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Tag: Ayodele Fayose

  • 2023 Elections: Dino Melaye attacks Ayodele Fayose

    2023 Elections: Dino Melaye attacks Ayodele Fayose

    A former Senator, Dino Melaye,who represented Kogi West at the 8th assembly has called on the leadership l of the Peoples Democratic Party to warn Ekiti state former Governor Ayodele Fayose to stop de-marketing and de-valuing Senator Bukola Saraki and Alhaji Atiku, both are eyeing the presidential seat under the umbrella of PDP.

    Melaye has also described the ambition of Ayodele Fayose as not being realistic calling him a ‘presidential gambler’

    He was reacting to the comments by Fayose against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over the collection of the presidential nomination forms.

    According to Melaye, the presidency of the country is not ‘Ponmo and Amala’ insinuating that it’s meant for serious minded persons.

    Melaye described Fayose’s comment as a strategy to allegedly increase the supportership of his political godfather in the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Recall that Fayose has declared interest in the presidency and had obtained nomination form under the PDP.
  • Fayose declares for presidency, insist PDP must zone to the South

    Fayose declares for presidency, insist PDP must zone to the South

    Ex-governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose has declared his presidential ambition under the flagship of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Fayose gave this hint on a live tv programme in Lagos.

    Iroko as he’s fondly called has admonished the PDP to rethink and zone the presidential ticket to the South.

    “I don’t believe in not zoning this presidential ticket. I was a member of the zoning committee except for the last day that I picked up my form.

    “All they said was ‘because the party ought to have started the process a long time, for reasons on the fact that some people have bought forms, maybe the party can find a way to work around consensus’. They never made that statement (on throwing the presidential ticket open).

    Fayose also said he will only accept the consensus option if he gets the nomination.

    He said: “I saw the people going around for consensus. Who will step down for who? You asked me to step down? I won’t step down.

    “They said they want all of us to come and do consensus. I don’t know about them. I have taken my form today. I am not going to step down.

    “Who knows if it is me that Nigerians want to vote for? Do you know the mind of Nigerians? Do you know who they want? Any meeting or anywhere they talk about consensus, as good as that language looks, it is undemocratic.”

  • PDP deputy governorship nominee in Ekiti State rejects nomination

    PDP deputy governorship nominee in Ekiti State rejects nomination

    Mrs Funmi Ogun, a close ally of ex-Ekiti State’s Gov. Ayo Fayose on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti rejected her nomination as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PD) deputy governorship candidate.

    Mrs Ogun was Ekiti State Commissioner for Works during Fayose’s second term of office.

    She gave notice of her rejection of the nomination in a letter, dated Feb. 24, 2022, and entitled: “Re: My Nomination as Deputy Governorship candidate’’, and addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

    “This is to formally inform you that I am not unaware of my nomination by Ekiti Stakeholders for the position of the Deputy Governorship Candidate in the June 18 2022 gubernatorial election.

    “Notwithstanding their good intentions, I formally write to reject the nomination for personal reasons.

    “However, I appreciate the uncommon recognition and I assure the party that no effort will be spared at ensuring our victory at the election,’’ she wrote.

    Youthful Mrs Ogun was an influential member of cabinet in Fayose’s administration between 2016 and 2017.

    Her rejection of the nomination came barely 24 hours to the submission of party nominations to INEC ahead of the June 18 governorship election.

    Deadline for submission of nomination to the electoral body is June 25.

    When contacted, the former commissioner confirmed authorship of the letter.

    She explained that the leadership of the party in Ekiti State endorsed her as the deputy governorship candidate to Chief Kolawole and forwarded same to the party’s national secretariat.

    “I confirm the authorship of the letter. It wasn’t meant to slight anybody.

    “All the stakeholders in Ekiti State PDP endorsed me and forwarded my name to our national leadership, but the latter did not act on it.

    “So, I have decided to reject my nomination so as not to be on a collision course or ruffle feathers with our national leaders.

    “I have written this letter while awaiting the reaction of our leader, Ayo Fayose and the national leaders. This doesn’t suggest any trouble in Ekiti State PDP,’’ she said.

  • 2022: Fayose’s political godson, Bisi Kolawole emerges Ekiti PDP candidate

    2022: Fayose’s political godson, Bisi Kolawole emerges Ekiti PDP candidate

    Bisi Kolawole the acclaimed political godson of former Governor, Ayo Fayose has emerged as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti state.

    Kolawole, former chairman of the PDP in Ekiti, edged out Segun Oni, an ex-governor, and Kolapo Olusola, a former deputy governor of the state.

    The primary election took place in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

    Kolawole had resigned his position as Ekiti PDP chairman to contest the governorship election. He was the preferred aspirant of Fayose, former governor of the state.

    Kolawole is a former lawmaker representing Efon constituency in the state house of assembly. He also served as commissioner of environment between 2015 and 2018.

    While endorsing Kolawole for the governorship election, Fayose had described him as a bridge-builder who will usher in a better future for Ekiti and the PDP.

    “The man you have come to honour, Bisi Kolawole, is our collective project. I made him my preferred candidate in the overall interest of our party, but this does not foreclose due process of nomination in PDP,” Fayose said.

    “PDP is what we are supporting; it is what we are marketing. And all we want is a winner. We have started consultations and I know that victory is sure for us.”

    Biodun Olujimi, the senator representing Ekiti south, had earlier in the day pulled out of the race, accusing the party of disenfranchising her.

    The delegates first converged at the Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti to get accredited, after which they moved to Great Eagle Hall for the voting exercise.

    Emmanuel Udom, governor of Akwa Ibom, was the chairman of the primary election committee.

    RESULTS
    Kayode Adaramodu— 10
    Kazeem Ayodeji— 6
    Olusola Kolapo— 93
    Deborah Ali— 1
    Ojo— 1
    Makanjuola— 1
    Biodun Olujimi— 2
    Aderemi Adewumi— 1
    Adewale Aribisala— 56
    Segun Oni— 330
    Bisi Kolawole— 671

  • 2022: Ekiti PDP in turmoil as group demands suspension of former Gov Fayose

    2022: Ekiti PDP in turmoil as group demands suspension of former Gov Fayose

    …alleges Fayose stage-managed PDP congress in Ekiti

    Ekiti Political Intervention Coalition (EPIC), a group in the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Working Committee to suspend former Governor Ayodele Fayose for allegedly stage-managing the rigging of last Saturday’s ad hoc delegate congress in the State.

    The group stated that the congress was roundly rejected by stakeholders because it was allegedly conducted by those it described as impostors.

    The group posited that the congress, which was expected to have been conducted by a National Committee chaired by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, was supervised by one Emmanuel Enoidem, saying it accounted for why the process ended in a fiasco.

    Top leaders of the party and governorship aspirants, including former Governor Segun Oni, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Hon Wale Aribisala, former Deputy Governor Kolapo Eleka and Lateef Ajijola, had Saturday accused the congress committee of bias, alleging that it allowed Fayose to hijack the process to his own advantage.

    The PDP leaders urged the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to cancel the congress to prevent the PDP from losing the June 18 governorship poll.

    Reacting to the alleged electoral malfeasance that dogged the congress, the group, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Banji Dada, on Sunday, posited that the party would be doing a disservice to PDP if it accepts the outcome of the congress, which he described as a charade.

    Dada argued that “We expect Senator Ayu- led National Working Committee to rise to the occasion and ensure the nullification of the entire process and ensure the suspension of Ayodele Fayose from the party”.

    The group further stressed that: “However, what we do not expect was the extent of culpability of the five-man ad-hoc committee sent by the National Working Committee of the party, which was led by an impostor.

    “We wish to inform the NWC and the entire leadership of the party that the ad-hoc election exercise to nominate three- delegates was led and conducted by an interloper and someone unknown to law and the directive of the party.

    “While the party announced H.E. Chief Udom Emmanuel as the chairman of the committee but strangely, the exercise was, however, conducted by a different person, an impostor called Emmanuel Enoidem, the immediate past National Legal Adviser of the PDP.

    “This Emmanuel Enoidem was not listed and recognised by the NWC to be the Chairman of the Ekiti Ad-hoc delegates exercise, based on its official announcement, which has now rendered the entire exercise a nullity”.

    The group added that “a large number of the committee members sent to Ekiti for the congress, had served under Uche Secondus led NWC described as tax collectors by Gov Nyesome Wike, while they also tried to frustrate Gov Makinde of Oyo State over the Southwest zonal executives.

    “Some of them are known loyalists of Fayose and have enjoyed his patronage.

    “There was no ad-hoc election known to law in the entire 177 wards in Ekiti State, except for an afterthought kangaroo arrangement in a few locations where some persons were told to start jubilating on camera shouting “Oshoko” to justify the electoral robbery.

    “The entire exercise was a mockery cooked up to impose an aspirant on the PDP in Ekiti State.

  • EFCC presents more evidence in Fayose’s trial

    EFCC presents more evidence in Fayose’s trial

    The trial of embattled former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday resumed at a Federal High Court in Lagos with prosecution giving more evidence.

    Prosecution called its 11th witness, Mrs Joanne Tolulope, who narrated how one Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, allegedly bought property worth millions of naira.

    Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun.

    The former governor was arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd., on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    Fayose was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

    He also pleaded not guilty to the charge and was allowed to continue on the bail earlier granted him, while the case was adjourned for trial.

    During examination of the witness on Wednesday by prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness told the court that Agbele bought four charlets from her company Still Earth Ltd. between March and July, 2015.

    The witness, an in-house counsel for Still Earth Ltd., said that the company dealt in real estate and also renovated property.

    She testified that sometime, from March to July 2015, her company was contacted by Agbele, via a phone call, to inquire if there were property available for sale.

    “Incidentally, we had properties for sale; we discussed about Agbele’s availability for inspection.

    “He came sometime in March 2015 to inspect the properties and requested for two charlets of three bedrooms and four bedrooms, respectively, and paid N575 million and some fractions for the property,” she said.

    She said that in July 2015, Agbele approached the company and bought charlets for about N573 million.

    “He also approached us to register the deed of assignment in the name of JJ Technical Services,” she added.

    However, an attempt by the prosecutor to tender the deed of assignment as an exhibit was resisted by Fayose’s counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN), who contested its admissibility.

    Following the objection, the prosecution counsel sought to withdraw the document, saying that it could be tendered later in the trial.

    On how the money was paid, the witness told the court that N800 million was deposited by De Privateer Ltd. into a bank account of Still Earth Ltd., adding that there was cash payment of N209 million by one Taofeek on the instruction of Agbele.

    She testified that in January 2015, the sum of N105.7 million was received from Capital Field Investment and Trust Ltd., N39.5 million from Hoss Concept, while additional N40 million was received from De Privateer Ltd.

    She added that in February 2015, De Privateer Ltd. paid N200 million while N132.5 million was paid by a company called Sam Chase.

    The trial will continue on Thursday.

    When the case was before Justice Olatoregun, prosecution called witnesses from some commercial banks as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    According to the EFCC, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele illegally took possession of N1.2 billion for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti.

    The commission said that the defendants reasonably ought to have known that the sum formed part of crime proceeds.

    It alleged that Fayose received cash payment of five million dollars (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    The commission also said that the former governor unlawfully retained 300 million in his bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million.

    The EFCC added that the defendant unlawfully procured De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd. to retain aggregate sums of N851 million.

    Besides, the ex-governor was alleged to have unlawfully used aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire property in Lagos and Abuja.

    He was also alleged to have illegally used N200 million to acquire a property in Abuja with the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji.

    The alleged offences contravene the provisions of Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011.

  • Alleged 6.9bn fraud: Court announces date to resume trial of Fayose

    Alleged 6.9bn fraud: Court announces date to resume trial of Fayose

    A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, further adjourned until Dec 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, continuation in the trial of former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose over alleged N6.9 billion fraud.

    The case, which was listed in the cause list for continuation of trial on Monday, was called at about 11.40 am, as parties were awaiting one of the defence counsel.

    When the case was eventually called, the Economic and Financial Crims Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court, that having waited until almost noon, it will be better to grant an adjournment, to enable parties to come back and face the trial

    Although, first defence counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun, SAN, had urged prosecution to begin examination of its witness, who was already present in court, the case was however, adjourned at the instance of prosecution.

    The judge had urged parties to take new dates within the year, especially as no progress had been made in the matter since resumption.

    Following agreement of parties, the case was consequently, adjourned until Dec. 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 respectively for continuation of trial

    Recall that Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offence.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    The defendant was subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

    He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

    The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

    During trial before Olatoregun. the prosecution had called witnesses, from several commercial banks, as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele, were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million, which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known, formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    He was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offence, the anti-graft agency said contravened the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

  • Insecurity: Waiting until 2023 to sack Buhari painful – Fayose

    Insecurity: Waiting until 2023 to sack Buhari painful – Fayose

    Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has said waiting between now and 2023 to send the government of President Muhammadu Buhari packing will remain a pain in the heart of Nigerians.

    Fayose stated this on Sunday, lamenting the security situation of the country, and saying: “it is certain that Nigerians must be impatient to send this APC government packing in 2023, having made the mistake of bringing this clueless people in 2015”.

    The former Ekiti State Governor stated that the issue of Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has further exposed the government’s hypocrisy and complicity.

    Fayose wrote: “The present situation of Nigeria, where the Presidency has become the employer and defender of Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits is so appalling.

    “The issue of Isa Pantami has further exposed the govt’s hypocrisy and complicity. So saddening and worrisome that spokesmen of the president were the ones going from one media house to another to defend someone who openly supported terrorists.

    “In the last 3 days, over 300 Nigerians have been killed across the country, with several others in captivity,and this is still not enough for President Buhari & his men to wear sackcloth and cover themselves with ashes.Rather, they are seen making merry as if nothing has happened

    “It is painful that Nigeria is being governed by people who were at one time nominated as Boko Haram negotiator while their lieutenants are those who have openly kicked against military action against Boko Haram terrorists & rejected its categorisation as a terrorist organization.

    “Those ruling Nigeria, particularly at the federal are acting as if the country is about the government and them, forgetting that the government is about the country and its people.

    “With killings from North, South, East & West, it is certain that Nigerians must be impatient to send this APC govt packing in 2023,having made the mistake of bringing this clueless people in 2015. In fact, waiting bw now & 2023 will remain a pain in the heart of Nigerians.

    “It is funny that today, if those running the affairs of the country are not telling us that armed bandits must be seen as innocent until proven guilty, they will be saying offence of forgery is more grievous than open declaration of support for terrorists.

    “Because of their inability to take decisive actions against these terrorists that they appear to have sympathy for, Nigeria is no longer safe for anyone to live in.

    “Our roads have been taking over by terrorists while Nigerians, including traditional rulers are now being abducted right inside their bedrooms.

    “It is therefore my counsel to Nigerians that they should restrict their movements at this period and avoid travelling around the country

    “Those staying in isolated areas should also endeavor to move to where there are more people. It is my prayer that God will restore peace and normalcy to our country”.

  • Incitement: Lagos PDP gives Fayose 7 days to apologise to party elders

    Incitement: Lagos PDP gives Fayose 7 days to apologise to party elders

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State Chapter, has given former governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, seven days to apologise “for the deliberate unwarranted vituperation” on party elders in the state.

    PDP Spokesman in the state, Taofik Gani, said in a statement that the denigration occurred when Fayose gave an advice which was capable of inciting the youth against the PDP chieftains in Lagos.

    Fayose had during the inauguration of PDP Campaign Committee for the Lagos-East senatorial by-election on Tuesday, reportedly advised the party to send its former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, on “political retirement”.

    According to a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, titled ‘Lagos PDP must retire Bode George to make progress”, Fayose said such would help the party to make progress and win elections in Lagos State.

    But the PDP spokesman urged Fayose not to be a negative role model to the younger ones in the party.

    “Fayose will be declared Persona non grata in all her indoor and outdoor activities from Monday 12th October 2020, unless he, Fayose, purges himself of the grave nuisance value arising from the unsolicited and divisive advice,” Gani said.

    He urged Fayose to desist from all provocative comments against party elders or any action inimical to the advancement of the PDP in the South West.

    “Only a sadist, mischief maker or rooky politician, will decide to peel healing wounds, like creating more political foes, at a period very close to major elections.

    “We are nearing very important elections in the state to take us into winning Lagos State in 2023 general elections.

    “We need all togetherness and complimentary efforts possible of the old, young, male, female.

    “It is thus shocking that a supposed leader would come to our state to ‘tear’ us apart rather than give positive and progressive uniting advice to us.

    “We will hold Fayose responsible for any future election loss in Lagos State and indeed the South West,” the PDP said .”

  • Kashamu’s death: Nigerians will watch out for Obasanjo’s own end – Fayose

    Kashamu’s death: Nigerians will watch out for Obasanjo’s own end – Fayose

    Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose had condemned comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the death of Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Fayose as saying Obasanjo should stop forming saint and that he should remember that his own end will come too.

    Recall that Obasanjo had in a letter to Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, stated that while Kashamu’s death was “sad”, his life and history left “lessons for those of all us on this side of the veil.”

    Obasanjo, however, in the letter, supposedly condolence one, further stated that Kashamu in his lifetime used the maneuver of law and politics to escape from facing justice on alleged criminal offence in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.

    “But no legal, political, cultural, social, or even medical maneuver could stop the cold hand of death when the Creator of all of us decides that the time is up.

    “May Allah forgive his sin and accept his soul into Aljanah, and may God grant his family and friends fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Obasanjo added.

    Reacting, Fayose stated that it was regrettable that Obasanjo could say what he said about Kashamu after his death and when he can no longer question him.

    “Why didn’t he say that when Kashamu was alive? Can Obasanjo say in good conscience that he did not at some point collaborated with Kashamu and most of the things he (Kashamu) did politically were not with his collaboration?

    “Nigerians will watch out for Obasanjo’s own end. He should stop forming saint because he is not. He should also remember that his own end will come too and nobody knows how the end will be,” stated the former Governor of Ekiti State.