Ekiti Gate: APC Wants Obanikoro Banned From Public Office, Adesiyan Sacked As Minister

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has called for the
banning of former Minister of state for Defence, Musliu
Obanikoro, from holding any public office over his role in
the rigging of the governorship election in Ekiti state on
June 21, 2014.
APC Presents Ekiti Rigging Audio Tapes To The Public
Mr. Obanikoro’s name was Tuesday sent to the Senate for
confirmation as minister, by President Goodluck Jonathan. The
APC asked the Senate not to confirm Mr. Obanikoro.
APC also asked Nigeria’s armed forces to immediately begin
investigating Aliyu Momoh, a Major General for his role in the
alleged rigging of the election in Ekiti and repeating same in
Osun and ensure that immediate and necessary disciplinary
action are taken against all individuals that were involved in
what it said was subversion of democracy.
A video recording recently emerged of an intelligence officer in
the Nigerian Army, Captain Sagir Koli, giving details of how
General Momoh was used by Mr. Obanikoro, Ayo Fayose and
others to rig the election.
Also now in the public domain is a recording of a secret
meeting convened by top Peoples Democratic Party’s politicians
to strategise on how to rig the Ekiti election.
Rising from its first joint leadership meeting at the Shehu
Yar’Adua Centre Abuja, the APC also asked the Federal
government to immediately relieve the Minister of Police Affairs,
Jelili Adesiyan of his appointment.
The oppsosition party also asked the Nigerian government to
ensure that the armed forces are kept out of partisan politics in
line with a recent judgment by a court in Sokoto and its
affirmation by the Court of Appeal on Monday.
Part of the outcome of the joint leadership meeting was that the
rescheduled election dates of the March 28 and April 11 must
remain sacrosanct. The party said it would not tolerate any
further shift.
The party added that “the use of the card reader for the 28th of
March and 11th of April is non-negotiable, as contrary to the
misinformation being disseminated the use of card reader is not
synonymous with electronic voting”.
Speaking earlier, the party’s presidential candidate and former
Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, urged members of the party
not to “relax” after the completion of its campaign rallies
nationwide.
Mr. Buhari said APC should not lose focus due to the
extension. “Our patience and resilience will be tested in the
days ahead. We must pass this test. In a time like this, which
in football analogy can be referred to as extra time, we must
avoid making costly mistakes,” Mr. Buhari said. The APC
presidential candidate said the party must use the next six
weeks “to re-charge and re-focus on our goal”.
He said the goal of the APC remains to win the elections now
slated for March 28 and April 11 with a convincing majority.
“We should aim to achieve a victory that will be beyond dispute
and proceed to form the next government and start work on the
task of rebuilding our beloved country.
“Our eyes must be on the objective to build a great society that
works for all of us. A country where every child has an equal
opportunity to get an education, where every young Nigerian
who needs a job can find one. Where the sick are looked after
and senior citizens are provided for. A country which gives
value to human life, where the welfare and security of all is a
national priority and corruption is defeated,” he said.
Speaking on the Ekiti rigging debacle, Mr. Buhari expressed
surprise at the silence from the government over the matter.
“Up till now, there has been no official denial of this most
unfortunate event. It makes me wonder, in the circumstances
that led to shifting of the date of the Federal Elections, whether
the security services are even now being prepared to play
similar roles in the March 28th and April 11th elections.
Mr. Buhari said security services have serious constitutional
responsibilities to the people of the nation adding that their
importance to the health of the country cannot be
underestimated.
He urged the leadership of the security services to keep the
institutions out of partisan politics.
“I personally and, am sure, all Nigerians, have tremendous
respect for our security services. I therefore urge strongly that
they stick to, and concentrate on, their constitutional duties,
otherwise they stand the risk of becoming part of our already
complicated national situation,” he said.
He also thanked members of the party who took time to
participate in his campaign rallies across the country.
He particularly thanked those “who have been made mind
boggling offers by our opponents in a bid to break our ranks
and curtail our momentum in the march to change Nigeria for
good, yet you have chosen to be on the side of a cause that is
just”. He appealed to the party leaders and faithful not to rest
thinking that all is won. “Six weeks is a long time and we do
not know the plans of the other side but with our strong
resolve, we will prevail.
“Therefore let us keep our eyes on the ball. Let us work as we
have never done before, and let us watch and help each other.
The days and weeks ahead will be tough.
“Our resolve will be tested and all kinds of evil tricks will be on
display. But do not despair. The goal is in sight. Change is
coming. The people of Nigeria will prevail. God has destined
Nigeria to be a great country. We shall overcome and Change
shall be achieved,” Mr. Buhari said.

SOURCE : PREMIUM TIMES