Oct 3rd, 2008
Ondo State: Election Petition Tribunals vs Politicians
By Justice Oluwadare Aguda
It is perhaps not generally appreciated that the ability of the courts of law to ensure peace and order in society derives largely from the respect they are customarily given and the awe in which they are held by the people.
When the courts and the Judges are stripped of their traditional respect and awe, people will begin to deny obedience to court orders; and when obedience is denied to the orders of the courts to any considerable extent, affairs in society will tend to be controlled by the powerful and ruthless. And now that the leaders wantonly accuse Judges of bias, partisanship and corruption, ordinary folk, taking their cue from their leaders, will soon start to believe that the Judges do not deserve to be obeyed. They will regard the courts, and the law itself, with contempt.
The focus of this article is the attacks on Election Petitions tribunals and the Judges who sit on them. These tribunals are set up by virtue of subsections (1) and (2) of section 285 of the Constitution. They have the status of courts of law and as such are entitled to be accorded the same respect as is given to any court of law. Nigerian politicians are now systematically stripping the law courts of their traditional awe and respect as some wage all-out wars on the courts when judgments do not go in their favour. And these are highly placed leaders who enjoy the unquestioning following of millions of people.
In the wake of the nullification on July 25, 2008 of the election of Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State, it was reported that busloads of supporters of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to the State capital, Akure, from the six local government areas of the State where election results were nullified to protest against the verdict of the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal.
An odious example of the kind of attacks on the integrity of Judges we are talking about is provided by an advertorial made in a newspaper by a group calling itself “Association of Young Professionals (AYP), Ondo State Chapter”… Titled: Election Petitions Tribunal Judgment in Ondo State: An arrest of Justice, the advertorial declared: “…we consider it absolutely necessary, as stakeholders, to encounter, open up and engage the moral issues in the judgment in order to distill Ondo State from the froth of judicial poison and social disaffection which Justice Nabaruma’s judgment portends.”
The group went on to state: “Our intervention must be viewed as a patriotic call to resound with the force of intellect and strength of history, the symptom of the same disease and epidemic which unfortunately Justice Garba Nabaruma inflicted on the people of Anambra State in his weak and widely condemned judgment in 2004 removing Governor Chris Ngige from office as Governor. That controversial judgment virtually brought anarchy and chaos to the State. It nearly reduced the State to rubbles, putting the entire people under siege and fear. Thankfully, Dr Ngige appealed and Nabaruma’s wopt (sic) judgment was disregarded and overruled by the appeal court which upheld the legitimate election of the Governor.”
They went further still: “The truth is that the poison in Nabaruma’s latest judgment in Ondo State consists of the stealing and silencing of the people’s votes through an intricate packing, packaging and patenting of the Tribunal’s opinion in sacred voice of justice. In colour, substance, procedure and entity, the judgment is eccentric, illogical and lacks integrity.” (Nigerian Compass, August 6, 2008, p. 11)
It is necessary to comment at this point that rather than being “weak and widely condemned” and far from being “disregarded and overruled by the appeal court”, Hon Justice Garba Nabaruma was praised in glowing terms by the Court of Appeal and the judgment of his Election Petitions Tribunal was affirmed by that Court.
Another publication which listed two traditional rulers (the Olubo of Obe-Nla and Alagho of Odonla Kingdom), retired Colonel Wole Ohunayo and two High Chiefs (Oloja Araromi Seaside and Bobagunwa of Etikan Kingdom) as the authors raised the following point, among others, in reaction to some invalidated election results:
“It should be noted that all the affected local government areas are strongholds of the PDP where the ruling party won convincingly. This is a rather curious coincidence, turning the loser into the winner and vice versa.”
The publication then concluded as follows: “Meanwhile, we say capital No to the disenfranchisement of our people. We say a bigger No to the imposition of a minority candidate as Governor in our Sunshine State. We say an emphatic No to this daylight robbery. We say an unequivocal No to this rape on democracy. We say a resounding No to judicial rascality. We demand the restoration of our votes. We condemn the part-reading of the judgment in such a landmark case. We reject any abridged judgment giving no logical reasons for its conclusion! We call for a reversal of the induced judgment. We shall strive, we shall struggle, we shall go on, till our right is secured.” (Nigerian Tribune, July 31, 2008.)
A body calling itself “Ondo State Youth Action Group,” under the caption: RE: ONDO STATE ELECTION TRIBUNAL JUDGMENT: PERVERTED JUSTICE, proclaimed: “We the entire youths of Ondo State under the auspices of Ondo State Youth Action Group wish to inform Nigerians and the world in general that we totally disagree with the judgment of Friday, 25th July 2008 by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal led by Justice Garba Nabaruma which declared Dr Olusegun Mimiko as the winner of the April 14th 2007 Governorship election in Ondo State.”
The group then posited a number of points, two of which were: “6. That it is alien to any civilised society like ours for thousands of eligible voters who exercised their constitutional rights to be disenfranchised through the cancellation of election results in Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo, Ile-Oluji, Okitipupa, Akoko NW, Akoko NE, Akure North and Ose local government areas [and] 7. That the cancellation only occurred in the strongholds of Governor Olusegun Agagu.” (Nigerian Compass, August 6, 2008, p.9)
The political leaders themselves are often far from being restrained in their attacks on Judges. For instance, Chief Segun Adegoke, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State, was quoted in The Nation under the heading: “WHY Mimiko will not be sworn in”, as saying in his remarks on the verdict of the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal declaring Dr Mimiko winner of the election: “But the long and short of it, it appeared, the tribunal worked towards an answer… It later turned out that the tribunal wrote 673 pages of judgment. This is rather impossible in four weeks after the adoption of written addresses. .. For the four weeks, the tribunal could not have written that lengthy judgment. My thinking is that the Chairman must have been writing his judgment daily while the sitting lasted. This only shows that he worked towards an answer.”
Chief Adegoke then went on to say: “I don’t see why on earth the tribunal should say [that] elections didn’t take place there. But the tribunal nullified elections in Ilaje, Irele councils, the strong bases of Governor Agagu. .. In these places, Agagu would always score above 90 per cent of the votes cast. .. ..The nullified elections were unjustified. The evidence on which it (sic) was based was tenuous. Members of the tribunal believed what they wanted to believe, and that was exactly what happened.” (The Nation, August 14, 2008.)
It is quite inappropriate for anyone, least of all a senior member of the Bar and a spokesman for the State Government such as Chief Adegoke, to say that the Governor-elect of the State would not be sworn in. By virtue of the judgment of the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal, Dr Olusegun Mimiko is the Governor-elect of the State. That is the position in law. It is a very serious allegation indeed to say, as Chief Adegoke did, that a Panel of Judges “worked towards an answer” in writing their judgment.
However, lest I seem to be saying that none of our political leaders accepts with due respect any judgment of court that does not favour them, I would like to mention Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Ekiti State governorship candidate of the Action Congress in the 2007 elections. When his petition against the election of Governor Segun Oni of the State was dismissed by the State’s Election Petitions Tribunal, it was reported that, “When encouraging party faithful and the entire Ekiti electorate who were demoralised and devastated by the judgment delivered on Thursday, Fayemi said [that] in spite of the verdict of the Tribunal, his faith and confidence in the Nigerian Judiciary remained firm and unshaken.” [The Nation, August 30, 2008, p. 10.]
In the same vein, I would like to note that Senator Bode Olajumoke, “a staunch member of the PDP in the State” was reported as hailing the judgment of the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal and went further to “congratulate Dr Segun Mimiko, the Labour Party (LP) Governorship candidate. “God bless the judgment and congratulations to the winner”, he was quoted to have said.” (Nigerian Compass, August 4, 2008, p.14)
However, what we find generally in reaction to the judgment of the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal is quite different. For instance, when the Labour Party urged Governor Agagu to stop what the Party called the inflammatory statements on the Judiciary by his supporters, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, dismissed the allegations and asked of the Labour Party: “Are they afraid of people’s protest against disenfranchisement? Let it be known to the Labour Party and their collaborators in the Judiciary that the people of the State voted for Agagu and [those] whose votes had been voided had every right to protest.” (The Nation, July 31, 2008, p.5)
How can the Chief Press Secretary to a State governor describe the Judiciary as a collaborator of one of the political parties in a case before a tribunal?
In an item headed “Councils rise for Agagu, Condemn Tribunal Verdict”, the local government councils in the State were reported to have stated: “To say the people of Ondo South Senatorial District, where the resources of the State come from should not have a say in who governs the State is a misnomer and unacceptable to us. We count in the State and our votes count as well.” (Nigerian Compass, August 5, 2008, p. 7)
In conclusion and in my view, these obviously orchestrated attacks on the Judiciary are a part of the effort to subordinate the Judiciary to the will of the politicians. Already, the politicians are, through the various legislative houses, relentlessly blurring the principle of the separation of powers and functions enshrined in the Constitution through their claim of what they term “Oversight functions” by which they are now taking over much of the work of the Executive arm of government. They have no such oversight functions under the Constitution. In addition, they are now taking over the constitutional function of the Judiciary by conducting “probes” into many actions of the Executive. These “probes” do not even meet the judicial standard required in the conduct of public inquiries.
One should ask what is the real motive behind these excessive comments on the verdict of the Ondo State election Petitions Tribunal? It seems to me that the real aim of those who brought busloads of protesters, including traditional rulers, to the State capital to condemn the verdict of the Tribunal and those who organised the unprecedented number of attacks on the tribunal’s verdict is to create the impression that the whole State would descend into chaos and anarchy should the Court of Appeal fail to reverse the verdict of the Tribunal. This is clear intimidation of the Judiciary and it is totally unacceptable under the rule of law.
An additional means of weakening the Judiciary is through the mounting of an unprecedented degree of pressures on individual judges. Traditional rulers and powerful political office holders are pressed into service. Also, and very sadly, there are now widespread stories of politicians attempting to induce members of Election Petitions Tribunals as well as those who hear appeals from the tribunals with bribes running into millions of naira. Even figures as high as one billion naira and more are mentioned.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in what he called Notes for the Bar Conference, drew the attention of his Learned Friends attending the Annual Delegates Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Abuja, August 23 – 30, 2008 to the cankerworm of corruption now eating deep into the fabric of the profession. He wrote: “Today, nothing has put our profession and the Judiciary on trial more than the widespread allegation of corruption oozing out of many election tribunals. If left unchecked, very soon the politicians will have scant regard for lawyers and their skills. They will simply come and pay you only transport fare to show your face in court. The rest, they will tell you ‘have been taken care of’.” (Sunday Sun, August 24, 2008, p.15)
What is the result of the torrent of attacks on the judges and the denigration of court judgments? The effect of these attacks on the judiciary and the judges is to erode the people’s confidence in the country’s judicial system. The attackers know full well that the judges are prevented by judicial tradition from answering back any unwarranted allegations and, in any case, the Judges do not possess anything like the enormous resources available to the politicians to engage in media confrontation.
It should be appreciated that Judges are human beings. It is most unfair, and even cruel, to falsely accuse them of bias, partisanship or corruption when they have performed their judicial functions honestly and to the best of their ability. Of course, where a judge falls below the standard of performance or integrity expected of his office, he should be criticised and, where necessary, sanctioned in proper form. The Judiciary should not be destroyed through unwarranted vulgar attacks. The Judiciary needs to be guarded against the unwholesome pressures now being put on it.
While there certainly is the need to enquire into corruption in the Executive arm of government as well as in other aspects of national life in Nigeria, such inquiries should be conducted as laid down in the Constitution. They should satisfy requisite judicial procedure. Similarly, while there are corrupt judges and there are other aspects of the Judiciaryís performance which cause disquiet for many Nigerians, the laid-down procedures for dealing with such matters should be followed.
Nobody can deny the disquiet now being caused by the Supreme Court’s very long delay in pronouncing on the appeal in the election petition against the President. It is equally worrying that more than six months after an appeal was lodged in the Edo State governorship election petition, the Presiding Justice of the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal is (as at today, September 22, 2008 ) yet to announce the Panel that will hear the appeal. Are these instances of justice being denied through undue delay?
-Justice Aguda retired as a judge of the Ondo State High Court. He is the author of Understanding the Constitution of Nigeria 1999.
16 Responses to “Ondo State: Election Petition Tribunals vs Politicians”
This write up is really deep and hits the core in terms of the ills and ails of the Nigerian Political cum Judicial system to date. The well balanced arguments are pointers to factual reasonings which we should focus on. Sad to say, how many of the desired audience will get to read this, short of printing this out in leaflets and flying a plane over Ondo State dispersing these leaflets?
The actions of Agagu, his officers and the Ondo State PDP reeks and spells one word for me – PANIC. That said, these actions are dangerous for looking into the generality of the people and their mindset, and also based on the culture of being swayed with sweet words, promises and what have you, baseless allegations could become a clog in the wheel of progress. Poverty and lack also plays a part in turning the common man into a degenerate being. This is why they are able to cling onto empty promises and paltry handouts. I do not pray that this would be the case or norm in Ondo State.
The fact that an outsted Governor according to the Nigerian Constitution is allowed to remain in office pending appeal, is one of the problems. For example, if a suspect is convicted and has declared his/her intention to appeal, that convict is not freed, but locked up pending the outcome of his/her appeal. When a corrupt governor is allowed to run free and flount his/her corrupt self about and over even the courts, then what do we expect?
The opposition i.e. Ondo State PDP are so very selective in their propaganda of negation and accusations against the Tribunal personnel and the rulings; that they fail to mention their shameful conduct during the tribunal seatings. They fail to mention their lack of creditability, their lack of substance and their utter failure in proving how they have “won” the elections. LP/Mimiko proved their case in court beyond reasonable doubt. Never did they come out to boast or brag. PDP were boasting in spite of their weakness in court. Did they believe in a hidden agenda? On the day of the ruling, they were celebrating in advance. Cows were being slaughtered, musicians paid for and what have you. Why else would they be so sure they have won if not that they have something they were banking on?
Talking of “compromise”, who is in the position of attempting to compromise and bribe? All covert attempts to do this failed and since this is their modus operandi, they were quick to announce that the judiciary have been compromised. You see as a man thinketh, so he is. The shame of the situation is that what has transpired in Ondo State to date, is crystal clear but bought over people would rather not see. Why? They are interested in what they beleive they are gaining from a highly corrupted governance. They do not see beyond their noses, for posterity and love for Ondo State is not a priority or of importance to them. If PDP/Agagu can give them contracts, if they can get paltry handouts, and if, they can be seen as vip’s, then that’s all that matters. But is this what will sustain Ondo State? Of course not. Worse still these group of people are not just the loafers and mongrels. They include highly placed people, they include some rulers who should be more interested in the overall welfare of the ruled, they include people from the legal profession who should be upholding the sanctity of their “honourable” profession and calling.
It is ever so frustrating, but then the “Nigerian Factor” has been at play for rather too long. There is need for change, this is why we thank God for the lives of people like Justice Aguda, the writer of this post who would not be bought and who would always try to drum sense into deluded minds, being swept away in a deluge of deceit, treachery and anarchy.
We have a long way to go, but thank God it is not to anunknown destination. We have an ardous task of turning around the general negative status quo in Nigeria/Ondo State, but thank God that slow and steady can still win the race for little drops of water makes the mighty oceon. We have to have faith, we have to continue to do our best to enlighten the people. We will never give up, and God who is on the side of the true and just, will see us through. Peace:)
On a lighter note please find time to read my novice attempt at poetry by visiting this link:
http://community.africanloft.com/kickapps/_THE-ROTTWEILER/blog/112856/4392.html
This write up is really deep and hits the core in terms of the ills and ails of the Nigerian Political cum Judicial system to date. The well balanced arguments are pointers to factual reasonings which we should focus on. Sad to say, how many of the desired audience will get to read this, short of printing this out in leaflets and flying a plane over Ondo State dispersing these leaflets?
The actions of Agagu, his officers and the Ondo State PDP reeks and spells one word for me – PANIC. That said, these actions are dangerous for looking into the generality of the people and their mindset, and also based on the culture of being swayed with sweet words, promises and what have you, baseless allegations could become a clog in the wheel of progress. Poverty and lack also plays a part in turning the common man into a degenerate being. This is why they are able to cling onto empty promises and paltry handouts. I do not pray that this would be the case or norm in Ondo State.
The fact that an outsted Governor according to the Nigerian Constitution is allowed to remain in office pending appeal, is one of the problems. For example, if a suspect is convicted and has declared his/her intention to appeal, that convict is not freed, but locked up pending the outcome of his/her appeal. When a corrupt governor is allowed to run free and flount his/her corrupt self about and over even the courts, then what do we expect?
The opposition i.e. Ondo State PDP are so very selective in their propaganda of negation and accusations against the Tribunal personnel and the rulings; that they fail to mention their shameful conduct during the tribunal seatings. They fail to mention their lack of creditability, their lack of substance and their utter failure in proving how they have “won” the elections. LP/Mimiko proved their case in court beyond reasonable doubt. Never did they come out to boast or brag. PDP were boasting in spite of their weakness in court. Did they believe in a hidden agenda? On the day of the ruling, they were celebrating in advance. Cows were being slaughtered, musicians paid for and what have you. Why else would they be so sure they have won if not that they have something they were banking on?
Talking of “compromise”, who is in the position of attempting to compromise and bribe? All covert attempts to do this failed and since this is their modus operandi, they were quick to announce that the judiciary have been compromised. You see as a man thinketh, so he is. The shame of the situation is that what has transpired in Ondo State to date, is crystal clear but bought over people would rather not see. Why? They are interested in what they beleive they are gaining from a highly corrupted governance. They do not see beyond their noses, for posterity and love for Ondo State is not a priority or of importance to them. If PDP/Agagu can give them contracts, if they can get paltry handouts, and if, they can be seen as vip’s, then that’s all that matters. But is this what will sustain Ondo State? Of course not. Worse still these group of people are not just the loafers and mongrels. They include highly placed people, they include some rulers who should be more interested in the overall welfare of the ruled, they include people from the legal profession who should be upholding the sanctity of their “honourable” profession and calling.
It is ever so frustrating, but then the “Nigerian Factor” has been at play for rather too long. There is need for change, this is why we thank God for the lives of people like Justice Aguda, the writer of this post who would not be bought and who would always try to drum sense into deluded minds, being swept away in a deluge of deceit, treachery and anarchy.
We have a long way to go, but thank God it is not to anunknown destination. We have an ardous task of turning around the general negative status quo in Nigeria/Ondo State, but thank God that slow and steady can still win the race for little drops of water makes the mighty oceon. We have to have faith, we have to continue to do our best to enlighten the people. We will never give up, and God who is on the side of the true and just, will see us through. Peace:)
Ondo State is alway in our minds. The struggle at hand is for the good of Ondo State and the welfare of our people. We will forever now fight injustice in our midst and expose corruption and other evil deeds. The main reason why our people voted en masse for Mimiko as governor of Ondo State is the absoluted trust the people have in the just and fair governance that Mimiko will provide. The main reason that Mimiko decided to run as governor and govern Ondo State is to execute an agenda and mission that will catapault Ondo State into greatness. Only an evil mind will want to deter this and God will never allow evil to continue to reign supreme in our midst.
Mimiko is governor. Iroko yi jo gba sibe sir. Peace:)
Mr Fred, is everything ok. Am kinda missing you on site. God bless and protect you and all yours.
Hello Omotylor and thanks for your comments which is void of verifiable gravitas. This sort of low keyed and highly bias comments will always emanate from sycophants whom the future of this beloved Country is far from the epitome of their heart. Let me educate you on the development of the outcome of the Ondo state Governorship Election Tribunal led by Justice Nabaruma. A true certified copy of the judgement which apparently was handed in late as against judicial policy has so many adjustments and manipulations and this has of no doubts indicated a judgement that has been passed contrary to the original written verdict. Commendably Mimiko who has backstabbed two former Governors in this State surprisingly has upstaged the law and won the heart of the judges by his bribery and con artistic character that he’s well known with and unfortunately Nabaruma and co fell for it. Their trip to Dubai on the wake of the judgement day to meet the LP cohorts is perfectly in record. Consequently, Mimiko decided to file a cross appeal which to my knowledge is a panic approach to the appeal filled by the Governor of the State Dr Olusegun Agagu. Nabaruma, who immediately resigned and flew out of the Country immediately after the verdict knew for sure that he had taken the worst decision of his entire career by allowing cash and material gains to avert the path of justice. Iroko, who is living in a dreamers world will be shocked and stunned by the time he realise so many he has conned into promising them a loot of this State’s coffer after his “swearing in” coming and asking him for the refund of their “investments” funny enough this ones too have looted their entire domain while they were there but He will surprise them by asking if he’s sign any document to this effect. I will advise if you are one of these ones you better ask for an agreement or an MOU that I’m sure will put you on the safe end. The Ondo State Governorship Tribunal lacks a whole lot of pedigree and no wonder people all over the globe has faulted and rubbished it. I live in the UK and I understand what I’m talking about but the truth will prevail and Iroko will Know that the only place for it is the thick forest and not the sit of the elites.
You will find this interesting about Akoko North East Local Govt Area:
I call this Mabaruma’s Arithmetic, You can call it whatever you want:
The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal upheld the election results of only 20 units in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State. These were in Ikado I Ward 03 (8 out of the 13 units), Oorun I Ward 12 (all the 9 units) and Oyinmo Ward 13 (3 of the 9 units).
The results it upheld as shown on pages 202, 206 and 207 of its judgment, are as follows:
WARD PDP LP REFERENCE
IKADO WARD 03 1,329 444 Page 202
OORUN II WARD 12 2,498 759 Page 206
OYINMO WARD 13 2,498 19 Page 207
TOTAL 6,325 1,222
The summation was as done by us and, as clearly shown, the votes upheld for the parties are:
PDP 6,325
LP 1,222
Let’s call this RESULT NUMBER 1.
On page 208 of the judgment, the Tribunal summed the same figures and somehow arrived at the following that further reduced PDP’s figure and increased LP’s:
PDP 5882
LP 1,224
Let’s call this RESULT NUMBER 2.
Due to this discrepancy I was compelled to investigate further. I have examined the Form EC8A’s in which the upheld figures were recorded directly from the polling units. The figures derived directly from the Forms are as shown in this table.
WARD PDP LP REFERENCE
IKADO WARD 03 1,679 475 Pages 201/202
OORUN II WARD 12 2,498 759 Page 206
OYINMO WARD 13 1,577 19 Pages 206/2077
TOTAL 5,754 1,253 Form EC8A
From the table another result was derived which is as follows:
PDP 5,754
LP 1,253
Let’s call this RESULT NUMBER 3.
On page 603, the Tribunal then presented the summary of the results covering all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. The summary included the percentages of the votes scored by the two parties. In the summary, the results in respect of Akoko North East Local Government Area are as follows:
PDP 3,439 21.5%
LP 4,461 27.9%
Let’s call this RESULT NUMBER 4.
This RESULT NUMBER 4 result is of course a mysterious, certainly concocted, one as it is completely at variance with the Tribunal’s findings. Curiously it is the only result that put LP ahead of PDP and gave LP up to 25% of the votes in that Local Government Area. This clearly suggests a deliberate plan to work to a pre-determined goal.
We do know that to win an election, a gubernatorial candidate must score at least 25% of the votes cast in at least two-thirds of the Local Government Areas. This translates to 12 Local Government Areas in Ondo State. By the Tribunal’s judgment, Dr. Mimiko had 13 Local Government Areas. Ironically this includes Akoko North East in which the Tribunal gratuitously gave him 27.9% based on the absolutely wrong RESULT NUMBER 4. With the RESULT NUMBER 3, he would have secured just about 18%. It is of course sure that he will eventually lose out in this Local Government Area. And much more than that when the chips are down, given the overwhelming flaws in that judgment.
It is instructive of the Tribunal’s level of diligence and concentration that there are four different results for this Local Government Area. It speaks volumes that this multiplicity of results and their contradictory nature surprisingly escaped the mathematical ingenuity of the highly numerate Tribunal! Worse still, that RESULT NUMBER 4 used by it to determine the fate of the contenders simply came from nowhere!
In this same Local Government Area, the Tribunal instructively and interestingly discountenanced a total of 1764 votes in respect of three different units in Wards 03, 05 and 06 on the ground that they were (statistically?) insignificant. This represents close to 25% of the total votes for the Local Government Area. Of the 1764 votes, PDP’s share happened to be 1,671! Quite clearly, some votes can be too small to count going by this judgment. But would the Court of Appeal agree?
When i see or hear people with genuine love for Mimiko and also Ondo State is like winning the lottery. My prayer for these people with nothing but the minds for our State to be a model for other States in Nigeria and also a suitable place to live in peace and happiness,especially for the less privileged and those with great things to contribute who have so long been denied either within or in Diaspora is that God in his mercy will make you to live to see it happening. The people of Ondo State have suffered too much and too long under the pharaotic and unparalleled penchant for greed government of Agagu. Agagu has got nothing for the masses but for his immediate family and to build and sponsor institutions for thuggery so that he can hold on to power. What has he done with our N450 billions in five years? Our dividends for entrusting our confidence in him in 2003 are nothing but both physical and psychological intimidation and molestation. I know and also sure that it is a matter of time, the days of Agagu are numbered. Let us be prayerful and optimistic as usual, all these will come to pass. Brothers and Sisters your supports as i always say are the instruments for the change in Ondo State and these were the weapons used plus the power of God by the LP to destroy all the so called omnipotent Goliaths on april 14 2007. Please continue to believe in what you know that will bring the change in Ondo State. Our joint mission is to free our State and take back our stolen Mandate from all these armed robbers who have been foisted on us by Obasanjo and INEC (Independent National Evil Committee). Many thanks to all who have in one form or the other contributed to encourage others from the beginning of this journey and to where we are today, please continue with your good work until our mission for fair and just society where the political godfathers and the untouchables will be put under the law but not above it, is accomplished. I can asure you that Dr. Mimiko will never disappoint anyone of us and he will work himself flat to repay our trust and confidence. Look forward to meeting all of you in Alagbaka very soon (Alleluya). Justice Aguda you are a father to be cherished and honoured for the truth you are known for is still very much in you as ever. You have have made Akure, Ondo State and Nigeria proud Sir. Three gbosa for you my honour.
Thank you very much Ms Omotaylor for your love for justice and for asking after me. We shall be victorious again in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I do not know who you are, Adewale D. but one day when the final judgement/verdict is over in Ondo State and the truth is made known all over again (I say this without being naive of what people like Adewale D. can do), peolple like you, if indeed part of the system, will be exposed and prosecuted, but good news to you is that, repentance is still in the air
.
All remain blessed.
Hi Mr Fred and Iroko Kekere, all is well and in spite of whatever anyone writes, the truth that is known to only God will prevail. If there is any reason I did not respond to Adewale D, it is because there is no need to and not because he has in any way stated key facts but then we all know how some minds work. Why dont we all agree on one thing and settle for the mind of God? No one can argue this at least. In the meantime, Mimiko’s vindication is only round the corner, and Ondo State era of true governance that will convince even the likes of Adewale D, is also very soon at hand. Peace
Ms Omotaylor, you have taken the best decision and that has demonstrated how demoncratic and matured person you are. In the look of things, i don’t think Adewale D either is a bad person, he was only showing the level of his commitment and loyalty to Agagu. Who wouldn’t anyway, the way i had demonstrated to some of my friends when they all decamped to PDP after the election to grab positions. But thank God they are now struggling to be part of us again. We are not with Mimiko because of what he has promised or personal gains but to work hard in support to make our State a better place to be proud of. Our mission includes no room for personal gain in our society anymore. It is the time for the people and not for selfish agenda. According to Dr. Mimiko who was voted en masse by the people of Ondo State- there is enough room for all and am very sure his administration will be ”all inclusive government” which will give opportunity to intelligent people like Adewale D instead of wasting their talents under Agagu who does not care about the people but his family. Ms Omotaylor don’t be surprised when you see people like him (Adewale D) singing along and in his hand with the flag of freedom for the people with the LP when the time comes. Let us keep working together as usual to make sure this change we are fighting hard for is established so that he can see for himself the difference between Mimiko and Agagu. Verily, verily the governor, the Iroko of Sunshine State will occupy and shine in Alagbaka after the Appeal. We are very very optimistic. You are all too great.
Mr Adewale D. may be interested in the article that follows;
All remain blessed.
Panel indicts Obasanjo, Agagu, others over power projects
Asks EFCC to quiz CBN, AGF
Wants minister redeployed
From John-Abba Ogbodo, Abuja
THE House of Representatives Committee on Power, which probed the Federal Government’s handling of the sector between 1999 and 2007, has recommended the interrogation of former and serving public officials by the country’s anti-graft agencies.
Among those the panel asked the House to recommend to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu; the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The committee believes that the intervention of the EFCC in the matter would enable the indicted officials and institutions to account for their roles in the award and execution of multi-billion naira contracts for the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs).
The panel, headed by Ndudu Godwin Elumelu, also recommended the redeployment of the Minister of State for Energy, Hajia Fatima Balarabe Ibrahim.
Agagu, a former Minister of Power and Steel, allegedly awarded contracts to non-existing firms. The panel said that Agagu’s explanation on the issue was unsatisfactory.
The panel said that the indicted persons, if found guilty, should be barred from holding any public office in the future.
The 10-volume report submitted by the Elumelu committee said Ibrahim should be redeployed from the ministry to another place where she might be better fitted. Also, the committee proposed a mass purge in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to enhance its performance. All the projects should be reviewed, the panel stated.
With respect to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the former Minister of State (Energy), Alhaji Abdulramid Ahmed, the committee condemned the waivers they gave some contractors and observed that in view of their alleged roles in the entire projects, they should be investigated for economic sabotage.
“The committee identified the brains behind waiver of due process on NIPP disbursements. The justification at that time was to fast-track the completion of the projects. But rather than fast-track or facilitate completion of the projects as envisaged, waiver of due process became the major plank that facilitated payments to contractors and consultants that have failed to perform, at the expense of the nation and the power industry. These officers need to be thoroughly investigated by appropriate agencies for economic sabotage to the country,” the report read in part.
Commenting specifically on Obasanjo, the report said: “In view of the enormity of issues entailed in the findings above, it is recommended that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be called to account for the recklessness in power sector during his time. The committee recommends that EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) should investigate him.”
Concerning Ahmed, the committee said: “For his patently and wilful manipulation of due process, flagrant abuse of due process, gross abuse of financial procedures in the award of contracts and payments, especially during the last weeks of the Obasanjo administration, exemplified by initiation of requests to the President, and procurement of presidential approvals for huge and questionable payments in respect of Papalanto Phase II, Omotosho Phase II, Geregu Phase II, Alaoji Phase II, Mambila Plateau I, Zungeru Hydro, Omoku expansion, Gabarain-Ubie expansion and Egbema expansion (nine additional GE Frame turbines to Rockson International) without due process compliance for contract award and certification for payment.”
Turning to Agagu, the report said: “The committee found out that during the tenure of Dr. Olusegun Agagu as Minister of Power and Steel, numerous contracts were awarded. Relying on a letter from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at the time of Agagu’s tenure as minister, in 2002, the committee found out that some unregistered companies were awarded huge contracts. In his testimony, he said that it was not his duty to verify the legal status of companies that were awarded contracts by the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel under his watch. Consequently, there is a prima facie evidence that Agagu awarded contracts without due process. Up till the time of this report, all efforts to get the owners of the companies to appear in person before the committee proved abortive. Rather, the committee received some documents containing reports that the companies were registered. The true identifies of the owners remained unresolved.”
“In view of the huge amounts involved, the committee recommends that EFCC and ICPC should investigate the allegations with a view to prosecuting any one found culpable.”
The report also stated that the committee was not happy that Ibrahim did not deem it necessary to visit the project sites but relied on paper work and video clips on an issue like power, which is one of the cardinal issues of this administration. “In view of the above, the committee recommends that the current Minister of State for Energy (Power), Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim, be redeployed to a ministry where she could be better fitted.”
The report did not spare the CBN and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. On the CBN, the report said: “The committee is perturbed by the failure of the CBN Governor to provide information in respect of Letters of Credit opened and where the money involving over $1billion has been kept all these years.”
It therefore recommended that “in view of the apparent unwillingness of CBN to co-operate with the committee in this matter or provide the committee with a proper account of withdrawals from the excess crude account, the balance on the account, where the money in respect of unutilised letters of credit are kept and interest that have accrued thereto, we recommend that the EFCC be invited to investigate the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation and the CBN in respect of the above issues relating to Letters of Credit opened.”
In calling for a mass purge at PHCN, the committee said: “The crass incompetence entrenched at the top level of management of the PHCN and NDPHC/NIPP must be addressed decisively and with utmost dispatch. In this respect, it would be absolutely necessary to cleanse the Augean stables immediately. The committee recommends intensive and extensive purge at all levels of PHCN and associated agencies. Corrupt members of staff must not be allowed to infest and poison the emergent platform for implementation of the power sector reform.”
The House had mandated the panel in January this year to investigate the huge funds spent on the power sector between 1999 and 2007 without commensurate results. During its assignment, the committee invited witnesses and visited the sites of the various projects. Before the panel submitted its report, it was accused of compromise and later investigated by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which cleared the members.
UPDATE;
Appeal court sitting for Oshiomole`s case for coming Monday and Tuesday and Judgement any time thereafter.
From Home front(Ondo State); Documents from Nabaruma Tribuna to be transmitted to Appeal court in Benin coming Monday.
All remained blessed.
Our God is a God of truthfulness and a God that hears the cries of the poor and vindicates the cheated. Our God also He is that laid it upon the heart of our Governor Elect Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko to take the leadership mantle and this same God will uphold the truth and this is very soon.
Thanks Iroko Kekere, all we ask for in Ondo State is that the truth is given a chance, the people are allowed their choice and the mandate returned to the rightful owner. I have nothing against Mr Adewale D, for we all are entitled to our opinions. One thing I will request of him and like minded friends, is that they should be gallant to accept the truth and accept the Godly Olive tree that Governor Mimiko would extend to all and sunder. This Olive branch is not in form of contracts or free money and all Agagu type corrupt practices. This would be an Olive tree that will make everyone work hard to make Ondo State a model NIGERIAN STATE. Cross River in the days of Donald Duke is an example I can mention.
Anyway back to my favorite subject. Governor Elect Olusegun Mimiko, rejoice in the glory of your Lord. No weapon fashioned against you will ever prosper and you have defied all odds so far. So talo so wipe Olorun Ko si (read Psalm 53). You have, like all other freedom fighters even before your time, gone through your baptism of fire. But then, you have stood firm and not wavered in your God chosen political path. You have a good heart. You have a sound love of Ondo State People. You have a very excellent plan for the development of Ondo State. Nothing else matters for God will disgrace your enemies to their bitter end.
Gba sibe o jareeee. You are highly blessed, and forever will be. Long live all just and democracy lovers in Ondo State. Peace
The Court of appeal adjourned the Delta and Ondo states governorship elections appeal to November 10, 2008.
All remained blessed
A moribund governor Aguga recieved another defeat from the Governor ELECT (Dr. Mimiko) for his stupid sheenanigans. Agagu you have nothing left to fight back, the poeple have taken over and you are a looser.
I’ve repaid my car loan – Mimiko
Yinka Oladoyinbo, Akure – 16.10.2008
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has described the allegation by the state government that he defaulted in the repayment of N3.5 million car loan as baseless.
He said the allegation was uncalled for as he had repaid the car loan since 2006.
Mimiko, while stating that Agagu was aware that he had repaid the loan in full as soon as he left as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in June 2006 to become the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, described the allegation as “unfortunate and unbecoming of Agagu, all in bid to tarnish my image.”
In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi, Mimiko challenged the state government to go to court and prove its case.
“It is a shame that Agagu is just waking up from his deep slumber now, in his desperation to tarnish my image.
“But the people of Ondo State, whom I have served diligently in several capacities in the past, know me and they gave me their votes in the last election.
“The court has vindicated us by declaring me as the duly elected governor of Ondo State.
“I have repaid in cash, the car loan I took as SSG and Agagu is aware of this. Besides, I have my receipt to prove this.
“This allegation is another in the series of Mimiko bashing that has become the hallmark of Agagu’s administration ever since the people of Ondo State gave us their mandate,” he said.
The state government had, on Tuesday, accused Mimiko of defaulting in the repayment of the car loan.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Yemi Olowolabi, said the state government was already compiling a list of all the loan defaulters who, he said, included many former political office holders in the LP.
He maintained that the move was aimed at recovering all such loans that had not been repaid by past political office holders in the state.
who are this faceless agatu supporters? to hell with them and their mentors
A fish out of water will stop at nothing to try get some breath in, talk less of a fish in hot water. We are not surprised at how low some can stoop to try to detract people from the path of truth and justice. Agagu’s antics are not new, PDP Ondo State dirty politics are so rampart that it has become synonymous with them. So let them say, let them belch out their filth. No one believes them anymore.
Meanwhile. the truth is catapaulting forward in Ondo State and day or reckoning is near at hand for Agatu and his cohorts. Peace