News

Tinubu vs Ambode: Who Blinks First?

Published

6 years ago

September 15, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Many has described it as a sad trend in the political life of the Jagaban of Borgu, former Governor of Lagos State as well as revered national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that whenever his so called anointed candidates conclude a first term, he seeks ways to deprive them of a second term in office even when it is against the people’s will. The case of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, now the Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing readily comes to mind. The duo had engaged in a running battle prior to the 2011 elections as rumour mills went to town broadcasting the fact Tinubu had lost faith in Fashola, and as a result sought his replacement. Fashola’s refusal resulted in a heated battle that was supposedly settled amicably, but far from it as both men hadly see eye to eye today. Tinubu lost a son, and Fashola lost a father.

Today, the whole scenario is playing out again as Governor Akinwunmi is the newest scape goat. Tinubu wants him out! What started like a spot of an idle hour suddenly has blossomed into a seasoned battle of wits. Though no verbal tantrums have been thrown, the war of silence has blared louder than a siren.

While Fashola only received the threat of being removed, Ambode’s case is a bit different, dangerous and dicey; his replacement has been named. He is Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He is a former aide to both Tinubu and former deputy governor, Mr. Femi Pedro. Sanwo-Olu also served as a commissioner under Tinubu.

With a satisfied notion that he has performed very well, Ambode is not bulging in his renewed resolve to seek a second term in office. He is also backed by a cross section of Lagosians in the quest.

However, the Mandate Group, 100 percent loyal to Tinubu, had enumerated Ambode’s sins which necessitated the need for him to be replaced including but not limited to alleged disrespect of the ‘leader’ and other party stakeholders. They accused him of running a one man show in his administration without recourse to anyone. In fact, they added that he has become very arrogant and must be taught a lesson.

The Boss investigation reveals that Lagosians are divided on the choice of Ambode with some saying that it is a wise decision that he should be replace while some others say it is not proper having achieved a lot in infrastructural development. The anti-Ambode group has said that there is nothing to show for the infrastructure as everywhere in Lagos has been turned upside down, and the populace is suffering greatly on the road on a daily basis. They maintained that the development of infrastructure does not warrant locking down a whole city.

“The roads have all been scattered and people go through hell every day in the name of traffic,” a respondent said.

More accusations ranging from the ‘poor’ handling of the PSP project which entails disposing of refuse in Lagos as well as reducing the powers of LASTMA among many other unconfirmed accusations have been adduced as some of the reasons why the powers that be want Ambode out.

But the incumbent governor does not feel like going anywhere as he declared on the day he picked his expression of interest and nomination forms that ‘I am undaunted, I am not tired…”

Reports also say that the governor has hinted that with or without the APC or godfather, he will win the 2019 governorship election in the state.

While Tinubu has not spoken directly, the invitation by the President to settle the fracas seemed to have yielded result as Sanwo-Olu cancelled his rally scheduled for Thursday on the order of ‘our leader’. The respite for Ambode was only temporary. The next day, Sanwo-Olu addressed the press to renew his campaigns one of which is scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2018.

The die is actually cast. Ambode with the power of incumbency, and Tinubu, with a cult-like followership in Lagos State, it is actually uncertain who will have the last laugh, or rather who blinks first.

It is obvious however, that whatever happens on the long or short run, the damage is already done; things will never be the same again. The same Ambode that worshipped the footsteps of Tinubu may now have a rethink. It may resort to a no love lost situation like it is with Fashola.

News

Ex-Gov Bello Stripped of Security Details, Placed on Watchlist

Published

8 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Eric

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, on a watchlist, just as the police headquarters in Abuja “ordered the withdrawal of all men attached to his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former executive governor of Kogi state”.

Bello was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 18 after his absence from the federal high court in Abuja “stalled his arraignment”.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello, alongside Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman, diverted about N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.

In a statement signed by DS Umar, assistant comptroller of immigration, on behalf of Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, the agency said “the above named person has been placed on watch list”.

“The subject is being prosecuted for breach of trust and money laundering. If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation for further action,” the statement reads.

On April 17, the EFCC ended its siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the house and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.

News

N80.2b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex- Gov Bello Wanted

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Eric

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted. Yahaya Bello was declared wanted for offences bordering on economic and financial crimes, with special emphasis to an alleged N82.2 billion fraud.

This was contained in a press statement made available to news men on Thursday.

The statement signed by Commission’s management reads as follows:

“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCCfor offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 bn.

“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.”

News

EFCC Seeks Military’s Help to Arrest Fleeing Ex-Gov Bello

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Eric

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned to April 23, the suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.

The adjournment is for substituted service and possible arraignment of Bello for alleged N84billion money laundering.

At the sitting, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Phinro, told the court that Bello was absent from court for his arraignment because he was being protected by someone with immunity.

Phinro complained that the former governor was whisked out of his Abuja residence by the same person with immunity.

Phinro said the anti-graft agency might seek the help of the military to fish him out to come face his arraignment.

Responding to this submission, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad, told the court that there is an order of the court restraining the EFCC from arresting or arraigning him.

Muhammad said a Kogi State High Court had on February 9, 2024 restrained the EFCC from arresting or arraigning the former governor.

He added that the EFCC has appealed the ruling and the Court of Appeal was yet to decide on the matter.

He pointed out that the action of the EFCC was unconstitutional and the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain any charge from the EFCC.

Counsel for the EFCC, however, disagreed with the submission of the counsel to Bello.

The EFCC counsel held that the ruling in the substantive matter on the suit was delivered on March 17, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court.

He cleared the air that the court in its ruling held that for the former governor to be arrested or arraigned, the EFCC must first seek leave from the court to do so.

He said it was in line with that judgment that the EFCC, through an exparte application, filed for the order seeking the arrest of the former governor which was granted by the court.

Counsel for Yahaya Bello, however, insisted before the court that the order for the ex-governor’s arrest was made out of jurisdiction. He said the former governor is not a fugitive, but relying on the order of the Kogi State High Court to take protection.

On Wednesday, EFCC operatives stormed Bello’s residence in the Wuse area of Abuja and spent most part of the day attempting to arrest the former governor whom the Commission later confirmed was whisked away by his successor.

The EFCC subsequently warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

The Commission’s spokesperson said that Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

According to him, culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

“Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions,” the statement added.