By Erasmus Ikhide
The American influential journal, Imprimis, has as its motto, ‘Ideas have consequences’. That’s the plank upon which Comrade Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola – born 25 May 1957 – has been engaging and driving the civil society and governance enterprises, each step of the way. As a philosopher ideologue, an embodiment of true leadership, radiating hope and vision as a savant, raconteur of genius, gifted literati, Aregbesola has distinguished himself distinctly from the pack of politicians who are scarcely sensitive enough to allow the confidence reposed in their offices to reflect on the output of governance.
Admirably for all his gifts, sacrifices, and his countless achievements, Aregbesola remained deeply spiritual, a thinker, humble, unassuming and self-effacing as he is earnestly loved by Nigerians. Truthfully, his total abstinence from impurities, his politics of inclusiveness and broad mindedness, have roots in his deep Islamic piety. These uncommon qualities as a visionary idealist contributed immensely to his stellar achievements as Works Commissioner in Lagos State for eight years, as well as Governor of State of Osun for another eight years, in succession.
Outstandingly, Aregbesola has been demonstrating consistently as the current Minister of the Ministry of Interior where he is repositioning, digitizing and revitalizing the Ministry’s four paramilitary agencies under his watch to the admiration of even ardent critics of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. It’s quite absorbing and elevating that Aregbesola’s administrative acumen has brought a great deal of innovation and speed into the Ministry at a time Nigerians are nervous and disillusioned about the entire system that has not lived up to the expectation of many.
Since his assumption of office in August 2019, there has been the approval for the New Visa Policy reclassifying the Visa Categories from 6 to 79. Aregbesola also ensured that Nigeria commenced Visa on Arrival to holders of passports of African countries and visitors who processed their visa on arrival in advance online without delays. It’s on record that Aregbesola is the only Minister in recent times that has procured 451 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). Ditto for the creation of Citizens Integrity Unit at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Under his administration, 3,000 capacity custodial centre in three geopolitical zones of the country are being constructed in the last three years, at the same time, the ministry promoted 18,000 personnel out of the 33,000 that sat for promotional examinations in the years under review. Added to that is the construction of a world class technology building for the NIS to manage all @nigimmigration ICT enhanced systems in Nigeria, as well as re-opening and rehabilitation of 32 Satellite Custodial Centres previously shut down due to insurgency.
The digitization process of the nation’s security infrastructure did not end there. The installation of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) in all International Airports of the country is part of the ministry’s strategic plan towards ensuring the security of the nation and safety of travellers across the country. Within the same period, 2,615 Fire distress Calls were responded to, saving 724 lives and assets worth N1.629 trillion between June and October 2019 in the country.
Aside that, the ministry has deployed 28 newly procured fire engines across the country to boost emergency response in crisis situation. The ministry also underwent the training and deployment of over 1,500 personnel as Agro-Rangers in Yobe and Adamawa States to protect farmers and their farms, thus promoting food security.
A week ago the ministry of interior launched an emergency alert app N-ALERTS which facilitates real time alert to all security agencies on any emergency and criminal activities in any part of Nigeria. This app is on Android Playstore and IOS store. It can be downloaded on smartphones and other devices.
In the midst of such gloomy statistics, Nigeria as a country has something to celebrate in the spartan, austere, visionary and pragmatic game-changer called Comrade Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, even though the nation is presently foaming in blood. As a dealer in hope, and an unusual Apostle of national self-renewal and self-validation and a committed adherent of Islamic faith, it will not be long before Nigeria surmounts the legions of her self-afflicted woes!
Erasmus Ikhide wrote in from Lagos Nigeria and can be reached via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
Press Statement
Rivers Guber Primary: Obuah Sues For Calm Among Supporters
The immediate past Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman, Rivers State and frontline governorship aspirant in the state, Bro Felix Obuah has sued for calm among his numerous fans and political allies over the choice of who flies the party’s flag for the state in 2023 general elections.
Bro Obuah said in all matters and decisions that have to do with the party, the party is supreme and demands the support of all party members in the overall interest of the party.
As regards the governorship primary billed for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, he said whoever that is chosen by the party becomes the party’s candidate for the forthcoming election irrespective of personal preferences.
The party’s choice is also binding on all other aspirants in the spirit of togetherness necessary for the desired victory at the elections proper, Bro Obuah emphasized.
“I am a loyal party man and will always stand by the decisions of the party. It’s not in the best interest of the party to engage or encourage anybody or anything that will affect the overall interest of the party negatively.
“I therefore enjoin all my supporters across the state not to be disheartened or lured into any form of protest or agitation by anybody on my behalf should the outcome of the primary not reflect their expectation,” Bro Obuah appealed.
The governorship aspirant rather prayed that the primary may be very smooth and produce the very best that will not only win the election for the PDP but also raise the bar of governance in Rivers State to a greater height.
Signed
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to
Bro Felix Obuah
Frontline PDP Governorship Aspirant
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: NO GOING BACK ON JUNE 1 BANNING OF MOTORCYCLES IN SELECTED LG AREAS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said the State Government will go ahead with its proposed ban on motorcycles, known as Okada on highways and six local governments and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from June 1, this year.
He said security services and Lagos State Government are on the same page in respect to banning of motorcycles in the selected areas of the State and therefore they will be going ahead with the plans.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke to journalists, on Tuesday evening, after the State Security Meeting, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, which was attended by heads of security services in the State.
The Governor said his administration in conjunction with security agencies will ensure that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way so that Lagos residents will continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.
He said: “The security meeting gives us an opportunity for us to review the recent pronouncement on the future banning of Okada (motorcycles) in some selected local governments and LCDAs.
“We are able to put strategies in place. All of us were able to identify a lot of other things we need to do to embark on advocacy and ensure that we communicate effectively and efficiently to citizens. And that is why you see us giving out handbills in all of the major languages that we have in the country.
“There is a radio jingle being sent out to also communicate to people. I am also aware that there is a plan for advocacy on television stations as well.
“It is a people driven initiative that we all agreed to live and to comport ourselves in similar manner. And we know what has been the effect of this. So, I am happy that all of us, the security operatives and government are on the same page with this and we will also be going ahead with our plans.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured all political parties in the State of adequate security in the ongoing delegates and primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He said: “The other thing that we discussed for public knowledge is around ensuring that the ongoing primaries and delegates elections that are happening in different parts of the state by different political parties have sufficient security coverage.
“We enjoin that various political parties should approach the Lagos State Police Command to give them adequate security at various venues where they are conducting their various delegate and primary elections for various positions people are vying for.
“It is purely to ensure that there are no gaps and that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way and our citizens can continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
24 MAY 2022
