Politics

Understanding The Kogi State Debacle.

Published

5 years ago

October 22, 2019

Following the impeachment of the former deputy Governor of Kogi State and the subsequent swearing of a new deputy Governor by the Chief Judge of the state, tongues have been wagging as to the legality or otherwise of the whole episode,
In line with democratic tenets, Nigerians have been divided on the issue and to yours sincerely, this is a good development because it has helped to deepen our democratic culture which should be hinged more on intellectual discussion, debates and other civilized means of engagement rather than acts of crudity and barbarism of resort to self help.
Unfortunately, some supposed learned minds have either by mischief or otherwise, joined the fray by exposing their ignorance and lack of knowledge of the constitution, thus exciting the gullible and never see anything good in the present dispensation, with their epistle of attack against our democracy and the judiciary which in this case, is helpless and only acting according to the provisions of the constitution of the land.
A lot of persons have gone to town with unconfirmed and speculative stories about the findings of the investigative panel constituted by the Kogi State chief judge and which reports it’s finding only to the House of Assembly and not the Chief Judge, returning a verdict of not guilty to all the allegations levelled against the former deputy Governor. Thus, one would like to ask that, what is the authenticity of the source of the information that the investigative panel returned a verdict of not guilty? Where and when did the panel make it’s findings public other than to the house of assembly as prescribed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Can we ask those who are reporting the not guilty verdict on the former deputy Governor by the investigative panel, to please make the report public verbatim as evidence rather than this speculation which is misleading until proved otherwise?
Also, we are all aware that when the investigative panel concludes it’s assignment, it’s responsibility is to report it’s findings to the House of Assembly which then takes the decision to proceed with the impeachment or not based on the report and where it does so, then it must have been based on the panel report indicting the alleged and in this case, the former deputy Governor of Kogi State.
On the Kogi State issue, the House of Assembly has gone ahead to impeach the former deputy Governor and the next step is for the Governor to nominate a new deputy Governor who must be sworn into office immediately of which the responsibility lies with the state Chief Judge according to the constitution, no more, no less.
So in this case, one would like to admonish persons and groups who have gone to town painting our democracy in bad light and making derogatory statements against persons and institutions, to observe the ethos of civility by being taciturn and watch as events unfold of which the coast will become clearer as the days go by.
One sadly recollects and would like to state with all emphasis that the Kogi State scenario today is by all standard, different from what obtained in the draconian days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo era when he willfully subverted the constitution and abused institutions of state to criminally remove democratically elected Governors unconstitutionally with the use of brute force which is his trademark. Who can forget easily the illegal, despicable, crude, undemocratic and shameful manner of removal of former Governors Rasheed Ladoja, Joshua Dariye, etc by ex President Obasanjo goons?
However, despite these acts of subversion of the constitution by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, it took the bold intervention of the judiciary to restore law and order with it’s pronouncement that the impeachments were unconstitutional, null and void and thus reinstated the illegally sacked Governors.
Therefore on this basis, one would like to call on the former deputy Governor of Kogi State to head straight to the courts if he feels his right has been infringed upon by this impeachment and refuse to heed the call of anti democratic elements to heat up the polity with inciting comments and conduct.
One remains absolutely and resolutely confident in the ability of the judiciary to play it’s role as an unbiased arbiter in disputes and as they say, the last hope of the common man.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thanks.
Yours Sincerely,
Nelson Ekujumi

Politics

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”

Politics

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.

In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.

“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.

He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.

He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.

Politics

Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic

ABUJA – The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has further affirmed Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance (AA) elected on 14th March 2021 National Convention of the party as valid and authentic.

Action Alliance, in a statement by its National Secretary, Vernimbe A James said, “the court of appeal Abuja Division today in Appeal Number; CA/ABJ/CV/1163/2024 in a lead Judgement delivered by Hon.Justics Abba Mohammed which was concord by the other two Justices dismissed the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje faction through one Miller C.Orgwu ( on behalf of himself and all NEC Members Elected at Action Alliance Elective National Convention of 7th of October,2023, held at OOPL Abeokuta, Ogun State ) against 1, INEC, 2, Kenneth Udeze,3, James Vernimbe, 4, Akinuli Fred Omolere.

“The Court also awarded N400,000 cost against the appellants in favor of the Respondents.

The appeal was about the validity of the powers of Action Alliance NEC under Chief Kenneth Udeze led executive to conduct the party Governorship primary in Ondo State for the upcoming Saturday 16th November 2024, Governorship Election.

“The Federal High Court Abuja Division had earlier In Suit Number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2024 Between Miller Orgwu and others (Omoaje faction) claiming to be authentic NEC of the party against 1, INEC, 2, KENNETH UDEZE,3, JAMES VERNIMBE, 4, AKINULI FRED OMOLERE presided by HON. JUSTICE JOYCE O.ABDULMALIK on 24th, September 2024 dismissed their Claim and validated the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Conducted by Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC as valid and authentic, thereby Confirming the Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the party AKINULI FRED OMOLERE as the valid Candidate of the party for the 16th, November 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State.”

The statement further said: “On 28 March 2022, the FCT High Court Abuja had affirmed and validated the Action Alliance National Convention held on 14th, March 2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led NEC of the party were elected.

“Dissatisfied with the said Judgement, one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others were granted leave of the court of appeal to appeal same Judgement.

“On the 26th, January 2024, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal Number; CA/ ABJ/ CV/ 955/22 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others further Affirmed the FCT High Court Judgement that earlier validated the Action Alliance National Convention of 14th March,2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance (AA) NEC of the party was elected.

“Dissatisfied with the appeal court Judgement one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others have appealed the Judgement to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal Number: SC/ CV/162/2024 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others, the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria which he has abandoned but desperately looking for how to come through the back door to claim the leadership of Action Alliance.”

The statement also explained that “INEC has since Complied with the Judgements validating the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC of the party was elected and uploaded on its website the Name of Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze- National Chairman, Vernimbe A James -National Secretary and other Elected NEC of the party as authentic.

“There is no court ruling or Judgement that Affirmed or validated any other National Convention of Action Alliance (AA) held on any other date apart from the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party which Courts have already and variously validated.”

Ezenwa Ibegbunam, who is the Counsel to Chief Fred Omolere, the governorship candidate of the party affirmed by the Court, noted that the judgment has further restated the correct position of the law and a vindication of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal which had earlier affirmed Chief Udeze led executive as the authentic leadership of the Action Alliance.

On his part, Chief Kenneth Udeze has praised the Court of Appeal as a citadel of justice and urged the party members across the country to remain focused.

He further noted that the Judgment has cleared the way for the victory of the party in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.

Source: Daily Independent