Politics
Alleged Over-Voting: Davido Accuses Oyetola Of Spreading Lies
Music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has knocked the outgoing governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his claims of over-voting during the state’s July governorship elections.
In a tweet shared on Monday, Davido, nephew to Osun’s governor-elect, Ademola Adeleke, accused Oyetola of “spreading lies” and destroying his legacy as the governor of Osun State.
Davido tweeted, “You’re actually just a bad human being @GboyegaOyetola; no other way to put it. Spreading lies everywhere, destroying your legacy (not like you even have).
“It’s done and dusted. @inecnigeria, please, is there any such thing as over-voting with your new BVAS Machine? NOV 27th WE MOVE!!”.
The singer’s comments came a day after the governor-elect dismissed a post circulating on social media, stating that he admitted over-voting in his response to the petition against his victory at the July 16 governorship poll pending before Election Petition Tribunal.
The Tide source reports that in a release shared on Monday by Adeleke’s Spokesperson Rasheed Olawale, it was stated that the governor-elect’s defence was being twisted.
Olawale said the defence filed before the Tribunal dismissed Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola’s claim of over-voting in 750 polling units, stressing that the over-voting was created by the incomplete data of Biomodal Voter Accreditation System based on the unsynchronised BVAS report that was used by the petitioners.
It was also earlier reported by our source that a civil society organisation under the aegis of Yiaga Africa decried attempts by the current ruling party of the state, All Progressive Congress, to twist its report on the outcome of the governorship election in Ekiti and Osun States.
The organisation reacted to publications credited to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, which stated that the recently launched Yiaga Africa Election Result Analysis Dashboard report for the Ekiti and Osun governorship election “confirms” that the governor who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress won the election.
The statement released on Friday read in part, “We outrightly reject this assertion and categorically state that the ERAD report did not in any way suggest the winner or loser of the recently concluded June/July, Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections.
“Instead, the ERAD report highlighted certain shortcomings with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s upload of results to the INEC Results Viewing Portal and recommendations for improving the process ahead of the 2023 elections.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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