Opinion/Feature
Open Letter To Osun House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Timothy Owoeye
Mr. Speaker,
I write to you today with deep concern but for the love I have for due process and sense of appropriateness in governance.
The events that have unfolded in the last couple of weeks especially in the political spaces concerning looting and otherwise failure for proper transmission of power is such that should strengthen the democracy of the state but it is scary the role that major political actors had played lately.
In a case like this, one would think that the right thing to do to arrest the situation is to fall back to the law and check what it says about the situation on ground, but if there is no law then there could be no sin.
It is also on the basis of this law that arrests are made and prosecutions are done, so if none exists then no basis.
Mr. Speaker, to avoid the total breakdown of law and order especially when a government is leaving and another new one is coming, regardless of the political party, there is a need to promulgate a Transitional law in Osun State to take care of issues of take over and hand over of government.
A law is needed to establish arrangements for the political transfer of administration from one democratically elected Governor to another, to provide for the regulation of the political transfer of power and for related matters.
The transitional law should be such that makes it impossible for the outgoing Governor to Employ or terminate employment except employment in the health sector, even if such person is succeeding himself.
This law should mandate exit from all government quarters by all appointees of government at least a month to end of their administration to enable inventory taking and to make it possible for renovations and proper handling over.
Such appointee if anything is found missing at hand over contrary to inventory taken at possession should be made to lose his or her last salary in office and other entitlement enough to clear what is missing.
Such law should ensure a limit on expenses from the government coffers right from the day election is won and lost, among many other issues.
We can take a cue from states of the country or countries of the world that had done a similar thing or consult agencies that are experts in working out documents after a thorough research must have been carried out.
I’m particularly bothered that if we do not curb the issues that arise when a government is leaving and a new one is coming by officially establishing a working system, we would have created a loophole for theft of government properties and waste of government resources.
I thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Ayodeji Ologun
Spokesperson,
Transparency and Accountability Group.
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria