₦airaland Forum

This is not done anywhere, what kind of people are we in this country? I don't know this man personally but i have been following this case for long. This is a case he won in two different British Courts. How come the law of the land( Attorney General) is now the one begging America to come for him? It is evident that this move has a political undertone.

Halliburton scandal is still fresh in our minds, how many Americans were sent to Nigeria by the then President of the USA? It is high time we stopped being slaves to these world powers. The same America intrude on the sovereignty of Libya and kill Ghadafi because he refused to dance to their tune. The people of Libya are suffering at the moment.

This lawmaker won this case in a foreign land twice and not in Nigeria. How come we are the one begging America Government to come and take away our own man? The masses that stood behind him in 2015 when the NDLEA wanted to abduct him illegally will stand for their man once again. Those that are being used as destructive agents today should know that Kamal is imminent. They shall be rewarded according to their deeds. No wonder we are where we are, those that are supposed to contribute meaningfully to our economy are being wiped away from our land by our own people.

PRESS STATEMENT

KASHAMU: I’VE NO EXTRADITION CASE IN COURT

My attention has been drawn to today’s judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos in an appeal filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) against the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Lagos, in my favour in a fundamental human rights enforcement suit.

Let me state from the outset that contrary to the wrong impression being created by a section of the media, there isn’t any extradition matter against me in any court in Nigeria or abroad. The illegal move surreptitiously introduced by the powers-that-beafter the 2015 abduction plot was exposed has been dismissed. That was in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015. The suit was dismissed on the 1st of July, 2015, for being an abuse of court process. Anything to the contrary is sheer mischief and over sensationalism by some reporters.

As journalists and judicial reporters who are expected to seek and report the truth at all times, they should know that there is NO extradition case against me anywhere. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice appealed against the judgment of the Federal High Court in the fundamental human rights enforcement matter comprised in Suit No.FHC/L/CS/508/2015 which I had instituted in 2015 upon becoming aware of the surreptitious moves by certain persons to abduct me illegally and transport me to the U.S.A. without recourse to the rule of law.

 

 

In its judgment in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/508/2015,the Federal High Courtrestrained the Federal Government, its agents and agencies from abducting and forcibly transporting me to the United States of America over the same allegations that two British courts had adjudicated upon and found that to bea case of mistaken identity.

So, clearly what was appealed and decided upon by the Court of Appeal today has nothing to do with extradition. Rather, it was about the failed 2015 abduction.

Let me reiterate that in the face of the law, I do not have any extradition case to answer. Shun of all political manipulations and wizardry in Nigeria where political opponents pull down people to climb up the political ladder, I do not have any extradition case to answer.

I wish to say for the umpteenth time thatthere is no way any extradition proceedingscan be brought against me in the face of the law. What I have been fighting is the attempt to abduct or kidnap me in the guise of an extradition. It is a matter of public record that the purported extradition case that was filed against me in May 2015 was dismissed by the Federal High Court, Abuja,for being an illegality.  It could not stand the test of the law. The case could not have seen the light of the day in Nigeria or any civilized country. That was the point the trial judge, the Honourable Justice Gabriel Kolawole made in the judgment when he described the incident as “a show of shame”. He found it incomprehensible that any government official or agency could want to take any step or collaborate with some foreign agents under any guise to perpetrate an illegality after several courts had given judgments against such an action.

So, in the face of the law, that case cannot be brought again! Any other talk or insinuations about a non-existent extradition only exists in the imagination of the mischief-makers.  Therefore, there cannot be any other extradition but abduction and an illegality.

This is even more so when the judgment of the British Courts that found the allegation against me to be a case of mistaken identity was not appealed. If a court of competent jurisdiction has pronounced that I AM NOT the person who committed the offence and same verdict has been upheld by our own courts, there is no way this finding and pronouncements of the court can be jettisoned for illegality.

It is this illegality that the Senate frowned at in a resolution passed on the 11th of April, 2017.

The Senate through its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions resolved, “That the concerned agencies and authorities be advised to stop threatening or carrying out any activities to extradite Senator BurujiKashamu to the United States of America for prosecution, and that the courts be allowed to handle the various aspects of the case before them without any interference.”

Despite the fact that the British courts had exonerated me, I have an abiding faith and believe in our judiciary. We have many people in the judiciary from rich background and reputable families. They do not have to be judicial officers. But, today they are judicial officers because of the call of the Almighty Allah upon them. They sit in courts five days in a week, taking cases and writing judgments upon judgments in long hands. They deny themselves of the freedom that the rest of us enjoy. They cannot have friends and live their lives freely like the rest of us.

Invariably, by accepting to do the job most of us cannot do, they are sacrificing a lot. They belong in the class of some of the best and finest men and women that a society can ever ask for; powerful people yet self-effacing with the fear of God. They know that even when they are judges, they are still conscious of the fact that they are also accountable to the Almighty Allah who is the ultimate judge.

Despite the imperfections in the system, we should respect them because they represent the unseen hands and unheard voices contributing their quota to the development of our dear country. It is because of these unseen hand and unheard voices that Nigeria has not become a banana republic where injustice can be perpetrated with reckless abandon.

Mischief makers and blackmailers should stop all the noise-making. I do not have anything to do with crime and criminalities. Those peddling this lie are merely playing the devil’s advocate. But I take refuge in the Almighty Allah Subwana ta Allah. He is my shepherd and shield. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.

In the meantime, my lawyers have filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for injunction pending the determination of the appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. And I trust that the apex court will do justice. I also wish to use this medium to appeal to all my associates, lovers, supporters and leaders to remain calm. The truth shall prevail over falsehood as light triumphs over darkness.

Signed

Senator Buruji Kashamu

Ogun East Senatorial District

04.05.18

Kashamu bags meritorious award

The Ogun East chapter of Association of Masons and Bricklayers (AMB) has conferred a meritorious award on the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu, in recognition of his commitment to communal service and poverty eradication.

Presenting the award to the lawmaker, the Coordinator of the Association in the zone, Chief Thomas Oluwagbenga, said: "I don't know Senator Kashamu personally, but his love for the masses earned him this honour. We have been following his activities from a distance. I was surprised when I read of his donation of the sum of N2.8million to a kidney patient at the Bayero University Teaching Hospital, Kano, sometimes in 2016.

"We have also heard of the numerous indigent patients he used his personal resources to bail out of life threatening diseases. His commitment to service and poverty reduction through the Omoilu Foundation is second to none. He has always done this even before he joined politics and he has not relented."

Receiving the award on behalf of the lawmaker, the Ogun State Coordinator of Omoilu Foundation, Mr. Leke Shittu, said the award has placed on the lawmaker a greater responsibility to continue to work for the people.

While thanking the organisers of the award, Shittu assured that the senator will not rest on his oars.

Ijebu Igbo crisis: Police arrest, quiz alleged prime suspect, mastermind


The Police have arrested and quizzed one Bola Kalejaiye (a.k.a Dr. Syn) over the recent  violence and killings that erupted in Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.


Kalejaiye, who was arrested and quizzed by the Police from the Zone 2 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Onikan, Lagos, on Wednesday, for his role in the crisis which led to the death of a Police Inspector and several others, was released on Friday after he was interrogated by operatives at the zonal command of the Force.


The former Ijebu North Council boss was said to have played a major role in the crisis which put the entire community in a state of unrest for more than three weeks even after the intervention of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS). 


Information at our disposal reveal that Kalejaiye, who is allegedly said to be a senior member of one of the confraternities, mobilised his "boys" to disrupt a "thank you rally" organised by the PDP in Ijebu North Local Government in honour of the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruji Kashamu, on the 8th of April, 2018. 


But, they could not disrupt the rally because the crowd was massive and overwhelming. 


However, as the rally came to an end, they went after members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), who are party members and complemented the Police and other security agencies in providing security for the mammoth crowd.


Some of the "boys" who were said to have contracted by Kalejaiye to carry out the dastardly act have told the Police what happened and they could be used as witnesses against him.


Dr. Syn reportedly mobilised "the boys" with the sum of N200,000 on that fateful day - 8th April, 2018 - to carry out the bloody attack.


Upon seeing the level of violence, death and devastation wreaked on the community, Dr. Syn took to his heels. He has been running from one place to the other since the incident happened until he was arrested by the Police last Wednesday. 


Although he is now on administrative bail after being held for two days (he was released on Friday), investigation is still ongoing and the Police have vowed to pursue this matter to a logical conclusion with a view to putting a permanent stop to the orgy of violence that has bedevilled Ijebu Igbo and its environs.

INEC REVERSES SELF ON OGUN PDP EXCO

…Recognises Adebayo Dayo-led Exco

The crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been resolved with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reversing itself and recognizing the Engr. Adebayo Dayo as the State Chairman of the party.

 

Hitherto, the Commission and the national leadership of the PDP had recognized Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele as the State Chairman of the party, a development that resulted in several litigations, culminating in a recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

 

In a 12th April, 2018 letter entitled “Re: Gross Violation and Disrespect to Subsisting and Valid Judgment of Court by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) With Respect to Recognition of Ogun State Executive Committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” and addressed to the law firm of Ricky Tarfa (SAN), INEC said, “The Commission in compliance with the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1556/2017 delivered on 9th February, 2018 has notified the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party of its compliance with the said judgment.”

 

In a separate letter with the same date and addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, the Commission stated why it decided to reverse itself.

 

The letter, entitled “Re: Ogun State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” reads in part, “You may recall that the National Convention of the PDP on 12th August, 2017 dissolved the Engr. Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun State Executive Committee of the PDP and a Congress was conducted at which the current members of the Ogun State Executive Committee were elected.

“After the said congress, the Commission was served with the attached judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos delivered on 9thFebruary, 2018 in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1556/2017 wherein the Court ordered as follows:

‘I have considered the arguments of counsel on the issues of precedence and abuse of court process and I find myself in disagreement with counsel for the Defendants. The reasons being, first on the argument that the issues raised by the Plaintiff have been dealt with in the case of PDP VS. SHERIFF, this position is untrue and misleading. The primary contention in that case was over the seat of the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee while the issue in this case is regarding the Ogun State delegates representing the party at the National Convention…that the parties herein are bound by the decision of this Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 delivered by Buba J. on the 24th day of June 2016 and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/701/2017 until they are set aside by a Court of competent jurisdiction’.

“Consequently, the Commission shall comply with the said judgment of the Federal High Court. Please be guided accordingly.”

It would be recalled that Tarfa had on the 26th of March, 2018 written a letter to the Commission asking it to obey the judgment of the court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1556/2017.

Also, the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu had on the same date written the Commission over the Ogun State PDP Executive.

Kashamu questioned why the commission was recalcitrant in keeping to its tradition of obeying court orders and judgments until a superior court says otherwise.

 

The lawmaker said the latest judgment had been served on the Commission and wondered why the “the Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, was either keeping the judgment away from your office and/or sitting on it”.

 

This was followed by a letter dated 3rd April, 2018, in which Dayo threatened to take some steps against the Commission if his request to reverse itself on the issue of the Ogun State PDP Exco was not granted within a week.

 

Reacting to the Commission’s decision to reverse itself and recognize his Exco, Dayo said, “There was no victor, no vanquished.This is not the time to score cheap political points or celebrate over anyone. The party has won; democracy has won and the Rule of Law has won. It is victory for all our party leaders, elders and members. We all – aspirants, leaders and followers – need to come together and embrace peace and work in unity for the task ahead of us as a party. Let us forget the past and join hands to work for a glorious future,” Dayo said.

He appealed to all aspirants, party leaders and members to come together and work for the interest of the people.

RE: 2019 GOVERNORSHIP POSTERS: A DISCLAIMER

My attention has been drawn to the activities of some persons who have been pasting posters in some parts of Ogun State, especially Abeokuta, the state capital, announcing my interest in the 2019 governorship election.

While thanking those who consider me worthy of the exalted office, I wish to categorically dissociate myself from their activities as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to announce the commencement of electioneering activities for the 2019 general election.

As a law-abiding citizen, I wish to emphatically distance myself from the posters and urge all those printing and posting the posters to desist forthwith.

Thank you and God bless.

Signed
Senator Buruji Kashamu
Ogun East Senatorial District (31.03.18)

RE: 2019 GOVERNORSHIP POSTERS: A DISCLAIMER

My attention has been drawn to the activities of some persons who have been pasting posters in some parts of Ogun State, especially Abeokuta, the state capital, announcing my interest in the 2019 governorship election.

While thanking those who consider me worthy of the exalted office, I wish to categorically dissociate myself from their activities as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to announce the commencement of electioneering activities for the 2019 general election.

As a law-abiding citizen, I wish to emphatically distance myself from the posters and urge all those printing and posting the posters to desist forthwith.

Thank you and God bless.

Signed
Senator Buruji Kashamu
Ogun East Senatorial District (31.03.18)

KASHAMU HAILS FED GOVT OVER IKORODU/SAGAMU ROAD

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu, has commended the Federal Government for awarding the contract for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodo-Sagamu Road which links Lagos State and Ogun State.

Sagamu, Ogijo, Mosinmi and other communities around that axis fall under Ogun East Senatorial District which Kashamu represents at the upper chamber.

Rising from its weekly Federal Executive Committee (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, the Federal Government announced that it has approved N20.845 billion for the rehabilitation of the road.

Kashamu, who on Wednesday took to his Twitter handle @Sen_Kashamu to commend the Federal Government moments after the news broke, wrote, “Thanks @ tundefashola for making @MBuhari-led FEC to award the Ikorodu-Shagamu Expressway. I recall the 11th October 2017 letter I sent to your office about the road which is one of the major roads in my senatorial district. My heart is filled with joy.Kudos!”

The acknowledged copy of the letter showed that it was received at the office of the Honourable Minister for Power, Works & Housing on the 16th of October, 2017.

The letter reads in part, “I write regarding the Sagamu-Ogijo road, a federal road of high economic value that has suffered years of neglect.

“The road is a petroleum distribution route and hosts several high value installations and industrial plants such as the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC). There are lots of huge man-hour and economic losses due to the deplorable condition of this road; including the unfortunate loss of lives on several occasions.

“Honourable Minister, I however commend you for listing the road for rehabilitation in this year’s Appropriation Act. I urge you to kindly assist with the full implementation of the rehabilitation of the road due to its national importance. A copy of the relevant page of the Appropriation Act and photographs of some failed sections are herewith attached.”

Kashamu said the fact that the road has now been awarded based on the provision made for it in the 2017 Appropriation Act shows that if the various arms of government work together the people would be better for it.

Tragedy as Dangote truck kills Man, three Itamerin Students at Ajebo, Oru in Ijebu North LGA in the early hours of Friday.

More to follow.

2019: INEC chair Yakubu's name in gold over plans to transmit election results electronically, says Kashamu

 

Senator Buruji Kashamu is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) and the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly. In this interview with reporters, he spoke about developments in the PDP, the politics of 2019 and other issues of national importance. Excerpts:

 

Would you want to tell us what has been happening in your party, the PDP in recent times?

After all the tension that greeted the national convention; the new leadership of the party is working hard to foster unity and cohesion in the party. It has set up a Post-Convention Reconciliation Committee, which is headed by the gentleman Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson. The Committee is doing its very best in reaching out to all the aggrieved members of the party with a view to ironing out all the grey areas. And I think that is a very commendable initiative.

Has the Committee reached out to you?

Yes, it has. We are talking and I hope that at the end of the day, justice will be done in such a manner that none of the contending forces will be shortchanged.

What were your grievances and the panacea for peace in the PDP?

The issues were not about me. Rather, they were about the injustice being meted to some of our long-standing members and leaders in Ogun State and the South West in general. Some persons felt that because they are governors they can play God, brushing aside people’s rights without any care in the world. But sooner than later, they will realize that no man is God. So, for me, the way forward is for us to fear the Almighty Allah, obey the Rule of Law and respect other people’s rights. It beats my imagination that those who trample on other people’s rights want their rights to be respected and protected. What a double standard! It is my fervent hope that the house of lies that they have built will soon collapse like a pack of cards. I pray the Almighty Allah to spare our lives to see the reward of the wicked.

How did you receive the news of your suspension from the PDP?

It did not come to me as a surprise because we had an interim Caretaker Committee that was better known for its hard stance on simple intra-party issues. We had a Caretaker Committee that was the champion of illegalities and the subversion of due process and the Rule of Law. We had a set of people who were selected to “organize an all-embracing National Convention”, but decided to sit tight and assumed sweeping powers, supplanting those they felt would not serve their selfish agenda. At the head of the Committee was Senator Ahmed Makarfi, a man who was consumed by his selfish presidential ambition. So, in a sentence, the caretaker committee came in crisis and left in worse crisis. Despite the funds generated from the sale of nomination forms to party office aspirants, they emptied the party treasury in amusingly questionable manner. I believe it is the party administrative experience of Secondus that has prevented the party from grinding to a halt. Indeed, the Makarfi Caretaker Committee was a monumental disaster.

But, I thank God that the caretaker helmsmen are now being pushed to waste their ill-gotten funds on unrealizable ambitions.  Dayo Adeyeye is pursuing the elusive PDP governorship ticket in Ekiti State upon the failure of which I am certain he would defect to another party out of desperation. Senator Ahmed Makarfi is clandestinely scheming to emerge as PDP presidential candidate in the most hilarious misadventure. These characters are not worthy of the honour of entrusting the party in their hands in the first instance. They unlawfully sold a non-existent Ogun State PDP Exco replica to our detractors despite a subsisting court judgment. The erstwhile National Caretaker Committee really bastardised the PDP in the South West by its dissolution of existing excos and manipulation of state and zonal structures for their allies against democratic tenets. Even Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose that sought and was undemocratically obliged the South West structural control cannot deliver his own Ekiti State let alone the South West.

Sooner than later, the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election would put a lie to his uncultured disturbance of our political space. However, it is gladdening that the party is now in the hands of true party men and administrators who know that we need each other to build a strong and virile party. I wish to implore all respectable PDP leaders, elders and members in the South West to rally round the new NWC and support it in the onerous task of repositioning the party. We must also encourage the Governor Dickson-led Reconciliation Committee to deliver on its mandate and resolve all outstanding issues. 

So, what is the situation now?

As you probably are aware, in one of the suits orchestrated by the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee against me, an FCT High Court nullified the suspension and restrained the PDP from taking further disciplinary actions against me and my other associates who were joined in the suit. Perhaps, that was what led to the new NWC referring my matter to the Governor Dickson-led Reconciliation Committee. That in itself shows a clear departure from the recent past of impunity, illegality and high-handedness which the Makarfi Committee was known for. I have had interactions with the committee and we are still talking.

The National Chairman of the PDP was recently quoted as expressing fears that the 2019 general election may not be credible. Do you share this view?

The PDP is playing the role expected of it as an opposition party. The APC said the same thing or even worse when the PDP was in government. But, at the end of the day, INEC under the PDP-led Federal Government conducted an election in which the PDP lost and APC won. When it is convenient for some of us, we would commend Prof. Attahiru Jega without realizing that if the ex-President Goodluck Jonathan -led Federal Government did not give Professor Jega a free hand to operate, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to deliver a free and fair election. This does not detract from the fact that Prof. Jega was also a man of strong character who never corrupted himself with the perks of office or any other pecuniary consideration. In the same vein, the present INEC leadership under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is doing its utmost best to build on our electoral successes. It has organized elections in which the ruling APC lost while PDP and APGA won. That shows that the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in continuation of its anti-corruption stance, is committed to guaranteeing the independence of the electoral body. Already, notable international organisations, such as the United Nations and the European Union (EU) have shown interest in our electoral process ahead of the 2019 general election. For instance, the EU has declared its plan to support our electoral process with 26.5 million Euros grant. That is yet a proof of the confidence of the international community on the present leadership of INEC. I reckon that there is always room for improvement and that is what criticisms like those of our National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, are meant to achieve.

How do you see the plan by INEC to transmit election results electronically?

That is another giant step by INEC towards guaranteeing the sanctity of the ballot box. No matter what anyone may say, the plan to transmit election results electronically is a welcome development. It bears eloquent testimony to the commitment of INEC and its leadership, under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman, to deliver transparently free and fair elections. I will tell you without mincing words that Prof. Yakubu has already written his name in gold by this bold initiative which seeks to put us at the pedestal of world-class democracy. As someone who had borne the brunt of the manipulation of election results, I commend the initiative because it reduces human manipulation of the election results. At least, the results transmitted electronically must tally with the hard copies that are given to party agents at the polling units. I commend INEC Chairman and the entire leadership of the commission for this innovation. It further signposts their commitment to a transparent, free and fair electoral process. This would not only boost confidence in the electoral process, it would deepen our democracy and set Nigeria on a new pedestal in the comity of nations. It behoves the various stakeholders – the Executive, the National Assembly, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and the telecommunications operators – to support INEC to make the plan a reality.

The issues of herdsmen and cattle colony have generated a lot of arguments lately. What is your view on this matter?

You would agree with me that this is one issue that has put the present Administration to what is perhaps its greatest test. I commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Benue State who lost their loved ones in the January 1st attack. I think it is one issue that must be handled carefully. Otherwise, the consequences are better imagined than experienced. Whether it is ranches or cattle colonies that are to be established, they should be done voluntarily by the participating states or communities.

What is your reaction to the launching of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) and the call on President Buhari not to seek re-election?

Every Nigerian is entitled to his opinion. The President is constitutionally entitled to seek re-election and that is undeniable. The electorate should be the ones to decide whether they want him to continue in office or not since the issue of satisfactory performance is relative and might be subjective. For instance, it is common knowledge that the President promised to deliver on three things – to fight corruption, insecurity and fix our economy. Now, the jury is out as to whether he has delivered on the three programmes but no one can deny the fact that he has blocked many leakages in our treasury and decimated Boko Haram. Unlike before, the insurgents are no longer in control of any Nigerian territory. That is commendable. Again, although not all the Chibok girls are back, a good number of the girls have returned and back in the warm embrace of their families. While those in support of the President’s re-election could say that his anti-corruption war had helped to stabilise our economy and saved it from recession, those against it could argue that having fought corruption and insecurity, someone else should come and fix the economy.  Others could say that even though the Administration is fixing critical infrastructure, there is no stomach infrastructure and that it takes humans to use the infrastructure. But, there are those who also believe that the fixing of the critical infrastructure will guarantee stomach infrastructure in a more steady manner rather than being a flash in the pan.  At the end of the day, the electorate will decide. That is the beauty of democracy. But, in my candid opinion, integrity is of the essence in all human endeavours and I am yet to see one person yet to question my integrity. This, to me, is a very important ingredient in leadership. More importantly, the Almighty Allah (SWT) is the decider of the fate of human beings, no matter your experience, exposure and intelligence you cannot override the wish of the Almighty Allah.

How do you see the rumour of the plot to remove the Senate President?

You have described it as a rumour and I think that is what it is. The current Senate leadership has given a good account of itself. That is why the 8thSenate has been able to record more achievements than its predecessors. It is a Senate of many firsts. It broke the 17-year old jinx around the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by passing, before its second anniversary, the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill ((PIGB). It equally completed work on the amendment to the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act, two years before the 2019 polls.

At the inception of the 8th Senate under Dr. Bukola Saraki, it announced that its focus will be on rebuilding of the national economy and getting it to comply with global standards so that international investors would find it easy to do business in Nigeria. This explains why it quickly passed bills like the Secured Transactions Bill, Ports and Harbours Bill, Credit Bureau Reporting Services Bill, PIGB, Public Procurement (Amendment) Act Bill, Warehouse Receipts Bill, Electronic Transaction Bill and the Railway Authorities (amendment) Act Bill, among others. It is on the basis of some of these bills which have been signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari that the World Bank in its annual Ease of Doing Business report rated Nigeria as one of the 10 most improved countries worldwide.
It is also to the credit of the 8th Senate, under the leadership of Dr. Saraki, that it has passed four bills to strengthen the fight against corruption. The bills are the National Financial Intelligence Unit Bill, Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, Witness Protection Bill and Whistle Blowers Protection Bill. So, why would anyone want to change such a good and winning team?

NIMC is Corrupt and Workplace is Toxic: Staff Laments

February 6, 2018



A supposed staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has come up to lament the state of the workplace at the giant identity body. The body solely committed to issuing the national identity cards and carry out other national identity related duties in Nigeria has, however, not come forward to debunk or released a statement concerning this alleged toxicity and corruption wallowing at the workplace.



*Cheating in its height at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)*

The management of the National Identity Management Commission has deployed what can be referred to as modern slavery against her workforce.

The rules are nothing but mere letters and are not followed at all in this commission which has brought about agitation that the corruption in this administration is beyond what the nation has ever seen.

Firstly, the issue of salary at this commission needs urgent attention of the government, staff does not have any stable salary and the salary is always reducing in spite of promotion of staff. The recent case is the case of around 30% reduction in staff salary despite promotion which made staff receives far lesser salaries to what they were earning even before promotion. Also, there is irregularity in the take home of staff on same grade level, some staff on same Grade Level who were in fact employed the same day receive different salaries with around N11,000 difference.

Another is the issue of promotion, promotion in this commission is based on who you know and not on whether you are qualified and due for it. The recently concluded promotion was quite unfair and beyond what any reasonable explanation can justify. Staff who have spent well over 3 years on their previous posts were not promoted while staff who merely joined the commission in less than 3 years got double promotion as against the public service rules.

For over 12 months now, the enrolment centers of the commission have not been funded and there are always memo requesting that enrolment figures should be doubled. This has resulted in staff using their personal monies to fund the office or resorting to applicants for financial assistance.

The working conditions in the offices are poor and hazardous to health yet no hazard allowance or any allowance at all is received by staff.

For over 4 years now, Pension and housing fund has been deducted from staff salaries but not remitted to the appropriate agencies. Also, staff are being owed 28 days allowance, promotion arrears and nothing has been said about it despite the commitment of this present government to payment of those allowances.

In all of these, staff are constantly doing their bits as enrolment figures roll in every day. The management on the other hand are far from doing their part as they have failed to provide the motivation and the necessary tool needed for the smooth running of the organization. They have even failed the public by not producing their Identity Cards as at when due.

There is need for the public to know about this so that there will be intervention from the appropriate quarters.

KILL this CORRUPTION before this CORRUPTION KILLS YOU!!!

Cheating in its height at the *National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)*

The management of the National Identity Management Commission has deployed what can be referred to as modern slavery against her workforce.

The rules are nothing but mere letters and are not followed at all in this commission which has brought about agitation that the corruption in this administration is beyond what the nation has ever seen.

Firstly, the issue of salary at this commission needs urgent attention of the government, staff does not have any stable salary and the salary is always reducing in spite of promotion of staff. The recent case is the case of around 30% reduction in staff salary despite promotion which made staff receives far lesser salaries to what they were earning even before promotion. Also, there is irregularity in the take home of staff on same grade level, some staff on same Grade Level who were in fact employed the same day receive different salaries with around N11,000 difference.

Another is the issue of promotion, promotion in this commission is based on who you know and not on whether you are qualified and due for it. The recently concluded promotion was quite unfair and beyond what any reasonable explanation can justify. Staff who have spent well over 3 years on their previous posts were not promoted while staff who merely joined the commission in less than 3 years got double promotion as against the public service rules.

For over 12 months now, the enrolment centers of the commission have not been funded and there are always memo requesting that enrolment figures should be doubled. This has resulted in staff using their personal monies to fund the office or resorting to applicants for financial assistance.

The working conditions in the offices are poor and hazardous to health yet no hazard allowance or any allowance at all is received by staff.

For over 4 years now, Pension and housing fund has been deducted from staff salaries but not remitted to the appropriate agencies. Also, staff are being owed 28 days allowance, promotion arrears and nothing has been said about it despite the commitment of this present government to payment of those allowances.

In all of these, staff are constantly doing their bits as enrolment figures roll in every day. The management on the other hand are far from doing their part as they have failed to provide the motivation and the necessary tool needed for the smooth running of the organization. They have even failed the public by not producing their Identity Cards as at when due.

There is need for the public to know about this so that there will be intervention from the appropriate quarters.

Solaja  distributes cash gifts to constituents

 No fewer than 270 persons from Ijebu North State constituency 1, have received cash donations from the lawmaker representing the constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Bowale Solaja.

Solaja  told Newsmen in Ijebu Igbo on Friday, that the gesture was  in fulfilment of his promise and appreciation to his constituents.

“The disbursement is to enable the beneficiaries to cater for their immediate families and reduce hunger.

“Just last December, i empowered 10 physically challenged people in my constituency with N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) each to enable them establish their own business.

“I have also provided 8 motorised boreholes all completed and commissioned, spread across the six wards in my constituency," Solaja said.

Speaking further, the lawmaker said he recently commissioned lock-up shops at Impoe town. He re-assured the people that he is working on using legislative actions to ameliorate their challenges.

He therefore promised a continuous quality representation of his people and thanked them for their support thus far, assuring that he would never let them down.

Solaja eulogized the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu for his sterling performance at the red chamber, describing him as "a true man of the people".

The Party chairperson in Ijebu North LGA, Chief Mrs. Tuke Omotara lauded the lawmaker for bringing the dividends of democracy to his constituents.

Party leaders at the event included Chief Ola Shobowale, Mrs. Onabanjo
Adunke, Mr. Sakiru Agarawu, Mr. Akorede Adekoya, Alhaji Rasheed Balogun, Mrs. Adebisi Olasunbo, Mrs. Abati Abiola.

Others are Mr. Kazeem Adebayo, Mr. Banjo Mufutau, Mr. Okuyelu Ade, Alh. Badejo Kazeem, Mr. Moshood Rotimi and Mr. Olaronbi Olusegun.

An Abuja High Court has nullified the suspension of Senator Buruji Kashamu from the Peoples Democratic Party.

The court also restrained the party from taking any further disciplinary actions against the senator.

Justice Valentine Ashi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, gave the order in his ruling.

Kashamu was suspended by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the party a few hours to the commencement of the December 9 national convention.

*_PRESS STATEMENT_*


*OGUN PDP WISHES NIGERIANS AND OGUN STATE CITIZENS A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2018*

As a new year beckons, the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State under my leadership is using this medium to congratulate Nigerians and the good people of Ogun state, that the Almighty God deemed it fit to spare our lives to see the end of 2017 and for giving us the unmerited privilege to witness a New Year; despite our individual and collective challenges.

No doubt, the outgone year was very turbulent for Nigerians and Ogun state in particular; considering the plethora of self-inflicted socioeconomic and security challenges the people had to contend with. The nation is still writhing from the suffocating sting of economic recession, a situation that has seen hitherto average Nigerians drop into the poverty zone. The festering menace of terrorism and kidnappings have put the people in palpable fear of their lives; while our corporate unity continues to be threatened.

Important NBS statistics around unemployment, inflation, GDP growth rate, human capital development and infrastructure – indicated a sharp decline of the Nigerian State. That we even ended the year with excruciating fuel queues and attendant social disruptions – is a sad report card of the APC national government, led by the faltering and increasingly incapable President Muhammadu Buhari.

For us in Ogun state, the situation is even more pathetic. Beyond the daily erosion of people's livelihood on the pretext of a cosmetic urban renewal, bad economic policies, financial mismanagement, executive recklessness, misprioritization of projects and blatant acts of corruption by the Sen. Ibikunle Amosun APC administration, have combined to put the state on reverse.

Today, Ogun is littered with failed projects, education and health sectors are in shambles, major roads into our hitherto boisterous industrial corridors are now impassable, forcing businesses to relocate, while the socioeconomic life of citizens have been grossly diminished.
Despite the gory picture, we still have to thank God and be optimistic of a better deal in the new year. Despite our challenges, the PDP is a reference party and synonymous with making life more comfortable for the people and spreading the dividends of democracy.

The year 2018 is the time for the people to weigh their choices ahead of the 2019 elections. While I urge citizens to brace up in their individual endeavours, we must collectively rise up to demand better governance from the buccaneers currently in power; while we bid time to send them out of office in 2019.

For us as a political party, we are reformed, reinvigorated and now attuned to the needs and desires of our people – being social welfare, economic progress and good governance. One again, I wish all Nigerians and the People of Ogun state a happy and most prosperous New Year.


[Singed]

*Engr Adebayo Dayo*
_State Chairman_

Kashamu: Let's welcome 2018 with hope for a better tomorrow 



As Nigerians join the rest of the world to usher in the New Year, the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu, has advised his constituents and Nigerians to be full of hope for a better 2018.


In a statement he issued on Sunday to herald the New Year,  Senator Kashamu said without hope we cannot live in the present, let alone tomorrow and the future.


He said in spite of the challenges that confront us as a people, we cannot afford to throw up our hands in despair and total surrender. 


"Whatever our challenges may be - whether economic, social or political - it is through strong will, faith in God and hope for the moment and a better tomorrow that we can overcome. We must be hopeful and trust that whatever challenges we face as a people and country shall pass like others before it.  Let us rededicate ourselves afresh to the Nigerian Project, knowing full well that the solution to our issues lie within and among us," the statement reads in part. 


Kashamu thanked the people of Ogun East Senatorial District for their unflinching support and promised to deliver more dividends of democracy to his constituents, adding that he will continue his philanthropic gestures to all Nigerians, in general, and the good people of Ogun State, in particular, in the New Year.


"I must commend the people of Ogun East Senatorial District for their unwavering support. I want to assure them that more dividends of democracy are on the way in 2018. I will continue to attract more developmental projects for the benefit of my constituents while not slowing down on my philanthropic gestures to mankind. 


"In 2018, let us commit ourselves as leaders and followers to doing the right things and obeying the law. As leaders, we must be ready to lead from the front in all that is right, prim and proper, just as the followers must be ready to identify those who truly have their interests at heart, ask the right questions and hold them accountable," Kashamu said.

Dayo exco drags PDP to court over dissolution, seeks removal of Akinwonmi     

The Adebayo Dayo-led executive committee of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dragged the national executive of the party to the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging its powers to dissolve the committee.

The suit, which was instituted by Chief Adebayo Dayo and Semiu Sodipo on behalf of themselves and the Ogun State Executive committee of the PDP, has the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Elder Yemi Akinwonmi as the first, second and third defendant respectively.  

The plaintiffs are also praying the court to replace Akinwonmi, who was elected Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP at its National Convention on December 9, with Honourable Segun Seriki.

The former National Caretaker Committee of the party, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had dissolved the executive committee in August and replaced it with a caretaker committee.

The Dayo-led exco wants the court to determine whether the national leadership of the party has the powers to dissolve the state executive committee when its tenure has not expired.

The plaintiffs also want the court to determine whether the national headquarters of the PDP could organize congresses in Ogun State as it did on October 21 and 28 as well as November 4, 2017 with the aim of tampering with the structure of the Executive Committee of the 1st defendant in Ogun State led by the plaintiffs by electing and or constituting another executive committee of the 1st defendant in Ogun State when the tenure of the plaintiffs has not expired “having regard to the provisions of Articles 25(1), 47(1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2012), Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the judgment of this honourable Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 between Chief Adebayo Dayo & Anors Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & 5ors delivered on the 24th June, 2016.”

Chief Dayo and his executive committee are also challenging the use of those who emerged from the congresses held in Ogun State as delegates to the National Convention of the PDP which held in Abuja on December 9, since there is a substantive judgment which recognizes the Dayo-led exco as the authentic one.

The plaintiffs then ask the court to declare that “by the provisions of the Articles 25(1), 47(1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2012), Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the judgment of this honourable Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 between Chief Adebayo Dayo & Anors Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & 5ors delivered on the 24th June, 2016, the first defendant cannot validly dissolve the Executive Committee of the 1st defendant in Ogun State led by the plaintiffs while their tenure is still subsisting till May, 2020.”

The plaintiffs also seek a declaration that by “the provisions of Articles 25(1), 47(1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2012), Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the judgment of this honourable Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 between Chief Adebayo Dayo & Anors Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & 5ors delivered on the 24th June, 2016, the 1st defendant is bound to accept and replace the name of the 3rd defendant, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, with that of Honourable Segun Seriki for the position of the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the 1st defendant being the nominee and the candidate of the plaintiffs who are authentic members of the Executive Committee of the 1st defendant chapter in Ogun State.”

In a similar development, Chief Pegba Otemolu is also challenging the use of persons who emerged from the congresses held in Ogun State on October 21 and 28 as well as November 4, 2017 as delegates to the national convention of the party on December 9.

Otemolu, who instituted the suit on his behalf and behalf of the South West Zonal Executive of the PDP, is praying the court to nullify the election of Hon Aribisala Adewale as the National Treasurer and Hon Diran Odeyemi as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP and asks the court to replace them respectively with Chief Folorunsho Babalola and Mr Bamidele Salam.

Kashamu preaches love, peaceful co-existence at Christmas



As Christians join others around the world to celebrate Christmas, the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has called for love as a prelude to the entrenchment of sustainable peace in the country.


In his goodwill message at Christmas, Kashamu  urged Nigerians to also see the season as an opportunity to reach out to fellow Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and other cleavages.


The statement reads,  "The annual commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ is a most auspicious time for us, as individuals and as a nation, to rededicate ourselves to the virtues and ideals which the Messiah preached and exemplified during his earthly ministry. 


"Christmas is not only about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also the celebration of the greatest gift to mankind. Therefore, let us seize this moment to reach out to fellow Nigerians. Let us promote the things that unite us as a people rather than those that divide The Us along ethnic, religious and party lines.



"I enjoin us all to resolve this Christmas to make the ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill to all even more manifest in our interactions with others. The season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence. We must continue to extend a hand of love, kindness and live as one big family irrespective of our  beliefs and leanings. We must also continue to respect one another; respect for one another is a key element for national peace and growth.”

WHO ARE THE GOOD PEOPLE OF EKITI STANDING WITH?

If we want to be truthful to ourselves for our today, tomorrow & our children's future, we must heal ourselves of the "NOW DISEASE". This is when we only think of & collect the crumbs & peanuts doled out to satisfy our immediate needs). We are bound to succeed if we are able to identify what kind of future we want for us & our generations to come and then make an effort to collectively sacrifice a little to achieve such!
So come on brothers & sisters let us say a big NO to deceits & manipulations and take our destinies in our hands by partnering with intelligent, Sincere, trusted & God fearing Leader who will see us as Stakeholders & not pawns on a Chess Board.
We must stand with anybody that stands for our rights as human beings & as Stakeholders of this our Commonwealth!
So we the Good people of Ekiti the Land of Knowledge, Honor & Dignity Stand with
DR MAKANJUOLA AKINDELE OWOLABI (DR MAO)

VOICE OF YORUBA YOUTH
2018.

Ogun PDP: Why injustice cannot stand....Ricky Tarfa writes Secondus

KASHAMU: IMPUNITY CAN NEVER OVERCOME THE RULE OF LAW.

The unfolding events of flagrant impunity at the national PDP is interesting but certainly unsustainable. I remain absolutely convinced that lawlessness and impunity cannot triumph over law and order. Sooner than later, the right course of the law shall prevail. Particularly in Ogun state, the Bayo Dayo exco remains sacrosanct being on the right side of the law. No matter the manipulative impunity, we shall overcome.

I commend our leaders and teeming partymen and women for their loyalty and commitments. Indeed we have travelled on paths similar to this before and success had always been ours. Let's overlook these lawless distractions as we're nearing the attainment of our glorious goal by each of these events. Kindly let's remain focused and persevere a little more. I sincerely appreciate you all. Tanx very immensely. God bless.

KASHAMU: MY IMMEDIATE REACTION TO MY PURPORTED SUSPENSION 




At about 3:30 a.m. today, Saturday, the 9th of December, 2017, my attention was drawn to reports of my purported suspension for one month by an interim soon-to-be forgotten National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of our great party, and I wish to react as follows:



1. I thank the Almighty Allah who has brought me this far and made me a factor in the national politics of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 



2. The news of my purported suspension is coming on the heels of a pending appeal with a motion for injunction that has been properly entered and served on parties. This renders the purported suspension a nullity as it offends the principle of "lis pendens".  Therefore, I reject the purported suspension because it offends all known principles of justice and fair hearing.



3. It should be noted however that the mere fact that the Caretaker Committee could resort to this last-minute action in its dying hours and on the day of our national convention shows clearly that the battle that I and other well-meaning leaders, elders and stakeholders have waged against impunity and illegality, and for the enthronement of democracy, due process and the rule of law really got to them.



4. Makarfi and his cohorts, especially Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose think that they can intimidate and pocket every voice of dissent within the party. Yet, they are quick to accuse the Federal Government of stifling the opposition when they are the real dictators and tyrants.



5. They arrogantly think that they can browbeat everyone into submission and buy over the conscience of our party leaders and delegates in continuation of their desperate bid to hold the party by the jugular in order to serve their selfish and egocentric ends.



6. What is the essence of a multiparty politics and democracy if people cannot disagree to agree and ventilate their views? I dare say that any party or organisation that does not brook dissent and plurality of ideas and opinions is on its way to self-destruct and extinction.



7. Dear delegates, distinguished party leaders and elders, I urge you to rise up and join in the struggle to rescue our party from the vice grip of these  delinquents by electing a new and untainted leadership that will put an end to illegality, impunity, deceit and imposition. Today, let's elect men and women of conscience who will truly reposition our party, restore democracy and make it the envy of all. Let's show Nigerians that it is a new dawn and a new order in PDP.



8. Finally, notwithstanding this purported suspension, I stand by my convictions in the struggle for the enthronement of genuine democracy, due process and respect for our own constitution. I remain strong and unbowed by their antics. Insha Allah, together, we shall outlive and outshine these agents of darkness.



I wish all our respectable leaders, elders, contestants and delegates the best of luck.



Long live PDP! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.




Signed


Distinguished Senator Buruji Kashamu


Ogun East Senatorial District


9th December, 2017.

Breaking News:

The matter between *Adewole Adeyanju & ORS. Vs. INEC & ORS.* came up before Honourable Justice Muhammed Idris at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

The matter was slated for hearing of the preliminary objections filed by the Defendants. The Preliminary Objection was challenging the jurisdiction of Court to entertain the substantive suit.

However, Counsel to the Plaintiffs, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede urged the Court to hear both the Preliminary Objection and the Originating Summons together today.

But Counsel to 1st to 6th Defendants Counsel (Dr. Yemi Oke) and Counsel to 7th to 26th Defendants vehemently opposed the submission. In their argument, they both contended that there is a need for them to react to the new processes just served on them yesterday and this morning.

The court in its ruling, agreed to hear both the Preliminary Objection and the originating summons simultaneously. As a result of the Defendants' need to react to new processes just served on them, the matter was adjourned to *16th January, 2018* for the hearing of the originating summons and the Preliminary Objection. While the court did not make and interim injunction against any of the parties, it however enjoined all parties to observe the Rule of Law. *A word is enough for the wise*, the Court said. By Barrister Adewale Akande

RE: CLARIFICATION ON APPEALS


The press statement with the above title refers:


1. First, that an otherwise professional lawyer and an academic would gleefully descend into the arena as if he is the spokesman of any of the PDP factions in Ogun State is most saddening.


2. That he could publicly declare that the justices of the Ado-Ekiti Division of the Court of Appeal asked the South West Zonal Vice-Chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe which faction he belonged is a classic example of joining the fray from the high pedestal of the temple of justice.


3. It is also laughable that an Associate Professor of Law would publicly say that the beneficiaries of a full and final judgment cannot enjoy a valid and subsisting judgment of court that has not been stayed by the Court of Appeal. Yet, he wants the public to believe that his clients who have an interim order staying the orders of a FHC, Ado-Ekiti in a different matter enures to the benefit of his clients. Besides, the mere  pendency of an appeal without an order for stay of execution of a subsisting order/judgment does not in anyway invalidate an order or judgment of court.


4. It should be noted that while the dismissed appeal which Oke and his clients are desperately seeking to relist in Lagos is the foundation of the case they sought to stall in Ado-Ekiti, what they have done is no more than cutting leaves (not even the stem) of a tree while its roots in Lagos which is the subsisting and valid order and judgment of the FHC, Lagos - the appeal against which has been dismissed and all efforts to have it relisted have failed and the application adjourned till 12 of April, 2018!


5. In their state of confusion, the lawyer wrote that the tenure of the Ogundipe-led zonal exco will expire in March, 2018. Isn't that an own goal? So, they (including their lawyer, Dr. Yemi Oke) know that tenure of the Ogundipe-led zonal exco subsists, yet they want to ride roughshod over it. Anyway, we can pardon their (honest?) error. For their information, the tenure of the Ogundipe-led zonal exco expires on the 11th of October, 2018, having been elected on the 11th of October, 2014 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.


6. On the Ogun State exco and the letter purportedly written by INEC, there is no point issuing vague threats. We challenge Oke to publish it. We do know that INEC did not recognise Sikirulai Ogundele. INEC only wrote in response to a letter written by the Engr. Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Exco which warned INEC against the consequences of monitoring the sham congress held in Ogun State last month after stating in black and white that it deal exclusively with the Dayo-led Ogun State PDP following the judgment of the court in FHC/L/CS/636/2016. Till date, the Ogundele group which Oke represents does not have the legitimacy either from the people or relevant institutions, or court order or judgment validating it. It is ONLY the Engr. Adebay Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Exco that has subsisting orders and judgment in its favour even up till the Court of Appeal - and till this moment - just like the Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe-led Southwest zonal exco.

Breaking News: Fayose, Daniel, Adebutu, others lose at the Court of Appeal, Lagos


*Ogundipe-led South West PDP zonal exco, Dayo's Ogun exco remains in office


The efforts of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ladi Adebutu to wrest the structure of the party in the South West and Ogun State through the backdoor hit the rocks today (Monday) as they failed in their bid to have an appeal which had been dismissed relisted. 


Specifically, two PDP matters came up at the Court of Appeal today. The first one CA/L/863/2016 is between PDP Vs. Pegba Otemolu & Others. while the second case CA/L/864/2016 is between PDP vs. Engr. Adebayo Dayo & others.


The two matters came up for the hearing of motions filed by Dr. Yemi Oke on behalf of the Appellants to vacate Court of Appeal ruling which dismissed the appeals.


However, despite all the efforts mounted by appellant's counsel, Oke, the Court of Appeal refused to hear the application as other respondents in the cases were not served the hearing notice for today's proceedings.


Consequently, the two appeals have been adjourned to the 12th April, 2018, for hearing of the aforesaid motions.


The implication of today's Court of Appeal decision is that the judgments of lower court in favour of PDP executives in Ogun State and South-West subsist and remain binding on everyone, including PDP.


In law, once an appeal has been dismissed, the same cannot be relisted as the appellant is seeking to do in this case - the Court of Appeal having become functus officio.

RE: EKITI COURT OF APPEAL RULING ON SOUTH WEST ZONAL EXCO


The attention of the authentic South West Zonal Executive under my leadership has been drawn to today’s (Monday, 4th December, 2017) ruling of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division and a press statement credited to one Eddy Olafeso who has continued to contemptuously lay claim to the leadership of the party in the zone.


First, it should be made abundantly clear that the order for a stay of execution relates to the orders and rulings in Suit No. FHC/AD/CS/18/2017.


Let all our notable leaders, elders and supporters, it does not in any way detract from the implications of the orders and judgment of the court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/605/2016 which specifically nullified the sham congress from which Olafeso claimed to have emerged and then went ahead to confirm my four years tenure as expiring in October 2018 having been elected in October 2014.


I wish to state that in spite of the inexplicable decision of the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti Division, to make an order even when there was no evidence that we (the defendants) had been served and had no legal representation in court, my Exco remains strong and undaunted.


Even our former lawyers who handled the matter at the trial court said they were served at about 4pm on Thursday, the 30th of November, 2017 and parties were summoned to appear in court on Monday, the 4th of December, 2017. It is a matter of public knowledge that the 1st of December, 2017, is a public holiday in Nigeria, while the 2nd and 3rd of December, 2017, are non-working days, being Saturday and Sunday respectively. The implication of this travesty of justice was that we were unable to brief a lawyer to file any response to the two motions before they came up today and an order for stay of execution of the orders of the trial court was granted. Clearly, this violates our right to fair hearing.


It was on the basis of this that in addition to the letter I had written to the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division and copied to the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) and the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), I was personally in court to plead with the justices to give us an adjournment of a day or two for our new counsel to respond to the motions filed before the court.


But, the court in its wisdom brushed aside my plea and went ahead to grant the stay of execution without affording us the benefit of a legal representation and fair hearing.


Although my confidence in the judiciary as the hope of the common man is unwavering, I cannot say the same thing of the panel sitting over this matter. The haste with which it has handled this matter against the principles of justice and fair hearing, the panel seems to have descended into the arena of partisan politics.


It will be recalled that the Federal High Court had ordered the Olafeso faction to stop parading itself as executive members of the party in the South-West.


The order of the Ado-Ekiti Division of the Federal High Court was based on the fact that the Lagos Division of the court had in17th of May, 2016, the congress that produced the Olafeso group having been held in violation of subsisting orders of the court.


The court had also held that the four years tenure of the Ogundipe-led zonal exco expires in 2018 having been elected in October 2014.


In a ruling delivered in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/605/2016 on the 17th of May, 2016, the court held “That an order is granted nullifying the South West congress conducted on the 14th of May, 2016 in Akure, which was so conducted in defiance of the order of this court made in this action on the 11th of May 2016 restraining the 2nd, 3rd and 4thDefendants from conducting or permitting or recognizing any election into the offices of the South West Zonal Executive Committee pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons…Everything built on actions in defiance of a court order is a nullity.”


Furthermore, in a final judgment delivered on the 24th of June, 2016, the court categorically stated, “That an order is granted to the Plaintiff restraining the 2nd, 3rd and 4thDefendants from conducting or permitting or recognizing any election into the offices of the South West Zonal Executive Committee until October, 2018, when the four years term of the current officers, including the Plaintiff would have been spent.


“That an order is granted to the Plaintiff directing the 1st Defendant not to recognize any other persons apart from the current officers of the South West Zonal Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party as set out in the result sheet for Zonal Congress for election of Zonal Executive members dated the 11th of October, 2014 until their four year term expires in October, 2018.”


I understand that the amateurs are misconstruing the Supreme Court judgment. It is a matter of public knowledge that the Olafeso group never had any case before the Supreme Court that they could benefit from.


Chapter 1 (General Provision) Sections 1, 2, & 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that, “(a) The Fed. Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria.  (b) If any other law (PDP convention/decision) is inconsistent with the provision of this Constitution (the court decision), this Constitution shall prevail. In essence, the court decision in favor of the Ogun State PDP executive stand.


In the light of the above, I wish to appeal to all our supporters to remain calm; for, as light triumphs over darkness, the truth will soon catch up with their lies sooner than later.


 Signed


Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe


National Vice-Chairman, PDP, South West

ANTICS OF MAKARFI.

Sen Makarfi is glaringly an impostor who seek to turn a circumstantial interim appointment into tool for vendetta and leadership of impunity. He and his cohorts in the Southwest; particularly Ogun state, will end up this their senseless political journey latest by 9th of December shamefully at the incoming national convention. Makarfi is eyeing the presidency while his caretaker colleague, Adeyeye wants to contest the Ekiti governorship; these show the basis of their orchestrated manipulations and selfish leadership of impunity. Despite the hullabaloo from their dark end; I'm strongly convinced that with the power that be; which is almighty Allah and the tremendous support of my valuable leaders and admirers; they shall remain in that darkness till it will ultimately consume them given their unsustainable impunity, lawlessness and selfishness.

I implore all my leaders, supporters and admirers to please remain calm and unperturbed. They should continue to mobilise heavily into the party and disregard the empty noise of the Ziggy emperor. Certainly, the authentic Ogun PDP exco remains validly the Bayo Dayo exco till 2020 congress. Likewise, it's sacrosanct that the Makanjuola Ogundipe SW zonal exco remains until 2018. As light overpowers darkness, so also shall we dwarf their mountain of impunity and avoidable lawlessness. Regards.

Sen. Buruji Kashamu.

Sen Makarfi is glaringly an impostor who seek to turn a circumstantial interim appointment into tool for vendetta and leadership of impunity. He and his cohorts in the Southwest; particularly Ogun state, will end up this their senseless political journey latest by 9th of December shamefully at the incoming national convention. Makarfi is eyeing the presidency while his caretaker colleague, Adeyeye wants to contest the Ekiti governorship; these show the basis of their orchestrated manipulations and selfish leadership of impunity. Despite the hullabaloo from their dark end; I'm strongly convinced that with the power that be; which is almighty Allah and the tremendous support of my valuable leaders and admirers; they shall remain in that darkness till it will ultimately consume them given their unsustainable impunity, lawlessness and selfishness.

I implore all my leaders, supporters and admirers to please remain calm and unperturbed. They should continue to mobilise heavily into the party and disregard the empty noise of the Ziggy emperor. Certainly, the authentic Ogun PDP exco remains validly the Bayo Dayo exco till 2020 congress. Likewise, it's sacrosanct that the Makanjuola Ogundipe SW zonal exco remains until 2018. As light overpowers darkness, so also shall we dwarf their mountain of impunity and avoidable lawlessness. Regards.

Sen. Buruji Kashamu.

Group extols Kashamu's leadership skills

…Seeks support for lawmaker




 

A socio-cultural group, The People's Choice (TPC) has described the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu as “a unique leader with the heart of gold”, saying that he has re-directed Ogun East politics and put the zone in the mainstream of Ogun politics.

 

The group applauded the lawmaker for steering the affairs of Ogun State PDP in the right direction.

 

They hoped that Senator Kashamu’s doggedness will return the party to winning ways in 2019 despite the current unwarranted gang up by some interlopers against the Engr. Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive Committee of the party. 

 

A statement signed by its Coordinator and Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Afolayan and Alhaji Nofiudeen Onabanjo reads, “Senator Kashamu has proved his genuine love for the party by investing his hard-earned resources in the party towards re-positioning it since the party lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2011 till date.”

 

The group described the lawmaker's support for the party in Ogun State and the South West as the biggest by an individual since it was formed in 1998, adding that “Any leader who cherishes fairness, equity and justice and exhibit them in his actions and programmes is bound to succeed beyond imagination”.

 

The group pledged its continued support to the lawmaker and urged the disgruntled politicians ganging up against him to stop their unholy alliance and give their total support to Senator Kashamu and Engr. Bayo-led Exco in the overall interest of the party and the good people of Ogun State who are clamouring for the return of PDP to Oke-Mosan in 2019.

 

“Those evil plotters should know that we cannot be deceived again. We know that these politicians are only ganging up against the Engr. Dayo-led Exco because of their personal and selfish interests. 

 

“They should put a final stop to their evil game. They plunged themselves into political extinction in 2011 and were disgraced out of office in 2011, the same Dayo-led Exco that they are ganging up against ensured they were expressly granted  waivers when they returned  to PDP from the Labour Party (LP) 2014. They have been on it for over two years now without any success. They can never win against a friend of the masses and passionate lover of the party like Senator Kashamu,” the group added.

SPBK REMAINS VISIONARY AND FOCUSED IN EMPOWERING THE POOR


Senator (Prince) Buruji Kashamu, a man of profound intellect and prowess, believes the world is a temporary place of abode; one day all luxuries shall fade away and all humans shall give detailed account of their deeds on earth to their creator.

Thus, SPBK has remained humble, visionary and focused in progressively caring for the poor and needy by socio-economically empowering them to the disappointment of adversaries.


His tenacity in keeping faith with the divine call he answered since his adolescent years stands him out from the pack.Below is the testimony of a beneficiary of SPBK’s benevolence, who could not hide her happiness.
“Good morning Sir Prince Kashamu. This is Shakirat Toyin Ligali. I tried your line this morning but I think the line was not very clear.


"I was home few weeks ago but it was hard for me to contact you. I simply want to thank you for your kindness and generosity, when I read about your philanthropy input in Nigeria I was not surprised, some 20 something years ago I was attending speed writing secretarial college in Nigeria affiliated to same college in London UK, you paid all my school fees which at the time was one pound to a naira you paid over 4 thousand naira and when it was time to travel over here in London you paid all my travelling expenses. I am now a doctor (senior psychotherapist), I work for the UK National Health Service and also run my own complementary health business.

"I write books as well. I am taking this opportunity to say thank you Sir for helping me through life's journey. I pray that almighty Allah will continue to elevate you and give you good health and long life Sir. www.vigournutrition.co.uk"


If Nigerian politicians could rise above egoism, hypocrisy, selfishness and nepotism, within a short time, poverty would be significantly reduced in our dear country. #SPBKcares!

GROUP TO PDP: MAKE DANIEL PDP CHAIRMAN AND KILL THE PARTY

A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) known as the Pathfinders has said that any attempt to make ex-Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will serve the death knell on the party.
The group spoke in reaction to media reports in national dailies that Daniel declared his intention to vie for the position of the National Chairman of PDP.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Tueday, The Pathfinders said, “We could not hold back our amazement when I saw the reports. For a moment, we were wondering if our beloved PDP is cursed. How can anyone ever contemplate handing over the party to a man whose reign the good people of Ogun State do not wish to remember? His reign was synonymous with cultism, violence, politically-motivated killings and corruption.

“This was a man the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka described as ‘Dani, elebo’ (Dani, the fetish one). He went on to say, ‘This governor lied and lied and lied until he lied his head off’.”

“How can an opposition party struggling to find its feet after losing out in the 2015 general election, largely because of the greed of people like Daniel, ever contemplate such a character to lead it? Pray, where would he lead the party to? The guillotine, we suppose. And the reason for my guess is not far to seek.

“In the unlikely event that he succeeds in his aspiration, one does not need a soothsayer to know that his corruption case in court, which he has been stalling for several years, will be fast-tracked and the party will be put on trial with him. On the outcome of such a trial, your guess is as good as ours.

“We were all living witnesses to how a small group of his governor colleagues rejected him as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum in 2010 when he sought to supplant the then Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and current President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki. We wager without any equivocation that should he realize his ambition of foisting himself on the PDP as its National Chairman, not only will he sell out the party, it would sound the death knell on the party in Ogun State, the South West and Nigeria in general.”

Kasali Lanre wrote:
Some people in PDP need to be flogged. Dokpesi went and floated
APDA and presently in court with APDA BOT. Same man is contesting
for PDP Chairman. And they want to suspend KASHAM who has been in
the party all along on the allegation that he is engaging in anti-party
activities. Please, who deserve suspension? Awon alainironu