Connect with us

Politics

RT. HON. TUNJI EGBETOKUN: THE SCANVENGER AND ACHILLE’S HEEL OF EX GOVERNORS

Published

on

Oyetunji Abiodun

The saying that soldiers go, soldiers come, barrack remains the same is well enunciated in the life style of Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, the former Speaker of the House of Assembly of Ogun State. He has had relationship with the last three civilian Governors in Ogun State. He has since seen himself as a power broker in each administration and at one point or the other walk away from the Governors to form coalition and lead a gorilla warfare to terminate or destroy the political carrier of each ex Governor.

Meanwhile, fate has always smile at Hon. Tunji Egbetokun as he has always been in the forefront of installing new administration in Ogun State over 16 years despite creating the problems with exiting Governor.

Let’s fast forward to 2019, Rt. Hon. Egbetokun is now sojourning with the new Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and is perceived and seen as one of the kitchen cabinet members and strong pillars of the new administration, the same and perfect role he played with Former Governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun which eventually led to the downfall of the political empires built by the ex Governors.

The movement of Hon. Tunji Egbetokun with the new Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to my mind is like the story Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot in the Holy Bible. As long as the Governor can trust his Super confidant and strategist, he must be conscious and wary of his antecedents and the inborn traits embedded in the former Speaker.

The antecedent of Hon. Tunji Egbetokun revealed that he joined forces with Otunba Gbenga Daniel and others to rig Chief Olusegun Osoba out of office in 2003 election. In 2009, the same Hon. Tunji Egbetokun emerged as House Speaker through civilian coup against the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni, who trusted the man so much but led the members of the House to remove and replace her as the Speaker, in the process formed a coalition with Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other political gladiators within and outside Ogun State to remove Otunba Gbenga Daniel from office ingloriously. He thereafter became a right hand man to Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and successfully ruled the State for over six (6) years before he abandoned the ship of SIA to lead another gorilla warfare as usual with other political heavyweights in Ogun State to exterminate the government of Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and remove him from office shamefully. Meanwhile, it should be noted that out of every hundred misdeeds or misrule of Sen. Ibikunle Amosun as the Governor of Ogun State, The wolf, Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, executed or facilitated seventy.

Now, it’s the turn and time of Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, Hon. Tunji Egbetokun is hobnobbing with the new Governor like a new Bride and like the MTN advert, “everywhere you go”. Prince Dapo Abiodun must be very careful with the likes of Hon. Tunji Egbetokun around him as they can swim with him now but later drown him if due care is not taken to protect his office and personality. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun was one of the architects of the misrule of Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, he manipulated and advised SIA to go against the progressive and developmental advice of notable elders and leaders in Ogun and APC, the party that sponsored him to power which led to the misuse of the power and highhandedness of the Governor and further created the monster Sen. Ibikunle Amosun later metamorphosed to. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun used the name and office of the Governor to commit several atrocities ascribed to and in the name of Sen. Ibikunle Amosun between 2011 and 2016.

The galant Hon. Tunji Egbetokun worked assiduously to destroy the good deeds and intentions of Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the governor of Ogun State even when he was a beneficiary of the same government. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun recreated Otunba Gbenga Daniel as a demon by manipulating personal and privileged information at his disposal to destroy a man that relaunched him politically and made him financially.

Mr. Governor, be prepared that the man known and called Hon. Tunji Egbetokun is a wolf in human figure and can turn against you when you no longer water his thirst for material things and financial request as he is indeed a great fighter, strategist and manipulator. I humbly advice that you contact your friends like Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who had personal contacts and relationship with Hon. Tunji Egbetokun during their administrations in Ogun State.

People say that experience is the best teacher, tap from the experiences of previous Governors who fell through the hatchet work of the evil genius, so as not to fall into the pit they fell into. If Tunji Egbetokun is a friend to anyone, then the person needs no other enemy.

The leadership of APC Ogun State Chapter should watch out for this greedy and evil genius who parades himself as a faithful member of the party. Also the Governor must not sleep and close the two eyes while the man called Hon Tunji Egbetokun is still around him.

Oyetunji Abiodun wrote from Abeokuta

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement
3 Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Politics

Political Crisis Erupts as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows Legal Battle Against Suspension

Published

on

Political Crisis Erupts as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows Legal Battle Against Suspension

Political Crisis Erupts as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows Legal Battle Against Suspension

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions within Nigeria’s Senate, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to challenge in court the six-month suspension imposed on her following a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The controversial suspension, which has drawn widespread condemnation, stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio and her refusal to adhere to the red chamber’s seating arrangement directives.

Legal Showdown Looms

Victor Giwa, legal counsel to the embattled senator, dismissed the Senate’s resolution as unconstitutional, arguing that it directly violates a subsisting court order. Speaking to The PUNCH on Thursday, Giwa confirmed that legal action would be pursued against the Senate for its defiance of the judiciary.

“The suspension is void and illegal,” Giwa declared. “The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges disobeyed a valid court order that restrained them from taking further action. This is a direct affront to the rule of law.”

Giwa further disclosed that the case is set to resume in court within two weeks, during which they will highlight the Senate’s disregard for the judiciary. He warned that the chamber’s actions undermine democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent.

National and International Condemnation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have denounced the Senate’s decision as an abuse of power. Legal analysts argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied fair hearing, a fundamental breach of her constitutional rights.

Huwaila Muhammad, Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, sharply criticized the process, stating, “This suspension is nothing but a political maneuver aimed at silencing a female senator who dared to challenge authority. The entire matter should have been handled in the interest of justice, ensuring she was given a fair hearing before any decision was reached.”

Power Play in the Senate

The suspension, enforced without pay, was imposed after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of allegedly breaching Senate rules. Her punishment includes the withdrawal of security details, the locking of her office, and a complete ban from legislative activities. The committee further stated that any reconsideration of her suspension would be contingent on a written apology to the Senate President—a recommendation later amended to take effect only after the completion of her six-month suspension.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained defiant, rejecting the suspension as an orchestrated plot to muzzle her for speaking out against Akpabio. “This injustice against me will not stand. I will fight against it,” she declared before being escorted out of the chamber by security personnel.

The Akpabio Connection: A Personal Betrayal?

In an unexpected twist, Akpabio revealed that he had previously attended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s wedding, insinuating a personal connection to her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan. This revelation has fueled speculation that the senator’s suspension may be driven by personal vendettas rather than legislative decorum.

Meanwhile, the Senate’s decision to strip her of security aides but retain the salaries of her legislative staff has sparked mixed reactions. While some lawmakers, including former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, attempted to intervene, Akpabio remained resolute, rejecting any motion to reconsider her suspension.

Implications for Democracy

As political observers weigh in, concerns are mounting over the broader implications of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. Many view it as an assault on free speech and a blatant attempt to suppress dissent within Nigeria’s legislature. Critics warn that this move could embolden future abuses of power, setting a troubling precedent for female lawmakers and opposition voices.

With the legal battle set to unfold, the world watches closely. Will the judiciary uphold the rule of law, or will political maneuvering continue to overshadow Nigeria’s democratic processes? One thing remains clear: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not backing down, and this political firestorm is far from over.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Senate Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio, Labels It ‘Dead on Arrival’ Amid Growing Controversy

Published

on

Senate Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio, Labels It ‘Dead on Arrival’ Amid Growing Controversy

 

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and declaring it ‘dead on arrival.’ The decision came amid a heated exchange in the red chamber, with legal and ethical debates dominating the plenary session. However, the dismissal has sparked nationwide outrage, with activists and political observers questioning the Senate’s commitment to addressing gender-based allegations.

Background of the Allegations

Senate Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio, Labels It 'Dead on Arrival' Amid Growing Controversy

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023. She claimed that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and propositioned her while her husband trailed behind them. Furthermore, she alleged that the Senate President suggested that she should “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor.

These allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for protesting a new seating arrangement in the chamber. Critics argue that the swift dismissal of her petition is an attempt to silence her voice and discredit her claims.

Akpabio Denies Allegations, Senate Rules Violation Cited

During the plenary session, Akpabio categorically denied the accusations, emphasizing his respect for women. He stated:

“I have the highest regard for women. At no time did I ever attempt any form of sexual harassment. Even as a state governor, I was awarded various honors, including ‘The Most Gender-Friendly Governor’ in Nigeria.”

Supporting Akpabio, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno cited Senate Standing Rules, emphasizing that a petition can only be presented by a senator other than the petitioner. Rule 40(4) explicitly states that “no senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by himself.”

Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that entertaining the petition would set a dangerous precedent. However, human rights organizations argue that procedural technicalities should not overshadow the gravity of the allegations, especially in a society where victims of sexual misconduct often struggle to have their voices heard.

Senate Ethics Committee Dismisses Petition Amid Public Outcry

Following the debate, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, officially dismissed the petition. Imasuen argued that the issue was already before the courts and, as per Senate tradition, could not be deliberated upon by the committee.

“The first thing we ask when a petition comes before us is whether or not the matter is already in court. If the answer is yes, we do not entertain such petitions. Furthermore, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan signed her own petition, which violates Senate rules,” Imasuen stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was notably absent from the committee hearing, which the chairman attributed to possible legal counsel. However, her supporters claim she was deliberately sidelined in a bid to suppress her allegations.

Judiciary Intervenes, Protesters Demand Akpabio’s Resignation

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the National Assembly to justify why the Senate should not be restrained from disciplining Akpoti-Uduaghan over the alleged misconduct. Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an interim injunction preventing the Senate from taking disciplinary action until the court reviews the matter.

Meanwhile, mass protests erupted across Abuja, Lagos, and other cities, as activists and concerned citizens condemned the Senate’s decision. Protesters marched to the National Assembly, calling for Akpabio’s resignation. Carrying placards reading, “Justice for Natasha” and “Say No to Sexual Harassment in Government”, the demonstrators were blocked from entering the Senate complex by security personnel.

Conversely, a group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders dissociated itself from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, condemning what they termed “unnecessary escalation.” In a letter signed by Convener Abdulraheem Adeku, they criticized the senator’s approach, stating:

“A simple compliance issue with Senate rules has degenerated into a vicious attack on the Senate President. Such personal grievances should not undermine the integrity of the National Assembly.”

Calls for an Independent Investigation Grow

Amid rising tensions, women’s rights organizations, legal experts, and opposition politicians have called for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. They argue that dismissing the case on procedural grounds sends a dangerous message about the treatment of harassment claims in Nigeria’s political space.

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal bodies to intervene.

“This case goes beyond legislative rules; it speaks to the culture of impunity in our governance system. An independent panel should be set up to investigate the matter fairly and transparently.”

Next Steps and Legal Implications

With the dismissal of the petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle now hinges on the judiciary’s intervention. The court has instructed the National Assembly to respond within 72 hours, setting the stage for further legal confrontations. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are mobilizing to ensure the case remains in the public eye, vowing to continue protests until a proper investigation is conducted.

The unfolding controversy continues to grip the nation, sparking debates on power dynamics, gender issues, and parliamentary decorum within Nigeria’s legislative system. Whether this case will lead to meaningful policy changes or be buried in bureaucratic and political maneuvering remains to be seen.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Inaugurates Lisabi Festival With ‘Ayo Olopon’ Competition

Published

on

Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Inaugurates Lisabi Festival With ‘Ayo Olopon’ Competition

 

Every year in the month of March, the Egba people in their wisdom and vision will gather once in a year to remember their illustrious and brave liberator, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala in the famous Lisabi Festival. So, yesterday 4th of March 2025, Council Chairman at Abeokuta North Local Government Akomoje, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo ‘Lanre in Habeeb Ajayi Multipurpose Hall of the Local Government Secretariat has declared the Year Festival open with Ayo Olopon Competition (Traditional Game).

The festival is a rallying point for all Egba sons and daughters from far and wide to celebrate the fearless and brave feats of Lisabi in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Little wonder the festival itself took after the name of the warrior.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo who showed enthusiasm while joining the participant in the Game with his Vice Chairman to demonstrate the reach culture of the festival. He however used the medium to beckon on to Egba descendants in oversees to imbibe in the Culture further advised not to forget their sources.

He said this that 38th LISABI Day Celebration is yearly done to unite all Egbas in the World.
That, Egba people are one of the Yoruba sub-ethnic groups comprising of Ake, Owu, Oke Ona and Gbagura in Ogun Central Senatorial district which is divided into six local government areas, namely, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda local governments.

Those in attendance in the opening event were: the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Egbeyemi Taiyelolu, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Moruf Erubami, Secretary to the Local Government; Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs. Kikelomo Ajayi and the Head of Community Development and Social welfare Mrs. Adekunle Aderonke.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending