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Tag: Oke

  • Ambassadors: Why Tinubu opted for Oke, Dalhatu, Are

    Ambassadors: Why Tinubu opted for Oke, Dalhatu, Are

    • ’Court exonerated Oke over lodging of $43m in Osborne Road apartment’

    President Bola Tinubu’s Wednesday’s choice of the three ambassadors designate to the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France was driven by the urgent need for foreign collaboration to tackle insurgency and banditry in the country,The Nation gathered yesterday.

    Integrity, merit and international connections/ acceptability were other factors considered by the president in settling for a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke; a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Kayode Are; and Amb. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu,sources said.

    Their names have been forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

    Some critics have queried the nomination of Oke on account of the circumstances surrounding his exit from the NIA.

    But fresh facts now reveal that he was exonerated of corruption by a Federal High Court in Lagos in 2023 following withdrawal of allegations of lodging over$43m in Osborne Road apartment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The trio are the first set of nominees for ambassadorial assignments by the Tinubu Presidency.

    A full list is said to be on the way.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said the President decided to return to “pragmatic diplomacy which will boost the ongoing economic reforms and counter- insurgency. To Tinubu, it is merit before any consideration.

    “This government has done its homework before nominating the three candidates.Some of them were even abroad when they heard the announcement. One of them was on his way from London yesterday. You can see the merit factor.

    “Those three nominees have unimpeachable pedigree; they are internationally respected and they can knock any door for Nigeria. When they speak on the nation’s security situation in Nigeria or when they seek international support, they are trusted.

    “They have integrity which has endeared them to the international community. They also seek truth to power. Are’s records in DSS were outstanding to the admiration of the international community.

    “Amb. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu is a diplomatic of repute with a great passion for truth, accountability and transparency.  Nigeria comes first to him before any country.

    “Of all security chiefs, Oke was the only person, in his capacity as the NIA boss, that submitted an accurate report that former President Goodluck Jonathan would lose the 2015 general election. He didn’t care if he was fired by the then President.

    His outstanding contributions in the pursuit of Nigeria’s national interest in international environment culminated in his distinguished career at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London as Special Adviser to the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Head of Africa Department of the international organisation.

    “He was also instrumental to the outstanding contributions to the organisational development of the NIA and series of operational successes the NIA recorded under him that earned him noteworthy commendations by two former Presidents…”

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    Oke and the $43m in Osborne road apartment

    Another source confirmed that Amb. Oke was cleared of any corruption in 2023.

    The source added: “As a matter of fact, the funds were for security project kept in a safe house. The EFCC acted on a false alarm. And instead of inter-agency collaboration, it went to town with the discovery.

    “Many international security organisations and companies connected with the project felt embarrassed.

    “A Federal High Court Order revoked the charges following EFCC’s decision to withdraw the case in June 2023 on grounds of national security. This action was duly noted and approved by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in March of the same year.

    “The six-year controversy around the security lodging of $43 million, 27 thousand UK Pounds, and N23 million, belonging to the National Intelligence Agency [NIA], at an Osborne Road apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, came to an end in 2023 with the legal resolution to terminate the case.

    “The presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, Honourable Justice C.J. Aneke, struck out the case on Friday, June 9, 2023, following the decision of the prosecuting team from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] and the lack of objection from the defence team led by Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN) of the Castle of Law Chambers.

    “The EFCC withdrawal of the case followed its agreement with the NIA that on national security grounds and the fact that full forfeiture of the money required no further action.

    “So there is nothing adversarial or negative on this nomination.”

    When contacted, Ajulo, who is now the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, said: “The case against Amb. Oke was struck out because he didn’t embezzle any money. Based on the facts, EFCC withdrew the charges.”

  • Ondo APC primary: Late Akintelure campaign team joins Oke team

    Ondo APC primary: Late Akintelure campaign team joins Oke team

    A coalition of support groups and members of the campaign organization of the late Dr. Paul Akintelure have joined the campaign team of Chief Olusola Oke ahead of Saturday’s primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Late Akintelure was a leading governorship aspirant of the APC who was tipped to emerge as the governorship candidate of the APC in Ondo state.

    This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the campaign organization and support groups’ Director General/Coordinator and General Secretary of the group, Hon.(Dr.). Bello Adeluse Obe and Comrade (Mrs.) Usor Eteng respectively, and made available to journalists in Akure.

    The statement which declared that members of late Akintelur’s campaign would vote for Chief Oke during Saturday’s governorship primaries, said the decision was unanimous.

    It said the campaign team saw Chief Oke as “a man of multi-dimensional capabilities who can turn the fortunes of Ondo State around for the better.”

    According to the statement: “The campaign organisation of late Otunba (Dr) Paul Akintelure (DPA), has opted to support Chief Olusola Oke in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries coming up on Saturday 20th April 2024.

    Read Also: Ododo heads Ondo APC Gov primary election committee

    “This unanimous decision was made today, 17th April 2024 after a meeting of leaders and local government coordinators of the campaign organisation chaired by its Director General, Hon(Dr) Bello Adeluse Obe.

    People who spoke at the meeting described Chief Olusola Oke as a man of multi-dimensional capabilities who can turn the fortunes of Ondo State around for the better.

    “He has the political sagacity to unify the people of Ondo State, as well as the intellectual capacity to develop the state to modern Standards. He is also a grassroots politician and household name in the Ondo state political space.

    Those present at the meeting included Chief Olu Ojo, former Chairman of APC in Akure South local government, Hon. Dele Fagoriola, a former Executive Chairman of Akure North local government council, Hon. Charles Adeduro, Former Executive Chairman Of Ondo East local government council, Hon Biyi Ayannuola, former Executive Chairman of Idanre local government council, Comrade Paul Ogbaji, PRO of non-indigene support group (NISG) amongst others.

    Dr. Akintelure died on March 26, 2024, in a Lagos hospital after a brief illness.

  • Ondo election: Omoluabi group adopts Oke as candidate

    Ondo election: Omoluabi group adopts Oke as candidate

    The Omoluabi Coalition, a sociopolitical group in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, has announced Olusola Oke as its preferred candidate among the ten aspirants competing for the party’s ticket in the upcoming governorship election.

    The group said that Oke edged out other candidates to be their preferred candidates, after conducting what it called a comprehensive assessment procedure on the potential and abilities of each candidate.

    In a communiqué issued after a meeting in Akure, the state capital, the director general of the Omoluabi Coalition, Tunji Balogun, referenced Oke’s widespread popularity and appeal, both at the grassroots and across party lines, as key factors that distinguish him from the other candidates.

    The group cautioned the party against selecting a candidate who could be a hindrance to the party’s victory in the polls scheduled for November.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa, Oke mourn Akintelure

    It said: “We believe in continuation. We believe in somebody who will continue where Akeredolu stopped. We need a competent candidate. Presenting a candidate who has a stain or certificate scandal. The APC should be wise in picking a candidate. The party should be diligent. The most qualified is Chief Olusola Oke.

    “Aside from having the grassroots appeal that cuts across the three senatorial districts of the state, he has a wide network of national recognition, having worked at the top echelon of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level for years, which gave him that prominence beyond local politics.

    “His cult followership’s as well as unblemished records of no scandal whatsoever an added advantage are also for him.

    “Ipso facto, we, therefore, rise from this press conference and submit that, as the umbrella body of the global Yorùbá foremost group, we believe the candidature of Chief Olusola Oke (SAN) will represent various interests that cut across all divides.

    “His choice will create a centripetal force that will ultimately decimate any opposition in the state. The state at this critical time needs a leader who can mend fences, calm frayed nerves, and bring all progressives together as one force to deliver a resounding victory for the ruling party.” the communiqué stated.

  • ‘Why I stepped down for Oke’

    ‘Why I stepped down for Oke’

    A governorship aspirant in All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr. Ayodeji Oritedi, has announced his decision to step down for Chief Olusola Oke, a leading contender for the party’s ticket.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oke had on Monday declared his intention to run for the number one seat in the state at the APC secretariat in Akure.

    Read Also: IGP deploys mobile policemen to Kuriga over abduction

    Oritedi also announced his decision to collapse his campaign structure into Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation (OOCA).

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Akure, he said the reason for supporting Oke, was to chart a new path for the state to reach greatness.

  • Oke decries plan to stall polls in Ondo communities

    The Southwest Director of Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), yesterday alerted the public to alleged move by some “unscrupulous elements” to obstruct peaceful conduct of elections in the riverine areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas of Ondo State.

    A statement by his media aide, Rotimi Ogunleye, said the directorate learnt that the mastermind of the act reportedly summoned “known armed militants” in and outside the two local government areas to a meeting at Okitipupa last Friday before the postponed elections.

    The statement said: “It was reported that after parting with a huge sum of money, he instructed the militants to hijack and destroy election materials in riverine areas, generally and specifically in Ilaje Constituency I, where the mastermind fears that his agenda against the APC, specifically the party’s senatorial candidate, may not sail through.

    “Sources said while assuring the militants at Okitipupa, he boasted to have secured the understanding of security agents to look the other way while the militants carry out this heinous crime.”

    The directorate urged men and officers of the Forward Operation Base of the Army and the police to beam their searchlight on Ondo State, especially Ilaje, to prevent “these agents of destabilisation” from implementing their devilish plans.

    It also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be on the alert.

    Assuring the public of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure free and fair elections, the directorate warned that the arm of the law would catch and bring perpetrators of violence and other criminal acts to justice.

     

     

  • Oke urges Ondo, Ekiti residents to troop out for Buhari

    The Southwest Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Chief Olusola Oke, yesterday urged residents of Ondo and Ekiti states to come out massively to receive President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC leaders today.

    Oke said there would be no APC without the contributions of the Southwest.

    Addressing reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, to herald the President’s visit, the campaign coordinator said the region in the past three and a half years gained more than it did in the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Read also: Obanikoro: no record of cash collected from Dasuki for Fayose

    He said: “The Southwest is the engine room of this government and APC as a party. President Buhari has done more for us than the 16 years of the PDP. We have been a major beneficiary of the change mantra and ready for the Next Level.

    “Rehabilitation and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, construction of 158-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail, dualisation of Oyo-Ogbomosho road, Lagos-Ore-Benin road and other major infrastructure are being centred in this region by President Buhari.

    “Major ministries are being managed by our people from the Southwest. You don’t change a winning formula. We want to retain a working formula.”

    Oke said the recent endorsement by some groups, like Ohaneze N’digbo, Afenifere, among others, would not affect the chances of President Buhari in the February 16 election.

    He said: “Afenifere and other groups are not political parties that can muster votes in the coming elections.”

  • OKE, WIFE’S WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  could not proceed yesterday with its planned arraignment of former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ambassador Ayodele Oke and his wife Folasade were absent at the Federal High Court in Lagos as the whereabouts of the couple was unknown.

    They were to appear before  Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, although the case was not formally listed for the day. The court was said have been informed that Oke and wife would not be present as they were not in EFCC’s custody, hence the non-listing of the charge. Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, was in court to arrange for a new date for arraignment.

    It was learnt that the arraignment will now take place on Wednesday, February 6. Unconfirmed reports said they might have left the country.

    An EFCC’s spokesman in Lagos, Babatunde Suleiman, confirmed that the case was not listed. He, however, said he was unaware of the whereabouts of Oke and his wife.  Asked about reports that they might have travelled out of the country and whether they were ever in EFCC’s custody, he said: “I can’t comment on their whereabouts, please. But I will get back to you on this.” Oke and his wife were charged in connection with the $43, 449, 947, 000 found in Flat 7B, No. 16 Osborne Road, Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Muslim Hassan had on June 6, 2017, granted a final forfeiture order of the funds since no one appeared before the court to claim them.

    Read also: CCT serves Onnoghen trial notice

    The four-count charge against the couple was signed by Oyedepo, Nnaemeka Omewa and Idris Abubakar Mohammed. EFCC, in the Proof of Evidence, revealed how Flat 7B was bought for $1, 658,000 (N596, 880,000). It said one Alhaji Shehu Usman Anka will give evidence of the receipt of the sum of $1, 658,000 from the wife of the ex-NIA boss. The anti-graft agency also said that the agency got about $289, 202, 382.00 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It added that one Benjamin Kiksenenso will give evidence of how he was instructed to go to the CBN to collect the $289, 202, 382.00.

    The charges against the ex-NIA boss are: “That you, Amb.  Ayodele Oke, Mrs. Folasade Ayodele Oke on or about the 12th day of April 2017 in Lagos concealed the sum of $43, 449, 947, 000 property of the Federal Government of Nigeria in Flat 7B, No. 16 Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    •The $43m Ikoyi cash

    “That you Amb. Ayodele Oke and Mrs. Folasade Ayodele Oke between 25th day of August 2015 and 2nd day of September 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, indirectly used the sum of $1, 658, 000 property of the Federal Government of Nigeria to acquire Flat 7B, No. 16 Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    “That you Amb. Ayodele Oke and Mrs. Folasade Ayodele Oke between 25th day of August 2015 and 2nd day of September 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court directly retained $160, 777, 136. 85 property of the Federal Government of Nigeria which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    “That you Amb. Ayodele Oke and Mrs. Folasade Ayodele Oke between 25th day of August 2015 and 2nd day of September 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court directly converted $160, 777, 136. 85 property of the Federal Government of Nigeria to your own use which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

  • We hold Oke in high esteem, says Ondo APC

    The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday faulted the report credited to a frontline chieftain of the party in the state, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), and his followers that they had suffered humiliation and rejection in the party.

    The party said it was surprised by the claim.

    It added: “Chief Oke, a notable personality with vast political experience, is well respected by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the APC executives in the state.”

    APC noted that as a colleague in the legal profession, Akeredolu regards Oke as a worthy partner in the quest for the political and economic emancipation of Ondo State.

    A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye said: “It is expedient to state in a crystal clear language that the two leaders are both eager to see the development of the Sunshine State and are mostly in touch, particularly on matters that border on the wellbeing of the party and the state.

    “At the level of the party, the State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, has always displayed profound respect and appreciation for the political exploits and professional attainment of Chief Oke.

    “Adetimehin believes very strongly that the fortune of APC in Ondo State would be greatly enhanced with the political experience of Oke as well as his followers at the party’s disposal.

    “This is readily explained by the quick response and visit to Chief Oke’s country home in Okitipupa by the State Working Committee (SWC), led by Adetimehin, to encourage him over the recent loss of his elder brother.

    “We want to appeal that Oke and his followers exercise some patience while the leader of the party in the state, Governor Akeredolu, looks into some of the issues raised with a view to addressing them.”

    The statement said it needed all leaders to work together in order to strengthen the party and ensure a resounding victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates in next year’s general elections.

     

  • Ajimobi congratulates NWC, Oke

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi  has congratulated the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) following the successful inauguration of the party’s elected state chairmen.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the governor described the event as historic.

    He congratulated the state APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, who was among those inaugurated yesterday by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Abuja.

    By extension, the governor congratulated all elected state party officials at the ward and local government levels for the ratification of their election, as evidenced by the inauguration of Oke by the APC national secretariat.

    Ajimobi said: “I congratulate the NWC of our great party, the APC on the successful inauguration of party executives today. I also rejoice with my state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, for being part of this historic moment.

    “By extension, I also congratulate other duly elected Oyo APC state executive members from the wards to local governments for the ratification of their election, as evidence by the inauguration of Chief Akin Oke today.

    “Let me use this opportunity to say that in Oyo APC, we are all members of one big family. As a result, I want to categorically say that it is a no victor, no vanquished scenario with today’s event. We are all winners.

    “Consequently, a reconciliation committee is being set up with the mandate to reach out to all our aggrieved brothers and sisters in order to move the party forward in the true spirit, norms and practice of democracy.

    “I hereby implore all and sundry to take advantage of this globally accepted platform to resolve our differences. By embracing reconciliation, our party will surely come out much stronger to face our immediate and future obligation of building a more virile nation.”

    Ajimobi stressed that the APC would keep working hard to sustain its dominant position for the continued progress of the country.

  • Adelakun, Adefarasin, Oke, others for leadership conference

    Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Oyo State branch, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, associate pastor of Guiding Light Assembly Olaolu Adefarasin and Dr. Victoria Oke of Sword of the Spirit Ministries are some of the ministers slated for the annual End Time World Leadership Holy Ghost Conference.

    Gospel artiste Tope Alabi and Apostle Dwan Jackson from USA will also minister at the conference.

    It holds from March 7-10 at Faith Plaza behind CMS Grammar School Bariga Lagos with the theme Occupy till I come.

    The convener, Dr. Adewale Adeyeye, said the focus of the conference is “raising men and women for end-time revival and harvest of souls”.

    He stated that registration, accommodation and feeding will be free for all participants.