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Five Akeredolu’s Men Quit Aiyedatiwa’s Cabinet, Gov Shops For Deputy
Following the demise of Governor Rotimi AkeredoluRotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday, no fewer than five of his aides have tendered their resignation.
Following the emergence of Aiyedatiwa as the new governor, some of Akeredolu’s aides dropped their resignation letter.
They include Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde; and the ex-governor’s Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye.
Others are the Commissioner for Infrastructure Lands and Housing, Mr Aminu Raimi; the Special Assistant on Photography, Mr Olawale Abolade; and the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale.
The development indicated that they were not ready to work with the new governor. Some of them cited their loyalty to Akeredolu as the reason for their resignation.
In his letter of resignation addressed to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, made available to our correspondent on Thursday, the infrastructure and housing commissioner said his resignation was dictated by his conscience.
“I write to tender my resignation of appointment as Commissioner For Infrastructure, Lands and Housing with effect from today, 28 December 2023.
“This decision is anchored on my conscience, as my leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON joined the Saint Triumphant.
“I sincerely thank our dear Arakunrin and the good people of the state for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet as Senior Special Assistant on Lands and infrastructure, Special Adviser on Lands, Works and Infrastructure and Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing,” Raimi said.
In his own letter, the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Adebowale, said: “I write to notify your office of my intention to resign my appointment as the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the Governor of Ondo State with immediate effect.
“I use this medium to thank the government and the people of Ondo State for the rare privilege offered for service.”
Meanwhile, one of Aiyedatiwa’s allies, which did not want to be named, said the aides of Akeredolu resigned for fear of being victimised by the new governor.
“They resigned out of fear of victimisation which I don’t believe the governor would have time to do. I would like to tell you that more are still going to resign,” the source said.
There was a rancour in the cabinet before Akeredolu died.
While Akeredolu was abroad receiving treatment, Aiyedatiwa had functioned as acting governor, but some of the cabinet members did not cooperate with him.
Amid a move by the state Assembly to impeach Aiyedatiwa, he had openly tendered an apology to Akeredolu, pledging his loyalty.
Akeredolu’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Odebowale, in a statement, rebuffed Aiyedatiwa’s apology, insisting that then deputy governor must be impeached.
Meanwhile, it was gathered on Wednesday that Aiyedatiwa had begun to shop for a deputy governor.
A source in the governor’s office said the governor might pick one of the cabinet members, adding that Aiyedatiwa had been holding meetings with the political stakeholders in and outside the state in his search for a suitable and loyal deputy governor.
According to the source, the governor is looking towards either the northern or central senatorial districts of the state.
The source in the governor’s office listed possible choices as the Chief of Staff to the former governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; and the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Razak Obe.
The source said, “In a couple of days, the deputy governor will be announced. The governor is still searching for a person who will be very loyal and supportive. He is very likely to pick among the ones that are very loyal to him in the cabinet of the late Governor Akeredolu.
“He has been meeting with some APC leaders in the southern senatorial district on the matter.”
However, when contacted the Chief Press Secretary to Aiyedatiwa, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, declined comment on the matter.
“I can’t comment. We are still mourning,” he said.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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