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Tag: Reconciliation

  • PDP crisis: Sheriff, Makarfi to nominate reconciliation committee members Monday

    PDP crisis: Sheriff, Makarfi to nominate reconciliation committee members Monday

    •Leaders weigh options as governors beg Sheriff

    There were indications yesterday that the warring factions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may on Monday nominate those who will represent them on the reconciliation committee.

    Consultations were ongoing last night on the composition of the reconciliation team.

    The factions include a group led by the sacked National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and the Interim National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

    Also, more governors are begging Sheriff to “sacrifice all” to restore PDP back to a vibrant party.

    But a top party source said the outcome of the agreement would determine whether or not the reconciliation will work.

    One of the proposals on the card is to allow Sheriff and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to remain in office till 2017.

    According to a top source who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, the founding fathers of the PDP, including ex-President Ibrahim Babangida and a former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, have played a vital role in bringing Sheriff and Makarfi together.

    The source said: “Actually, Gusau has been playing a pivotal role. He facilitated the preliminary talks and understanding between Sheriff and Makarfi.

    “The two warring factions have set a template bordering only on the resolution of the crisis in PDP. The intervention of the founding fathers has led to the building of a consensus to put the crisis behind us.

    “Besides the Sheriff factor, we have discovered that some PDP governors are not on the same page with Makarfi’s Caretaker Committee.

    “If there was no intervention by these elders, the crisis would have taken a deeper dimension.

    “We are just lucky that wise counsel has prevailed with Sheriff and Makarfi agreeing to end the feud.

    “But how to resolve the crisis will lead to the inauguration of a reconciliation committee.  All the warring groups are expected to nominate members of the committee. We may do so by Monday.

    “The nature of the agreement at this committee’s level will determine the shape of the reconciliation.”

    Ahead of the inauguration of the reconciliation committee,  it was learnt that some leaders of the party and PDP governors are already weighing options including having a harmonized National Working Committee or allowing Sheriff and his NWC team to run the party till 2017.

    Another source said: “Most party leaders and some governors are already buying the idea of leaving Sheriff and his NWC to be in charge till April or May 2017 when a new National Convention will hold.

    “Some members of the NWC of the Sheriff Camp arrived in Abuja on Thursday in line with the new thinking.

    “If this proposal is ac

  • Adegoroye: APC can’t win Ondo without reconciliation

    Adegoroye: APC can’t win Ondo without reconciliation

    •It is wrong for anybody to castigate Tinubu

    Former Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Prince Ademola Adegoroye yesterday urged the aggrieved chieftains to reconcile to avoid defeat at the poll.

    He said the success of the recent governorship primary will not herald victory for the opposition party, unless concerted efforts are made to pacify aggrieved aspirants and unite the party.

    Adegoroye, a former member of the House of Assembly, urged the winner of the disputed primary, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to initiate reconciliation that will foster cohesion.

    The politician also cautioned chieftains against disrespecting the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying that “we must not deride him.”

    He stressed: “I restate my confidence in the Jagaban Borgu and the Asiwaju of Lagos, Senator Bola Tinubu, our indisputable leader. I have not seen a politician like him till today. He fights for whatever he believes in and puts his resources and life on line to achieve it. We must never deride him, particularly on the pages of newspapers or in the social media. He must not fall.

    “He remains the hope of the Yorubaland as at today. After all, who stands to gain more in the eventual victory of our party in Ondo State? Ondo APC must do all we can to get his blessings, support and cooperation. He has always been there for us and we still need him.”

    Describing the primary as another lesson for the chapter, Adegoroye said “there could never have been a fool proof election, affirming that “it is true the list was changed from the one we were initially given at the National Secretariat.”

    The former aspirant said the post-primary crisis that has hit the party is to the detriment of the APC and to the advantage of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    Urging party faithful to embrace the reality of Akeredolu’s emergence as the candidate, he said, although he did not vote for him at the primary and the flag bearer is not a typical populist populist politician, he would perform and make a difference as governor.

    Akeredolu maintained that, if reconciliation fails, the APC will be defeated at the poll. He added: “A critical analysis of the primary results shows that, out of the over 2,700 delegates that participated, only less than 700 wanted Akeredolu. That means that the learned SAN has a lot of work to do to ensure the unity and cohesion of our party, if we must win on November 26.”

     

  • Oshiomhole, Obaseki and challenge of reconciliation

    Oshiomhole, Obaseki and challenge of reconciliation

    Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR, who witnessed the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, writes on the challenge of reconciliation in the chapter.

    Katsina State Governor Bello Masari has a piece of advice for the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC). After conducting the primary, which produced Mr. Godwin Obaseki as the APC governorship candidate, he advised party leaders to assist Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the task of reconciling aggrieved aspirants and other chieftains. Masari said reconciliation is necessary, so that the party can retain power in the Southsouth state.

    It is an understatement. The atmosphere at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin-City, the venue of the shadow poll, was tense as delegates cast their votes. But, contrary to the prediction of critics, there was no violence. The exercise was free and fair.

    As the delegates voted, they were monitored by the representatives of the 12 aspirants. The aspirants were Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Major General Charles Airhiavbere, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Blessing Agbomhere, Dr. Pius Odubu, Kenneth Imasuangbon, Comrade Peter Esele, Oserheimen Osunbor, Tina Agbarha, Austin Emuan, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula and Prof. Ebegbue Amadasun.

    Obaseki won. He polled 1618 votes to defeat his close rival, Dr. Pius Odubu, who got 471 votes.  Chris Ogiemwonyi came a distant third with 137 votes and Kenneth Imasuagbon got 247 votes.

    Others did not get up to 20 votes. Charles Airhiavbere, secured 11 votes, Blessing Agbomhere, got five and Prof. Ebegue Amadasun had eight. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula garnered 10 votes; Austin Emuan got seven votes, Peter Esele secured eight votes, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor garnered nine votes and Tina Agbarha got three votes.

    Masari, who declared Obaseki winner, said all the aspirants were winners. He said: “They should regard themselves as winners. We have to learn to accept defeat and prepare for the next election. The winner should be magnanimous in victory. This is the first leg. I call on him to extend a hand of fellowship to other contestants. The rules and guidelines is that of simple majority. I hereby declare Obaseki as the winner of the primaries.”

    Oshiomhole led the victory dance. But, the supporters of his deputy, Odubu, were not happy. The contest was actually between the governor and other aspirants.

    Some political appointees, including commissioners who were sacked, were on the side of Odubu. To them, the outcome of the primary will teach Oshiomhole a lesson. But, their calculation failed.

    Before the primary, propagandists had swung into action. They said the APC will lose the governorship election, if a politician does not emerge as the candidate.  Obaseki, however, proved his critics wrong when he began canvassing for votes.  The APC chieftains who teamed up with Oshiomhole were Hon. Razaq Bello-Osagie, Charles Idahosa, Theophilus Okoh, Pally Iriase, Peter Akpatason, Osarodion Ogie, Philip Shaibu, 18 lawmakers in the House of Assembly, and the Edo APC Caucus in the National Assembly.

    Many issues were raised before the primary. Opponents alleged that Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were being mopped up for N5, 000. There were allegations of  harassment and intimidation of delegates. Some people raised the alarm over an attempt to kidnap delegates. Some said delegates were being made to swear an oath of allegiance. Others alleged that there were plans to manipulate the delegates’ list.

    During a pre-primary meeting  with delegates, Oshiomhole asked the aspirants to swear, if they had not induced delegates with money.

    He said: “As for the allegation of people spending money, the truth is like what they said in the Bible: who will cast the first stone? Of the seven of you here seated, how many can put his hand on the Bible and say, ‘I have not induced delegates with money’?” But, Ogiemwonyi disagreed, saying that he only organised an empowerment programme for the poor.

    The aspirants were shocked when they were informed that accreditation would be done in three centres. The purpose was to ensure a smooth accreditation. The accreditation began simultaneously at the three centres at about 11:30am. Edo South delegates were accredited at Agbado Primary School, while delegates from Edo Central were accredited at George Idah Primary School. Delegates from Edo North were accredited at Imaguero College.

    There was heavy security at the venue of the accreditation. Buses were stationed at the centres to convey delegates to the stadium. After accreditation by each local government, the delegates were taken under tight security to the stadium to prevent anybody from joining the already accredited delegates. All the delegates presented their PVCs before they were accredited and allowed into the stadium.

    Outside the stadium, various groups, which were stopped from entering, were drumming and dancing; singing the praises of their candidates.

    Before voting Masari said 2,582 delegates were accredited, instead of the 2,771 names on the list. He said delegates were free to go home after casting their votes.

    Voting started at about 6pm. Oshiomhole kicked off the exercise, followed by other statutory delegates. Tempers began to rise, when Imasuagbon and Ogiemwonyi, who were observing the voting complained that Oshiomhole was on the field. They accused Oshiomhole of intimidating delegates. They poured invectives on their agents for not being vigilant.

    Osunbor, who came with his wife, sat unruffled. Other aspirants watched as the duo vent their anger. They told the Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, to ask the governor to return to his seat.

    Imasuagbon said he has invested much in sharing rice to people and he had to protect his interest. Despite the complaint that persons not accredited were voting, the exercise went on.

    Oshiomhole left when the counting of votes started. Ogiemwonyi and Imasuagbon left when it was clear that Obaseki would carry the day. They both refused to explain why they had to leave.

    Comrade Esele congratulated Obaseki and left the venue with a promise to support Obaseki at the general elections.

    Hon Akpatason said the alleged purchase of PVCs was a mere business transaction

    He said: “Those are regular rhetorics. In any election, you must hear that; it has become part of politicking in this country. In any case, I am not sure we are going to use the PVC to vote. So, what is the relevance of the PVCs now? As far as I am concerned, it is totally inconsequential. As you can see, it is secret ballot.”

    To Hon. Pally Iriase, “All the noise about collection of cards is neither here nor there. It is to be expected in this period that people will make all kinds of allegations. But we must take some of them with a pinch of salt, because nobody can be forced to give his voters card.

    “As it is, the interest of Edo State has to come first. We know the terrible situation we faced up to 2008, when Edo was completely rotten – infrastructural decay was the order of the day; there was nothing working.

    “We now had the opportunity to see a government that works.  We have seen a government that works and we expect in this exercise (primary) we that we will be able to pick who will carry on with the development that we have seen. That is why some of us have endorsed the candidature of Godwin Obaseki and we have worked to ensure that those who believe in us also follow suit.”

    Oshiomhole described Obaseki as a sound person, who is not strange to governance. He said: “We have had what qualifies to be the very best (primary) that has been organised under the APC government since we assumed office and there is no question, the process has been very transparent, people have behaved very responsibly, delegates have conducted themselves very well.

    “Today, we really have celebrated democracy. In terms of the controversies, I think part of the problem was also yours (media). For example, people alleged that people were buying PVCs. Now, the main criteria for accreditation in this (primary) election was the PVC. Was there any delegate who could not find his PVC to vote?  All of them used the PVC for accreditation, which means that people have their PVCs with them.

    “We all now have to work together, which is something we all understood at the beginning or I believe those who contested understood. We all now have to work together to sell the ticket. I think that will not be a problem because Edo people know that we have a quality of service.

    “The guy (Obaseki) is sound; he is at home with the issues. He is not a stranger to governance. I have worked with him for seven and a half years. He has been part of the system; he has been in the brain box . So, there is no space for learning; he is ready to hit the ground running. For me I feel fulfilled.

    “The delegates won; the delegates have spoken.  Now, the party should be more united. We are ready to hit the ground running for the campaign and God willing, by September 10, Edo will, as usual reaffirm the bond between the people of Edo State and the All Progressives Congress “

    Oshiomhole has scaled the first hurdle of securing nomination for the man who can deliver on electoral promises and consolidate on his achievements. He has shamed critics and proved that he understood the dynamics of politics. The PDP had prayed for the emergence of Obaseki as APC flag bearer. Its leaders boasted that Obaseki will not win the election. September 10 is indeed, Oshiomhole’s last battle.

  • Masari calls for reconciliation in Edo APC

    Masari calls for reconciliation in Edo APC

    The Chairman of the seven-man Committee that conducted the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, has called for reconciliation in the chapter to prevent post-primary crisis.

    He said the chapter can only retain power, if members unite.

    Masari, who has submitted his report to the national leadership of the party,  said a reconciliation committee should be set up to pacify and unite aggrieved members.

    He said reconciliation will strengthen the party, ahead of the election.

    He said: “There is an urgent need for the Party to set up a high-powered reconciliation team to meet with the governor, all aspirants and other critical stakeholders to strengthen the party and restore harmony for a successful governorship election.

    “The committee commends the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, the Director, State Security Service, the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and their men for the remarkable way they handled the entire exercise.

    “The committee hereby expresses its appreciation to the Party for finding its members worthy of such important assignment, and pledge the loyalty and commitment of all its members to the Party and the Nation.

    “The committee also appreciates the support of the Government of Edo State which aided it in the discharge of this assignment.”

    The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who received the report at the National Secretariat in Abuja, thanked the committee for successfully conducting the primary.

    Other members of the committee included Hon. Andrew Uchendu (Secretary), Hon.  Yusuf Maianguwa, Dr. Tunde Esan, Alhaji Shuaibu Musa, Alhaji Ibrahim Soja and Mr. Amara Iwuanyanwu.

  • Oyakhilome’s estranged wife disowns reconciliation rumour

    Pastor Anita Ebhodaghe has finally come out to refute claims that she reconciled with her former husband and General Overseer of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and had rejoined the church. Ebhodaghe, in a statement issued by her solicitors, Attwaters Jameson Hill, on February 8, re-affirmed the dissolution of the clergywoman’s marriage with Oyakhilome and also announced that she would drop Oyahkilome from her name forthwith.

    Some individuals who felt concerned about the divorce of the two pastors had been working at reconciling them. That was why it was believed by many when several blogs spun reports that the estranged couple had settled their differences out of court and had got back together.

    But in a statement she posted on her blog, Ebhodaghe denied insinuations that she had made up with the televangelist. She stated that with regard to the formal notification of the dissolution of her marriage made by her solicitors earlier this year, nothing has changed, adding that she is no longer a part of Christ Embassy.

    She said the clarification became necessary to ensure that no one is misled by the false rumours that are spread from time to time on the Internet.

  • Credibility crisis over Fayose/Aluko ‘reconciliation’

    Credibility crisis over Fayose/Aluko ‘reconciliation’

    The last may not have been heard on the matter between Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and his erstwhile ally and confidant, Dr. Temitope Aluko. Nigerians were shocked to see the duo together on television on Monday, after their purported reconciliation, where the latter reportedly pleaded for forgiveness. Less than 24 hours later, Aluko recanted, saying the media appearance was stage-managed to give the impression that his disagreement with Fayose was over. Correspondent ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA examines the latest drama in the Fayose/Aluko saga and its implications. 

    Two months after he made a startling revelation about how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used the military to rig the June 21, 2014 governorship election that brought Governor Ayodele Fayose in for a second term in Ekiti State, Dr. Temitope Aluko shocked Nigerians with Monday’s purported reconciliation with the man he vilified, pilloried and attacked as a felon.

    Not a few Nigerians were surprised that Aluko, former Secretary of the PDP in Ekiti, could make such a 360 degree turnaround. The general feeling was one of shock and disbelief, when the news went viral on the internet that the former university lecturer had gone crawling back to Fayose. Like his earth-shaking exposé on the alleged rigging, a bemused nation received Aluko’s reported return to Fayose “under the cover of darkness” with glee and contempt.

    Aluko’s outburst live on national television had been generally regarded as the confession of a penitent heart. After carrying out some investigations, the army had retired some of its officers implicated in the sage. It was also on the strength of Aluko’s revelations that some Ekiti State Government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Toyin Ojo; House of Assembly member Afolabi Akanni and former Special Adviser on Revenue Matters, Ropo Ogunjobi, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    According to sources, the infamous Ekiti election drama was facilitated by the former factional Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dele Olugbemi. Both Fayose and Aluko were said to have “settled their differences” at the posh Eko Hotel in Lagos and subsequently spoke to reporters after holding the closed-door meeting. A video recording of the Lagos reconciliation meeting made the rounds on social media on Monday, showing both Fayose and Aluko addressing reporters, with the latter saying he is back to the political family he deserted few months ago.

    But, just as the Nigerian public was beginning to digest the import of the ‘reconciliation’, Aluko, in response to a press statement attributed to Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, made another u-turn, claiming that the so-called reconciliation was stage-managed by the Fayose camp.

    Aluko said: “I did not collect any money from Fayose, I was invited to a meeting by well-meaning Nigerians and I felt it was imperative to honour such a meeting, but I was surprised to see reporters around.

    “I did not beg Fayose. he approached me and it was out of courtesy that I honoured Ekiti leaders who wanted peace to reign in Ekiti, contrary to the lies being spread by the mouthpiece of Ekiti State Governor, Lere Olayinka, that the former scribe of Ekiti PDP, Dr. Temitope Aluko has requested for the forgiveness of Governor Ayo Fayose for his past misdeeds.

    “Dr Tope Aluko has come forward in strong terms to rubbish the hypocrisy of Lere Olayinka with his distortion of facts about the reconciliation process describing the spread of lies about his ‘repentance’ over his controversial position on Ekitigate as calculated.

    “He condemned Governor Ayo Fayose and his paid agents as cowards who only wanted sympathy through the back door describing their pranks as “the joke of the century”.

    “I knew Fayose, he is a chameleon and I also knew that he must have devised all these arrangements to further assassinate my character and that was why I was meticulous by not speaking with the Press.

    “Like I said yesterday (Monday), I won’t dignify that boy called Lere Layinka and I won’t join issues with him but the public should know that it was peace they claim they wanted and now that they have indicated their insincerity, it therefore means the battle continues until there shall be a victor and a vanquished.”

    In the statement, Olayinka said Aluko’s reconciliation with Fayose is a vindication of his (Olayinka’s) claims that the former secretary of the party has no integrity. Olayinka, who claimed he was speaking in his personal capacity and not as a spokesperson to the governor, said: “Being the person that faced Aluko on television interviews where he told all the lies that he told against Governor Fayose and the people of Ekiti State, I am constrained to make my position known on this new development.

    “Even though Governor Fayose, being someone with large heart may not be too happy that I am making this statement, but as one of the major dramatis personae in the whole saga, my conscience won’t allow me to just keep silent after all the pains and confusion caused by Aluko.

    “I did say on Channels Television that giving the right situation or after Aluko must have concluded his scamming of the APC and its gullible leaders, he will return to Governor Fayose and recant everything that he had said.

    “Today, I have been vindicated because Aluko has done just that and I wonder how he will feel when he comes face to face with the people that he has destroyed. I wonder how he will feel when he comes face to face with those fine military officers that he went to Kaduna to lie against and made them to lose their jobs.

    “Also, I wonder how those who funded him will be feeling now, having failed to listen when I was consistently saying that they were being duped. I wonder how the Department of State Services (DSS) men who took Aluko’s lies and acted on them by invading the State House of Assembly will feel now that they have integrity problem because of what he (Aluko) made them to do.

    “However, I salute my boss, Governor Fayose, for once again displaying his statesmanship because only a statesman with a large heart can hold the hands of someone like TKO Aluko after all that he did to pull down his government.”

    Against this background, people are reading different meanings to the issue. Those who sympathise with Aluko, cite last week Wednesday’s (March 30) press conference in Ado Ekiti, where he declared that Fayose was afraid of his shadows over his revelations. On that day, Aluko’s supporters and government’s loyalists led by one of Fayose’s aide and a former local government chairman almost clashed at the Old Governor’s Office. Fayose’s supporters had stormed the venue of the press conference when they got wind of Aluko’s presence, but fortunately he had left the place.

    Before Aluko recanted, the Ekiti PDP had reacted, dismissing the his purported reconciliation with the governor as a non-issue. In a press statement, the party rejected the idea of Aluko returning to the fold. According to its Publicity Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, the party said Aluko is not wanted in its fold and that whatever transpired between him and Fayose was a personal and would not alter the decision to expel him expulsion from the party.

    Adebayo said: “As far as the PDP in Ekiti State was concerned, Aluko has been expelled and he remained expelled. After collaborating with the APC to cause the confusion in the state, I can say it categorically that Aluko is not welcomed in the PDP in Ekiti State.

    “Perhaps, he is targeting the next convention of the party so that he can perpetrate another treacherous act, but I can tell Nigerians, especially our teeming members and supporters in Ekiti State that even though we respect our leader, Governor Fayose and we trust his judgment, a treacherous man like TKO Aluko is not welcomed in the PDP.”

    The latest development on the issue has however thrown many observers off-balance. Many observers in Ekiti believe that the latest twist in the tale is part of a grand design by Fayose to ‘finish’ Aluko politically. Others say the whole episode has put a question mark on Aluko’s credibility. But, one thing is certain: Nigerians would hear more on this matter in the days to come.

    Aluko and Fayose parted ways after the latter failed to appoint former as the Chief of Staff as previously agreed. Rather, Fayose appointed the former Director-General of his campaign organisation, Dipo Anisulowo, as his Chief of Staff. But, Aluko would have none of that; he accused the governor of abusing the party constitution by allegedly taking many decisions without carrying the State Working Committee (SWC) along.

    The crisis between the two dramatic personae continued to fester with subsequent steps taken by the wily governor. Analysts are of the view that Fayose capitalised on the first opportunity that came along after the election to consolidate his hold on the party structure in the state. For instance, with the elevation of the former state Chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe, to party’s Chairman in the Southwest, the state chapter was expected to fill the vacancy. Fayose did not beat about the bush, but utilised the chance to put one of his followers, Idowu Faleye, on the saddle, as the acting Chairman.

    But, Aluko and other SWC members saw it an imposition. In May last year, Aluko and other SWC members loyal to him ‘forced’ Faleye to tender his resignation and appointed former Vice Chairman (Ekiti North), Tunde Olatunde, as the acting Chairman, a move which embarrassed Fayose.

    In the midst of the leadership crisis, the tenancy of the state party secretariat expired and a dude cheque was issued to the owner of the building, Ropo Adesanya, who is a former chairman of the state chapter. Angered by the fact that the cheque bounced when he went to cash the money, Adesanya, who had since defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dragged the PDP to an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court where the case is still pending.

    Fayose later restored Faleye to his post and engineered the suspension of Aluko and three other SWC members; Olatunde, Mrs. Busola Oyebode (Women Leader) and Tunji Olanrewaju (Auditor). A disciplinary committee was later set up which recommended the expulsion of the quartet; a recommendation that was expressly carried out by the Faleye-led faction, backed by the Elders’ Committee.

    Aluko and the SWC members loyal to him filed a suit at an Ado Ekiti High Court to challenge their expulsion, but the case is still pending. Aluko bid his time to fight back and the opportunity came with the inauguration of January 12 of a Military Board of Inquiry into the misconduct of soldiers, who allegedly participated in the famed Ekitigate.

    He traveled to Kaduna, venue of the sitting, to give evidence before the Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade-led panel and tendered documents on the involvement of officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the rigging of Ekiti governorship poll. His appearance before the panel sent shock waves back home as he reportedly tendered documents that revealed how soldiers gave ‘undue’ advantage to PDP at the poll.

    As if that was not enough, Aluko shocked many Nigerians when he appeared on a live programme on Channels Television on Sunday, January 31, and made startling revelations on how the governorship poll was rigged in favour of Fayose. Before appearing on the programme, Aluko had earlier in the same day addressed reporters in Abuja on the issue and the news was already been in the public domain. But, the live programme was the icing of the cake.

    Aluko alleged that former President Jonathan released a total sum of $37 million (about N4.7 billion) to influence Fayose’s victory both at the PDP primary election and the main governorship election. He also revealed that the party at a strategy meeting held in Aso Rock Villa convinced Jonathan to release a huge sum of money and order the military and other security agencies to cooperate with the PDP to ensure that the party wins the governorship poll.

  • ‘We will pursue unity and reconciliation’

    THE newly elected chairman of Alaba International Market Association, Hon. Emeka Mozoba has said that the new executives will pursue unity, peace and reconciliation to move the association forward.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the new executives, Hon Mozoba promised to embark on far reaching developmental agenda to transform the market, adding: t.

    “We  would  reduce tensions and bickering in the market by consulting with everybody and will introduce a uniform means of identification for members to reduce touting to the barest minimum. I want to assure the traders that the era of godfatherism is over in the politics of the association. I also want to warn recalcitrant members that are creating confusion and trouble to desist and embrace peace.”

  • Reconciliation Only Oliseh can reinvite Enyeama-NFF

    Reconciliation Only Oliseh can reinvite Enyeama-NFF

    •Glasshouse chiefs make Eagles’ star talk to coach on telephone

    Second Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Malam Shehu Dikko has revealed that retired Super Eagles keeper, Vincent Enyeama has recounciled with Sunday Oliseh.

    “Am delighted to confirm that Vincent Enyeama returned to Belgium earlier today and met with NFF leadership to discuss all issues.”

    “He was remorseful and stated really what irked him was the removal as captain without first having a private conversation with the coach which is what he expected.”

    “We drew his attention to the fact that when he was appointed captain neither the coach or NFF had any private conversation with him thus this shouldn’t be an issue as a professional.”

    “Serious advise were offered to guide him going forward and the decision of the coach including how the coach intervene on behalf of Enyeama to get the NFF to drop the disciplinary hearing after the kaduna issues were all explained to him.”

    “Enyeama too offered his own side. Well he has realized his mistakes and he has spoken to coach Oliseh (via phone as the team is in a different hotel) and they both laughed over the issues.”

    “Enyeama indeed expressed his firm commitment for the good of Nigeria and has confirmed that his interest is to support/motivate the young ones in the team and thus he has been speaking to Ahmed Musa to advise/guide him in his new role as captain to ensure the team do well”

    “I really love what the coach told us that when he too was captain he did some things that even though he believes he was right but with a benefit of hindsight he now still regrets those things anf wish he hadn’t done them and has indeed paid a heavy price for it so as a senior brother and farther figure to the players he won’t allow any player to make the same mistakes otherwise he would have been a total failure.”

    “Well, all seems settled now as its all laughter and we had a good lunch and Enyeama has returned to France to think over his future along with his Wife and Pastor to decide if he wants to continue or not.”

    “We also did spoke to his Wife via Skype and thanked her for being by her husband and invited her and Enyeama back to Belgium tomorrow to watch the Cameroon game at NFF cost, all as part of the process to smoothen issues.”

    “Accordingly, the door to the national team is still open to Enyeama but strictly under the coach terms.”

    “Indeed, the coach holds no grudges and his only interest is to build a good team for Nigeria and ensure credible performances and success at all times.”

  • Ayuba backs reconciliation

    Ayuba backs reconciliation

    Labour’s factional President Ayuba Wabba has foreseen an early end to crisis rocking the workers’ umbrella union. Speaking with The Nation, Wabba confirmed the on-going reconciliation process. According to him, labour veterans who  waded into the crisis  have been working out a lasting resolution. He said the concerned leaders were making a headway.

    Ayuba said: “We made the commitment that, for us, unity will be in our best interest because if we are to provide leadership to workers, we must be able to reach out to them and then see how those issues are addressed, using our internal mechanisms for crisis resolution.

    “We did this effectively at the level of the Central Working Committee (CWC) and a reconciliation committee, made up of the veterans and few NAC members was put in place. That committee has taken off and met twice. They are making all necessary contacts to see how the other group can be brought in to address the issue.

    “As you know, it takes two to tango. We are committed and we are doing everything possible to resolve the issue but the other party thinks otherwise. So, I don’t think we should be held responsible for that. From what the veterans and the committee told us, they are making new efforts and they are making a lot of headway. They are trying to convene another meeting and the process is ongoing. I think we have demonstrated the fact that we are ready for reconciliation and we are ready for a united house in the best interest of Nigerian workers”.

  • Man tells court: I only threatened my wife with hot water

    Man tells court: I only threatened my wife with hot water

    A 40-year-old trader, Salau Kehinde, has admitted beating up his wife, Mrs. Salau Shakirat Olaide, over sex, but denied planning to pour hot water on her.

    Kehinde, of 9, Fatai Oloko Street, Haruna, Ikorodu, was dragged by his wife to a customary court sitting in Ikorodu, Thursday, for dissolution of their marriage.

    He agreed that he used to beat Olaide up whenever she denied him of sex and if she came home late from her trading business, but that he “merely boiled the water so he could threaten her with it.”

    “I had no intention of bathing her in the water,” he told the court.

    Kehinde continued, “She refused to cook for me when she was pregnant. She also said I should look for another wife.”

    Speaking earlier, his 32-year-old wife, Olaide, of 1, Azeez Aremu Close, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, told the court that they got married 10 years ago and had two children together, but had been living separately for over two years now.

    “He always refused to give me money and this made us quarrel and fight a lot,” she said. “I had to leave him when he kept threatening to pour hot water on me.”

    “His friend advised him to beat me up and he became fond of beating me. He would beat me whenever I returned from work, he would beat me when I told him I was too tired to have sex, or for any flimsy excuse.”

    She added that Kehinde also lacked respect for her family.

    When the court’s president, Olu Adebiyi, asked her what she wanted, Olaide replied: “I want this court to dissolve our marriage and grant me custody of our children.”

    Kehinde, however, promised to stop beating or threatening her and said he was willing to take her back if she wants to stay with him.

    The court adjourned the matter to September 13, for possible reconciliation.