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Tag: Tinubu

  • Ekiti APC Primary: Tinubu denies anointing any candidate

    As aspirants slugged it out for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in the party’s primary election in Ekiti on Saturday, APC National Leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu said in Lagos that he had no anointed candidate.

    Tinubu spoke with newsmen in Ikeja as the APC held its ward congresses in Lagos.

    The winner of Saturday’s primary election will fly the party’s flag in the July 14 Ekiti governorship election, in which the APC is seeking to oust the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

    ”I believe those in charge of the primary in Ekiti will do the right thing. I have put my own political gear in neutral.

    ”I have no anointed candidate. Everyone there aspiring and contesting are very dear members and they deserve the right to participate.

    ”About 33 of them in all, and we only need one seat for governorship. We have had leadership discussions. I like the fact that they showed up respectfully and committed to the peace and stability of the party in that State,” Tinubu told newsmen.

    He said that feelers from Ekiti showed that things had been going on smoothly.

    “We have responsible leadership around there.

    ”Sincerely, I had wanted to be in Ekiti but when you have this situation where Congress is holding the same time their primary is holding, charity begins at home; I must stay in Lagos to ensure that I help them.

    ” There are capable leaders over there that will see to the smooth exercise of the primaries in Ekiti, ” Tinubu said.

    Speaking on the ward congresses in Lagos, Tinubu urged party members to conduct themselves peacefully to help the country grow and progress democratically.

    He also urged them report any complaint at the party headquarters, rather than take laws into their hands.

    ”Until the various officials conducting the congresses write their reports, my own decision is to continue to appeal to the party to conduct themselves peacefully and comply with the rule of law.

    ”If they have any complaints, they should write to the party headquarters and just don’t take laws into their hands.

    ”I am proud of what is happening. I am very proud of the leadership. The leaders are for everybody; no biases, and they should move on peacefully and help the country to grow and progress democratically,” he said.

    Tinubu said he was impressed with the turnout of members at the ward congresses

    “I am very happy and proud of our party, All Progressives Congress, the APC. We are demonstrating to the people across the country that we are a law abiding political party.

    ”We believe in the tenets of democracy and that we demonstrate the openness in the congresses across the country, particularly.

    ”I can speak emphatically about Lagos that things are going according to plan, very open and transparent. People queued up behind whoever they want, no pre-ordained candidate. The turn-out is very impressive.

    ”The membership of the party is growing in leaps and bounds and open to all democrats who want to be identified with us.

    ”This is one of the best ways to energise the party that is almost remaining dormant at grassroots level and you could see the sense of belonging and the activities of ordinary people. It is a great joy for me,” he said.

  • Dirty Lagos: Tinubu intervenes in waste managers, LASG rift

    National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, says the lingering issue of waste management in Lagos State will soon be resolved.

    Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday in Lagos during a meeting with the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAM), otherwise known as PSP.

    He said that there was the need to resolve the issue because of the immense contributions of the PSP operators to waste management in the state.

    Tinubu assured that he would reconcille all the stakeholders in his capacity as Grand Patron of AWAM to promote the business interests of waste managers and wellbeing of Lagosians.

    ”It is disappointing and sad that at this stage of our development, the matter should result into petition. It should have been continuity and progress.

    ”Whatever is the shortcoming, we will correct it. This will get to the governor latest by Monday, April 30.

    ”It is sad to see Olusosun dumpsite in dangerous smoke. As a grand patron of AWAM, I am concerned driving around Lagos and seeing built up refuse.

    ”I must say it is a challenge that is coming back and we will not allow that to happen.

    ”The government and governor is trying and responsive but the complexity of Lagos is compounding by the day,” he said.

    The former governor of Lagos State noted that AWAM members travelled abroad to learn international best practices in waste management and applied such in the state.

    He assured that Ambode’s government would evolve the best solution that would work for the larger population.

    ”I challenge you to go and be ready in your various communities and lines and get ready to work. I appeal to you to maintain peace.

    ”The House of Assembly, the Government and the party will work together to promote your business interests.

    ”The only thing we can do is to encourage this kind of small scale business to grow. The governor might have been experimenting and it is not a shame to reverse to the former,” Tinubu said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of AWAM, Mr Ola Egbeyemi, said that the waste crisis had become unprecedented, with increased volume of waste on Lagos streets, roads, highways and medians.

    Egbeyemi, who was represented AWAM spokesman, Gbenga Adebola, said that the situation had taken Lagos back to pre-1999, when waste was competing with vehicular and pedestrian movements.

    He appealed to the APC national leader to ensure that the PSP operators continued with the collection and transportation of both domestic and commercial waste.

    According to him, the disposal facilities currently badly managed can be put into uptimal use, where waste are sorted out in different waste components for recycling, composting and waste-to-energy activities.

    ”The government should provide enabling environment for us and any other investor by providing more waste infrastructure.

    “These include Material Recovery Facilities, Recycling, Waste treatment facilities, Marine Waste management, Landfill management and other value chain, among others.

    ”Government should provide enforcement of environmental sanitation practices and ensure that the payment for services rendered by the PSP operators are promptly paid, adopting the current franchise system.

    ”Government should provide guarantees and other incentives to us to enable us invest more into the industry.

    ”Sir, you have done this before and we believe you can do this again.

    ”It was your love and belief in us, that made you invest in the Private Sector Participant (PSP) programme, adopting Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development model,” he said.

    He described that the SME model as a poverty eradication tool to overcome the once insurmountable challenge of waste.

    ”The State has received several accolades and awards both locally and internationally and a clean Lagos had been a major electoral campaign achievements for past administrations.

    ”Since your Excellency established the PSP programme and after several reform programmes, so many achievements have been recorded, albeit there is still room for continuous improvement,” he said.

  • Ekiti 2018: Tinubu, Akande, Fayemi, others hold strategy meeting in Lagos

    As the governorship election in Ekiti State draws to a close, the major opposition party in the state, All Progressives Congress (APC) is leaving no stone unturned to win the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that state is presently governed by Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    The national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Friday, met behind closed doors in Lagos with all the APC aspirants for the governorship election.

    The meeting, which held at the old State House, Marina, had in attendance the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and about 24 others, hoping to clinch the APC ticket for the July 14, 2018 Ekiti State governorship election.

    Also in attendance was a former interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande.

    After the meeting, Tinubu told reporters that the meeting was aimed at putting the APC house in order ahead of the party’s governorship primary in Ekiti State fixed for May 7, 2018.

    He said the aspirants were invited to get their commitment to cooperate with one another as well as the party’s leadership for a transparent primary.

    Tinubu said, “We invited them; they came over and they have been here for hours. For what purpose? Free and fair primary that is transparent, that is not tainted, that is incorruptible, that is indisputable and they said that is what they demanded of us.

    “We have, therefore, agreed to guarantee that there will not be interference in the political situation and to pledge our support for them.”

    The former Lagos State governor added that the leadership of the APC also demanded of the aspirants’ cooperation and a promise that whoever emerges the party’s candidate at the end of the May 7 primary (election) would be supported by all.

    He also hinted that a resolution was made that everyone should re-converge in Lagos after the primary election to further strategise on how to capture Ekiti State in the July 14 governorship poll.

     

  • APC congress: Ajomale, other state executive members must go – Tinubu

    The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has banned its chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, members of the state executive council, wards and local government executives that have served three or four terms in office from seeking re-election.

    APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who announced the decision, said it was aimed at injecting new blood into the party’s leadership.

    Tinubu, who spoke at the APC stakeholders meeting in Lagos yesterday, said party officials who have served three or four terms at the ward, local government and state levels should leave.

    He said: “We want new breed, new development and new opportunity. Some of them have spent three to four terms at ward, local government and state levels. We thank them. The younger ones also want to move forward. If you have used eight, 10 or 12 years at ward, local government and state, we want to walk. Thanks a lot. We appreciate you. They should give us the chance, we plead.”

    Hailing them for their performance in office, Tinubu said: “They never lost elections during their tenures. They all worked hard. Those who have spent one term, the leadership will decide with you. That will be a matter for the local government branch to sort out. You must go back to the local leadership and they will look at all criteria.”

    The meeting became rowdy as supporters of some party chieftains were dancing and eulogising them. Some members displayed different placards with inscriptions such as: “We want open primaries”, “Enough of intimidation in Alimosho” and “Gbajabiamila deserves another term”.

    Tinubu was able to restore order after asking the placards-carrying members to leave the scene. He said they did not come for the meeting. “If you come for meeting, you will listen to what we are saying. We are going to give you feedback. We are discussing about the congress not about the candidates for elective positions,” the party stalwart said.

    Addressing the warring factions from Alimosho, Tinubu said: “I saw your placards; I read all your letters. I will give you a date when to meet you.”

    Turning to Surulere members, he asked: “Why did you allow PDP to win in your constituency; noise-making will not solve your problem.”

    He advised members from Ajeromi/Ifelodun and Amuwo, where APC lost elections in 2015 to go and reconcile with those who betrayed the party.

    “Don’t fight them but beg them to vote for the APC,” he said.

    He noted that the state chapter of the APC through the Lagos Central Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, sent a message to the party’s national leadership in Abuja that they don’t want tenure elongation.

    “Ever since, we have worked tirelessly. Now, the National Executive Council (NEC) has agreed that there will be congress. Congress committee members have been inaugurated with Jigawa State Governor Badaru as the chairman.

    “We hope this congress will go well. We have been having meetings about this congress. This is a congress of unity.

    “Four year ago, we conducted a congress. We didn’t kill anybody. We elected governor and President.”

    Tinubu warned that where there is violence during the congress, the result will be cancelled.

    “Now is another congress. I want to see the leaders of Alimosho – the two group writing open letters. I want to see all your leaders. All the copies of your open letters, I have read. We will give you dates so that we can talk.

    “It is four years since the merger that led to the formation of the APC. We fought for the congress. We got it. We commend the leadership at the national level. All of you in Lagos, I want to appeal to you, we have heard series of things.”

    He canvassed that women should be given greater opportunity to participate in politics.

    In an interview with reporters after the meeting, Ajomale said he was part of the decision that young people should be allowed to take over the management of the party.

    “If you have contested once, it is right to give you a second term. If you have been there since 1998 – that is about 18 years. We feel the younger generation should be given a chance. It is right and proper to allow the younger generation to take -over,” he said.

    Party chieftains who attended the meeting include Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Secretary to Lagos State Government Mr. Tunji Bello, Mrs. Modupe Sasore, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos State APC spokesman Mr. Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiu Esinlokun, Kamil Olukoya, Alhaja Kafilat Opara and the Igbo APC leaders.

  • APC Congress, way to go in building truly democratic party – Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress National Leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on yesterday congratulated his party for embarking on the congresses against all odds, saying that it is the way to go in building and upholding a truly democratic political party.

    Tinubu said this in a congratulatory message to the newly inaugurated APC National Convention Committee.

    The message was released by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman, in Lagos.

    A 68-member National Convention Committee headed by Gov. Abubakar Badaru, was inaugurated today in Abuja at the national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The committee was inaugurated to take charge of the conduct of the forthcoming congresses and national convention.

    ”I congratulate the Chairman and members of the Congresses/Convention Committee of our party.

    ”Gov. Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, who is the chairman of the committee, is a man reputed to be of high character and integrity.

    ”Working with other members of the committee, I’m persuaded that our party would conduct hitch-free congresses at all levels and the national convention.

    ”I also congratulate our party for embarking on the congresses against all odds. This is the way to go if we are desirous of building and upholding a truly democratic political party.

    ”Our ultimate goal should be the greater interest of the party.

    ”I believe that all members of our party are high in expectation that the committee would perform its assignment without fear or favour through which our party can be great again, ” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that The All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 18, announced that its National Convention to elect officers for a new term in the party’s leadership would hold on May 14.

    According to schedule of activities released by the Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso, in Abuja, the party’s Ward Congresses will hold on May 2, while appeal that may arise from the conduct will be entertained on May 3.

    The schedule showed that local government area congresses would hold on May 5, with appeal arising from the exercise fixed for May 7.

    It indicated that May 9 is the date for congress at states’ level to elect executive committees of the party in all states in the country.

    It fixed May 10 for hearing of appeal that may arise from the conduct of the state congresses.

  • Oba Akiolu to Buhari: Grant Lagos a special status or forget 2019

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu I, has declared that the only way the people of Lagos will support President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term dream is to grant the state a special status.

     

    The monarch made the statements while speaking yesterday, during the second quarter of 2018 Town Hall Meeting with residents, at Apapa Amusement Park, Lagos.

    Akiolu while reacting after the Senate rejected a bill to officially recognize Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial capital in 2016,blamed former President Olusegun Obasanjo for Lagos not being given an extraordinary status.

    Akiolu said: “During the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Lagos, I wanted to ask him that it was God and All Progressives Congress, APC, that helped to bring him to power, and that he must satisfy Lagos.

     

    “I expected APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to ask him for special status. I wrote to National Assembly that I want to present Lagos case on the floor.”

     

    He urged President Buhari to reconsider the special status for Lagos State for the state to deliver massive support for his second term in 2019 general poll.

     

    In the same vein, Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode stressed the need for residents and eligible voters to obtain Personal Voter’s Card, PVC.

     

    Ambode said: “I want to strongly appeal to all Lagosians, this coming election is a different one. We want to define once and for all where the population of Nigeria lies. So it is not just about APC or about any other party. We want to use the PVC to send a message that the real population is in Lagos State.

     

    “So the duty of all of us is to say that before any census, there is one census, the census of votes and that of PVC, becomes a finality that the real population is in Lagos State. That is why we must encourage each and every one of us to push ourselves if it is door-to-door or house-to-house, in our various groups and unions to ensure that they go out and get our PVC.”

    2019: Presidency rains insults on critics who warned Buhari not to run

     

  • Again Tinubu blames Jonathan’s administration for Nigeria’s woes

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader, All Progressives Congress(APC) has again blamed past civilian administrations, especially the Jonathan government for the nation’s economic woes.

    Tinubu spoke at the 35th annual Aminu Kano Memorial Symposium, held in Kano on Tuesday. He was represented by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    Other speakers at the event were Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times, and a stalwart of the APC, Dr. Usman Bugaje.

    The speakers examined `Democratic governance in Nigeria and the imperatives of party ideology and supremacy’.

    Tinubu said that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was the worst culprit in the pillaging of the nation’s resources.

    He attributed the country’s current infrastructural deficit to the billions stolen by the past governments.

    The APC national leader said that the present government under President Muhammadu Buhari had in the past three years been labouring hard to clean the rot and give the people a new lease of life.

    “The APC government may, at times, be imperfect in fulfilling the spirit of Aminu Kano but we are far from the PDP, which has perfected the malign craft of giving selfish ambition primacy over the public good.

    “Consequently, the Buhari government has spent inordinate time cleaning the rot and plugging the holes in the corrupt system they institutionalised as their strategic policy and national direction.

    “The APC has been working to steer our national ship from this awful direction in order that we may bring the people and their welfare into safe harbour,’’ he said.

    Tinubu said the billions of dollars and trillions of Naira stolen by past governments if used for the people, would have transformed the nation.acc

    According to him, “the stolen money would have acquired the infrastructure and implement the programmes that bring greater development and economic justice to all.

    “Instead, the select few ate more than their bellies could contain. Distorting the cause of justice and hijacking the means of national welfare.

    “They wildly enriched themselves and left the average Nigerian to dine on the passing wind.”

    He stated that the ruling government had less resources at his disposal than its predecessors due to the drop in oil prices, but have done more with the less it has.

    The APC national leader said the theme of the symposium was apt and timely, commending the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training and Bayero University for the initiative.

    Tinubu described Aminu Kano as a great man that could have lived an easy life by exploiting, for selfish objectives all the opportunities opened to him.

    “Instead, he devoted himself to the welfare of the people. He took the harder path because it was the true and correct one. As Aminu Kano did, we must do!

    “The spirit of this great man must guide more than our deliberations here today. That spirit must direct our political intercourse and actions,’’ he said.

    In his paper, Bugaje raised a few posers such as the difference between power and authority, legality and legitimacy, as well as eligibility and sustainability.

    He argued that it was possible to have power without having authority, adding that it was also possible to be eligible, but not suitable for a given position or office.

    “In order to succeed, he said a leader must be knowledgeable, courageous and selfless. A leader must be like a shepherd who leads his cattle to a place of pasture and a good place where they can graze,’’ Bugaje said.

    In his own presentation, Olorunyomi stressed the need for the country to be in accord and be united in purpose.

    He said that Rwanda, in spite of challenges it recently went through was able to bounce back into a unified entity where law and order reigned, adding such was achieved through unity of purpose.

  • Tinubu fires Jonathan, others for country’s woes

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader, All Progressives Congress(APC) has again blamed past civilian administrations, especially the Jonathan government for the nation’s economic woes.

     

    Tinubu spoke at the 35th annual Aminu Kano Memorial Symposium, held in Kano on Tuesday. He was represented by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

     

    Other speakers at the event were Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times, and a stalwart of the APC, Dr. Usman Bugaje.

     

    The speakers examined `Democratic governance in Nigeria and the imperatives of party ideology and supremacy’.

     

    Tinubu said that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was the worst culprit in the pillaging of the nation’s resources.

     

    He attributed the country’s current infrastructural deficit to the billions stolen by the past governments.

     

    The APC national leader said that the present government under President Muhammadu Buhari had in the past three years been labouring hard to clean the rot and give the people a new lease of life.

     

    “The APC government may, at times, be imperfect in fulfilling the spirit of Aminu Kano but we are far from the PDP, which has perfected the malign craft of giving selfish ambition primacy over the public good.

     

    “Consequently, the Buhari government has spent inordinate time cleaning the rot and plugging the holes in the corrupt system they institutionalised as their strategic policy and national direction.

     

    “The APC has been working to steer our national ship from this awful direction in order that we may bring the people and their welfare into safe harbour,’’ he said.

     

    Tinubu said the billions of dollars and trillions of Naira stolen by past governments if used for the people, would have transformed the nation.acc

     

    According to him, “the stolen money would have acquired the infrastructure and implement the programmes that bring greater development and economic justice to all.

     

    “Instead, the select few ate more than their bellies could contain. Distorting the cause of justice and hijacking the means of national welfare.

     

    “They wildly enriched themselves and left the average Nigerian to dine on the passing wind.”

     

    He stated that the ruling government had less resources at his disposal than its predecessors due to the drop in oil prices, but have done more with the less it has.

     

    The APC national leader said the theme of the symposium was apt and timely, commending the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training and Bayero University for the initiative.

     

    Tinubu described Aminu Kano as a great man that could have lived an easy life by exploiting, for selfish objectives all the opportunities opened to him.

     

    “Instead, he devoted himself to the welfare of the people. He took the harder path because it was the true and correct one. As Aminu Kano did, we must do!

     

    “The spirit of this great man must guide more than our deliberations here today. That spirit must direct our political intercourse and actions,’’ he said.

     

    In his paper, Bugaje raised a few posers such as the difference between power and authority, legality and legitimacy, as well as eligibility and sustainability.

     

    He argued that it was possible to have power without having authority, adding that it was also possible to be eligible, but not suitable for a given position or office.

     

    “In order to succeed, he said a leader must be knowledgeable, courageous and selfless. A leader must be like a shepherd who leads his cattle to a place of pasture and a good place where they can graze,’’ Bugaje said.

     

    In his own presentation, Olorunyomi stressed the need for the country to be in accord and be united in purpose.

     

    He said that Rwanda, in spite of challenges it recently went through was able to bounce back into a unified entity where law and order reigned, adding such was achieved through unity of purpose.

  • How Adebanjo taught me rebellion in politics – Tinubu

    Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday said elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo taught him (Tinubu) the art of rebellion in Nigerian politics.

    The national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said this on Tuesday during the public presentation of Adebanjo’s autobiography titled Telling it as it is, which was presented in Lagos on Tuesday as part of activities to mark his (Adebanjo’s) 90th birthday.

    Tinubu, who strolled into the hall unexpectedly, told the audience that he was on his way to Abuja to attend his party’s meeting when he was informed that Adebanjo’s book launch was holding today (Tuesday) and he decided to be there, even if it was for only two minutes.

    He described the celebrator as “a nationalist worthy of emulation. “He has been a father to all of us in politics; he is a man of principle, who is always ready to defend his position on any issue”, Tinubu said of the nonagenarian.

    He went on: “If not for his honour and integrity, I wouldn’t have been Lagos State Governor. He stood against rigging the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship primary in 1999. He insisted that direct primary should hold. And when the result came, some people wanted to manipulate the result; Adebanjo stood his ground that the result of the primary should be upheld. If he had been a corrupt leader, he would have taken money and my name would have been substituted.

    “I respect you; you are a mentor to me. We can disagree. If you call me a rebel, you taught me the act of rebellion. If I go the other side, I am not a bastard, I have a good father. Please, continue on the path of integrity and honesty you are known for.

    “You can’t but praise and honour him for his principled stance on restructuring. Restructuring means true federalism; there should be opportunity for each federating unit to govern according to its blueprint; it is about management of resources. I agree with Chief Adebanjo on this. We thank God for you and want you to continue to serve humanity in good health,” Tinubu said.

  • Looters’ list not complete without Buhari, Osinbajo, Tinubu’s names – Fani-Kayode

    A former Minister of Aviation and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Femi Fani-Kayode has described as incomplete the fresh names of looters released by the Federal Government on Sunday.

    Recall that Fani-Kayode is number 18 in a list of 24 individuals accused of having looted the treasury under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed released the list on Sunday. He released the first part on Friday.

    However, in a statement released on Monday afternoon, Fani-Kayode said although he received funds in his capacity as director of publicity during the reelection campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the money was not passed to him by any government official.

    “I wish to make it abundatly clear that this is nonsensical and utterly shameful and I hereby reiterate the fact that I am totally innocent of any wrongdoing,” the former minister said of the list. ”

    “The Federal Government claims that I “looted” 800,000,000 naira from government coffers. This is false.

    “I did not receive and neither was I ever given one kobo by any government official, government agency or government parastatal during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

    “The money that I received was given to me by the Director of Finance of the Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mrs. Esther Nenadi Usman, before the election in 2015 and it was specifically for the conduct of the Presidential election.

    “I was Director of Media and Publicity of the Campaign Organisation and it was used specifically and solely for the running and conducting of the media and publicity aspect of the election.

    “Meanwhile I reject the false label of “looter” and I hereby return it to sender.

    “I also deny all the charges that have been leveled against me by the EFCC, I hereby restate my innocence and I shall continue to vigorously defend myself and my good family name in the court of law.”

    Read Fani-Kayode’s statement below:

    PRESS STATEMENT

    RE: “LOOTERS” LIST

    It has been brought to my attention that my name was placed in what the Federal Government of Nigeria describes as its “looters list”.

    I wish to make it abundantly clear that this is nonsensical and utterly shameful and I hereby reiterate the fact that I am totally innocent of any wrongdoing.

    The fact of the matter is that no “looters list” is complete without the names of Muhammadu Buhari, Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Tunde Fashola, Bola Tinubu, Lai Mohammed, Adamu Abdullahi, Dambazau, Kayode Fayemi, Babachir Lawal, Maina, Maikanto Baru, Burutai, all APC Governors and other key members of the Buhari administration and the APC.

    The Federal Government claims that I “looted” 800,000,000 naira from government coffers. This is false.

    I did not receive and neither was I ever given one kobo by any government official, government agency or govermment parastatal during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

    The money that I received was given to me by the Director of Finance of the Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mrs. Esther Nenadi Usman, before the election in 2015 and it was specifically for the conduct of the Presidential election.

    I was Director of Media and Publicity of the Campaign Organisation and it was used specifically and solely for the running and conducting of the media and publicity aspect of the election.

    Mrs. Usman, who was Minister of Finance during the Obasanjo government, was neither a member of the Jonathan government and neither did she manage, handle or touch any government funds in her capacity as Director of Finance of the Jonathan campaign.

    The money she made available to me came from a private company account which was used to house contributions made to the Jonathan campaign by party supporters after a series of fundraising event.

    These were private funds and not public funds and neither can anyone expect us to have run an election in 2015 without any money. You do not run election campaigns with sand but with money.

    It is common knowledge that the Buhari campaign in 2015 was funded by moneys that can be traced directly to the state governments of Rivers state, Lagos state, Kano state, Ogun state and a number of other key APC states yet not one of those involved or that governed any of those states at the time have been questioned, arrested or prosecuted by the EFCC or the Federal Government.

    It is also common knowledge that President Buhari himself was offered and received several benefits and received money from the office of the former National Security Advisor, Col. Sambo Dasuki, yet nothing has been done about this.

    From the foregoing, it is clear that the Buhari administration’s so-called war against corruption is selective and punitive and it is nothing but a vicious media trial and politically-motivated witch hunt.

    It is nothing but a squalid and mafia-like attempt to muscle, discredit, demonise and sillence key members of the opposition. It is slanderous, malicious and unjust.

    If not for the fact that the Buhari administration is an irresponsible, weak, desperate and corrupt government that has no confidence in itself and no sense of decency how can they declare people that have not been convicted by any court of law as “looters”.

    Not only is this a violation of the constitutional provision that says that an accused person is deemed innocent until they are proved guilty by a duly constituted court of law but it is also highly prejudicial to the criminal cases that they are or may be facing.

    Apart from that it is a crude and sordid attempt to intimidate the judges and influence the outcome of the cases which are before them and also to compel them to give the judgement that the government wants. This is not only unacceptable but it is also shameful.

    It is a clear violation of the concept of separation of powers which gives the judiciary alone the power to determine the guilt or otherwise of an accused person.

    It is trite law that only a court of law can declare a man guilty or declare him a thief or a looter and not Buhari and his government.

    How can anyone get a fair trial in a country when the government has already pronounced them guilty before the world?

    You cannot be the investigator, accuser, prosecutor and judge in your own case. This is a basic principle of criminal and constitutional law which appears to have been lost on President Buhari and his cohorts.

    I don’t blame him: I blame Vice President Osinbajo who, as a Professor of Law and a learned SAN, should know better and who I am reliably informed is the co-ordinator of all these politically-motivated, baseless and malicious corruption cases which are being conducted against opposition members by the EFCC.

    He is the one that has been saddled with the shameless responsibility of manipulating the prosecutors, emboldening false witnesses, attempting to pressure the judges and attempting to send innocent men and women who are members of the opposition to jail.

    One day, whether he believes it or not, there will be a reckoning for his wickedness just as there will be one for Buhari and his entire government. God will see to that and He will judge and punish them.

    Meanwhile I reject the false label of “looter” and I hereby return it to sender.

    I also deny all the charges that have been levelled against me by the EFCC, I hereby restate my innocence and I shall continue to vigorously defend myself and my good family name in the court of law.

    I have no doubt that in the end my innocence will speak for me, God will vindicate me and He will expose my accusers for the heartless monsters that they really are.