politics
Update : “Shiabu actions amounted to a coup and an attempt to forcefully remove me” Obaseki cries Out
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has opened up on the brewing crisis between him and the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Speaking at meeting with the elders and leaders of the party from Etsako, in Edo North weekend, Governor Obaseki said his deputy’s actions amounted to a coup and an attempt to forcefully remove him from office
Excerpts:
Will you say that you are shocked by the unfolding drama between you and your deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu?
If I tell you that what happened in the last few weeks have not been a shock to me, I will be lying, because I never expected that we will find ourselves in this sort of situation again. You have heard my deputy say many times that he escorted me to PDP, and you know that we have had challenges in terms of integrating into the PDP platform like you will have in any marriage. But since we started, because of my background, I said look, you have to learn to give people responsibility.
Because what is important is to build institutions, not individuals as individuals will come and go but institutions will remain. That is why in anything we are doing, I call the deputy governor, call the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) saying this is what I am doing just in case of tomorrow. When I’m not able to do something, I say please go and do this. When I’m going on vacation, I say I hand over power to you.
The first time, he called me when I was on vacation and said “what do I do sir? I said “you are in charge, make your mistakes, when I come I will correct it. Because, I’m an individual, God forbid if I didn’t come back from that journey, will Edo not continue. This power is not my own, God put me there.
Why did you give that broad latitude to your deputy when in most states across the country the reverse is the case?
The way we operated was as it should be. That is to say government must continue, everybody must know what we are doing, everybody must know what each person is doing. And you can only do that if there is absolute trust, that the person will not go back and say or do something else. That is how we ran Edo, through all the crisis we have had in the last seven years. But you cannot continue to live in crisis, you must at some point look for peace.
At what point did you think the relationship between you and your deputy governor go sour?
I think it came to a head with the Chairmanship of Akoko Edo. We first had a problem with Owan East, then Akoko Edo, where the people from Akoko Edo said, this is the person we want for chairmanship, but the deputy governor said this is the person that we will give you.
But I said give the people what they want. I called round, who is the person who can help us put this LG together and run this LG, they said it is this person. When the party chairman asked me, I said give the people what they want. That is democracy.
I did that, and before now, the constitution makes me the Governor of Edo State, and I know the powers of a Governor. The constitution does not provide for a co-governor, does it? It provides for a deputy governor who does and carries out the responsibility the governor gives to him. The constitution does not give him the power of the governor.
What then happened after that incident?
He left, went to Abuja without telling me and the next day I saw him on television at the inauguration of the National Assembly. Before we knew what was happening, he was going around saying he was consulting. After the National Assembly election, we met, we had a small meeting and I said, look, I know the next major election will be gubernatorial election, how to choose the person who will succeed me, but it is too early. The things we do now, how we finish well, will determine how strong we are to sell the person who will take over.
But more importantly, we must solidify our party, because, PDP must by the grace of God produce the next governor. So the work we must be doing now is how to consolidate the party; how to reconcile the party and how to make the party one again.
That is why I took specific interest in the LG election so that we can consolidate and unify our party. When all these issues were coming out in the LG nominations, everywhere I went, there were already camps, this is for deputy governor, this is for this person, and I said, but I have not finished my term, won’t you allow me finish. I said, stop this!
Does it mean that the deputy governor did not first consult or inform you of his intention to run as governor while all these were going on?
No, till tomorrow, the deputy governor has never come to meet me one-on-one to say, “Oga, you know what, I’m thinking of running, I want to see how I can succeed you when you finish”. Meanwhile, he said he is consulting. I sat and kept quiet. He has been going round, doing all sorts. But let me go back to the main issue, what really happened and created this problem.
I proclaimed the House of Assembly, he was in Abuja. Before he left, I called the chairman of the party. I said, look, I want nominations for commissioners, what we normally do, we will sit down, about five of us, look at the lists, LGA by LGA what has been submitted. Ask the chairman, that morning, I called him for the meeting, what did he say? He said he would not attend.
That is why Etsako does not have a commissioner. He said he would not attend. I said okay, let us go ahead, I will still give him that respect for us to consider his nominations when he is ready. He then went to Abuja, and was boasting, he said he has connections in Abuja, he knows people in the National Assembly, they are all with the President now, they will take care of him.
If he cannot get the ticket in PDP, he knows what to do. I kept quiet and said, I thought we were together. But what struck me, and I have never said this to anybody, is that after I proclaimed the House of Assembly, we were now going to elect principal officers in the House of Assembly, he was in Abuja. He came back that day. I am the Chief Security Officer of this State, I get any information I need, but I have that responsibility to keep quiet and use the information properly.
My deputy called a leader in APC telling him that during the election the next day of principal officers, particularly the Speaker of the House of Assembly that he has five members who are loyal to him, and that he would love the seven members of APC to work with the five members of PDP to produce a Speaker.
This information will still be corroborated by somebody else. At that point I called the PDP members to my house just to familiarise with them and as usual he tried to barge in. I said you cannot just come to my house, it is my private house, it is not even Government House. You have to have the courtesy, but now it is my prerogative whether I want you to come in or not. After I heard what he had done, I said, you can’t come into our meeting. We met, agreed, the next day we went to the House of Assembly, he went there, and we did what we did.
Does that mean he was opposed to your wish and not working in your interest and that of the party?
As far as I’m concerned, that was not working in our common interest. Why will the deputy governor seek to have another Speakership candidate outside of what the governor wants? Are we working together? That is when I now knew that we had a problem. To say the deputy governor has become so desperate to take over that he would do anything, against his governor. How can you say you are loyal and then you do that sort of a thing?
The rest, you observed. He was going around, he would go to places as if we are not the same government again. When you ask him about something, he would agree to it, but the next day he would be doing something else. His Excellency, Mike Ogiadome called for a meeting, he called Senator Francis Alimikhena for that meeting in his house. I went to the meeting. The deputy governor said, oh no, he was just consulting.
Nothing will happen again. He would just keep quiet until it is time. I said the timetable for the election is not even out. Why not wait, there is a lot for us to do. Let us not be distracted. But for him, no! He continued. I didn’t say a word. And I haven’t said a word to him. The next thing I knew, he went to court. He said he was going on holiday, I approved as usual for him to go on his annual holidays.
He travelled, he didn’t even tell me he was travelling. And the next thing I knew was that they were serving us summons that he has gone to court, that there was a plan to impeach him. I said, what have you done? If you want to run for the office of governor, there is nothing wrong, it’s your constitutional right to run for the office if you want to. However, you are in the same cabinet with me, please, there is a way you do something. Try and show respect to the people. If people see you now, even before the time, going around,
What do you expect all the other candidates and all the other people who have an interest to do?
He says we want to impeach him, I called the Speaker, what am I hearing, is there anything? That was when the Speaker told me that he phoned and said that they wanted to impeach him. And I said what did you tell him? He said he told him that there was nothing of the sort.
I then called and asked, who wants to impeach you and why? Before you know what I got a summons saying that he wants to get an order preventing us, stopping us from impeaching him. I said what, since there is no such plan, it doesn’t bother me. But what was disturbing was the excuses he gave in his petition. This is a matter before the court. I don’t want to talk much about it. How can somebody swear to an Affidavit, a public officer, with information that is patently wrong and false?
politics
2027 Election: Preserve Your Reputation as a Statesman — Oshiomhole Advises Jonathan, Says Only Your Enemies Want You to Contest
Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against yielding to pressure to contest the 2027 presidential election, warning that doing so would damage his legacy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole said that only those who do not wish Jonathan well would encourage him to return to the political arena, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would easily defeat him if he chose to run.
“How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before when PDP was truly PDP,” Oshiomhole said.
“If a man had PDP at its best, at its peak, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election.”
The former APC national chairman advised Jonathan to preserve his reputation as a statesman and avoid a return that could erode the respect he earned after conceding defeat in 2015.
“If I were able to advise him, I will say, Sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years, you don’t have to govern for nine,” Oshiomhole said.
According to Oshiomhole, Jonathan “has managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and at peace.”
He praised Jonathan’s historic concession speech in 2015, describing it as one of his most admirable legacies.
“Looking at how he ascended to that office, if I were him, I will spend the end of my life trying to find relevance, which he has already found, and speaking because that conceding defeat, and that is memorable quote about my blood, sorry, blood of a Nigerian is not worth my ambition, he should just allow those legacies to be,” he said.
Oshiomhole further argued that Jonathan’s political base in the South-South had weakened since his departure from office, making a comeback unrealistic.
“We will defeat him flatly if he comes out because now the South-South is no longer PDP. So where is he going to start from?” he asked.
Jonathan, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 2015 presidential election to the late Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked all commissioners and other appointees administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The Governor announced the decision during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed that during the event, which held in Government House, on Wednesday, Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement of their appointments.
The Governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.
He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..
“He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement said.
The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
The Court, while recognising the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis including the passage of budgets; screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders.
It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The judgement rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.
Other commissioners affected by the judgement are Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.
Also, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.
It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.
Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
In a bid to contribute to the stability, unwaving and sterling political Governance in Lagos State since the Era of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as the then Governor of the State, Renowned Political Journalist and Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim has today presented a GAC Frame to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr). Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa
GAC, which means Governance Advisory Council is known to be the highest decision making body in Lagos Politics.
The Presentation was done today at the Office of the Rt Honorable Speaker in Ikeja, Lagos.
Our reporter gathered that the frame which is a 24 inches by 34 inches frame size displayed the names, photographs, local government and senatorial district of all the 35 distinguished members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
The Names are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) Ikeja Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) Gov. BABAJIDE Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Surulere Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Gov. Dapo Akinwunmi Ambode, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (OON) Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Bushura Alebiosu, Kosofe Local Government, (LAGOS EAST), Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, Ajeromi Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), RT. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Surulere Local Government. (LAGOS CENTRAL), Alhaji Shakira Akanbi Seriki, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), CHIEF M.A Taiwo, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ojo Local Government. (LAGOS WEST), Hon. Wale Edun, Eti-Osa Local Government, (LAGOS CENTRAL), RT. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Agege Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Somolu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Alhaji Mutiu Are, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Secretary of the GAC, DR. Qadri Obafemi Hamzat, Ifako/Ijaye Local Government (LAGOS WEST), RT. Hon. Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon, Mushin Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Adeseye Ogunleye, Kosofe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), CHIEF Abiodun Ogunleye, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Ikeja Local Government. (LAGOS WEST), Omooba Murphy Adetoro, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Sen. Mikailu Adetokunboh Abiru, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Hon. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Ojo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Apapa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunbaku, Ikeja Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Chief Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefuluire, Alimosho Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST)
Others are; Omooba Olumuyiwa Sosanya, Kosofe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Sen. Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Ojo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Chief Femi Pedro, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Hon. Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) respectively.
The frame also has a tribute segment where all the late eight (8) members of the council where fully recognized.
They are Late Hon. Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson, Hon. RF Balogun, Ambassador Rasak Demola Seriki, Oba Olatunji Hamzat, Alhaji Safiriyulahi Sumola, Chief Lanre Rasak (KLM), Proff Tunde Samuel and Chief Sunny Akinsanya Ajose of blessed memory.
The GAC remain one of the deep thoughtful thoughts, several positive political theories and landmark legacies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) while serving as Governor of Lagos State as part of its efforts to “REBRAND” Governance which has now become a MODEL and TEMPLATE of good Governance in our dear state, Lagos, Hence on his Mandate, we shall continue to STAND.
According to the Publisher of August24news.com Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim during the presentation said The Idea of putting the 35 Wise Men and women of the GAC in a Large frame is to showcase their UNITY as well as a way of Promoting their well-deserved Honour. This will no doubt, encourage other political leaders in our state to be more dedicated in their services to our dear state in particular, the country at large and humanity as whole.
Speaking further, The Frame is a great research work carried out by our Editorial Team here in August24news.com, we did this to encourage our leaders in Reshaping, Promoting and Rebranding Our Lagos Politics.
“After today’s presentation to the Speaker, we will continue to roll out the presentation to the office of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. BABAJIDE OLUSHOLA SANWOLU and his Deputy, Dr. OBAFEMI KADRI HAMZAT, All Honourable Commissioners in the state, Federal and State Lawmakers, All the 57 Council Chairmen, Some Key Dignitaries and other Party Loyalist in the state.
Receiving the Frame in a joyfully mood, Lagos Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa thank the team for the presentation while commending August24news.com Editorial team for the great research job particularly the Publisher, Mr. AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM for putting up such creativity.
Obasa said the frame will be well kept in a reserved place in his office and archives for coming generation to know their legends and political leader as he call for a minute silent to honour the late eight members of the Council.
Commenting on the GAC FRAME Presentation is a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) who also doubles as the GAC secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are said the GAC is one of the beauty of Lagos Politics.
Also Commenting, is a Political Analyst Commentator and Publisher of Upshot Media, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu commended Ajagbe for the initiative on the photo frame adding that GAC members deserves even greater recognition, especially given their immense contribution to good governance in Lagos State.
Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
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