Saharareporters investigators have uncovered how three judges of the Ekiti State Election Petitions Tribunal received a N3 billion bribe to deliver a majority judgment that upheld the legitimacy of the re-run governorship election in which the PDP’s Segun Oni was declared winner. The majority verdict, delivered in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, May 5, came as a shock to many who had followed the Ekiti State re-run governorship election of April 25 and May 5, 2009. The election showcased the fraudulent artistry of the ruling party, the police and other security agencies as well as electoral officials. In the prelude to the election, Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State was recorded promising to supply weapons and military uniforms to Mr. Oni’s campaign to enable PDP thugs to intimidate the opposition. At a rally in Ado Ekiti, Speaker of the House of Representatives Bankole Dimeji told PDP partisans that then “President” Umaru Yar’adua would authorize the use of soldiers to assist Mr. Oni to re-rig the election.
The re-run election got so heated that Mrs. Ayoka Adebayo, the state’s chief electoral umpire, resigned and went into hiding, after issuing a terse statement that she was being pressured to falsify results.
PDP officials brutalized reporters and election observers alike. Then the party capped its do-or-die tactics by enacting the magic of “Ido-Osi,” a constituency where Mr. Oni was fraudulently awarded more than 15,000 votes that enabled him to steal the election once again.
Given these glaring irregularities and manipulations, legal observers had all expected that the electoral tribunal’s decision could only go one way: a nullification of Oni’s so-called election on grounds of its substantial non-compliance with the electoral law.
Our investigators indicated that the five-man tribunal had originally arrived at a unanimous verdict to invalidate Oni’s election and announce Dr. Kayode Fayemi as the winner.
A top source within the judiciary told Saharareporters that one of the judges on the panel leaked the news of Fayemi’s impending victory to Mr. Oni’s camp. Our sources said both Mr. Oni’s associates and the Southwest caucus of the PDP then went into desperation mode. “The PDP came up with an elaborate plan to purchase the verdict,” said one of our sources, a PDP chieftain. He disclosed that the plan involved leading PDP members in Ekiti State – including “Governor” Segun Oni, his erstwhile Chief of Staff, Segun Ilori, his Commissioner for Works, Mrs. Olujimi, and their former party chairman, Ropo Adesanya, as well as leading members of the party across the country – particularly former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Danjuma Goje of Gombe State, Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Mr. Afe Babalola, Mr Oni’s Godfather, and Mr. Ademola Adegoroye, a PDP chieftain in Ondo State.
Our sources indicated that the rattled PDP group in the Southwest held several emergency sessions that were either presided over by Obasanjo or remotely controlled by him. Two of the sources confirmed that one of the PDP’s decisions was to use PDP-friendly newspapers, particularly The Tribune and Compass (owned by Governor Daniel of Ogun) to accuse Mr. Bola Tinubu, an Action Congress chieftain, of attempting to bribe the tribunal members.
“While these newspapers attacks were being launched, the PDP henchmen concluded plans to use Governor Goje to funnel bribes to tribunal members,” said one of our sources.
In separate interviews, a security source as well as an associate of Governor Danjuma Goje told Saharareporters that the judgment was eventually purchased for the sum of N3 billion naira. “Governor Danjuma Goje, who hails from the same state as the tribunal chairman, served as go-between to deliver the money,” stated our security sources.
Portions of an official security report prepared by the SSS (on the movement of the funds that the PDP eventually used to subvert justice in Ekiti State) were read to a correspondent of Saharareporters.
Our sources revealed that two of the judges – Biodun Adebara from Kwara State and Ogbonnaya Obande of Ebonyi State – were unshakably committed to the initial unanimous verdict that called for Oni’s removal. “They faced unrelenting pressure to partake in sharing the N3 billion pay-off, but they stuck to their guns,” revealed a source within the judiciary.
Adebara and Obande ultimately read a minority judgment. They ruled that the irregularities in the re-run governorship election were substantial enough to warrant withdrawal of the certificate of return from Mr. Segun Oni and the issuance of it to Fayemi as the legitimate governor of Ekiti State.
But the three judges who accepted the bribe and validated Oni’s election carried the day. The trio, who happen to come from the same part of the country, are Hamman Barka of Gombe State, Dikko from Nasarawa State and M.B. Goji from Adamawa State.
Our sources revealed that it was not the first time that Governor Danjuma Goje would play the role of linkman between an embattled PDP governor and Justice Barka. Our sources disclosed that Justice Barka had been a dependable ally of Governor Goje in the past when the judge was the chairman of the second elections petition tribunal in Osun State. “It was Goje who brokered the deal for Governor Oyinlola in the case of Jide Omoworare Vs Iyiola Omisore as well as several other National Assembly cases in Osun State involving the PDP,” said a source, adding “Justice Barka gave victory to Oyinlola after Governor Goje’s intervention.”
The Ibadan Division of the Federal Court of Appeal subsequently overturned several of the cases adjudicated by the particular tribunal headed by Barka, including Omisore’s senatorial election. The appellate justices often used harsh words in overturning Justice Barka’s rulings.
A source close to one of the judges on the Ekiti elections tribunal stated that, long after the panel had adopted a draft judgment that favored Fayemi, Justice Barka suddenly appeared before his colleagues on May 1, 2010 with a different draft judgment, already typed. “Some of the judges believe the new draft was prepared by an external legal consultant recruited by the PDP,” said the source, adding that the dissenting judges were disenchanted with the new draft. “It was completely at variance with the unanimous decision in favor of Fayemi that the five judges had adopted at their post-address conferences.”
Barka reportedly pleaded with all his colleagues to adopt the pro-Oni verdict. He told the other judges that he had “a special message” for them in the form of cash incentive from his Governor. “He started by promising each judge an incentive of N250 million and at the height of the negotiations he offered a bounty of N1billion each,” said our source. Saharareporters learned that Barka also told his colleagues that he feared that Governor Goje would plot to assassinate him if the tribunal failed to return Oni as governor of Ekiti State.
A labor leader in Ekiti, on learning of the huge bribe to the three judges, bemoaned the fact that Governor Oni owes three months salaries to state workers. “What Engineer Oni owes workers is almost the equivalent amount he paid to buy the governorship,” said the labor activist.
Our sources disclosed that, while two of the judges – Adebara and Obande – refused outright to exchange justice for personal profit, Justice M.B. Goji “prevaricated and wavered.” A source close to him explained that he had consistently maintained that the Action Congress and its candidate had a solid case and had proved all the allegations beyond reasonable doubt. Meanwhile, Justice Dikko, according to our sources, had already aligned with the tribunal’s chairman who was, however, desperate for one more judge to give a majority ruling in favor of Oni. “The negotiations for that third judge went on for the next two days until Chief Olusegun Obasanjo aborted a trip to Kumasi, Ghana to come to Ado-Ekiti on May 3rd to intervene,” said a source. Our sources revealed that it was after Obasanjo’s intervention that Justice Goji caved in to the nefarious plot, but his concurrence was still perceived as grudging.
A source within the tribunal told Saharareporters that, at a lengthy conference on the evening of May 4, a day before the delivery of their judgment, “Justice Goji changed sides once again to align with the original unanimous verdict for Fayemi.” The source added that Goji’s dramatic volte-face left Chairman Barka and Justice Dikko in the lurch. The new draft judgment was withdrawn at that stage and most of the judges argued for using the original consensus judgment. But instead of giving up, Barka increased the incentive he had offered and begged Goji to save him and his family members from Governor Goje’s assassination plots. “This emotional plea finally swayed Goji to the side of those who wanted to declare Oni the rightful winner,” said our source.
Saharareporters investigators found that, on the morning of the judgment, the judges held a final conference where pressure was then piled on Adebara and Obande to withdraw their insistence on reading the original consensus ruling as the minority verdict. The two judges refused all entreaties.
Our investigators, who spoke to sources in Abuja, Ado Ekiti, Abeokuta and Gombe, discovered that, prior to the events of the last four days, several PDP elements had tried other routes to influence the tribunal members. Abiodun Olujimi, who was the arrowhead of the PDP contact committee, and Segun Ilori, Governor Oni’s Man Friday in Abuja, had used huge cash incentives to recruit various people with access to the judges, but their efforts had hit a brick wall. They went to Ogere, Ogun State to change millions of naira into hard currency and then visited a contact in Ajao Estate who is supposedly close to a retiring Supreme Court Justice believed to be working on their behalf.
One source also said that Olujimi visited the new Attorney General Mohammed Adoke in the company of a fellow Minister to plead their case, but Saharareporters gathered that Adoke made it clear that it was the policy of the Jonathan administration not to interfere in judicial decisions.
Segun Oni’s emissaries then made a pitch to then Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, his National Security Adviser, Mohammed Gusau, and Gusau’s deputy, Kayode Are. They claimed that the Action Congress’ candidate would constitute a risk to national security, alleging that Fayemi was an intelligence operative for the CIA and the MI6. The security chiefs reportedly dismissed the claim and the Acting President insisted he was not going to get involved in the Ekiti matter, stating that the state had caused Nigeria enough embarrassment. However, a source close to Obasanjo revealed that the former president later convinced Jonathan that the loss of any state in the South West would be detrimental to any future plan of Jonathan’s to maintain political relevance in the politically charged region. Even so, it remained unclear whether Jonathan took any steps to help foster the plan to buy the judiciary for Oni.
It was only after Governor Goje got involved, at the instance of Obasanjo, that the plan to fraudulently sustain Oni in power acquired momentum and ultimate success.
An Abuja-based senior advocate of Nigeria, after reviewing the two judgments, told Saharareporters “Oni’s victory seems to me a pyrrhic one.” The lawyer noted that “the minority verdict was as sound as the majority was shallow and shameless,” adding that “the challenge remains to see how the Appeal Court can sustain such a weak majority judgment.”
Fayemi has said that he intends to appeal the judgment. A source told Saharareporters that Mr. Oni and his group are already making efforts to convince Justice Isa Salami, President of the Court of Appeal, to hand the case to pliable judges who would be open to corrupt inducement to retain Segun Oni at the Governor’s House. “Even if that were to be possible, the uphill task would be how an appellate bench is going to cover the gaping holes in Justice Barka’s majority decision,” said the SAN. He added: “If you read the text of the majority verdict, it’s hardly supported by any serious judicial doctrine and legal precedents. On the other hand, the minority judgment is cogent, logical and supported by extensive legal precedents.”
Two other lawyers, one in Abuja and one in Ibadan, also told Saharareporters that the new Appeal Court President is unlikely to hearken to desires of those whose mission “is to undermine the judiciary and subvert justice,” said one of t
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Jonathan Sworn in as President/Commander in Chief
9:20 AM (Nigerian Time) : Acting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was sworn-in today as the substantive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloysius Katsina-Alu at the Presidential Villa. He is to serve out the remainder of late Umaru Yar'adua's term which ends on May 29 2011. He assumes the presidency officially following the death of Yar'adua last night after a prolonged illness.
NIGERIA: OUR NATION IN MOURNING
Address by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCON, to the Nation on assumption of office as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, today 6th May, 2010.
PROTOCOL.
1. My dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sense of loss and profound sorrow that I received the news of the passing on of His Excellency, President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. Our President passed away peacefully in the Presidential villa in Abuja yesterday evening, the 5th day of May 2010. While we submit to the will of God as a people of faith, this sad event has placed our nation in deep mourning.
3. On behalf of the good people of our great Country Nigeria, I stand by our First Lady, Her Excellency Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua, the Children, our Mother, Hajia Habiba Musa Yar Adua, and the entire Yar’ Adua family and offer our heartfelt condolences on the demise of our amiable leader.
4. President Yar’ Adua’s contribution to political development and good governance would never be forgotten. He will therefore always occupy a pride of place in the political history of our dear Nation. He was a man of great personal integrity, deep devotion to God and outstanding humility. In all his public service, he displayed uncommon commitment to the peace, progress and unity of our country. He has left for us a profound legacy that provides a firm foundation for Nigeria’s future. His exit has therefore created a huge vacuum in his personal contributions to the political growth and development of our nation. I have lost not just a boss but a good friend and brother.
5. Having taken the oath of office in line with the Nigerian Constitution, under these very sad and unusual circumstances, I urge all fellow citizens to remain steadfast and committed to the values and aspirations of our nation. While this is a major burden on me and indeed the entire nation, we must in the midst of such great adversity continue to garner our collective efforts towards upholding the values which our departed leader represented.
6. In this regard our total commitment to Good Governance, Electoral Reform and the fight against Corruption would be pursued with greater vigour. As I had stated time and again, we must enshrine the best standards in our democratic practice. One of the true tests would be to ensure that all votes count and are counted in the upcoming General Elections. Similarly the effort at ensuring the sustenance of peace and development in the Niger Delta as well as the security of life and property around the entire country would be of top most priority in the remaining period of this administration.
7. I want to reassure all Nigerians that the pledges which we had made to improve the socio-economic situation which we face through improved access to electricity, water, education, health facilities and other social amenities would continue to be given the needed emphasis. The welfare of our teeming workers and the unemployed youths would also be accorded a new impetus.
8. My brothers and sisters, I call on all Nigerians to pray for the repose of the soul of our departed President. May God, in his infinite mercy, and compassion grant him eternal peace.
9. God bless Nigeria.
NIGERIA: OUR NATION IN MOURNING
Address by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCON, to the Nation on assumption of office as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, today 6th May, 2010.
PROTOCOL.
1. My dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sense of loss and profound sorrow that I received the news of the passing on of His Excellency, President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. Our President passed away peacefully in the Presidential villa in Abuja yesterday evening, the 5th day of May 2010. While we submit to the will of God as a people of faith, this sad event has placed our nation in deep mourning.
3. On behalf of the good people of our great Country Nigeria, I stand by our First Lady, Her Excellency Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua, the Children, our Mother, Hajia Habiba Musa Yar Adua, and the entire Yar’ Adua family and offer our heartfelt condolences on the demise of our amiable leader.
4. President Yar’ Adua’s contribution to political development and good governance would never be forgotten. He will therefore always occupy a pride of place in the political history of our dear Nation. He was a man of great personal integrity, deep devotion to God and outstanding humility. In all his public service, he displayed uncommon commitment to the peace, progress and unity of our country. He has left for us a profound legacy that provides a firm foundation for Nigeria’s future. His exit has therefore created a huge vacuum in his personal contributions to the political growth and development of our nation. I have lost not just a boss but a good friend and brother.
5. Having taken the oath of office in line with the Nigerian Constitution, under these very sad and unusual circumstances, I urge all fellow citizens to remain steadfast and committed to the values and aspirations of our nation. While this is a major burden on me and indeed the entire nation, we must in the midst of such great adversity continue to garner our collective efforts towards upholding the values which our departed leader represented.
6. In this regard our total commitment to Good Governance, Electoral Reform and the fight against Corruption would be pursued with greater vigour. As I had stated time and again, we must enshrine the best standards in our democratic practice. One of the true tests would be to ensure that all votes count and are counted in the upcoming General Elections. Similarly the effort at ensuring the sustenance of peace and development in the Niger Delta as well as the security of life and property around the entire country would be of top most priority in the remaining period of this administration.
7. I want to reassure all Nigerians that the pledges which we had made to improve the socio-economic situation which we face through improved access to electricity, water, education, health facilities and other social amenities would continue to be given the needed emphasis. The welfare of our teeming workers and the unemployed youths would also be accorded a new impetus.
8. My brothers and sisters, I call on all Nigerians to pray for the repose of the soul of our departed President. May God, in his infinite mercy, and compassion grant him eternal peace.
9. God bless Nigeria.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUSTICE UWAIS ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONSHIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUSTICE UWAIS ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Some Members of this group have made request for key recommendations of the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee Recommendations to be made available to them on the group page. In response to these requests, I wish to implore all those who want a soft copy of the full report to send the secretariat an email at any of these email address:tucinctfct@yahoo.co.uk or tucinfct@hotmail.com.
The key recommendations are as follows:
1. INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY
Section 65(2) (b) and 106 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to make provision for an individual to run as an independent candidate
2. PROCEDURE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF INEC BOARD:
For the above the National Judicial Council should:
A .Advertise the positions, spelling out requisite qualifications
B. Receive applications/nominations from the general public
C. Shortlist three persons for each position
D. Send the nominations to the National Council of State to select one for each position and forward to the Senate for confirmation.
3. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OF INEC CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBERS;
The Chairman and members of the INEC Board may only be removed by the Senate on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council, (NJC) by two –third of the Senate which shall include at least 10 members of the minority parties in the Senate.
4. FUNDING
The Election Expenditure and the Recurrent Expenditure of the INEC offices (in addition to Salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Board members) shall be charged on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.
5. DATES OF ELECTIONS:
Section 132(2) and 178(2) of the 1999 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to appoint a single date for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections which should be held at least six months before the expiration of the term of the current holders of the offices.
Similarly section 64(1) and 105(1) of the 1999 Constitution should also be amended to appoint a single date for national and state assembly elections which should hold two years after the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections
6. ELECTION TRIBUNALS:
A. The number of Tribunals should be increased by reducing the number of Judges that sit on the Tribunal from 5 to 3,so that more Tribunal can be established per State
B. In order to minimise the filling of frivolous petitions, the electoral Act 2006 should be amended to provide that if a Petitioner loses a case, he should be ordered by the Court or Tribunal to bear the full expenses of the Respondent.
7. DETERMINATION OF ELECTION PETITION:
The 1999 Constitution should be amended to specify the period for considering petitions as follows: “THE DETERMINATION OF CASES BY TRIBUNALS SHOULD TAKE FOUR MONTHS AND APPEALS SHOULD TAKE A FURTHER TWO MONTHAS, A TOTAL OF SIX MONTHS”
The key recommendations are as follows:
1. INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY
Section 65(2) (b) and 106 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to make provision for an individual to run as an independent candidate
2. PROCEDURE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF INEC BOARD:
For the above the National Judicial Council should:
A .Advertise the positions, spelling out requisite qualifications
B. Receive applications/nominations from the general public
C. Shortlist three persons for each position
D. Send the nominations to the National Council of State to select one for each position and forward to the Senate for confirmation.
3. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OF INEC CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBERS;
The Chairman and members of the INEC Board may only be removed by the Senate on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council, (NJC) by two –third of the Senate which shall include at least 10 members of the minority parties in the Senate.
4. FUNDING
The Election Expenditure and the Recurrent Expenditure of the INEC offices (in addition to Salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Board members) shall be charged on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.
5. DATES OF ELECTIONS:
Section 132(2) and 178(2) of the 1999 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to appoint a single date for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections which should be held at least six months before the expiration of the term of the current holders of the offices.
Similarly section 64(1) and 105(1) of the 1999 Constitution should also be amended to appoint a single date for national and state assembly elections which should hold two years after the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections
6. ELECTION TRIBUNALS:
A. The number of Tribunals should be increased by reducing the number of Judges that sit on the Tribunal from 5 to 3,so that more Tribunal can be established per State
B. In order to minimise the filling of frivolous petitions, the electoral Act 2006 should be amended to provide that if a Petitioner loses a case, he should be ordered by the Court or Tribunal to bear the full expenses of the Respondent.
7. DETERMINATION OF ELECTION PETITION:
The 1999 Constitution should be amended to specify the period for considering petitions as follows: “THE DETERMINATION OF CASES BY TRIBUNALS SHOULD TAKE FOUR MONTHS AND APPEALS SHOULD TAKE A FURTHER TWO MONTHAS, A TOTAL OF SIX MONTHS”
Ekiti State: Elections Tribunal Retains PDP Governor
The gubernatorial elections tribunal sitting in Ado -Ekiti today declared the People's Democratic Party candidate, Engineer Segun Oni winnner of the 2009 controversial election re-run in Ekiti state with a small margin. In a split decision, majority members of the tribunal claimed that the PDP candidate, Oni defeated Action Congress candidate, Kayode Fayemi with 3,000 votes.
Oyinlola, Alao-Akala bicker over sack of LAUTECH Vice-Chancellor
Governors of owner-states of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo), are now at loggerheads over the sack of the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babatunde Adeleke.
Similarly, an Osun State High Court in Osogbo has restrained the Oyo State Government from relieving Adeleke of his job.
Adeleke had filed a motion ex-parte in court to challenge his sack by owners of the university.
The court, however, granted Adeleke an interim injunction, restraining the defendants from suspending and or removing him from office pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
Justice T. O. Awotoye, while granting the order, restrained the defendants from taking further action in the matter and fixed tomorrow for the hearing of the motion.
Adeleke, whose tenure expires later in the year, was last week directed by the Chairman of the university Governing Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, to proceed on terminal leave with effect from April 30.
The development is generating controversy between the two owner-states with Oyinlola rejecting the sack, insisting that he was not consulted before the removal of Adeleke, who hailed from his state.
Said Oyinlola: “I am a co-visitor of that university. Up till this moment, no one has informed me of any change of the vice-chancellor of that institution. Osun is not a junior partner in LAUTECH. No. We are equal partners and every step will be taken to protect Osun’s interest.
“This is not a matter between Oyinlola and Alao-Akala, it is a matter between Osun and Oyo states. I assure Osun people that we will be firm, focused and determined in fighting for our rights. I will pursue it legally and will follow due process in seeking what is just and fair for my people.”
In the suit, the VC sought, among others, an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/servants, agents and or privies and/or anybody whosoever from suspending and/or removing him from office of the vice- chancellor pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Joined as defendants in the suit are Oyinlola and Alao-Akala, who are visitors to the university, Oyo and Osun State governments, the Governing Council Chairman and Attorney-General and Commissioners for Justice in the two owner states.
Towards 2011 in Ogun State -Contenders & Pretenders ???
By Kayode Ajala
The race hots up among indigenes of ogun state on who should succeed Governor Gbenga Daniel as executive governor. Who are the real contenders and who are the pretenders, for now its only those who indicated interest that one may say are ready, but even among those who have indicated interest, its still to be seen who will snatch the ticket of the political parties.
For now, it seems just aspirants from the PDP had commenced campaigns, while no aspirant on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Action Congress (AC) is said to have come out openly to indicate interest in the governorship seat. However, there are strong indications that the ANPP gubernatorial aspirant in 2007, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was a strong opposition to Governor Daniel in the last general election, may defect to the Action Congress (AC) and contest for the same position.
The PDP governorship aspirants include the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Kola Bajomo; Honourable Jelili Kayode Amusan, representing Abeokuta North/ Odeda/ Obafemi-Owode Constituency in the House of Representatives; Honourable Abiodun Akinlade; Honourable Durotolu Bankole; Honourable Olusoji Eweje; Dr. Leke Otegbeye; Mr. Kola Lawal; Mr. Gboyega Isiaka; Mr. Ireti Oniyide; Mr. Seun Akinbiyi; Dr Bashiru Akinyemi; Chief Kola Lawal; Mr. Tunde Soyemi; Dr. Femi Majekodunmi and Chief Jide Taiwo.
Senator Kola Bajomo
Bajomo, a serving senator from Ogun West, appears to be the strongest of the aspirants based on his antecedents. His ambition has generated so much interest. Aside being in constant touch with his constituency through his grass-root-oriented projects, Bajomo is equally visible in Ogun politics.
A former chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, he would have become governor in 2003 had he agreed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to defect from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and contest on the platform of the PDP against former Governor Olusegun Osoba.
But in 2005, he defected from AD to the PDP and in 2007 contested for the Ogun West Senatorial seat in the National Assembly and won. He has shown interest in vying for the governorship seat in 2011.
Chief Kola Lawal
Lawal, an oil magnate, is a philanthropist per excellence. The Harvard, United States-trained technocrat tends to market himself through his NGO, Kola Lawal Movement (KLM), which has been on ground in the Yewa area of the state. KLM, as popularly called, according to feelers available to the Nigerian Tribune, is a new entrant into politics.
His programmes have clearly shown that he is not playing to the gallery, but mean business to serve his people.
Dr. Leke Otegbeye
Leke, a medical doctor, is the son of the late elder statesman and politician, the late Dr Tunji Otegbeye. His expression of interest in the number one office in the state gave rise to the saying ‘contenders and pretenders to the office’ among the people. Leke is hoping to ride to power on the crest of his father’s acclaimed credibility and seeming closeness to the Governor Gbenga Daniel. But, how far this can assist Leke in his ambition? Time, indeed, will tell.
Honourable Kayode Amusan
Amusan is a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives. He is from the Ogun Central Senatorial district, which is clamouring for a chance produce a successor to Governor Daniel. Amusan has just indicated his governorship ambition at a political rally at Odeda area of the state recently, but he is being viewed by many not to be a serious contender. The thinking is that he won’t go far, even if the slot was allocated to the Egba.
Mr Gboyega Isiaka
Isiaka is the General Manager of Gateway Holdings. The technocrat, who was brought from Lagos by Daniel to help him pilot the investment profile of the state, is seen as Daniel’s likely successor because of the presumed governor’s disguised plot to have Isiaka from Ogun West to take the baton from him.
The challenge before Isiaka is that of opposition within the PDP who may prefer a career politician to a technocrat as successor to Daniel.
Chief Jide Taiwo
A seasoned estate valuer and developer is another contender from Yewaland. He is banking on his widespread connection garnered over the years in the property business within and outside Ogun to coast home with the PDP ticket. Already, his foot soldiers had gone to the field spreading the gospel of Taiwo ahead of decision time.
Revd Jide Awosedo
Revd Jide Awosedo is back in the race, this time, as a governorship contender. In 2007, he indicated interest in Ogun East Senatorial seat but lost the ticket to Senator Lekan Mustapha. Now, he is aspiring to succeed Daniel and he is going to draw a sufficient support, not only from Mustapha, but also from the founding fathers of the PDP in the state.
But the major hurdle before Awosedo, an indigene of Odogbolu Local Government, is that he hails from the same senatorial district with Governor Daniel. His challenge will come from Egba and Yewa contenders who are both locked in a battle of wits, each clamouring that the next governor belongs to their respective zone.
Pastor Tunde Soyemi
He is a minister of God at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He, before joining politics, was a banker, a Human Resource Manager and an entrepreneur. He was also considered to be fresh in politics, but he describes himself as a politician having served as the Ogun State Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and also a member of the Youth Wing of the then Action Group (AG).
Soyemi believed that his utmost goal, if he becomes the governor, is to work tirelessly with others to ensure citizens of the state have a government committing to meeting the needs of the people. He also advocates for peace and atmosphere of law, order and economic stability.
Political watchers are waiting to know if the experiences he had garnered, so far, in the world of politics would take him to the Promised Land.
Honourable Durotolu Bankole
Bankole, no doubt, is the youngest of them all. He is currently a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly. He is not green in politics, to say the least. He has cut his teeth in politics.
His late father was a prominent politician in the state. Bankole hails from Yewa. He was a student union president in his days at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
He belongs to the G-11 in the House believed to be loyalists of Governor Daniel. He has close affinity with OGD and one of the advocates of “Yewa Lokan Agenda” which literally means “It’s Yewa’s turn.” He is the chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports.
To some people, Bankole is not a serious contender, while others insist that it is the turn of the young at hearts to rule the state.
Dr Femi Majekodunmi
A medical doctor and Egba chief, Majekodunmi is another contender people should watch out for. He is a close ally of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and also has affinity with the incumbent governor.
FMG, as he is popularly called, believes that he has the wherewithal to contest and govern the state, having been successful in his medical profession.
Honourable Abiodun Akinlade
He is currently in the House of Representatives, representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency. He is the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology. He is a grass-roots politician to the core.
Akinlade believes that power belongs to God. He said that he is not looking for Ogun West governor, but the governor of Ogun State. He believed that everybody has the right to vie for the governorship seat in Ogun, irrespective of where the person comes from.
Akinlade believed in equity, fairness and justice and appealed to other Senatorial districts to concede the position to Yewa/Awori.
cede the position to Yewa/Awori.
The race hots up among indigenes of ogun state on who should succeed Governor Gbenga Daniel as executive governor. Who are the real contenders and who are the pretenders, for now its only those who indicated interest that one may say are ready, but even among those who have indicated interest, its still to be seen who will snatch the ticket of the political parties.
For now, it seems just aspirants from the PDP had commenced campaigns, while no aspirant on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Action Congress (AC) is said to have come out openly to indicate interest in the governorship seat. However, there are strong indications that the ANPP gubernatorial aspirant in 2007, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was a strong opposition to Governor Daniel in the last general election, may defect to the Action Congress (AC) and contest for the same position.
The PDP governorship aspirants include the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Kola Bajomo; Honourable Jelili Kayode Amusan, representing Abeokuta North/ Odeda/ Obafemi-Owode Constituency in the House of Representatives; Honourable Abiodun Akinlade; Honourable Durotolu Bankole; Honourable Olusoji Eweje; Dr. Leke Otegbeye; Mr. Kola Lawal; Mr. Gboyega Isiaka; Mr. Ireti Oniyide; Mr. Seun Akinbiyi; Dr Bashiru Akinyemi; Chief Kola Lawal; Mr. Tunde Soyemi; Dr. Femi Majekodunmi and Chief Jide Taiwo.
Senator Kola Bajomo
Bajomo, a serving senator from Ogun West, appears to be the strongest of the aspirants based on his antecedents. His ambition has generated so much interest. Aside being in constant touch with his constituency through his grass-root-oriented projects, Bajomo is equally visible in Ogun politics.
A former chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, he would have become governor in 2003 had he agreed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to defect from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and contest on the platform of the PDP against former Governor Olusegun Osoba.
But in 2005, he defected from AD to the PDP and in 2007 contested for the Ogun West Senatorial seat in the National Assembly and won. He has shown interest in vying for the governorship seat in 2011.
Chief Kola Lawal
Lawal, an oil magnate, is a philanthropist per excellence. The Harvard, United States-trained technocrat tends to market himself through his NGO, Kola Lawal Movement (KLM), which has been on ground in the Yewa area of the state. KLM, as popularly called, according to feelers available to the Nigerian Tribune, is a new entrant into politics.
His programmes have clearly shown that he is not playing to the gallery, but mean business to serve his people.
Dr. Leke Otegbeye
Leke, a medical doctor, is the son of the late elder statesman and politician, the late Dr Tunji Otegbeye. His expression of interest in the number one office in the state gave rise to the saying ‘contenders and pretenders to the office’ among the people. Leke is hoping to ride to power on the crest of his father’s acclaimed credibility and seeming closeness to the Governor Gbenga Daniel. But, how far this can assist Leke in his ambition? Time, indeed, will tell.
Honourable Kayode Amusan
Amusan is a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives. He is from the Ogun Central Senatorial district, which is clamouring for a chance produce a successor to Governor Daniel. Amusan has just indicated his governorship ambition at a political rally at Odeda area of the state recently, but he is being viewed by many not to be a serious contender. The thinking is that he won’t go far, even if the slot was allocated to the Egba.
Mr Gboyega Isiaka
Isiaka is the General Manager of Gateway Holdings. The technocrat, who was brought from Lagos by Daniel to help him pilot the investment profile of the state, is seen as Daniel’s likely successor because of the presumed governor’s disguised plot to have Isiaka from Ogun West to take the baton from him.
The challenge before Isiaka is that of opposition within the PDP who may prefer a career politician to a technocrat as successor to Daniel.
Chief Jide Taiwo
A seasoned estate valuer and developer is another contender from Yewaland. He is banking on his widespread connection garnered over the years in the property business within and outside Ogun to coast home with the PDP ticket. Already, his foot soldiers had gone to the field spreading the gospel of Taiwo ahead of decision time.
Revd Jide Awosedo
Revd Jide Awosedo is back in the race, this time, as a governorship contender. In 2007, he indicated interest in Ogun East Senatorial seat but lost the ticket to Senator Lekan Mustapha. Now, he is aspiring to succeed Daniel and he is going to draw a sufficient support, not only from Mustapha, but also from the founding fathers of the PDP in the state.
But the major hurdle before Awosedo, an indigene of Odogbolu Local Government, is that he hails from the same senatorial district with Governor Daniel. His challenge will come from Egba and Yewa contenders who are both locked in a battle of wits, each clamouring that the next governor belongs to their respective zone.
Pastor Tunde Soyemi
He is a minister of God at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He, before joining politics, was a banker, a Human Resource Manager and an entrepreneur. He was also considered to be fresh in politics, but he describes himself as a politician having served as the Ogun State Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and also a member of the Youth Wing of the then Action Group (AG).
Soyemi believed that his utmost goal, if he becomes the governor, is to work tirelessly with others to ensure citizens of the state have a government committing to meeting the needs of the people. He also advocates for peace and atmosphere of law, order and economic stability.
Political watchers are waiting to know if the experiences he had garnered, so far, in the world of politics would take him to the Promised Land.
Honourable Durotolu Bankole
Bankole, no doubt, is the youngest of them all. He is currently a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly. He is not green in politics, to say the least. He has cut his teeth in politics.
His late father was a prominent politician in the state. Bankole hails from Yewa. He was a student union president in his days at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
He belongs to the G-11 in the House believed to be loyalists of Governor Daniel. He has close affinity with OGD and one of the advocates of “Yewa Lokan Agenda” which literally means “It’s Yewa’s turn.” He is the chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports.
To some people, Bankole is not a serious contender, while others insist that it is the turn of the young at hearts to rule the state.
Dr Femi Majekodunmi
A medical doctor and Egba chief, Majekodunmi is another contender people should watch out for. He is a close ally of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and also has affinity with the incumbent governor.
FMG, as he is popularly called, believes that he has the wherewithal to contest and govern the state, having been successful in his medical profession.
Honourable Abiodun Akinlade
He is currently in the House of Representatives, representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency. He is the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology. He is a grass-roots politician to the core.
Akinlade believes that power belongs to God. He said that he is not looking for Ogun West governor, but the governor of Ogun State. He believed that everybody has the right to vie for the governorship seat in Ogun, irrespective of where the person comes from.
Akinlade believed in equity, fairness and justice and appealed to other Senatorial districts to concede the position to Yewa/Awori.
cede the position to Yewa/Awori.
Eso laments corrupt leadership in Nigeria
RETIRED Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso, has identified corrupt leadership as the most worrisome of the numerous problems bedevilling Nigeria.
Justice Eso, while giving a remark, on Tuesday, at J.F. Odunjo 2010 Memorial Lecture held at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, said Nigeria was in a dicey state because its leaders were corrupt and destroyed resources meant for development.
The former Supreme Court Justice, who described Joseph Folahan Odunjo as an exemplary personality and a man of great pen, who devoted his life time to writing, lamented that the country that produced Odunjo had unfortunately produced rogues, thieves and vampires, whose sole goal was to satisfy their greed and destroy resources meant for the development of the country.
“Odunjo was not like those vampires who destroyed our resources in the name of election into offices. It is just worrisome that the country that produced Odunjo has also produced the rogues, thieves and vampires in politics,” Eso lamented.
.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Police Deploy 6,000 as Ekiti Tribunal Delivers Verdict Tomorrow
From Toba Suleiman (This Day Newspaper) in Ado-Ekiti,
The Ekiti State police command disclosed yesterday that it has mobilized 6,000 mobile policemen to take charge of security during and after delivery of judgement on the tribunal case between the Governor Olusegun Oni and Action Congress (AC) candidate Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital over the conduct of the April 25, 2009 rerun governorship election has fixed judgment in the petition brought by Fayemi, for tomorrow.
The notice of judgment signed by the tribunal Secretary Mr. Polycarp Nwachukwu reads: “Take notice that the above mentioned petition has been listed for judgment on Wednesday, 5th day of May 2010 at Court no 1 of Ado-Ekiti at the hour of 9.00am in the forenoon.”
The notice was dated May 3, 2010.
According to the police Spokesman ASP Mohammed Jimoh, the policemen who were mobilized from other state commands had arrived the state over the weekend shortly after a meeting between the state police boss, Mr Chris Kalto and the leaders of the two political parties on the issue of security before during and after the judgment.
The AC and its candidate in the election, Fayemi had filed the petition shortly after the election challenging the results in six wards, including Ifaki I and II, Usi and Orin/Ora ward of Ido/Osi and Ipoti A and B of Ijero council.
The Respondents in the petition are Governor Segun Oni, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the state resident electoral commissioner, electoral officers for Ido/Osi and Ijero Councils, the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo.
Fayemi and the AC had based their petition on their opposition to the result announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Ayoka Adebayo for the disputed wards on two grounds.
They maintained that Oni was not duly elected by the majority of votes cast at the election and that the election and return of Oni was invalid by reasons of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2006.
Throughout the almost a year period the proceedings lasted, while presenting their case, the petitioners called 47 witnesses to prove their case while Oni called 67 witnesses. The PDP called 31 witnesses while INEC called 32 .
While assuring people of the state of the security of their lives and property, Jimoh said the police is ready to curtail any crisis that may break out after the judgment. He said all the party leaders have also been cautioned to control their supporters to ensure that peace reigns in the state.
He disclosed that the command would embark on stop and search operation throughout the state to ensure that arms and ammunition are not brought in to cause a break down of law and order.
Meanwhile, it was observed yesterday that armour personnel carriers (APC) as well as trucks loaded with anti riot policemen had started patrolling the streets of Ado-Ekiti.
The Ekiti State police command disclosed yesterday that it has mobilized 6,000 mobile policemen to take charge of security during and after delivery of judgement on the tribunal case between the Governor Olusegun Oni and Action Congress (AC) candidate Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital over the conduct of the April 25, 2009 rerun governorship election has fixed judgment in the petition brought by Fayemi, for tomorrow.
The notice of judgment signed by the tribunal Secretary Mr. Polycarp Nwachukwu reads: “Take notice that the above mentioned petition has been listed for judgment on Wednesday, 5th day of May 2010 at Court no 1 of Ado-Ekiti at the hour of 9.00am in the forenoon.”
The notice was dated May 3, 2010.
According to the police Spokesman ASP Mohammed Jimoh, the policemen who were mobilized from other state commands had arrived the state over the weekend shortly after a meeting between the state police boss, Mr Chris Kalto and the leaders of the two political parties on the issue of security before during and after the judgment.
The AC and its candidate in the election, Fayemi had filed the petition shortly after the election challenging the results in six wards, including Ifaki I and II, Usi and Orin/Ora ward of Ido/Osi and Ipoti A and B of Ijero council.
The Respondents in the petition are Governor Segun Oni, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the state resident electoral commissioner, electoral officers for Ido/Osi and Ijero Councils, the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo.
Fayemi and the AC had based their petition on their opposition to the result announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Ayoka Adebayo for the disputed wards on two grounds.
They maintained that Oni was not duly elected by the majority of votes cast at the election and that the election and return of Oni was invalid by reasons of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2006.
Throughout the almost a year period the proceedings lasted, while presenting their case, the petitioners called 47 witnesses to prove their case while Oni called 67 witnesses. The PDP called 31 witnesses while INEC called 32 .
While assuring people of the state of the security of their lives and property, Jimoh said the police is ready to curtail any crisis that may break out after the judgment. He said all the party leaders have also been cautioned to control their supporters to ensure that peace reigns in the state.
He disclosed that the command would embark on stop and search operation throughout the state to ensure that arms and ammunition are not brought in to cause a break down of law and order.
Meanwhile, it was observed yesterday that armour personnel carriers (APC) as well as trucks loaded with anti riot policemen had started patrolling the streets of Ado-Ekiti.
Ekiti tribunal’s Verdict and Drumbeatsof War
By FEMI MAKINDE,
As the Ekiti State Election Petitions Tribunal delivers its judgment on the state governorship rerun election on Wednesday, there is tension among residents of the state, writes FEMI MAKINDE
In most parts of Ekiti State, there is tension as the people of the state await the verdict of the Justice Hamma Barka-led Election Petitions Tribunal on a petition filed by the Action Congress governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is challenging the victory of Governor Segun Oni at the state governorship rerun election held on April 25, 2009.
The state, which has witnessed increased violence in the last one year, is now tense following the clash that greeted the adoption of the final written addresses by all the parties to the petition.
The day nearly recorded casualties but for prompt response from the police. Armed thugs ambushed Fayemi, his supporters and some journalists on their way from the venue of the tribunal.
The AC governorship candidate, who was chauffeur-driven in his black sport utility vehicle, escaped a gunshot which he said was aimed at him. However, a journalist working for a Lagos State based media outfit, Channels Television, Mr. Felix Vincent, was nearly killed as his head was axed by an unknown thug. Some supporters of the AC, who were also coming from the tribunal, were also seriously wounded in the clash. Some of those injured in the fracas, who spoke with our correspondent on hospital beds, accused the PDP and Oni of masterminding the attack. But Oni, while exonerating himself and the PDP, said that Fayemi and his party hired the thugs who unleashed terror on innocent residents in the state. Fayemi, who had since petitioned the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Katso, National Security Adviser and the state Director of State Security Service alleged that his opponents in the state were looking for a way to silence him.
Fayemi‘s SOS to the police reads in part, ”I wish to inform further that there is a grand plan to attack me, my party leaders and members on the day the tribunal will sit for ruling on the Election Petition. There is equally a palpable fear among my supporters due to the boasts of these aforementioned PDP notorious thugs who had promised to maim them before and during the tribunal ruling.
”Currently, the state PDP leaders with their state government officials are holding nocturnal meetings to hatch a plot to unleash mayhem on my Isan Ekiti home. The PDP had once made a failed attempt on my Isan Ekiti home and succeeded in attacking our Oba‘s palace, and burnt down valuables including crowns and antiquities.
”I am aware of the various meetings going on in Oye Ekiti, Ifaki Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti and regrettably the Government House where there had been a decision to arrange for fake policemen who would arrest AC supporters at home and public places in Ado Ekiti and whisk them to unknown destinations.
”The office of a local government area Chairman ( name withheld) is daily hosting the leaders of cultists from University of Ado Ekiti , Esa Oke College of Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa and Ambros Alli University , Ekpoma. This evil arrangement is apart from the retinue of cultists headed by one Marshal who is an unofficial Personal Assistant to the State Deputy Governor.
”My party and I have made several reports on the activities of these miscreants who among them are a personal assistant, who led a mayhem against me and several AC members who were wounded.”
Fayemi alleged that the PDP hired thugs were planning to attack him from April 17 to 19. On April 17, some persons suspected to be thugs were arrested by the police at the Catholic Church around Old Garage area of Ado-Ekiti. Fayemi and other AC members attended a service that was held in the church in honour of the immediate past Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Olatunji Fagun, who was also celebrating his 75th birthday.
The suspects were taken to the police station and promptly released after interrogation. While the AC frowned at the release of the suspects who it claimed came to the church premises armed with the intention of killing Fayemi, the police said suspected persons were allowed to go because nothing incriminating was found on them.
Twenty-four hours after the incident, Fayemi said in an interview with journalists at his residence in Isan-Ekiti, ” God is my protector and I know they cannot kill me. Those who are thinking that taking my life will end the struggle should look for another strategy- it‘s a lie! They can‘t take my life but if it happens the struggles won‘t stop. The struggle is not just to be the governor but to liberate Ekiti State .
Security is the duty of the governor. It‘s not only security for me and my party members but for every resident of the state. It‘s not security against assassination, kidnapping and other crimes alone but security of basic needs of life like food and shelter for everybody.
”But the supposed chief security officer in the state undermines the security of the state. This is a big risk. His plan is to make us run out of this state but this can‘t happen because we were all born here. I was attacked at the entrance of the Governor‘s Office by the same set of thugs who unleashed terror on our people during the election.”
”Those arrested were some of those we had already petitioned the police about. It‘s only when there is a state-sponsored terrorism you see these kind of people walking freely in the society.
”Let me make it clear, Mr. Segun Oni is not my enemy. Although we belong to different political parties but he is my brother. However, we have now seen insertion of stray blood into Ekiti politics and we must end this.”
Our correspondent observed that security of lives and property now features prominently in prayer points raised by churches during services. Residents, who do not have the luxury of having police orderlies, have however, resorted to seeking divine protection from the impending violence.
While blaming the AC for exaggerating the violence in the state, Oni accused Fayemi of making attempt to recruit an agent of the United States of America’s Federal Bureau of Intelligence to write fake reports on Ekiti State on the security implications of the likely outcome of the petition. The governor claimed that the intention of the fake security situation to be generated by his arch-rival was to create an impression that there would be chaos if the tribunal‘s verdict favoured him (Oni).
The statement reads in part, ”We wish to alert the Federal Government, the Nigeria public, government of the USA and the international community of the latest clandestine plot of the AC and its governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to hoodwink security agencies both in Nigeria, the USA and United Kingdom (UK) into believing that Ekiti State would be thrown into chaos should the Election Petitions Tribunal judgment go against Fayemi and the AC.
”An agent of the FBI has been recruited to carry out this dastardly assignment and he has already been mobilised to the tune of N15 million. He is expected to generate various negative security reports on Ekiti State in the next two weeks and feed the FBI with them. The security reports are also to be made available to the USA Central Intelligence Agency, the State Security Service (SSS), Directorate of Military Intelligence and the National Security Adviser in Nigeria .”
Just as Oni accused the AC of planning to foment trouble, his aides and the PDP chairman in the state, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, are not left out.
The PDP chairman in a statement said there was the need for security agencies to act on different reports by notable groups on the growing spate of insecurity and attempts by the AC to foist violence in the state in the event that the judgment was not favourable to the party.
Olu-Ojo said, ”We are appealing to these desperate AC politicians to, in God‘s name; steer clear of plunging this state into violence. We have it on good authority that the AC is harbouring and feeding militants.
”Our findings also suggested that these people are mostly from the Badagry area of Lagos State. They (thugs) have warned all AC members to wear clothes that would distinguish them from others so that they will not be the casualties.
AC supporters have bought clothes that will be worn on the day of judgment. The clothes, a green and white coloured ankara fabric- contrary to the dummy they are selling to the public that it is for celebration, is to distinguish their members from others so as to know who to attack.”
But Olu-Ojo‘s counterpart in the AC, Chief Jide Awe, while reacting to the allegation asked the PDP to look for a new set of lies as an alibi for its failure at the tribunal which he said would soon be announced. Awe described the PDP allegation as an affront to common sense. According to him, the AC is not known for violence even in the face of provocations. He said that the party had a high regard for the judiciary and that was the reason it did not resort to self help even when ”our mandate was publicly stolen from us in 2007 and during the rerun election in 2009.”
Awe said, ”It is known to everybody in this country that the PDP tops the list when talking of assassination. The AC is not seeking to rule corpses but living beings so we don‘t need to hire thugs or militants. We are not terrorists. They, PDP and Oni, have enjoyed unmerited mandate for three years but before they leave they should find a way of paying the workers they are owing salaries.”
The Police Public Relation Officer in the state Mr. Mohammed Jimoh, assured our correspondent that the police were ready to ensure peace on Wednesday. He said a meeting had been held with the leadership of the two parties.
As the Ekiti State Election Petitions Tribunal delivers its judgment on the state governorship rerun election on Wednesday, there is tension among residents of the state, writes FEMI MAKINDE
In most parts of Ekiti State, there is tension as the people of the state await the verdict of the Justice Hamma Barka-led Election Petitions Tribunal on a petition filed by the Action Congress governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is challenging the victory of Governor Segun Oni at the state governorship rerun election held on April 25, 2009.
The state, which has witnessed increased violence in the last one year, is now tense following the clash that greeted the adoption of the final written addresses by all the parties to the petition.
The day nearly recorded casualties but for prompt response from the police. Armed thugs ambushed Fayemi, his supporters and some journalists on their way from the venue of the tribunal.
The AC governorship candidate, who was chauffeur-driven in his black sport utility vehicle, escaped a gunshot which he said was aimed at him. However, a journalist working for a Lagos State based media outfit, Channels Television, Mr. Felix Vincent, was nearly killed as his head was axed by an unknown thug. Some supporters of the AC, who were also coming from the tribunal, were also seriously wounded in the clash. Some of those injured in the fracas, who spoke with our correspondent on hospital beds, accused the PDP and Oni of masterminding the attack. But Oni, while exonerating himself and the PDP, said that Fayemi and his party hired the thugs who unleashed terror on innocent residents in the state. Fayemi, who had since petitioned the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Katso, National Security Adviser and the state Director of State Security Service alleged that his opponents in the state were looking for a way to silence him.
Fayemi‘s SOS to the police reads in part, ”I wish to inform further that there is a grand plan to attack me, my party leaders and members on the day the tribunal will sit for ruling on the Election Petition. There is equally a palpable fear among my supporters due to the boasts of these aforementioned PDP notorious thugs who had promised to maim them before and during the tribunal ruling.
”Currently, the state PDP leaders with their state government officials are holding nocturnal meetings to hatch a plot to unleash mayhem on my Isan Ekiti home. The PDP had once made a failed attempt on my Isan Ekiti home and succeeded in attacking our Oba‘s palace, and burnt down valuables including crowns and antiquities.
”I am aware of the various meetings going on in Oye Ekiti, Ifaki Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti and regrettably the Government House where there had been a decision to arrange for fake policemen who would arrest AC supporters at home and public places in Ado Ekiti and whisk them to unknown destinations.
”The office of a local government area Chairman ( name withheld) is daily hosting the leaders of cultists from University of Ado Ekiti , Esa Oke College of Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa and Ambros Alli University , Ekpoma. This evil arrangement is apart from the retinue of cultists headed by one Marshal who is an unofficial Personal Assistant to the State Deputy Governor.
”My party and I have made several reports on the activities of these miscreants who among them are a personal assistant, who led a mayhem against me and several AC members who were wounded.”
Fayemi alleged that the PDP hired thugs were planning to attack him from April 17 to 19. On April 17, some persons suspected to be thugs were arrested by the police at the Catholic Church around Old Garage area of Ado-Ekiti. Fayemi and other AC members attended a service that was held in the church in honour of the immediate past Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Olatunji Fagun, who was also celebrating his 75th birthday.
The suspects were taken to the police station and promptly released after interrogation. While the AC frowned at the release of the suspects who it claimed came to the church premises armed with the intention of killing Fayemi, the police said suspected persons were allowed to go because nothing incriminating was found on them.
Twenty-four hours after the incident, Fayemi said in an interview with journalists at his residence in Isan-Ekiti, ” God is my protector and I know they cannot kill me. Those who are thinking that taking my life will end the struggle should look for another strategy- it‘s a lie! They can‘t take my life but if it happens the struggles won‘t stop. The struggle is not just to be the governor but to liberate Ekiti State .
Security is the duty of the governor. It‘s not only security for me and my party members but for every resident of the state. It‘s not security against assassination, kidnapping and other crimes alone but security of basic needs of life like food and shelter for everybody.
”But the supposed chief security officer in the state undermines the security of the state. This is a big risk. His plan is to make us run out of this state but this can‘t happen because we were all born here. I was attacked at the entrance of the Governor‘s Office by the same set of thugs who unleashed terror on our people during the election.”
”Those arrested were some of those we had already petitioned the police about. It‘s only when there is a state-sponsored terrorism you see these kind of people walking freely in the society.
”Let me make it clear, Mr. Segun Oni is not my enemy. Although we belong to different political parties but he is my brother. However, we have now seen insertion of stray blood into Ekiti politics and we must end this.”
Our correspondent observed that security of lives and property now features prominently in prayer points raised by churches during services. Residents, who do not have the luxury of having police orderlies, have however, resorted to seeking divine protection from the impending violence.
While blaming the AC for exaggerating the violence in the state, Oni accused Fayemi of making attempt to recruit an agent of the United States of America’s Federal Bureau of Intelligence to write fake reports on Ekiti State on the security implications of the likely outcome of the petition. The governor claimed that the intention of the fake security situation to be generated by his arch-rival was to create an impression that there would be chaos if the tribunal‘s verdict favoured him (Oni).
The statement reads in part, ”We wish to alert the Federal Government, the Nigeria public, government of the USA and the international community of the latest clandestine plot of the AC and its governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to hoodwink security agencies both in Nigeria, the USA and United Kingdom (UK) into believing that Ekiti State would be thrown into chaos should the Election Petitions Tribunal judgment go against Fayemi and the AC.
”An agent of the FBI has been recruited to carry out this dastardly assignment and he has already been mobilised to the tune of N15 million. He is expected to generate various negative security reports on Ekiti State in the next two weeks and feed the FBI with them. The security reports are also to be made available to the USA Central Intelligence Agency, the State Security Service (SSS), Directorate of Military Intelligence and the National Security Adviser in Nigeria .”
Just as Oni accused the AC of planning to foment trouble, his aides and the PDP chairman in the state, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, are not left out.
The PDP chairman in a statement said there was the need for security agencies to act on different reports by notable groups on the growing spate of insecurity and attempts by the AC to foist violence in the state in the event that the judgment was not favourable to the party.
Olu-Ojo said, ”We are appealing to these desperate AC politicians to, in God‘s name; steer clear of plunging this state into violence. We have it on good authority that the AC is harbouring and feeding militants.
”Our findings also suggested that these people are mostly from the Badagry area of Lagos State. They (thugs) have warned all AC members to wear clothes that would distinguish them from others so that they will not be the casualties.
AC supporters have bought clothes that will be worn on the day of judgment. The clothes, a green and white coloured ankara fabric- contrary to the dummy they are selling to the public that it is for celebration, is to distinguish their members from others so as to know who to attack.”
But Olu-Ojo‘s counterpart in the AC, Chief Jide Awe, while reacting to the allegation asked the PDP to look for a new set of lies as an alibi for its failure at the tribunal which he said would soon be announced. Awe described the PDP allegation as an affront to common sense. According to him, the AC is not known for violence even in the face of provocations. He said that the party had a high regard for the judiciary and that was the reason it did not resort to self help even when ”our mandate was publicly stolen from us in 2007 and during the rerun election in 2009.”
Awe said, ”It is known to everybody in this country that the PDP tops the list when talking of assassination. The AC is not seeking to rule corpses but living beings so we don‘t need to hire thugs or militants. We are not terrorists. They, PDP and Oni, have enjoyed unmerited mandate for three years but before they leave they should find a way of paying the workers they are owing salaries.”
The Police Public Relation Officer in the state Mr. Mohammed Jimoh, assured our correspondent that the police were ready to ensure peace on Wednesday. He said a meeting had been held with the leadership of the two parties.
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