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Oyo: EFCC Widens Net On Makinde, As Commissioners Go Into Hiding

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Oyo State government is preparing for the worst in the ongoing corruption investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC following suggestion that the agency has decided to extend its dragnet to top officials of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration.

The Abdulrasheed Bawa-led agency had last Tuesday arrested the Accountant General of the state, Gafar Bello, over an alleged N9billion deal.

EFCC had earlier arrested the attorney general and commissioner for Justice over allegations of corruption. The arrest of the state officials was not unconnected with the investigation of Governor Makinde’s government regarding the security votes that have accrued to his government since he came to power in 2019.

The development comes on the crest of a suit filed at the Federal High court, Lagos by the socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP demanding for an order of mandamus to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate allegations of mismanagement of security votes by state governors since 1999.

SERAP condemned the “pervasive tendency by public officers since 1999 to regard or treat security votes given to them for the security of the state as their entitlement or funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution and international standards.

“Security votes should be used for improving the security situation in the states or returned to the public treasury.

“Longstanding allegations of mismanagement of security votes have hugely contributed to the growing insecurity in the country, and the failure to ensure the security and welfare of Nigerians.

“As revealed by a recent report by Transparency International (TI), most of the funds appropriated as security votes are spent on political activities, mismanaged or simply stolen. It is estimated that security votes add up to over N241.2 billion every year”, the rights group said.

The magazine has now learnt that some top government officials have gone into hiding for fear that they may be arrested by EFCC operatives.

“There’s a big confusion in the government as nobody knows who among them will be the next to be arrested by EFCC.  As a precaution, many government officials are no longer coming to office as they have decided to stay away for the main time until the dust is settled,” a civil servant who craved anonymity told the magazine on Wednesday.

Sources told the magazine that many officials that have disappeared are mostly of the state Ministry of Finance, apart from close aides of the governor who feared that they many be arrested and questioned by the commission.

Recall that the Social Party of Nigeria, SPN had last month claimed that Governor Makinde has nothing to show for the N1 billion monthly accruals to his government as Security Votes.

The party said in a statement that in spite of the huge votes, insecurity has pervaded the state as criminals have overwhelmed security agencies.

SPN said “as far as we are concerned in SPN the rising insecurity in the state is an indictment on Engr Seyi Makinde-led government in the sense that its monthly security vote which was alleged to have recently increased from N250 million earned during the late Senator Ajimobi-led administration to N1billion has failed to translate to any improvement in the security of life and property in the state.

“It has also shown that propaganda made by the regime over the procurement of vehicles for security agencies, the convocation of security summit including the establishment of Western Nigerian Security Network popularly called Amotekun operation is just a mere grandstanding as they have individually and collectively failed to uplift the security of lives and property of the working people in the state.

“In fact, the recent activities and operation of Amotekun operatives have recently turned out to be a threat to democratic rights and human dignity of the ordinary people including extortion, extra-judicial killing, within the short period of its existence”.

But responding to the issue on Wednesday, Governor Makinde said the commission is just trying to harass his government. The state has now dragged the EFCC to court over the investigation.

According to a statement by Wasiu Olatunbosun, the state Commissioner for Information said the matter will be settled in the court, adding that the EFCC must stop harassing state officials over a matter that is already in the court.

“The Oyo State Government is using this medium to update the good people of Oyo State regarding the arrest, questioning and detention of the Oyo State Accountant General on Friday, February 25, 2022, and subsequent release on Monday, February 28, 2022,” Olatunbosun said.

The state government further warned that “the continued harassment and intimidation of the Accountant General and other officials of the state government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is totally unconstitutional and unacceptable and is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The EFCC and its officials have, since last year been mounting pressure on Oyo State and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Contingencies Fund and Security Vote lawfully approved and passed into Appropriation Law of Oyo State by the Oyo State House of Assembly”.

The Makinde administration said it is only the state House of Assembly that is empowered by law to investigate any corruption in government, citing the Supreme Court earlier judgment on the matter.

“This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has decided in a long line of cases that the EFCC lacks the powers to prosecute issues that are not corruption cases”.

“We would like to put it on record that by virtue of Section 128 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, unless and until the Oyo State House of Assembly reports or exposes any corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it to the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Commissioner for Finance, Section 6 (h) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 (as amended) cannot be triggered.

“The Oyo State House of Assembly has not made any such reports and thus the actions so far by the EFCC and the EFCC Chairman are unconstitutional and ultra-vires.

“In line with this conviction, the Oyo State Government had approached the Federal High Court, in the Ibadan Judicial Division on February 8, 2022, for declaratory reliefs and to among other things, issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants (1. Attorney General of the Federation; 2. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; 3. President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria and 4. The Chairman of the EFCC, their functionaries or agencies or whosoever from interfering with the activities of any government officials in Oyo State (i.e. any public officer or functionary or officer or servant of the government of Oyo State) in the exercise of powers purported to be conferred by or under the provisions of the EFCC Act, 2004 with relation to the expenditure and or spending of the Oyo State Government or security votes as vested in the Governor of Oyo State.

“The EFCC had brazenly refused service of the processes at the Abuja Head Office for reasons unknown to the law but as of today, March 1, 2022, at the hearing in Ibadan, Hon Justice N. Agomoh directed the EFCC to accept service of the Oyo State Government originating processes and pending applications in the full glare of the Court.

“The Trial Judge also ordered that all forms of arrest and intimidation by the EFCC should cease. The case has been adjourned to March 9, 2022, for the hearing of all applications.”

It said the EFCC is desperate and its actions so far portend an attempt to subvert the law.

“The arrest of the Oyo State Accountant General on Friday, February 25, 2022, was a desperate and malicious attempt at thwarting a constitutional process that had already been instituted at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, with a hearing date of Monday, March 1, 2022.

“The Government of Oyo State refuses to be intimidated, cowed or distracted from its one goal of providing good governance’, the state government said.

 

Veteran Nollywood Actress, Shade Akintaylor Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oluweri Magbo Ojo

By Akinwale Kasali

The demise of Veteran Actress, Shade Akintaylor, popularly known as Oluweri Magbo Ojo, is one death too many for the Nollywood industry.

The make-belief Industry  is still mourning the demise of Lari Williams, another veteran Actor who died over the weekend at Ikom, Cross River, when Akintaylor also bid the world farewell in far away United Kingdom.

The light skinned Late Akintaylor was 59 years old was well-known for her appearances in movies produced by Gbenga Adewusi’s Bayowa Films International.

The cause of her death was not well-known as at Press time, but her death was announced by her family members who broke the sad news and died peacefully in her sleep.

Fans of the Late Actress have paid tributes on social media.

Tunji Ajibola wrote: “Shade Akintaylor lives on. OluweriMagbo Ojo. Adieu.

The Akintaylor and Ajibola Family announces the passage of our sister .

Another social media user wrote “Sleep o our angel , until we part no more, Our sister would have clocked 60 years in October.”

Ibi Ronnie wrote: “Oh my… my her soul rest well.”

Indulgence_by_borlington said: “I remember her, she acted in most of Bayowa movies back in the days, very beautiful woman. RIP”

Mollyswts wrote: “This woman, na she and baba suwe used to act then. Rest on Mama.”

Tinubu Absent As Yoruba Obas Move To Resolve Rift With Aregbesola

By
Ayodele Oni
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Aregbesola And Tinubu with Yoruba Oba meeting

By Ayodele Oni

All Progressive Congress, (APC)  Presidential Aspirant, Asuwaju Bola Tinubu,  was conspicuously absent at a meeting called on Tuesday to resolve the rift between him and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

The meeting, which was at the instance of some Yoruba Traditional Rulers, was held at the private residence of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The sour relationship between the two Yoruba leaders became public when Aregbesola publicly accused Tinubu of playing god at a rally to sell his candidate for the Osun state Governorship.

Aregbesola went further by prompting another candidate to contest against Governor Gboyega Oyetola, a relation of Tinubu, during the last Governorship primary of Osun state.

It was learnt that the Traditional Rulers rulers met with Aregbesola in the absence of Tinubu.

According to sources, notice of the meeting was sent to both Tinubu and Aregbesola earlier and no response was received from the Tinubu.

They were to meet with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adéyemí and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to resolve the lingering strained relationship between two prominent Yoruba political leaders.

The meeting, which lasted for about two hours, had in attendance Oba Adeyemi, Ooni Ogunwusi and Ogbeni Aregbesola.

It was described as a first step towards finding a lasting reconciliation between the two.

The leaders agreed to move to the next stage of the meeting, which will be held at a later date.

Aregbesola was Tinubu’s Commissioner for Works in  Lagos. It was Tinubu who made him Governor, and was instrumental to his becoming a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They fell apart over Governor Oyetola who, Aregbesola has now revealed, was imposed on him both as his Chief of Staff, and as Governor of Osun State.

NYSC Boss Solicits Support For Trust Fund

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim

By Ayodele Oni

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has sought the support of Nigerians towards the establishment of a Trust Fund for the scheme.

General Ibrahim, while declaring open the 2022 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) orientation course in Akure, Ondo State, said that the establishment of the Fund would enhance smooth operation of the Scheme, especially in addressing the challenge of infrastructure at orientation camps.

The DG, whose speech was read by the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani pointed out that its passage into law would equally boost the skills and entrepreneurship development programme aimed at empowering the corps members for self employment and wealth creation.

He appreciated the leadership and members of the House of Representatives for the success recorded so far in the legislative processes on the Bill for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund.

“I also wish to thank Nigerians for the continuous show of support for the proposed Trust Fund, especially as overwhelmingly demonstrated during the public hearing conducted by the House Committee on Youth on the matter.

“I wish to once again appeal to the appropriate authorities to provide necessary enablement for the actualisation of the Fund.”

The NYSC boss advised the corps members to avoid using social media for spreading fake news but for the promotion of national unity, integration and development.

Ibrahim, emphasized that one of the major objectives of the Scheme, which is the promotion of national unity and integration, necessitated their deployment away from their states of origin and socio-economic backgrounds.

“This policy will not only offer you the opportunity for broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony and shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.”

He reminded the newly sworn inductees of the Scheme that the Oath of Allegiance they have taken is significant, as it is expected to guide their conduct in the service year as well as have everlasting influence on their lives after service.

He implored them to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they have demonstrated so far, especially by remaining compliant with the camp rules and regulations and equally enjoined them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws.

According to him, the orientation course, being the first cardinal programmes of the NYSC, is designed to equip  members of the service corps the requisite knowledge for leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical trainings, as well as sensitisation on topical national issues among others.

“Orientation course is a platform for kick-starting various activities that will enable you realise your potentials, and attain individual feats both within and beyond the period of service and I therefore enjoin you to avail yourselves of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity by participating actively in all the camp activities.”

On Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the Director General urged the corps participants to avail themselves of opportunities for self employment offered through SAED by choosing from any of the skill areas they have interest in and passion for.

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye, who was represented by Justice John Olajide Abe administered the Oath of allegiance on the corps members.

DSS Angry, Warns Ayu, PDP Chairman, Over Unguarded Statement, Asks Him To Behave

By
The Source
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0
Iyorcha Ayu

By Gideon Njoku

If Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, does not mind his language, he could talk himself into trouble.

At least, one Security Agency, the Department of State Services, DSS, is angry with him, and has sent a strong warning to Ayu to desist forthwith.

In what was seen by many present as mis-speaking and an unprovoked attack, Ayu, while exuding confidence that his Party, the PDP, would win the Presidential election in 2023, had said that when PDP takes over, it would not harass Nigerians with Security Agencies. He made the mistake of naming them, including the DSS, an Agency seen by many as not  politicised, but quietly doing its constitutional job.

Ayu spoke this last weekend in Owerri, Imo State, at the reception of the new National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, by the Imo State Chapter of the PDP.

The DSS has taken exception to Dr. Ayu’s statement and has, in a strongly-worded statement, signed by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, warned Ayu to desist from making such unprovoked statement.

The Service says Ayu’s statement was not only mischievous, but inciting as the DSS does not indulge in the harassment of citizens.

The Service, also reminded Ayu of the services the DSS had rendered to him from the time he was Senate President, to the years he was a Cabinet Minister, and asked if, perhaps, he was using the details attached to him for illegal harassment of people.

The Service also asked that it be left alone to concentrate on the onerous job assigned to it by the Constitution, insisting that it has never failed to discipline  any of its personnel who stepped out of line.

Following is the DSS statement:

“The attention of the Department of State Services, DSS, has been drawn to an unwarranted statement made by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, against Security Agencies including the Service.

“The Party Chairman, while speaking at an event on February 22, in Owerri, Imo State, was quoted to have said that his Party would not use the DSS to harrass the people when they take over Aso Rock in 2023.

“Though the Service restrains itself from joining issues, particularly, with politicians, it wishes to state its disapproval of such statement which is considered as unjustified, unfair, speculative and preposterous.

“Except to malign and incite the people against it, the Service questions the rationale behind such an unprovoked description of it by Chief Ayu who had variously benefited from it, and, indeed, the State.

“Having served variously as Senate President, Minister of Education, Industry, Internal Affairs and Environment, with full complements of Security details, he knows the Service is never used to harass the people. And, if he ever used the details for negative services (unknown to the Sevice), he should know that the times have changed.

“Dr Ayu knows that the Service is a frontline guardian of democracy, and respects the rule of law in Nigeria. It is committed to the protection of people.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it does not shield its personnel who offend the rule of the law of the land from disciplinary action thus, the unfruitfulness of his statement.

“The DSS, has undoubtedly made profound sacrifices for the existence and unity of the country, and will continue to, despite deliberate attacks on it.

“While members of the public are urged to disregard Dr. Ayu’s statement, politicians are enjoined to desist from making unguarded statements with tendencies to breach public order.

“Overall, the Service prefers that it be left out of any political fray as it is committed to maintaining its usual neutrality and transparency in the discharge of its mandate.”

It’s SAN Vs SAN As Nwosu Protests, Says Olanipekun Not Fit To Be Chairman, Body of Benchers

By
The Source
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0

By Gideon Njoku

If the desires and protests of Lucius Nwosu, SAN, are granted, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, will not be the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, BoB

Olanipekun desires to be, as a crowning glory to his very successful and lucrative career as a lawyer, having, also, been the President of the prestigious Nigeria Bar Association.

But that crown may slip through his hand, no thanks to a petition and suit against him.

Nwosu, a Porthacourt based senior lawyer of about 40 years, says Olanipekun is not fit to be the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, a body which membership includes all the Supreme Court Judges, serving and retired, as well as the  Heads of other Courts in Nigeria, and the Headship of the NBA. He says allowing Olanipekun to be the Chairman, or even to contest, is an insult on the respected BoB. He says Olanipekun, allegedly, does not have the integrity to occupy that position. His occupation of it, he insists, would lower the standard, and would, therefore, be bad for both the BoB and the Legal Profession. His desire is that Olanipekun be disqualified or his application for the position, withdrawn by the NBA.

In suit NO. PHC/175/CS/2022, Nwosu seeks to stop and/or disqualify Olanipekun from contesting.

He has notified the President of the NBA, Olumide Akpata, of the suit, and also, copied, Olanipekun.

Defendants in the suit are:

* Olusegun Awonuga

* Chied Wole Olanipekun, SAN.

* The Body of Benchers.

Nwosu gives his reasons for his desires.

One of the reasons he gave is that Olanipekun “has unfortunately over the years progressively carried on a practice which has finally culminated in his condemnation in unanimous decisions of the Supreme Court and Final Court of the Land in the strongest of terms, such that he cannot possibly be said to have acquitted himself of that pre-condition set down by the enabling statute.”

Therefore, he said: “I am of the considered view that it will be in his interest and I dare say, the larger interest of the Nigeria Bar Association/Legal Profession that he be advised to refrain from bidding for the Chairmanship of the Body of Benchers, failing which the Bar should politely withdraw his candidacy.”

Following is Nwosu’s notification to both the President of the NBA and and Olanipekun:

LUCIUS E. NWOSU (SAN) & PARTNERS

SOLICITORS & TRIAL LAWYERS

27 OHAETO STREET D/LINE

P.O. BOX 7459, PORT HARCOURT 5000001 NIGERIA e-mail: [email protected]

TEL: +234-84-813527, 08061157940

17th February, 2022

The National President

Nigeria Bar Association NBA House Abuja.

Dear Sir,

RE: SUIT NO. PHC/175/CS/2022

LUCIUS E. NWOSU, SAN Claimant

vs.

  1. OLUSEGUN AWONUGA 1st Defendant
  2. CHIEF WOLE OLANIPEKUN SAN – 2nd Defendant
  3. THE BODY OF BENCHERS – 3rd Defendant

NOTIFICATION OF PENDENCY OF LITIGATION OF EXTREME BAR SIGNIFICANCE

“I am a Legal Practitioner of considerable 40 years practice/ seniority and member of the Inner Bar since 2004. I have equally served for four years at the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee under late Hon. Mr. Justices Legbo Idris Kutigi and Alloysius I. Katsina-Alu both former Chief Justices of Nigeria now deceased. I am upto date in my financial obligations to the Nigeria Bar Association,

ABUJA LIAISON – NO 104 EBITU UKIWE ST. JABI DISTRICT, FCI NIGERIA

“I find it very compelling to bring to my President’s attention the substance of the subject suit which was commenced by originating summons at the Rivers State High Court.

The lawsuit seek the interpretation of Section 3 of the Legal Practitioners Act Cap L 11 which set out the criteria for admission of Legal Practitioner into the Prestigious Body of Benchers to wit — that the person should be of the Highest Distinction in the Legal Profession.

“It is submitted that such Highest Distinction shall enure prior to and throughout the period such person shall be a member of that body.

“It has come to my knowledge that Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN was one such member representing the Bar Association at the Body of Benchers. He has unfortunately over the years progressively carried on a practice which has finally culminated in his condemnation in unanimous decisions of the Supreme Court and Final Court of the Land in the strongest of terms, such that he, cannot possibly be said to have acquitted himself of that precondition set down by the enabling statute.

“I am of the considered view that it will be in his interest and I dare say, the larger interest of the Nigeria Bar Association/ Legal Profession that he be advised to refrain from bidding for the Chairmanship of the Body of Benchers failing which, the Bar should politely withdraw his candidacy.

“In making this representation, I call in aid the unanimous decision of a Full Supreme Court in the case of Biobarakuma Degi Eremienyo & Ors Vs. Peoples Democratic Party & Ors (2021) 16 NVVLR (Pt. 1800) 387, @ P. 405 Paras B-D.

‘As it is, I cannot believe, and I say this with tears in my eyes, I cannot believe that in my lifetime, I would see very senior members o the Bar bring Applications of this nature to this court, which are aimed at desecrating the sanctity of this court; violating the well-known principle that the decisions of this court are final; and destroying the esteem, with which this court is held.

The two application filed by the two sets of Applicants are vexatious, they are frivolous, and they are without doubt, a gross abuse of court process.

Costs of 10 Million Naira each are awarded against the first and second Applicants and the third Applicant respectively, and in favour of the first, Second and 3rd Respondents, to be paid personally by their respective counsel…’

Per Amina Adamu Augie JSC who read in the lead.

“It is important that the full weight of each carefully selected word, adjective and sentences deployed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in condemnation of our learner Senior Lawyer is un-precedented in Nigeria, if not in the entire commonwealth.

“It is similarly more significant that there is no parallel in recorded judicial history in this country where a Senior Lawyer is mulcted with humongous costs of   (Thirty Million Naira) and ordered to be paid personally by himself. He has defiantly refused to pay the costs awarded by the Supreme Court as at my last inquiry, not that if would have made a difference if he had paid same.

“Mr. President, the position is more complicated given the fact that the Honourable Chief Justice of the Federation and all the Learned Law Lords of his condemning Supreme Court are statutory members of the Body of Benchers. Ditto all the heads of strategic courts in Nigeria. It will, therefore, be irreconciliable with decency that the person put forward by the Bar Association should sit as

Chairman of the highest policy Body where ethics and regulation of the Legal Profession will be discussed and formulated, with these eminent jurists seated as plebians, at the Chairman’s foot stool.

“As though the un-edifying situation above is not enough, one of the responsibilities of the Chairman of the Body of Benchers is to sign the Call to Bar Certificates of New Wigs and deliver the exhortations as to character, carriage and respect for the courts.

“There will certainly arise the ugly and irreconcilliable situation where the bearers of those certificate will be citing the judicial precedent of the condemnation by the Highest Court of the very member of the Bar who signed those certificates.

“Mr. President, I do not have anything to gain or lose personally by Chief Olanipekun SAN remaining in, or becoming Chairman of the Body of Benchers, but I would rather not be your goodself as President and alter ego of the Nigeria Bar Association, when this tragic circumstances will be ascribed to your tenure. Hence this urgent note of caution.

Kindly remain assured of my highest of esteem, in the hope that his Grace will permit you to see beyond the present, in creating precedents.

“We should be seen to have put our est foot forward from our membership of that august body.

“Copy:

Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN

God’s Grace Chambers, 6 Oshakiti Close Abuja.”

As at the time of writing this, we couldn’t confirm any reaction by either Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, or by the President of the NBA, Olumide Akpata.

2023: Ebunola Martins, Osinbajo Campaigner, Tells Tinubu To Support Southeast Candidate

By
The Source
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0
Anyim Pius Anyim

The chances of the Presidential aspiration of Anyim Pius Anyim and other Presidential aspirants from the South East brightens as supporters of aspirants from other zones now canvass for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction.

Anyim, a leading contender from the South-east is aiming to flag the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, as its Presidential candidate.

In an encouraging solidarity to the South-east, a prominent South-westerner,  Ebunola Martins has strongly thrown his weight behind the zoning of the Nigerian Presidency to the South-east in 2023.

Martins who is the Coordinator of Buhari/Osinbajo Support Groups (BOSG), on Tuesday suggested that the two dominant political parties, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) zone their 2023 presidential ticket to the South-east.

Featuring on Arise Television morning programme,  The Morning Show, Martins insisted that the South-east should produce the President in 2923 for the sake of equity and fairness.

Said he, “First, I am a Yoruba man before becoming a Nigerian. I believe in the Yoruba people and I believe in our tribe and tradition, so I cannot betray a Yoruba man.

“In this 2023 election, if we want to be fair, and we want to talk about zoning, the unwritten zoning, because as you know, people have said it is not constitutional. I agree that it is not constitutional, some people have said zoning will not give you the best. I agree. But for fairness and justice, and that is why I am saying that even my big brother, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if I were him, I will not run for the election.

“I will encourage my brothers from the east. We are friends, we are the same, we are from the South.

“We (Southwest) have had our own, South-south has had their shot.  I will encourage the Easterners to do so.

“Even both political parties should bring their candidates from the Southeast, just like we did in 1999 that we brought both (Olusegun) Obasanjo and (Olu) Falae just to give the Southwest that comfort that you are part of us, even that (1993) election was annulled, we don’t hate you as a region.

“So, the two major political parties brought out these two people, and I think that is what we should do for the Southeasterners.

“I believe so. My vote will go to  Southeast. As a person, I believe we should give them that grace of the opportunity to do that”, Martins argued.

Lagos: PDP Jettisons Concensus, As Aivoji Emerges Chairman; Will Wrestle Power From APC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Phillip Aivoji Lagos New PDP Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

After a highly contested election, Phillip Aivoji has emerged as the new Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman.

Aivoji, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, was declared winner of the election by Bayelsa State Governor, Diri Duoye, who was the Electoral Umpire for the Party’s election held on Sunday.

The Badagry Local Government, Lagos State born Aivoji polled 839 votes to defeat his closest rival Amos Fawole who scored 816 votes.

Announcing Aivoji as the winner of the election, Governor Diri said the election was free and fair, and there was a level playing field for all contestants.

The outcome of the election saw delegates jettisoning the consensus arrangement earlier adopted by the party which would have produced Fawole.

Announcing the results Governor Diri said six candidates contested the Chairmanship including Aivoji, Fawole; Dr  Adetokunbo Pearse, King Okuneye; Niyi Adams and Dr. Abiodun Adebiyi.

Okuneye scored 56 votes; Adams polled 29 votes while Pearse and Adebiyi scored zero votes each.

Douye added: “I will like to use this opportunity to appreciate members of the PDP, Lagos State Chapter. The PDP is one and the same, this is a family election. I believe there is no winner, the winner is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In his victory speech, Aivoji expressed willingness to work with all the PDP leaders to change the fortunes of the party and prepare it for 2023 electoral victory, and also wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Other elected members included Benedict Tai (Deputy Chairman), Mr Soji Orioye (Secretary); Mrs Idowu Akinsanya (Women Leader); Mr Hakeem Amodu (Publicity Secretary), among others.

Electoral Bill: Buhari Returns Bill To NASS; Off To UK For Medicals

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Muhammadu Buhari - Londo Trip

By Uche Mbah

Days after he signed the Nigerian Electoral Bill into Law, President Muhammadu Buhari has returned the same Bill to the National Assembly, objecting again to section 84(2) subsection 12 of the act.

It is not clear why he did not submit the Amendment with the objectionable Direct Primaries Clause.

Buhari forwarded the letter to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan before jetting out to the United Kingdom for Medicals.  He will be away for more than two weeks on a routine medical check-up he would embark on after a four-day visit to Kenya.

Section 84 (2) Subsection 12 of the Electoral act states that “no political appointee shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of any candidate for an election.”

Buhari claimed this disenfranchises office holders

In the letter, he said the amendment is necessary as the Clause constitutes a fundamental defect and leads to the disenfranchisement of political officeholders, aside conflicting with extant constitutional provisions, making it vire and ineffectual.

FIFA Bans Russia As UEFA Sanctions National Teams, Clubs; Terminates Sponsorship Deal With Gazprom

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federation International of Football Association, FIFA, has suspended Russia from the 2022 FIFA World in Qatar scheduled for November this year.

The Gianni Infantino-led FIFA expelled the Eastern European Country following its invasion of Ukraine.

Joining the World Soccer body in announcing the expulsion of Russia, the Union of Europeans Football Association, UEFA, led by Aleksandr Ceferin In a joint statement on Monday, said Russia is expelled from the World Cup after being suspended from all international competitions “until further notice”, FIFA and UEFA announced in a joint statement on Monday.

The European Football ’s Governing Body also ended its partnership with Russian energy giant, Gazprom.

The men’s team had been due to play in qualifying play-offs in March for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, while its women’s side had qualified for the European Championship in England, to be held in July.

The announcement also affects Russian clubs involved in European competitions.

“FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice,” read the joint statement from the governing bodies of world and European football.

The Russian men’s team were scheduled to play Poland in a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final on March 24, and might have faced Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29 for a place at the finals in Qatar later this year.

But their three potential opponents insist they would boycott the matches.

FIFA announced on Sunday that Russian teams would be allowed to continue playing under the name of the Football Union of Russia, playing home games on neutral territory and behind closed doors, and with the Russian flag and anthem banned.

But those measures were dismissed as “totally unacceptable” by Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza, who added that Poland would not play their World Cup play-off with Russia, “no matter what the name of the team is.”

FIFA changed its approach on Monday, kicking Russia out of the sport’s showpiece tournament.

“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine,” the statement added.

“Both Presidents (Gianni Infantino and Aleksander Ceferin) hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

The decisions come after a widespread outcry, with global players’ union FIFPro on Monday releasing a statement saying it “strongly disagreed” with the initial measures taken by FIFA.

FIFPro criticised FIFA for not imposing stronger sanctions right away and said that participation of Russian teams in international competitions was now “not a possibility”.

With other nations also coming out to say they would not play against Russia, FIFA and UEFA were left with little choice.

FIFA had to act quickly before the upcoming World Cup play-offs and with the draw for the tournament due to be held in Doha on April 1.

Russia was supposed to play the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland in their group at the women’s Euro in England in July.

Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow were scheduled to play RB Leipzig of Germany in the last 16 of the Europa League.

They were the only remaining Russian team in European competition this season.

UEFA said it had ended its partnership with Gazprom, one of its main sponsors, “effective immediately”.

Gazprom has been a key sponsor of UEFA since 2012 and was believed to have been paying around 40 million euros ($45 million) a year in a deal due to run until 2024.

Russian Football Federation President, Alexander Dyukov, boss of Gazprom Neft, the petrol branch of Gazprom, is a member of the UEFA’s executive committee.

German club Schalke 04 also announced Monday it had prematurely ended its shirt sponsorship deal with Gazprom.

UEFA last week stripped the Russian city of Saint Petersburg of this season’s Champions League final, moving the game on May 28 to Paris.

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