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Attempted coup d’état: Edo PDP calls for arrest, prosecution of perpetrators
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, has called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the failed takeover of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) Complex.
Aziegbemi, who spoke to journalists at the party’s Secretariat in Benin City, on Friday, said the incident was an attempted coup d’état, and an effort by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to upset the democracy enjoyed by the people of Edo State.
He said: “As we speak, there are 10 members of the EDHA; 24 members were elected but only 10 got themselves inaugurated. The law says there must be a proclamation, which was done by the governor and the High Court upheld it. With that proclamation a Speaker emerged in EDHA; 10 members were inaugurated while 14 were not.”
Aziegbemi said those that were not inaugurated should not claim to be members of the house as they were absent in the House for 180 days and their seats were declared vacant and the case is still in Court.
“If you are not a member of the Assembly, how then can you be the Speaker? The attempt to truncate democracy will not stand. We will pursue this to a logical conclusion, obeying the rule of law.”
The Edo PDP Chairman frowned at the position of the Commissioner of Police and Director of State Security Services who accepted and received the 14 elected lawmakers in their offices, adding: “For accepting to receive them, their neutrality is in doubt. Consequently, they need to be called in for questioning.”
He said Francis Okiye’s Speakership is backed by the law court as such he can’t be impeached.
“There is a High Court judgement that says Okiye is the Speaker of EDHA. The judgment has not been vacated. You can’t impeach a speaker outside the premises of the Assembly.
“A coup is a coup and if you use your private property for coup plotting, then the consequences that follow those that plot coup should also be applicable to you”
Speaking on the invasion of the EDHA, Hon. Ezehi Igbas said the action amounts to a clear disregard to judicial process and a treasonable felony.
He called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and the Director of DSS to check the shameful action in order to avert the looming anarchy, adding: “If this unfortunate act is left unchecked by failing to arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, it will spell doom for democracy and the lives and property of Edo people.
“I call on the speaker of EDHA, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye and other members of the Assembly not to be intimidated or distracted as Edo people are solidly behind them.”
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London Property Dispute Exposes Alleged Corruption, Forgery by Nigerian Politician and Lawyer
By Hassan Taiye
A recent judgment by the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has shed light on a complex web of alleged corruption and forgery involving a Nigerian politician and a senior lawyer. The case revolves around a disputed property in North London, valued at 79 Randall Avenue.
The property was purchased in 1993 under the name “Tali Shani,” which is allegedly an alias for late General Jeremiah Useni, a powerful member of the Abacha regime. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, claimed the property was gifted to him by “Mr. Tali Shani” in 2021 as payment for legal services. However, the tribunal dismissed this claim, describing it as “fabricated” and “fraudulent.”
The tribunal’s ruling highlights the alleged involvement of Ozekhome and his associates in fabricating documents, including a Nigerian passport, National Identification Number (NIN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN). The NIN was reportedly created remotely from Monaco using a non-compliant photograph and bypassing biometric requirements ¹.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Ozekhome and others over alleged fraud, forgery, and unlawful attempt to acquire the London property. The ICPC has launched an investigation, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has also taken notice of the case ²
Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN Senior lawyer accused of forgery and attempting to acquire the property through fraudulent means.
General Jeremiah Useni Late Nigerian General allegedly behind the purchase of the property under the alias “Tali Shani.”
Osilama Ozekhome*: Ozekhome’s son, implicated in the alleged forgery and fraud.
L-r Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola; Senate Deputy Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senate Whip Tahir Monguno and Senate Committee Chairman on Financial Institutions, Tokunbo Abiru, after resumption of plenary yesterday. Photo: Senate President’s Office
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet amid a growing controversy surrounding his academic credentials.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement issued late Tuesday.
Nnaji’s exit follows mounting allegations that his academic certificates were forged. Investigations revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree he claimed to possess, stating that he never completed his studies at the institution and was therefore not issued any certificate.
According to UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but failed to meet the requirements for graduation.
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly disowned the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji, describing it as fake.
His resignation marks the latest in a series of controversies to hit the Tinubu administration over questions of integrity and accountability among public officials.
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