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  • Jegede discusses comprehensive guide on trademark law in Nigeria

    Jegede discusses comprehensive guide on trademark law in Nigeria

    A founding partner at Resolution Law Firm, Johnson Olusola Jegede Esq, has released a new book titled: “Trademark Registration and Law in Nigeria (Explanations & Materials).”

    The book serves as an authoritative guide for legal professionals, business owners, and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s trademark laws and registration processes.

    With more than a decade of experience in intellectual property law, Jegede has crafted a resource that breaks down the complexities of trademark protection into clear, practical insights. Covering everything from foundational legal principles to real-world case studies, the book provides step-by-step guidance on securing and defending trademarks in Nigeria’s competitive business environment.

    “I am thrilled to present this book, a culmination of extensive research and practical experience,” Jegede said.

    “Trademark protection is vital for businesses, yet many struggle with the legal intricacies involved.

    This book simplifies the process, offering clarity on legal obligations and best practices to ensure businesses safeguard their intellectual property rights effectively,” he added.

    The world is in an era where brand identity is crucial to business success, trademark disputes and infringements are on the rise.

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    Jegede’s book not only explains the legal framework governing trademarks in Nigeria but also offers practical solutions for business owners to avoid costly legal battles.

    Key highlights include detailed explanations of trademark laws, easy-to-understand legal materials, and expert commentary based on Jegede’s extensive career in intellectual property law.

    Beyond its appeal to legal practitioners, “Trademark Registration and Law in Nigeria (Explanations & Materials)” is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to protect their brands from unauthorised use. It emphasises the importance of early registration and proactive legal strategies in securing trademarks against infringement.

    “A strong trademark strategy is a business asset,” Jegede added. “This book not only explains the law but also provides the tools necessary for businesses to secure their brands and thrive in a competitive market.”

    As one of Nigeria’s leading voices in trademark law, Jegede’s latest work is expected to become an essential reference for law firms, corporate organizations, and individuals navigating the country’s legal landscape.

  • Ex-Eaglets Jegede switches to architectural engineering

    Ex-Eaglets Jegede switches to architectural engineering

    Former Golden Eaglets’ youngster Seun Jegede  is now enjoying his world as an architect and architectural engineer by combining  designing of buildings and contributing to the technical and structural aspects of the designs with relative ease, MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN reports…

    For Seun Samson Jegede, there is indeed truism in the assertion that one can turn lemon to lemonade if faced with difficulties in life. Such  has been the lot of the former  junior international  footballer that he has now  switched to his first love of designing and constructing buildings.

    Jegede would always be remembered for being a foundation member of the  U-17 national men’s football team that won the 2013 FIFA World Cup in the UAE and he was indeed among the goalscorers when the Golden Eaglets thrashed the Junior Wasps of Rwanda in an international friendly match at the U.J Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar on 31st  August, 2012.

    But some 12 years on, Jegede is now enjoying his world as an architect and architectural engineer by combining designing of buildings and contributing to the technical and structural aspects of the designs with relative ease.

    “Life, as in sports, can be unpredictable and present challenges that test our resilience and willpower,” Jegede, who began his football career at the famous Aspire Football Dreams (Dakar Centre)  and featured  for the Golden Eaglets under coach Manu Garba, began on a philosophical note. “Despite a promising start, my journey was interrupted by a series of injuries that forced me to step back from my career as a youth international.

    “These setbacks were not just physical but also brought life challenges that required time and focus to overcome. The experience, however, taught me valuable lessons in perseverance, determination, and the importance of mental and physical well-being.

    Today, I channel the strength and discipline I’ve gained into new avenues, embracing every opportunity to grow and contribute positively to my community.”

    As it’s often said at the Aspire Football Dreams that ‘you must aspire to inspire’, Jegede reckoned that the  training and life education  he was bequeathed with at the Qatari government-backed  football school has prepared him in case of any eventuality in life.

    “Training at Aspire in Senegal was a transformative experience that honed my skills and discipline,” Jegede, who signed his first professional contract with  FC  Septemvri Sofia in the Bulgarian league, continued. “Playing alongside talented individuals like Henry Onyekuru in Aspire Academy as well as the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi and others in the Golden Eaglets was both inspiring and challenging.

    “The rigorous training and exposure to high-level competition prepared me well for professional football. The camaraderie and team spirit within the Golden Eaglets were unparalleled and contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth.

    Overall, the experience was invaluable, providing me with the tools and mind-set necessary to excel at the highest levels of the sport.”

    Though he never made the cut as the  Golden Eaglets  claimed Nigeria’s fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in the UAE in 2013, the ever-smiling Jegede  remains nostalgic  about that phase of his life, adding that it is something to be proud of.

    “It symbolised our nation’s spirit, unity, and the passion we share for the beautiful game.

    “The experience taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, which have been instrumental in my growth both on and off the pitch.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Eno reiterate commitment to development of Akwa Ibom

    “To have represented Nigeria in such a capacity fills me with immense joy and gratitude. It was a formative chapter in my career that I look back on with fondness and appreciation

     “Reflecting on the qualifiers for the Golden Eaglets leading up to the AFCON in 2013, my memories are filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment,” he further said. “Scoring for my team (the Golden Eaglets) was not just a personal milestone but a contribution to our collective goal.

     “Wearing the Nigerian jersey, even at the youth level, was an honour that I carried.”

    Unlike the Ndidis and Iheanachos that have since  progressed from the Golden Eaglets to feature for the Super Eagles, Jegede would be the last to drop his head  for not making it to the top of  international football with Nigeria.

    “Reflecting on the past, I believe every experience shapes us, and my journey has been no different,” he further explained. “While some of my teammates advanced to the Super Eagles, I take pride in the path I’ve carved for myself.

    “Regrets are not something I dwell on; instead, I focus on the lessons learned and the growth I’ve achieved. Looking back, I might have seized more opportunities, but I’m content knowing that each decision led me to where I am today.

     “Throughout my career, I’ve competed in several countries, from the passionate football fields of Spain to the luxurious stadiums of Qatar, the colourful arenas of Senegal, the heartwarming grounds of Niger, the picturesque pitches of Cote d’Ivoire, and most recently, the storied stadiums of Sofia, Bulgaria.”

    He admitted that spate of injuries incapacitated his  flight to the top: “Thank you for acknowledging the challenges I’ve faced; it’s true that injuries can be a setback for any athlete. However, I haven’t stopped dreaming about playing football at the highest level. My passion and commitment to the game remain unwavering.

     “I’m currently dedicating myself to rigorous training and playing in games whenever possible, keeping my skills sharp and staying in top form.

    “The decision to persevere in the face of adversity wasn’t difficult because football is more than a sport to me; it’s a calling. I’m eagerly awaiting new opportunities to showcase my talent and contribute to a team that shares my ambition and drive.”

    With opportunities for a  professional football career becoming few and far between, Jegede admitted  that it would be foolhardy to fold hands and do nothing to live a meaningful life, hence his recourse to architecture and architectural engineering.

    “My journey into architectural design began in secondary school in Agbado Ijaiye area of Lagos State where I balanced my studies with playing football and nurturing a passion for architecture and surveying,” Jegede further told NationSports.

    “The transition from a footballer to an architect wasn’t immediate; it was a gradual shift where I applied the discipline and teamwork learned on the field to my design projects.

    “I didn’t train formally in architecture after my football career. Instead, I leveraged the foundational knowledge gained during my schooling to develop my skills further.

    My experience in sports has been invaluable, providing a unique perspective on design, emphasising teamwork, strategy, and precision—all crucial elements in architecture.”

    His business card is all the more encompassing: Samson Jegede: Architecture, Building Consultant & Interior Decorations. He surmised that starting on this route is like taking ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ adding that  he is gradually finding his steps on the field.

    “Financially, this venture has been a stepping stone towards greater stability, and I’m eager to expand my clientele to further this success,” he continued.

    “I’ve had the privilege of handling diverse projects, including three bedrooms flats in Abule Ijoko, Ogun State, a shopping complex in Akure, Ondo State, and  a bedroom flat fully detached in Shagamu, Ogun State, and  each provided valuable insights and growth opportunities.

    “I’m looking forward to engaging with more clients to enhance my financial prospects and also to leave a lasting impact through my work.”

    In all of these, Jegede remains grateful for having a supportive wife that he met  while he was setting out as a budding footballer.

    “Our paths crossed when she was just 13, and we’ve remained inseparable since then, choosing to be each other’s soul mates through life’s twists and turns,” he said with his usual sweet smiles. “We have a lovely son (Emmanuel).

    “After overcoming my injury and returning home, her family welcomed me wholeheartedly, entrusting me with their sachet water business. For six years, I dedicated myself to the production and distribution of sachet water, until I had saved enough to venture into my own business and follow my passion for architecture.”

    He said of the future: “My dreams are still evolving. I’m keen on exploring innovative fields and acquiring new skills. I believe every new challenge is an opportunity to learn and expand my horizons, and I’m ready for it!

     “I’m committed to personal and professional development, and I eagerly anticipate the new dreams that will shape my future,” he affirmed.

  • Ondo PDP primary: I’m not contesting, says Jegede

    Ondo PDP primary: I’m not contesting, says Jegede

    • Deputy governor collapses political structure for Aiyedatiwa

    Two-time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, has said he will not contest at the party’s primary scheduled for April 25.

    Jegede, who addressed his supporters in Akure, said he remained committed to the victory of the PDP at the November election.

    He was the candidate of the PDP in 2016 and 2020.

    Jegede said his decision not to contest was the necessary sacrifice to find solution to the problems of the party, rather than join in compounding them.

    He said the PDP’s constitution was not receptive to zoning and that such had been demonstrated through election of successive governors.

    The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice noted that previous elections were not based on zoning, but on merit.

    “The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

    Read Also: Ondo PDP primary: I am not contesting, says Jegede

    “I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the governorship election. All the aspirants will be given every support available at my disposal.

    “This is the time to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party, rather than join in compounding them.

    “I recognise that the success of our party is achievable if we work together, and I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our local governments to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship election.”

    Ondo State Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami has collapsed his political structure, Adelami Political Movement (APM), for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of next month’s primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The group was transformed to Aiyedatiwa/Adelami Grassroots Mobilisers.

    Adelami had in 2020 contested the APC governorship primary.

    Director General of the defunct APM, Segun Ogodo, said the decision to collapse the structure for Aiyedatiwa was borne out of conviction that only Governor Aiyedatiwa could take the state to the next level.

  • Ondo PDP primary: I am not contesting, says Jegede

    Ondo PDP primary: I am not contesting, says Jegede

    Two-time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Eyitayo Jegede, has said he would not contest at the party primary scheduled for April 25.

    Jegede, who announced his withdrawal from the race while addressing supporters in Akure, said he remained committed to victory of the PDP at the November polls.

    He was the candidate of the PDP in 2016 and 2020.

    Jegede said his decision not to contest was a necessary sacrifice to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.

    He said the PDP’s constitution was not receptive to zoning and that such has been demonstrated through the election of successive governors.

    Read Also: Ondo APC primary: Deputy gov collapses political structure for Aiyedatiwa

    The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice noted that previous elections were not based on zoning but on merit.

    He said: “The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

    “I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the Governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.

    “The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the Party rather than join in compounding it.

    “I recognize that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in}. Our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

  • Do not underestimate anyone, Yvonne Jegede congratulate Ilebaye

    Do not underestimate anyone, Yvonne Jegede congratulate Ilebaye

    Actress Yvonne Jegede has reacted happily to the emergence of Ilebaye as winner of the #BBNaijaAllStars show. 

    She emphasised that nobody should be underestimated or undermined.

    Her endorsement showcased the support and recognition that Ilebaye received from influential figures within the entertainment industry.

    The actress wrote: “Yes girl…. You deserve it. Nobody should be underestimated. My original winner. The beauty from Kogi state.”

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    During her time in the BBNaija All Stars house, Ilebaye faced numerous challenges.

    She was subjected to frustration and mistreatment by some of her fellow contestants, including having her belongings thrown away.

    Despite these obstacles, Ilebaye remained focused and determined to prove her worth.

    Her victory not only solidified her position as a deserving winner but also showcased her resilience and ability to rise above adversity.

  • Ondo PDP guber hopeful, Jegede, mourns Olowo

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in 2020 for Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) has conducted an extensive tour of Owo community in Ondo State, where he commiserated with the people and traditional leaders of the area, over the passage of the Owo paramount ruler.

    The Olowo of Owo, a first-class traditional ruler, Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, passed on about two weeks ago, in what has elicited a flurry of sympathy visits and condolence messages.

    Jegede lost the 2016 governorship election to the incumbent, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who incidentally, is a native of Owo.

    In a condolence visit he paid to the Olowo-in Council, led by the head of Omo Olowo, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Jegede described the late Oba Olateru-Olagbegi as “a quintessential, knowledgeable, learned and revered monarch who undoubtedly was one of the foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland.”

    He added, “The late Kabiesi (monarch) was a distinguished member of the Body of Benchers, a legal scholar, teacher and administrator. As a member of the Body of Benchers, he played his role in ensuring high standards for new intakes in the legal profession; as a teacher in Nigerian Law School, he imparted legal knowledge with uncommon simplicity; as an administrator and as the Secretary to the Council of Legal Education in Nigeria, he was at the forefront in fashioning an enduring and seamless legal transition of trained lawyers into the practice of the profession.

    “In all these positions, it was my privilege to watch at very close range His Royal Majesty, who was an extraordinary gift to the legal profession, to Owo Kingdom, and to the Nigeria nation; first as a student to the late Kabiesi in Nigerian Law School, secondly as a distinguished Co-Life Bencher with the late Kabiesi in his lifetime.

    “He was at a time the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, where he brought to bare his dignified and calm posture in directing the affairs of the entire traditional institution in Ondo State. A measure of Kabiesi’s strength was his humility and carriage in the discharge of his functions and duties at various times, whether as a scholar, administrator, teacher or traditional ruler.

    “I speak the mind of those of us who are his students and those of us who joined him as a Life Bencher to say we would miss him dearly. I pray that God accepts his soul and grant him eternal rest. Once again, we condole with members of the immediate family.”

    The governorship hopeful later visited the other traditional rulers in Owo kingdom, namely, the Ojomo Oluda and Oniyere of Iyere Owo.

     

     

  • Babalakin eulogises ex-Total director Jegede

    The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Wale Babalakin, has described a former Director of Total Plc, the late Chief Sunny Jegede, as “a humble man, who impacted many lives”.

    Babalakin spoke yesterday in Lagos when he led a delegation of Government College, Ibadan, Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) on a condolence visit to the deceased’s family home in Ikeja.

    The lawyer, who is the National President of GCIOBA, described the late Jegede as “an illustrious old boy, who helped a lot of GCI old boys”.

    Urging people to live purposeful and impactful lives, Babalakin said even though the late Jegede was GCIOBA’s President for only four years, he had so much impact that it seemed he was president for over 20 years.

    He added that he was always happy to be associated with the deceased, who was well respected and loved by everyone who knew him.

    The Social Secretary, GCIOBA, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Folarin Olowu, described the late Jegede as “a humble and hardworking philanthropist”.

    The First National Vice President, Tola Obembe, said: “Chief Jegede was the life of the party. He adds colour to any event he attends. He will drop everything to assist an old boy. He got me a placement for my Industrial Training at Total in 1986. He relates freely with people, irrespective of your age.”

    In attendance were Kola Olatunbosun; Prof. Ayo Ogunye and Wale Ajomale, among other GCI old boys.

    Jegede passed away on February 11.

  • Jegede: Lawyers misled judge, says PDP zonal chair

    Jegede: Lawyers misled judge, says PDP zonal chair

    The Southwest Zonal Chairman/National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, has accused lawyers of contributing to the crisis in the party.

    He said the PDP was being torn apart by rebellious elements.

    Ogundipe said the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which restored Mr. Eyitayo Jegede as the party’s candidate in the Ondo State governorship race, was a result of a misrepresentation of facts.

    The PDP chief, in an advertorial in this paper, said: “These lawyers intentionally did not present all the facts of the case that was tried at the Federal High Court to the Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led panel of the Court of Appeal. They hijacked and rushed proceedings at hearing, making it impossible for Prince Biyi Poroye’s lawyers to present their arguments. The judges, who obviously worked with the arguments that were presented before them, were so deftly manipulated that they did not have the opportunity to enter into the details of the matter before them as well as details of the case that was tried at the lower court.

    “Thus to get redress, Prince Poroye and his team filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court stating their dissatisfaction with the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the judgment of the court delivered on November 24, 2016. The reliefs sought from the Supreme Court include the setting aside of the judgment of the lower court delivered on November 24, 2016, and affirming the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on June 29, 2016, because of three fundamental errors in law.”

    He added: “The first error that they sought redress for was the fact that the justices of the Court of Appeal failed to consider from the affidavit evidence before it that the appellants had been elected as officers of the Executive Committee of the PDP in their respective states at state congresses of the party held in their respective states on May 10, 2016, prior to the appointment of Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ben Obi as chairman and secretary respectively of the National Caretaker Committee on May 21, 2016. The panel erred because it still granted their prayer to be joined as respondents in a case, acting in flagrant disregard for the fact that the National Executive Committee of the party had already resolved to accept and recognise the Prince Biyi Poroye’s led executive as the legal executive of the party in the state. Moreover, there was a letter acknowledging their recognition before the May 21 travesty in Port Harcourt that threw up the National Caretaker Committee.”

    He accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko ‘’of twisting the facts and propagating lies to justify their mischief and curry sympathy”.

    Ogundipe said the PDP crisis began “as a ripple in the South West zone of the party.

  • INEC was unfair to PDP, says Jegede

    INEC was unfair to PDP, says Jegede

    Former Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) spoke with reporters in Akure, the state capital, on the November 26 poll won by Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress(APC), the faulty card readers and other issues. DAMISI OJO reports.

    What is your assessment of the recent governorship election in Ondo State?
    Well, we give glory to God. Under a democratic dispensation, elections ordinarily should represent the will and the wishes of the people. And that is why we have INEC, given such enormous powers as to prepare for credible election, fix dates of elections, and ensure that election at all time is free and fair. Speaking from my personal experience, I think this is one election that ordinarily has posed a challenge to all of us and has also tested the principles of democratic dispensation.
    You will recall that, on the 27th of October, My name was taken out of the candidates in the election that was fixed for 26th of November. You will also recall that through court intervention to have my name restored to the ballot was achieved two days to the election. You’ll recall also that my party and I requested for postponement of the date of election, to still fall within the period envisaged under the electoral act. Regrettably and most unfortunately, INEC refused, declined to postpone that election, to enable us have a fair playing ground. And the reason for seeking that postponement was basically one, to enable us have the voters register that is very critical and important to the election; two, to enable us have my name on the website of INEC and introduce me as a candidate. Thirdly, to allow myself and my party to submit the list of agents for the purpose of that election.
    The request was not granted. So, we were forced to go to election on Saturday, November 26. In other words, we had only one day to campaign for this election. Against that background, this is one election that, as far as I am concerned, did not meet with the basic tenet of fairness and has not afforded all the candidates equal opportunity of presenting their position top the electorate.
    But, because it’s not about myself, it’s about the people, Nigeria as a nation and also for the purpose of history, it is important that we have a credible, independent electoral body. And all those games that are playing out in our democratic experience now were not there when the former President Goodluck Jonathan was at the helm of affairs. Interestingly, you cannot beat your chest and say there is any credible election again in this country. All those characters that had cause to truncate the will of the people should sit back and realise that they are the enemies of this country.
    Are you considering any legal action, in view of the infractions that you have highlighted?
    I have 21 days to do that. I don’t have to take any hasty decision, but I am also weighing all my options. I will tell you the truth. There are two schools of thought. Some say ‘challenge’, some say ‘don’t challenge’. For me, I am more interested in the Nigerian project. I am more interested in building a very credible democratic experience for our people. And I do know that four years in the life of a nation is just a small part of it. I know that opportunity will still come for our people to choose who their leaders should be. I do hope that next time, there will be an improvement in the conduct of elections. And I have had cause to congratulate Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who was declared the winner by INEC. I have had cause to thank all those who voted for us and even those who did not vote for us. I have had cause to tell our people that even though we were adjudged to have lost the election but we won the heart of the people. I believe that all of us must make sacrifices.
    And despite the heavy monetisation of the electoral process, there comes a time in a man’s life that you just move on.
    In Ondo’s PDP, people look up to you for leadership. Apparently, the party is not going to be in power at the state’s helm of affairs for the next four years.
    How do you intend to re-build and stabilise the PDP?
    I don’t know what you mean by ‘the party will not be in the helm of affairs for the next four years’. I think it is too early to determine that. I think it is just too early.
    People are also talking about re-alignment of forces among political parties. What do you envision?
    I believe there would be, in the fullness of time. I believe there will be adjustments, there will be re-alignments. I believe also that there will be a lot of shaking in the political space after following the elections of Ondo State. I believe that politicians will adjust. I believe there would be a very credible platform that will do away with the whole garbage of the past and come up with a new vision.
    Finally, the outcome of the governorship election in your home base, which is Akure North and Akure South, has really rattled a lot of observers. What do you think actually went wrong?
    Well, I did complain that day. One; that the card reader machine is now the most potent threat to our democracy. Now, go and do your check and you’ll find that the card reader machine is a new innovation that has to statutory backing. It’s not in the constitution nor is it in the electoral act. And if you go and check, you will find out that one machine has a central server that controls it from Abuja. And it can be shut down. And that is a matter of fact that it is possible to manipulate that machine. Sometimes you see some of them not working, others working slowly, others working normally. It is the outcome of manipulation and adjustment of that machine. It’s like any other electronic system. It depends on what you feed into it. That is what it brings.
    And I had complained on the day of election, from a good number of polling stations, where the card reader was not working at all. We also had instances where it was slow, and I complained to the Resident Electoral Commissioner. He said he had instructed that where the card reader is not working, they should use the incident forms. Now, why did you deploy a card reader that is not working? Now you know that that machine is not reliable, it’s not credible, it malfunctions, it will not assist. And you also know that the cause of the non-reliability and malfunctioning of that machine and you provided incident forms. Now where you have hundred voters on the queue and the machine would not capture these hundred, and then you produced 10 incident forms, what happens to the other 90 prospective voters? And why do you interpose a very unreliable machine in our electoral system? Whose interest are they serving? Why do you keep on using malfunctioning card reader to disenfranchise the majority of the people, when you know that it is not a machine that has a foothold in the constitution or would find comfort with the electoral act?
    Why would somebody sit down and write under guideline, that you should use a machine that would not find comfort with our electoral laws and procedures? The law says that if you have your name on the voters register, and you have your voter’s card, then you are eligible to vote, you are a voter. But the machine says if you don’t pass through machine, you cannot vote. Does it make sense? So, the introduction of the card reader is a self-serving mechanism, meant to disrupt and influence our electoral system. And the earlier we do away with it, the better for all of us. That is my personal opinion. And I am saying this because I know that I took part in the elections of 26th of November. I know what happened.
    Again, you’ll also recall that openly, there was heavy monetisation of the democratic process, and the security agents looked away. Again you find out that while some people campaigned for three months, two months, one month, one of the leading candidates was not allowed to campaign at all. Is that system fair? Some have said that ‘well, it is the internal matter of PDP’. But they should think deeply. Was it PDP that said ‘remove the name’? Was it PDP that removed the name? The truth of it is that, there had been third-party intervention in the affairs of a particular political party, by others who are outside that party. And they have used government institutions to thwart the will of the people. And I don’t think that is fair. We’ve complained, and I believe and hope that INEC would try to be independent.

  • Jegede: we’re studying result

    Jegede: we’re studying result

    Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday’s election  Mr Eyitayo Jegede, said yesterday he is still studying the outcome.

    He said: “it is too early to decide on what to do as a person. My party the PDP, will decide what to do. We are still consulting with those that matter so as to know the next line of action.”

    The runner up in the election said: “I know we have won the heart of the people and I should thank our people for standing by us and for their show of love and their steadfastness.”

    ‘We are studying the situation and in the fullness of time you will know what the position of the party is.

    “The events that led to the election are known to you and I. We had 48 hours to prepare for the election. I was cleared by the court on Wednesday and had only Thursday to campaign and on Saturday I had to go for election.

    “Our request for postponement of the election was denied by INEC for reasons that we are yet to fathom and these are the things in the next few days we will have to review.”

    Chairman of the PDP Clement Faboyede said ‘the party will meet tomorrow (today) with all the stakeholders and our decision will be made public.

    “we thank God for the litigation processes and for the way we came out victorious and our heart desire candidate for PDP was cleared to contest the election few days to the election when there was no time for campaign.”