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Ekiti APC Primary latest: Fayemi’s camp in disarray as other aspirants oppose vote snapping, sack committee secretary

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The hope of the camp of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a contender to the All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship ticket in Ekiti State to harvest delegates’ votes at the party’s primary holding tomorrow has been further dashed.

Sources at Friday’s meeting between the aspirants and APC primary election committee, headed by the Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura revealed that those in attendance overwhelmingly opposed the idea of delegates bringing their phones into the polling cubicle.

They expressed disapproval to anything that could tarnish the credibility of the party and the exercise, while advising that only a transparent and mutually acceptable process could guarantee a rancor-free outcome of electing a candidate for the APC on Saturday.

Aspirants were categorical that the integrity of the exercise as a secret ballot would no longer be valid, if delegates or anyone could snap their ballot with the intention of later showing the aspirant they voted for.

 

The panic in the camp is however not unconnected with the expectation to induce voters with certain promised financial reward.

Reliable sources said the minister had earlier paid loyal voters N20,000 with a promise to disburse additional N50,000 to each of them on Thursday but this did not happen as those invited to celebrate the ‘birthday’ of Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the minister’s wife, left disappointed when no payment was made.  

However, they were promised another whoppo=ing sum of N500,000 each at the end of the exercise. Over 2,600 delegates will elect the APC governorship candidate on Saturday.

Already, the camp of the former governor is unsettled as delegates are said to be reluctant to embrace his ambition, fearing that his emergence at the primaries may spell doom for the party at the governorship polls in July.

There are tensions on Thursday when the Minister organized buses from Oyo State to convey voters to a camp in neighbouring Akure, Ondo state where he intends to influence their votes.

Sensing the plot, some delegates escaped from the scene fearing they could be made to go the extra mile of oath swearing. Those that confided in us wondered why the desperation could reach such an embarrassing level for the former governor who had boasted that he was the most popular among the aspirants.

Meanwhile, the Secretary and Returning Officer in the Saturday polls, Mr. Mogaji who was fingered as a close ally of the minister has been forced to withdraw from conducting the primaries. His disengagement was not unconnected with doubts around his neutrality.

 

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Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

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Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Renowned Nigerian law firm Banwo & Ighodalo is preparing to take legal action against Jarrett Tenebe, Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, over allegations described as defamatory and unfounded.

In a formal letter dated December 18, 2024, senior advocate Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) accused Tenebe of making libelous claims against the firm’s founding partner, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. The allegations stem from a December 17 interview on TMC TV/Radio, during which Tenebe alleged that Mr. Ighodalo “stole 21 government vehicles” from the Edo State Government.

Despite a prior demand for an apology and retraction in a December 11 letter, Tenebe has reportedly failed to comply. Banwo & Ighodalo has now issued a three-day ultimatum for him to withdraw the statements or face formal legal proceedings.

In a related statement, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) categorically denied the accusations, labeling them a calculated smear campaign intended to discredit Mr. Ighodalo. The statement, signed by TAMO spokesperson Erhabor Emokpae, emphasized that Mr. Ighodalo has an unblemished record of public service. It further clarified that Alaghodaro, a private-sector-driven initiative chaired by Mr. Ighodalo, is committed to driving economic growth and investment in Edo State.

TAMO underscored Mr. Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that he has personally funded his expenses throughout his 16 years of public service, including his tenure as Chairman of Alaghodaro. The allegations of vehicle theft were described as baseless and absurd, with no evidence to substantiate them.

Banwo & Ighodalo has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies should the defamatory statements not be retracted. The firm condemned the misuse of misinformation for political gain, warning that such actions undermine public trust and damage democratic institutions.

“We call on all parties to adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and decency in public discourse,” the firm stated.

Should Tenebe fail to meet the ultimatum, the case is expected to proceed to court, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

 

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Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

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Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments
By Ifeoma Ikem

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

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Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

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Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

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