- Ighodalo slams Oshiomhole N20bn suit for defamation
- Ribadu sues Edo PDP chairman, demands N10bn damages
- APC Reps caucus donates N200m to campaign council
- INEC, Police have reassured us of free, peaceful, credible election, says Obaseki
With less than four days before the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the political landscape is becoming more intriguing and chaotic.
The battle line is getting heightened as the division between political leaders and parties is widening, while the approaching contest is taking a do-or-die colouration.
The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has filed a N20bn defamatory suit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole over comments on the Planwell scheme.
Ighodalo, through his counsel, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, also sought an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for the false, defamatory, and malicious comments which should be published in at least two national television networks and three nationally circulating newspapers.
The PDP candidate noted that the allegations by Oshiomhole are baseless, false, and malicious, describing them as another of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the recent past.
He added that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story is a figment of Oshiomhole’s imagination, intended to denigrate his good character and reputation for the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of Oshiomhole’s party and candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
A letter by Ighodalo’s lawyers dated September 16, 2024, and addressed to Oshiomhole reads, “We are counsel to Asue Ighodalo, who is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election. It is our information that at a campaign rally of your party on Saturday, September 14, 2024, you made statements to the effect that our aforesaid client, Dr. Ighodalo, was associated with or participated in an alleged pyramid scheme known as ‘PLANWELL’ in which numerous Nigerians were defrauded of their hard-earned funds.
“This false and unfounded statement of yours was broadcast live on television and has received extensive exposure on electronic and social media. It is sad to note that despite your status as an elder and holder of a public office, you appear to have developed a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain purely for the achievement of your political ends.
“This baseless, unfounded, false, and malicious allegation has become another in a long line of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by you in respect of our client in the recent past. Our client is an accomplished Nigerian legal practitioner and a corporate leader whose impressive resume from birth up till the current day is entirely in the public domain our client has absolutely no connection with and could never have been involved in any manner whatsoever with the purported ‘PLANWELL’ scheme with which you have seriously defamed our client’s reputation.”
Ighodalo further noted, “It is clear that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story regarding the purported involvement of our client in the said ‘PLANWELL’ scheme or any other financial scheme whatsoever, is a figment of your imagination and a story fabricated purely to denigrate the good character and reputation of our client for the achievement of the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of your political party and candidate in the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections.”
The letter added that Ighodalo was determined to ensure that the allegations against him do not go unaddressed.
“Our client has been inundated with calls and other contacts from concerned members of the public who heard your said allegations on electronic and social media as a result of which our client has suffered enormous unwarranted reputational damage arising from the lies and baseless fabrications of which you have become the purveyor.
“Our client is determined to ensure that these defamatory lies and fabrications which you have put in the public space do not go unchallenged.
“In consequence of the foregoing, therefore, our client demands the following: i) An immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for your false, defamatory and malicious statements which should be published in at least two (2) National Television Networks and three (3) Nationally circulating newspapers.
“Pay to our client damages for 20 billion Naira for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements referred to herein. Take Notice that it is our client’s instructions that we immediately institute appropriate proceedings against you for damages in the sum of Twenty (20) Billion Naira (N20, 000,000,000.00) for your said false, malicious, irresponsible and damaging statements made against our client without any foundation whatsoever. Further take notice that such action will be instituted without further notice or correspondence to you in that regard whatsoever,” it added.
Ribadu sues Edo PDP chairman, demands N10b damages
Also, the National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, has filed a lawsuit against Anthony Aziegbemi, the Edo State Chairman of the PDP in response to allegations that the presidency, through the NSA and the DSS, plans to manipulate the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
In a letter from Charles Musa and Co., the legal representatives of Ribadu, the firm condemned the defamatory statement, which has significantly harmed Ribadu’s reputation by falsely depicting him as a facilitator of corruption and his office as involved in political interference in Edo State.
Charles Musa and Co. emphasized that these allegations are baseless and contradict Ribadu’s well-established reputation for integrity and his commitment to fighting corruption.
They highlighted Ribadu’s distinguished career as the former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and his dedication to ethical conduct as evidence against the claims.
The letter said, “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “EDO 2024: PRESIDENCY’S MOVE TO INTERFERE, MANIPULATE GUBER POLL USING DSS, NSA UNCOVERED.”
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2m was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies.”
“This malicious and libelous statement has brought our client into public disdain and odium. Your portrayal of our client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo State is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand:
“A written apology to our client.
“A full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“Publication of the retraction in:
“A full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers.
“Ten reputable and well-read online news sites.
“Seven national and international television stations.
“Ten radio channels with national and international reach.
“Payment of N10, 000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) as damages for reputational and other injuries. Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights.”
APC Reps caucus donates N200m to campaign council
Meanwhile, ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election slated for Saturday, the APC caucus in the House of Representatives has donated N200m in support of the party’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.
The Chairman, APC Reps’ Fundraising Committee for Edo Governorship Election and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Okpebholo and Idahosa, both members of the APC represent Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency respectively.
The statement read in part, “In a strong demonstration of solidarity and loyalty to the party, the APC Reps caucus contributed a sum of ₦200 million towards the party’s campaign for the September 21 governorship polls. The donation, made by individual members of the APC in the 10th House, was coordinated under the leadership of Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
“The All Progressives Congress caucus in the House of Representatives has pledged its unwavering support for Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon Dennis Idahosa, the party’s candidates for the upcoming Edo governorship election. Both Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Idahosa are sitting members of the National Assembly.
“The caucus expressed its determination to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the party’s victory in Edo State, emphasising their commitment to supporting Sen Okpebholo and Hon Idahosa, two esteemed colleagues who have consistently shown capacity and competence in their public service.”
The statement added that the cheque for the donation was presented by the Leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, at a ceremony witnessed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria, a member of the House from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, and the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof Jake Dan-Azumi.
Why I stepped down for Okpebholo – AA candidate
Few days before the Edo State governorship election, the candidate of Action Alliance, Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, on Sunday, said he has stepped down for Okpebholo.
Iseghhi-Okojie Okojie at a press conference on Sunday said the decision was based on his understanding that leadership is not about standing alone but about knowing when to join forces for the greater good of the people.
Okojie who was joined in the briefing by her running mate, Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu, and Acting chairman of APC, Jarrett Tenebe, said, “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility, hope, and determination for our beloved Edo State.”
“Today, I am making a pivotal decision that I believe is in the best interest of our state. I have chosen to step down from the governorship race and collaborate with the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo.”
“Edo cannot afford another term of mismanagement, economic hardship, and insecurity so I decided to collapse my structure and join forces with the APC to change the narrative.
“The PDP has had its opportunity, but unfortunately, they have not succeeded in bringing the progress our state needs and after careful reflection, I realised that aligning with APC, under Senator Okpehbolo’s leadership, is the best path forward for the state.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo may not be known for grand oratory, but leadership is about action, not rhetoric. History has shown us that great leaders—like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln—were often criticized for their speaking styles, but their strength and vision led their nations through difficult times.”
He added, “Senator Okpehbolo embodies this kind of leadership. He may not dazzle crowds with flashy speeches, but he is strategic, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his people. Behind the scenes, he has proven to me that he is a leader who listens, gathers the right people, and makes tough decisions for the good of Edo State. He is not driven by ego or power but by a sincere desire to improve the lives of Edo people.
“The power of collaboration by stepping down and joining forces with APC, I am not abandoning my promise to the people. On the contrary, I am fulfilling it in the most effective way possible. Action Alliance brings with it a grassroots structure of 65,000 members, with the capacity to mobilize at least 500,000 votes.
“This collaboration ensures that we can win this election decisively and bring the real change that Edo so desperately needs. My role will be to support Okpebholo by managing media relations, countering unfair attacks, and ensuring that he can engage directly with the people, something he is fantastic at.”
In his remarks, Tenebe noted that after eight years of PDP non-performance, the party opted for a possible collaboration with other parties to form a government of unity, adding that the AA candidate’s joining forces with the APC was one of those arrangements.
He added that governance is about empathy, noting that anyone without empathy cannot be an instrument of development.
INEC, Police have reassured us of free, peaceful, credible election, says Obaseki
Be that as it may, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said the party is pleased with the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetoku and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner, Mahmood Yakubu, to ensure a free, fair and credible election in the state.
Obaseki said this while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting of the party caucus, at the Government House in Benin City.
Expressing confidence that the party will come out victorious in Saturday’s gubernatorial election, the governor said the party is ready for the polls, charging party leaders and members to continue mobilizing support for the party across the state.
He said, “As a caucus, we are pleased with the current utterances from the security agencies in Nigeria. We want to particularly appreciate the statement issued by the Inspector General of Police, making a commitment to support the peace process, ensuring that there is a level playing field for all the players and we endorse his efforts to draft a lot more men to Edo to support the elections on Saturday.
“We are also pleased with INEC so far and have every reason to trust the authorities of INEC and what they are committed to doing. So, our leaders are going to various local governments to continue mobilizing for citizens to come out and support our candidate who clearly stands shoulder high above other candidates in the governorship race.
“We want to say that we are ready for this election. From this meeting of the caucus of the party, we have made sure that we have covered all grounds and the leaders of our party have all assured me that they are heading back home now to cross the Ts’ and dots the Is’ on Saturday.”
Obaseki added, “We are hoping that when the courts resume tomorrow, Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, all our people who have been detained in Abuja all these weeks will be released. If they are granted bail, allowed to come back home to their families and participate in the democratic process, we would consider signing the peace accord.”
On INEC’s plans to postpone the governorship election in Edo State, the governor noted that “the Chairman of INEC has promised that the election will be held on Saturday 21st of September 2024, so we have no reasons to doubt his words.”
On his part, the Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemi, said ‘After some hours of deliberations, the state caucus of the party reviewed and endorsed all the programmes put together by the party thus far.
“It was a deliberate and exhaustive conversation. A few areas not covered have been taken note of. We wish to state that the PDP in Edo State is ready for the election and believes very strongly that the programmes we have put together will lead us to victory.”
He added, “Edo people should not be afraid to come out on September 21 to cast their votes. We believe that we are one and nobody will come to hurt anybody. We are brothers and sisters in the polling units and together we will make the right choice and Edo will be better for it. We are confident that the Edo people will vote for PDP and Asue Ighodalo.”
