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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC arrests Fayose’s associate

    EFCC arrests Fayose’s associate

    •Governor put on watch list 

    An associate of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who is alleged to have received huge cash from former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro on behalf of the governor, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Mr. Abiodun Agbele is reportedly detained at the Lagos office of the EFCC.

    EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren confirmed Agbele’s arrest.

    Fayose’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka also confirmed the arrest.

    In a statement, Olayinka said: “Our attention has been drawn to the arrest of Mr Abiodun Agbele by the EFCC and we wish to say that we encourage the EFCC to carry out its investigations without politics as it is being done now.

    “It must be pointed out that at no time was Mr Abiodun Agbele invited by the EFCC, and if he had been invited, he would have honoured the invitation. Therefore, there is nothing to celebrate in his arrest if it is not political.

    “As already pointed out, Governor Ayodele Fayose does not have anything

    to do with any fund from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He has stated how his election was funded and Zenith Bank that he said funded his election has not denied doing so.”

    Fayose may not be able to travel abroad for a while because of the ongoing investigation of about N4.745billion slush funds traced to him, ex-Minister of Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and  firms linked to a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore

    Fayose risks arrest in some countries, especially the United Kingdom where he is not covered by the immunity clause in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Some of his former colleagues, the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Joshua Dariye, were arrested and quizzed by the London Metropolitan Police when they underwent a similar investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Federal Government has a number of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with more countries which may make foreign trips difficult for Fayose.

    The EFCC has launched a manhunt for two aides of Obanikoro.

    They are Ms Idowu Oshodi and Olalekan Ogunseye, who the EFCC believes have travelled out of the country.

    Idowu is believed to be in London. The anti-graft agency is “collaborating with the relevant agencies in the UK for appropriate action about her”.

    The clues available to the EFCC suggest that Ogunseye must have gone to the United States, it was learnt.

    Although  Ikenna  Ezekwe was invited, the EFCC did not find  anything linking him with the alleged fraud.

    According to sources, Fayose has been technically watch-listed by the EFCC since he is under investigation.

    A source said: “With his accounts frozen, Fayose is already technically watch-listed by the EFCC. His immunity does not go beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    “ Nigeria now has a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty(MLAT) with many countries and we are not obliged to make the list available to any governor or political office holder.

    “He has the option of staying at home or taking a risk to travel abroad like some governors did in the past and face the wrath of the law. Some of these slush funds drawn from the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) have their accounts domiciled abroad.

    “Whatever is the case, we are going ahead with the ongoing investigation of the governor, ex-Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro and  some firms linked to a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore.”

    Ms. Idowu is  a director of  Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons,  which  was allegedly used to launder the N4.745billion.

    Oshodi, who owns 299,000 shares in Mcnamara, is said to be living in London after parting ways with the Obanikoros.

    The top source added: “We need to interact with Oshodi and Ogunseye or else we may be forced to declare them wanted if they do not honour our invitation. At a point, Ogunseye was a signatory to the account of Mcnamara.”

    One of those who know how the N4.745billion was shared by Fayose, Obanikoro and Omisore opened up yesterday.

    The source said: “It is true the cash was transferred from ONSA to the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited. I don’t know  why all the key actors have not owned up  at all. The EFCC did a thorough job on this scandal; there is no doubt about it.

    “When the cash came, Fayose actually got about N2.2billion, not the N1.219billion being reported. Also,  about N1.7billion was transferred into the accounts of some companies for Omisore. There are records of all these transfers to these firms for Omisore in some banks.

    “Out of the hefty sum,  only N800million was allocated to Obanikoro because it was not yet time for the 2015 poll.”

    “The ex-Minister actually chartered a plane which ran two flights to Akure Airport on the day the cash was delivered to Fayose.

    “Obanikoro was accompanied by a DSS operative and his Aide-de-Camp from the Nigerian Navy. They were on the chartered plane with him. All these officers are still in service; they knew what transpired. The flight manifest is with FAAN. Those who loaded the cash onto the plane are alive.

    “At the appropriate time, some of us will come out to testify on what we knew about the slush funds.”

     

  • Account freezing: I’ll challenge EFCC in court, says Omisore

    Account freezing: I’ll challenge EFCC in court, says Omisore

    Former Chairman, Senate Commiittee  on Appropriation Iyiola Omisore has vowed to challenge the  freezing of his account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

    A statement by Omisore, a former deputy governor of Osun State, noted that he was neither on trial nor had been found guilty of any offence to warrant the freezing of his account.

    He also wondered why the anti-graft body would resort to “media trial and falsehood”, rather than wait for the court to decide on any allegation against him.

    The statement reads: “EFCC is known for spreading rumours. Freezing my account shall amount to the tyranny and illegality acts! I won’t be surprised if EFCC can be dodging court summons, declaring me wanted and evading service! I shall ask the court to compel them to unfreeze such account, because I’m neither on trial nor found guilty.

    “Rather than pursuing legal means to ensure justice, it has instead resorted to media trial and falsehood, which wouldn’t prosper under any guise.

    “I didn’t take money from the NSA! Why this political trial-prosecution, intimidation and humiliation?

    “EFCC won’t stop at any height to blackmail opposition. My AIT (African Independent Television) programme has attracted another falsehood to harass me! Only a few days ago, I accused EFCC of dodging court summons! I didn’t collect any money from the ONSA, I insist. I have not had any dealings with the ONSA. Last time, it was N700 million, today, it’s N1.3bn.Nigerians should be expecting higher multipliers in future! There is no such money in my account. Let the EFCC bring all findings to the court, instead of media hype.”

     

  • Businesswoman docked over N7.4m fraud

    A businesswoman, Helen Ogunniwa, who allegedly obtained a truck load of vegetable oil worth N7.4 million from a business associate, was on Monday docked before a Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

    Ogunniwa was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of fraud and issuance of dud cheque, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The Prosecutor, Miss Elizabeth Oyedotun, told the court that the accused committed the offences on August 23, 2014 in Lagos.

    She said the accused fraudulently obtained a truck load of vegetable oil worth N7.4 million from one Alhaja Jumoke Yusuf of Bakro-Jummy Industries Limited.

    Oyedotun said the accused obtained the goods under the pretext of paying back the money realised from the proceeds.

    She said the accused did not pay the money but rather issued a bank cheque worth N7.4 million which was dishonoured on presentation due to insufficient funds.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 1 (2) and (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

    She said the offences also contravened Section 1 (1) of the Dishonoured Cheques Offences Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004 and urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending trial.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Counsel to the accused, Mr. Joseph Opute, urged the court to grant her bail on liberal terms.

     

  • EFCC charges ex-Air Force chiefs with N21b fraud

    EFCC charges ex-Air Force chiefs with N21b fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a money laundering charge against Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (rtd) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    He was charged along with Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga.

    Companies named in the charge are Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon Health Care Ltd.

    EFCC accused them of converting N21billion from the Nigeria Air Force around March 5, 2014 in Lagos.

    They were also accused of concealing “proceeds of crime” and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 17(a).

    The accused persons were accused of using the companies to convert and conceal the money.

    Air Marshal Nunayon and Air Vice Marshal Adigun were said to have, between July 17 and September 16, 2014,  allegedly removed over N663.4million from the Nigerian Air Force accounts to purchase properties at  50-52 Tenterden Grove, London (NW4 1TH) and at 93B Shirehall Park, LondonNW4 2QU, United Kingdom.

    They were accused of buying 40A, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, with N900million, and a property at Sinari Daranijo in Victoria Island with N1.5billion.

    EFCC said they also bought a property named as Cappadol Mall at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II Abuja, for N750million, as well as a property worth over N1.7billion at Agobogba Street, Parkview, Ikoyi Lagos, using the airforce’s money.

    Other properties they allegedly bought using Air Force’s funds include one at Salt Lake Street, Maitama, Abuja; one at Agadez Street off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja; 61A, Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja; and one at 1, River Street, Wuse II Abuja using alleged stolen funds.

    Between last March 6 and April 30, the accused allegedly used N428,139,539.00 removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to renovate and purchase medical equipment for Solomon HealthCare Ltd situate at 24th Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos.

    Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo Isiokuwa, who signed the charge, said 42 witnesses will testify when trial begins.

    Count one read: “That You, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil and Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds and Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd on or about the 5th day of March, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Conversion of the sum of N21,467,634,707.43, property of the Nigerian Air Force, which sum was derived from stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

    EFCC said the accused converted and concealed the sums, which they “reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing.”

  • Ekiti Assembly caucus to: EFCC stop intimidating Fayose

    Members of the National Assembly caucus in both the Senate and House of Representatives from Ekiti State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against allowing itself to be used by the Federal Government to intimidate or harass Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    The caucus condemned the freezing of the bank accounts of the governor by the EFCC, describing it as absolutely illegal and an affront to the Constitution.

    The statement signed on behalf of the caucus by the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the freezing of the bank accounts belonging to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose by the EFCC and we wish to state that the actions violates the Constitution of Nigeria, which conferred immunity on the governor and the EFCC Act, which mandates the Commission to obtain a valid court order before bank accounts of anyone can be frozen”.

    “It is trite that the condition precedent to be fulfilled by the EFCC to fully exercise its powers as enshrined in Section 34(1) of the EFCC Act, with effect to the freezing order on banks and other financial Institutions was not met. Ditto for the fact that for the court to make such an order, there must be papers (Court Process) filed in court and signed by a Judge.”

    “By the provision of Section 308 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), no suit can be instituted against any sitting Governor in any court in Nigeria. Therefore, no process of the court can be issued, signed or served against  Mr. Ayodele  Fayose, being a sitting Governor.”

  • Freezing of Fayose’s account lawful- SERAP

    Freezing of Fayose’s account lawful- SERAP

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), an NGO, says the freezing of Gov. Ayodele Fayose’s account by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is lawful under Section 308 of the 1999 constitution and international law.

    The Executive Director of SERAP, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

    “The freezing of accounts of sitting governors and other high-ranking public officials accused of corruption is essential for the flow of investigation which is allowed under Section 308.’’

    The group explained that “the freezing of the account is a preventive measure which is necessary for the conduct of an effective investigation of allegations of corruption involving former National Security Adviser Sambo Dazuki”.

    “Specifically, Article 30 of the UN Convention against Corruption entrenches a functional notion of immunity; that is, it attaches to the office and not the office holder.

    “Under Article 30, states are required to ensure that immunity of public officials is not used as a ploy to frustrate prosecution of cases involving other persons such as Dazuki, accused of corruption.

    “SERAP believes without the freezing of the accounts of Fayose by the EFCC, the investigation and adjudication of corruption and money laundering allegations involving the former National Security Adviser may be undermined, which will directly violate Article 30 requirements.

    “Similarly, Article 31 of the convention covers the ‘what’ and not the ‘who’. It allows states to take measures to identify, trace, restrain, seize or freeze property that might be the object of an eventual confiscation order.

    “One such measure provided for under the provision is to ensure that anticorruption bodies such as the EFCC can adopt provisional measures including freezing of assets involved in suspicious transaction reports, at the very outset of an investigation.

    “According to the UN Technical Guide on the interpretation of the convention, ‘to be effective, restraint, seizure or freezing measures by anticorruption agencies should be taken ex parte and without prior notice.

    “Where judicial authorisation is required, the procedure should be fashioned in such a manner as not to delay the authorization and frustrate the procedure,’’ the statement reads in part.

    The group further argued that the agency receiving the suspicious report is empowered to decide upon a provisional freezing, and its decision is subject to judicial confirmation.

    It added that the assets involved in the transaction without tipping off its client, and for a short period of time within which a competent authority must decide whether to keep the assets frozen or not.

    “In both cases, the decision is moved forward in order to increase efficiency and allow for timely freezing.”

    “The objective of this in rem procedure of freezing is a temporary immobilisation of any account pending investigation into allegations of corruption cases.

    “Freezing of accounts only covers the rem and is different from confiscation which is linked to the conviction of a defendant that could only be adopted in personam.

    “This is in keeping with the general principles of international law, as provided under customary international law and articulated in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969.

    “It provides that a state cannot invoke domestic law as a defence for failing to implement an international obligation.

    “Immunity shouldn’t be available to bar effective investigation of corruption cases including freezing of accounts because such cases are entirely unrelated to the legitimate exercise of constitutional powers by public officials.

    “Immunity doesn’t mean impunity and a licence for serving high-ranking public officials including governors to imply that they are untouchable in cases of allegations of corruption against them.

    “In several cases, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has made it clear that immunity under Section 308 is not absolute and does not bar investigation of serving high-ranking public officials such as Governor Fayose.

    “Including relating to allegations of corruption. International and regional courts have also circumscribed the application of immunity in corruption matters,” it emphasised.

    SERAP notes that apart from the UN Convention against Corruption, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, which Nigeria has ratified, also endorsed such investigation.

    The AU convention also stipulates mandatory provisions requiring states to restrict the scope of application immunity for public officials in corruption matters.

    The Commonwealth has also urged member states to commit themselves to take active steps to ensure the removal of immunity in corruption cases.

    “As provided by the UN through the Technical Guide to the UN Convention against Corruption, Article 30 of the convention allows for sanctions which take into account the gravity of allegations of corruption.

    “It requires states to strike an appropriate balance between immunity of public officials and the need to tackle corruption and achieve effective law enforcement.
    “Article 30 even provides for the reversing of burden of proof in order to facilitate the determination of the origin of proceeds of corruption.

    “This is different from a reversal of the burden of proof regarding the elements of the offence which is directly linked with the presumption of innocence.

    “The spirit of the 1999 Constitution as reflected in Chapters 3 and 4 include the prevention of corruption and promotion of transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and good governance.

    “The chapters establish standards of conduct for the correct, honourable and proper fulfilment of public functions. Clearly, these principles are the very antithesis of high-level official corruption,’’ it sated.

    SERAP therefore believes that the Fayose case provides an important opportunity for the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to approach the Supreme Court to test the scope of application.

    “It’s very unlikely that in the current situation of our country the Supreme Court will extend the application of Section 308 to grand corruption cases.

    “It would be inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the constitution and the principles it entrenches if serving senior public officials suspected of corruption are able to use Section 308 to shield themselves from criminal liability.

    “It would amount to a travesty of justice for Section 308 to be interpreted in a manner that will render sitting governors and other high-ranking public officials effectively above and beyond the reach of the law.

    “SERAP also notes the EFCC Report on the investigation of 31 former governors while in office, which was presented to the National Assembly in 2006 by the former Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Nuhu Ribadu.’’

    The Report, which was accepted and adopted by the National Assembly, documented the cases and indictments against the former governors.

    Besides, SERAP renewed its call to Mr Malami to take steps to take over the cases and prosecute all 31 former governors suspected of official corruption while in office.

  • DSS, EFCC: Age of Intolerance creeps upon Nigeria

    DSS, EFCC: Age of Intolerance creeps upon Nigeria

    A day after he was ordered to be released or produced in court, the Department of State Service (DSS) finally presented to the public the distressed and presumably ill Ekiti lawmaker, Afolabi Akanni. He had been arrested on March 4 and taken to Abuja to answer questions on allegations the secret service says pertain to national security. To compound the situation and not be seen as disobeying court orders, the DSS has cleverly evaded service of court warrant to produce the House of Assembly member. The presentation of Hon. Akanni to the public last Thursday was forced only when protests were beginning to gather steam in Ekiti on the rumour that the lawmaker was dead in custody.

    Similarly, despite court orders, both the Nigerian Army and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had by last Thursday yet to release Col. Nicholas Ashinze, a former aide to former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.). The EFCC claimed he was no longer in their custody, while the army only gave indications that he would soon be released. Obviously, as Justice Yusuf Haliru of an Abuja High Court said last week, many state agencies, taking cue from the presidency, were beginning to act above the state and the law.

    Gradually, Nigeria is being Turkenized, a condition in which the form of democracy prevails but the substance is either inexistent or insignificant. In Turkey, citing threats to the republic, the government intimidates the courts, abridges civil liberties, and muzzles the press. Yet, elections take place amidst colour and flourish, with the outcomes taken as a plebiscite on the government’s draconian and antidemocratic measures. In December, President Muhammadu Buhari had suggested during a media chat that both Col. Dasuki (retd.) and Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, would not be released from detention either because they might jump bail or because their lawbreaking propensity was egregious. He instantly appeared to foreclose whatever decisions the courts might reach. Indeed, months later, the foreclosed cases have been given teeth.

    It is trite that arbitration between the government and citizens, or any two disputants, takes place in the courts. What is, however, increasingly evident now is that the government and the security agencies may prefer the courts to rubber stamp their wishes rather than arbitrate. To reach this position and inoculate the public against complaints over the government’s oppressive inclination, the government and the security agencies are framing the narrative simplistically in such a manner as to portray the ongoing national struggle for an ethical society as pro- and anti-corruption. Civil liberties, they insist, are a luxury when compared with the evil, chaos and deaths the corrupt and corruption have engendered.

    Neither the EFCC nor the DSS seems conscious of the fact that their modus operandi is beginning to look like a throwback to the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Both organisations are apparently conscious of support all the way to the top, and they will defy the courts as much as they can, or as cleverly as they can manage. The DSS, for instance, claimed not to be aware of any court order to release Hon. Akanni, when reports suggested it had evaded service. The EFCC and DSS are conscious of the fact that the imperceptive members of the public are with them all the way. Unobtrusively, therefore, the freedoms Nigerians have taken for granted since 1999 are beginning to be denuded, inch by inch, yard by yard, until they are made to reconcile themselves to living in socially and politically constricted environment.

    Despite individual preferences — whether political or social — and differences in opinion regarding the course of the anti-corruption war, it is time Nigerians woke up to the ongoing gradual attenuation of their liberties. If they are not vigilant enough, they would soon find themselves battling an entrenched system of repression made worse by a unitary government masquerading as a federal government. The Ekiti government may be opprobrious, and some of its officials and state lawmakers may even be insufferable; yet, these are no excuses to endorse the government’s underhand methods. Nigerians may resent Col. Ashinze’s connection with Col. Dasuki (retd.), but it is also not an excuse to turn a blind eye to the systematic winnowing of constitutional provisions that guarantee the dignity of the human person. If the courts order the release of Col. Ashinze and Hon. Akanni, and both the army and the DSS cannot vacate the orders and secure fresh warrants to keep them, they must be told in unmistakable terms that they have become as lawless as those they are trying to prosecute, if not worse.

  • EFCC arrests ex-Kebbi gov over N450m PDP campaign fund

    EFCC arrests ex-Kebbi gov over N450m PDP campaign fund

    The Kano Zone of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC) has arrested and detained the former governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakingari.

    A statement by the media head of Kano Zone of EFCC, Mr Medard Ehimika, yesterday in Kano disclosed that Dakingari is being quizzed on his involvement in the sharing of N450 million Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign slush fund.

    He is also expected to explain how N550 million state funds were diverted to his party, the PDP, during the 2015 Presidential campaign.

    The statement added that Dakingari is cooperating with EFCC operatives in their investigations and that developments would be made available as they emerge.

  • EFCC arrests ex- Kebbi governor over PDP campaign fund

    EFCC arrests ex- Kebbi governor over PDP campaign fund

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday in Kano arrested and detained former Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakingari.

    The ex-governor is being quizzed over his involvement in the sharing of N450 million Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign fund.

    Also, he is been asked to explain how another N550 million state funds were diverted to the PDP during the 2015 presidential campaign.

    The Head of Media for the EFCC in Kano State, Mr. Medard Ehimika, disclosed these in a statement on Friday afternoon.

    The statement said the ex-governor is cooperating with EFCC operatives in their investigations.

     

  • ‘I have no case with EFCC’

    ‘I have no case with EFCC’

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, has said that he has no case with the Economic and  Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Obaseki said reports linking him with a  case with the anti-graft body is false, adding that political foes are at work.

    The flag bearer, who spoke with reporters in benin City, the state capital, added: “I don’t have a case with EFCC. I am in the board of several companies and this company in question is a German company and I served on their board and they had a partner who died many years ago and unfortunately, his estate has not been properly managed.

    “His other businesses have gone bankrupt and there is a petition from their children claiming that this company was owing their father, but there was the agreement this company had with the children several years ago where what was due to the estate was paid.

    “We have been seeing it in the papers. It is a family having quarrels and all sorts of internal issues. So,  they wrote to the EFCC and other bodies. So, if somebody is owing you money, are there no courts to go? Is it not a civil matter? But, I didn’t manage the company. I was just a shareholder. I don’t have anything there. But, you know being in politics, you expect everything.”

    Obaseki gave an insight into the king of government he will run,  if he wins the September 10 election. He promised tp run an all-inclusive government by using technology, thereby reducing the cost of governance.

    The Chairman of the Edo State Economic Team said the APC will go into the election as one family, adding that he is carrying along other former aspirants.

    He said: “One thing I will want to do is to use technology to run government, a smart government because we don’t have money.We don’t have the kind money we used to have. So, one innovation, which we started with the Comrade Governor, is the use of the ICT. We are going to move up to a much higher level so that we can give a lot efficiency from the little money we have.”

    Shedding light on how he emerged as the candidate, despite his perception by some party leaders as a neophyte, Obaseki said he approached the primary as if it was a general election.

    He stressed:”I went round the 18 local governments. I said if this an election of party delegates, then, we should go and campaign to them and I just came up with a strategy where I had to meet every delegate. It was not just sufficient to say we have met with the leaders; I have spoken to them and I expect that they will spread the word down through. For the responsibility I am seeking to get, I thought I needed to know a lot much more. So, I ran a delegate election as if it was a full blown election. I went to every of the 192 wards and I tried to understand the structure of governance in each ward.”