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Tag: Mr. Olusegun Agbaje

  • INEC bans mobile phones at collation centre

    …EFCC stations officials in Osun

    The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje , on Sunday banned the use of mobile phone at election collation centre in Osogbo.

    Agbaje, during his opening remarks at the INEC collation centre, said people at the high table would not be allowed to call or pick calls throughout the collation period.

    He however, said that anyone who wished to receive or pick calls must step outside the hall.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the high table include the collation officer, head of security agencies and other Senior INEC officials.

    The collation of the results commenced at about 9:45am at the INEC headquarters in Osogbo.

    Also in his remarks, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, the Presidential Election collation officer in the state appealed to party agents at the centre to be peaceful and orderly.

    Read also: 20 killed as violence rocks polls

    Ogundipe said the election was another milestone in the history of the country, adding that at the end of the exercise Nigerians should see themselves as one.

    Meanwhile, officials of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) were stationed at strategic location at the centre.

    One of the officials who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) under the condition of anonymity said they were at the centre to monitor politicians who might want to engage in bribery or any financial misconduct.

    Men of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), Police, and Nigeria Civil Defense Corps were also seen within and outside the collation centre to ensure security. (NAN)

  • Osun guber election: INEC to employ over 15,000 ad-hoc staff

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun said it would employ over 15,000 ad-hoc staff for the conduct of the Sept. 22 governorship election.

    Mr Olusegun Agbaje, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, made the disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting with political party leaders in Osogbo.

    Read Also:National Assembly to reconvene for INEC’s budget

    He told the stakeholders that the commission would do everything possible to conduct a free and fair election in the state.

    Agbaje said the commission it had already recruited over 14,000 out of the over 15,000 ad-hoc staff needed for the election.

    He said the commission had engaged different ad-hoc staff sources such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), federal establishments and tertiary institutions in the state.

    ‘‘As we speak, we have sourced over 90 per cent of the ad-hoc staff that would participate in the conduct of the election.

    ‘‘NYSC management promised us over 8,000 of their youth corps, which will form the large chunk of our ad-hoc staff.

    ‘‘The Obafemi Awolowo University has provided us with 3,000 personnel/students, while Federal Polytechnic, Ede has assured us of 2,000 personnel plus students out which 1,500 has been received.

    ‘‘The over 70 other federal establishments in the state would also be providing us with 1,000 of their members who will participate in the conduct of the election,’’ he said.

    Agbaje, however, implored the 48 political parties that would take part in the election to advise the electorate to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the election.

    He said the commission had been carrying out voter education and public enlightenment campaigns, stressing that many PVCs were yet to be collected by registered voters.

    He said about 540,658 PVCs were still with the commission and enjoined voters in the state to come out and collect their PVCs.

    NAN

     

  • Innoson, GTB draw battle line over N400b lawsuit

    Innoson, GTB draw battle line over N400b lawsuit

    Indications are that the N400billion civil action instituted by Innoson Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma against Guaranty Trust Bank Plc may have set off a chain of reaction, the outcome of which may not be palatable to either of the two parties, if the arguments of financial and economic pundits is anything to go by.

    It would be recalled that Innoson had sued Guaranty Trust Bank PLC in the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, claiming a total sum of N400 billion damages for injury to their reputation, moral character, credibility, office, vocation and trade.

    Besides, they are also seeking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the bank from further defaming them.

    According to analysts, although both companies have been involved in a legal tussle for some years now, they nonetheless argued that N400billion was too high and capable of affecting the operations of GTBank, if granted by the court.

    However, some legal analysts have argued that there is no amount of money that can equate to the name and reputation of an individual or organisation.

    Citing Socrates, Edwards Michael, a lawyer said: “Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of.” In the same vein, the Bible says: “A good name is to be desired more than gold; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.”

    According to Micheal, Innoson and Chief Chukwuma seem to believe that a good name is priceless, and once stained it could destroy all a person or company has laboured for over the years.

    “The name of Chief Chukwuma has been built into reputable names. Once smeared, they will lose the trust of the public and also the patronage of the public, which may lead to the death of the business and any future endeavour embarked upon by Chukwuma.”

    The lawsuit was filed by Innocent Chukwuma’s counsel, Prof Joseph N Mbadugha Esq,  sequel to a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in favour of Innoson Nigeria Ltd. in Appeal No: SC/694/2014 between GTB v. Innoson Nig Ltd. There, on 12th May 2017, the Supreme Court dismissed GTBank’s Application.

    Innoson Nigeria Ltd had won various lawsuits against GTBank, including 29th July 2011, the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, through a garnishee order absolute ordered the Defendants (GTBank) to pay the sum of N2,048,737,443.6k to Innoson Nigeria Ltd.

    GTBank however appealed against the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. In a unanimous judgment, delivered on 6th February 2014, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, affirmed the judgment of the trial Court and ordered the Defendant (GTBank) to pay the said sum of N2, 048,737,443.67k to Innoson Nigeria Ltd.

    Not satisfied, GTBank appealed to the Supreme Court on 11 grounds. Subsequently, GTBank sought to amend its notice of appeal – to adduce fresh evidence – to show that Innoson Nigeria Ltd obtained the judgment of the Court of Appeal by fraud and fraudulent suppression of material facts.

    Thud GTBank had through its motion on notice in Appeal No: SC/694/2014 dated the 22nd of January 2016 and filed at the Supreme Court on the 5th of February 2016, with a 15 paragraph affidavit in support averred that Innoson Nigeria Ltd obtained the Court of Appeal Judgment against GTBank in Appeal No CA/I/258/2011 by fraud.

    Similarly, at paragraphs 9 and 10 of the affidavit in support of the said motion on notice deposed to by Sarah Ugamah on behalf of GTBank, GTBank said that Innoson Nigeria Ltd fraudulently suppressed that it was paid the sum of N1, 406,515,845.98 in liquidation of the judgment debt.
    However in a unanimous decision, on 12th May 2017, the Supreme Court dismissed the GTBank’s said motion on notice; and while dismissing the motion, Supreme Court stated, inter alia, that GT Bank engaged in double speaking and in a frivolous frolic in bringing the application.

    In the fresh suit, Innoson Nigeria Ltd and Chief Innocent Chukwuma maintained that the words published by GTBank – that it obtained the Court of Appeal Judgment by fraud and fraudulent suppression of the fact that Innoson Nig. Ltd. was paid the sum N1,406,515,845.98 in final liquidation of the judgment debt – implies that Innocent Chukwuma and Innoson Nigeria Ltd are dubious, dishonest, dishonorable, and untrustworthy, of questionable character, fraudster, criminally deceptive, cheats and obtaining money through false pretenses.

    In consequence, Innoson Nigeria Ltd and Innocent Chukwuma are claiming against the GTBank PLC as follows: N100billion exemplary damages; N100billion for injury to feelings – mental pains and anxiety; N150billion for injury to reputation and N50billion general damages.

    Innoson Nig Ltd. and Chief Innocent Chukwuma further claim:

    –      An order that the published words complained of be retracted by the Defendant – GTBank with an apology published in two National dailies;
    –      An order of perpetual injunction restraining the GTBank from further maligning or otherwise defaming them in the words or similar words, complained of in this motion;
    –      An order of perpetual injunction restraining GTBank, its agents, privies or whomsoever from further defaming the plaintiffs;
    –      22% interest on the said sums of money claimed above commencing on 22nd January 2016 till the date of the judgment and thereafter at the same rate of 22% interest until the satisfaction of the judgment debt.

    With Guaranty Trust Bank having a shareholders’ funds base of N546.9 billion, having a N400 billion suit hanging on its neck, analysts have argued that paying such a judgement debts if found guilty by the court, such a case will not be in the best interest of a financial institution like the GTBank that is the custodian of people’s money.

    As the legal battle rages, it is not clear yet how this whole issue will pan out.

    But economic analysts hold the view and very strongly too that these two organisations  will find an amicable way to settle their differences, so as to have maximum time for their core areas of operations.

  • ‘Ondo election was generally peaceful’

    ‘Ondo election was generally peaceful’

    Contrary to expectations, Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo was generally peaceful, as far as Akure, the state capital and Ondo Central Senatorial District, in general, are concerned. Voter turnout was considerably high.

    Electoral officials got the polling units one time; about one hour before the commencement of voting. Voters were equally eager to vote for the candidates of their choice; in many areas visited by our correspondent, particularly in Akure South and Akure North Local Government Areas, the electorates even got the polling units ahead of electoral officials.

    In the areas monitored in the two local governments, one correspondent witnessed only one attempt of ballot box snatching. This happened at Unit 17, Ward 9, Fadeyi Street, Oshinle, Akure. As officials were getting ready to start counting the ballot, hoodlums swooped on the ballot box and attempted to carry it away from the scene. It was security operatives at the scene, particularly the police and Civil Defence officials that intercepted the move and promptly called in soldiers to secure the area.

    No arrest was made, as the hoodlums took to their heels. The vote was eventually counted and the PDP won the polling unit with 75 votes, followed by the APC which got 66 votes. AD got 23 votes. From the trend of results witnessed so far in Akure generally, it looks like a straight fight between the PDP and the APC.

    An observer monitoring the election, Mr Nelson Ekujumi of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), who spoke to our reporter midway into the exercise, gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the organisation of the election so far. He said: “So far, I have visited close to 50 polling units and my observations are that: INEC personnel arrived at their polling units on time; by 7.12am most of them were already at their polling units.

    “I started from somewhere around Fiwasaiye Girls Secondary School and I have gone as far as Owo Road. I noticed that in many places voters were at the polling units before the arrival of INEC officials.

    “There is a good presence of security men at polling stations; we have an average of four to five personnel at each polling unit. Happily enough I have not seen any military presence anywhere.

    “I have observed that voting and accreditation started simultaneously at 8.00am at most polling units and so far everything is going on smoothly.”

    Ekujumi said the turnout was okay, but can be better. He added: “I expect more people will come as time goes on.”

    In the capital, a lot of indigenes were eager to vote. People have been at the polling units as early as 7.00am, and in many cases, they have had to wait for the officials. The enthusiasm of the people is understandable: one of their sons, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, is standing for the governorship election. Their determination is embodied in the enthusiasm of 100-year-old Mrs Aladeti Aladetiimi, who was the first to cast her vote at Unit 2, Ward11 at about 8.10am. Aladetimi said she took the trouble to come out to vote because an Akure indigene is contesting.

    There were numerous cases of Card Reader failure to read the fingerprints of some voters, particularly the elderly ones. Speaking to reporters during his visit to Unit 9, Ward 2, to monitor the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in Ondo, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, said the situation was under control and that all registered voters would be given the opportunity to vote.

    The PDP flag bearer, Mr Eyitayo Jegede was in the queue for 45 minutes before he cast his ballot. He was accompanied by his wife.

    After casting his vote, Jegede decried the widespread inability of Card Reader machines to read the fingerprints of some voters, saying it may be a deliberate ploy to disenfranchise some voters. He said: “I have had discussions with the Resident Electoral Commisioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje; I have informed him that a good number of the Card Readers are not functioning. I hope it is not a scheme to prevent people from voting.

    “I hope that they would allow every registered voter on the queue to vote. I have been on the queue for the past 45 minutes. I give glory to God that I have been to participate; I have voted, I have voted for the people.

    “We have told our people that we are going to win this election.” The people of Akure are united in their bid to make Jegede the next governor of the state.

    The Senator representing Ondo Central in the upper legislative chamber, Tayo Alasoadura, commended the orderliness and smooth conduct of the election, saying it is a sign that Nigeria’s democracy has evolved. He said the way voters conducted themselves without rancour is gratifying.

  • Eyitayo worried over faulty card reader

    Eyitayo worried over faulty card reader

    After casting his vote, the flag bearer of the PDP, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, has expressed doubt about the conduct of the election, particularly problems associated with card readers.

    Jegede who waited for over 45 minutes said: “I have had discussions with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje; I have informed him that a good number of the card readers are not functioning. I hope it is not a scheme to prevent people from voting.

    “I hope that they would allow every registered voter on the queue to vote.

    “I have been in the queue for the past 45 minutes. I give glory to God that I have been to participate; I have voted for the people.

    “We have told our people that we are going to win this election.”

    The people of Akure are united in their bid to make one of their sons the next governor of the state.

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  • Ondo: Politicians plan to clone PVCs – REC alleges

    Ondo: Politicians plan to clone PVCs – REC alleges

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mr Olusegun Agbaje on Thursday said raised alarm over plans to clone Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by some politicians ahead of the next month governorship election in the state.
    Agbaje said that such cloned cards would be detected by the card readers that would be deployed by Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC).
    He warned that anyone caught in the act will be made to face severe punishment.
    The INEC boss said this buying and selling  the PVC will also face same consequences if caught in the act.
    “We hear people are cloning cards to cheat during the election. Cloned cards will not work.
    “The card readers will detect the cloned cards. Protect your cards, don’t sell Them,it is a criminal offence. There will be enough card readers, so that if any malfunctions it will be immediately
    replaced,” he said.
    The REC who used the occasion to debunked claims by the APC and Jimoh Ibrahim, alleging that top officials of the Ondo State INEC were compromised, said: “INEC has no preferred candidate for the coming election, anybody who wins will win fairly.”
    “INEC will not do anything that reduces the credibility it has built through the years.”
    While disclosing that his office had taken delivery of non-sensitive materials, which had been distributed to all the local government areas, Agbaje noted that no one would be allowed to vote without the PVC, adding that voting without card readers is a nullity.
    The National Commissioner in charge of Publicity and Voters Education, Mr Solomon Shoyebi said that about one million six hundred and fifty-nine eligible voters are to participate in the November 26, governorship.
    Shoyebi noted that 80 percent of the voters are youths between 18 and 40 years.
    He emphasised that the use of smart card reader is sacrosanct to the election urging the electorates to adhere strictly to all electoral guideline of the commission for the successful conduct of the poll.
  • 30 political parties to participate in Ondo guber poll

    30 political parties to participate in Ondo guber poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Tuesday announced that thirty political parties will participate in the November 26, governorship election in Ondo State.

    It also informed that it has put in another arrangement to ensure smooth accreditation and voting process during the poll.

    This it said would reduce the rigorous process being experienced by the commission during the poll.

    The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Olusegun Agbaje disclosed at a press conference held in Akure, the state capital.

    Agbaje said all parties intended to participate in the contest have concluded their primaries as at on Monday.

    The REC listed the parties as Alliance for Democracy, (AD), Social Democratic Party,( SDP), People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), African People Alliance, (APA), Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP), All Progressives Congress, (APC) and Labour Party,( LP).

    It also include Citizens Popular Party,( CPP), People’s Party of Nigeria, (PPN) ,Democratic People’s Party, (DPP), Democratic People’s Congress, (DPC), New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Hope Democratic Party,( HDP), National Unity Party, (NUP), and Better Nigeria Progressive Party,( BNPP).

    Others were: Young Democratic Party, (YDP), Accord Party, (AP), All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Progressive Peoples Alliance, (PPA), African Democratic Congress, (ADC), Action Alliance,( AA) , Unity of Nigeria (UPN), KOWA Party, (KP), People for Democratic Change (PDC), Independent Democrats, (ID), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), National Conscience Party, (NCP, United Democratic Party,(UDP), United Progressive Party,( UPP) and Advanced Congress of Democrats, (ACD).

    Agbaje who appreciated the peaceful conduct of political parties during their primaries, noted that the standard of the conduct exhibited will benefit the deepening of democracy in the state.

    His words: Going by the scheduled election timetable, the party campaigns for the election have taken off and open politicking is gathering momentum.

    “On this note, I wish to appeal to the political parties and politicians/ contestants to exercise restraint in their pronouncements and avoid getting involved in verbal wars and inflammatory comments capable of igniting political tension and provoking rancour that could threaten the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

    “The current political campaigns should record a significant improvement. It should be violent -free, issue-based, enriching and peaceful. It is my belief that a peaceful campaign exercise is a likely harbinger to the conduct of a peaceful election.”

    Agbaje, however, assured the stakeholders the readiness of the Commission to conduct a peaceful, transparent and credible and conclusive governorship election in the state.