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Tag: Jonathan

  • Jonathan: I was pressed to reject 2015 election result

    ‘Okonjo-Iweala, Adoke, Chidoka, Dudafa advised me not to accept defeat’

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed how he was pressured not to accept defeat in the 2015 election.

    Noting that the election was laden with some irregularities, including the difficulty he faced before he could vote in his native Otuoke, Bayelsa State home, Jonathan said he conceded defeat principally because it was his belief that his ambition should not lead to loss of lives and property as it was the case in previous elections.

    He said contrary to some narratives that members of the international community prevailed on him to accept his defeat and congratulate the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the decision came naturally to him as he was aware a day before the announcement of the results that his party was bound to lose.

    The revelations are contained in the former President’s book, “My Transition Hours”, which was presented in Abuja yesterday on his 61st birthday.

    The book records the last-minute intrigues and political manoeuvres that defined his last moments with top aides and ministers in the Presidential Villa and the relief he felt after he congratulated President Buhari in a telephone conversation.

    Jonathan said he rebuffed the advice by the then Minister of Finance  and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Mohammed Bello Adoke; Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, who was a compere at the book launch; and his Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Warpamowei Dudafa.

    He writes: “They were recommending sundry alternatives, but I was quiet in the midst of their discussions. I hugged my thought, figuring out how to do that which was best for the country. My personal interest was receding rapidly and the interest of Nigeria looming large. I excused myself and left the sitting room. I walked into my study. Even there, my mantra was a strong circle around me, supporting and comforting me.  Let the country survive. Let democracy survive. My political ambition is not worth people being ‘soaked in blood.”

    On how and why he called to concede victory to Buhari, he wrote: “More results flowed in and I could not wait anymore. The announcement of the final result could take issues out of all our hands.  It was time for me to take action and bring peace to the nation. I felt I was destined by God  at that point in time to inject the peace serum and douse the palpable tension in the country.

    “I reached out for his telephone and placed a call through the State House operators at about 4:45pm. A peace I had never felt since my political sojourn descended on me. It showed me where I had been in the past sixteen years and where I was then. I smiled at the thought of what I was about to do. I waited calmly for the person at the end of my call to answer.

    Buhari: “Hello Your Excellency.”

    Me: “Your Excellency, how are you”

    Buhari: “I am alright, Your Excellency.”

    Me: “Congratulations.”

    Buhari: “Thank you very much Your Excellency.”

    With that, the deed was done. Peace like the flow of a soothing river enveloped his heart, Jonathan said.

    Read also: Jonathan, more of an academic in politics – Mahama

    He continues: “For several seconds, the line was seized by the loudest silence I have ever known. Then we had a brief discussion. I could sense his relief too. He knew what could have been. Here is a man who had contested three times and lost. Maybe my gesture humbled him against his expectations because he thanked me and we talked about the handing over processes.

    Elsewhere all over Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, countless deaths have been recorded on the scores of elections and power disputes. l mentioned Cote d’Ivoire earlier, where people died in their thousands during post-election violence. A similar scenario had unfolded in Kenya. African nations are more prone to post-election violence than other parts of the world. Only very few African nations have not experienced post elections violence on a very grand scale or some bitter power tussle fed by tnbal or ethnic sentiments.

    I hung up the phone, confident that my decision was right for Nigeria and would probably have a great impact on Africa. This may well be the beginning of a new perspective to power; a perspective which places national interest above  personal preference. It should not always be about winning.

    “After my coversation with Muhammadu Buhari, which lifted my spirit greatly, I felt better and lighter; it was time to break the news to my Ministers “Id mdes. I wandered back into the living room. These are people I came to know over a period of time. I anticipated what their response would be.

    “In my new found calm, I stood before them and told them what I had just done. The elections were over. I had called and congratulated Muhammadu Buhari on his victory. It was time for all of us to move on. Stunned silence greeted the room for some time and after they overcame their shock, they all congratulated me.

    “My Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, sought my permission to tweet my phone conversation with Buhari. I obliged and he did. The country was no longer waiting for the declaration of the election results. The nationwide tension automatically dissipated as through a red hot piece of iron had been dipped in a bowl of water. Thereafter, I addressed the nation.”

  • Buhari greets Jonathan, Attah, Ezeife on birthdays

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has joined Nigerians in sending warm greetings to former President Goodluck Jonathan as he turns 61 today.

    He also felicitated with former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah as well as former Anambra State Governor Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife. They turn 80 today.

    The President believed the life journey of the former president remains an inspiration to every young Nigerian of the possibilities that await anyone willing to learn, work hard and participate in making the country great.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also congratulated Jonathan on the publishing of his memoir, My Transition Hours, which will be launched as part of ceremonies marking his birthday.

    He encouraged Nigerians to follow same example of sharing their experiences in writing.

    The President prayed that the almighty God will strengthen Jonathan, grant him longer life and bless his family.

    He also joined family members, friends, professional colleagues and political associates of Obong Attah in celebrating the many years of service to God and humanity, and obvious impact of his leadership style.

    As an architect with versatile and global working experience, the President, in a statement by Adesina, hailed the strategic thinking and planning of Obong Attah and his cabinet in shaping the infrastructural development of Akwa Ibom, which he said still remained one of the most hospitable and attractive states for tourists in the country.

    Buhari affirmed that Obong Attah’s contribution to architectural growth has been most remarkable, and historical, especially when he served as President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.

    He prayed to the almighty God for longer life, good health and more wisdom for the former governor to continue serving the country and humanity.

    Buhari, in another statement by Adesina, joined family, friends and political associates of Ezeife in celebrating the milestone, which has been lined with many notable achievements, both at state and national levels.

    As the for governor turned 80, the President believed Ezeife’s investments in human capital and laying of a foundation for a vibrant economy in Anambra State would be remembered and cherished by posterity.

    He prayed for longer life, good health and strength for Ezeife.

  • Jonathan mourns mentor, nationalist

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of late chief Tony Anenih  who died on Sunday at the age of 85 years.

    He described him as a patriot and mentor to many Nigerians.

    Jonathan noted that the exit of the great nationalist and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a sad loss to the party and the nation, stressing that his rich political experience, sincere patriotism and deep wisdom are qualities Nigerians still needed to cultivate for national cohesion, growth and development.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, the former President said: “Late Chief Tony Anenih was a great asset to our dear nation.  For a long time, he remained a leading light in our party and in Nigeria’s political firmament, charting the course for peace, unity and the entrenchment of true democracy in our nation.

    “Even in old age and in retirement Chief Tony Anenih continued to inspire and mentor younger politicians as a demonstration of his deep commitment to Nigeria’s growth and progress.

    “He was in deed a leader with an exceptional knack for initiating well-considered strategies for political stability in the nation.

    “He served our country diligently in different capacities, distinguishing himself in the security systems, business, politics and peace building.

    “Anenih left a legacy of remarkable achievements through selfless service to humanity and deep commitment to peace, democracy, party loyalty and national unity.

    “May God Almighty provide succour to his family members, the Government, People of Edo State and others who mourn, and grant his soul eternal rest.” he said

  • Osinbajo, Jonathan, Tinubu, others laud Alaafin’s leadership qualities

    PROMINENT dignitaries from all walks of life have lauded the leadership qualities and prowess of a foremost traditional ruler, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as he celebrates his 80th birthday.

    The dignitaries include Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudasiru Obasa; former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli; former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Commissioner for Arts and Tourism, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu.

    The dignitaries spoke on yesterday during the launch of a book as part of the celebration of the Alaafin’s 80th birthday anniversary in Ibadan.

    Also at the event were the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Kano State governor, Dr Umar Ganduje, the Aare Ona Kankafo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, royal father’s from different parts of the country, community leaders, religious leaders among others.

    In his remark, Osinbajo said the Alaafin has demonstrated true leadership and stood on the path of truth as a leader of the Yoruba race.

    Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, said, “Leadership is not in title no matter high sounding or revered the title may be. Ultimately, the true leader of the people is the one who serves his people by personal sacrifice and by the demonstration of personal conviction even to his own detriment.

    “The Alaafin has in the past 47 years on the throne, by words, deeds and personal sacrifice, demonstrated true leadership. He has time and time again stood on the side of the truth and personal conviction of what he thought best for the Yoruba race. Among leaders, traditional leaders have a more profound role to play. The traditional leader is the true custodian of the moral essence of the people.”

    In his speech, the Ooni said he was grateful to witness the celebration of the monarch, noting that although he was a king like the Alaafin, he prayed God to grant him long life like the Alaafin.

    Ajimobi in his speech thanked Alaafin for supporting his government, describing him as a quintessential monarch and a man of strong ancestral heritage.

    “It is an occasion to thank God and take stock of the unique blessings that the king is endowed with. At 80, he is still productive so much that he produced two sets of twins through his queens recently. He supports government at all times,” said Ajimobi.

    In a statement the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, felicitated with the Alaafin. In a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, the governor rejoiced with the first class ruler, who he said has been blessed by God with longevity of life.

    The governor described the Alaafin as a worthy custodian of Yoruba culture and heritage and a good ambassador of the Yoruba race.

    The statement said in part: “I rejoice with you as it has pleased the Almighty God to give you long life and good health to spend on earth and on the revered throne.

    “You have been a worthy custodian of the Yoruba culture and tradition and have positively projected this all over the world. As your fame has soared globally, so also has the Yoruba nation, its culture, tradition and continuities in the Diaspora soared.”

  • Alleged N2.1bn money laundering: Direct your probe at Dasuki, Jonathan, Dokpesi tells court

    Businessman, Raymond Dokpesi, has faulted the money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Dokpesi queried the exclusion of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from EFCC’s probe of the allegation that he (Dokpesi) and his firm, Daar Investment and Holdings Company Limited, were involved in the laundering of N2.1billion.

    The businessman, who is being tried with his firm, before the Federal High Court, Abuja also wondered why they were being prosecuted instead of the ex-National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Dasuki, who is alleged to have laundered the money.

    Dokpesi’s argument is contained in a no-case submission adopted yesterday by his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN).

    The case against Dokpesi and his firm, includes that they allegedly received N2.1b from the Office of the National Security Adviser, under Sambo Dasuki, as payment for a “purported contract on presidential media initiative”.

    They are also accused of receiving the N2.1b from ONSA to prosecute the 2015 presidential media campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Adopting the no-case submission yesterday, Agabi, an ex-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), argued that the prosecution’s case against his clients and evidence led so far are replete with contradictions and inconsistencies.

    Agabi argued that the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses such as Dasuki or former President Goodluck Jonathan whom he said Dokpesi implicated in his statement.

    The ex-AGF  said, “The money was paid by Col. Dasuki. His name is mentioned in the four counts of money laundering as the one who made the payment.

    “Therefore, he is the one alleged to be laundering the funds. The money in counts one to four is not being laundered by the defendant. The launderer is Col. Dasuki.

    “So, if the launderer is Col. Dasuki, are we going to convict him behind him? We cannot convict him behind him.

    “Why is he not charged? His name is mentioned again and again in the charges.

    “Even if they are not going to charge him, they should have called him as a witness because it is his action that is in question here,” Agabi said

    ýHe equally noted that despite that Dokpesi implicated former President Jonathan, the anti-graft agency failed to interview him or call him as a witness.

    He said: “The 1st defendant (Dokpesi), in his statement, implicated the former President. Witnesses testified that they did not interview the former President

    “The rule of the court is that once the statement of the defendant (Dokpesi’s statement) is tendered by the prosecution it becomes the case of the prosecution,” Agabi said.

    He argued that the prosecution failed to disclose ingredients of money laundering in count one to four

    He contended that, for a transaction to constitute a money laundering offence, the money involved must be proceeds of crime.

    Agabi noted that, in the instant case, the money in the ONSA’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, from which his clients were paid, could not have been proceeds of crime.

    He argued that the prosecution failed to establish aprima facie case against his clients to warrant their being callled upon to enter defence.

    He argued that the charges were defective as they allegedly failed to disclose the ingredients of money laundering against his clients and were “riddled with inconsistencies from the head to the toes.”

    Agabi urged the court to dismiss the charge and discharge and acquit his clients.

    Responding, prosecuting lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and order the defendants to enter their defence to the prosecution’s case.

    Atolagbe contended that the defendants’ submission, to the effect that Dokpesi should be held to account for any money laundering charge, was an admission that they committed the alleged crimes,

    He argued that all the ingredients of the alleged offences were proved by the prosecution and all the  necessary witnesses needed to prove the case were called.

    Atolagbe said the defence’s line of argument involving Dasuki’s roles was an admission that they committed the alleged crimes.

    He said for instance, the former Director of Finance and Administration of ONSA, Salisu Shuaibu, was called as the second prosecution witness.

    He noted that even though the charges before the case were not against Dasuki, the allegations of breach of trust, misappropriation and corruption levelled against the former NSA had been proved with the various witnesses called in the case.

    Atolagbe added: “They said prosecution must prove breach of trust against Col. Dasuki. Even if that must be an element of the offence of money laundering, the evidence is enough to prove it

    “PW2 (Shuaibu) gave a very elaborate evidence of how he was instructed to just make payments without contract or any relationship.

    “Dasuki is not standing trial here. We don’t need to prove charge against Col. Dasuki here. He is being tried in another court. Even if that is what is required, we have proven it.

    “This is also an admission on their part that there is money laundering, so they should enter their defence.”

    Atolagbe faulted Agabi’s claim that the prosecution’s evidence was riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies in the charges.

    He said: “That cannot also stand because money obtained in violation of the Public Procurement Act, as admitted by the defendant, certainly cannot be legitimate.”

    Atolagbe asked the court “to direct the defendants to enter their defence” or enable them call witnesses, such as Dasuki and Jonathan, that they argued the prosecution failed to call.

    Trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, adjourned to November 12 for ruling.

  • N2.1b laundering: Direct your probe at Dasuki, Jonathan – Dokpesi

    *Queries EFCC’s failure to question ex-President.
    *Court to rule Nov 12

     

    Businessman, Raymond Dokpesi has faulted the money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Dokpesi queried the exclusion of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from EFCC’s probe of the allegation that he (Dokpesi) and his firm, Daar Investment and Holdings Company Limited were involved in the laundering of N2.1billion.

    The businessman, who is being tried with his firm, before the Federal High Court, Abuja also wondered why they were being prosecuted instead of the ex-National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Dasuki, who is alleged to have laundered the money.

    Dokpesi’s argument is contained in a no-case submission adopted on Friday by his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN).

    The case against Dokpesi and his firm, includes that they allegedly received N2.1b from the office of the National Security Adviser, under Sambo Dasuki, as payment for a “purported contract on presidential media initiative”.

    They are also accused of receiving the N2.1b from ONSA to prosecute the 2015 presidential media campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Adopting the no-case submission on Friday, Agabi, an ex-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), argued that the prosecution’s case against his clients and evidence led so far are replete with contradictions and inconsistencies.

    Agabi argued that the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses such as Dasuki or former President Goodluck Jonathan whom he said his Dokpesi implicated in his statement.

    The ex-AGF said, “The money was paid by Col. Dasuki. His name is mentioned in the four counts of money laundering as the one who made the payment.

    “Therefore he is the one alleged to be laundering the funds. The money in counts one to four is not being laundered by the defendant. The launderer is Col. Dasuki.

    “So, if the launderer is Col. Dasuki, are we going to convict him behind him? We cannot convict him behind him.

    “Why is he not charged? His name is mentioned again and again in the charges.

    “Even if they are not going to charge him, they should have called him as a witness because it is his action that is in question here,” Agabi said

    ‎He equally noted that despite that Dokpesi implicated former President Jonathan, the anti-graft agency failed to interview him or call him as a witness.

    He said, “The 1st defendant (Dokpesi) in his statement implicated the former President. Witnesses testified that they did not interview the former President

    “The rules of the court is that once the statement of the defendant (Dokpesi’s statement) is tendered by the prosecution it becomes the case of the prosecution,” Agabi said.

    He argued that the prosecution failed to disclose ingredients of money laundering in count one to four.

    He contended that, for a transaction to constitute a money laundering offence, the money involved must be proceeds of crime.

    Agabi noted that, in the instant case, the money in the ONSA’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, from which his clients were paid, could not have been proceeds of crime.

    He argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against his clients to warrant their being called upon to enter defence.

    He argued that the charges were defective as they allegedly failed to disclose the ingredients of money laundering against his clients and were “riddled with inconsistencies from the head to the toes.”

    Agabi urged the court to dismiss the charge and discharge and acquit his clients.

    Responding, prosecuting lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and order the defendants to enter their defence to the prosecution’s case.

    Atolagbe contended that the defendants’ submission, to the effect that Dokpesi should be held to account for any money laundering charge, was an admission that they committed the alleged crimes.

    Read Also: APC lambasts Ikpeazu’s car gifts to LG chairmen, Monarchs

    He argued that all the ingredients of the alleged offences were proved by the prosecution and all the necessary witnesses needed to prove the case were called.

    Atolagbe said the defence’s line of argument involving Dasuki’s roles was an admission that they committed the alleged crimes.

    He said for instance, the former Director of Finance and Administration of ONSA, Salisu Shuaibu, was called as the second prosecution witness.

    He noted that even though the charges before the case were not against Dasuki, the allegations of breach of trust, misappropriation and corruption leveled against the former NSA had been proved with the various witnesses called in the case.

    ‎Atolagbe added: “They said prosecution must prove breach of trust against Col. Dasuki. Even if that must be an element of the offence of money laundering, the evidence is enough to prove it

    “PW2 (Shuaibu) gave a very elaborate evidence of how he was instructed to just make payments without contract or any relationship.

    “Dasuki is not standing trial here. We don’t need to prove charge against Col. Dasuki here. He is being tried in another court. Even if that is what is required, we have proven it.

    “This is also an admission on their part that there is money laundering, so they should enter their defence.”

    Atolagbe faulted Agabi’s claim that the prosecution’s evidence was riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies in the charges.
    He said: “That cannot also stand, because money obtained in violation of Public Procurement Act, as admitted by the defendant, certainly cannot be legitimate.”

    Atolagbe asked the court “to direct the defendants to enter their defence” or enable them call witnesses, such as Dasuki and Jonathan, that they argued the prosecution failed to call.

    Trial judge, Justice John Tsoho adjourned to November 12 for ruling.

  • 2015: Jonathan conceded defeat without our knowledge, says Abubakar’s panel

    THE Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee has narrated how it stopped the former President Goodluck Jonathan from arresting and prosecuting Muhammadu Buhari and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders before the 2015 general elections.

    It said it did not influence the former President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat to the APC candidate.

    The committee claimed that the former president acted without its knowledge.

    The revelation was contained in the report the committee unveiled in Abuja yesterday – three years after the 2015 general election.

    The committee reactivated its work yesterday, meeting with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, heads of security agencies and representatives of the registered political parties.

    The 2015 report said the former president cited national interest for not going further with the plan to arrest and prosecute key members of the then opposition APC, including Buhari and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for allegedly committing treason against the Nigerian state.

    According to the report, tagged: “2015 General Elections: The Untold Story”, published by The Kukah Centre, the National Peace Committee said it didn’t convince Jonathan to concede defeat to Buhari, contrary to popular media reports.

    The committee said its primary concern “has always been how to get the defeated candidates to accept the outcome of the election by conceding promptly and unequivocally ” so that the winner would naturally have a much easier task to be magnanimous in victory.

    It added that its members in the evening of March 31 requested an audience with Jonathan at the Villa.

    The report said: “As it awaited confirmation for the meeting with the president, the committee chairman, General Abubakar, also put a call through to General Buhari, who informed him that President Jonathan had only minutes earlier called to concede the elections.

    “He particularly asked the committee to please convey his good wishes to President Jonathan for his great act of statesmanship.

    “Shortly after that, members of the committee, who were greatly relieved, headed to the Villa where they met privately with President Jonathan and thanked him for his great courage.

    “At this point, the Buhari Campaign team were yet to address the press on the historic development and as such, many Nigerians got the news of the concession from General Abubakar’s brief media scrum with State House Correspondents, which perhaps helps create the wrong, but widespread impression that the committee sat with President Jonathan at the Villa as the results came in and had directly prevailed on him to concede.”

    The report stated that Jonathan, in a meeting with the committee cited “national interest” as reason he stopped his earlier decision to press home with treasonable charges against the then APC presidential candidate and other leaders, over threats to form a parallel government, if they didn’t win the election.

    According to the 51-page document, Jonathan jettisoned the plan “in the interest of peace and national stability”.

    Part of page 13 of the report reads: “A meeting with Jonathan was held at the Aso Rock Villa in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 25, 2015. At the meeting, he (Jonathan) raised some issues concerning the state of the nation, the threat of violence by the opposition (APC ) based on allegations that he (Jonathan) and his party were planning to rig the elections.

    “He (Jonathan) noted that he took very seriously the threat by leading members of the opposition to form a parallel government in the event that they didn’t win the elections, but that he chose not to react to such apparent treasonable acts in the interest of peace.”

    The report also detailed series of meetings held with leaders of the two major political parties in 2015, especially with APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The committee, which came into existence before the 2015 general elections, was resuscitated as a result of heated political environment.

    Speaking after its meeting yesterday, Abubakar said politics must be played without bitterness.

    The former head of state, who briefed reporters in the company of Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), Father Mathew Kukah and other members of the committee, stressed the importance of peace in the nation’s economic growth.

    He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies involved in the electoral process to play their roles accordingly.

    Abubakar also urged politicians to play the game according to the rules.

     

  • Oshiomhole’s psychological state fragile, says Jonathan

    Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has described the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as a man with fragile psychological state.

    He was responding to Oshiomhole’s claim in a Channels Television interview that he (Jonathan) introduced vote buying into the electoral system.

    “President Jonathan started this massive vote buying in Nigeria and the media must play back and do proper interview and proper investigation to discover the origin of vote buying,” Oshiomhole was quoted to have said in the interview.

    But in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan said the APC chairman’s flip-flops in recent time were signs of fragile psychological state.

    “His (Oshiomhole’s) recent flip-flops where he praised Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso one day, only to denounce them the very next day, is enough evidence of his fragile psychological state.

    “We really do not know the reason for this misleading falsehood at this point in time. However, we can only guess that Mr. Oshiomhole, who is currently operating under tremendous stress in a bid to steady the already floundering ship of his administration as the new leader of his party, may have got himself entangled in a voyage of tactless desperation.

    “Not only is he content on squabbling with members of the opposition, we note the self-destructive tendencies of Oshiomhole, who is locked in a feud with members of his party, including the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige and a host of APC governors. It appears that Mr. Oshiomhole’s psychological strain may have reached a boiling point,” Jonathan said.

  • Taraba tired of absentee Governor, says Oshiomhole

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Monday said that the people of Taraba State are tired of an absentee governor who govern the State in absentia.

    He said an APC Governor in the state will reside in the state and work for its people.

    Oshiomhole who spoke while inaugurating the harmonized state executive committee of the party in Taraba state accused the incumbent governor of spending more time outside the state than he spends with his people.

    The APC has been having a running battle with two factions, one loyal to the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan and the Unity Group struggling for the control of the party.

    “Because what we have now is a governor that spends one day in Taraba and six days outside Taraba whether in Lagos, London or in other parts of the world. You can’t govern in absentia. I believe that our Party will make a difference,” Oshiomhole stated.

    He said: “The Party constitution allows the National Working Committee (NWC) to deal with situations when we have challenges including forging consensus or even appointing caretaker committees in order to ensure the smooth running of the Party across the country.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole: Saraki’s ambition almost destroyed APC

    “It is my hope and prayers that the APC in Taraba state under the Chairmanship of Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi with the full support of stakeholders will work together with everybody in the Taraba APC to ensure that there is all-inclusive participation. That is the whole idea of the harmonised executive.

    “We are in very interesting times, we have a governor in Taraba on the PDP platform who narrowly escaped with the position courtesy of the rigging machine of the PDP. From all that I hear from the ordinary people of Taraba, they can’t wait to have Governor Darius Ishaku out of the government house of Taraba.

    “We at the APC headquarters are absolutely committed to giving you all the moral, organisational and persuasive support that we can provide to organise, mobilise and ensure that the great people of Taraba state come out enmasse to vote for whoever will emerge as the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidate on the platform of our party, come February 2019.

    “Under the APC, the good people of Taraba state will witness sustainable development, peace, and security. They will have a resident governor. Because what we have now is a governor that spends one day in Taraba and six days outside Taraba whether in Lagos, London or in other parts of the world. You can’t govern in absentia. I believe that our Party will make a difference.

    “I am encouraged by the people I see who are working together on the platform of the APC in our shared determination to provide good governance to the people of Taraba state. Today’s meeting is the beginning of a collaborative effort to democratically takeover the governance of Taraba state.”

    The newly-inaugurated Taraba State Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi promised to unite all members and stakeholders in the Taraba state APC to deliver votes for the APC come 2019.

    “I want to assure that whatever stories anybody could have told you National Chairman about the disunity in Taraba is not true. I will unite everybody because every individual is important in Taraba state. I will carry everybody along so that we deliver Taraba to the APC come 2019,” El-Sudi said.

  • ‘N1.6b was raised for church through Jonathan’

    Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s former aide Dr. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa yesterday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the N1.6billion he was accused of concealing was part of money raised for a church.

    He said the former President gave him instructions on how to keep the money for the church.

    Dudafa opened his defence before Justice Mohammed Idris, following the dismissal of his no-case submission.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him and a banker, Iwejuo Joseph Nna, on June 11, 2016 on a 23-count charge of conspiracy to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to N1.6billion.

    EFCC said they used companies to launder the money between June 2013 and June 2015.

    But, led in evidence by his lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), Dudafa said the money was part of N6billion raised towards the building of St. Stephen’s Youth Development Centre, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, by the Anglican Communion of Otuoke community.

    He said: “From my interactions with former President Jonathan, I know that the funds were proceeds of a launching by the Anglican Communion of Otuoke community for the building of St. Stephens Youth Development Centre, Otuoke.

    “The launching, done in Lagos on March 16, 2013, was organised by the former president as a member of the Anglican Communion and grand patron.

    “About N6 billion was realised from the event. People made donations at the event, while the chief launcher, Prince Arthur Eze, donated $10 million (about N1.8 billion). The donation by the chief launcher was a pledge, which he promised to fulfil in piece-meal.

    “When Prince Eze started redeeming his pledge in piece-meal, the former president directed that I get somebody in the private sector that would keep the fund.