The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekiti State Governor

  • ‘How Fayose, Obanikoro, Dasuki shared N4.7b’ – EFCC

    ‘How Fayose, Obanikoro, Dasuki shared N4.7b’ – EFCC

    *Court remands Ekiti Gov’s ally in Kuje prison

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday gave details of how Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, former National Security Adviser (NSA),  Sambo Dasuki and ex-Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro  allegedly removed N4,685,723,000 from the account of the Office of the NSA (ONSA), which they subsequently distributed.

    The EFCC, which formally arraigned an associate of Fayose, Abiodun Agbele before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday  in relation to the purportedly diverted funds, made public its findings on how the money was allegedly distributed.

    The commission, in a court document, said its investigation into the “alleged dissipation of public funds and abuse of office” by Dasuki led it discover that between April 4 and November 13, 2014 Obanikoro conspired with Fayose and Dasuki “to fraudulently remove the sum of N4,685,723,000 from the account of ONSA, which sum was fraudulently transferred to a company known as Sylvan Mcnamara  Ltd, with account No; 0026223714 domiciled with Diamond Bank Plc.

    “Upon the receipt of the proceeds of crime, Musliu Obanikoro (the then Minister of Defence for State) fraudulently conveyed the sum of N1,219,490,000 to Akure to the use of Mr. Ayodele Fayose. On the 17th and 18th day of June 2014, one Mr. Alade Oluseye (staff of Zenith Bank, Akure branch) in company of defendant/applicant (Abiodun Agbele, a front of Mr. Ayodele fayose) went to the Akure Airport and took delivery of the said sum from Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro and others.

    “On the 18th June 2014 the appellant, Abiodun Agbele received an instruction Mr. Ayodele Fayose to collect the money and he thereafter made cash deposit in the sum of N219,490,000 to De privateer Ltd account No:1013835889 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc. Agbele is the operator and sole signatory of the Zenith Bank Plc account No:1013835889 belonging to De Privateer Ltd.

    “On the 19th of June 2014 the defendant/applicant also made cash deposit in the sum of N300,000,000 being proceeds from the N1,219,490,000 into the said De privateer Ltd account. On 23rd the defendant/applicant deposited the sum of N200,000,000 into Zenith Bank account No: 1003126654 in the name of Ayodele Fayose.

    “The defendant/applicant, in further dissipating the funds, being proceeds of the crime, carried out various transactions including payments to Spotless Investment Ltd, Still Earth Ltd, etc on the instruction and for the benefit of Mr. Ayodele Fayose,” the EFCC said in a counter affidavit filed against a bail application by Agbale.

    Earlier, the court took Agbele’s plea on the 11-count charge of money laundering brought against him and three companies – Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd, De Privateer Ltd and Spotless Investment Ltd. He pleaded not guilty following which his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued his bail application, to which lead prosecution lawyer, Jonson Ojogbane objected on the grounds that Agbele would jump bail and interfere with prosecution witnesses if granted bail.

    A detective with the EFCC, Samson Oloje, who deposed to the counter-affidavit, described Agbele as “a flight risk” and that he has “perfected plans to flee from the country until he was arrested.

    “The applicant in conjunction with Musiliu Obanikoro (now at large) colluded to move and aid the escape of Olalekan Ogunseye, a principal suspect in this case, out of Nigeria and if released on bail, will also flee from jurisdiction.

    “The defendant/applicant, prior to his arrest, was still in contact with the said Olalekan and plans have also been concluded to get the defendant out of the country by Musiliu Obanikoro and his principal, Ayodele Fayose, the Governor of Ekiti State.”

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, after listening to arguments by parties on the bail application, adjourned to today for ruling. He ordered that Agbele be remanded in Kuje prison pending the ruling.

    In count one of the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/154/2016, Agbele is accused of conspiring with Obanikoro (now at large), Sylvan Mcnamara ltd, A. O. Adewale (now at large), Tunde Oshinowo (now at large) and Olalekan Ogunseye (now at large), while being sole signatory to the Zenith Bank account  of Sylvan Mcnamara ltd,  between April 4 and November 13, 2014 “to commit illegal act to wit: laundering the sum of N4,685,723,000,000 being sum transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser with Central Bank of Nigeria by Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

    He was, in count two, alleged to have worked with banikoro, Lt. A. O. Adewale (now at large) and Dr. Tunde Oshinowo (now at large) “on or about 17th of June 2015 directly take possession or control of the sum of N1,219,000,000 being part of the N4,685,723,000,000” allegedly removed from the ONSA account with CBN..

    Agbele was in counts three, accused of paying N100milion into a Zenith Bank account No: 1010170969 belonging to Spotles Investment Ltd around June 17, 2015. He was, in count five said to have around June 18, 2014 “di retain the sum of N219,490,000 in Zenith Bank account number 1013835889 belonging to De Privateer  Ltd (while he was the company’s Managing Director).

    Agbele was accused, in count eight, of transferring, on or about 26th June 2014, N137m “into the account of fayose Ayodele domiciled in Zenith Bank, Akure branch with account number: 1003126654,” when he ought to have reasonably known that the funds formed part of the proceeds of “unlawful activity of Dasuki and Obanikoro to wit: Criminal breach of trust and fraud.”

    The defendant was further accused, in count 11 of converting about N263m to personal use while he was the Director of Finance and Account of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) around June 17, 2015.

  • Stomach infrastructure program is way of life – Fayose

    Stomach infrastructure program is way of life – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has described his Stomach Infrastructure Program as a way of life which he is not ready to jettison anytime soon.
    Fayose made this assertion while speaking with journalists after a special session with widows from across the state at Funmilayo Olayinka Women Development Centre, Fajuyi, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
    Promising to continue with his best in making the widows happy, the Governor assured them that he’ll ensure their quota in the poverty alleviation scheme whereby N5,000 will be paid to ten thousand beneficiaries is well protected.
    “It’s an ongoing thing, we didn’t just start today, today’s program is meant to alleviate the suffering of the people, to help them in keeping body and soul together,  this is the one for the widows, we have done for people in some other sectors that needs to be supported.
    “It’s a way of life, we are doing it continuously and we’ll not stop.
    The #5,000 monthly stipend we talked about, it’s about our poverty alleviation package of #5,000 per person, though it cannot go round at a time,  we will ensure we maximize the number of beneficiaries from the widow’s category, we’ll make sure they get the stipend, and on time too,” the governor said.
    Participants at the program went home with food items and some cash, they appreciated the government’s kind gesture and  urged the governor to make it a regular exercise.

  • Court faults EFCC’s detention of Fayose’s associate

    Court faults EFCC’s detention of Fayose’s associate

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja came down hard on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Thursday, faulting its procedure of arrest and detention of suspects.

    Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, in a judgment Thursday, noted that the EFCC has of recent, engaged in unwaranted violation of citizens’ rights through wrongful detention before investigation.

    Justice Adeniyi advised the commission to adopt the practice in civilised societies where arrests are not effected until after investigation was concluded.

    He said where arrest and detention was necessary; they must be effected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

    The judge spoke in a judgment he delivered Thursday in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by an associate of Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, Abiodun Agbele, through his lawyers, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo

    Justice Adeniyi, who faulted EFCC’s continued detention of Agbele since July 1 this year when he was brought from Lagos to Abuja, granted him bail, ordered his release and directed the EFCC to return all his seized property if after 21 days he is not charged to court.

    The judge granted Agbele bail at N50million and one surety, who must be either a responsible Nigerian with verifiable means of livelihood or a director in either Federal agency or an agency of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The surety is also to own a property in Abuja and must possess evidence of tax payment for the last three years.

    Justice Adeniyi also awarded N5m compensation for Agbele, to be paid by the EFCC for his unlawful detention.

    The EFCC had arrested Agbele in Lagos on June 28 and has kept him in its custody on the grounds that it was investigating him in relation to the N1, 299, 490,000 it said was found in a Zenith Bank account.

    EFCC said the amount was proceeds of economic and financial crime in which Agbele “was found to have allegedly assisted in receiving and concealing in conspiracy with the former Defence Minister, Musiliu Obanikoro and the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.”

    EFCC said it obtained a remand warrant from a Magistrate Court in Lagos on June 30 to keep Agbele for 14 days, but moved him to Abuja on July 1. It later applied to a Magistrate Court in Abuja on July 13 for another remand warrant, two days after Agbele had initiated his suit.

    Justice Adeniyi noted that the EFCC had detained the applicant in its custody in Abuja since July 1 till date, without taking him before a court, as required under sub-sections 4 and 5 of Section 35 of the Constitution.

    He faulted the reasons given by the EFCC to justify its continued detention of the applicant to the effect that the remand order obtained by the EFCC from a Magistrate Court in Ogba, Lagos on June 30 cannot cover his detention in Abuja.

    The judge also faulted EFCC’s claim that the applicant was still in its custody because he was unable to meet the conditions of the administrative bail it granted him.

    Justice Adeniyi noted that EFCC’s decision to obtain a fresh remand order from a Magistrate Court in Abuja on July 13, and its objection to the applicant’s bail application were contrary its claim to have granted bail to the applicant.

    The judge faulted the remand order obtained by the EFCC on July 13 in Abuja on the ground that it was obtained after Agbele had filed his suit on July 11, which was served on the EFCC on July 12.

    He said the order was granted by the Magistrate under a wrong impression and that the EFCC acted in bad faith with the sole intention of foisting a state of helplessness on the court.

    The judge was of the view that the right to personal liberty granted to every Nigerian citizen under Section 35(1) of the Constitution could only be curtail only in the six circumstances provided in paragraphs A to F of Section 35(1) of the Constitution.

    He noted that the circumstance that is applicable to the Agbele case is that provided in Sub-section 1(c) of the Constitution.

    The judge observed that by virtue of the constitutional provision, part of the conditions under which the Constitution permits the curtailment of a citizen’s fundamental right to personal liberty is where the curtailment is for the purpose of bringing such a citizen before a court in execution of the order of a court; or upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed a criminal offence or to such extent as may be reasonably necessary to prevent his committing a criminal offence.

    He noted that although the decision of the reasonableness of the suspicion upon which a suspect could be arrested could be determined by the arresting authority, such arrest cannot be at large.

    “My finding therefore is that the two main grounds upon which the respondent had attempted to justify the continued detention of the applicant do not hold water in law. And as such, I must not hesitate to hold that the detention of the applicant by the respondent in her custody in Abuja from July 1 to July 13 in the first instance, without a valid court order constitutes a violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights to personal liberty.

    “My view, without mincing words, is that the act of the respondent, in rushing to a Magistrate Court to obtain a remand warrant to keep the applicant in custody after being served with the applicant’s originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights is illegal and unconstitutional and clearly smacks of unbridled high-handedness and disdain of the authority of this court.

    “Obviously, the act was aimed at undermining the instant suit and to present the court with a situation of fait accompli.

    “This court, as indeed every court, committed to the sustenance of rule of law, justice and fairness in the fledging Nigerian democracy, without hesitation, hereby deprecate in strong terms, the action in the instant case, for the reason that the applicant had already ran to this court to seek refuge and protection of his already violated fundamental human rights, which include the right not to be inordinately and unlawfully detained, and the respondent, being aware of the instant suit, seeking to obtain a remand warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court, the said warrant shall be of no effect as far as this present action (case) is concerned. And this court shall give it no legal recognition.

    “It is apposite at this time to remark that the court, particularly the Magistrate Courts must be extremely wary in allowing the security agencies to hide under the remand procedure prescribed in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in order to secure somewhat, automatic remand warrant in order to keep citizens in detention indefinitely without justification.

    “In my opinion, such remand warrant should only be granted in exceptional circumstances, where it is strong that the process of investigation makes it imperative to keep the suspect in detention, and as well as in line with the spirit of the Constitution.

    “The obligation of the court to grant the remand warrant ought always to be balanced with the need to ensure the protection of the suspect’s constitutional right to personal liberty and presumption of innocent,” the judge said.

    “He rejected the argument by the applicant’s lawyers that the provisions of sections 293 and 294 of the ACJA are inconsistent with the provision of Section 35(5) of the Constitution and unconstitutional.

    By mu understanding, the power and procedure for remand of s suspect, made pursuant to the provisions of sections 293 to 299 of the ACJA are not at large or unfettered. They are clearly in consonant with the provisions of sections 35(1), (4) & (5) of the Constitution.

    The judge who declared the EFCC’s continued detention of Agbele without a valid remand warrant unlawful and a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty awarded N5m compensation in his favour to be paid by the EFCC.

    “In the present case, the respondent’s conduct to continue to keep the applicant in detention without charging him to court and without taking him before a court of competent jurisdiction are prima facie acts of gross abuse of power, impunity, arbitrariness and arrogant disposition of Executive might.

    “This disposition of the respondent must not only be condemned in very strong terms, but must also attract significant monetary damage in the circumstances,” he said.

    The judge said his decision to award damages against the EFCC was in consideration of the facts of the case and “the fact that this court takes judicial notice of the frequency of brazen and arbitrary violation of the fundamental rights of hapless citizens by the officers and agents of the respondent.”

    The judge, while granting bail to the applicant, noted that the offences for which Agbele was arrested were bailable.

    He stated that the EFCC failed to substantiate its claim that the applicant will jump bail.

  • Fayose’s conduct shameful, says Sheriff

    Fayose’s conduct shameful, says Sheriff

    . . .I ‘m in charge of PDP’s bank accounts

    Embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has described the public conduct of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose as shameful.

    Sheriff was responding to statements by Fayose to the effect that he was removed as chairman because he was scheming for the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP and was also baiting some party chieftains with the vice presidential ticket.

    But at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Sheriff said, “I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor so I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behaviour”.

    He denied scheming for the party’s presidential ticket, saying “I never told anybody I wanted to run for president and I did not promise anybody the vice presidential ticket. I have decided not to join issues with Fayose”.

    To buttress his claim to the chairmanship of the party, Sheriff said the National Working Committee (NWC) under him is in charge of the bank accounts of the PDP, to the exclusion of the Makarfi led caretaker committee.

    “Myself and the Treasurer who is also a member of the NWC are signatories to the bank accounts of the PDP. Makarfi may also open another account in the name of his caretaker committee if he wished”, Sheriff said.

    The former Borno state Governor said he had forgiven Makarfi and his committee members for their failed attempt to take over the party and invited them to rejoin the PDP under his leadership.

    Said he, “There is only one PDP, which is the one under my leadership. Anyone who thinks that the Makarfi contraption can work is deceiving himself. I am the only chairman of the PDP recognised by the courts, the constitution and the Electoral Act.

    “I became chairman because the PDP chose me to lead the party. So I won’t sit by and watch some people mess up the party. I am here to correct what had gone wrong with state congresses conducted by the party”.

    Sheriff then went ahead to inaugurate a separate committee to conduct fresh primaries to pick a candidate for the party in the upcoming Edo state governorship election.

    He named a serving senator, Hope Uzodinma as chairman of the committee and a former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak as secretary.

    According to him, three aspirants had already obtained nomination forms for a fee of N10 million each, saying that the money had been deposited in the party’s bank account.

    Sheriff announced that he would soon convene the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to ratify the candidature of the winner of the Edo primary election to be conducted by the Uzodinma committee.

    “After that, we will forward the name of our governorship candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the July 10 deadline set by the commission for the submission of candidates”, he said.

    He declared as “null and void” the primary election conducted by the Makarfi committee, and which produced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the governorship candidate of the party for Edo state.

    Sheriff dismissed as false, claims by the Makarfi committee that INEC monitored the Edo governorship primary election it conducted, saying the commission had debunked the claim.

    Party chieftains that identified with Sheriff as chairman and who were present at the event were Uzodinma, Gulak, Senator Buruji Kashamu and Mrs. Mariam Ali.

    Others are former Imo state Governor, Ikedi Ohakim; former PDP vice chairman (South-South), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; PDP Southwest zonal chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe; a former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Kasim Gbolarunmi; Senator Saidu Kumo; Mrs. Esther Audu.

    Also at the event were Prof. Wale Oladipo and Fatai Adeyanju who are still laying claim to the positions of National Secretary and National Auditor respectively.

  • Freezing of Fayose’s account: PDP accuses Buhari of tyranny, witch-hunt

    Freezing of Fayose’s account: PDP accuses Buhari of tyranny, witch-hunt

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the freezing of the personal bank account of Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose as tyrannical and a witch-hunt.

    The party said it has been observing with dismay, the  dangerous trend of politically motivated trials and tyrannical administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress (APC) demanding that the ruling party must stop the witch-hunt in the interest of peace and stability of the nation.

    In a statement Wednesday by PDP’ interim spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party said the freezing of the governor’s account was unlawful, undemocratic, autocratic, oppressive, draconian “and to say the least, the height of desperation by the Buhari administration to cover up for its failure to deliver on his campaign promises to Nigerians”.

    Adeyeye said events in the country in recent times have shown that President Buhari and the APC have no agenda for nation building but on a revenge mission.

    He said, “This government is all out to silence any voice of the opposition. Nigerians will recall that Chief Olisa Metuh, the former National Publicity Secretary of our great party is today standing trial for receiving campaign funds and since his arrest and prosecution by the anti-graft agency, Chief Metuh could not challenge the APC government on policy issues until he left office.

    “Nigerians will also recall that one of the known opposition voices, apart from some individuals and governors of our party that have exposed the APC led administration for running the country aground in the last one year is the former spokesman of the PDP presidential campaign organisation, Chief Femi Fani Kayode.

    “He is now standing trial for receiving campaign funds from the Director of Finance of the campaign. It’s now the turn of the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose who has been consistent in condemning the woes the APC government brought upon Nigerians and for remaining critical of the APC and President Buhari’s administration”.

    The party asked the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to free Fayose’s bank account immediately, saying that the action violated Section 308 of 1999 Constitution as a sitting governor cannot stand trial until after his tenure.

    “President Buhari and his party, the APC have introduced a dangerous trend in our polity and if this is not checked or curtailed immediately, Nigeria may be heading to an imperial-rule where the leader of the nation is a supreme ruler dictating who survives at the expense of the Nigerian Constitution”, the spokesman added.

    The PDP called on well-meaning Nigerians and all stakeholders in the Nigerian project who are still alive to rise up to the occasion and call the APC government to order before President Buhari “destroys our hard earned democracy”.

  • Alleged travel ban: Fayose petitions NHRC, UN, others

    Alleged travel ban: Fayose petitions NHRC, UN, others

    Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over claim that the Federal Government has placed travel ban on him.

    The petition filed on his behalf by the state’s House of Assembly also complained about the alleged refusal of an agent of the Fed Govt, the Department of State Services (DSS) to obey a Federal High Court judgment, ordering it to pay N5 million damages on the illegal arrest and detention for 18 days of a member of the House, Afolabi Akanni.

    The National Assembly, Amnesty International, Embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom were also copied with the petition.

    Fayose had recently written to Chinese government, urging it to refuse financial aid to the Nigerian government.

    The petition signed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kolawole Oluwawole, was submitted Tuesday in Abuja, to NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Professor Bem Angwe, who assured that his commission will investigate the petition.

    The Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Segun Adewumi who submitted the petition, was accompanied by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Gboyega Aribisogan and Chairman House Committee on Health, Dr Samuel Omotoso.

    The petition reads; “We write to bring to your attention another impending infringement on the rights of the Governor of our State, Mr Ayodele Fayose and by extension the entire Ekiti by the Federal Government.

    “A few weeks ago, our governor was reliably informed that President Mohammadu Buhari had directed that he should be banned from traveling outside Nigeria. This reliable information was to be confirmed through reports in two major national dailies on Sunday, May 29, 2016 titled; ‘2 govs under watch, face travel

    “From our findings, one of the governors being referred to is our own governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose and we wish to state like we have always done that we, the members of Ekiti State House of Assembly are with the governor on everything that he does.

    “Even ordinary Nigerians do not require clearance from the Department of State Services (DSS) or any security agency to travel outside Nigeria unless in compliance with court order, and as at today, there is no court order placing travel restriction on our governor, Ayodele Fayose. Issues concerning Governor Fayose cannot even be entertained in any court by virtue of the immunity he enjoys as provided in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “We however know as always that this latest plot is as a result of our governor’s critical stance on President Mohammadu Buhari’s government and its anti-people’s policies, and we make bold to say that no amount of intimidation, harassment and oppression will cowed the governor from exercising his fundamental rights to freedom of expression and to hold opinions as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

    “We are aware that this is coming as a result of the failure of the President Buhari led APC government’s plot to use the DSS to coerce the House of Assembly members into the plot of removing the governor.

    “We are also aware that plot to out-rightly take the governor ‘out of circulation’ cannot be ruled out as those advising President Buhari are said to be of the opinion that our governor has become a threat to his (Buhari) re-election bid and that everything must be done to ‘whip the governor to line’ before 2018.

    “Going by the antecedents of the President Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria and the DSS under the President’s kinsman, Alhaji Lawal Daura, it is certain that there is nothing that cannot be attempted, no matter how unlawful.

    “It should be recalled that this same DSS invaded the hallowed Chamber of the House of Assembly in our State, abducted our member, Hon Afolabi Akanni and kept him in detention for 18 days without access to anyone. Even when the court ordered that he should be released, the order was ignore. Up till today, no explanation was given for this arrest and detention.

    “It should also be recalled that on April 20th, 2016, the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, in Suit No. FHC/AD/CS/7/2016 ordered the DSS to pay a sum of N5 million to Hon Afolabi Akanni as damages for what the court termed unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional infringement of his fundamental rights. Up till today, that judgment has not been obeyed by the DSS.

    “It is therefore on the premise of display of arrogance and contempt for the laws of the country by the DSS under President Buhari that we elected to bring this latest plot to place Governor Ayodele Fayose on travel ban to your attention.

    “It is worrisome that the federal government will consider the idea of compelling a sitting governor in Nigeria that enjoys Constitutional Immunity like the President to obtain clearance from the Director General DSS, who is an appointee of the President before travelling out of Nigeria.

    “This to us is an affront on the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) more so that States, as federating units in Nigeria are not under the Federal Government, which itself is also a State and not superior to other federating units.

    “Section 35 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that; ‘Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of such liberty,’ Section 39 (1) provides that; ‘Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impact ideas and information without interference,’ while Section 41 (1) provides that ‘Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom.’

    “Article 13 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which Nigeria is a signatory provides that “Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the border of each State while Article 13 (2) provides that ‘Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and return to his country,’ ditto Article 12 (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    “By provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, ordinary Nigerians do not require clearance from the DSS or any security agency to travel outside Nigeria unless travel restriction is placed by an order of the court, not to talk of State Governors that enjoy immunity just like the President and are not under the control of the President.

    “Our question is; if Governor Fayose has become a threat to the security of Nigeria just because he criticises President Buhari and says the truth about his mis-governance of the country, what happens to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which provided for freedom of expression and freedom to hold opinions?

    “Most importantly, under a federal system of government, the states and national government both enjoy some autonomy, with sovereign power formally divided between the national government and the States such that each State retains some degree of control over its internal affairs.

    “However, it appears that the laws of Nigeria are not important to the President Mohammadu Buhari led government and it has become once again necessary that webring your attention to yet, another plot to subvert our rights as a State.

    “We wish to recall that in 1984 when President Buhari was a military Head of State, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was prevented from travelling outside Nigeria for medical treatment, thereby leading to his (Awolowo) untimely death in 1987.

    “The international passports of late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; late Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero and late Obi of Onitsha, Ofala Akulalia Alphonsus Ogugua were also seized and they were restricted to their palaces just because they travelled to Israel for business.

    “We therefore wish to state on behalf of Governor Ayodele Fayose that as an opposition figure, he cannot be cowed by this pettiness from the presidency.”

    Angwe commended members of the House of Assembly for their commitment to the sustenance of rule of law in the country and cooperation with the executive arm of government in Ekiti State.

  • Sawmillers, timber merchants honour Fayemi

    Sawmillers, timber merchants honour Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi was all smiles yesterday as a crowd of admirers poured encomiums on him.

    He was honoured by members of the Sawmillers’ Association and Timber Traders’ Association with the Distinguished Leadership Award.

    They said the Fayemi administration had improved the standard of living, adding that the state had been experiencing “unprecedented transformation”.

    The unions presented the award to the governor at a colourful rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The rally, which was attended by the unions’ members, caused a traffic gridlock in Okesa.

    Chairman of the Sawmillers’ Association Kayode Ogunrotifa said the union’s members were impressed by the administration’s policies and programmes, such as the empowerment of artisans, youths and traders; free health missions; payment of monthly stipends to senior citizens; road construction; and beautification of Ado-Ekiti, among others.

    Chairman of the Timber Traders’ Association Francis Adebayo lauded Fayemi for making Ekiti a model state, despite its limited resources.

    He said: “We are happy that you have made our state a model in Nigeria and with your wonderful performance so far, we have unanimously agreed to support you for another term. We are solidly behind your re-election, so that you can continue the good work you are doing in virtually all sectors.”

    Fayemi described the unions as important partners in the state’s development, saying his administration would continue to support them.

    He said Ekiti ranks among the major suppliers of timber in Nigeria, with the sub-sector providing employment opportunities for many people.

    The governor pledged to donate buses to the unions and look into their other demands.

    He said they contribute greatly to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    Fayemi said he would discuss with the Bank of Industry (BoI) on how to grant members of the unions loans, adding that the government would continue to protect forest resources.

    Commissioner for Environment Dr. Eniola Ajayi said the governor has approved the planting of trees in forests, which she said had not been done since 2004.

    She said the government had the support of the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) on the review of forestry laws.

     

  • Fayemi marks two years anniversary

    Fayemi marks two years anniversary

    FAYEMI MARKS 2 YEARS 1

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, addressing Representatives of the 16 Local Governments and Ethnic Nationalities, during the Town Hall Meeting/Mass Rally, commemorating the 2nd Anniversary of the Fayemi administration, in Ado-Ekiti… on Tuesday.

     

    SOCIAL SECURITY 2

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; presenting a Cheque to a Visually Challenged beneficiary, Mr. Ezekiel Abosede, while Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, (Left) watches, during the payment of the October stipends to elderly citizens as part of events commemorating the 2nd Anniversary of the Fayemi administration and one year of the social security scheme, in Ado-Ekiti… on Tuesday.

     

    SOCIAL SECURITY

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; presenting a Cheque to a beneficiary, Mr. Edward Oyewole, while Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka (Left) watches, during the distribution of Cheques to beneficiaries of Health Intervention Fund, as part of events commemorating the 2nd Anniversary of the Fayemi administration, in Ado-Ekiti… on Tuesday.