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Tag: Ayodele Fayose

  • Fayose’s kinsmen, others defect to APC in Ekiti

    No fewer than 100 kinsmen of former Governor Ayodele Fayose and members of Peoples’ Democratic Party in Afao Ekiti, Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government Area have dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defectors were led by Special Assistant to Fayose on Local government affairs, Mr. Ayodeji Adu and other PDP’s heavyweights in the council barely three days to the House of Assembly election.

    They were received by chieftains when campaign train of the APC assembly candidate in Irepodun/ Ifelodun state constituency II, Hakeem Jamiu hits the town on Wednesday.

    Speaking on their behalf, Adu said they were spurred to join APC because of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s sterling leadership qualities in taking the decision and the progressive policies put in place.

    The former Special Assistant disclosed that Fayose’s abysmal performance and his hostile leadership style forced them out of the party.

    He added the PDP is myopic and short- sighted in ensuring sustainable development.

    Read Also: Court stands down Fayose’s trial

    “This decision to dump PDP for APC was borne out of patriotism and it is for the betterment of my state and the country at large.

    “Afao despite producing the Governor of the state for eight years is still in shambles without meaningful development, hence the need to embrace the right ideas that can take the town out of the current economic and social despondency.

    “I pledge my commitment to the success of the APC candidate in Afao-Ekiti . I want to assure the APC would have a block vote in the town come Saturday,” Adu said.

    Jamiu assured the next assembly won’t be a rubber stamp under Fayemi but provide a platform where people oriented policies would be enacted.

    “Governor Fayemi is exposed and I know that he will see the legislative arm as partner in progress, rather than trying to treat lawmakers as slaves, the way Fayose did.

    “Let me tell you, there are no defectors in APC, we are all one, so you have nothing to fear. I am assuring you that everybody will benefit from this government,” he said.

  • Fayose: All Progressives Congress deserves no song

    Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has hailed Nigerians for their courage to withstand what he called a rape on democracy.

    He described the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election as allegedly secured through “the barrel of the gun” and not worth celebrating by the winner.

    But the former governor did not state how.

    Read also: Fayemi: Buhari’s victory, reward for sincere leadership

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the former governor said: “Rather than a word of congratulation (sic) to President Buhari, who will be leading our country against our wish as a nation, Nigerians are the ones who deserve to be praised for their courage.”

    He described the roles played by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in the election as shameful.

    Reiterating his avowed commitment to the defence of the oppressed in the country, Fayose said: “As already known, I am not afraid of arrest and detention. I have been persecuted and still being persecuted because of my stand on national issues and I will remain undaunted.

    “Let me, therefore, commend Nigerians and tell them that they should not lose hope because help will come someday.”

  • Fayose delivers unit to Atiku

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has emerged victorious in polling unit 001, Afao in Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government Area.

    The polling unit situated at St. David Primary School is the unit of former governor, Ayodele Fayose.

    Sorting of votes started at 2:45 and this was followed shortly by counting.

    At the end of the exercise, the PDP polled 225 votes while APC had 82.

  • Updated: Fayose: Judge threatens to order Obanikoro’s arrest

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday threatened to order the arrest of former minister of State for defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro for being absent.

    The absence of Obanikoro, who is testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, stalled the continuation of his cross-examination.

    EFCC lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said Obanikoro took ill and was admitted.

    “I called him on Wednesday to notify him about today’s proceedings.

    “He said he thought he would be discharged on Wednesday (when the court did not sit).

    “This morning, I couldn’t reach him on phone. But his Special Assistant came and informed me that Obanikoro was in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.

    When the judge asked for a medical report, Jacobs submitted one given him by Obanikoro’s aide.

    But the judge appeared unconvinced by the report.

    She said Obanikoro had a civic obligation to be in court to continue with his testimony.

    “If I want to pursue it, the medical doctor may lose his license for issuing this report. But I will accept this because you (Jacobs) are a responsible member of the inner bar,” she said.

    Fayose’s lawyer Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN) said he would have applied for a bench warrant for Obanikoro’s arrest but urged the judge to send a clear warning to the witness.

    Justice Olatoregun she said she would not hesitate to order Obanikoro’s arrest should he fails to appear at the next adjourned date.

    “If he fails to appear, he’ll be sent to jail and they’ll be bringing him from there with Black Maria,” the judge said.

    In a short ruling, the judge said he would give Obanikoro the benefit of the doubt.

    She added that she hoped he would be in court next time, failing which she would have “no choice” than to order his arrest.

    Earlier, Jacobs and counsel for Spotless Limited, Fayose’s co-accused, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), addressed the judge on whether a statement made by the late Justin Erukaa, Obanikoro’s associate, could be tendered.

    Ojo said the statement was relevant to the case because Erukaa made the statement in the course of the investigation.

    “In law, the first litmus test of admissibility is relevance. Obanikoro said in his testimony that he sent Erukaa on errands, including to collect over $1million and that he came to meet him in Ekiti.

    “In law, a statement made to the EFCC in the course of investigation is admissible in evidence without the maker being called as witness or being a party to proceedings.

    “It is not the law that a document which is not tendered through the maker is not admissible,” the SAN said, relying on sections 39 and 83 of the Evidence Act.

    But, Jacobs opposed Ojo’s bid to tender the statement, arguing that it was not admission in law.

    Read Also: Obanikoro: no record of cash collected from Dasuki for Fayose

    He said the sections relied on by Ojo were not application in the circumstances.

    “He wants to smuggle the statement in,” he said.

    According to Jacobs, certain conditions must be met before a statement made by a dead person could be tendered, including that the person must have appeared in the proceedings.

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from ONSA contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

    He had pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on an 11-count charge last October 22.

    EFCC said Fayose and Biodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1, 219,000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    Fayose pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until February 18, 19 and 20 for ruling and continuation of trial.

     

     

  • Court resumes trial of Fayose Feb. 7

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday fixed Feb. 7 for continuation of trial of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Mr Ayodele Fayose, over alleged N6.9 billion fraud.

    The case which was earlier fixed for today for continuation of cross-examination of the fifth prosecution witness, has been shifted to Thursday.

    On the next adjourned date, both the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), and the defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), will address the court on the admissibility of an extrajudicial statement made by a party who is not standing trial.

    Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Oct. 22, 2018 alongside a company Spotless Investment Ltd on 11 counts.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and the court had granted him bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

    EFCC had opened case for the prosecution on Nov. 19, 2018, and called four witnesses.

    On Jan. 21, the prosecution called its fifth witness, Sen. Musliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence.

    At the last adjourned date on Feb. 5 (Tuesday), Obanikoro was still under cross examination by second defence counsel Ojo, who was expected to continue on the next date.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Read Also: Obanikoro: No record of cash collected from Dasuki for Fayose

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution and which sum exceeded the amount allowed by law.

    He was also alleged to have retained N300 million in his Zenith Bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain in their Zenith and FCMB accounts, the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the accused was alleged to have used the aggregate sum of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    The accused was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offences contravened Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

  • Court stands down Fayose’s trial

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday stood down for one hour, the fraud trial of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, facing charges of N6.9 billion fraud.

    A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musliu Obanikoro, who is the fifth prosecution witness, was billed by cross-examination on Monday.

    He had testified at the last adjourned date, on Jan. 21, saying that Fayose received five million dollars and some amounts of naira from the impress account of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in June 2014.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun handling the trial, rose shortly after the court began sitting to attend an official function.

    Read Also: Fayose’s core loyalists join APC in Ekiti

    She said that she would be back in an hour to continue with the case.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Oct. 22, 2018, alongside a company Spotless Investment Ltd., on 11 counts.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

    When the case was called on Monday, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, (SAN) announced appearance for EFCC, while Messrs Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) appeared for the accused.

  • I’m not surprised with Ekiti tribunal judgement- Fayose

    Former Governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose has declared that he was not surprised by today’s verdict of the tribunal on the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola.

    “The judgement was already in the public domain and celebrated by the APC more than a week before today,” he said.

    Reacting to the tribunal judgement, dismissing the PDP petition, Fayose said he would have been surprised if it had been otherwise because the judiciary was already coerced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) – led federal government.

    In a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the former governor said the judgement will be appealed and pursued to the Supreme court.

    He expressed optimism justice will prevail ultimately.

    Read Also: Ekiti tribunal upholds Fayemi’s election

    He enjoined Nigerians and Ekiti people to keep hope alive against what he called perversion, suppression and gagging of judges and by extension the judiciary.

    His words: “In fact, the judgement was in public domain and celebrated by APC since the last few days.

    “In the face of all these shenanigans, I still want to congratulate our candidate, my beloved Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola. Be assured victory is ahead.“

  • Fayose’s core loyalists join APC in Ekiti

    No fewer than hundred known loyalists of former governor Ayodele Fayose’s and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbemo Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun constituency of Ekiti state on Saturday dumped the party for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The defectors were led by Fayose’s ardent supporter, Chief Michael Bolawole Ojo and other PDP bigwigs in the council.

    The defection took place during   a ward meeting held in Igbemo Ekiti on Saturday.

    An APC House of Assembly candidate in the constituency, Mr Hakeem Jamiu and other Party stalwarts  in the local constituency while  receiving  the defectors, advised the new members to be committed  to the party’s principles and ethos

    Jamiu assured that nobody will discriminate against them and that they should make sacrifices for the party to ensure landslide victory in the forthcoming election.

    The former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Research and Documentation, stressed that the party would not treat any defector as new member, saying that their contributions towards the success of the party would prove their worth.

    Jamiu said: “I promise to facilitate people oriented projects that   will have direct positive impacts on the socioeconomic life of the people if elected.

    “Let me assure you, you are here today as full-fledged members, who can enjoy all privileges”.

    Read Also: APC on rescue mission in Benue

    Jamiu described Fayemi as a politician exemplary in thought and uncompromising in action, adding that within 100 days of his stay in office, the people have witnessed new lease of life with his decisive actions aimed at accelerating standard of living of the people.

    ” I want to assure our farmers that I will facilitate  Long term loans and provide incentives for them to expand production of Igbemo rice and other agricultural produce”

    The  Ebira Community in the town had also  vowed to work and ensure the party wins all elections in the 2019 polls so that they can continue witnessing and enjoying dividends of good governance.

    Speaking on behalf of the defctors, Bolawole Ojo, who explained that PDP has become a “deserted party with little or no political substance” , said he joined APC because of the laudable success story and progressive policies of the party.

    Ojo expressed his readiness to work assiduously for  victory of all the party candidates  in the coming elections, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure victory of the party in the coming polls.

    “Only the APC at all levels of governance could actualise our yearnings and demands when it assumes power after this year National and State Assembly elections in the area, that is why we are working round the clock to mobilise and canvass for the party’s candidate.

    He noted that  “APC’s Assembly flag bearer in this  constituency for the March election  stimulates their decision to dump  PDP, because  the APC candidate is a grassroots politician with special focus in providing services to humanity.

     

  • Fayose left N155 bn debt – Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday said former governor Ayodele Fayose left a total debt profile of over N155.79 billion for the state.

    This is as the governor signed into law, the N129.9 state budget for 2019, as part of events to mark his 100 days in office.

    The governor said while giving account of his stewardship in Ado Ekiti, that the debt profile included local loans and other debts.

    He gave the breakdown of the debts as; Loans, N57.694 billion; Unpaid Salary Arrears, N16.777 billion; Outstanding Leave Bonus to workers, N4.402 billion; Pension and Gratuity Arrears, 39.775 billion; Outstanding Corpers’ Allowance, N28.883 million.

    Others are; Outstanding Subventions to institutions, N4.770 billion; Outstanding Contractors’ Claims, N28.575 billion; Outstanding Furniture Allowance, 470.2 million; Outstanding Severance Allowance, N586.144 million; Monetized Vehicle Arrears, N101.243 million: Outstanding Warrants, N386.777 million, Outstanding FIRS Obligation; N184.2 million;, Traditional Rulers Arrears, N150.214 million; Judgment Debts, N95.214 million, and other Outstanding Liabilities of N1.792 billion.

    NAN reports that Fayose had dismissed the claim as frivolous and evasive.

    Fayose’s Media Assistant, Lere Olayinka said in Ado Ekiti that the claim was a “spurious” claims by the governor to cover-up alleged failure by his government to embark on any meaningful project since assuming office.

    The former governor, however, failed to state how much he left as debt for the state.

    On his part, Fayemi insisted that his administration inherited a state that was in total chaos, with a people severely disoriented under a “suppressive government that had raised and promoted deceit into a state
    craft”.

    According to him, “the last 100 days have clearly shown to us, in a very practical manner, that with clarity of vision, the resolve to push through and the unflinching support of the people, there are endless possibilities in our capacities to steer our state on the path of progress.

    “Despite the meager resources at our disposal, we are meticulously delivering on our promises to the people through our various short, medium and long term socio-economic intervention programmes

    “We must examine our tortuous path with a view to charting a new course for a prosperous destination, not only for us, but also for our unborn children”, he said.

    NAN reports that the governor condemned borrowing to finance what he called “white elephant project” by the past administration, describing it as unproductive, self-serving and grossly unpatriotic.

    He explained that the many successes stories recorded by his administration within a spate of 100 days in office was made possible as a result of his genuine resolve to serve the people diligently and passionately.

    He called on all Ekiti people for support and cooperation for the administration to build on the gains of the past three months.

    Read also: APC dismisses suspension of Hope Uzodinma

    “All hands must be on the deck to move Ekiti forward economically, socially and politically.

    “I also enjoin you all to keep supporting us, especially in the areas of tax payment and selfless suggestions on how to jointly move Ekiti State forward.”

    NAN reports that earlier, the Governor  had signed into law the  2019 appropriation bill and promised that the state would experience progress
    and development in the next few years.

    The event included the flagging off of construction work on the abandoned 41-year-old New Iyin road, and an empowerment training for 6,300 women and youths in the state.

    In his speech, at the empowerment training, Director General, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Dr. Nasir Ladan, described Fayemi’s 100 days in office as impressive.

    He called on the women and youths in the state shortlisted for training in various skills by the NDE and State Government to commit themselves to the exercise.(NAN)

  • Updated: Fayose sustains injury in multiple car crash

    Immediate past Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose on Wednesday afternoon sustained injuries after his G-Wagon Benz with registration number AAA777TM was involved in multiple car crash.

    The accident occurred on Third Mainland Bridge inward Iyana Oworo around 1pm.

    It was gathered that Fayose had driven the white G-Wagon which rammed into a broken down commercial bus and a patrol motorcycle parked beside.

    The accident, it was learnt, also affected a Toyota Avalon with registration number FKJ643DR.

    Although no life was lost, it was gathered that shattered glasses penetrated Fayose’s body.

    The Nation learnt that the former governor was administered first aid by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) at the scene of the incident while all the vehicles were evacuated from the scene.