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EFCC Reveals Commission Do Not Issue Warrant Of Arrest To Loan Defaulters

October 20, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Anti-Graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has distanced itself from rumors making the round by Loan Companies that it issues Warrant of Arrest to Loan Companies for Loan Defaulters.

Emphatically debunking the claims in a statement released on its official X account on Friday, the EFCC stated that they do not issue arrest warrants as purported by these companies.

According to the EFCC, some of these companies send out documents with lists of those on the Commission’s alleged arrest list to scare defaulters into paying their loans.

The Commission warned such companies to desist from such ‘fraudulent engagements as the EFCC may stop at nothing to bring them to book.’

The statement titled, ‘EFCC Does not Issue Arrest Warrant on Loan Defaulters’, reads: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some contrived documents on ‘Arrest Warrant Processing,’ ‘Loan Fraud Escalation,’ and others being circulated by some loan companies, purportedly issued by the Commission against loan defaulters.

“Authors of such documents falsely link their threats against loan defaulters to the Commission.

“The public is enjoined to be wary of such claims. As a rule, the EFCC does not issue arrest warrants on loan defaulters.

“Loan companies linking the Commission to their loan recovery efforts should desist from such fraudulent engagements as the EFCC may stop at nothing to bring them to book.”

Flood: Lagos Orders Lagosians To Evacuate, Relocate

Adesina Soyooye

October 20, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

Ibeshe, Baiyeku, Maidan, Lekki-Ajah, Alagbole, Meiran, Maidan, Kara, Isheri-Olowora, Agiliti, Owode-Onirin/Elede, Agboyi, Ajegunle, Itowolo, Majidun, other Lagos Lagoon boundaries under threat of deadly flood

The Lagos State Government says many partd of the State are in danger of being submerged in deadly flood. It has, therefore urged residents of those areas to evacuate and relocate immediately.

“Massive flooding looms”, Lagos State commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab warned.

He, therefore, advised communities close to the banks of Ogun River to relocate immediately.

“There could be heavy flooding following heavy rainfall and the opening of the Oyan dam by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority” the Commissioner disclosed.

The Commissioner listed such areas to include: Alagbole, Meiran, Maidan, Kara, Isheri-Olowora, Agiliti, Owode-Onirin, Owode-Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II, Ajegunle, Itowolo, Majidun, Ibeshe, Baiyeku, Maidan, Lekki-Ajah, other areas closer to Lagos Lagoon.

Wahab noted that following the incidence of flooding being experienced in Ajegunle, Kara, “the flooding was likely to become worse.”

Already, the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority has issued an alert on the operation of Ouan Dam and advised all residents of the Ogun River bank “to brace up for unavoidable flooding or relocate immediately.”

Flooding comes with fatalities as well as invasion of homes by reptiles, especially, dangerous snakes.

Olabode Augusto: Farewell Illustrious Son Of Lagos State

The Source

October 20, 2023

By Akinwunmi Ambode

Former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, mourns an accomplished son of the State who suddenly passed on October 19, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bode Agusto, an outstanding accountant, banker, mentor and a true icon of Lagos State. His legacy as an eminent citizen of Lagos State and a distinguished Nigerian who was unrepentantly committed to our nation’s economic development will forever be etched in the annals of our history.

Bode Agusto was not only a financial maestro but also a dedicated public servant, who contributed significantly to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria. His contributions to the fields of accounting, finance and economics were quite remarkable and he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s economic policies. His track record in the private sector and public service earned him the national award of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

As Lagos State Governor in January 2017, I’d determined that Lagos State had reached a point where we needed to bring independent perspectives from the private sector to work with the government to jointly plan the future economy of Lagos State and re-engineer its business environment for global competitiveness and enhance opportunities for our people. I consequently set up the Lagos State Economic Advisory Committee, a 12-member private sector-dominated advisory body that comprised some of the best brains in our country and, in determining the chairmanship of the strategic committee, I turned to no other person than the late Bode Agusto and he graciously accepted unconditionally.

The Committee served out their assignment meritoriously without demanding financial compensation for themselves. Such was the patriotism and selflessness that defined the man Bode Agusto.

Lagos State and Nigeria has lost a true luminary and trail blazer. As we mourn his exit, I extend my deepest condolences to the Governor of Lagos State, his family, loved ones, professional colleagues and the entire people of Lagos State. Let us honor his memory by continuing his legacy of service, dedication and excellence.

Mr. Agusto has played his part in nation building and will forever live in our hearts. May his memory be a blessing that continues to inspire us to work collectively for the advancement of our nation.

Ondo: PDP Youths Urge State Assembly To Constitute Medical Team To Determine Gov Akeredolu’s Health Status

Ayodele Oni

October 20, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Youth Wing of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has proffered another alternative to the call by the leadership of the party for resignation of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu following his ill- health.

Rather than him to resign or be impeached, the PDP youths advised the State House of Assembly to constitute a health team to actually determine the State of the Governor’s health.

At a media briefing in Akure on Friday, spokesman for the PDP youths, Tayo Oluyi stated: “We will like to state that we’ve followed up our resume or resign call by writing to the Ondo State House of Assembly to invoke Section 189(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which States;

“Sub section of 189 (4) The medical panel to which this section relates shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the State, and shall comprise five medical practitioners in Nigeria, one of whom shall be the personal physician of the holder of the office concerned; and

“four other medical practitioners who have, in the opinion of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, attained a high degree of eminence in the field of medicine relative to the nature of the examination to be conducted in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section, which provides a framework for addressing situations where a Governor is unable to discharge the functions of the office due to health-related reasons be initiated by the State Legislative Arm.

“It is crucial that the House of Assembly, in the interest of our state and its citizens, upholds this constitutional provisions to ensure the continued and effective functioning of our government, and if the House of Assembly failed in this regard, we won’t hesitate to explore other legitimate Constitutional means to press our demands.”

According to Oluyi, the present situation in the state is “at a critical juncture in our state’s history, where the very foundations of transparency, accountability, and good governance are under scrutiny.

“Ondo State today finds itself grappling with an unprecedented situation that demands an unyielding commitment to the principles of democracy, integrity, and justice from every well-meaning member of this state as saboteurs masquerading as politicians are on the loose to rob us of the service expected to be exchanged for the mandate given to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“It’s important to note that Governor Akeredolu by the mandate given to him by the people of Ondo State is answerable to the people and not the other way round, he is to the good people of Ondo State ‘Servant-In-Chief’.

“The threat of a dangerous precedent looms large, where leaders, in the name of privacy, retreat to undisclosed locations and continue to govern without the watchful eyes of the public.

“This challenges the very notion of governance, which rests upon the pillars of accountability and representation.

“We would like to make it clear that the Governor, in the face of the law is hale and hearty as no subsisting communication suggests otherwise, and since he has refused to resume his duty, we have taken it upon ourselves as stakeholders in the affairs of this state to explore available constitutional measures to demand for his whereabouts or ask that he is relieved of his duty as the Governor of Ondo State if, for any reason, he cannot continue.”

Timi Frank Talks Tough, Says President Tinubu Cannot Stop CIA, FBI From Doing Their Job

Akinwale Kasali

October 20, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Bayelsa State born activist and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank on Friday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, and the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, of the United States of America, to do their job.

Frank spoke against the backdrop of a suit by Tinubu in the USA seeking to stop the planned release of his records with the FBI and CIA in no distant time.

It was reported in September that from October, the FBI would start releasing approximately 2,500 documents relating to President Tinubu in its database.

According to The Peoples Gazette (an online newspaper), “Christopher Carmichael, one of the lawyers who represented Tinubu in the recent controversial academic record case in Chicago, had filed motions to appear in an ongoing freedom of information action brought against the U.S. organisations where records that may help answer questions about the president’s real identity and decades-long endeavours are domiciled.

“The lawyer brought his motion in accordance with Civil Local Rule 83.2(c).”

However, Frank in a statement in Abuja, wondered why a public servant and President of the most populous black country in Sub-Saharan Africa would want to block the release of his records with US security agencies if he has nothing to hide.

“Again by trying to block the FBI and CIA from releasing records concerning you, you have inadvertently confirmed “irreparable” damage that those records would do you and same not palatable to the public or conduce to the holier-than-thou persona you now seek to project.

“This move has confirmed that you have a serious criminal record that you don’t want Nigerians or the world to know.

“So if you know you have a criminal background, then the right thing for you to do is to resign now before you are disgraced out of office by the imminent release of records of your past activities by the FBI and CIA.

“You cannot stop Nigerians from asking questions or the American security agencies from doing their job. You tried to stop the Chicago State University (CSU) from releasing your records but you failed and you will again fail in your attempt to block the FBI ans CIA from releasing documents that would shine the light on your shady past and background.

“If you have decided to serve the people, then you should submit yourself to the people to ask you questions, to know your background, to know who you are, to know the school you went to.

“But whenever the people want to know the personality of their President, you will start running from one court to the other – an action that inexorably points to someone with a criminal background that will not want people to know who is he.

“Since the release of Chicago documents you have been hiding in Aso Rock and suddenly delegated Vice President Shettima to represent you in China.”

Frank who is also an Ambassador for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, ULMWP, to East Africa and the Middle East, insisted that the action taken by Tinubu to again block the planned release of his records is an embarrassment to the presidency, Nigerians and the international community.

“This shameful act that the impostor called Tinubu has engaged in is a huge embarrassment to the highest office of President and embarrassing to the entire Nigerians before the entire world.

“Nigerians are tired of the embarrassment you have brought upon them in recent time,” he said.

He added: “For the few still supporting Tinubu particularly corrupt senior lawyers and judges, be it known to you that a great calamity will befall a nation that rationalises evil because of today’s benefits. All l can say to you is that you should answer the following questions:

Did Bola Ahmed Tinubu submit documents claiming to have obtained GCE A/Levels Certificate from Government College Lagos in 1970, at a time such school was not in existence, that is now part of United States Court Record? Did Bola Ahmed Tinubu use the document in (1) as the foundation document for attending any or all tertiary institutions he claimed to have attended in the United States of America that is now documented as part of Court Records?

He further posed more questions that Did Bola Ahmed Tinubu submit forged documents to INEC that he claimed were obtained from the authorities of Chicago State University? A claim that he made on global television at Chatham House, that has now been refuted as part of Court Records in the United States of America?

Are these issues which are consistent with dishonesty and criminality not a breach of Section 137 (1) (J) of the Nigerian Constitution? And that Does someone with established baggage of criminality hold the highest office of the President of Nigeria? Thus, representing the moral and spiritual standing of over 200 million Nigerians?”

He expressed confidence that the American court where Tinubu is seeking an injunction to block the release of his files would disgrace him like the Chicago court.

He appealed to the American Government and her institutions not to fall to the antics of Tinubu now seeking to hide his past from Nigerians.

He commended the Chicago court, that ordered CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records and expressed confidence that the judges handling the present FBI and CIA case will do the right thing to give Nigerians the privilege to know their President.

He urged the US judges to act according to law and interest of Nigerians and not the selfish interest of personalities.

He further called on Tinubu to stop using Nigerian taxpayers’ money in paying foreign lawyers to defend him in cases bordering on crisis of identity and perjury.

Delta Gov Orders Probe After Parent Killed A Teacher

James Orji

October 20, 2023

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state has ordered a probe into the killing of a school teacher, Sunday Ufua by a parent.

The teacher died on Wednesday after he was attacked by a pupil’s parent, one Uweke at the Alihami Secondary School in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, while sending a condolence message to the family of the deceased, said the parent must face the law after the police have concluded their investigation on the matter.

The state helmsman in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, also warned parents and guardians to stop attacking teachers because they take disciplinary action against their children or wards.

The governor: “While I condole with the bereaved family and teachers across the state on the unfortunate and untimely passing of their father, son, brother and colleague, I have directed the State Police Command to investigate the allegations against the parent and the student with a view to ensuring justice is served on the matter.

“As a state government, we frown seriously at parents going to bully teachers for genuinely meting out disciplinary measures against students for bad behaviour such as is alleged in the extant case.

“I have directed the State Police Command to investigate the case properly and bring the perpetrators to book.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Ufua family and teachers across the state on the untimely and unfortunate demise of their father and colleague.

“As a state, we will never tolerate actions like this in our schools.”

Meanwhile, not a few concerned Nigerians have deplored the risen cases of attacks on school teachers by parents. Teachers must be protected at all costs by the government against violent parents who take the law into their own hands whenever their children complain to them that they were disciplined by their teachers due to one form of unruly behavior or the other.

NDCV Urges FG To Honour Agreement With Ex-Militants, Calls For Decentralization Of Pipeline Surveillance Contract

Akinwale Kasali

October 20, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Niger Delta Coastline Vanguard, NDCV, has called on the Federal Government to consider a decentralization of the new surveillance project to accommodate leaders of ex-militants in each state of the region for effective and efficient results.

The Group stated that there are plans by the Federal Government to re-award the pipeline surveillance contracts to some Ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta region to carry out security monitoring of pipeline vandals, urging President Bola Tinubu to make sure that every ex- militants from the region benefits.

The Niger Delta Coastline Vanguard is a group of ex-militants who, under the Presidential Amnesty Program submitted weapons, and were granted pardoned in 2017 with a promise to be properly integrated into the Federal Government Amnesty program with all accrued benefits.

The Group established the Forest Camp in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local government Areas of Ondo State, in which the Ilaje covers the entire 120kms coastline and 80% of the water ways in the State.

The Group in a statement by its President, General Job Omotuwa, said it is licensed to operate under a registered company called Steve Latcon Security Services (SLSS) and Niger Delta Coastaline Vanguard (NDCV) which has an impressive record of water way security within and outside the State over a long period of time.

It stated that it is on record that on 14th November, 2021 at Abereke, a riverine community in ilaje Local Government, about Eight persons were arrested in four boats loaded with drums of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly called diesel, this arrest was carried out by our security service, the NDCV Patrol Team lead by me General Omotuwa in conjunction with the Anti-Vandal Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Ondo State Command.

It added that in an earlier effort on 28th October, the same year, a vessel was equally arrested by the NDVC team when the suspects engaged in illegal dealings in petroleum products business on the high sea.

This is a feat many ex-militant leaders from Ondo state who have benefitted immensely from the Federal Government Amnesty Program have never recorded or achieved.

It added that NDCV remains the only disciplined, dedicated and law-abiding team that is committed to discharge its duties in collaboration and synergy with the federal government security agencies.

Moreover, the economic importance and advantages of decentralization as here canvased is to yield increased daily oil production output to meet the OPEC target of 2.2million barrels per day which has recently reduced to a ridiculous 1.6million barrels/day because of illegal oil bunkering activities by saboteurs. It will also create job opportunities, enhance the nation’s foreign exchange, encourage internally generated revenue and make act of sabotage that cause oil spill to be more risky and less rewarding for criminals who sabotage government economic policies by busting pipes in the region.

“As a critical stakeholder in the security service of the deltaic belt of Nigeria, we are therefore using this medium to send a strong appeal to Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to consider Niger Delta Coastline Vanguard(NDCV) in the ongoing decentralization plan of the pipeline surveillance contract to handle the entire corridor of the South West littoral States (Ondo, Ogun, Lagos) in the project for equity, fairness and peace in the region.

“Also, for the Presidential Amnesty Commission to give full integration of this body into its plans, policies and program.

“It should be noted that Ilaje is the only local government that has oil wells and oil flow stations in the state that qualifies Ondo state as the No 5 among the 9 oil producing states in the Niger Delta region.

“Ilaje LG shares coastline border with Delta State from the Eastern flank and Ogun State from the Western flank.

It has more than 15 oil companies operating in both onshore and off-shore with daily output of over 80,000 barrels per day.

“The IOCs include but not limited to Chevron Nig. Ltd(CNL), Atlas Petroleum International, Conoil Nig ltd, Agip oil Services, Express oil Company, Conoco oil Services. The following oil fields are currently in active operations in Ilaje local government: Ewan oil field, Ororo oil field, Meren oil field, Opuakaba oil field, Malu oil field, Express oil field and Boga oil field is shared between Delta and Ondo State”.

The NDCV in the statement added that it has been actively engaged in rescue operations of kidnapped victims, the recent one being the one that involved four Chinese nationals in ilaje local government on 20th December, 2017.

That NDCV has been involved in so many ways to arrest and hand over to security agents for prosecution, criminals that are involve in pipeline vandalization and oil bunkering.

It is however appealing to President Tinubu to consider the followings for peace to reign in the region: Decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract to accommodate NDCV to cover Ondo, Ogun and Lagos State littoral corridor.

It stressed that the NDCV has the capacity, the required intelligence and human resources to collaborate with the federal government in the surveillance of pipeline and anti-bunkering activities in the area.

It added that the NDCV is familiar with the terrain for effective and efficient output, urging the government or agent of government not to impose someone from another region who does not belong to the ethnic nationality on us to sustain the existing peace in the region.

Ondo: Akeredolu’s Critics Are Behind Report Of Governor’s Incapacitation – Aide

Ayodele Oni

October 20, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Critics and those sponsoring reports of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s incapacitation are mainly those that are opposed to his stand on national issues, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, declared on Friday.

Olatunde, who spoke in a Radio programme in Akure on Friday, stated “Keep in mind that there are individuals still opposing Governor Akeredolu’s roles in establishing Amotekun and advocating for a Southern Presidency. Consider these factors when evaluating these insinuations.

“Governor Akeredolu is not incapacitated. The Governor addressed this issue when he received the current National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

“The former Chairman, Adamu, didn’t contact the Governor during his treatment in Germany. It’s absurd to declare someone incapacitated without even attempting to communicate with them.

“The truth of the matter is that the Governor is fulfilling his constitutional roles. If anyone asserts otherwise, ask them what’s currently left undone in the state.

“Workers are receiving their salaries on time, and leave bonuses have been paid. Permanent Secretaries have received brand new SUVs as official vehicles. The state is thriving.

“Those claiming that Ondo state is in crisis are merely motivated by their interests. Don’t lend credence to their statements.”

This is the narrative of some individuals whose self-interest continues to drive their sudden media advocacy. What do they mean by ‘in crisis’? The people of Ondo State can attest that the government is operational and effective. How can they claim the state is in crisis? Is development halted? Are various government departments not functioning?”

“As of now, Governor Akeredolu’s administration is constructing the first-ever flyover in Akure, the state capital. Notably, no government has ever built a flyover in the state since its creation. In the past six years, this is the second flyover under this administration. The impact of the governor and the government is evident through projects that enhance people’s lives.”

“As part of the administration’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, palliatives are being distributed across the three senatorial districts. Governor Akeredolu’s government has adopted innovative approaches to distribute these relief measures.

“After the Governor’s return from his medical vacation, he approved the recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service.

“The recruitment process began at the Public Service Institute (PSTI) in Ilaramokin, featuring Computer-Based Tests (CBT) starting on October 9, 2023.

“The Governor also approved the construction of tax stations in Ondo and Ikare, as well as a revenue court in Akure. Progress is already visible on these projects.

“Don’t forget that it was after the Governor’s return that he signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) bill into law. He has also established a team to identify LCDA headquarters. Progress is being made on this front.”

Lawyer Threatens To Drag Ondo Govt To Court Over Refusal To Implement Report Of EndSars Panel

Ayodele Oni

October 20, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A legal practitioner, Tope Temokun, has observed that continued refusal of Ondo State Government to implement report of the panel on police brutality, popularly known as #EndSars amounts to waste of public funds on the Panels.

Temokun pointed out that under the Commission of Inquiry Law of Ondo State, the Governor has a duty imposed by law, after receiving the reports of commission of inquiry set up.

“The law is not for fun. Putting up such huge exercise by law is not also a joke. The duty imposed on the governor is a serious one. And it does not include keeping away or hiding such report from the public.”

In a statement on Friday in Akure the legal practitioner stated that

“And it does not include keeping away or hiding such report from the public. The duty includes the releasing of the report to members of the public.

“In this case, public fund was dissipated into that exercise and the poor victims, embracing hopes and trusting in the government, travelled distances from the various communities of the state to come and present their complaints.

“The panel had completed its historical and statutory role and had submitted report. Conscience had become clear that they have completed their job.

“This country bled for long under the disbanded SARS and the victims need the government to heal their wounds.

“So the purpose of that exercise was to ensure that justice was done to victims of police brutality, extra-judicial killings and infringement of the fundamental human rights of the people.

“Holding on to such panel report is illegal, immoral and it is an unpardonable sin against humanity. It is against good conscience to deny victims of hopes.

“We call on the government of Ondo Sate to purge itself of this sinful act and release the report to the public and implement same. We shall approach the court to enforce this if the government fails to heed.”

The Federal executive Council, in its meeting held on Friday, 16th October 2020, directed state governors to put in place panels of inquiry to look into rampant cases of police brutality.

This led to inauguration of various panels were across the states of the federation.

In Ondo State, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, pursuant to the powers vested on him under section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 32 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State 2006, constituted an eight-man panel of inquiry to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related judicial killings by the police in Ondo state.

The panel was also mandated to recommend compensation and other remedial measures for victims. The eight-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry, headed by retired Hon. Justice Adesola Sidiq, was constituted on October 20 2020.

After hearing about 77 petitions from members of the public who have suffered one degree of brutality or the other in the hands of the police in Ondo state, on Wednesday the 28th of April 2021 the panel submitted its recommendation to the governor.

It recommended among others, payment of compensation of N755million to victims. Justice Sidiq panel did not only recommend payment of monetary compensation but also recommended publication of apologies in national dailies in deserving cases.

Anambra: My Tribunal victory, Validation Of The Will Of The People, Grace of God – Ogene

James Orji

October 20, 2023

Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has described the National Assembly Election Tribunal verdict that declared him as the authentic winner of the February House of Representatives election in Ogbaru, as a “true validation of the will of the people and the undeniable grace of God.”

The Tribunal sitting in Awka, Anambra state capital, on Friday, October 20, affirmed the victory of the Labour Party candidate, Ogene, against the petition of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Chukwuka Onyema, who was defeated at the polls by Ogene according to the results of the election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on April 15, 2023, after a supplementary election in the constituency.

INEC records indicated that the LP candidate scored 10,851 votes of the total votes cast, followed by the candidate of the PDP who polled 10,619 votes, while the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Arinze Awogu, came third with 10,155 votes.

The election in Ogbaru Federal Constituency was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, after the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

As a result, a rerun election was held at the constituency on April 15, but unsatisfied with the result, Onyema, who had held three tenures of office, proceeded to the tribunal to challenge Ogene’s victory.

Speaking after the judgment, an elated Ogene expressed gratitude to God for the victory and grace to represent his constituents at the House of Representatives. He also thanked Ogbaru people and his teeming supporters for their selfless support, encouragement and prayers, adding that this special victory would further energise him to continue to provide quality representation for the people. He extended hands of fellowship to the PDP candidate, and urged him to avoid the temptation of further judicial brickbats.

Ogene said further: “I want to specially appreciate God for His faithfulness in always ensuring that the light which He lit for the people would never be extinguished by the shenanigans of those who seek to exalt themselves against His will and His divine agenda for ndi Ogbahu.

“I also want to sincerely appreciate the entire Ogbahu people, irrespective of political or social divides, for their steadfastness in working and praying for the good of Ogbahu. We are remarkably a peaceful people, and should not allow politics or personal interest of the political class or politically exposed people to divide or destroy us.

“Ogbaru Federal Constituency is not a private estate of anyone or group of individuals. Leadership positions are entrusted to individuals at a time, to work for, and protect the interest of the people. It should never be a do or die affair, because it is only God that determines who should lead the people at any given time.

“I have won election in the past. And I had also lost election in 2015 as an incumbent representative. But I just moved on and waited for God’s own time. I didn’t take my opponent to the court, because I considered that doing so would hurt the interest of Ogbahu as tribunal distractions would impact adversely on the quality of representation that the people deserve. It is in this light that I pay glowing tribute to my brother and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA candidate in the election, Comrade Arinze Awogu, for electing to align with the people’s will, by refusing to go to the Tribunal.

“Ogbaru deserves the best and should demand for the best, but such legitimate aspiration would be jeopardised, should we continue to allow politics of acrimony to erode our oneness and the political space.

“Once again, I congratulate the good people of Ogbaru, because with this vital victory, we shall now concentrate fully in the service of the people, in the true sense of representative democracy. I also say kudos to the judiciary, whose judgment remarkably aligns with the will of the Ogbaru electorate.

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