the state, for their prayers, spiritual guidance and encouragement.

The SSG also acknowledged the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their solidarity and support, reaffirming her commitment to the ideals of the party and collaboration with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to advance the administration’s development agenda.

She did not leave out her family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, whom she thanked for their congratulatory messages, prayers and expressions of goodwill following the announcement of her reappointment.

Adubiaro further pledged to discharge her responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, transparency, teamwork, humility and integrity, stressing that she remained conscious of the high expectations associated with public service.

She assured the people of Ekiti State of her determination to work closely with relevant stakeholders to translate the governor’s vision into tangible benefits for residents.

The SSG also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for Governor Oyebanji, while seeking peace, unity and prosperity for the state’s traditional institutions, religious leaders, political stakeholders, public servants and residents.

She reiterated her resolve to justify the confidence reposed in her through dedicated service and an unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti State.

 

Continue Reading

News

Oyebanji Makes First Appointments in Second Term, Retains SSG, Chief of Staff, CPS

Published

on

Ekiti State Governor,Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
Share

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has made his first set of appointments following his inauguration for a second term in office, retaining three key members of his administration.

The governor approved the reappointment of Professor Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor.

The appointments were announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, were inaugurated for another term in office in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, the appointments take immediate effect.

The decision to retain the three principal officials ensures continuity in key administrative, executive and communication positions as the governor begins his second term.

As Secretary to the State Government, Professor Adubiaro occupies a strategic position in the coordination of government policies, administrative processes and inter-agency relations.

Similarly, Adebayo, as Chief of Staff, is responsible for supporting the governor’s office and coordinating executive activities, while Oyebode oversees official communications and media relations for the state government.

The reappointments constitute the first official appointments announced by Oyebanji since his inauguration for a second term, signalling the continuation of the existing leadership structure in these critical offices.

The statement did not indicate whether further appointments would be announced in the coming days.

The announcement was signed by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State.

 

Continue Reading

News

Bamidele Hails Oyebanji’s First Term, Says Peaceful Politics Drove Ekiti Development

Published

on

Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Share

Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the first term of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as remarkably peaceful, attributing the achievement to the governor’s humility, sense of duty and inclusive leadership style.

Bamidele said Oyebanji’s ability to foster cordial relationships among political stakeholders across the state had created an enabling environment for development and progress in Ekiti State.

The Senate Leader stated this in his welcome address at the second-term inauguration of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, in Ado-Ekiti.

He commended the governor for sustaining a peaceful political atmosphere, noting that cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders had contributed significantly to the state’s developmental strides.

Reflecting on Ekiti State’s political and developmental journey from the administration of its first civilian governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, through subsequent administrations, including that of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Bamidele said Oyebanji had continued to strengthen the culture of political stability and peaceful coexistence.

He noted that the governor’s leadership approach had helped sustain a harmonious political environment, allowing the state to focus on governance and development rather than political divisions.

Bamidele further described Oyebanji’s re-election as a historic milestone, noting that the governor had broken a longstanding political barrier by becoming the first governor in Ekiti State to secure consecutive second-term mandates.

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would provide further opportunities to consolidate the achievements of his first administration and advance the development of the state.

 

Continue Reading