AGAIN, ACTION ALLIANCE DISOWNS KENNETH UDEZE

The leadership of the Action Alliance (AA) has again disowned the former National Chairman of the party, Mr Kenneth Udeze, describing him as a personanongrata.

Rising from its monthly National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party declared that Udeze had since seazed to be a member of the party, having being expelled from the party since last year.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Olu Omotoso who signed the communique issued at the end of the meeting, called on security agencies and the general public to disregard Udeze.

The communique reads “to start with, Kenneth Udeze has ceased to be a member of Action Alliance with his suspension from the party in 2019. He was finally expelled from the party in 2020, having failed to defend himself against all allegations of corruption and anti party levelled against him.

“The security agencies in Nigeria are also being prompted by this medium to be watchful of the antics of the criminally minded fellow and his cohorts.

“Kenneth Udeze is a professional confusionist. He is so good at it that even the eagle eyes of law enforcers could be confounded most times by his mastery in the trade. While he was our National Secretary up to 2017, when he manoeuvred himself to become chairman by charades, which was adjudged by INEC as fraudulent, a single penny never got paid into the party’s bank account. This was openly stated by the then National Treasurer of the party to the hearing of leaders.

“In 2019 buildup to the general elections, this recalcitrant impostor manipulated his then handpicked protege National protegery, James Vernimbe to sell the party to opposing interests for personal aggrandizement. The confusion that followed this shook the party to its foundation, as the various interests he defrauded came after the party.

“A mediocre in the real sense of the word, Udeze has no other means of livelihood other than using our party to defraud unsuspecting persons and groups with subtle crafted trickery.

“Now, he is orchestrating another confusion that is capable of causing disruption of public peace. He is said to be planning an inauguration of a pseudo executive of a non existent party in Abuja. We call on our national security operatives to be vigilant and ensure that this accursed fellow does not pull us out in a bid to stop him from his unending shenanigans. We are law abiding responsible party men. However, if this rouge is not checked, we may not be able to hold our agitated members across the nation for too long.

“The criminal impersonating activities of this master forger must be stopped, as we can not continue to condole his deformation of our party image.

“The general public is hereby advised to crosscheck from INEC website who the leaders of Action Alliance are in Nigeria today. Anyone who deals with Kenneth Udeze and gets extorted in the process should note that the party is not in anyway culpable,” the communique added.

S’WEST PDP CONGRESS: STATE CHAIRMEN RAISE ALARM OVER PLOT TO USE ARMED THUGS DRESSED IN AMOTEKUN UNIFORM

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun States have raised the alarm over plan by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to bring over 150 armed thugs dressed in uniform of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun to Osogbo for the South-West Zonal Congress on Monday.

The State Chairmen, who spoke through the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Dr Sikirulai Ogundele, said presence of anyone in Amotekun uniform anywhere near the congress venue will be resisted.

Sikirulai, who spoke on behalf of the PDP chairmen in Ekiti, Lagos, Osun States, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, Engr Adedeji Doherty and Hon Sunday Bisi respectively, said there was credible information confirming the plot to clothe thugs in Amotekun uniform to invade Osogbo on Monday.

He called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that only authorised security personnel and delegates are allowed into the congress venue.

Sikirulai said; “We are aware that they want to bring in thugs under the guise of Amotekun and we are warning them to perish that idea because it will be resisted.

“The main ideal behind the creation of Amotekun is to secure Yorubaland from kidnappers and other criminals that are destroying our farmlands, killing our people and raping our wives and daughters.

“It is not the duty of Amotekun to monitor political party congresses and those behind this clandestine plot should get this very clear.

“We therefore alert the police and Department of State Service (DSS) in Osun State of the plot and urge them to warn those behind it of the consequences.”

S/WEST PDP CONGRESS: ZONAL CARETAKER COMMITTEE BEGS NWC, OTHERS OVER GOV. MAKINDE’S INSULT, THREAT

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South West Zonal Caretaker Committee has apologised to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) over the threat and insult by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the Zonal congress.

In a statement on Sunday, by Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Hon. Daisi Akintan, Governor Makinde’s threat that there will be dire consequences if the South-West zonal congress was not held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, was described as unfortunate and unbecoming of someone who used the party’s platform to become governor despite being inconsistent as a member of the party.

Rising from its meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday, seven out of the 12 members of the caretaker committee said the NWC members and other stakeholders of the party should not see Governor Makinde’s vituperation as representing the position of the PDP in the South-West.

Apart from the Zonal Secretary, other members who attended the meeting were Mrs Funmilayo Ogun, Hon. Ayobola Fadeyi- Awolowo, Prince Nekan Olateru- Olagbegi, Hon Wahab Owokoniran, Alhaji Mustapha Sikiru and Hon. Martins Olu- Abiloye.

The Caretaker Committee members said it was laughable that Governor Makinde could insinuate that members of the NWC were compromised just because they choose to obey the rule of law.

They said the governor lacked moral justification to threaten the PDP with defection to another party, having worked against the party in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

“We align ourselves with the position of the State Chairmen that the PDP existed before Governor Makinde returned from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) under which he contested the 2015 governorship election and if today or tomorrow, he opts out of the PDP, the party will remain.

“To us, the party is not an appendage of anyone, it is greater than all of us, including Governor Makinde.

“We therefore urge that the NWC should totally disregard his statement and take it as the price the party must pay for enthroning a man who was never committed to the party,” the Caretaker Committee members said.

Speaking further, they insisted that being in the majority of seven against five, their position that the South-West Congress must not hold in Ibadan, Oyo State because of security challenges, remained sacrosanct.

They noted that to further show that Ibadan is not safe for the congress, a few weeks ago, a prominent leader of the party in Oyo State, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, who is a former Majority Leader of the House of Reps had to raise the alarm, accusing a close ally of Governor Makinde of threatening her life.

PDP ZONAL CONGRESS:
OSUN DELEGATES ENDORSE OLAFESO AS SW CHAIRMAN

An immediate past National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, Dr Eddy Olafeso has been re-anointed in the same capacity in the forthcoming Zonal Congress of the party in the Zone.

All the Osun PDP delegates have gathered in the Party Secretariat, Biket area, Osogbo, on Thursday and unanimously endorsed Dr Olafeso, describing him as a round peg in the round hole and the most qualified.

The Chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Sunday Bisi who presided over the meeting maintained that Dr Olafeso is the only candidate in sight, who could do the party proud in every sense of the word.

Hon. Bisi stated that Olafeso has been tested and trusted to project and protect the interest of all members of the party, if re-elected.

Recall that another hopeful of the position of the party’s South West Chairman, Amb. Taofeeq Arapaja had visited a section of the PDP leaders in Osogbo recently, for support and adoption as the right candidate.

While Amb. Arapaja is in the group loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dr Olafeso enjoys the support of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose.

Speaking at the event, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Diran Odeyemi, who threw his weight behind Olafeso and his team stated that he has worked with both Amb. Arapaja and Dr Olafeso and that the latter is the best choice for the post.

In his words, a former National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo has encouraged delegates and the party leaders not to relent in their resolve to support Olafeso as only he represents the general interest and will of the members of the party in the Zone.

He assured them that, going by the experience, integrity and antecedent of Dr Olafeso, he would perform excellently well in the assignments of PDP National Vice Chairman in the South West.

Earlier, Dr Olafeso who expressed happiness and satisfaction at the massive turnout of leaders and delegates at the event, stated that he shall come out with flying colours, whenever the Zonal Congress is held.

“I have won. With what you see here in Osogbo which has already been replicated in Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo and even Oyo, it is very clear that the delegates and all other relevant stakeholders are solidly behind us”, Olafeso said.

“Engineer Deji Doherty of Lagos, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele of Ogun, Hon. Sunday Bisi of Osun and all others are solidly behind us”, he added.

He however disowned the April 10 date of South West Zonal Congress, allegedly scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State capital as it was flying on the social media platforms.

According to Dr Olafeso, no specific date and venue has been fixed for the Congress as the National Secretariat is yet to clear or take position on some Court orders and pronouncements concerning the Zonal Congress.

Olafeso who charged the delegates to be prepared, also appreciated the leadership and support provided by Dr Fayose when there was nobody in sight to trust and rely on.

Other party leaders in attendance include a former State Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa (Asejere), a former Commissioner for works, Dr Bayo Faforiji, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, Elder Peter Babalola, Elder Sunday Akanfe (Atidade), the State Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao among others.

Other members of State Executive Committee, Local Government Chairmen, party leaders and members are also present.

OSUN NUJ LOSES ITS PIONEER CHAIRMAN

The Nigeria union of journalists, Osun state council today received with rude shock the sudden death of one of her respected veterans and pioneer chairman of the council, Mr Lekan Awoyemi.

A statement by the Chairman of the council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu and Secretary Comrade Bukola Elufadejin described the deceased as a strong pillar in the formation of Osun NUJ and his contributions to the growth and development of the union in the state cannot be underestimated.

The statement noted that late Awoyemi’s wealth of experience and wisdom would be greatly missed by the union.

It maintained that the deceased was a thoroughbred professional and unionist per excellence who spent his life for the service of God and humanity.

The statement prayed God to give the family, relatives and NUJ the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

OSUN CENTRAL ADOPTS SEN. ADEMOLA ADELEKE AS 2022 PDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE

The flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2018 election, Sen. Ademola Adeleke has been adopted as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming 2022 governorship election in Osun State.

This was part of the resolution at Osun Central Senatorial leadership meeting held on Tuesday, March 23, in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

After a motion moved by a former Zonal Secretary of the party, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo from Ila local government and seconded by Hon. Yisa Bello from Orolu, all the leaders unanimously agreed to work for the actualisation of the dream.

According to the PDP, Osun Central, it is high time its members worked together in unity, peace and sincerity of purpose to be able to take the responsibility of the government of Osun State from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Osun Central PDP under the Chairmanship of Hon. Babatunde Abesin is in a firm resolve to contribute its quota towards the progress of the party and liberation of Osun masses from maladministration, hunger, insecurity and enslavement of the ruling APC.

It also charged all party faithfuls to forget any political ambition and concentrate on the governorship election, which comes first in 2022 and on which other aspirations are hinged upon.

All the ten local government Chairmen and their State Officers of the party were in attendance.

Leaders in the meeting include Sen Felix Kola Ogunwale (Jumokol), Chief Simeon Adebayo Ajeigbe, Alh Ganiyu Olaoluwa, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo and Asiwaju (Alh) Asifat Olarinde.

Others are Pastor Funsho Isola, Alh Kamoru Ajisafe, Alh Saka Malbro, Rev. Ogunwale, Chief E. B Ilori, Alh. Yisa Bello, Mr Rasheed Gbadamosi Asendo, Baba Raimi (Oyan), Dr. Dare (Oyan), and Elder Kolapo Lawal.

Also present at the meeting was Mr Ademola Durosomo, Hon Hassan Adegoke, Alh Ismaila Kolawole (ifedayo), Hon T. A Bello (Ifelodun), Mr. Osundina (lfedayo), Alhaji Sule Bello (lla), among others.

UDEZE, EX AA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN REARRAIGNED OVER ALLEGED FORGERY, FRAUD

A former National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Mr Kenneth Udeze was on Tuesday rearraigned before an Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, the state capital.

Also arraigned alongside Udeze were former National Secretary of the party, Mr James Vernibe and one Ogunmodede Oluwagbemi.

The accused persons were arraigned on a three count charge of conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

However, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The embattled former National Chairman of AA had earlier been remanded in Ilesa prison custody after he was arraigned before the court.

Udeze who was recently expelled by the leadership of the party, was arrested by operatives of Zone 11 of the Nigerian Police Force, with headquarters in Osogbo.

The former AA national chairman was also alleged to have replaced the name of the duly elected governorship candidate of the party in Osun State with another person during the 2018 governorship election held in the state.

Appearing before the court on Tuesday, Udeze and other defendants were granted provisional bail by Magistrate Adebola Ajanaku who presided over the court.

Magistrate Ajanaku also ruled that all the sureties standing in for the accused persons should appear in court on 25th May, 2021 being the next adjourning date.

According to the charge sheet read in court, Udeze and other defendants had in July 2018 conspired to commit felony and fraud, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the criminal code, laws of Osun State.

Also, Udeze was alleged to have fraudulently ultered the documents of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and presented same as original.

The offence was said to be contrary to the provisions of section 468 and punishable under section 469 of the criminal code, laws of Osun State.

However, counsel to the defendants, Mr M O Olaniyan urged the court to allow his clients enjoy the bail already granted them by the court.

Although, the Police Prosecutor, Mr Olufemi Olanipekun had opposed the bail application, the court held that the accused persons be allowed to enjoy the bail already granted them.

Magistrate Ajanaku after granting the accused persons bail, adjourned the case to 25th May, 2021.

HEARTY FELICITATIONS TO A PERFORMER AT 66!!!

Congratulations and many happy returns to the man of the people, a grassroots politician and a political icon who knows his onions, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus on this special occasion of your 66th birthday anniversary.

No doubt, the faithfulness of GOD concerning your life and destiny cannot be put to question as HE gave you the needed enablement to fulfill destinies according to HIS perfect will.

You’re indeed a special and worthy gift of GOD to humanity, and LORD’s purpose for mankind through you has not been defeated in anyway.

Therefore, TOTAL Chairman as fondly called, rolling out drums on this occasion to celebrate an iconic leader and boss that you are, is but a virtue of necessity.

Many happy returns in sound health, happiness and fulfilment of your heart desires in this your new year and beyond, AMEN. 🙏

Congratulations my amiable boss & Leader.

Signed:
Reverend Bunmi Jenyo (JP)
Former Zonal Secretary,
South West, Nigeria.
22nd March, 2021.

OGUN PDP CRISIS ENDS AS SARAKI RECONCILES AGGRIEVED PARTIES

The Reconciliation and Strategic Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has successfully resolved the crises rocking the Ogun State Chapter of the opposition party.

This happened on Thursday in Abuja after a decade-long crisis that had once polarized the party to the advantage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This crisis that has lingered on for the past ten years between the two groups led by the Late Buruji Kashamu and Hon. Ladi Adebutu has had each of them instituting different court cases, obtaining injunctions and dissolving varying party’s Executive Committees.

These actions have combined to weaken the party in the state and made many people to believe that the differences would never be resolved. As a matter of fact, the crisis is responsible for the loss of the PDP in the state during the past three general elections.

Both parties have now resolved to work together and withdraw all pending court cases. They agree that PDP remains the best umbrella under which the unity and development of Nigeria can be achieved, sustained and guaranteed.

The camps have subsequently signed an agreement to that effect.

The magnanimity, maturity, patriotism and the sportsmanship spirit displayed by both parties, as well as other stakeholders in the resolution of the issue is a clear indication that the party has bounced back in strength and acceptability.

It is a credence that PDP is set to re-establish itself as the party that can wrestle the control of Ogun State from 2023.

Feelers from the party are inspired that PDP, has achieved success in finally settling Ogun PDP crises, which was one of the most difficult and complex throughout the federation.

COURT AFFIRMS AREA COURTS IN FCT AS LACKING CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja has upheld its earlier decision on the supposed criminal jurisdiction of the FCT Area Courts to the effect that the Area Courts in FCT lack jurisdiction to entertain criminal cases.

This was contained in the decision handed down by the Hon. Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi sitting at Gudu, Abuja. The case was initiated by an Abuja based legal luminary and Citizens’ Rights Crusader, Dauda Ajadosu, Esq, of Counsel to the applicants (Dauda Ajadosu and Co. Chambers) on behalf of the Applicants, Adamu Abdullahi and Baba Seidu.

While commenting on the spirit of justice exuded by the presiding judge and her unimpeded erudition, Mr Ajadosu remarked that what the Hon. Judge did was in the best interest of justice, he commended the Judge for her decision to oil the wheel of justice as seen through her courageous decision despite the fact that another Judge was among the respondents. ”This is one of our most recently celebrated cases; it’s a decision in line with the law and victory for justice”, Ajadosu remarked.

The facts of the case are that the Applicants were Defendants in a criminal case before the trial court at the Grade 1 Area Court, Mpape, Abuja while the 1st and 2nd Respondents are Complainants in the said case, the 3rd Respondent was the Presiding Judge at the said Grade 1 Area Court. The complaint of the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the trial case against 1st – 2nd Applicants was for a charge to be brought against the Applicants in respect of offences of joint Acts and Theft Contrary to Sections 79 & 287 of the Penal Code Law respectively.

The Applicants’ counsel, Dauda Ajadosu, Esq raised preliminary objection that the trial court does not have jurisdiction to try the case being purely a criminal matter. Despite the submissions of Counsel to the Applicants, that the case of the Respondents at the trial Court was SOLELY for criminal relief that Grade 1 Area Court should charge them on the First Information Report (F.I.R) before the court; in his contentious ruling on jurisdiction, the presiding Area Court Judge dismissed the application and assumed jurisdiction over the case. Hence, the instant suit filed before the High Court of FCT inviting the High Court to exercise its power of judicial review by issuing an order of certiorari quashing the decision of the Area Court Judge.

In her 14-page well considered ruling on the case, the Hon. Justice Osho-Adebiyi held that the FCT Area Court Act, 2010 repealed the Area Court Act, Cap 477 Laws of the FCT, 2006. She particularly held that “from the provision of Section 13 of Part 3 of the FCT Area Court Act, 2010, there is nowhere in the Act where criminal jurisdiction of the Area Court was mentioned. Rather what the Act states is simply the civil jurisdiction of the Area Courts”. Exercising its power of judicial review over the decision of the Area Court, the Hon. Judge stated that:

“It is not only unethical but also dishonourable for a Court to assume jurisdiction over a matter which it clearly lacks jurisdiction. This practice of the Area Courts by the Area Courts of the Federal Capital Territory is liable to cause chaos and disenchantment amongst the citizenry and this goes against the doctrine of refined and civilized justice expected of the Area Courts”.