Politics

PDP Feasting on Fake News About Buratai, Afraid of 2023 Election

Published

2 years ago

July 4, 2022

Sahara Weekly

Deconstructing and appreciating the prowess of General Tukur Buratai

PDP Feasting on Fake News About Buratai, Afraid of 2023 Election

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

The National Democratic Front (NDF) is surprised at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s obvious behavior that made it weaponize fake news, launch it at the Nigerian public and went on to believe that there are no right-thinking people in the populace to find out its lies and manipulative ways.

NDF is particularly amused at PDP’s latest tirade directed at Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and, Ambassador Tukur Buratai on the false allegation that the N1.85 billion recovered by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a property in Abuja belonged to the accomplished retired Army boss.

It is common knowledge that Ambassador Buratai, through his lawyers and aides has unequivocally distanced himself from the recovered money and cars while the ICPC had also made it clear that the Ambassador was not a person of interest in its investigation that has already apprehended the Managing Director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kabiru Salau, whose company is a military contractor.

The anti-graft agency had further clarified the cash and assets it recovered from the said property amounted to N267.43 million and not N1.85 billion, which leaves one wondering if the PDP is in touch with reality or rather absorbed in believing the fake news it is attempting to feed Nigerians.

The statement by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, PDP, Debo Ologunagba that attempted to rehash the fake news that linked Ambassador Buratai to the phantom N1.85 recovered funds is so incoherent and disjointed that it was apparent the so-called opposition party has lost essence and sense of direction and only now feeds on fake news to justify its existence.

While it attempted to paint the outstanding former COAS as a corrupt person, PDP’s tenuous attempt to string together unrelated variables and create a nexus to the 2023 General Elections showed that the party fears the trouncing awaiting it at the polls hence the unreasonable fear that has left it grasping at straws in a bid to assemble the excuses it would give for being rejected by Nigerians yet again. Rather than maligning the personality of persons that have sacrificed for the country, the PDP should direct its efforts at discussing issues since this is the only way political parties can pitch themselves to Nigerians.

NDF finds it necessary to advise the PDP to stop projecting its warped values on other political parties and public office holders since the fake crime it is accusing Ambassador Buratai of fits into the pattern of the looting that the party used to destroy Nigeria and precipitate the security crisis that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has grappled with. Insecurity resulting from bad governance does not occur overnight but takes time to manifest and the fact that the security fallout resulting from PDP’s years of misrule manifested under the present government does not in any way absolve the party of responsibility for what it did to Nigeria.

We further urged the PDP to seek forgiveness from Nigerians and atone for its sins against the country in the hope that its members would one day be found worthy of being rehabilitated and reintegrated into mainstream politics and governance, which Nigerians presently think the party is unfit for. However, dishing out fake news about Ambassador Buratai and the incumbent government would only deepen the odiousness in which citizens hold the party owing to the magnitude of perversions its members committed in the office while the party held sway.

Signed:

Dr. Bolaji Abdulkadir
Secretary General

Politics

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

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

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.

Politics

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

Published

23 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

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.

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.

Politics

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

Published

2 days ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

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.