Politics

2019: Ogun Pastors Endorse Paseda Governorship Ambition

Published

6 years ago

August 22, 2018

Not less than 1,000 clergymen in Ogun State yesterday endorsed the governorship aspiration of Otunba Rotimi Paseda for 2019.
Paseda who was the 2015 UPN governorship candidate in Ogun State is yet to align with any political party.
But the pastors under the aegis of “Men of Issachar” said they adopted Otunba Paseda regardless of political party he chooses.
Speaking in Ilaro on Tuesday, President of the group and General Overseer Higher Ground Church, Rev. Julius Akinrinade stated that their endorsement was apolitical, but divine as God directed.
Rev. Akinrinade noted that, they decided to adopt Paseda to encourage more Christians in politics in order to have people with fear of God and human compassion to lives and property of the people.
He maintained that, the group who were representing all General Overseers of Pentecostal Churches in Ogun West are supporting the Omu-Ijebu politician for his antecedent and belief in God.
“It is high time we rise up against any intimidation and support people with the fear of God in government. Our resolved to support Otunba Rotimi Paseda was based on his credentials and antecedent as someone who is God-fearing and have the interest of the people at heart.
“Everyone you see here today are General Overseer of their respective churches in Ilaro, Aiyetoro, Ado-Odo-Ota, Sango, Oja-Odan, Ijoga, Imasayi and so on. We have prayed to God for the way forward and today’s event is a manifestation of what God has said.
“We are supporting him without sentiment or bias mind. We are not supporting him because he’s from Ijebu or Egba, but we are solidifying our trust and endorsement in him because he will fulfill God’s manifestation in the lives of the people of Ogun State. God will shock many power brokers in Ogun State because of Paseda”.
In his own submission, Rev. Akinola Fabunmi, the General Overseer, Faith Chapel, Sango Ota, Ogun State lamented the low turn out of Christians, especially men of God in politics, saying they cannot continue to leave governance in the hands of “cabals”.
Rev. Fabunmi explained that, the absence of men of God in governance of the nation has resulted in various backwardness in all sectors of the economy.
“According to the biblical saying that, we cannot be in sin and expect the glory of God to manifest. That is why the men of Issachar are rising up once again to fight spiritually for the emergence of God’s candidate.
“Paseda 2019 is God’s project and we shall support that mission with fasting and prayers,” Rev. Fabunmi stressed.
Reacting, the governorship aspirant, Otunba Rotimi Paseda commended the faith of the men of God in his aspiration, promising to not disappoint the trust and confidence reposed on him.
Paseda who promised a rekindled hope to the electorate by fulfilling his electoral manifestos if elected as governor in 2019, promised to announce his new political party soon.
“This is a new step in our resolved to rekindle the lost hope of the people in the political class. I’m surprised to have received their call on Monday that, they wanted to see me. But to my surprise, they all announced their support and endorsement for my governorship ambition.
“Despite the fact that, I’m yet to align with any political party, they have agreed to support my ambition with prayers, that alone for me, is more than N20billion. But I’m also going to announce my new political party soon before the party primaries.”

Politics

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

Published

1 hour 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

11 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

1 day 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.