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How aspirants splashed millions to secure votes in Ondo APC Primaries

Published

8 years ago

September 5, 2016

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While the All Progressives Congress-led federal government has made the anti-corruption war a priority, the conduct of the party’s members in Ondo shows a lot still needs to be done to sensitise Nigerians on the malaise.

The way money was shared by aspirants and their agents to the hundreds of delegates at the venue of the congress, a common scenario in Nigerian polity, arguably demonstrates the endemic corruption in the nation’s political system.

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One of the 24 governorship aspirants of the party, Tunji Ariyomo, believes corruption is systemic and not necessarily the character of the average Nigerian.

Mr. Ariyomo said the buying of votes in the Nigerian political system will continue regardless of which political party is in power. He said the corruption will continue as long as the present electoral system, where delegates and not the people choose their representatives, continues.

He argued that the only way President Muhammadu Buhari can build on the electoral reforms of the past administration is to abolish the delegates system and adopt the open system of primaries where citizens can have the opportunity to choose their candidates.

Mr. Ariyomo lamented the situation where the delegates were virtually camped away by some contenders making it difficult for other competitors to woo them legitimately.

“The primary election here appears transparent as you can see, but the process needs to be changed so that the people can decide, rather than use the delegates system,” he said.

According to him, he did not spend any money on any delegate as that would contradict his belief on an equitable process.

“There is yet to be an equitable process, even though everyone seems to be on an equal platform,” the aspirant said.

Other aspirants spoke on how the primary helped some delegates make money off different candidates.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that some major aspirants gave delegates between N150,000 and N200,000 to secure their votes.

Other less wealthy aspirants gave between N25,000 and N100,000 to each delegate.

The only female aspirant, Jumoke Ajasin Anifowose, said she was not prepared to pay money for votes, as it appeared the highest bidder would win the day.

“I did not pay money to anybody, ” she said.

Some delegates, who confirmed how much they were given, spoke on how they were treated.

According to them, each aspirant brought his loyal delegates into Akure and lodged them in a hotel beyond the reach of rivals. The aspirant then ensured that none of them went out until the morning of accreditation and voting.

“We were lodged in the hotel by our aspirant. And if you lodge in the hotel you will be given money, ” a delegate from Owo, who did not want his name mentioned, said.

He said he was given N100, 000 by his preferred candidate before he cast his vote.

Another delegate, who only provided his first name as Fatai, said he only got N20,000 as “pocket money,” from his candidate.

“What I got was N20,000 and it was given to me as pocket money,” Fatai said.

“I voted for the aspirant because I love him and not because of money.”

The primary election was conducted by the Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Abubakar, who pledged to uphold fairness and transparency during the exercise.

About 2774 delegates were accredited for the election from the three senatorial districts of the state.

Rotimi Ogunleye, a media aide to Olusola Oke, one of the front runners in the primaries, said cash was not the determining factor in the support and votes garnered by his boss.

He admitted that money was spent, but noted that it was not about the cash.

“While I do not rule out the fact that running a political structure requires money, especially issues of logistics; political support is not based on cash,” he said.

“It is about coagulating interest, creating and sustaining relationship. It is not about cash.”

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that some aspirants made double payments after the delegates list was amended on the night before the election.

According to a source within the party, some of the aspirants had to “recharge their barrels” to chase the new delegates who were later included in the list.

“That means spending additional funds,” he said. “You can imagine after giving out N100million, what are you going to do when the list of delegates was suddenly changed and you did not have access to it until about 10 p.m. on Friday.”

But speaking on the development, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Ondo, Omo’oba Adesanya, said giving money to delegates was a form of allowance and not necessarily bribery or buying of votes.

He said the delegates left their homes for two days or more and should be properly taken care of or the aspirants would not be fair to them.

Mr. Adesanya, who was also a delegate at the primary, noted that the funds were privately sourced and not from public funds, and so could not be described as corruption.

“The delegates deserve some form of allowances for bringing them out from their homes and comfort to Akure for two days,” he argued.

“Even government officials, governors and other persons, including the security agencies that participated in the primaries received some form of allowances. So I don’t see any problem with the aspirants providing allowances for the delegates.

“What they got is not outrageous because some of them came from very far away. Some from the creeks and riverine areas; so it is not out of place to ensure that they were taken care of.”

Mr. Adesanya said the election, which eventually produced a lawyer, Rotimi Akeredolu, as winner and APC candidate, was peaceful, credible and transparent.

He said all the aspirants would come together to ensure the party emerged victorious in November

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CALLS FOR EXPULSION OF A CHINESE FAMILY OWNERS OF A SUPERMARKET THAT SEGREGATES NIGERIANS

Published

43 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CALLS FOR EXPULSION OF A CHINESE FAMILY OWNERS OF A SUPERMARKET THAT SEGREGATES NIGERIANS

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In a bold statement released by the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, a call has been made for the expulsion of the Chinese family owners of a supermarket in Abuja, Nigeria, who deny Nigerians access to shop. The foundation, led by it’s Chairman Amb Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi and Betara of Biu, expressed deep concern over the discriminatory practices of the supermarket, which only allows Chinese citizens to enter and purchase goods while barring Nigerians from doing the same.

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The Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Ambassador Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, condemned the discriminatory actions of the supermarket owners, likening it to racism. He emphasized that no foreign citizen should be denied his rights in Nigeria as long as he or she abides by the country’s laws. Gen Buratai questioned the audacity of foreigners dictating terms to bona-fide citizens on how to live or stay in their own country.

Gen Buratai further criticized the discriminatory policies of the supermarket owners, stating that there is no valid reason for a company in Nigeria to refuse to sell to Nigerians. He labeled the actions of the Chinese family-owned establishment as a clear case of racism and called for decisive action by the federal government against any individuals, foreign or Nigerian, who flout the rules and regulations of the nation.

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation’s stance on the issue serves as a strong message against segregation and open hatred towards Nigerians. The foundation urges the government to address such discriminatory practices swiftly and firmly to uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens in Nigeria and even abroad.

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$87m Theft: Abayomi Remanded in Suleja Until Bail Perfection As Court Adjourns Till 14th (Video)

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

$87m Theft: Investors of Afriq Arbitrage System Boos,Jeer At Abayomi, Remanded in Suleja Until Bail Perfection As Court Adjourns Till 14th ( Video)

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The arraignment of Abayomi Oluwasesan over the lingering theft saga to the tune of $87m commenced today with the review of his bail conditions.

Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan who allegedly committed the heinous crime of defrauding the leading global crypto space known as Afriq Arbitrage System was arraigned alongside his wife at the FCT High court, Jabi in Abuja.

Earlier, the defendants’ lawyer appealed for leniency on the stringent bail condition on behalf of Abayomi OluwaSesan citing their prolonged detention and promising their availability for trial if granted bail. However, the complainant lawyer, Sidi Abdulrasheed, opposed the bail request, highlighting previous instances where the defendants had allegedly fled after being granted bail.

Responding to the bail review, the presiding judge, Ms. Idris insisted the earlier bail conditions remain valid with little modification. It would be recalled that the conditions initially given included provision of two sureties each with 500 million Naira, owning property in Maitama, and also two directors in the federal civil service. Additionally, the sureties must deposit the title documents of their properties in court. However, in his ruling today, he said the sureties should be owners of properties anywhere within the FCT and worth 400 million naira and above. He also reiterated that the two directors should be serving directors and the properties be valued by a licensed estate valuer registered with the federal government.

Thereafter, he adjourned the proceedings till 14th ,15th and 16th of May 2024 for speedy trials.

Speaking to Jesam Micheal, the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) after the court proceedings, he clarified the wrong narratives about the case. He said the appearance of Abayomi in court has justified the truth that he defrauded the company to the tune of $87m and that he has confessed to his crime. He narrated how Abayomi who was entrusted with the platform while he went for liver transplant tempered with the systems and defrauded the community of the staggering sum of $87m. He stated that all he is after is for him to refund the stolen funds.

Also, the complainant’s counsel, Barrister Obeten revealed that justice will be served at the court as the suspect has allegedly admitted to committing the crime.

Meanwhile, there was mild drama in court as thousands of investors stormed the court today, booed and jeered at Abayomi and his wife. Their anger was not unconnected to the fact that his actions gravely affected them and their means of livelihood.

It would be recalled that Abayomi and his wife were tracked to an estate in Lagos and brought back to Abuja on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 over the lingering financial scam to the tune of 87 million dollar and criminal activities he perpetrated against AAS and the CEO, Jesam Micheal.

The arraignment of Abayomi by the IG of police at the Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a significant development on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, as the case involving the alleged theft of 87 million dollar by Abayomi OluwaSesan charged by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, proceeded with significant deliberations.

The accused individuals were charged for purportedly accessing millions of subscribers’ investments at the Afriq Arbitrage Company’s online trading platform until October 9th, 2023.

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Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

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In a remarkable celebration of heritage and innov ation, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT today announced a joint celebration marking Wema Bank’s 79th years and ALAT’s 7 years anniversaries. This significant celebration not only commemorates nearly eight decades of exceptional service and innovation in the Nigerian banking sector but also celebrates the bank’s seven years of digital excellence with ALAT.

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Since its inception in 1945, Wema Bank has been at the forefront of financial innovation, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Over the decades, the bank has evolved from a regional bank to a national bank, adapting continuously to meet the dynamic needs of its customers and establishing itself as a pillar of trust and reliability for millions of individuals and businesses across Nigeria.

According to the MD/CEO Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, the bank’s evolution from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to being at the forefront of innovation, pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been a true story of resilience and transformation.

“At 79, Wema Bank stand stronger than ever, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support of our customers and employees. We thank them for believing in the Wema vision, for entrusting their financial security to us, and for allowing us to contribute to their personal and professional aspirations. Their faith in us is deeply cherished, and we are honored to serve them.”

“As we mark our 79th year today, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering lives through innovation, and exceeding our customers expectations with unparalleled banking experiences tailored to their needs. Our pledge is to stand by our customers through every stage of life, offering enabling platforms to accelerate their growth and propel them to extraordinary heights.”

“While the past 79 years have been remarkable, we anticipate that the coming decades will be even more inspiring. With the partnership of our customers and employees, Wema Bank is poised to set new standards in financial services and redefine the future.” He concluded.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Wema Bank and ALAT are rolling out a series of customer-focused activities designed to reward loyalty and enhance the customer experience. Throughout the anniversary month, customers will enjoy various promotions, including discounts on transactions, cash prizes, special loan offers and much more.

This anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of Wema Bank’s resilience and ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry. Both Wema Bank and ALAT are poised for further growth, with strategic initiatives designed to enhance customer-centric services and expand the reach yearsw capability of digital banking solutions.

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