How I plotted Fayose’s impeachment with Obasanjo – Ex-presidential aide

Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Babafemi Ojudu, has disclosed his role in the impeachment of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s podcast State Affairs, published on Thursday, Ojudu revealed that he actively plotted and scripted Fayose’s impeachment with the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

While recounting the events, Ojudu shed light on the political strategies and maneuvers employed to unseat Fayose, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes activities that shaped Ekiti State’s political history.

According to Ojudu: “I plotted and scripted the impeachment of Fayose in Ekiti. I used Obasanjo and when he realized it, he fought back against me.

“I had an agreement and signed that Fayose should be impeached but make sure his deputy is not. I took all the lawmakers to Lagos where I kept them in hotels and was feeding and taking them around.

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“I was not a senator, I was a journalist who had money and my friends gave me money. They were not happy with him, I saw that weak link and I exploited it.

“Obasanjo was angry and gave the deputy governor soldiers to return to Ekiti and proclaim herself as governor. When she got there, I called people to resist her and they had no alternative but to declare an emergency.

“Fayose sued me for libel and Falana was my lawyer, I went to court and presented my facts, by the time we finished, Justice Daramola told Fayose ‘you have no honour and integrity.’”

Platinumpost reports that Fayose became the second governor of Ekiti on 29 May 2003, after defeating the incumbent Governor, Niyi Adebayo in the gubernatorial elections.

His tenure was cut short as a result of the impeachment on 16 October, 2006.

How I plotted Fayose’s impeachment with Obasanjo – Ex-presidential aide

Tax reform: Tinubu has agreed to amend controversial clauses, says Gov Sule

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa on Wednesday said President Bola Tinubu has agreed to amend contentious clauses in the proposed tax reform bills before their passage by the National Assembly.

Newstrends reports that the four bills which were transmitted to both chambers of the legislature by the President in September had generated controversy following stiff opposition in some quarters.

The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

The critics of the bills included the Northern Governors Forum, Traditional Rulers Council, National Economic Council, Northern Elders Forum, among others.

Despite the opposition, the four bills scaled second reading in the Senate.

But speaking during an interview on Channels TV current affairs Politics Today on Wednesday, Mr Sule said the issues have been resolved between the governors and Mr Tinubu.

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According to him, the President said all recommendations should be forwarded to the National Assembly.

Mr Sule said: “We have achieved our goal, that is the reason I talked differently today, because all we wanted to achieve has been achieved.

“We actually wanted the bill to be discussed further. We didn’t want this bill to be passed with all the content of what it is.

“Look at the way the house of representatives is handling it, I want to commend the house, particularly the speaker.

“I give credit to Mr. President; when the governors met with him, he told us that we don’t have to withdraw this bill [Tax Reform Bill].

“We can actually address all the concerns you have and all the amendments, and then we can pass the bill.

“For me, from that day, my issues with the bills have been resolved.

“What I didn’t want is a situation where we have bills with concern, especially for people like us, and then that bill is passed.

“But look at how the house of reps is handling, it has not even passed the second reading, they are taking inputs and making considerations from everybody.

“And this is a concurrent bill; it doesn’t matter if the Senate has passed the bill; if the House of Reps doesn’t pass it, it has no effect.”

Tax reform: Tinubu has agreed to amend controversial clauses, says Gov Sule

Tinubu orders probe into ISWAP attack on Borno military base

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the recent terrorist attack on a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, carried out on January 4 by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), claimed the lives of six soldiers, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

In a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. He also commended the bravery and dedication of the troops stationed at the base.

Tinubu said the investigation will “uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences”.

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He commended the military for their decisive action against the terrorists through air strikes.

The president asked the armed forces to take the war to the camps of the bandits and terrorists, especially in the north-west geopolitical zone.

“This resolute action by the army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security,” he said.

“Their actions testify to our resolve to eradicate terrorism and banditry, paving the way for a future where peace and security prevail for all Nigerians.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to our military and security forces on behalf of a grateful nation.

“Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats.”

Tinubu orders probe into ISWAP attack on Borno military base