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Tag: Faleke

  • Faleke empowers Ikeja residents

    Faleke empowers Ikeja residents

    • His gesture impacted our lives, by constituents

    Beneficiaries of the various empowerment programmes sponsored by the House of Representatives member, James Faleke, from the Ikeja Federal constituency took turns to recount their gains at the weekend.

    They gave their testimonies at a meeting of the constituents at the Blue Roof, LTV8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, where the lawmaker drummed up support for the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu.

    Faleke sensitised the stakeholders on his programme of actions for the legislative year and got feedbacks on how impactful his previous interventions had been.

    At the meeting were apex and party leaders; executives of the local chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the council and ward levels.

    Faleke’s aide, Wale Ajala, said of the gathering: “The programme is meant to feel the pulse of the people. Faleke wants to know the people’s feeling of what he has done in the past and what they expect him to in the nearest future.”

    Mrs. Adekoya Dorcas, who was first to give testimony, stunned the packed Blue Roof when she stepped out and knelt before the lawmaker in appreciation of what he did  for her.

    She said: “But for Faleke, I will still be walking the streets. I enrolled for one of his empowerment programmes and got trained in fish farming. I attended the training programme and at the end of the programme, I was given N50, 000 like others.

    “We were also given some equipment. I invested the N50, 000 in the business and today my business has prospered and I have made a profit of N240, 000 and the business has continued to grow.”

    Lifting up some big cat fishes in evidence of her flourishing business, she said: “I came here to give testimony on what he has done for me and I want to show appreciation to him by presenting my products to him.”

    An excited Faleke, who responded to the gesture immediately, doubled Mrs. Adekoya’s working capital with additional N240, 000.

    He said: “She has really impressed me, and I want others to learn from her. She has made us proud. It’s disheartening to know that some people we empowered with items, including mini-buses and tricycles sold them.”

    An octogenarian, Alhaja Wosilat Animashaun, narrated how the free health programme sponsored by Faleke saved her sight.

    “Through him, I got my eyesight restored,” Animashaun she in her testimony,’’ she said.

    Mrs. Animashaun recounted how she had almost gone blind when she attended the one of the medical outreaches put in place by the lawmaker.

    “I attended and was tested and it was decided I would have to go through surgery to correct my eyesight. I went through the surgery which was free and here I am with my eyesight fully restored. Thank you, Faleke.” she said.

    Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within the constituency also testified.

    The DPO at the Ojodu Police Station said: “Left to me, I would have loved the Ojudu Police Station to be named James Abiodun Faleke Police Station.This should be in recognition of his immense contributions to the refurbishment of the police station.

    “He has given us patrol vehicles, rehabilitate the station and even give essential gadgets that we need for effective and efficient service delivery.

    Read Also: Faleke rehabilitates roads, schools in Ikeja, Ojodu, Onigbongbo

    “I want to confidently state here that the seamless efforts we’ve put in place in securing areas and communities under our jurisdiction were due to the support of Faleke,” the DPO stated.

    His testimony was corroborated by his colleagues at the Alausa and Mosafejo Police stations.

    The DPO of Pen Cinema Police station who commended the lawmaker, sought his assistance in upgrading of the station.

    Faleke expressed gratitude for the opportunity given by the constituents to serve them.

    “It’s encouraging that our little efforts at empowering our people are appreciated,” Faleke said, promising not to rest his oars in his service to humanity.

    He listed some his interventions to include among others empowerment of 17,000 constituents; distribution of 500 mini-buses and tricycles and provision of sowing machines, hair-dressing tools and barbing kits to artisans

    Faleke, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, urged Nigerians rally behind the Tinubu administration in his quest to restore Nigeria’s lost glory.

    He said: “We must continue to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has the capacity to take Nigeria to loftier height.

    “He (President) has a lot to contend with, but, he has shown the will and the desire to make Nigeria great. We must all give him time and continue to support him.”

  • Lagos TAKSDCO coordinator greets Faleke at 64

    Lagos TAKSDCO coordinator greets Faleke at 64

    Lagos State Coordinator of Tinubu Ahmed Kashim Shettima Dynamic Support Group (TASDCO), ‘Segunfunmi Olaiya, has sent his best wishes to the member of House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, on his 64th birthday.

    Read Also; Florence Ita-Giwa retires?

    Olaiya, who described Faleke as a leader of leaders, political strategist/gladiator, philanthropist and an astute administrator, added: “He has played a critical role in Nigeria’s political stability. His achievements and the development foundations in Nigerian politics can never be overemphasised.

    “He has been unwavering in his commitment to the unity of Nigeria. I will continue to wish him many more years of good health and service to humanity.”

  • Tribunal strikes out petition challenging Faleke’s victory

    An Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, struck out an application challenging James Abiodun Faleke’s victory in the House of Representatives election of February 23.

    Mr Faleke, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is the member representing the Ikeja Federal Constituency in the lower chamber.

    The tribunal chaired by Justice Kunaza M. Hamidu made the order following a motion by the petitioner, Mutiu Olakunle Okunola, to withdraw his application.

    Mr Okunola contested the poll against Faleke on May 23 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

    He dragged Faleke, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the tribunal, praying for a reversal of Faleke’s victory and a declaration that he was the rightful winner of the election.

    Okunola, however, recently defected to the APC.

    Read Also: Updated: Tribunal strikes out petition challenging Abiodun Faleke’s victory

    At the resumed hearing of the application yesterday, Okunola’s counsel, Owoyemi Ibrahim, told the panel that his client had decided to withdraw the application against all the respondents.

    Ibrahim said that in withdrawing the application, he filed a motion pursuant to Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010, with an 11 paragraph-affidavit deposed to by the petitioner, Okunola.

    He prayed the panel to grant the motion.

    Responding, counsel to Faleke and the APC, Messrs Kolawole Salami and Ademola Adefolaju, who held the brief of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, said their clients would not oppose the petitioner.

    Their clients, they added, had filed a nine-paragraph affidavit in response to the motion.

    Similarly, INEC’s counsel, Mr Z. S. Makinde, said despite not filing any affidavit, his client did not oppose the motion.

    Following their submissions, Justice Hamidu held: “Having read through the petitioner’s motion dated and filed on 30th May, 2019, with the affidavit and written address, and having gone through the first and second respondents’ affidavits, leave is granted to the petitioner to withdraw his motion.

    “Consequently, petitioner’s petition against all the respondents is hereby struck out”.

     

  • ADC lawmaker denies being sponsored by Faleke

    A House of Representatives member-elect from Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi State, on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Leke Abejide has debunked insinuations that he was sponsored by Hon. James Falake, a member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State at the House of Representatives.

    According to a statement signed by the newly elected lawmaker and made available to reporters, he described the story published by a section of the media as a cheap blackmail orchestrated by his political detractors.

    He added that he was shocked by the way the All Progressives Congress was roundly defeated at Yagba Federal Constituency “our great party, the ADC, some disgruntled elements resorted to blackmail and mischievous propaganda to make the world believe I cannot stand on my feet.”

  • Faleke promises Berger traders alternative market

    A house of Representatives member, James Abiodun Faleke, has promised to provide an alternative market for traders at Berger in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.

    Their market was demolished in April 2017 and since then they have not found another place.

    At a rally organised by the Association of Market Women and Men in Ojodu LCDA, Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency, said he would prioritise the residents’ welfare.

    The traders endorsed All Progressives Congress’ (APC) candidates contesting in the area on the occasion.

    The rally was led by the Iyaloja General of Ojodu LCDA, Mrs. Folasade Salako.

    Faleke thanked the traders for supporting him and promised not to disappoint them, if re-elected.

    The lawmaker, however, advised the traders to desist from selling on the roads, because of its inherent danger.

    “Concerning the market at Berger, let us continue to pray. I want to assure you that God will provide a place for us to continue to use as an alternative place for the traders at Berger. As you have said, there are just two markets at Ojodu, one is gone. We must bring it back and God will help us.

    “Meanwhile, I want you all to go out and vote for President Muhammadu Buhari, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates, including my humble self and Damola Kasumu representing Ikeja Constituency II at the House of Assembly,” Faleke said.

    At the event were Kasumu, royal fathers, Iyaloja of Yakoyo, Alhaja Risikat Lawal and other Iyaloja and market leaders.

  • Appeal Court affirms Faleke as winner of 2015 poll

    The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, yesterday affirmed the 2015 election of Mr James Abiodun Faleke as the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency I at the House of Representatives.

    The appellate court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed an appeal filed by Mr. Kunle Okunola challenging the legality of Faleke’s transfer of his voter’s card and data back to Lagos from Kogi State.

    The court also awarded costs against the appellant for the first and second respondents in the appeal – Faleke and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Okunola’s journey to the court followed INEC’s declaration of Faleke, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the 2015 poll.

    He challenged Faleke’s victory and lost at the Elections Petition Tribunal and the Election Appeals Tribunal.

    Dissatisfied, the appellant took advantage of Faleke’s foray into Kogi State to contest the seat of deputy governor, to ask the Federal High Court for three reliefs, including a declaration that Faleke’s seat had become vacant and to compel INEC to declare him winner.

    According to him, Faleke’s nomination by the APC for the March 28, 2015 poll, and his subsequent nomination as deputy governorship candidate for the November 21, 2015 gubernatorial election of Kogi State, during his subsisting membership of the House of Representative as a member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency I, amounts to multiple nomination, hence unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

    He also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC from any further reversal or transfer of Faleke’s voting and membership data from Ekinrin-Ade Ward in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State to the Ikeja Federal Constituency I of Lagos State.

    But the lower court dismissed the application as lacking in merit and a waste of resources and time of the court.

    It held that nothing prevented or stopped anyone from moving freely within the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Reacting to the victory, Faleke’s lead counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), expressed his satisfaction with the judgment delivered by their lordships.

    “It succinctly captured the position of the law. I am relieved that the unnecessary legal battle has come to a final end,” Oyewole added.

     

  • Direct primaries: Faleke lauds APC leaders

    •Party leaders endorse lawmaker

    THE direct primary adopted by the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos to pick the party’s candidates for the 2019 general election will deepen internal democracy, House of Representatives member James Faleke said yesterday.

    Faleke, who is representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, commended the APC leadership for the courage to take such a decision.

    He spoke in a remark after his endorsement for another term by party leaders, including APC National Zonal Women Leader (Southwest) and Executive Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Mrs. Kemi Nelson, and chairmen of the three councils making up the federal constituency.

    According to the leaders, Faleke has offered effective and quality representation in the Green Chamber and deserved another term to solidify his achievements.

    “The experience of Abiodun James Faleke is highly needed to ensure that Ikeja Federal Constituency is effectively represented at the National Assembly,” the stakeholders said.

    Their endorsement came after due consultations with constituents and party leaders.

    Faleke, who met with stakeholders, had taken advantage of the National Assembly’s recess to present his scorecard.

    The lawmaker urged party faithful to buy into the forthcoming registration of members by APC, even as he pleaded with them to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    He told them of plans to embark on a poverty alleviation/empowerment programme and launch his re-election campaign.

    Others at the endorsment are: Dr Abayomi Finnih; Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Babatunde Ogala; Chief Funsho Ologunde; Chief Ebenezer Akinbolade; Tayo Ayinde; Hon Niyi Oyemade; Kehinde Akinola; Idowu Osuolale Obasa; Dr. Adesola Taiwo; Wale Okesola and Alhaja Iyabo Akerele (APC chairperson, Onigbongbo LCDA).

    Also included are: Alhaji M.A. Akintola; Prince Tunji Adams, A.O. Sawyer; Idowu Obasa; Alhaja Ogun; Alhaja Abioro; Alhaja Ayanbadejo; Alhaji Dally Adeokun (Ikeja APC chairman); Mr. Ajakaiye (Ojodu LCDA APC chairman); ward chairmen, past and serving councilors.

    The three council chairmen are: Mojeed Balogun (Ikeja Local Government Area); Babatunde Oke (Onigbongbon LCDA) and Julius Oloro (Ojodu LCDA).

     

  • Faleke: count me out of anti-party activities

    •Lawmaker alleges frame up by enemies

    HOUSE of Representatives member Abiodun Faleke has alleged of a plot by his political enemies to pit him against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said those behind the plot have concluded plans to report him to the APC leadership, including his political mentor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

    According to him, a news conference was held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital on June 28, where a decision was taken to report his alleged involvement in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Denouncing the allegation, Faleke said he remained committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused some agents of the Kogi State government of being behind the plot to run him down politically.

    He said: “I also have it on authority that the same government agents have planned to submit a petition to the APC National Working Committee and copy my leader and mentor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, that I’m into anti-party activities in Kogi State.

    “I, James Abiodun Faleke, remain a loyal founding member of the APC, and one of the members representing the people of Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State.”

    The lawmaker said he remained his party’s running mate in the 2015 governorship election in Kogi to the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

    “Nigerians are aware of what happened in Kogi and how the present government came to be via the courts,” he added.

    Faleke described as illogical, a statement credited to a Dr. John, alleging him of imposing a chairman on the Kogi State ADC, wondering how he could foist a leader on a party he does not belong to.

    Faleke said: “Some state agents are the sole sponsors of this falsehood. The statement said I represent Ikeja Federal Constituency and that I’m not a member of ADC. How then can a non-member sponsor a state chairman?”

    The lawmaker also accused Governor Yahaya Bello of frustrating efforts to reconcile aggrieved members of the APC members.

    His words: “It’s on record that efforts by the APC leadership to reconcile the Audu/Faleke group with the Governor Yahaya Bello were turned down by the governor himself. The NWC set up two powerful committees to reconcile the two factions in Kogi, but unfortunately, Governor Bello rejected efforts.

    “The Audu/Faleke team approached the Jigawa State Governor to intervene but it was not successful. Apart from sending state APC leaders to Bello, I personally sent messages to him to see the need for reconciliation with the Audu/Faleke group before the congress, but he refused.

    “The Audu/Faleke name has become a political brand in Kogi. The government should pay salaries and develop the state to ensure victory for APC in the next elections.

    “The death of our principal left a big vacuum that can’t be filled. And instead of the government to be magnanimous in victory, it left out those who worked for the party and appointed PDP members into offices, and also refused all efforts at reconciliation.

    “Unfortunately, some of the Audu/Faleke members see my return to Lagos as a major loss for the party in the state, while some think that I have betrayed them.

    “Please note that the aggrieved members of APC in Kogi are very great men and women old enough to decide what they want. I enjoin those peddling and sponsoring rumours about my involvement in the internal affairs of another party to retract such. Those government agents should have a rethink and use their energy at ensuring smooth governance in the state that can bring victory for the party.”

     

     

  • Ignore Bello on 2019, Faleke tells Buhari

    Ignore Bello on 2019, Faleke tells Buhari

    Former deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State James Abiodun Faleke  has implored President Buhari to ignore Governor Yahaya Bello’s statement on the 2019 election.

    Faleke, who was Buhari’s campaign coordinator in Lagos State in 2015 said during a visit to the Villa, that the governor did not have the capacity, to win more votes for the president in Kogi than Katsina in 2019.

    Faleke said it was the height of deceit for a governor who is owing  salaries and pensions to be boasting of being able to lead the same citizenry who are battling with hunger to vote enmasse for Buhari.

    He said: “I refer to a boastful statement credited to Governor Yahaya Bello that Kogi State would garner more votes for President Buhari in 2019 than Katsina State and I ask myself why is the governor fooling himself, thinking he is fooling Nigerians. First, the governor has never contested for any election and won before. Not even councillorship election. The governorship seat he is occupying today, he didn’t campaign for. He was simply gifted the seat, so how can such a person stand to discuss election issues? How can a governor who is not registered as a voter in his state and has no voting rights mobilize votes for no less a person than Mr. President?

    “How can a governor who has been indicted by INEC for fraudulently engaging himself in double registration lead the campaign train of Mr. President across the state with such a moral stain hanging on his neck? What does he know about mobilization of people for elections? So, when elections are being discussed, he should be told to keep quiet?”

    Faleke wondered how a state like Kogi, under Yahaya Bello, deliver more votes for Mr. President than Katsina, his home state. He added: “Is it because of his zero performance, his wasteful management of resources or is it because of the rampant kidnapping, incessant killings of labour leaders and dissenting voices, as compared with Katsina?

    “The governor’s Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja in a video which went viral on the social media had told a labour leader in the state that he was hitherto gunning for the labour leader’s head, but that he was lucky to be present with him in the same church that day.

    “Is that how to attract voters to PMB’s camp? What achievement  is Governor Bello going to use to campaign, even to his tribesmen, the wonderful Ebira people  who had waited for years to be governor, after Adamu Attah and now got Yahaya Bello, but has nothing to show for it, except his recently commissioned N3.5 billion mansion in Okene?

    “What would be his campaign ground in Okunland, where the number of civil servants being daily buried outnumber those getting married? What about  several other Okun people who died after being kidnapped on their way to attend the governor’s endless staff verification exercise in Lokoja?

    “Another staff, Sunday Oke, owed 16 months salaries died in Kabba, Monday January 8, after being unable to pay for his medicals. What is he going to say about his inability to asphalt or grade a single road anywhere in the area? A glaring example was the recent campaign of the governor across Okunland where he could not talk about a single road, hospital, schools etc.  he had constructed and commissioned in the area. Or will he be proud to mount the podium in Igalaland to tell them about a non – existent project in the area?

    “A cursory look at INEC’s data base shows that Katsina State during the 2015 general elections had registered voters figure of 2,827,943 while Kogi had 1,350,883. So, how does Governor Bello want to perform the magic of doubling Kogi’s votes to beat Katsina? Discerning Nigerians know better than take him seriously. The governor likes to play to the gallery by making statements he knows are false. I am sure great minds in the Presidential Villa, APC leaders across the nation know better.”

    Nevertheless, Faleke believes President Buhari will win in Kogi, if he decides to contest. He added: “But, that is provided he does not make Governor Bello his Chief Campaigner in the state. This is because he has killed the APC in Kogi, demoralized and dehumanized the citizenry with his policies, thereby stripping us of critical campaign issues. President Buhari can only win if the governor is not allowed to lead the campaign.”

    He will win because of his record of performance in the country.

    Certainly not because of the performance of Governor Yahaya Bello.

    For instance, PMB would not need to campaign in Lagos and some other South West States before he wins. Ditto States like Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa and some other states in the North. The performances of these Governors have provided enough campaign materials for Mr. President.

     

  • Faleke berates Bello for donating cars, cash to masqueraders

    Faleke berates Bello for donating cars, cash to masqueraders

    House of Representatives member, James Faleke, has described Governor Yahaya Bello’s gift of six cars and N2 million to masqueradesr in Okene as the “height of absurdity”.

    Faleke said it was absurd that Bello could buy cars for masqueraders when he has neither paid salaries nor cleared outstanding pensions.

    His words: “I honestly don’t know what is happening in our state. We thought the governor would heed calls to settle outstanding salaries and pensions last December, as he promised, after receiving about N12 billion from the Paris Club refund, only for him to pay 40 per cent of two months.

    “So where did the rest of the money go? Next we heard was the news of the six cars and N2 million cash he gave masqueraders in Okene, through their minders.

    “How else can one be so insensitive to the welfare, yearnings and aspirations of his people?”

    Faleke berated the government for relasing a fresh list of “cleared staff” after saying there were no outstanding lists.

    “What this means is that those workers, whose names were just released, had been without pay since the screeing started two years ago. So who is fooling who?”

    The lawmaker bemoaned a situation where, instead of providing succour for the people, what obtains is intimidation of hapless and harmless people.

    He said: “An example is the recent attack on some youths who were distributing gifts to APC members. They were attacked by the security men of administrator of Ijumu Local Government, Taoffek Isah. As an administrator, the government provided him soldiers with which he harasses perceived political opponents.

    “Of course, the newsstands were agog few days ago with the news of how “unidentified” thugs hijacked the first batch of rice consignments donated by some Senators to alleviate the hunger ravaging workers’ homes. That is the reality of our dear state at the moment.”

    Faleke called on Governor Bello to “turn a new leaf this year by re-ordering his government’s priorities away from childish, wasteful, unproductive extravaganza to meaningful statecraft aimed at ameliorating the unacceptable level of pains being inflicted on the people.