POLITICS
Impeached LG boss, Adedayo, arraigned in Ogun
…Impeached LG boss
The Police Command in Ogun on Tuesday arraigned the impeached Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government in the state, Mr Wale Adedayo, at a Magistrate Court sitting in Abeokuta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedayo had accused the state governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, of diverting statutory Federal allocations of local government areas in the state.
Operatives of the Police Command had on Monday arrested Adedayo at Ijebu-Ife and held him in custody at the Police Headquarters at Eleweran in Abeokuta.
Adedayo was arraigned on a two-count charge at the Magistrate Court in Isabo, following a petition written by the state government.
The two-count charge has it that Adedayo had on Aug. 27 at Abeokuta in the Abeokuta Magisterial District did unlawfully publish a circular to the public.
It further has it that Adedayo through a letter addressed to a former governor of Ogun, Olusegun Osoba, knowingly and falsely accused Gov. Abiodun of hijacking local government funds.
The charge also stated that this was likely to cause fear and alarm among the public or disturb the public peace.
It contended that Adedayo knows or has reason to believe that such statement is a rumour.
Adedayo was thereby charged to have committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006.
After the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty of the two charges.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Insp. Olaide Rawlings, said five witnesses would be called in the course of the trial.
Court Orders DSS, Police To Stop Yahaya Bello From Arresting Kogi ADC Guber Candidate
Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Kayode Akinsola, applied for the bail of Adedayo in line with the provision of Section 265, that the defendant is innocent of the charges until proven otherwise.
He argued that the defendant had no criminal record and that he (Adedayo) would not likely jump bail, if granted.
Akinsola said the defendant has no criminal record whatsoever and has been honouring all invitations from the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“We want to believe that the prosecution team has concluded its investigation and that is the reason why we are in court. Hence, the defendant can not interfere with whatever they may want to do.
“I urge the court to admit the defendant to bail, who will be willing to stand trial.”
The magistrate, A.K Araba, in her ruling, admitted Adedayo to bail in the sum of two million Naira and two “responsible and reliable sureties” in like sum.
The sureties, according to the magistrate must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court, and must posses landed property with evidence of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and tax clearance.
She, therefore, remanded him at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned till Oct. 20 for trial.(NAN)
POLITICS
NSA Threatens Lawsuit over Election Rigging Allegation, Demands Apology
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.
Aziegbemi had in a statement on Sept. 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election, using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS).
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.
S Dollars to the APC governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.”
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,” the letter said.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption.
“It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our Client and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added. (NAN)
POLITICS
Ododo Drums Support for Edo APC Governorship Candidate
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state, promising to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.
Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area at the weekend.
The Kogi State Governor who was received by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.
He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.
He assured the people that the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by according topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under his leadership.
Ododo who spoke in English and Ebira languages commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured that their support will be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerges victorious in the September 21 governorship election.
Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.
POLITICS
Niger Governor Mourns Loss of Munya Constituency Lawmaker
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed profound sadness over the death of Joseph Haruna Duza, the member representing Munya State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence.
In a condolence message statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the passing of the lawmaker as both shocking and a significant loss, not only to the people of Munya but to the entire state.
Bago highlighted Duza’s invaluable contributions and active role in combating insecurity within the state, as well as his unwavering dedication to its growth and development.
The Governor emphasised that only God can fill the void left by Duza’s demise.
Bago extended his heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, other members of the 10th State Assembly, the immediate and extended family of the deceased, and the people of Munya Local Government.
He urged them to accept Duza’s death as an act of God.
Bago prayed for the repose of Duza’s soul and for comfort for all those affected by this loss.