Alabama Governor Robert Bentley resigned on Monday after pleading guilty to two campaign misdemeanours amid allegations that he misused public resources to pursue an affair with a former aide.

He was also accused of intimidating officials in an attempt to cover it up.

Public allegations of an affair between Bentley and former senior political adviser Rebekah Caldwell Mason did not break out until March 2016, according to reports.

“I have decided it is time for me to step down as Alabama’s governor,” Bentley, a Republican who faced mounting criticism from his own party, said at the state Capitol shortly after he was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and released.

Shortly afterwards, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, a former state treasurer, was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor, vowing that her administration “will be open, transparent, and it will be honest”.

As part of a plea deal, Bentley agreed to perform 100 hours of community service and repay his campaign fund 8,912 dollars. He also forfeited the $36, 000 in the campaign account.

In turn, the state Attorney-General’s office will not pursue felonies against him.

Bentley, 74, had faced an impeachment move from his Republican legislators. He apologised to the citizens of the state.

“I’ve always believed the honour of serving as your governor was a calling that God placed on my life.

“Though I have committed myself to working to improve the lives of the people of our state, there have been times that I have let you and our people down, and I’m sorry for that”.

Speculation about the governor’s inappropriate behaviour began in August 2015, when Bentley’s wife of 50 years, Dianne, abruptly filed for divorce, stating in court records that their marriage had suffered an “irretrievable breakdown”.

Speculations became rife after Bentley fired the state’s top law enforcement official, Spencer Collier, saying that an internal investigation at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency uncovered possible wrongdoing.

Within hours, Collier spoke out against the governor, alleging that he had seen and investigated sexual text messages and audio recordings between Bentley and Mason.

“When I stand behind you, and I put my arms around you, and I put my hands on your breasts and just pull you real close. I love that too,” Bentley said in one audio recording.

“If we’re going to do what we did the other day, we’re going to have to start locking the door,” he was also heard saying.

According to reports, Bentley made little effort to hide his relationship with Mason while at one point, he mistakenly sent a text message saying, “I love you Rebekah”, to his then-wife, Dianne.

Dianne also secretly recorded her husband speaking to Mason, reports said.

Bentley, a state representative and dermatologist, was elected governor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014.

http://omojuwa.com/2017/04/alabama-governor-robert-bentley-resigns-affair-aide/

We all know that this can not yet happen in our present day Nigeria

No be naija


They will die there.

Definitely not in Nigeria, they will even tell you its just an affair.

Lalasticlala. Can you please guess what State this is?

Mynd44...

This guy can retell a story ehn

Nice one

One characteristic leaders should have, is the ability to accept mistakes and apologize. This man up there is a good leader. Unlike those people who keep justifying their wrongs all because they have power and the gullible followers they have.








Nigeria politicians and fake pastors be like

Kudos

If it was in Nigeria...




Sorry for you..

Resign for what ? Them never fit resign over corruption cases finish na Affair

I'll lay an Ostrich egg if any Nigerian governor resigns over such.

he doesn't have a strong heart! Apostle Suleiman should school him!

God bless America. These are men of integrity. Not men that are just in post cos of the money. I am sure nigerian senators won't resign even if na rape case. How will naija move forward wit corrupt, selfish leaders?

If na Nigeria Politician he go deny am, he will not resign, even if them play d clip of him and d babe, he go deny m, if possible self, dem fit assasinate d gal

Can amaechi or fashola ever resign

Even after all their sexcapades

"Within hours, Collier spoke out against the governor, alleging that he had seen and investigated sexual text messages and audio recordings between Bentley and Mason"

In Nigeria, people will say it is photoshopped and the audio recording is fake.

Ordinary text message and audio recording someone resigned. By now in Naija DSS for don lock up some people in Kuje awaiting trials.

Yet we are still wondering why we are backward in this country...SMH

Hh

It was not even a billion/million dollar alledged corruption... but he took a bow and gave way when the ovation is high....

I dont even know what is wrong with this country.. other people are moving forward... what useless leaders are we caused with?....

If it was a gay affair, LGBT world will come and campaign against sexual discrimination.
The West and hypocrisy are like 5 & 6

Not in naija, it is this time that you'll get to know he's "powerful". SMH

Apostle Suleiman still dey form marine here in Nigeria. His sheep see no wrong in a pastor having an affair.

oh

Aponsulu sulaiwoman cannot

He pleaded guilty. I guess there is a very strong evidence connecting him to the crime.

More as been said about Nigeria politician, yet they won't leave the post...... Smh for APC and PDP

Bill Clinton reincarnated!!!

Abeg do come Nigeria

If you like bring pictures, videos, live stream etc... Nigerian politicians will say its photoshop and videoshop and work of detractors to prevent him from carrying out his God given mandate.... Lol

Can't happen in Nigeria

This OLD man still dey sqoro

See better country,where self integrity counts ...

Pictures or some of us dont belivit