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I Didn’t Cornered N390m ZIP Funds – Danjuma Laah

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Senator Danjuma La’ah, who represented Kaduna South Senatorial District during the 8th and 9th Assembly, has firmly dismissed allegations about his involvement with the N390 million allocated for the Kaduna South Senatorial District ZIP Capital Project Funds.

The statement was issued by his former aide on Project Monitoring, Alhaji Yahaya Suleiman, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Kaduna.

In the detailed statement, Yahaya asserted that Senator La’ah had no connection—direct or indirect—with any companies that executed projects during his tenure. His primary responsibility, he emphasized, was to oversee project execution and ensure compliance with contractual specifications, challenging anyone with contradictory evidence to come forward.

This response aims to counter false information circulated by a few online news outlets regarding Senator La’ah, also known as Shettiman Kagoro. The senator has received numerous inquiries from friends and supporters seeking clarification on these claims.

Yahaya expressed disbelief that a former senator could allegedly enter government agencies to collect funds for contracts executed during his term, questioning the understanding of governance regulations among officials.

He also pointed out inaccuracies in the reporting, specifically noting that no such road as Zangon Kataf – Kwali exists in the Kaduna South Senatorial Zone. During both the 8th and 9th Assemblies, there was never a project involving the development of livestock housing at the National Livestock Training Center in Kachia included in La’ah’s constituency projects—calling it a complete fabrication.

Regarding the Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of the Kwoi – Kafanchan road, Yahaya clarified that the contractor, MOFTREH CONSTRUCTION Nigeria Ltd, can be verified through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). He emphasized that Senator La’ah’s role was solely to ensure the proper execution of the contract, which was a maintenance project, not a reconstruction—debunking claims that the senator profited from it.

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He highlighted that from the N200 million allocated, taxes amounting to 17.5% would be deducted, leaving the contractor with a maximum of N175 million, which could not have involved Senator La’ah.

Yahaya encouraged anyone doubting the claims to visit the Kaduna Zonal Office of the Nigerian Building, Road and Research Institute (NIBRRI), the official body overseeing the project, to verify the quality of the work completed.

He also noted that other contractors and government agencies were involved in the Kwoi-Kafanchan road during the same period, further distancing Senator La’ah from the allegations.

Yahaya criticized the original writer of the article for their lack of understanding and urged them to approach the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for proper investigation rather than disseminating unverified claims online.

He concluded by revealing that an investigation into the writer’s identity uncovered no legitimate office or working phone number linked to the accusations, suggesting a deliberate attempt to tarnish Senator La’ah’s reputation without accountability.

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Ighodalo vows to Appeal tribunal verdict upholding Okpebholo’s election victory

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 19 September governorship election in Edo, Mr Asue Ighodalo, has said he will challenge the tribunal’s judgment at the Court of Appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirmed Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s victory and dismissed the petitions from the PDP and Ighodalo.

Ighodalo, in a statement in Benin, said his decision to challenge the judgment aimed to protect Edo people’s collective rights and ensure they freely determine their future.

“Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered its judgment on our petition challenging the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 election in our dear state.

“While we may not all agree with the verdict, we remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must continue as democracy’s foundational bedrock.

“Our pursuit of justice affirms our firm belief that Edo people’s right to freely choose their leaders through credible, free, and fair elections must always prevail.

“As a committed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urge all Edo people to remain peaceful, calm, and law-abiding,” he stated.

Ighodalo said this was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

He commended the people for their massive support, sincere love, and belief in their shared vision for a prosperous Edo, which had fuelled their journey.

“For us, this has never been about personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ for Edo while upholding democracy’s core values.

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“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a serious miscarriage of justice.

“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about democracy’s essence, our collective right to determine our future, and our legacy for generations unborn.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. We shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice,” Ighodalo said. (NAN)

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Reactions trail Edo tribunal judgement

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Mixed reactions have continued to trail the tribunal’s judgment affirming the election of Gov. Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the Sept. 19 governorship election in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirmed Okpebholo’s victory.

It dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Reacting to the judgment, the Edo chapter of the PDP expressed disappointment with the ruling delivered by the three-man election petition tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi.

Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, said the party was waiting to receive the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making further decisions.

“PDP is disappointed with the judgment of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel.

“As a party, we are waiting for the Certified True Copy. We will study it and decide on our next course of action,” Nehikhare said.

Mr Aslem Ojezua, a former PDP chieftain who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he was unsurprised by the tribunal’s decision, as the petition lacked merit.

“What I expect now is for Ighodalo to congratulate Okpebholo and join hands in solving the problems confronting our people and communities,” Ojezua said.

He added that the verdict was clear, highlighting the distinction between legal and sensational issues.

Chief Dan Orbih, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), said the tribunal had spoken, and they could not question its ruling.

Orbih stated that PDP would now focus on bringing back members who left during the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.

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He emphasised that efforts would commence to rebuild the party in Edo State following the election setback.

Orbih blamed the PDP’s struggles on former Gov. Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of driving members away from the party.

“Unfortunately, the former governor brought distress, division, and disaster to the PDP.

“Today, I did not see his face among those at the tribunal, waiting for the judgment outcome.

“As it stands, lawyers will study the verdict and make a decision after a careful review of the well-established ruling,” he said. (NAN)

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Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Confirms Monday Okpebholo as Governor

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The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially recognized Monday Okpebholo as the legitimate governor of Edo State.

In a series of three judgments, the tribunal rejected petitions submitted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party.

The tribunal determined that the PDP did not present any witnesses to substantiate its claims of overvoting.

Specifically, the PDP failed to bring forth polling unit agents from the locations where they alleged electoral discrepancies occurred.

Furthermore, the tribunal noted that among the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the primary witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy for the PDP, had no involvement in the election’s execution.

Additionally, the tribunal remarked that the BVAS evidence submitted by the petitioners was inadequately presented.

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