The Lies And The Liars Of The Election

By Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON

                                                                                                                                        There are three kinds of people. In the first category you have those who make things happen. In the second category you have those who talk about those who make things happen. And in the third category you have those who do not know what is happening. God has ordained for me to make things happen, and I am grateful to Him. That is my ministry.

Those who talk about the people who make things happen also have this as their ministry. They constitute the Gossip League. If I have been a major gossip commodity in their “enterprise”, I bless the name of the Lord. There is one thing worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about. But when they take their trade (gossip) to embarrassing heights of absurdity, one painfully has to undertake the task of reining them in and ensuring that lies and falsehood do not flourish in our State and invoke God’s wrath. It is not about me, but about the law of sowing and reaping. Rest assured that every idle and malicious talk would be judged by God Almighty. 

My movement from the PDP to the APC overshadowed every discussion in Akwa Ibom State and cast a spell of fear over the Peoples Democratic Party. In their desperation, they told many lies against me and I would not bother to talk about all of them. I, however, would want to refer, for now, to four of these false claims and a few others . (1) That I said I was god or carried on like God.( 2) That I said, “Where was God when I made Udom Emmanuel Governor.” (3) That I contrived to sell the state to Moslems for the establishment of cattle colonies. (4) That I left the PDP and joined pigs and now eat in piggery. ( Credited to Prelate Emeritus Sunday Mbang and co)

My story is the story of grace. My father died when I was quite young. But my mother made me to believe that my FATHER left for HEAVEN because he was sure that I am not only strong but have the strength of character and resolve to take care of her and my SIBLINGS as well as generations of our people. I am a working person’s person. I became a Solicitor, Honourable Commissioner for years and the governor of Akwa Ibom State in actualization of God's benevolence. God made me governor. The forces I faced in that election (2007) were daunting and no pundit gave me a chance. God lifted me from grass to Grace to send the message to all Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians that whether you travel by bus or by bicycle, whether you were born in affliction or in affluence, God’s will shall certainly and without fail be done in your life.

As a Governor I appreciated God at every opportunity and shall continue to do so as long as I live. My love for God and reverence of Him led to my partnership with the Church. On assumption of duty  as  Governor,  my first act in office was the donation of a N100 million (one hundred million Naira) grant to the Church community to use as a revolving loan scheme for the poorest communicants in the church. I also extended a grant of N10 million (Ten million naira) to the Muslim community in Uyo Central Mosque to be utilized as a revolving interest free loan to the poorest Muslims in our State whose businesses confronted financial hindrances. The idea was to lift the enterprising children of God out of poverty and misery. I did this because of my conviction that we all worship the same GOD. This I did, not only because I have always been pro-poor but because of God’s injunction in James 2:15-16. I like it better in the Message Bible: “For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, ‘Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!’ and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you?’ 

It was because of my fear of God, love of God and gratitude to Him for all He has done for me that I brought down the old chapel and I built the current Chapel in Government House – an architectural masterpiece in honor of God. It was because of my love of God, fear of Him and gratitude to HIM that Government started the compulsory monthly prayer meeting at the said chapel for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria which held throughout my tenure, and I am happy to note that the tradition is still  continued by the present administration. My love for God was also made manifest in my interventions in the renovation/construction/reconstruction of various churches across the State and Nigeria. My heart was so overwhelmed with God that I did not pay him back enough hence my commencement of the award- winning Carol Festivals which were watched live in more than 59 countries across the the World through out my tenure. It is a thing of pride that it is still being continued by the present administration. It is also my reverence to GOD and love for Him that made us to work together as Akwa Ibom people  to break the GUINNESS BOOKS OF World RECORD by convoking the largest choir  group on planet earth since the world was founded - the Godswill Akpabio Unity Choir (25,272members) to sing to the glory of God. Is it right for a LEADER who did all these to be referred to as anti- Christ by a tiny clique of self acclaimed  "fathers of faith" because of mere change of political party ?

In 2016 my wife, was in a coma for months and the best doctors in the world with the help of the best life-support equipment gave her less than five percent chance of making it. Doctors and science gave up on her. The press wrote that she had died. But we held on to God and God brought her back to life. Science could not explain this awesome testimony. 

In 2015, I was involved in an accident, which details are still  suspect. I survived against all odds, because God showed up for me.

Can a man who has seen so much favour from God, turn around to blaspheme him? Can such a man seek to play God or seek to share His glory with Him? Such a man can never say “where was God when I made Udom Emmanuel governor?”.  I neither made  such  blasphemous statement nor conceived it in my heart. I met Udom Emmanuel in 2012 or thereabout performing the duties of a deacon in Qua Iboe Church, Surulere. I immediately took a liking to him and  adjudged that as a deacon, if given the opportunity, he would superintend over the affairs of our people with the FEAR of God. Whether I was right or wrong is for history to judge. Nevertheless I  picked him to succeed me and by the grace of God and the votes of Akwa Ibom electorates, he won the  election 2015. So God made him governor.

Yes, your guess is right. I met enemies out of 28 other aspirants who desired that same office. That remains my cross. 

So for anybody to  believe that I would question where God was when we made Udom Emmanuel Governor is the height of mischief.  Of course God used me and Akwa Ibom people to make Udom Emmanuel Governor, just as He used Samuel to anoint Saul king of Israel. If King Saul departed from the expectations of  God and God sent  Samuel to  communicate the message to him , no one can accuse Samuel of playing God. For me and my household, we shall forever love God and reverence Him.

I am happy that God is not like some of His pastors. Ever since I moved to APC, they have been preaching falsehood against the party, APC  and joined politicians in peddling  lies about me and the APC government led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Very well known Church prelates and Bishops that dined with me for 8 years while I was governor, despite my benevolence to them and their families joined the fray calling me killer herdsman for being a part of APC. But some of these  "men of God" were in this same Country in 2012 when the farmers/herdsmen clashes claimed the lives of over 1000 people in the Benue/Plateau/Mambilla axis. At that time, a Christian was the President but was not accused of being a killer of Christians. The farmers/herdsmen clashes predate Nigeria's Independence. The clashes have occurred under various leaderships. Yet the "men of God" have been unconscionable and insensitive in accusing the current President of masterminding genocide against Christians because he is a Muslim.  I am happy that God does not condemn a man based on one man’s testimony, but He sees our heart and judges our motives and intentions accordingly. Whether one is a Christian or Muslim, we all worship the same God WHO will at the appointed time judge us from our deeds in words and actions.

But these misguided acts by a section of prejudiced Christian leadership seem to know no bounds. Otherwise, how can Christian leaders led by a former CAN President be sponsored to describe me in a televised press conference as "a foolish prodigal son who went to join pigs in a piggery and eat the food meant for pigs?". May I ask the sponsored "men of God", is my party, the APC a piggery? Is the ruling party in your Country made of pigs? Are your sponsors happy with  this appellation? Is God happy with your twisted involvement in partisan politics? I would like to advise the "fathers of faith" to stop the hate speeches no matter how profitable and rather speak more to us about SALVATION, LOVE and UNITY.

Some of the lies are unfathomable and ridiculous. That it could be suggested

that I would seek to undo the transformational work I did in Akwa Ibom by mortgaging Akwa Ibom interests or entering into alliances with anyone  is another wicked lie from the pit of hell.

In the course of this election, I had been photo-shopped by the same propaganda merchants who told the lies about me. My letterhead and signature had been forged by the same propaganda merchants to write falsehood  and circulate same on the internet purporting to be a letter from me to the PRESIDENT through the Chief of Staff to Mr President . During the election they conscripted certain women from South Africa who claimed to be foreign observers and paid them to lie that I detained them using thugs even when such incident never occurred. I am yet to come across any of these phoney female foreign observers who claimed to have been detained by the said Akpabio and his gang of thugs. Such blackmail can not be allowed to peter out without a whimper. I have therefore instructed my solicitors to write to the South African Embassy with the view to bringing the purveyors of those lies to justice. 

But   in all these, I  have often reflected on what happened to our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST when some of the multitude who celebrated Him in the triumphant entry into Jerusalem were fooled by the Pharisees to shout, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” at his trial. Yes they crucified him. But because the Bible says in Job 20:4-7 “Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?" . 

When Matthew Henry was robbed, he said “Let me be thankful because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” Let me say, I am thankful because it was I who was lied against and maligned, not I who lied and maligned. My dream for Akwa Ibom lives on. My love for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria waxes stronger. I call on those who have been sucked into this axis of evil to stop the lies, the smear campaigns,  the propaganda and the deliberate falsehood. I wish to serve notice that I would remain undaunted and focused in serving humanity.

Let me place on record my deep appreciation to hundreds of thousands of Akwa Ibom people who ignored the innuendos, falsehood and campaigns of calumny against me and the APC, trooped out in their numbers to vote Mr President and I on 23rd February and Obong Nsima Ekere on 9th March, 2019 respectively. You voted to join the centre politics of Nigeria. Be assured that no "conspiracy" can deny you the desires of your heart.

For the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State and Nigerians,continue to pray for our best is yet to come.

God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless our Nation, Nigeria.

His Excellency,Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON.

Osun PDP Chides APC On Protest Over Tribunal Judgement

THAT UNPOPULAR APC PROTEST: Matters arising

It is God that chooses a leader, it is now obvious that it was God that used the people of Osun State to choose Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to be the next Governor of Osun State.

That was why all the efforts of human beings, be it individuals or group to change that will of God on this chosen leader and governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke was thrown into the dustbin of history at the Election Petition Tribunal. It is rather unfortunate that the ruling party, the APC failed to realize this. 

A critical look at the barrage of abuses and comments that greeted their sponsored and unpopular protest that was organized against the majority judgment in favour of Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke at the tribunal is enough protest for us and the world to see that APC has totally been rejected and is no longer wanted in Osun State. It only ended in confirmation and popularity of the candidate of PDP, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as the peoples choice in Osun State. That protest has failed to achieve the aim of its organizers.

Interestingly, they knew that they were supposed to go to the appellate court and challenge the decision of the tribunal that returned Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as Osun State  Governor-elect but because they knew that they have nothing to bring out of the Appeal Court, they have now resolved to  go into sentiments and blackmail against the personalities of the Tribunal Court justices, the PDP and her candidate.

It will be noted that the Chairman of the Osun State chapter of PDP, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, on Tuesday in a press conference made a release that the APC was distributing money to imported crowds from Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo and Lagos State to join some of their members to embark on this blackmail protest, it was funny that despite this release by PDP they still have the got to  go ahead with that protest and from reliable information the protest will continue till the judgment is delivered with the hope that they can blackmail the Appeal Court and Supreme court justices and influence their decision.

We, the Peoples Democratic Party and the good citizens of Osun State that believe in the rule of law have left everything in the hands of God by waiting patiently for them at the appeal court, even up to the Supreme Court and the outcome from there.

We will not engage in frivolities called protest but we are waiting for that final say from the competent Courts of law and at the end of the day we will celebrate the victory in a grand style with our hearts full of praises to Almighty God.

Thank you.

(Signed)

Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo,

Chairman, PDP,

Osun State Chapter.

Tribunal Judgement: Osun PDP Raises Alarm Over APC's Plan To Hire Groups For Fake Protests

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm over purported plans of APC to contract some students union leaders and groups to stage fake demostrations, in order to create wrong impression about judgement of the Tribunal who denaredd Senator Ademola Adeleke the winner of the recently held guber election.

Below is the full text of the party's Press Conference addressed by its chairman, Him. Soji Adagunodo, on Tuesday 26th March, 2019:

Gentlemen of the Press, 

I am compelled this morning to address you on certain developments following the judgement of the Osun State governorship election petition tribunal which returned the candidate of our Party, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the September 22nd 2018 Governorship election. 

You will all recall that upon the declaration of Senator Adeleke as the actual  winner of the election, there were spontaneous applause and jubilation all across the state. 

This was a reflection of the true wishes and aspiration of the people of Osun State who freely gave their mandate to the PDP candidate and were so disappointed when the Electoral body in cahoots with anti-democratic forces manipulated the process through what is now infamously known as remote control. 

The verdict of the Tribunal was therefore a restoration of hope in the sanctity of the ballot box and the rule of law over the whims and caprice of desperate power seekers.

It is however disheartening to inform the whole world about plans by the APC and the sacked government of Mr Gboyega Oyetola to orchestrate a series of phantom protests and demonstrations in parts of Osun State and Abuja against the well thought out judgement of the Tribunal. 

We have it on good authority that leaders of the APC and top functionaries of the State government have in the last 48 hours  held series of meetings with some Students Union leaders and pseudo activists to plan the fake demonstrations.

A sum of 500 Million  Naira has been earmarked as mobilisation fees for the various individuals and hired groups to be used for the ignoble exercise. 

Furthermore, Local Government chairmen are also being forced to cough out sums ranging between 20 and 30 million Naira to support sponsorship of newspaper articles and Television appearances  to impugn on the integrity of the Hon Justices of the Tribunal and ridicule the judgement. 

We condemn these acts of desperation of the sacked Governor and his party which are apparently meant to blackmail the Election petition tribunal and put undue pressure on the appellate courts.

We also want to sound a note of warning to Government Ministries, agencies, local governments  and parastatals to resist any plans to use them as conduit pipes to siphon monies in the guise of sponsoring the planned protests.

We call on the Police, DSS and other security agencies to put a check on these nefarious plans as they will obviously constitute a threat to the peace and security of Osun State. 

We assure the good people of Osun State that our Party and the Governor-elect, Senator  Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke will continue to defend the mandate given to us through all legal and constitutional  means.

We will remain resolute in our resolve to restore the glory of our dear State and return government back to the people who have been robbed,  pillaged and oppressed by the Lagos invaders in the last 8 years.

We thank you all for your attention.

Akwa Ibom North West's PDP Ward Officials Express Shock Over Akpabio's Result

Our indepth investigation in broader perspectives across Ikot Ekpene Senatorial  District reveals that Senator Godswill Akpabio was widely voted  for by many  card carrying members of the People's Democratic Party PDP. 

In a secret Vox  Pop surveylance operation carried out by our team of investigative journalists across Abak,  Etimekpo,  Ika, Oruk Anam  Ukanafun,  Essien  Udim,  Ikot Ekpene  and Obot  Akara , a good number of PDP faithfuls confessed that even though they collected some financial inducement from governor Emmanuel and PDP,  but they voted for Senator Akpabio in the 23rd March Senatorial  elections because  of his remarkable developments and good empowerment programs across the senatorial district. 

We never in our human imagination comprehended that  the man  we  filed  as a candidate could  muster half of the Senatorial votes.  Because Ekpenyong is not known to helping people like Akpabio.

Akpabio did not fail  election in Annang land  but in INEC office,  they added. Their conscience will not allow them to sleep. This is because they have murdered sleep. Until they come out to tell the whole world what they did and apologise they will never know peace.

Seyi Makinde Vows To Probe Ajimobi's Last Minute Contracts

The Governor-elect in Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has vowed to review all contracts awarded by the Ajimobi's led administration from March 11, 2019.

This was disclosed in a press release signed on his behalf by Prince Dotun Oyelade. Engr. Makinde said that events of the past two weeks have shown characteristics of targeted contract awards that were compiled in haste and randomly awarded to empty government purse before the May 29th swearing-in date.

The statement stated that, while the government remains in place till May 28, awarding N30bn new set of contracts in one day as was the case during last Wednesday’s Executive meeting was curious and an aberration, especially when debts, as old as 2011 are left unpaid.

The Governor-elect pointed out that information from Civil Servants who have the interest of the state at heart suggested a grand plan to disrupt the smooth take-off of the In-coming administration by mopping up all available funds.

According to Makinde, in the new contracts of N30bn which fund is billed for disbursement on Monday, March 25, 2019, a large chunk of money was allocated as Consultancy fees and Design to outsiders even when the Ministry of Works and Housing has qualified engineers.

He went further by saying, though he had promised not to probe the outgoing administration but civil servants who connive in illegal and strange contract awards would have themselves to blame in the next few weeks.

Makinde specifically mentioned Permanent Secretaries and the office of the Accountant General as well as banks to be wary.

According to him, there are also plans to mischievously increase the wages of Tertiary Institutions staff for the next two months without actually paying them before May 29 thereby leaving the new administration to grapple with the burden.

Famuyibo Takes Ibadan's Hospitality Sector By Storm With Ruby Gold Hotel

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  An Ibadan based businessman, Otunba Reuben Famiyibo has again let out one of the many business ideas up his sleeve. As his Ruby Gold hotel is set to take the hospitality sector of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, by storm.

  
  

  The 22 rooms hotel (seven executive, seven deluxe and four suites) comes with a special package and its uniqueness. The suites are  neatly carved out with separate waiting room where lodgers can attend to visitor without going into the room, thereby creating the home away from home feeling.
  

  • Apart from the fact that the rooms are tastefully furnished and well arranged, the building also houses a cinema, bar, a night club, shopping mall as well as electronics and furniture showrooms. It is also located right at Dugbe, the Ibadan's central business district.
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  While speaking on what really prompted the idea of having the hotel and in Dugbe for that matter? Otunba Famuyibo revealed that the idea was berth out of his exposure and experience in business.

  
  

  "Back in the days, Dugbe used to be the most notorious spot in Ibadan. But when I started constructing this edifice, people though I was mad. That how would you come and erect such building in the heart of Ibadan, but people that had traveled wide are aware of the fact that business districts are always very good. The concept actually came when I did a survey. Between IBDC office here, cocoa house to Ecobank by Ogunpa, we have over 3,789 workers. They will need breakfast or launch and most of these bankers also don't have their families here. Some go to Lagos by weekends, but before you go to Lagos at the weekend, you may want to have a feel or hangout and all that. I was once in Paris, the best place you can have your launch in Paris is business centre, same in Amsterdam or Oxford Circus in London and other places.

  

  Unfortunately here, we have grown old suddenly because after work, you go home straight. After office hours, you need a place to go to relax your nerves and cool your brain. That is why the concept of this place is total. My law firm is there, we have a lounge and a cinema".

  
  

  When asked why another hotel when there are hotels all over the place? Famuyibo optimistically said, "we don't have enough yet. If your hotel is okay, you will have great patronage. As a man, you need to take your wife out, you are a journalist, if you want to write, you can go to a hotel, you won't have to bother about power cut or having to fuel the generator. Take the stress away and prolong your life".

  
  

  On the issue of security, he said, "since we laid the foundation, there has been no major issue. SARS is opposite us, banks are around us with policemen and we also have our own security and the police patrol here is all round the clock".

  
  

  But no matter amount of commitment and projection one may has, running a business naturally comes with challenges. How is Famuyibo going to cope with these challenges and the risk involved? "Apart from the normal challenges, the major one has to do with our orientation. An average Nigerian will ask why spend #5,000 to sleep in a hotel? I used to be stupid like that but when. You sleep in a friend's house, when you are leaving, you give the children money. In England, if you pay £50 in a hotel, they will change the bed sheets for you. We need to give ourselves comfort and not feel like we are in a dark age.

  
  

  "On the issue of risk, if I am taking a risk, I know it is a positive risk. What I am doing will bring people to this place. We are targeting the people around us here. If a place is a commercial area, you should make it attractive to people. And I am sure you are aware that 36 percent of the revenue Lagos generated last December came from entertainment", he said.

  
  

  Speaking on the services, he disclosed that there is free breakfast, free wi-fi and a free shuttle bus for our guests”.  He also shed light on the cinema, which he said will be in two phases. “I want a cinema that can compete with the best. The first phase will sit 150 people while the second is a 500 seater. There, you will have popcorn and a bottle of water free of charge”.
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Osun PDP Dedicates Victory To Osun People

Osun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed delight at the victory of its governorship candidate in the 2018 governorship election, Ademola Adeleke, who was on Friday declared the winner of the poll by the election tribunal sitting in Abuja.

The party’s chairman, Hon Olasoji Adagunodo, in a chat with our correspondent in Osogbo, said the victory was an act of God.

Adagunodo enthused that he knew from the outset of the party’s struggle for the mandate that God Almighty would do justice and had done it.

He dedicated the victory to God Almighty and the people of the state.

“I thank God Almighty for the victory and we dedicate it to Him. It is a victory for the people of the state. It is a victory for all,” Adagunodo said.

“I commend the good people of Osun for their faith in the PDP and Senator Adeleke.”

He also commended the Nigerian judiciary, saying that they did a good job by standing on the truth.

The PDP chairman also expressed confidence in the judiciary, saying: “The judgement shows that the people in the judiciary are calibres of people of impeccable character.”

“They are the last hope of the common man and have proved themselves as such. I give kudos to the judiciary.”

Adagunodo, however, said that the party was ready for appeal if the APC decided to appeal the case.

“It’s normal. If they decide to appeal the case, we are ready. We are testing the Nigerian judiciary and we are testing the Nigerian democracy.

Tribunal Fallout: Osun PDP Raises Alarm Over APC Plans To Cause Mayhem

The Peoples Democratic Party, Osun State chapter has raised alarm over the impending mayhem being planned by  the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State to start burning houses and properties of PDP leaders in the state.

Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo dropped this hint in a release today .

According to the news, it was reliably gathered that thugs are being positioned at strategic junctions with Okada riders and Lagos based thugs imported to the State  and whom huge sums of money are being distributed to for the attack.

Adagunodo therefore said PDP is now calling on the Nigerian Police and other security agencies that are saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining law and order not to wait until when the issue gets out of hands.

He said losing an election is not enough reason for anybody to start creating unnecessary unrest in the erstwhile peaceful state of the living spring.

He also advised the APC to learn a lesson from the attitude of PDP and her followers who didn't lift a finger on September 22nd, and 27th, 2018 when the party was openly robbed . Adagunodo said at that time when people expected violent reactions from Osun PDP members, we felt that ambition does not worth sending one single soul to the hospital, talk less of taking fellow human life.

He however called on the Osun State commissioner of police to act now by sending her people out to all nooks and crannies of the state in order to protect lives and properties of the citizenry bearing in mind that "NOBODY HAS MONOPOLY OF VIOLENCE."

Signed

Hon Olasoji Adagunodo

Osun State PDP Chairman.

Adeleke's Victory Is ForThe People Of Osun State-Adagunodo

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed happiness over the declaration of its governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as winner of the 2018 gubernatorial election at Tribunal.

Adeleke, was on Friday declared the winner of the poll by the election tribunal sitting in Abuja.

The party’s Chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, in a chat with the Sun correspondent in Osogbo, said the victory was an act of God.

Adagunodo said that he knew from the outset of the party’s struggle for the mandate that God Almighty would do justice and had done it.  

He therefore dedicated the victory to God Almighty and the people of the state.

“I thank God Almighty for the victory and we dedicate it to Him. It is a victory for the people of the state. It is a victory for all,” Adagunodo said.

“I commend the good people of Osun for their faith in the PDP and Senator Adeleke.”

He also commended the Nigerian judiciary, saying that they did a good job by standing on the truth.

The PDP chairman also expressed confidence in the judiciary, saying: “The judgement shows that the people in the judiciary are calibres of people of impeccable character.”

“They are the last hope of the common man and have proved themselves as such. I give kudos to the judiciary.”

Adagunodo, however, said that the party was ready for appeal if the APC decided to appeal the case.

“It’s normal. If they decide to appeal the case, we are ready. We are testing the Nigerian judiciary and we are testing the Nigerian democracy.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), said it had rejected the verdict and would appeal the case.

The party’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said in a statement that:

“The Election Petition Tribunal verdict has declared Adeleke the winner of the 2018 governorship election in the state.”

According to the party, the verdict cannot stand superior legal scrutiny. Therefore we will appeal against it.”

Osogbo is calm and peaceful. The people around Olaiya area of the town erupted in jubilation when the news broke that Adeleke had been declared the winner by the election petition tribunal in Abuja.

Credit: Sun

Bizman Lateef Hussein Convicted In Absentia Over #6m Fraud

A 32-year-old businessman, Lateef Abayomi Hussein, was on Thursday, March 21 convicted in absentia after being found guilty in a case of fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Mohammed Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court pronounced Lateef guilty of dodging the payment for the 33,000 litres of fuel he supposedly bought from Dees Travels and Tours Limited.

Based on the petition from the complainant, the EFCC’s Ibadan zonal office had, on August 28, 2017, arraigned Lateef on a three-court charge bordering on stealing, obtaining under false pretence and issuance of dude cheque.

The court granted him bail, and he was regularly attending his trial until after the matter was slated for judgement when he stopped coming to court.

The presiding judge had to shift the judgement twice (March 15 and March 18, 2019) at his instance. He, however, still chose to stay away, prompting the judge to give the judgement on Thursday, even when the accused was still not present.

According to the allegation against him, the convict contracted Travels and Tours Limited sometimes in November 2016 to supply him 33,000 litres of diesel valued at N6,435,000 (Six Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand Naira Only). But he failed when it was time for him to pay as the Diamond Bank cheque he issued was not honoured on presentation due to insufficient balance in his account.

The complainant further alleged that subsequent efforts to make him pay the money proved abortive.

Even his lawyer, Oluwaseun Fadele, could not hide his disappointment on Thursday as he told the court frankly that he contacted his client before the first and second adjournments and that he promised to attend his trial.

The EFCC’s Counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi consequently prayed the court to proceed with the judgment since Lateef had decided to jump the bail granted him, and the case had been adjourned twice at his instance.

While delivering his judgement, Justice Owolabi found Lateef guilty on the first and second count charge of stealing, contrary to Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004; and obtaining money under false pretence, contrary to Section 1 (2) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act. He was, however, discharged on third court charge bordering on issuance of dude cheque.

The court has also issued a bench warrant against the convict, and reserved his sentence till when he is either arrested or he surrenders himself to the court.

Akwa Ibom: APC Petitions AGF Over Attempt To Destroy Evidence Meant For Tribunal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation over a purported plans of the state's Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini to perpetuate electoral fraud, by destroying facts needed to prove its cases at Tribunal.

In a letter tittled "attempt to perpetuate electoral fraud in Akwa Ibom" and signed by the state Chairman of the party, some pertinent issues were raised on the suspicious conduct of the state's REC during and after elections in the state.

Below is the full text of the letter:

The Attorney General of the Federation 

Federal Ministry of Justice 

FCT, Abuja.

Sir,

Attempt to Perpetuate Electoral Fraud in Akwa Ibom State

We want to place on record and bring to your attention the very obvious and noticeable attempt by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, in collusion with agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Akwa Ibom State Government to perpetuate electoral fraud by destroying electoral materials needed to substantiate the election petitions of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State. 

We observe with deep regrets that since Mr. Mike Igini superintended over the worst general elections ever conducted in Akwa Ibom State, that was fraught with manifest irregularities and wide spread electoral infractions, the REC is now unveiling a grand scheme to thwart and create a chaotic environment to pave way for the pervasion of justice. 

We have been reliably informed that the REC is now intimidating electoral officers who participated in the just concluded general elections in the State, particularly, Collation Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), handing over their phone numbers to hired assassins and PDP killer squad to forcefully coerce them to concoct and fabricate false reports of violence, ballot paper snatching, all in  a bid to justify the clandestine activities of Mr. Mike Igini days after the purported declaration of results, seeing that unit results will expressly show that candidates of the All Progressives Congress clearly won the elections by the votes directly delivered at the polling units across the state.

This latest action by the leadership of INEC in Akwa Ibom State has vindicated our stand expressed in various foras before the general elections that Mr. Mike Igini is a biased umpire, heavily compromised by the Akwa Ibom State Government to truncate the smooth conduct of a free and fair elections. We therefore reiterate in unambiguous terms, that INEC under Mr. Mike Igini cannot guarantee credibility and the ethos of fair play as demonstrated with this plot hatched to frustrate the electoral process.

Consequent to these, we hereby demand as follows:

1. The immediate relocation of the elections tribunal to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to forestall breakdown of law and order that this show of impunity might incite if not forestalled. 

2. That we reiterate our call for the immediate redeployment of Mr. Mike Igini to pave way for a level-playing field for all parties that partook in the elections.

3. that any report that originates from any electoral officer in Akwa Ibom State remains an afterthought and should be completely disregarded forthwith.

4. That we call on security agencies to provide adequate security to all ad-hoc staffs of INEC in the state and properly investigate and bring to book, thugs paid by the PDP to intimidate or coerce non-yielding election officials. 

5. We urge international agencies to pay particular interest to the continuing efforts of Mr. Mike Igini to perpetuate electoral fraud in Akwa Ibom State.

We have taken time to chronicle the unfolding complicity of Mr. Mike Igini in collaboration with the State Government and PDP to rob our party of our impending victory at the tribunal.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Obong Ini Okopido

APC State Chairman

cc:

HE The President

Federal Republic of Nigeria

The National Security Adviser

National Chairman

All Progressives Congress

The Chairman

Independent National Electoral Commission

The Inspector General of Police

DG, Department of State Security Service

DG, National Intelligence Agency

Breaking! Jimi Agbaje Quits PDP, Reveals Next Plan

The People Democratic Party , PDP's Governorship Candidate of Lagos state  in the March 9 guber election, Jimi Agbaje has dumped the party.

Agbaje, is said to have quit the party over an unresolved disagreement between him and the party's leadership in the state.

This was contains in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos. Agbaje revealed that it is necessary for him to leave this party after a series of allegations that arose after our party lost the Governorship election in Lagos State.

”I have tried to remain focused and ignored all the distractions coming from the leadership of the party. I am making the decision after due consultation with my supporters and loved ones for the sake of peace."

Mr Agbaje, however, did not give details whether he will join another party. The former Chairman of the People Democratic Party in Lagos State, Chief Tunji Shelle, has accused Jimi Agbaje of responsible for party poor performance in just concluded Governorship election in Lagos State.

According to Shelle: “We have a situation where somebody said he could work and achieve victory alone. Meanwhile, he doesn’t know anything.

“Rather than show cooperation, he was arguing and fighting people who could help him. Even when things were going bad and help was to be rendered, he said he doesn’t need help.

“Well-meaning people intervened to rally everybody together in Lagos. They called us to a meeting and asked us to help him but he refused, saying he doesn’t need help. He became a lone ranger and stand-alone person.

“Even when we were trying to reinforce his campaign team, he told us point blank that he couldn’t work with people he can’t control. He wants to be a master of all and subject everybody in the party under his control which is not possible. You can’t control everybody because PDP is not your private party.

“So, we decided to leave him to go and do the job alone and at the end of the day, that is the result we got in Lagos. That is the major reason why PDP failed in Lagos.

“If not for the sympathy votes we got from people who are tired of APC and felt there is a need for leadership change in Lagos state, we could have gotten lesser votes in the governorship election. To be frank, our governorship candidate was our problem in Lagos state.

“He defeated the party and defeated himself. The most unfortunate thing is that he doesn’t feel the pain of what he has caused. Also, there was mismanagement of resources too because everybody left him to his fate to do whatever pleases him."

Court Throws Out Senator Adeseun's Case Against Seyi Makinde

An Ibadan High Court has thrown out a case instituted by Senator Ayoade Adeseun, challenging Oyo State Governor-elect, Engr. Seyi Makinde's emergence as the gubernatorial candidate of PDP in the state, for lacking in merit.

The presiding judge, Justice Ganiyu Sunmonu ruled in favour of the PDP, and dismissed all the grounds of the case.

The judge said, that Adeseun’s counsel could not prove with substantial evidence that the delegates list for the primary was doctored.

The judge said “he who asserts must prove. The claimants must provide the names that were removed, to prove that the list was doctored.”

At the opening of the court proceedings, which started in January 2019   of the case, the claimant's coursel, Michael Lana presented 14 witnesses, while defendant's coursel presented eight.

The two witnesses called by Adeseun’s counsel, Mr. Michael Lana, however, told the court presided over by Justice Ganiyu Sunmonu how they were allegedly brought in from Iwo local government in Osun state as fake PDP delegates to vote for Makinde during the September 30th gubernatorial primary held at the main bowl of Obafemi Awolowo stadium, Ibadan.

One of the witnesses, Maruf Alimi, told the court that he participated in the Oyo state’s PDP primary despite being a member of the All Progressives Congress at Iwo local government area in Osun state.

Yahoo Boy Bags Four Months Jail Term For Sharing Pornographic Inages

An Ibadan-based internet fraudster, Oyesanmi Ayomikun Oluwaseun, was on Tuesday, March 19, 2019,  jailed four months for sharing pornographic and indecent images through his email address – mikeclark861@gmail.com.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Ibadan judicial division, handed down the verdict after Oyesanmi pleaded guilty to a one-count amended charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office.

Sequel to his lawyer’s request for a plea bargain and the suspect’s display of remorse during investigation, the commission dropped the initial six-count charge of documents forgery and obtaining through false pretence preferred against him, and replaced same with the lone-count charge of sending pornographic and indecent pictures.

Investigations by the EFCC operatives established that Oyesanmi was fond of sending pornographic pictures through his email address to pose to his victims as a woman, with the intention to extort money from them.

His cup was full on January 31, 2019 when he was arrested by the detectives from the commission, following a complaint from one Micheal Clark, whom he had defrauded of a sum of US$500 (Five hundred United States Dollars).

The charge against him reads: That you Oyesanmi Ayomikun Oluseun, on about 31 January, 2019 at Ibadan with the Ibadan juristidiction of this Honorable Court, knowingly sent pornographic and indecent pictures with email (mikeclark861@gmail.com) through a computer system and network to one Micheal Clark and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 24(1)(a) and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.

In consonance with the terms of the plea bargain, the judge sentenced Oyesanmi to four months imprisonment with effect from his day of arrest.

Also, apart from returning to his victim the US$500 he dubiously took from him, the is also to forfeit his iphone 8plus, Hp Laptop charger and wristwatch to the government. The prosecution counsel, Mr Shamsudden Bashir, represented the EFCC in the case.

Visa Racketeer Suspect Yomi Samson Arraigned

A Visa racketeer suspect, Yomi Samson, was on Monday, March 18, 2019, arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdumalik of the Federal High Court 2, Ibadan, on a three-count charge bordering on possession of fake documents, obtaining money under false pretence and misleading an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Samson (aka Becky Wellington), was dragged before the court by officers of the commission after interrogating him, based on a petition from one of his victims.

Part of the charge against him as contained in the document before the court reads: That you Yomi Samson (a.k.a Becky Wellinghton, a.k.a Amanda Luccero) sometimes in 2019, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to mislead, knowingly made false statement, wherein you lied to an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission about your true age and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2) (a) and punishable under Section 39 (2) (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.”

Another count reads: That you Yomi Samson (a.k.a Becky Wellinghton, a.k.a Amanda Luccero) sometimes in 2019, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained a total sum of N45,000 (Forty-Five Thousand Naira) from one Chris when you falsely represented to him that the money was for Visa Clarifications, and other pretences, which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.” 

Though, he pleaded not guilty to the charges, the defendant later opted to enter into a plea bargain with the EFCC, prompting his lawyer, Kehinde Olawumi, to ask for a date to come for the final decision, rather than go for full trial.

The EFCC’s counsel, Shamsudden Bashir, who had earlier applied for a trial date also prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to March 25, 2019 for hearing of plea bargain and ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison pending the determination of his case.

Family Picks May 2 For Late Olatoye Sugar's Burial

While investigations are still ongoing to unravel the mystery surrounding his gruesome killing, family of slain honourable, representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Temitope Olatoye popular known as 'Sugar' has fixed May 2nd, 2019, for his burial.

This, we gathered, was disclosed by the deceased's elder brother, Mr. Dotun Olatoye after a press conference called by the family on Sunday 17 March, 2019.

It would be recalled that Sugar was killed by unknown gunmen during the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the Lalupon area of Lagelu Local Government area of the state.

The family has also urged the government and the security agents to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime were brought to book as investigation still ongoing on the root and immediate causes of his death. As some suspected hoodlum involved in his killing have been arrested for interrogation.

The family also debunked rumour perpetrated on some section of social media on Olatoye’s former landlord describing it as fake news that should not be taken serious.

Akpabio Moves To Reclaim Mandate At Election Tribunal

Following the withdrawal of his case filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sought to challenge his Senate re-election loss, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the  Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the February 23rd Senatorial election, Godswill 

Akpabio, and his party, have approached the Election Tribunal, sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to kick-start the legal processes, that would lead to the validation of his victory at the poll.

Akpabio is seeking to upturn the victory of Mr Christopher Ekpenyong and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), based on perceived electoral irregularities which characterised the said election. 

The former Senate Minority Leader, had while the election was ongoing, besieged the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging cases of infractions and deliberate violations of the electoral law and guidelines during the senatorial election.

In the said election, INEC had in collaboration with some PDP chieftains in the senatorial district, wrongfully declared Mr. Ekpeyong and his party, the PDP, winner of the poll, having scored 118,215 as against Akpabio’s 83,158. 

However, incontrovertible result sheets from Akwa Ibom INEC office showed different figures that had Akpabio securing 138,256 votes as against Ekpeyong’s 123,843.

Dissatisfied with the conduct and outcome of the election, the former governor of Akwa Ibom and his party vowed to approach the election petition tribunal to ventilate their grievances as well as reclaim their  stolen mandate.

No death recorded in Ibadan Building Collapse – OYSG

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• The Oyo State Government on Saturday morning disclosed that there was no fatality in the building collapse incident which occurred on Friday in the Sogoye area of Ibadan, the capital City.

  In a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, the government stated that the multi-agency rescue operation team set up by the Governor was able to achieve the evacuation of all victims from the collapsed building which was under construction as at the time of the incident.

  He noted that the injured, who are in stable condition, have been taken to the hospital while no death was recorded.

  According to Arulogun "Upon hearing the news of the incident, the Governor set up a multi-agency rescue team which promptly swung into action, mobilising equipment, materials and personnel. The team was able to rescue the two victims trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building as three were initially rescued manually and no fatality was recorded in the rescue operation which ended 3.45am today.”

  The Government spokesperson further said that an investigation into the incident will be carried out by the relevant agencies while admonishing building construction practitioners to desist from cutting corners and using cheap materials.

  He reiterated the imperative of adhering to approved building plans.
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