Boss Picks
Osun 2018: The Contenders, The Pretenders
Published
5 years agoon
By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo and Timothy Edaki
Come September 22, 2018, a plethora of political gladiators will lock horns in election combat. The prize? The mantle and seat of Abere Government House, home of the Osun state governor. Already, campaigns have begun in earnest, promises to take the state to the apogee have been heard, ‘experience is all that counts’ is also a slogan; let new voices be heard is another mantra flying around but the big question on the lips of the voters is how will the elected fare and why should the promises each of the aspirants is spitting be believed?
Importantly, one must commend the women in the race; Mrs. Mercy Ayodele of the Restoration Party of Nigeria and Ms. Jumoke Lawoyin of the National Rescue Movement. Their presence is a testimony that the womenfolk is gradually and steadily rising to the challenge, and picking up the mandate hitherto left with their male counterpart. Whatever the outcome of the election on September 22, the women in the folk will be praised for their efforts – it is a step in the right direction.
Already the Independent National Electoral Commission has said that 48 parties have been cleared for the election, however, it is common that while some are real contenders based on their popularity and structure already put in place, many others are pretenders. Going by the fires the aspirants are spitting, the election promises to be very interesting and keenly contested even as the primaries presented no less an intriguing contest. One cannot therefore, but consider the prism of fireworks the election promises to dispense.
For the ruling party in the state, the All Progressive Congress (APC), a new card was played which practically deviated from using the delegate system of election which is in fact the routine and opted for the direct method which gave power and franchise to members of the party in the various wards to choose their own aspirants. This move elicited a number of controversies as some of the party’s members were against the move, stating that it smacks of favouritism and was filled with shenanigans of unfairness to favor the eventual winner, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.
Following the drift in the APC, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti defected to the Action Democratic Party on the last day of submission of candidates name to INEC and following a hurried primary, he was crowned as the sole candidate for the party.

Meanwhile, the major opposition party was having its own crises as Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi who came second has vowed to get to the end of the earth to get his mantle from the said winner, Senator Ademola Adeleke. Petitions were written for the exercise to be conducted again or the votes be recounted but everything seemed a futile approach.
Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former deputy governor of the state emerged as the flag bearer of his new party, the Social Democratic Party in what could be termed a landslide victory in a primary election led by Dr. Bayo Faforji. However, that was not without its own raise of dust as another primary led by Chief Ademola Ishola using delegates method produced Mr. Kehinde Atanda as its candidate.
The Accord Party on its part gave its mandate to a United States of America based cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olopade Okunola.
While a number of the candidates have experience having served in one way or the other in the political space, the people of Osun State would be looking forward to voting that person who appears certain of fulfilling promises made during the campaign, not one who would turn a deaf ear to their pleas once they assume power. They will be seeking to vote an individual who has what it takes to lead the state to the proverbial Promised Land.
Below are the men and women, one of whom will occupy the prestigious Abere government House.
IYIOLA OMISORE – SDP
A former deputy of the state of the state, Iyiola Omisore was born on September 15, 1957, into a royal family in Ile-Ife, where he also grew up. He is the son of Oba David Olajide Omisore and the grandson of Lowa Omisore, both of Ayepe, Olode.
Iyiola is also the grandson of the Late Olufewara Kabiyesi Oba Titus Adetoba of the Oseganderuku ruling house in Ifewara where his mother, Princess Emila Adejola ruled as Regent until her death in 2006. In August 2006, his father was crowned as the first Olu of Olode Town in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State.
Senator Omisore began his educational career at the SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic School in Ile-Ife before proceeding to St. John Grammar School Ile-Ife, Osun State, for his secondary education between 1972 and 1977.
He later attended Federal Polytechnic Owo, Ondo State and the Technology College, Reading UK. Where obtained a diploma Certificate in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
With two engineering degrees and a postgraduate certificate from Brunel University Uxbridge, as well as a Ph.D in Infrastructure Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, France, Omisore was set to excel. He is currently undergoing his DBA programme at the same institution.
A Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, England and Wales, he has undergone several courses in different high profile institutions including Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA; ABS Academy, Athens, Greece; University of Carolina; West London College; Harvard University and the Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklungg GmbH, Germany.
In January 2013, he completed and was awarded a Doctorate Degree by the International School of Management in Paris.
Omisore commands so great an influence in the political space of Osun that he won an election while in detention. He has held so many offices as a legislator including chairmanship of committees.

Many however, believe that his administration, if he wins, will be full of excuses and complaints having been quoted as saying that it will take 22 years to clean up ‘Aregbesola’s mess’ in Osun State. they said he will blame whatever inadequacy on previous administration.
ADEMOLA ADELEKE – PDP
The PDP flagbearer gained political limelight when his brother, a serving senator, died in mysterious circumstance. He promptly filled the vacuum after winning the by-election in what many called ‘sympathy vote’.
A serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ademola Adeleke was born to the family of Ayoola Adeleke – a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke – a Igbo Christian mother on May 13th, 1960 in Enugu. His father was Late Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State, a second republic Senator with the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Adeoti
Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos then relocated to Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire in the Old Oyo State. He progressed to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede also in the then Old Oyo State and later moved to Muslim Grammar School Ede. However, he did not finish his education at Muslim Grammar School[ as he later left Nigeria to study abroad with his two other brothers on a scholarship. He started higher studies at Jacksonville State University Alabama in United State of America where he was majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Political Science.
He is known as an accomplished businessman and administrator, making waves with lake brother, Isiaka. The man who has come to be known as ‘dancing senator’ will need to fight off the stigma of certificate forger to lure voters to his side if he must have anything to do wit Abere Government House after September 22.
GBOYEGA OYETOLA – APC
Currently the Chief of Staff to the Governor of State Osun, Gboyega Oyetola is described as a man endowed with untold skills that cut across politics, finance management, business and public administration. Through a dint of hard work, Oyetola has steadily progressed in the affairs of life.
Born in his native native Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun clan, Oyetola attended Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo for his secondary school education which he completed in 1972 and proceeded to the prestigious University of Lagos where he bagged a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Insurance in 1978. He followed it up with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the same institution in 1990.
Oyetola’s professional life kicked off in 1980 when he joined Leadway Assurance Company Limited as Area Manager and worked there till 1987 and joined Crusader Insurance Company Limited as Underwriting Manager between till 1990. He moved again in 1990 to Alliance and General Insurance as Technical Controller and served in that capacity until 1991. In the same year, he set up his own Company, Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited, which he managed until his appointment as Chief of Staff in 2011.
A technocrat of great repute, Gboyega Oyetola’s progress in politics has been encouraging. He was a founding member of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state of Osun and has been a chieftain of the party through its metamorphosis to Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now All Progressives Congress (APC). Also, he has assisted the party nationally, particularly in the State of Osun.
Political watchers believe he can swerve the votes to his side with the help of the much-touted Federal might. Already, his party has unleashed a 63-member committee comprising men versed in election matters.

Pst. Olapade Okunola
Below are the parties and candidates ready to slug it out on September 22
- Party – Accord
Governor – Julius Olapade Okunola
Deputy Governor – Azeez Kayode Jimoh
- Party – AA
Governor – Ogunmodede Adeloye
Deputy Governor – Adepoju Timothy Adetunji
- Party – ABP
Governor – Oludare Timothy Akinola
Deputy Governor – Halimat Bunmi Ibrahim
- Party – ACD
Governor – Genga Afeni
Deputy Governor – Oni Esther Oluwatoyin
- Party – ACPN
Governor – Rufai Adebisi Mujidat
Deputy Governor – Agboola Peter Oluremi
- Party – AD
Governor – James Olugbenga Akintola
Deputy Governor – Abdulhakeem Oyeniyi Bello
- Party – ADC
Governor – Fatai Akinade Akinbade
Deputy Governor – Arowolo Oladele
- Party – ADP
Governor – Adeoti Moshood Olalekan
Deputy Governor – Durotoye Adeolu Akinbola
- Party – AGA
Governor – Kehinde Olufemi Lawrence
Deputy Governor – Lawal Oluseyi Afusat
- Party – AGAP
Governor – Adejola Adebayo Rufus
Deputy Governor – Adebayo Adewale Olaolu
- Party – ANRP
Governor – Alarape Babatunde A.
Deputy Governor – Adelu Ayoade David
- Party – APA
Governor – Adeleke Adesoji M.A
Deputy Governor – Agbonmagbe Tosin Omowumi
- Party – APC
Governor – Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola
Deputy Governor – Benedict Olugboyega Alabi
- Party – APGA
Governor – Oluwatoki Adetokunbo Adedayo A.
Deputy Governor – Adefila Mary Olaitan (Nee Olaleke)
- Party – APP
Governor – Ekundayo Ademola Precious
Deputy Governor – Ojo Olugbenga Samuel
- Party – BNPP
Governor – Olapade Olajide Victor
Deputy Governor – Dunmade Adejoke Wuraola
- Party – C4C
Governor –Ilori Titus Oluwafemi
Deputy Governor – Alabi Temitayo Kadijat
- Party – DA
Governor – Mutiu Abiodun Ibrahim
Deputy Governor – Fafioye Hammed Abiodun
- Party – DPC
Governor – Aderemi Aree
Deputy Governor – Onitayo Yemisi Mary
- Party – DPP
Governor – Solomon Ayodeji Oni
Deputy Governor – Issa Ademola Aderibigbe
- Party – FJP
Governor – Babatunde Salako Joseph
Deputy Governor – Onifade Saheed Alade
- Party – GDPN
Governor – Adetipe Adebodun Abiola
Deputy Governor – Ajiboye Funke
- Party – GPN
Governor – Rafiu Shehu Anifowose
Deputy Governor – Oluwatoyin Adebayo
- Party – HDP
Governor – Adedoyin Adegoke Joshua Oluwole
Deputy Governor – Olawale Adesoye Adewumi
- Party – KP
Governor – Fabiyi Oluseyi Olubunmi
Deputy Governor – Ibrahim Adekunle Akande
- Party – LP
Governor – Babatunde Olaniyi Loye
Deputy Governor – Aderonke Adebayor Jabar
- Party – MMN
Governor – Raphael A. Feranmi
Deputy Governor – Ariyo Sunday Sina
- Party – MPN
Governor – Lawal Ganiyu Akanfe
Deputy Governor – Idowu Kayode Olusegun
- Party – NCP
Governor – Kamarudeen Kalemi Abiodun
Deputy Governor – Lawal Temitope Serifat
- Party – NPC
Governor – Olaniyi Anthony Fadahunsi
Deputy Governor – Abdulrasheed Afusat Olanike
- Party – NEPP
Governor – Jegede Hannah Taiwo
Deputy Governor – Rebecca Adeleke Oladepo
- Party – NNPP
Governor – Adefare Segun Adegoke
Deputy Governor – Adeyeye Nurudeen Adeyemi
- Party – PANDEL
Governor – Adebayo Rasheedat
Deputy Governor – Ajibola Fatimat
- Party – PDC
Governor – Kolawole Rafiu Ojonla
Deputy Governor – Oladapo Deborah Oluwatoyin
- Party – PDP
Governor – Ademola Nirudeen Adeleke
Deputy Governor – Albert A. Adeogun
- Party – PPA
Governor – Adedokun Musbau Olalekan
Deputy Governor – Ibrahim Bukola
- Party – PPC
Governor – Ifeolu Kehinde Adewumi
Deputy Governor – Sunday Makinde Babawale
- Party – PPN
Governor – Akintunde Adesoji
Deputy Governor – Akanmu Saheed Abiodun
- Party – PRP
Governor –Badmus Tajudeen Adefola
Deputy Governor – Olajire Gbolahan
- Party – PT
Governor – Adegboyega Aderemi
Deputy Governor – Usman Omobolaji Taofeek
- Party – RP
Governor – Ayodele Mercy Tosin
Deputy Governor – Adejumo Mukaila
- Party – SDP
Governor – Iyiola Omisore
Deputy Governor – Lawal Azeez Olayemi
- Party – SNP
Governor – Ayoade Ezekiel Adegboyega
Deputy Governor – Omolade Anike Adebayo
- Party – SPN
Governor – Alfred Adegoke
Deputy Governor – Lameed Gafar
- Party – UPN
Governor – Adediji Olanrewaju Adewuyi
Deputy Governor – Alabi Ola-Olu Adeniyi
- Party – UPP
Governor – Odutade Olagunju Adesanya
Deputy Governor – Karonwi Festus Olamilekan
- Party – YDP
Governor – Adebayo Adeolu Elisha
Deputy Governor – Aleem Atinuke
- Party – YPP
Governor – Adetunji Olubunmi Omotayo
Deputy Governor – Salawu Kareem Adeniyi
The pertinent question however remains, who will wear the crown?
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Boss Picks
Mike Adenuga Does It Again! Names Asake, Kizz Daniel, Chike As Brand Ambassadors
Published
1 day agoon
September 30, 2023By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
Chairman Globacom Group, Chief Mike Adenuga has once again proved that the description ascribed to him as the most generous Nigerian alive, is no fluke. In fact if philanthropy was a person, his name would be Chief (Dr.) Mike Adenuga. This is a man, who gives ceaselessly, and is unequivocally an angel of mercy, to whom giving and lifting others are excellent means he proves that grace abounds.
In adding more feathers to his cap of generosity, the selfless giver, has again through his global brand, Globacom, added three more Nigerian entertainers as brand ambassadors to a long list of ambassadors attached to the group.
They are Ahmed Ololade a.k.a Asake; Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe Daniel popularly known as Kizz Daniel and Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka.

A statement released by the organisation, reads as follows:
“Total telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, on Friday explained that it appointed the trio of Ahmed Ololade, a.k.a Asake; Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe Daniel popularly known as Kizz Daniel and Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka as ambassadors
“Asake, a graduate of Theatre Arts from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State; Kizz Daniel, a degree in Water Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Chike, a Computer Engineering graduate of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State were signed to the Glo family at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island head office of the telecommunications giant.
“Globacom noted that the announcement of the three brand ambassadors was part of its celebration of the 20th anniversary of Glo and added that it appointed the new ambassadors. “to project the power of youth and enterprise and how much they can achieve with the right focus, passion and dedication that can come from seeing others who have succeeded. This is very much part of our tradition as we believe the strength of a nation lies in the ability and potentials of its youth”.
“The engagement of these three stars as ambassadors “is meant to project the best Nigerians as models for younger people who are tirelessly aspiring to succeed. This is more important in an era where positive heroes and mentors are scarce and hard to come by. The intention is not just to promote the growth of music, Nollywood and sports where we have been very prominent, but also to encourage our teeming youths to aspire toward realizing their dreams by looking up to these ambassadors as mentors”, the company disclosed.

“Globacom, Nigeria’s biggest corporate supporter of arts and entertainment in Nigeria, has, over the years developed and sustained the culture of empowering talented and outstanding Nigerian artistes as ambassadors.
“While congratulating the new ambassadors, Globacom urged youths not to relent until they achieve their dreams like Asake, Kizz Daniel and Chike. It added that “this is our way of inspiring a whole generation of young people with vision who can do better and achieve more without losing hope along the way, even when confronted with challenges”.
“The new ambassadors expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., promising to represent the Glo brand well by constantly projecting its ideals.”
The billionaire business man has been projected as a man, whose love for the youths of Africa is palpable, and in reciprocation, they love him too. He is a man Nigerians will forever be grateful to him for breaking the seemingly impossible per second billing on telephone services.

“His heavy investments in laying submarine cables from Europe to Africa also stretches the imagination. The number of our youths who became GLO Ambassadors and superstars on CNN run into hundreds. He has also really done so much too for African football. He has taken our football to greater heights and African football has suddenly become a global phenomenon that can no longer be held back. It is no wonder that Africa continues to get more slots in the FIFA World Cup competition. Despite his unmatched support for the media, Dr Adenuga often suffer savage attacks from those seeking his attention but he has a solid principle: never indulge a blackmailer!” Veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, once wrote.
Indeed, no individual or corporate organization has had the kind of assemblage of entertainment heavyweights as it brand ambassadors as Globacom. All through the years, the cream of the country’s musicians, footballers, actors and comedians have either been signed on as brand ambassadors or featured in the company’s television commercials.
The long list includes veterans such as late Osita Osadebe, late Oliver d’Coque, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezar Obey, Nelly Uchendu, Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Osaze Odemwingie and Emmanuel Emenike.
Others are MI Abaga, D’Banj, PSquare, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Flavour, Wizkid, Davido, Basketmouth, Gordons, I go Dye, Juliet Ibrahim, Matter Ankomah, Joselyn Dumas, Michael Essien, former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua and track queen, Tobi Amusan. The trio of Asake, Kizz Daniel and Chike become the newest entrants.
In retrospect, Adenuga’s Globacom has always been associated with the development of the Nigerian music industry, since its inception, from its involvement with Nollywood and leading African and Nigerian music talents to the sponsorship of music shows such as Rock ‘n’ Rule, GloNaija Sings, Laffta Fest, and the world’s number one music singing talent reality TV show, X Factor. Others are Slide and Bounce concert, an entertainment tour which went round all the Geo-political zones of the country as well as Glo mega Music show, another platform through which Globacom entertains and delights Nigerians.
These programmes are meant to discover and help nurture budding talents. The company also supports the movie industry in Nigeria (Nollywood) and in Ghana (Ghollywood). Many of the actors and actresses in both countries have been chosen as Glo Ambassadors, thus projecting the continent in a refreshing light through African movies.
Globacom brought the world’s biggest dance reality show, Battle of the Year, to Nigeria. The winners in seven different categories went home with mega millions in cash, space wagon , and also bagged an opportunity to represent at the global edition of the competition.
One other area where Globacom has connected with its subscribers and Nigerians generally is loyalty-reward Promos. Over the years, the company has launched series of promos through which different types of empowerment prizes have been won by Nigerians across the country. From Glo Overload to Glo Allawee, Text4Millions, Made for Life, Recharge to Stardom, 180 cars in 180 days, Glo CAF Award promo, Recharge and Win Big popularly known as My Own Don Beta, Everyday Bonanza, and Joy Unlimited Extravaganza, Nigerians have benefitted massively from Globacom and many have been empowered through the Glo promos.
Between October, 2021, and January, 2022, Globacom held a life-changing promotion called Joy Unlimited Extravaganza. Thousands of Glo subscribers won brand new Kia Rio cars, refrigerators, television sets and generators across the country. Altogether, 500,000 prizes were given out.
Over the years, Adenuga’s Glo has partnered with several communities across the country on the sponsorship of major festivals and promotion of culture and traditions. These include Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, Ofala in Onitsha, Lisabi in Abeokuta, Imeori in Abiriba, Oru-Owerri in Imo state, Afia- Orlu In Nnewi and Abia-Ugwa in Isialangwa in Abia State. Through these sponsorships, Glo is giving a new lease of life to the festivals as well as empowering some lucky individuals in the communities through various prizes won at special promotions held during the festivals. The company has not only brought these festivals to international limelight, but has also turned them into major tourist attractions. This association has helped build up Globacom as an enviable brand.”
Glo’s phenomenal impact extends to hosting of comedy shows and encouragement of footballers to further their careers, not only in Nigeria, but across the West African suburb
In 2019, the brand’s sponsored comedy show, Bovi Man on Fire, was held in Warri, Delta State. The show was described by many as a perfect way to celebrate Easter. Not only that, the company delighted its subscribers with free tickets to attend the fun-filled event anchored by ace comedian, Bovi Ugboma. Other humour merchants that graced the show were Kelvin Sapp, Young Chief Odogwu, MC Shakara and Mr. Flexy.
In 2023 alone, Glo launched Glo Green Lotto, a service aimed at enhancing the opportunities for its gaming subscribers to play and win; partnered with PalmPay, to launch a new marketing initiative tagged: “PalmPay Bonanza – Recharge Glo and Win,” which offers Nigerians who buy Glo data and airtime bundles via the PalmPay platform, the chance to win fantastic prizes, and sponsored the African Voices Changemakers.
In 20 years the brand has been in existence, Glo has become a symbol of glory, and epitomizes growth and development.
The company is gearing up to sponsor once again the Ofala Festival in Anambra State.
For his contribution to economies and communities across the globe, Dr. Mike Adenuga has been appreciated with so many awards, traditional titles and honours. The most prominent are the national honours from Nigeria, Ghana and France.
In Nigeria, he holds the highest civilian honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), this honour was hitherto reserved for mostly vice presidents.
In Ghana, he was awarded the highest civilian honour of Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG). According to then President John Mahama, who conferred the indefatigable businessman with the honour at a state ceremony: ”You have touched many lives in Ghana. You have provided employment for our teeming youths, artistes, footballers and many more. I am particularly proud of you. This award is our way of a saying a simple thank you.”
The entrepreneur extraordinaire was also decorated with the Chavalier de la Legion d Honnuer (CdrLH), the highest National honour of France, by French President, Emmanuel Macron.
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Boss Picks
Abdulrasheed Bawa: The Hunter that Became the Hunted
Published
1 day agoon
September 30, 2023By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
On February 16, 2021, former President Muhammadu Buhari made a basic change from the norms, when he named 41-year-old Abdulrasheed Bawa as the fourth chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the corruption allegations levelled against his embattled predecessor, ex-acting EFCC chair, Ibrahim Magu, which led to his subsequent suspension.
The EFCC, which was established in the early 2000s during the administration of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo to combat economic and financial crimes like advance fee fraud (419), money laundering, terrorism financing and miscellaneous offences, was believed to have a new life with the coming of Bawa. But no one envisaged that Bawa, the crime and criminality hunter, will turn around to become the hunted.
Few weeks after his inauguration as President, Bola Tinubu approved the indefinite suspension from office of Bawa as the Chairman of EFCC, citing space to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office as excuse.
The new government had claimed that Bawa’s suspension was as a result of weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him by some stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight. The stakeholders however, have remained nameless till date except for the Department of State Services (DSS), which has held him incommunicado ever since, the court pronouncement notwithstanding.
Bawa was directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation. But four months after, the man is still incarcerated.
In one of his articles, Constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, queried the rational behind Bawa’s continuous incarceration, noting that “section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, provides for only one day (24 hours) incarceration when there is a court of competent jurisdiction within a radius of forty kilometers from the Police Station; and where there is no court within a 40-kilometers radius from the station, the time is a period of 2 days (48 hours); or any longer period which the court considers reasonable given the particular circumstances of the case. See the case of AMOS & ORS V. DANIEL & ORS (2023) LPELR – 60454 (CA). The DSS, through its Director of Information, Willie Bassey, cited “weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him”, as the reason for Bawa’s continued captivity. This continued detention without trial is barbaric, atrocious and unconscionable, to say the least. Are we still living in the early caveman Australopithecus era? I do not know. Or, do you?
He added, “Till date, the DSS has not told Nigerians what Bawa’s specific offences are (if any), or the level of “investigation”. Investigation? Mtchew! Even if he committed some infractions of the law, can illegality beget legality? Can two wrongs make a right? Can the DSS continue to be the accuser, arrester, detainer, investigator, prosecutor and the Judge? What is going on here? The last time I checked, even amongst mad people, there is orderliness. DSS, for God’s sake, and for the sake of decency and our constitutional democracy, release Bawa immediately and forthwith.”
Bawa’s continous incarceration has become a pointer to the theory of illegal detention perpetrated by governments in power against oppositions or anyone perceived to have withheld loyalty to them whether for good or bad.
Bawa, a loyalist of the immediate past president, Buhari, is alleged to have worked against the emergence of the incumbent president, especially given the role he played during the naira redesign era, his imbroglio with the ousted governor of Zamfara State, who is presently the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle over $2 million bribe and accusations of levelled against sponsors of banditry in the country.
Matawalle has accused the EFCC boss of demanding a $2 million bribe from him following a case of corruption leveled against the governor, an allegation the Bawa denied.
Recall that the embattled governor, who lost his bid to return to office for second term, was being investigated by the anti-corruption agency for allegedly pocketing N70 billion from the Zamfara State government coffers. An amount said to have been borrowed supposedly for projects in the state
The EFCC said the former governor allegedly siphoned Zamfara’s funds sourced as a loan from an old-generation bank purportedly for the execution of projects in local governments in the state. Bawa’s EFCC said the governor used proxies who posed as contractors for the projects and got paid, but did not execute the projects.
The matter took a twist when the governor revealed that the boss of the anti-corruption agency, was demanding a whopping amount of $2 million to let him off the hook
Matawalle, in an interview with BBC Hausa on accused Bawa, of asking for the bribe, adding that the EFCC boss, who according to him, is not an honest person, was only busy targeting governors while turning a blind eye to federal officers with budgetary allocations.
“It is not just to always blame governors. It is not only governors who have treasury, the federal government also has. What does the EFCC boss do to them? As he is claiming he has evidence on governors, let him show the world evidence of those at the federal level.
“If he exits office, people will surely know he is not an honest person. I have evidence against him. Let him vacate the office, I am telling you within 10 seconds probably more than 200 people will bring evidence of bribes he collected from them. He knows what he requested from me but I declined.
“He requested a bribe of two million dollars from me and I have evidence of this. He knows the house we met, he invited me and told me the conditions. He told me governors were going to his office but I did not. If I don’t have evidence, I won’t say this,” Matawalle had told the BBC.
However, in a swift response, Bawa denied the allegation through a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, and dared the governor to provide evidence to back his claim. Mr Uwujaren said the commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.
Today, Matawalle is a Minister while Bawa is a prisoner without trial. It is obvious who the government of the day aligned with.
Matawalle, though a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had accused the government of Buhari of using the military to rig the Zamfara governorship election for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the same Tinubu had accused Buhari and Emefiele of engaging in naira redesign to frustrate his ambition.
Bawa has had his fair share of scandals while in office. In November, 2022, he was convicted by Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji, and ordered to be committed to Kuje correctional facility.
He was convicted for contempt of court in relation to EFCC’s failure to comply with an earlier order of the court made on November 21 2018, directing the Commission to return to an applicant his Range Rover (Super charge) and the sum of N40, 000,000.00 (Forty Million Naira).
Agai, in February 2023, Bawa was jailed by the Kogi State High Court in Lokoja for disobeying its order.
The court also directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Bawa and remand him in Kuje prison, Abuja, for the next 14 days.
The judge, Rukayat Ayoola, ordered that Bawa be detained in prison “until he purges himself of the contempt”, meaning until he clears himself of the contempt for which he was jailed.
It is not clear if these allegations are what the DSS are investigating or someone is hiding something from the public.
There are possibilities that Bawa may shown some infractions against Tinubu and his assets while in office to warrant his use of scapegoat in the administration.
He had followed up allegations of six Nigerians sponsoring terrorism by the United Arab Emirates. The Nigerians on the UAE’s terrorism were listed as Abdurrahaman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad.
Also in March 2021, former presidential aide, Garba Shehu, had said the Nigerian Government arrested 400 Bureau De Change operators for allegedly funding Boko Haram insurgency in the country.
However, while on national television during a live interview, Bawa refused to mention names if terror sponsors, giving the impression that they were different from the one mentioned by UAE.
“If you are my adviser, will you advise me to come on national television to tell the whole world regarding matters of sensitive national security issue? Certainly, not. But what I want to assure is the fact that we are working tirelessly with other sister agencies to ensure that this country is free of terrorism,” he said, promising that their names will be revealed at the right time.
This was even as a former Navy Commodore, Kunle Olawunmi, said that Boko Haram terrorists mentioned names of then serving governors, senators and Aso Rock officials. Those have remained unknown till date, and Bawa, who likely knows better, has remained in detention.
It will also be recalled that Last a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, also claimed that a then serving northern governor was a Boko Haram leader and moneybag. Obadiah died shortly after the pronouncement.
Bawa’s continuous detention is a proof of how the rule of law in Nigeria has suffered so much distortion, as brazen disobedience to Court orders has become the order of the day.
“If Governments treat court order with levity and contempt, the confidence of the citizen in the courts will be seriously eroded and the effect of that will be the beginning of anarchy in replacement of the rule of law,” Late Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais had warned.
As at today, the crime hunter is still caged with little or no judiciary reference.
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Boss Picks
Meet Olayemi Cardoso, Tinubu’s Nominee for Central Bank Governor
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 16, 2023By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
On Friday, President Bola Tinubu approved the nomination of Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to replace suspended Godwin Emefiele.
According to a press statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Cardoso will serve for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
A deputy governor of the Bank, Faloshodun Shonubi, has been the acting Governor of the apex bank since the suspension of Emefiele in June this year,
Popularly Cardoso, known as Yemi Cardoso, the nominee is a pioneer Commissioner of Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State in 1999 upon return to democratic rule under the government of Tinubu as governor of Lagos State.
In this capacity, he is reported to have written and monitored the implementation of the blueprint which catalysed economic development in the Lagos, better known as world’s sixth largest megacity, including leading to the state’s development of independent tax revenues.
His private sector experience includes an illustrious career with Citibank, Chase and Citizens International Bank.
He has served on the board of several leading companies, including Texaco and Chevron Oil Plc. He is a member of the Belgian-based Cities Alliance Think Tank which aims to shape and influence policy and decision making on urban development in Africa and has strong relationships with key international donor agencies.
Cardoso’s first degree is from the University of Aston, United Kingdom and his second degree from Harvard University, USA.
In 2017, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in business administration by his alma mater, Aston University, in recognition of “his outstanding contributions to business and society”.
Hereunder are four other unique things about the next CBN Governor:
* Dr. Cardoso is a financial and development expert with over 30 years’ experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
* He is a Nigerian banker, chartered stockbroker and public policy maker.
* He is the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State in 1999.
* Cardoso is the founding chairman and co-chair of Ehingbeti Summit, the Lagos State annual economic summit.
CARDOSO IN A NUTSHELL
- Olayemi Cardoso, a Lagosian, grew up in Lagos and attended Corona School Ikoyi and St. Gregory’s College all in Lagos for his primary and secondary education, respectively.
- His father, Felix Bankole Cardoso, was the first indigenous Accountant-General of the Federation of Nigeria in 1963; and, the first indigenous Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Barclays Bank of Nigeria shortly after joining the bank in 1972. Under his leadership, Barclays successfully transformed into Union Bank of Nigeria, a wholly-owned Nigerian entity
- Yemi Cardoso completed his undergraduate studies upon obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Managerial and Administrative Studies from Aston University in 1980.
- He later furthered his education at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2005 as a Mason Fellow.
- In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the private and public sectors, Cardoso was granted a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (honoris causa) by Aston University in 2017. He is also esteemed as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
- Olayemi Michael Cardoso is a Nigerian banker, chartered stockbroker and public policy expert.
- He has served for over four decades in the public, private and development sectors as a leader and innovator.
- Among his most impactful roles are: Commissioner in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget; Chairman of the board of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance and, most recently, Chairman of Citibank Nigeria Ltd for 12 years, until his resignation in 2022.
- Cardoso is a dedicated family man. He is married with five children and three grandchildren. His parents were descendants of Brazilian returnees and came from prominent families from Popo Aguda.
MORE ON CARDOSO
Mr Cardoso was the former chairman of Citibank Nigeria, and a distinguished leader in the financial and development sectors with over 30 years’ experience in the private, public and not-for-profit organisations.
With diverse corporate governance experience, Cardoso has also sat on the boards of Nigerian subsidiaries of Texaco and Chevron and chaired the board of EFInA, a financial sector development organisation supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
He served in government as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State, where he championed the financial reform process which led to the state’s development of independent tax revenues.
In his capacity as a consultant and policy expert, Mr Cardoso has advised and collaborated with major international development organisations including the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN Habitat, World Health Organisation and the Swedish Development Foundation.
He is the recipient of several awards including an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Aston University, his alma mater, and the Global Distinguished Alumni award from Citi.
Mr Cardoso obtained a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School where he was a Fellow.
Though many has seen the appointment as Mr President’s sustaining trend in rewarding his loyalists, others has however, said that the nominee is a right choice.
Cardoso, who also will be assisted to perform by four nominated deputy governors, will assume full responsibility of the apex bank on confirmation by the Senate.
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