Politics
Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Awards N31Billion Contract To Build New High Court Complex, N1.2Billion To Renovate Govt House VIP Lodge Amid Economic Hardship
The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor, a document seen by SaharaReporters showed.
Ondo state government led by Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved N31.1 billion for the construction of a new High Court Complex in Akure, the state capital amidst harsh economic conditions facing residents of the state.
The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor, a document seen by Ekwutosblog showed.
The contract was awarded to Westfield Global Construction Company at a cost of N31.111 billion and it is to be completed in 48 weeks.
In another document, the Aiyedatiwa-led government also awarded N1.2 billion for the renovation and furnishing of the VIP lodge in the Government House in Akure.
The contract was awarded to a company named Oakland Construction Concept and it is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.
Earlier, Ekwutosblog reported how the award of N775 million for the remodeling of main gate and perimeter fence of the Government House in Akure by the governor generated controversy within the state.
One of those who questioned the cost is a lawyer and activist from the state, Kayode Mogbojuri.
Kayode in a post on Facebook had said, “Mr. Aiyedatiwa reportedly awarded approximately N800M for the remodeling of main gate and perimeter fence of Government House grounds main gate.
“Aiyedatiwa is becoming financially reckless and Ondo State people need explanations on how the resources for the state is being spent.”
Another Facebook user, Funmilayo Moyosoore had said, “I learnt Aiyedatiwa approved Fence (Wall of Jericho) construction for #774m …….. Who will curtail Lagidigba.”
In April 2024, SaharaReporters exclusively reported how the governor budgeted N5 billion for the renovation of Day Care Centre/Creche.
Days after the report, the state government, through the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, said the figure listed was a typographical error.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has accused the governor of spending N2.4 billion on projects it described as wasteful and irrelevant to the people of the state, especially during a time of widespread poverty.
In a statement by PDP spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, the party condemned Aiyedatiwa for approving N1.2 billion for renovating the state’s V.I.P Lodge, asserting that building a new lodge would have cost lesser if corruption is not involved.
“How many Ondo residents will benefit from a renovated V.I.P Lodge?” Peretei said.
“A governor who neglects the welfare of his people cannot claim they are fortunate to have him in office,” it said.
In response, Ondo Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, defended the spending, stating that the approvals were aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure.
The Nigerian economy since President Bola Tinubu took over the affairs of the country in May 2023 has grappled with a series of complex challenges, with the prices of food rising almost on a daily basis.
Hunger and poverty have increased across the country, including in Ondo State, as a result of government policies such as fuel subsidy removal, among others.
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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