₦airaland Forum

Osinbajo, an example of selflessness in public office , says Gov. Abiodun

....as Akarigbo, Obaseki, Aregbesola others extol former Vice-president

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday charged Nigerians to emulate the virtue of selflessness in public office, as exemplified by the immediate past Vice-president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, saying he has distinguished himself by raising the bar of good governance.

Abiodun, gave the charge during the public thanksgiving and appreciation reception held in honour of former Vice-president by the Ikenne Development Association, at Obafemi Awolowo Square, Ikenne-Remo.

He lauded Osinbajo for being focused and loyal to his principal as he served with dignity,integrity and utmost character, adding that the Ex-Vice President played a significant role in his emergence as Governor, in the face of stiff opposition from his predecessor.

Abiodun said,'' Let us emulate Professor Yemi Osinbajo by using the opportunity of where we are today to diligently serve our people, we must appreciate the fact that the same people that we left behind while going into public office will still be the same people we return to meet after our service.

" We are not only celebrating Prof Osinbajo's achievements but we are also reflecting on the impact he had made in Ogun State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

" On a personal note your Excellency, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the unwavering support you gave me in 2018 in the course of my journey to Oke-Mosan. One of the lessons we all have to learn from this exemplary leader is that power is transient, we all have to understand that an office is never permanent, what is however permanent is the legacy that we leave behind and how we impact the lives of those who trusted us to lead them into a better future for their collective dreams".

Osinbajo, in his remarks reiterated his resolve to continue supporting his ancestral home of Ikenne, especially in the area of helping the young ones in the town to reach their full potentials.

" I want to thank the Ikenne Development Association for showing leadership and commitment in developing this town and it's people, on our part, we will continue to offer support in anyway we can".

Speaking on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council that Professor Yemi Osinbajo worked with, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation;Boss Mustapha described him as a detribalized Nigerian, noting that he played a significant roles in the success recorded by the immediate past administration.

Also speaking, the Governor of Bayelsa State; Douye Diri described professor Yemi Osinbajo as a man of character, commended him for his love for the people of Bayelsa State, as the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, eulogized Osinbajo's high intellectual capacity and acumen, saying he displayed high degree of work ethics while in office.

The Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the paramount ruler of Remoland; Oba Babatunde Ajayi, while speaking said the former Vice-president was the greatest export of Remo land to the seat of power in Abuja, adding that he represented the people of Remo land and the state very well as a number two citizen of Nigeria then.

Oba Babatunde Ajayi while describing the former Vice President as a man of wisdom, opined that he would still continue to be of immense value for the development of the country.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Adeleke Adesina, while making his speech commended Osinbajo for his honesty and fearless adherence to his principles.

Dignitaries at the event include Governors of Edo and Bayelsa, as well as the former Governors of Cross River and Bayelsa States; Donald Duke and Seriake Dickson.

Others were the immediate past Minister of Interior; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation;Boss Mustapha, among others

Ogun Tribunal: PDP Counsels comply with procedure orders, represent documents

.....as panel warns Adebutu's supporters against misleading public

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Thursday admitted documents from Counsels to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Oladipupo Adebutu, led by Goddy Uche, SAN, after changing the earlier mode of presentation which was in conflict with procedure rules.

Recall that Counsels to the respondents, namely: The All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on Tuesday raised objections against the failure of Counsels to the Petitioners to have presented envisaged undisputed documents through the bar before presenting same before the Panel, to allow all parties involved in the case to verify and authenticate, as stipulates by procedure rules.

It was at that point that the Tribunal mandated PDP's counsels to go back and allow other parties in the case to scrutinize and authenticate those documents to he tendered and come back today to represent.

After complying with this directive, the documents were, therefore, admitted provisionally by the Tribunal, in response to the observation of one of the Counsels to the Respondents, who hinted the Tribunal of possibility of objections to some of the documents tendered by Petitioner's Counsels.

However, while the proceedings were still on, and documents still being tendered and admitted, some media outlets mischievously reported that all documents brought by Adebutu’s team had been admitted. Therefore a Counsel to one of the Respondents called the attention of the Tribunal to this misinformation describing it as propaganda about the proceedings of the panel. The lead counsel to the Petitioners was thereafter advised to warn his clients and their supporters against misleading the general public through sensationalized stories in the media.

Meanwhile, all parties agreed in principle that all documents should be admitted by the panel and objection should come in their final addresses, as the Counsel to the Petitioner, Goddy Uche SAN guided the court to allow him to call all his schedules out one by one and be marked in the court while the Panels read confirmation to the court at the next sitting to ensure all documents are formally handed and presented to the court.

To that end, the first 126pages were called and agreed to by 1st, 2nd and 3rd Counsels to the Respondents' claiming to reserve comments till later date, as Petitioners' lead Counsel, Goddy Uche SAN informed the court in the process of the marking, that he already has his witnesses set and filed for the day.

We 're embarking on aggressive industrialization - Ogun Govt

Ogun State Government has declared that efforts are in top gear to improve on the achievements of past administrations to build formidable industrial hubs across the state, in line with the dreams of its founding fathers.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi disclosed this in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Wednesday, while interfacing with members of the Senior Executive Course 45, 2023 of the
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, who were on a study tour of the State.

Talabi explained that the ongoing reorganisation of the State-owned industrial hubs/clusters would strengthen economic growth, especially in the areas of quick access to the city, markets, and other strategic economic areas.

He revealed that over N4 billion had been disbursed in the last four years for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the state, numbering about 10,000 entrepreneurs through its various empowerment programmes.

According to him, the state government is open to partnerships to develop more small and medium-scale enterprises and enhance economic activities of various forms, as well as stimulating export for foreign earnings.

Talabi said: "This effort of our administration towards aggressive industrialization is strictly guided by an inherent developmental philosophy of ISEYA mantra, as entrenched in our distinct Agenda, which is Building Our Future Together."

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu Aikulola restated that the government had embarked on various policies and programmes in the industrial sector, which had strengthened inclusive governance and earned the present administration award as the best state in policy formulation.

Aikulola added that Ogun is one of the leading States in agriculture and had brought about a special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SPAPZ), that serves as an integrated development initiative designed to concentrate on agro-processing activities in all areas identified as high agricultural potentials.

He described NIPSS as a high-level centre for reflection, research and learning, with the primary objective of serving as the nation's foremost policy 'think-tank' that develops a crop of top-class technocrats of high intellectual capacity.

In his remarks, a senior official of the Institute, Brigadier General Sylvester Oloyede, who spoke on the theme of the tour, "Industrialisation, Climate Change and Energy Security in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges & Prospects", appreciated the state government for the warm reception accorded them.

He also lauded the government in the state for its giant strides in all areas of development and growth, especially in its frantic efforts to alleviate poverty among the most vulnerable.

We Are Set to Prosecute Vote Buyers - INEC

As a fallout of the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has concluded plans to prosecute those involved in alleged vote buying and other associated violations.

This was disclosed Tuesday by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu while addressing Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

His words, "I can also confirm that we have received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following their arrest and the conclusion of investigation into electoral offences arising from the 2023 General Election.

"We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prosecute the alleged offenders. Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro bono services to the Commission. They are not charging legal fees but by mutual agreement the Commission will provide a token amount to cover for filing fees/expenses. We are most grateful to NBA and its President, Yakubu Maikyau SAN, for this historic collaboration.

"Similarly, we are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the prosecution of cases relating to vote buying and associated violations."

Recall that one of the high profile vote buying cases is in Ogun state where the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu was alleged to have preloaded N10,000 into 200,000 Verve cards in the name of an unregistered foundation named after his mother, the late Mrs Veronica Adebutu.

Already, the Police have concluded investigation and charged the Managing Director of Zenith Bank and other top officials, along with Adebutu, PDP agents and POS operators to court for money laundering.

Adebutu, on the other hand, has been running around with a view to avoiding honouring Police invitation and having his day in court for the grave infractions against the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution.

The defeated PDP governorship candidate, who initially ran abroad, claiming to be on medical check up and that only his doctor would determine his return date, slipped back into the country yesterday and has thrown heavy personal security around himsel. He is expected to be arraigned in court any time from now.

While some PDP agents and POS operators arrested on the day of governorship election have made useful statements to the Police, Adebutu on his own, approached the court seeking restraining orders to stop the Police from arresting, detaining and prosecuting him, or in the alternative, for the police to be ordered by the court to postpone such trial till after the conclusion of his petition against the Governor of Ogun State at the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta.

Ogun: Tribunal flays PDP for blunder, grants prayers for thorough scrutiny of tendered documents

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday carpeted Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and it's candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, for commiting seeming blunder in the mode of it's presentation before the Tribunal.

The party was flayed for it's failure to comply with court's directive which stipulates that documents scheduled to be presented before the court ought to have been tendered from the bar for parties involved to scrutinize and authenticate.

At the resumption of proceeding, Counsel to the PDP and Oladipupo Adebutu, Godwin Uche, SAN, had informed the Tribunal of the readiness of his team to formally commence trial immediately, adding that they have filled the list of their scheduled of documents before the Panel and have also physically brought all the said documents before it.

Consequently, Counsel to the 1st Respondent (INEC), Remi Olatumura, SAN, in his objection on the point of law, cautioned the move to commit such blunder, as he said while his team were ready to move on with the case, it is always imperative for the petitioner to have shown the documents to all the parties before then, insisting that he had not set his eye on the document for authentication.

Olatumura further said he owes his client the duty to confirm and certify that those documents actually emanated from INEC and accordingly scrutinize it.

In the same vein, Counsel to the 2nd Respondent (Governor Dapo Abiodun), Kehinde Ogunwunmiju, SAN, opined that going by the volume of the tendered documents and in line with procedure rules, which remain always sacrosanct, the over 6000 documents ought to have been presented from the bar earlier for the benefit of the parties to view and confirm it's validity.

Ogunwunmiju also informed the Tribunal that the PDP's Counsel had accordingly followed the procedure rules in a similar case involving the duo in Ebonyi State but decided to act otherwise in Ogun State.

He, then stressed that the parties needed more time to check and authenticate the documents, arguing that 24 hours might not be feasible and realistic to scrutinize the voluminous documents, as he also called for the list of witnesses at least 24 hours before the commencement of the case, in which PDP also failed to comply.

Corroborating the positions of the Counsels to the first and the second Respondents, Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, who represented the 3rd Respondent (APC) unequivocally submitted: "We have to look at the documents. The Tribunal has the responsibility to ensure that the needful is done. These are very serious and strategic documents. They should have invited us to come and view.

"I adopt the submissions of the 1st and 2nd respondents accordingly that the undisputed documents should be admitted from the bar. For documents to be undisputed, such must have been seen by all parties involved in the case. "These documents have been sought for many months. We should not be railroad to admittance of documents. I urge Your Lordship to give us reasonable time to inspect."

He subsequently prayed the court to grant two days' leave for proper scrutiny of the documents.

Ruling on the arguments, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Hon. Justice H.N. Kunaza, agreed on the point of law that the PDP had failed to comply with the court's directive, which is sacrosanct, that the tendered documents ought to have been presented from the bar for the purpose of thorough verification and authentication by all the parties involved.

He, as well, queried the reason why Uche refused to comply with the procedure rules in Ogun State, whereas he followed the same rules in a similar case in Ebonyi.

In his words: "We cannot force them to admit documents they have not seen. All of you should look at the documents.''

The Tribunal's Chairman, therefore, granted the parties two days to thoroughly scrutinize the documents accordingly, as the case was adjourned till Thursday 6th July, for continuation of hearing.

Ogun: When Akin Onigbinde left philosophy behind

One of the features of philosophy that define it's uniqueness as compass of good judgement and sound conclusion is Logical Reasoning, it is intrinsically key to the study of philosophy and quest for truth.

In that wise, nothing would have been more shocking and bizarre than when a Professor of Philosophy willingly silenced the voice of logic and opted for assumption out of sentiment and predilection. Going through what appeared like a censored interview for image laundering, Professor Akin Onigbinde, a long-time beneficiary of Gbenga Daniel, seriously goofed when he ascribed Dapo Abiodun's victory at the poll in 2019 to Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

While this position remains an opinion of the don, as an 'Opinion Leader ' it is, therefore, expected of the university teacher to bring forth informed opinion on any issue whatsoever, that is devoid of weak judgement and mere sentiment.

Professor Onigbinde, who was a former 'Consultant' to Daniel on Research and Documentation must have documented and have in his archive how Daniel ignominiously failed to produce a successor as a sitting governor, and went immediately to political oblivion after leaving office in 2011.

The university teacher must have researched and discovered the type of administration Daniel superintended while he paid billions of naira as Consultancy services on white elephant projects that never saw the light of the day and thereby plucked the State to a big mess of debt till today.

The Professor of Philosophy must also have in his archive how Daniel became so unpopular and totally rejected by the people of Ogun State towards the tale end of his administration, after it was discovered that he was trading in falsehood and ran an administration firmly rooted in deception.

Now, as a man who teaches the concept of critical reasoning and sound argument, Professor Akin Onigbinde must tell us what has changed in the political influence of Gbenga Daniel between 2011 when he left the stage as governor unceremoniously and 2019 that Dapo Abiodun emerged as Governor.

Is Baba telling us that a Governor who was largely humiliated in his party and prevented from securing a ticket for his preferred candidate not to talk of winning election had suddenly become so powerful eight years after to determine the electoral success of a man in another party. Haba, Prof! What has happened to philosophy in you, sir?

I believe if Professor Akin Onigbinde had realized the dept of backlash his interview would elicited, he wouldn't have agreed to the terms of this 'deal' from Daniel, despite being his former boss, this is the same way the former governor recently contacted a dismissed official of Afenifere to impersonate the noble organization for selfish interest, until the socio-cultural group came out to disown the poor man.

Perhaps, Professor Onigbinde forgot to document how Daniel came cap in hand to solicit for political asylum in APC immediately after the 2019 general elections, and brazenly dumped his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in cold.

Beyond any reasonable doubt, the aforementioned have clearly punctured the opinion of Professor Akin Onigbinde as lesser in logic and distant from reality.

In conclusion, I don't want to believe that Baba Professor had been infected by Daniel's flair for betrayal, by the account of Prof's confession during the interview, where he revealed that he worked against the position of Afenifere, where he is a member to support Daniel of PDP in 2003; however, I am compelled to say " only iron attracts iron".

Bolaji Inaolaji writes from Ishagamu.

AJILALA OSO DAY: Timi of Ede felicitates subjects, commends their zeal to uphold rich cultural heritage

The Timi of Ede land, Oba Dr. Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa the 1st, has felicitated sons and daughters of the ancient town at home and in the Diaspora, on the successful annual cultural event in the town, known as Ajilala Oso day.

The annual festival, with it's maiden edition in 2021 always comes on the third day after Ileya festival, designed to serve as a convergence point for all indigenes of Ede and an opportunity to celebrate and promote their distinct cultural heritage to the national audience and the global community.

This was contained in a congratulatory message, personally signed by the leading Nigerian monarch and made available to newsmen by his media aide, Dayo Akinyele, in Ede, on Sunday morning.

According to the statement, Timi , who is currently on holy pilgrimage to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, described the annual event as a landmark in the annals of the kingdom, saying it had afforded the town an ample opportunity to showcase it's rich culture and it's age-long history of trade to the world.

The royal father, therefore, prayed for the sustainance and continuity of the event, as he commended the initiator and other members of the organizing committee.

The statement read in part,'' I greatly commend the initiator of this epochal event, Alhaji Bashiru Oyedemi, who singlehandedly worked assiduously to make this event a reality. Also, my special gratitude goes to the pioneer founding fathers of Ede modern day, which gave birth to various association like : FEDERAL COUNCIL OF EDE DESCENDANTS UNION, EDE ELDERS COUNCIl, EDE ACTION FRONT & FEDERAL COUNCIL OF EDE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (FEYDA) and the supporting role of various women association in Ede land.

"I, therefore, charge every one of us to collectively join hands in making the annual event a global reckoning, with requisite potency of boosting our socioeconomic gains, as I call on captains of industries and other eminent personalities of Ede extraction to please come and give this historical event a corporate sponsorship and assistance it duly deserves".

"I thank you all, Ede Mapo Arogun A gbewa o!

Governor Abiodun Mourns APC Chieftain, Pa Fohun Abiola, Condoles Family, Associates

Governor Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the family, associates, and loved ones of Pa Fohun Abiola, who was until his death, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

The governor, who said his heart was full with grief, hailed the late elder statesman as having led a life with invaluable leadership and fatherly qualities.

The Governor said: "With a heart laden with grief, I extend my sincere condolences to the family, associates and loved ones of Pa Fohun Abiola, Chairman for the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

"Pa Fohun Abiola will be greatly missed not only for his fatherly role to all but also for the invaluable and impeccable leadership he gave in our great party as well as in his immediate and larger community."

Governor Abiodun said Pa Abiola left behind positive legacies worthy of emulation, as they were indelible.

"Pa Fohun Abiola will be remembered for the principles he left behind that will guide generations to come to live a life worth celebrating even in death," the governor stated.

He prayed for the departed soul of the deceased to rest in peace.
"As we pray for God's divine support to his loved ones to pass through this grief, we pray eternal peace for Pa Abiola," he added.

Abiodun congratulates Muslims, calls for sacrifice, patrotism

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

Prince Abiodun, in his message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said that what Nigeria needs at this critical stage of her development are sacrifices, love and unity.

According to the governor, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of obedience to God's command was the greatest act of obeisance, which all Nigerians must imbibe to ensure national unity and economic growth.

He said Nigeria entered a new era on May 29, with the swearing in of a new government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the new government is faced with critical issues of national importance.

“The significance of this celebration should not be lost on every Nigerian. The new government, led by President Bola Tinubu has introduced measures to launch the country on the path to development. Some of these measures, including the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, which are meant to curb wastages, require the sacrifice and the cooperation of every citizen to make them work,” Prince Abiodun said.

The governor reiterated the determination of his government to improve on the wellbeing of the people of the State through various intervention programmes in line with the ISEYA mantra.

He congratulated Muslims in the State and Nigeria on this year’s celebration, even as he urged them to follow the example laid down by Prophet Abraham, which were sacrifice and penitence.

He urged them to pray for the peace and progress of the country.

Abiodun mourns death of Amotekun boss, Akinremi, commiserates family

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday described the death of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, David Akinremi, as a great loss to the security architecture of the state.

The governor expressed sadness over the untimely death of the commander.

Akinremi, a retired Commissioner of Police, died on Monday, after an undisclosed ailment.

He was appointed as the Commander of the newly established Amotekun Corpsin 2021 by Governor Abiodun.

Prince Abiodun, in a condolence message from the Governor’s Office, described the late Akinremi as a gallant officer, who contributed in no small measure to the peace and security currently being witnessed in the state.

According to the governor, the collaboration of the Amotekun Corps under his leadership with other security agencies has helped in riding the State of crimes and criminality.

“This is a sad moment for us in Ogun State. Commander Akinremi was instrumental in our efforts to rid our dear State of crimes and criminality.

“He contributed in no small measure to the state of peace and tranquility currently prevailing in Ogun State. We will miss his immeasurable contribution to the state.

I commiserate with the family he left behind. I also commiserate with the rank and file of the Amotekun Corps. Our government will do the utmost to lessen the pain of his exit both on the family and the Amotekun Corps,” the governor said.

Abiodun mourns death of Amotekun boss, Akinremi, commiserates family

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday described the death of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, David Akinremi, as a great loss to the security architecture of the state.

The governor expressed sadness over the untimely death of the commander.

Akinremi, a retired Commissioner of Police, died on Monday, after an undisclosed ailment.

He was appointed as the Commander of the newly established Amotekun Corpsin 2021 by Governor Abiodun.

Prince Abiodun, in a condolence message from the Governor’s Office, described the late Akinremi as a gallant officer, who contributed in no small measure to the peace and security currently being witnessed in the state.

According to the governor, the collaboration of the Amotekun Corps under his leadership with other security agencies has helped in riding the State of crimes and criminality.

“This is a sad moment for us in Ogun State. Commander Akinremi was instrumental in our efforts to rid our dear State of crimes and criminality.

“He contributed in no small measure to the state of peace and tranquility currently prevailing in Ogun State. We will miss his immeasurable contribution to the state.

I commiserate with the family he left behind. I also commiserate with the rank and file of the Amotekun Corps. Our government will do the utmost to lessen the pain of his exit both on the family and the Amotekun Corps,” the governor said.

Dirty Daniel at his Judas job again

By Adelekan Sanni

Going by the reports in the media in the last 48 hours about Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, one cannot but wonder about his devious antics. Daniel, a serial betrayal, has been trying to portray himself as a staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and as a loyal party man when all indications point to him as a thoroughbred Judas on the political terrain. Indeed, he has just disappointed some of his attack dogs like Steve Oliyide who thought he would make them his aides in the Red Chamber and had, in the last few months, gone on overdrive doing his dirty jobs. By now, these charlatans left to die out and rot in political oblivion must have realized that betrayal is ingrained in Daniel’s DNA.

In the build-up to the election of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, some senators, including Daniel, went to see the president. Having received intelligence that Daniel was, as usual, hobnobbing with the opposition, the president was said to have told him: “Senator Daniel, I hope you will not bring your antics to the National Assembly o.” The president told him to remove the Judas toga around him this time around because it was quite unbecoming of a person his age and status, and that it would shred his personality if he continued in the same mould. Some of the senators were said to have shaken their heads, having read so many things about Daniel’s dark history. And so in order to prove to the senators that he was no betrayer, Daniel laid the blame on the doorsteps of Governor Dapo Abiodun. He started weaving the narrative that the governor was fighting him because he had fully supported Tinubu’s ambition!



In the build-up to the presidential primaries of APC, Daniel was not a delegate. And neither was he in a position to nominate delegates because the ward, local government and state excos of the party had been inaugurated before he joined the party. He had no influence on the ward, local government and state excos. The primary was an internal affair of the party and as soon as it was over, what was expected of every member of the party was to work for the success of the party and its candidate. And this was exacty what Governor Abiodun did.

Even though the Governor was not overly enthusiastic about Daniel becoming a senator, he had to concede the slot to him following moral suasion and appeals by traditional rulers to the effect that a former governor should not be disgraced. The Governor soft-pedaled. He then threw his full weight in mobilization and logistics behind him (Daniel), knowing that it was the right thing to do.


The issue that happened at that time, which some of Daniel’s followers misconstrued as an attempt by the Governor to withdraw support from their principal, was merely procedural. Immediately Daniel won his ticket, he quickly rolled out his campaign structure without waiting for the nod and input of the party whose senatorial ticket he had just won. He was, as usual, so full of himself, believing that he could go it alone. Yet in a political structure, a senator cannot just be campaigning in isolation. The due process is that the hands of the presidential candidate of the party would be raised by the leader of the party and immediately that his done, a date would be fixed where the state would commence its own campaign. It is during that campaign that the Governor would raise the hands of the three senatorial candidates and the nine House of Reps members. But when Daniel was cautioned, his supporters took it as an affront and started casting aspersions on the Governor. Yet all the Governor was saying was that Daniel should follow the rules and regulations of the party.


Still, the Governor gave him all the necessary support for his election. However, in his accustomed Judas spirit, Daniel moved against the Governor immediately he won the Ogun East ticket. After collecting money from the Governor, he went to Chief Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) and collected N2bn to work against APC. He directed all his followers to work for Baba Ijebu’s son, Ladi Adebutu, and dislodge Governor Dapo Abiodun. Daniel was just a senator-elect, but he was already thinking about his re-election as a senator, for which purpose he felt he needed to dislodge Governor Abiodun, since they are both from Ogun East. He thought that taking out his helper was the best way to consolidate his power!!


In any case, working against his party was not a new thing to Daniel. In the AD after 1999, he worked against Chief Segun Osoba. He moved to PDP and used the instrumentality of President Olusegun Obasanjo to rig Osoba out of power in 2003. That was what severed his relationship with Asiwaju Tinubu. He was a PDP governor for eight years and because of his political shenanigans and manipulations, he ran into troubled waters with the state House of Assembly and leaders of PDP in the state, to the extent that he could not present a candidate for election as his successor. Ibikunle Amosun declared him persona non grata for eight years and it was Dapo Abiodun that gave him soft landing. It is this same Dapo Abiodun that Daniel is now fighting to a standstill.

Amosun, being a warlord, said at the time that if you give Daniel any space, he would take you out, so the best thing you can do is to take him out completely. And that is so true, because were it not for divine intervention, Daniel would have completely rubbished Governor Abiodun. This is a man who betrayed Tinubu and even Goodluck Jonathan, his leader, in 2015, simply because he was not made the South-West coordinator of the Jonathan re-election campaign.


In 2019, Atiku Abubakar gave him the position he had craved so badly in 2015, making him the Director General of his campaign organization. Yet immediately after Atiku lost the presidential election, Daniel quickly dumped him and joined APC. He was given a soft landing which made him to contest for the senatorial seat, but his heart was not in APC because his structure in PDP was still intact. It was this structure that he used against Dapo Abiodun during the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State. He instructed his people to freely collect mobilization from the Governor and the party but to work for Ladi Adebutu. What a born criminal! Thank God his devious antics could not derail Governor Abiodun’s re-election.

During the last election, the party, knowing Daniel’s chameleonic character, had to surreptitiously position two senators to be monitoring his activities. Daniel hobnobbed with all the aspirants because of money.


So when you look at Daniel properly, you see that he is a character that cannot be trusted; very deceitful, crafty and cunning, and diabolic. That’s so sad.

Sanni wrote this through adelekhansan@aol.com

Alert: Gbenga Daniel's chronological history of betrayal at a glance

Evaluating different thoughts about the act of betrayal, I found one very appropriate and apt,'' The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies, it comes from those you trust the most".

Going psychological, therefore, those with the trait of betrayal always carry deceitful appearance that often attracts unsuspecting victims, before leaving them with sour taste and regret; it always comes with permanent scar, with potency of inflicting unforgettable trauma in the one at the receiving end; such is the calamity of betrayal.

A man called Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the former governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial district is a definition of the above description in all his dealings since Nigeria returned to civil administration in 1999.

For instance, in the lead up to the 1999 general elections, Daniel was hobnobbing with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on different political fronts and claimed to have identified with the progressive movement of those days as structures were being put in place by pro-democracy groups to give necessary foundation to sustain the system and make it work, unknown to the progressive fold, this same Daniel was in bed with the reactionary party of the right ideology, in which the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, represents, until his secret was blown open and the rest became history.

He was later compensated for his act of betrayal with a governorship ticket in Ogun State and succeeded in becoming the governor of the State. The eight -year administration that was characterized with total deception and instability.

Gbenga Daniel pretentiously continued his romance with the PDP, partaking in several of it's programmes and activities as if he was a critical stakeholders and loyal member, to the extent he was made the leader of the party in the South West.

Also, in the lead up to the 2019 general elections, the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, made Daniel the Director General of his campaign organization, the position he held till the eve of the elections in which the party lost again to All Progressives Congress, APC.

Alas! As soon as this happened, the former Ogun State Governor made a swift 360 degree turn and left his party and Atiku Abubakar in cold, to run to APC, begging for political asylum and rehabilitation.

In truth and out of magnanimity of the APC, through it's leader in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Daniel was not only given asylum and rehabilitated, he was also integrated into the progressive fold believing he would change his spots as he grows in age and supposedly become more matured.

Immediately Daniel became settled in APC and began to enjoy certain benefits he did not even merit ordinarily as an alien in the party, but for the kind disposition of Dapo Abiodun, he resumed his double dealings and started plotting evil against the party that offered him helping hands in the time of distress and confusion.

Despite the fact that a senatorial ticket was secured for him with huge amount of money from the governor in form of mobilization to prosecute his senatorial election, Daniel still went behind the party to negotiate with PDP and collected over 2 billions naira from the Adebutu's to support all the PDP candidates in Ogun during the general elections.

Daniel by his action not only betrayed Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is his destiny helper, he also stabbed the party at the back and disappointed it's teeming members in the State, many of whom had frowned at the idea of accepting Daniel into the party in the first place.

It was in the same manner he betrayed millions of Ogun citizens while he held sway as governor and callously milked the people dry with attendant humongous debt that still holding the gateway state in his jugular up till today

In the words of Malcolm-X, the late American Social Crusader,'' To me, the thing that is worse than death is betrayal, I could conceive death but I could not conceive betrayal". May the Lord forgive Otunba Gbenga Daniel and change his way of perpetual betrayal.

Comrade Sulaimon Tella writes from Ipokia.

Gbenga Daniel is shamelessly dishonest, didn't support Tinubu, Dapo Abiodun-Ogun APC


Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has slammed the former Governor of the State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, over his latest interview in the media, describing it as 'drama of absurdity and cocktails of lies'.

Daniel, who presently represents Ogun East Senatorial district at the red chamber of the National Assembly, had granted media interview, where he alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun is still in dagger drawn with him for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the APC presidential primaries of 2022 among other allegations.

Reacting to Daniel's interview on Monday, the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of APC in the State, Olusola Ogunsanya, in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the State metropolis, stressed that the said interview was an embodiment of falsehood and blatant lies.

According to the statement, at no time did Gbenga Daniel make a definite position to support the President, as it accused him of double standards and pecuniary tendencies.

The statement further accused Daniel to have supported the PDP and it's candidates during the last general elections in Ogun State, alleging that the lawmaker collected money to the tune of two billions naira from the Adebutu's and worked against his party, the APC.

It claimed the party and Governor Dapo Abiodun rescued Daniel at the point of his political oblivion, saying the former Governor had displayed an act of ingratitude by his action.

"Given the general perception about the former governor and his controversial image across Nigeria, it is basically needless to grant the man of many colours the dignity of a response. However, considering the power and passion of the media, especially beyond the State and for the benefit of many of our citizens in the Diaspora, we have decided to set the records straight and place Daniel where he pathetically belongs.

"In the first place, the lawmaker by his antecedents in private business and in power painted a picture of dishonesty, making many to wonder how he managed to get near the power corridor, to the extent of becoming the Governor of a state like Ogun.

"Every Nigerian in perfect consciousness of political events since 1999 knows Daniel as being chameleonic in appearance and deed; his unstable carriage with vague, perpetual laughter appropriately depict his dangerous persona, cocktail of lies and duplicity. His Sunday interview, which stood logic and truth on its head was the latest in the series, as he relentlessly pursued myopic and selfish interest.

"It is laughable to hear Gbenga Daniel talking about his comradeship in the progressive fold and claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun was not part of the fold between 1998 and 1999, when everyone is aware of how Daniel with his sneaky Machiavellian tactics and maneuvers surreptitiously dislodged a progressive party in the State in 2003 and became governor on the platform of PDP.

" There is no record of Daniel’s role in Tinubu’s emergence as governor in Lagos State in 1999. In 2003, he contested under PDP and not AD, so what structure was he talking about? He ruled for eight years as a PDP governor before Ibikunle Amosun dislodged him and declared him persona non grata in the state, confining him to oblivion and castrating his businesses.


"This is the same man who was rescued from political ignominy by Governor Abiodun against strong resistance from party members who were well apprised of what he represented. His liberation from the political oblivion into which he threw himself out of greed became necessary after his party, the PDP, lost presidential election in 2019. Many were taken aback by the speed with which Gbenga Daniel dumped his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP despite his position as the Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign organization.

"Daniel, an outlier of outsider in the APC during the presidential primaries of June 2022 who was neither a delegate nor had a single delegate from Ogun State, claimed that he supported Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against Governor Dapo Abiodun's wish. What a shameless merchant of falsehood!

"To put it succinctly, Governor Abiodun, being a genuine leader and a progressive never worked against his party, APC unlike Senator Gbenga Daniel. And to give credence to his unflinching commitment and loyalty to the party, as soon as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged the presidential candidate of the APC, he immediately deployed all his political machineries and structures to support him, stoutly resisting all the gang-up within the fold spearheaded by Gbenga Daniel and his co-travellers. During the February 25 election, he won the State for Asiwaju Tinubu by a wide margin.


"That was quite unlike Gbenga Daniel who, for filthy lucre, criminally connived with the PDP after allegedly collecting N2 billion from Chief Kessington Adebutu and worked against the APC and its candidates in the presidential and gubernatorial elections.

"Happily, President Tinubu knows more than any other person the dangerous antics of Gbenga Daniel and what he represents in the Nigeria's political circles, and was alleged to have taunted him in the presence of some Senators, when he advised him to work on his reputation as a serial betrayal, but a leopard will never change its spots.

"We, therefore, implore the former governor to turn a new leaf from his now legendary dubious political antics, act of ingratitude and political prostitution that have dishonourably marked his political career over the years with matchless notoriety and infamy. These are indeed unbecoming of a man of his age", the statement read in part.

EID-EL-KABIR: Ede Poly's Rector Felicitates Muslim Ummah

On behalf of the Management, members of Staff and Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, I, Engr. Dr. Man Yahaya Sani, the Rector of the leading institution , hereby congratulate and rejoice with our Muslim brothers and sisters within the Polytechnic community and around the world on the occasion of this year's Eid-El-kabir.

Again, this is a fulfilment of a significant obligation in Islam as stipulated by the Holy Quran, as a way of strengthening our relationship with Almighty Allah and move closer to Him.

It is, therefore, pertinent for every Islamic faithful to see this special moment as a great opportunity to pray for our nation, and the new administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces, to the path of sustainable growth and abundant prosperity.

I also use this medium to solicit for more cooperation from both staff and students of our citadel, for the purpose of sustaining the peaceful atmosphere we presently enjoy.

May the blessings of this special season be permanent and positively impacted our lives and that of our loved ones

Eid-El-Kabir

E-signed

E-Signed
Sola Lawal, mnipr
Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer

Eid-El-kabir: Timi of Ede congratulates subjects worldwide, harps on peace, tolerance

Timi of Ede land, HRM OBA DR. MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL, LAMINISA THE 1ST, has rejoiced with all Ede sons and daughters around the world on the occasion of this year's eid-el-kabr, urging them to be peaceful and tolerant wherever they are.

The first class royal father, made this known in a congratulatory message signed by his media aide, Dapo Akinyele, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Ede on Friday.

Laminisa averred that the festive season implies the moment of sober reflection on the sanctity of promise and it's great reward, as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim.

He added that the act of keeping promise, if duly and diligently adhered to would solve more than half of the present challenges facing Nigeria, as he called on political leaders at all levels to emulate this virtue.

Laminisa, therefore, made case for concerted efforts towards ending the spate of insurgency and other criminal tendencies, saying Nigeria needs peaceful co-existence to strengthen her economy.

The leading monarch, who is presently on holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, also used the medium to pray for Nigeria under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander- In-Chief of the armed forces, as well as the Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, in his quest to better the lots of the good people of the State.


He said, " I heartily felicitate all my sons and daughters around the world on this year's eid-el-kabr.

"I wish them hitch -free celebration wherever they are around the globe, and enjoin them to be peaceful and tolerant with people around them irrespective of their faith and colour.

"May Almighty Allah protect us against evil to celebrate more of this special moment of sober reflection. Happy eid-el-kabir !

N47.8m Prado Jeep for Ede Poly's Council Chairman; a figment of imagination of rumour mongers -Management

Our attention has been drawn to less cognitive and malicious publication trending on different social media platforms, to the effect that the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, purchased a Prado Jeep, to the tune of N47.8m for the Chairman of it's Governing Council.

The purveyors of the half truth further displayed crass ignorance, saying the purchase is contrary to 'Public Service Rule'.

We regarded such news as not only baseless and unfounded, but a deliberate mischief from the circle of rumour mongers and enemies of the citadel to paint the institution and it's management black in the eyes of the public for reasons best known to them.

Setting the record straight, the Polytechnic's rule of engagement and the Public Service Rule allow the purchase of 'Utility Vehicle' to ease the activities of whoever is occupying the office of the Chairman of the Council, like any other principal officers in Polytechnics around the country.

It is indeed instructive to know that the said car, against the propaganda making the round by mischief makers was not bought purposely for the Council Chairman, at that falsified amount as claimed in the fake story, it was bought as an 'Utility Vehicle' for basic operational purpose in the office of the Chairman.

Also, it is pertinent to know that since the Chairman of the Council, Air Cmdr Emmanuel Jekada, came on board, he has restored high degree of discipline back into the system, which has engendered the relative calmness and crisis-free atmosphere the institution is presently enjoying.

Air Cmdr Jekada always insists on prudent and judicious management of funds as a result of his high consciousness for his reputation built over the years as a seasoned and disciplined technocrat.

We, therefore, implore the general public and the Polytechnic community to disregard this malicious publication as an handiwork of charlatans who trade on fake news and rumours.

The Polytechnic Management, as a matter of principle will never take any action that is in conflict with the extant laws and regulations that guide the operation of the institution.

In addition to that, we want to strongly warn those individuals behind the fake news to desist from such shenanigans, as the Polytechnic's management may be forced to take necessary legal action against such people going forward.

E-signed
Sola Lawal, mnipr. Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer.

RE: Again, Sowunmi reports Abiodun to IGP Egbetokun over attack at Tribunal sitting

Save for the necessity to further expose the chameleonic nature of Segun Sowunmi, the notorious political jobber and professional liar in Ogun State, in the interest of new residents of the State who might not be aware of his character, we would ordinarily have ignored the attention-seeker in his latest ranting anchored on mischief.

However, the virus of his maniacal plot may have mistakenly infected unsuspecting members of the society, hence the need for a robust response to his pathological lies in order to once again unmask the unstable soul for the blatant fraud that he is.

Every discerning member of the public is aware and will recollect the incident of Monday, 5th June, 2023, outside the gate of the Magistrate's Court at Isabo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal is sitting. On that day, Segun Sowunmi, in his accustomed hauteur, was trying to gain forceful entry into the premises of the court after proceedings had already commenced and the gate shut for security reasons following the directive of members of the Tribunal.

It was this arrogant and uncultured attitude exhibited by Sowunmi that infuriated supporters of different political parties who had also come late to the venue and were denied entry. In fact, eyewitnesses confirmed that members of PDP were those that championed the violent reaction against Sowunmi's utter lack of decorum.


These PDP members were said to have accused Sowunmi of double standards and betrayal of trust, saying he was just trading among different political parties, busy collecting money from Baba Adebutu and pretending to be supporting his son's governorship ambition when in actual fact he was only doing his business as usual.

That Sowunmi immediately changed the narrative and quickly rushed to the press to lie against Governor Dapo Abiodun, accusing him of being the brain behind the alleged attack did not come as a surprise to the majority of people, especially the political elite in the State who are well aware that he is one garrulous personality with zero integrity.

Sowunmi is exactly like the biblical Esau who is ready to trade his birthright for anything, no matter how small; he stands for nothing and is ready to fall for anything provided there is filthy lucre.

Sowunmi 's antecedents and public image are that of an unrepentant and lousy political jobber looking for who to exploit and stampede into 'settlement' through cheap blackmail.

It is, therefore, imperative that the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, whom he had earlier contacted through a frivolous petition, should invite him for questioning, especially on the intention to cause unnecessary tension in the State by raising false alarm and making baseless allegations.


Although there is hardly anyone in the State who does not know Sowunmi's trademark of mischief-making, however, he must be cautioned and strongly warned against disturbing the peace of the State. It is crystal clear that with the assumption of office of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the State in 2019, the era of political violence and thuggery has gone. Let no Sowunmi reinvent one out of his confused imagination.

Sowunmi, having failed in his paid bid to heat up the polity in Ogun State, is becoming more desperate by the day. The media practitioners, are especially advised to be more discerning in dealing with a well-known rabble rousing character like Sowunmi, in order to avoid complicity, gullibility and culpability, for which ignorance may not be an acceptable excuse.

E -signed
Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
State Assistant Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC
June 22, 2023

STOP DAY DREAMING, BRING ADEBUTU HOME TO FACE CHARGES
- Ogun APC tells PDP National Body

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state has described as “day dreaming and wishful thinking”, the remarks credited to the National Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Bature, that his party will win its case at the Ogun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, currently sitting in Abeokuta.

Bature, while addressing a recent meeting of PDP stakeholders in Abuja, which was boycotted by notable leaders, governors and former governors, sued for peace within the troubled party and remarked that the party will win its petitions at some state tribunals, including Ogun.

But reacting through a statement released in Abeokuta on Wednesday and signed by its State Assistant Publicity Secretary, Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed, the APC described Bature as a " day dreamer, as he is apparently not in consonant with reality on ground.”

The APC said in the press statement: “Perhaps the national body of the PDP has not been properly briefed and has not availed itself of the available information world wide on what transpired in Ogun State during the last governorship election, where the state chapter of PDP and its defeated governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, threw caution to the wind by indulging in unprecedented vote buying and other financial and electoral malpractices that have not been witnessed in the history of Nigeria.

"The illegal use of preloaded 200,000 Verve ATM Cards credited with N10,000 each totaling N2 billion naira could best be described as an affront to the electoral laws and great insult to the sensibility of the vulnerable voters " , the Statement added.

For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP’s Adebutu has shunned police invitation since he sneaked out of the country in April, claiming to be sick and that only his doctor will determine when he will return to the country, even when a recent video showed the fugitive partying away in a London night club. The video has not been denied till date. Adebutu has also failed to answer to the charges of vote buying and money laundering preferred against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Our advice to the PDP Organising Secretary is to stop chasing shadows but to contact its run-away gubernatorial flagbearer in Ogun to return home and face the consequences of his electoral offence albeit his wobbly case at the election petition tribunal. We urge PDP in unequivocal terms to urge Ladi Adebutu to provide answers to the charges of electoral fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and breaches of Nigerian constitution and the Electoral Act preferred against him by the Federal Government.

“That is what is expected of a decent, law-abiding political party and not unnecessary grandstanding and self-adulation and deceit”

E-Signed
Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
State Assistant Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC
June 21, 2023

JUNE 21, 2023

PRESS STATEMENT

Ogun APC congratulates Speaker Oluomo, Deputy, urges dialogue in resolving issues

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Rt. Hon Olakunle Oluomo, on his re-election as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

The party, equally congratulated the newly elected deputy speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Bolanle Ajayi.

Oluomo and Ajayi were on Tuesday unanimously adopted and elected by members of the OGHA as the 10th speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

In a statement by the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of the APC, Olusola Ogundola Blessed, on Wednesday, the party hailed the emergence of Oluomo and his deputy, expressing confidence that the duo would offer quality leadership in the state legislature.

It commended members of the Assembly for taking the bold decision, noting that the political and legislative experience of the speaker will enhance mutual cooperation between the House and the executive arm of government.

According to the statement, “The 9th Assembly under the leadership of Oluomo provided the needed support and cooperation for Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to deliver goodies of democracy across the state.”

While calling members of the party in the Assembly to always uphold the party's ethos and discipline in the discharge of their duties, the Ogun APC urges them to continue to provide legislative collaboration aimed at making life abundant for the people of the state.

It added that APC legislators in OGHA must ensure that they conduct legislative business in a manner that can attract members of the opposition to fall in love with the ruling party and eventually join it.

The statement enjoined the legislators to always engage in both intra and inter-dialogue to solve issues rather than engaging in activities that are inimical to the enhancement of democracy and delivery of good governance.

E-signed:
Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
State Assistant Publicity Secretary,
Ogun APC

President Bola Tinubu: Audacity of Courage

By Tunde Oladunjoye

“If we aren’t willing to pay a price for our values, if we aren’t willing to make some sacrifices in order to realize them, then we should ask ourselves whether we truly believe in them at all.”
- Barrack Obama

The above title and quote will probably be the most appropriate to describe the less than a month old administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

After surviving the internal schisms of the scheming camps within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to emerge as its flag bearer in the last presidential election, then going through a most turbulent electioneering that attacked his personality more than his manifesto; and finally surviving all legal and illegal hurdles placed on his path to been sworn-in as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; President Tinubu has shown within weeks of assumption of office that he, from actions and pronouncements, actually came prepared.

Never in the annals of Nigeria has any President come into office and within a week or two, embarked on policy pronouncements, initiatives and directives that impacted the lives of all the citizenry positively or otherwise. Some have said Tinubu promised to hit the ground running, but he actually seems to be speeding. And the speed with which Tinubu has taken off inspired the caption of a report on the new government, by the popular global news medium, Reuters, entitled “Baba Go Fast”!

From his maiden address during inauguration at Eagles Square, Mr. President told Nigerians what they did not like or want to hear, he bellowed into the microphone: “Fuel subsidy is gone”! That’s unusual! What is common of such addresses are rosy promises and high vaulting words reminiscent of failed vainglorious platitudes of the past. However, this business-minded helmsman means business. Subsidy is gone, unified exchange rate of the dollars against the value-battered naira is here! Of course, President Tinubu compassionately promised not to take the people for granted. Their sacrifices, he assured, will not be in vain.

But government in this part of the world suffers serious trust deficit from the governed. Surprisingly, the Nigerian youths, workers, students, peasants, and other segments of the populace who needed no mobilization to spill into the streets protesting, creating barricades and burning used tyres and even vehicles after successive increments in prices of petrol and related products as we have witnessed in the past; this time, in a rare demonstration of support, decided to give the new regime a benefit of doubt. Or was it that the populace was shocked or taken unawares? So new a regime, so soon a policy!


The Labour leaders, for save of face, announced mobilization for strike over the removal of fuel subsidy that instantly led to price increment, but the government of the day did not wait for the mobilisation to commence or for the ultimatum to expire, nor claim to be “unaware”; the labour was immediately engaged and made to see reasons. Labour shelved the planned mobilisation and negotiations are ongoing; more about cushioning the effects of the subsidy elimination rather than restoration of drain-pipe subsidy.

There is a new President in town! A politician, businessman, economist, accountant and philanthropist combined! Tinubu struts where Angels dread to thread! His deliberate, calculated actions has so far underlined his previous remark that the presidency of the most populous nation in Africa has been his “life-long ambition”.

Like a hand long-itching to be active, long overdue bills were signed into law within two weeks. Students Loan Bill, signed! Electricity Bill, signed! Judges retirement age bill, signed!

Even the usually conservative international media, as represented by Reuters in the “Baba Go Fast” article observed thus: “Nigeria's new president, in office for less than a month, is pushing to put Africa's largest economy on a reform track that investors have eyed for decades, fueling excitement that money could flow to a nation that many had deemed uninvestible. Obviously, the task before the new administration was daunting but President Bola Tinubu's bold actions, including removing restrictions on the naira currency that allowed it to hit a record 790 to the dollar and subsidy removals that tripled petrol prices, could take stress off the battered finances of Africa's largest economy.”

The new President assured he will practice “open door policy”, and almost instantaneously, he demystified the seat of government. The hitherto impregnable Aso Rock Presidential Villa had its gates literarily flung open. From the labour unions, traditional rulers, students, politicians, local and international businessmen, it is now like anyone could just wake up at home and say “I am going to the villa to see Mr. President!”

Furthermore , "sacred cow" called Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank Governor, who introduced a warped currency colour-change, called currency swap, that mindlessly led to collapses of businesses and death of many Nigerians, was suspended from office and arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS). Tongues were still waggling on Emefiele fall from grace to grass when the head of the government’s anti-corruption agency, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, was also suspended and “invited” by the DSS! What a rare courage shown by Tinubu. These are the hitherto ‘untouchables’ who bestrode the landscape like a colossus.

What audacity! What courage! Not a few wondered where Tinubu got the balls from, especially when the helmsmen being suspended and arrested got a good cover from the immediate past Administration produced by the same ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) of . President Tinubu.

And as I was rounding up this article, a tsunami came! In one fell swoop, all the Service Chiefs, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Comptroller-General of Customs, were gone! To avoid any vacuum, men and officers were appointed in acting capacities by the President, pending confirmation by the Senate.

Before the dust of sweeping removal and replacement of Service Chiefs could settle down, news came that all federal boards, parastatals, institutions and what have you , have been dissolved, safe few.

Nigerians and non-Nigerians are indeed, very awed by the actions of the new President. Vocal public commentators have commended his start, some political opponents have hummed his praise. The question now is: if the President will be able to sustain the commendable and commended proactiveness? Only time will tell. But, if the morning tells the day, then he has started well. We can only wish Mr. President Godspeed in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Oladunjoye, a UNICEF trained social policy advocate, sent this from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Rape incident: Ede Poly management calls for calm, assures of justice for the victim

The attention of the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede has been drawn to a recent case of rape incident which allegedly involved a female student (name withheld) and a notorious tout popularly known as "Aleba, reportedly occurred on Sunday, along Bode road, Ede.

We want to emphatically state that this act of lawlessness is not only barbaric but a bestial act that must be condemned in all it's totality with attendant prosecution of the culprit.

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, in her avowed determination to protect the interest of the students will definitely pursue this case to a logical conclusion and bring the perpetrator of this dastardly act to book, no matter how highly placed he is.

Meanwhile, the Rector, Engr Dr Man Yahaya Sani has urged students of the institution to remain calm and be law abiding while the security operatives continue with their investigation.

He also advised the students to be wary of their movement and associates outside the campus as a way of averting similar occurrence.

In conclusion, the Rector restated that as a parent, the welfare of the students remains paramount to his administration and he would do all he can to make them comfortable.

E-signed
Sola Lawal, mnipr
Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer.

Abiodun wins as tribunal strikes out PDP, Adebutu’s Reply on vote buying allegation



The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday struck out the vote buying allegation, levelled against Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

Adebutu had dragged Governor Abiodun and the APC to the tribunal challenging their declaration as the winner of the 18, March 2023 governorship election in the state.

But the governor’s lawyers, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), in their defence to the petition, made weighty allegations backed up with police report, establishing that Adebutu and the PDP engaged in vote buying during the elections.



On 22 May, 2023, Adebutu and the PDP filed a reply to the defence by Governor Abiodun and the APC, also levelling vote buying allegation against the ruling party.

The Governor’s lawyers, represented by Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), however, filed an application asking the Tribunal to strike out the Reply in its entirety or in the alternative, to strike out offending paragraphs from that Reply.

Osipitan argued that the Reply filed by Adebutu and PDP contravenes paragraph 16(1) (a & b) of the Electoral Act and the rules of court pleadings.

While ruling on the matter, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice H.N. Kunaza, agreed with the submissions by Prof. Osipitan

In the ruling, supported by the other two members; Hon. Justice J.B. Egele and Hon. Justice Sannusi Shehu, the Tribunal overruled Adebutu’s lawyers, led by Chief Goddy Uche (SAN), saying that the application filed by the Governor’s lawyers was not the kind of application that the Constitution requires to be determined at the end of proceedings in judgment.

Relying on relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Tribunal held that only applications that challenge the tribunal’s jurisdiction or the competence of a petition will be deferred till judgment whereas the application filed by Governor Abiodun’s lawyers was not that kind of application.

The Tribunal also held that the Reply by Adebutu and PDP was incompetent for multiple reasons.

The Tribunal identified some paragraphs which contained unnecessary and repetitive allegations, others, which contained arguments and legal conclusions (which are not allowed in replies), and some paragraphs which were an improper expansion of the petition earlier filed.

The Tribunal noted that in their petition, Adebutu and PDP alleged that Governor Abiodun and APC committed corrupt practices during the gubernatorial elections. The Tribunal further noted that vote buying is a specie of corruption and that if PDP and Adebutu truly believed that APC engaged in vote buying, the petitioner ought to have included those allegations in their petition from the start, which they did not do.

The Tribunal noted that if the Reply filed by Adebutu and PDP was permitted, there was a risk to prejudice, surprise, or even shut out Governor Abiodun and APC on the issues raised in that Reply.

The Tribunal denounced Adebutu and the PDP for coming up with the vote-buying allegation only after APC and Governor Abiodun had done same against them.



With this backdrop, the Tribunal unanimously concluded that Governor Abiodun and APC would be prejudiced if the Reply filed by Adebutu and PDP is allowed.

The Tribunal held that when Governor Abiodun and APC filed their defence, they joined issues with Adebutu and PDP; that by joining issues, the parties fixed the dispute; and that it was improper to go outside those issues in the Reply.

The Tribunal also found that it was unnecessary to file a Reply in the circumstance, as held in several decisions of the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court.

The Reply was accordingly struck out.

With this ruling, only the allegation of vote buying made by Governor Abiodun and APC against Adebutu and the PDP would be entertained by the tribunal.

Jelili Owonikoko (SAN), represented INEC, while the APC team was led by Chief Onyeazu Ikpeazu (SAN).

It would be recalled that Adebutu and PDP leaders in Ogun State have been charged for the offence of vote buying by the Federal Government, a situation that has led to Adebutu being a fugitive to the law.

OGUN BUDGET: PDP'S OFFICIALS NEED EDUCATION

- ODUBIYI, APC OGUN EAST SENATORIAL YOUTH LEADER

The Ogun East Senatorial District Youth Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Tolulope Olubiyi Oduyemi, has described the State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyejide Sunkanmi, as “an uninformed, half-literate youth, grossly deserving pity”.

The PDP youth leader had earlier in a publication said the non-inauguration of Ogun State House of Assembly meant that ”tax payers money not secured under Dapo Abiodun".

However, while responding through a statement issued on Monday, the APC’s Odubiyi said, “It is extremely shocking if this is the type of youth that the PDP parades as its state youth leader; lacking in information and education and demonstrating naivety on common, well-publicized issues affecting the state they were dreaming to govern.

“Sunkanmi is a good example of what a youth should not be. He is so ignorant of happenings in Ogun state just like his principal, the defeated PDP governorship candidate in the last elections, Ladi Adebutu, who is currently a fugitive running from the laws of Nigeria.”

The statement added, “Concerning the appointment of Special Advisers by the Governor, it was well-publicized that the 9th Assembly, before winding-down, members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, approved Governor Dapo Abiodun’s request to appoint 20 Special Advisers for the running of government pending the appointment of Commissioners. The approval by the House followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, after the presentation of the Governor's correspondence to the members, while Hon. Atinuke Bello seconded the motion, which was supported by all members.

“On the government expenditures and 2023 budget, if we may ask: where was this PDP Youth Leader last year when the Ogun State House of Assembly passed the 2023 budget? It was well reported in the mass media on December 30, 2022 that the Ogun State House of Assembly passed an Appropriation Bill of N472,250,694,447.57 presented by Governor Dapo Abiodun in November 2022 for the state’s 2023 budget.

“It is therefore apparent to the discerning that the Ogun State budget for 2023 is on course and there is no illegality anywhere.The PDP officials should get some education before rushing to the media so that the continuous display of arrogance in ignorance will stop."

END

ADAPHAI backs Olowu, warns Dokubo against demoralizing military

....says Tinubu must carefully select his visitors

A Civil Society Organization, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace &Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI ) has warned the ex-Niger Delta Militant, Alhaji Asari Dokubo against statements that are capable of demoralizing the Nigerian Military, as it cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be careful in the type of visitors he gives audience.

Recall that a revered royal father in Osun State, Oba Makama Oyelude, the Olowu of Kuta, had earlier cautioned Dokubo against denigrating the military after the self-styled freedom fighter accused the Military of oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

ADAPHAI, in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sulaimon Suberu, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday opined that the present political atmosphere of Nigeria, in the face of ongoing asymmetrical war against insurgency and banditry, the Nigerian Military needs more encouragement and moral support to succeed not demoralizing statement like that of Dokubo.

It described Dokubo as a man with fire brigade combat on every issue without recourse to diplomatic and methodological assessment of environment and prevailing situation, adding that such a character can never be a good adviser to a President of Nigeria.

The group, therefore, enjoined President Tinubu to sustain his tempo of action in all spheres of National life, especially in the area of internal security by assembling noble men of impeccable character and knowledge of national security to stem the tide of insurgency and economic sabotage of any form.

According to ADAPHAI, the best approach to present socio-economic challenges of Nigeria is beyond unsubstantiated allegations and unguided utterances but urgent scientific and proactive measures.

The statement read in part:" While we don't dispute the fact that there are bad eggs in every strata of Nigeria's national life, including the military, the unguided manner in which the ex-Niger Delta Militant, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, debased the entire Military institution is out of place and disservice to our corporate entity.

"If not quickly curtailed, such utterances are capable of weakening the patriotic zeal of our Military in the fight against insurgency and other criminal crimes that are presently threatening our survival and continuity as a nation.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should know clearly that he took the mantle of leadership of Nigeria at a point when the country is more divided and polarized than before, hence, the need for him to be tactical and diplomatic in his approach on sensitive issues of security and economy.

"He must, as a matter of importance carefully select his friends and acolytes at this critical time, including those that visit him at the Villa. He must obviously sustain this tempo of efficiency and effectiveness with utmost sensitivity".

ASUSS FELICITATES DAPO ABIODUN ON CON AWARD

The Ogun state chapter of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has congratulated Governor Dapo Abiodun on the recent conferment of the national honour of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) on him.

In a congratulatory letter with reference number H.005/23, dated June 5and signed signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Oluwaseun Felix Agbesanwa and State Secretary, Comrade Oluseyi Bankole, the union said the award did not come to them as a surprise.

"Indeed, it is a honor and recognition well-merited and deserved," it added. The letter reads further: "Your exemplary leadership, political clout, carriage, performance in government since fate and the mandate of the good people of Ogun State brought you to Oke-Mosan in 2019 as our Governor could not have been better rewarded.

"The timing was perfect and indeed historic, as it coincided with two great events in your life: your being sworn in as our Governor for the second time of asking; and as you turned 63 years of age on earth. Indeed, we are convinced that Ogun state people and land will have a rosier and most sublime governance 2023 going forward.

"This indeed is a historic moment for your Excellency and we are proud of you, your government and what your commendable personality, records of attainment and enviable laurels are bringing to our dear state. We are in no doubt that these various awards and recognition will spur you to do more for your people especially as they have blessed you with their mandates for a second time in office, as Governor.

"It is on this cheering note that the current State Administrative Council members of Ogun State Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS, under the leadership of Doctor Oluwaseun Felix Agbesanwa, write to congratulate your Excellency, your family, government and the entire people of Ogun State on this well-deserved National Honour and recognition.

Friday, June 16, 2023.

Media Statement

‘Good you confirmed APC’s Victory, but we have no cheap funds for you’
- Ogun APC tells Segun Sowunmi

Our attention has been drawn to the recent outburst of one Segun Sowunmi, a spokesperson for defunct Atiku Campaign Organisation and a failed gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the party primaries in Ogun state, calling on the newly appointed Special Adviser to the President on Security, Malam Nuru Ribadu, to call Governor Abiodun to order on security matters in Ogun State.

This comment bespoke of a man with deflated ego, but seeking relevance to stay afloat by all means. The double-faced, double-dealing Sowunmi, a self acclaimed PDP stalwart in Ogun State who was recently humiliated by his aggrieved PDP party members when he showed up in his usual garrulous manner at the Election Petition Tribunal, sitting at the High Court, Isabo, Abeokuta, tried unsuccessfully to put the blame on a peace loving Governor Dapo Abiodun who has settled down squarely with the business of government after his unassailable victory at the polls.

Sowunmi in his warped congratulatory message was only being clever by half. Or is it not preposterous that this same self-acclaimed PDP Chieftain whose own rickety party has challenged the victory of Ribadu’s APC in court at the federal and state levels, albeit porously, was quick to accept the appointment made by the same party?

This loquacious fellow should tuck-his tail under crotch as his well known unprincipled character, noise making and attention seeking venture have continued to be objects of public opprobrium. This rabble rousing must stop. Sowunmi blabs for cash and extremely enjoys listening to his own voice.

It is true that he long ago confessed to associates of having been rehabilitated from his ‘spurs’, but recent events have shown that if there was any rehabilitation at all, it was not completed and there is urgent need for revisitation, reexamination and wholistic rehabilitation.

APC is vindicated as a duly elected government by Sowunmi’s congratulatory message; that despite the unreasonable challenge of the same government by PDP in courts, a spokesperson to the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who is also a former governorship aspirant of the party in Ogun State, has congratulated the Former EFCC boss, Nuru Ribadu, on his recent appointment as Special Adviser on Security by APC-led government of President Bola Tinubu.

It would be recalled that in his vainglorious bid for the governorship ticket of his party, he sued Ladi Adebutu spuriously at various courts, up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, but no sooner did he visit the Adebutus’s country home in Iperu Remo and was hosted by the betting mogul, Sir Kessington Adebutu, that he entered mute mode and nothing was heard of his court-shopping spree against Ladi Adebutu. His silence simply became very loud!

The recent desperate attempt of Segun Sowunmi to now cultivate , Nuru Ribadu, is not only Intriguing, but also a clear confirmation that the hitherto regular cash from Ladi Adebutu, the defeated PDP governorship candidate at the March 18 election, who is currently a fugitive in UK running from the charges of money laundering, vote buying and criminal breaches of Electoral Act preferred against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria has stopped. Sowunmi is therefore sorely in need of alternative source of easy money to meet his unenviable and wasteful lifestyle.

While we reckon with Sowunmi’s acceptance of the victory of our party at the polls, we however warn all our party leaders to treat Sowunmi deservedly as a lepper that he is, while advising him to find a suitable job in order to meet his insatiable appetite for cash.

E-Signed

Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
Assistant State Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC

Ogun govt commiserates Chiefs, Agura comminity over transition of Agura of Gbagura

The Ogun State Government, on Thursday commiserated with the Chiefs and the Gbagura community over the transition of Agura of Gbagura, Alayeluwa, Oba Sabur Babajide Ishola Bakre.
Oba Bakre, who was the 9th Agura of Gbagura died on Wednesday, 14th June, 2023 at the age of 61.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi said: "The State Government, with heavy heart, announce the transition of Alayeluwa, Oba Sabur Babajide Ishola Bakre, the 9th Agura of Gbaguraland, on 14th of June, 2023. Oba Sabur Bakre was installed at Oke-Ido, Abeokuta on 21st May, 2019 by the State Government.
"He was one of the traditional rulers of the five sections of the Egbaland and under his jurisdictions are 72 townships.
"His Royal Highness was a highly respected and honoured monarch during his lifetime and his legacies will linger forever in the hearts of the family and the entire people of Gbagura.
"The State Government commiserate with the chiefs, the family and the entire Gbagura people, both home and abroad on this great loss of Kabiyesi."

Abiodun condoles with AbdulRazaq over boat mishap

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the boat accident that claimed dozens of lives in Patigi, Kwara State as sad and unfortunate.

Abiodun, in a statement issued on Thursday from the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, regretted that too many lives were lost in the accident.

The accident, according to reports, occurred on Tuesday when a boat carrying 250 wedding guests capsized in Patigi Local Government, leading to the death of 106 passengers, while 144 others were injured.

Governor Abiodun, while condoling with his Kwara State counterpart, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the accident as very painful, more so as it involved wedding guests who left their homes to celebrate with their loved ones.

He commiserated with the families of the victims, the people and government of Kwara State and the Patigi Emirate, urging them to see the occurrence as the will of God.

He said: “Words are inadequate to express my shock and sadness over this unfortunate incident, which occurred on Tuesday and led to the death of dozens of people who had attended a wedding ceremony.

“It is indeed sad that a wedding ceremony could turn tragic few hours later. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the deceased. I pray that God grant the families of the victims, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Why Ladi Adebutu's petition against Governor Dapo Abiodun/APC should be dismissed outright

By Oluwaseun Aderinoye




The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 18 2023 governorship election in Ogun State is becoming more and more desperate in his bid to reverse the outcome of the election won by Governor Dapo Abiodun. He has failed to realize that he is on a fruitless journey and that at this juncture, he needs to return home. After all, when the river overflows its banks and hinders your further movement, home beckons.




It is not surprising that in his ill-fated journey into political infamy and eclipse, Adebutu has been making one misstep and Freudian slip after another, continually casting him and his co-travelers as either perpetually inebriated or confused. One such blunder was the petition he recently addressed to the Inspector-General of Police alleging vote buying against Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Party, All Progressives Congress, (APC ) and requesting police investigation.


There are several reasons why the petition should be dumped in the trash can:


• The petition is frivolous. It is a product of the superficial, carefree mind of Adebutu and his demented acolytes who have no other purpose than to take over the governorship of Ogun State through the backdoor. How does he want anyone, including the police, to take him seriously when he waited until a case of vote buying was leveled against him, investigated by the police, and charges of conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering preferred against him and his accomplices before coming out to say "hey, you Dapo and APC too are guilty of vote buying, see the cards you also used". He could only have acted from a state of hallucination or drunken stupor. It is a sickening display of frivolity. It is lacking honest and altruistic purpose and value, and a serious-minded and very busy police institution should not be bothered by it




• The petition lacks evidence. Unlike the petition against him and his accomplices by the APC, Adebutu did not provide the place, time, and perpetrators of the cases of vote buying leveled against Governor Dapo and APC. Also, while his inducement verve cards bore his late mother's name, the so-called " Topup Gift Cards" Ladi claims were printed by Dapo and APC to induce voters and were neither linked to APC nor Abiodun. He also did not provide evidence of the N5 billion he claims Governor Abiodun used in printing the cards, whereas in the case of vote buying against him, the bank, Zenith Bank Plc, and the account number he used was provided. Also, his verve cards were distributed on the day of the election with dedicated POS operators on standby to dispense N10,000 each to induced voters.



Equally worthy of note is that security agents arrested suspects from whom Adebutu's verve cards were recovered. None of the cards now being paraded by Adebutu as the ones purportedly used by Governor Abiodun and APC to buy voters were recovered by the police or any of the security agencies either before, during, or after the election, and not even one APC member was arrested in this connection. The allegations are therefore like straws at which Adebutu as a drowning man is clutching, realising the utter failure of his desperate ambition to become the governor of Ogun State through outright criminality.




• The Police cannot shave Adebutu's head in his absence. It is standard police practice to obtain a confirmatory statement on the authorship of a written complaint from a complainant or petitioner directly, not through a proxy, before commencing investigation. Adebutu must come out to adopt his petition in a written statement before the police can look into it. However, poor Adebutu is at large, desperate to evade prosecution for vote-buying, bribery and criminal conspiracy charges that federal prosecutors have preferred against him. He claims he is sick and is out there in an undisclosed country outside Nigeria receiving treatment. While the purported sickness would be interminable for as long as the criminal charges hang around his neck like an albatross and over his head like the Sword of Damocles, he has the guts to occasionally peep out of his foxhole to throw darts. His frivolous petition will gather dust until he returns home.



• The petition is vexatious. Judging by his desperation to occupy the seat of Governor of Ogun State tate, it is inconceivable that Adebutu had such damning evidence of vote buying against Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC but waited to be reminded to use it against them. He only sprang into action following a proven case of vote buying against. He can't possibly be serious ! It is either that he cooked up the evidence or had had it with him all this while but did not attach confidence of weight and value to it, hence he did not use it as early as reasonably expected of him. The only reasonable inference that can be drawn from his duplicitous action is that he brought up a petition without substance simply to annoy the governor and his party, hoping to frustrate the criminal charges against him or gain the undeserved sympathy of the Election Tribunal where he has gone to contest the victory of Governor Abiodun in the March 18 governorship election. He is out to waste the time of both the police and the court and therefore should not be granted that luxury.




• The more vexatious aspect of his devious gameplan is that in the petition he filed against Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC, at the Ogun Election Tribunal over the outcome of the March 18 polls, he never pleaded vote buying. However, his team of lawyers on Tuesday, June 18th at the Tribunal attempted with all desperation to allow the spurious allegation to be pleaded. A Tribunal of such eminent and highly respected jurists will not grant such frivolous application as in all civil matters like election cases, parties are bound by their initial pleadings accompanied by grounds and particulars of pleadings, and an affidavit to tighten the lock on exhaustiveness and confidence on the pleadings. Like all traditional and conservative courts, the Tribunal is not a father Christmas, and cannot therefore grant him a belated and demented pleading. It is an off-side plea which the court/Tribunal will not grant.



• Of course, the most annoying aspect of Adebutu's petition is that he and his lawyer are aware that under section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abiodun as the sitting governor of Ogun state enjoys immunity against civil and criminal proceedings during his period of office. He cannot be arrested or imprisoned, nor can he be compelled by any court process or order to appear before the police in connection with the frivolous petition. So, there is no other thing to gain from his frivolous petition to the police other than malice. He aims to whip up public sentiments in his favor over the charges against him and his accomplices. He is therefore advised as the honorable gentleman he claims to be to come out to answer the charges of vote buying against him and assist the police to facilitate an investigation into a similar allegation he has made against Governor Abiodun and APC.




Continually holing himself up in God-knows-where will further worsen his state of health. He needs his liberty urgently to expedite the healing process. Ladi, come out! Please, come out! Ma beru! Fear thee not!


Aderinoye is a security expert sent this piece from seunaderinoye@gmail.com

I doubt if this guy know what he is saying. He is just made comment for the sake of it.