Innocent Ojefia Blog

ABUJA – ‎The propriety of the 13-count criminal charge against the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki has created a sharp division among Appeal Court Justices. Whereas Justice Moore Adumein dismissed the appeal that was lodged by Saraki as lacking in merit, another member of the panel, Justice ‎ J.E. Ekanem upheld the appeal, declaring the charge before the CCT as incompetent. Justice Ekanem specifically quashed the charge and discharged Saraki on the basis that the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Justice, M. M. S. Hassan who signed the charge, did not specify who authorised him to initiate the ‎criminal proceeding. “A look at the charge showed that Mr. Hassan instituted the action pursuant to section 24 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 2004 which permits only the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate criminal proceedings”. Justice Ekanem stressed that though the constitution permits the Solicitor-General of the Federation, SGF, to commence...

The consistent clatter of one deluded voice of Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe is the illusory platform on which APC has become the “feared opposition” party in Delta State. The symbol of the party in the Delta State, who is also the governorship candidate won election in only his native Ewvreni ward, out over 250 wards in the State. Otega could not even win his local government area and Fred Latimore is talking of APC being the opposition party in Delta State. The truth is that there is virtually no APC in Delta State. If any party is to be referred to as opposition party, it should be the Labour Party, which has representation in the State House of Assembly. It is therefore, amusing how APC without a single seat anywhere assumes itself to be the opposition party in the State? This is purely a case of self aggrandisement of influence, which is the worst form of self-importance and arrogance.  Most of the people who cry foul have all benefited from this same PDP, but once an ...

Nigeria’s Senate has confirmed the appointment of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the national Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The Senate also confirmed the appointment of National Commissioners, namely: Amina Zakari (Jigawa), Dr Anthonia Okoosi(Kogi) Dr Mohammed Mustapha(Edo),Baba Arfo (Borno) and Soyebi Solomon(Ogun). President Muhammadu Buhari nominated the new INEC chairman as well as commissioner last week .The nominees were approved by an emergency meeting of the Council of State meeting also last week, thus preparing the grounds for today’s screening and confirmation by the Senate. Each of the Senators appeared before the senate and answered questions before they were eventually asked to take a bow and go. Professor Yakubu, the new INEC chairman hailed the marvelous work done by former Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega. He also said he looks forward to ensuring seamless voting by Nigerian. The new INEC chair admitted that there are ch...

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in New Delhi reaffirmed his Administration's resolute commitment to curbing corruption, plugging all loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for the good of all Nigerians. Addressing members of the Nigerian community in India, President Buhari declared that the recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who have been indicted for corrupt practices will also continue to be vigorously pursued.  The President said that he expected the ongoing recoveries and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain.   President Buhari assured the gathering that his administration fully recognized the devastating consequences of the illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts, and was doing all within its powers to stop such diversions. "The anti-corruption campaig...

E LDER  statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has dismissed insinuations that he betrayed former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, by reportedly saying that the ex-President lacked the political will to fight corruption, noting that he was maliciously misconstrued.  Clark, who was criticised by some associates of the former President over the statement, also denounced claims that his decision to quit partisan politics was provoked by the ex-President’s defeat at the polls. In a 3,902-word letter, the former Minister of Information exonerated himself from the various allegations of betrayal levelled against him, adding that close associates of the former President and some party leaders sold Jonathan out. He further defended the former leader’s anti-corruption record, noting that his attempt to probe former Heads of State, who were fingered in high profile corruption cases, was frustrated by some officials in Jonathan’s government. His words: “My statements on President Jonat...

Dear Brother Ogboru and Emerho: One of the hardest parts of human nature is to hear and accept truths, especially when truths do not synchronize with our goals and aspirations. In a situation such as the one in which you now find yourselves, there is no doubt that those who are closest to you would gladly like to tell you the naked truths, but are afraid to do so because of what they may perceive as your adverse reactions. In your burning desires to become governor, Delta State has become polarized, especially among the Urhobo-speaking groups, so much that it may take several years of hard work to repair the damage the polarity has done to the psychic of the people. It should no longer be a mystery to you that the governorship election ended on April 11, 2015, therefore, it is very essential for you to accept the fact that the ruling of the Election Tribunal has come to stay and no appeal process will reverse the decision. I have not had the opportunity to speak with...

President Buhari, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Others arrived New Delhi India on Tuesday to attend the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit. The President is smart enough to take a vibrant Governor with good economic policy along among his team. Details of the trip later…….

About an hour ago, the Delta State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba affirmed my victory at the Governorship election of April 11, 2015. In their judgment, the three-man panel upheld my election and was unequivocal in its declaration that I was duly and validly elected as the Governor of Delta State.  I dedicate this victory to God Almighty without whom today’s triumph and the electoral victory of April 11 would not have been possible. I am Governor today not because I am the most qualified person, the most gifted administrator, or the smartest politician. It is simply by the grace of God who sets up kings and removes them.  Indeed, I was the least likely candidate for this office. I didn’t have the kind of financial war chest required for a long drawn out political campaign nor did I enjoy the backing of big time campaign donors. But God, upon whose mandate and instruction I commenced this journey, orchestrated the events that led to my emergence, first as th...

The Delta State Governorship Election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba, the State capital, has upheld the election of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Following the legal victories today, His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State and other top government functionaries are currently praising the living God at Government house chapel, to dedicate his victory to God Almighty. Read more at:   Details soon……..

The Delta State Election Tribunal sitting in Asaba has once again ruled in favour of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP over Otega Emerhor of the APC. This is the second legal victory for Governor Okowa within six hours, following his earlier victory over Great Ogboru of the Labour Party. The Tribunal dismissed the APC gubernatorial petition against Governor Okowa for failing to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. A fine of N50,000 was awarded against Otega Emerhor as cost. Details soon……

I laugh out loud whenever I read Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe’s rant. They often border on psychosis. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe who earns a living from attacking the governor of his State and spitting on the exalted office that other responsible citizens revere, seems to have run out of the staple for his comical trade. How else would one analyse his decision to create ridiculous illusions and mislead the people on every issue.  If Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe were still in self-possession, would he be criticising and creating confusion about every issue. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe’s writings are a jumble of ‎ meaningless babble that communicates only contradiction and betrays pitiable ignorance. So, let’s indulge him a bit. He’s our poorly informed brother after all. ‎ Shall we disown him when all he needs is some enlightenment? In reality, what is at work here is something akin to a culture shock. Latimore cannot come to terms with the new ideas that have come to town s...

Delta Tribunal judgment reading is still on now at Asaba, Delta State Tribunal this afternoon dismissed the duo petitions of LP against PDP. Upheld the April 11, 2015 of Senator. Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. Ogboru to pay Okowa 50,000…  Presiding Judge, Justice Nasir is going through Petitions, Defence statements and evidences presented in court since the inception of the tribunal for both the labour party, Chief Ogboru and APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.  The petitioners are asking the tribunal to nullify the pools and are calling for fresh election. Counsel to the Defender is asking the tribunal to dismiss the petitions, which he says varies with the petitioners evidences that are before the tribunal. Details later...    

Chief Otega Emerho and Great Ogboru, including their supporters will today bite the dust as Election Tribunal gives verdict. From the onset both APC and Labour party know fully well that Governor Okowa's victory is certain, because they deliberately refused to do grassroots campaign, rather they embarked on a battle over endorsement of UPU, while Gov Ifeanyi Okowa was canvassing for support through his prosperity manifesto for Deltans. No doubt Governor Okowa is destiny child and God has been in control.

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa today paid glowing tribute to Late Pa. Gamaliel O.Onosode during the funeral service at the First Baptist Church, Ughelli. Read more at: The remains of boardroom guru and nationalist, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode has been interred at his hometown Ughelli with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State describing him as a man of substance, humility and dedicated servant of God. Funeral service of the late icon at the First Baptist Church, Ughelli was attended by the cream of the society including former Secretary-General of Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.  Deacon Onosode died at the age of 82. Governor Okowa who attended the burial ceremony accompanied by top officials of the Delta State government stated in a brief tribute that the deceased was a model of simplicity who used "his God-giving wealth to propagate the gospel." "Mr Integrity as he was fondly called was a stickler for time, meticulous in...

The governorship tribunal in Delta State has reserved final ruling for next Monday, October 26, 2015. The parties; APC, LP and PDP and their supporters are expected to gather at the venue. Information available indicates that water-tight security will be provided by a combined team of anti-riot policemen and the military. The APC and LP took their grievances to the tribunal for determination, alluding that the 2015 elections was characterised by electoral fraud. Labour Party and the APC cases are based on the discrepancy between the card reader and the manual accreditation records. But the Lagos Election Appeal Tribunal has ruled that the card reader is not part of the Laws for the 2015 general elections. Its ruling stated that: “The extant Electoral Act (2010) which predates the concept (of card reader) is not its parent or progenitor. Since it is not the progeny of the Electoral Act, fronting it as a ground to challenge any election does not have its (the Electoral Act’s) bl...

The future looks bleak for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as indications emerged that the ruling party is beginning to develop cracks among its leaders. The National Daily gathered that certain APC leaders are under pressure to float a new political party over lingering disaffections on emerging decisions and actions in the control of the Federal Government under the party’s hegemony. A gale of wranglings over many issues may eventually be responsible for the breakup. For starters, the way and manner President Muhammadu Buhari went about appointing people into his cabinet does not seem to have gone down with the party stalwarts. Currently, the north has taken over 80% of the appointments Buhari has made so far. And his ministerial nominees are also perceived essentially as by-product of his one-upmanship. “To a large extent, the governors were not consulted on those picked from our states,” quipped an Aso Rock source last week. “But the leaders have to bear with the presi...