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CSOs Accuse Media Houses of Misleading, Mischievous Report on Hon. Obasa

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2020

Joel Ajayi

A coalition of Civil Society groups comprising of Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust, South-South Youth Peace Mission and other Civil Society groups in the country have accused some section of media houses of a mischievous story to destroy the reputation of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa built over the year

The groups in a press release jointly signed under the leadership of Amb. Omoba Micheal and Comrade Godwin Erheriene, as the conveners on Tuesday in Abuja, asked those media houses to stop misleading the public.

According to the release, unarguably religion plays a major role in the life of the people. To some it is their candlelight; it gives them insight, wisdom, and knowledge. Therefore, it is expected that the teaching of religion should reflect in the lives of the people.

“Fake news stories can not only polarize different groups within a state but can also affect international relations and for political intrigues whereby causing conflict to undermine people faith in the Democratic process and people ability to work together.

“While it is right to encourage outstanding actions and condemn mediocre deeds, the intent and manner have done matters. In recent years, social media has been hijacked by those who are stock in trade of fake news and seek the downfall of persons, organization or Nations perceived to be excelling in their chosen endeavors.

“Based on fact findings, is not possible for anyone to have more than one account in one bank with two different dates of birth and different names in with one BVN.

“Officials of Ecobank, Wema Bank and Polaris has denied that Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa is operating multiple bank accounts with them.

“Some representatives of the banks spoke before the 9-man House Adhoc Committee on fact-finding and investigation on the corruption allegations against Speaker Mudashiru Obasa being circulated on social media recently.”

“The bank officials stated that it was not possible for an individual to operate multiple accounts with one Bank Verification Number (BVN). The Committee is headed by Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo Constituency 1).” The statement said.

Present during the meeting were Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu, Hon. Lukmon Olumoh and Hon. Mojisola Alli-Macaulay.

A Business Development Officer with Wema Bank, Mr. Adekunle Adeleke said that the BVN server did not reserve with any bank, and that it is with the CBN.

“The BVN and the accounts stated in the story is not correct and they don’t belong to the Speaker of the Assembly.

“It is not possible for a BVN to have two dates of births. If they do so, it would be rejected in another bank, they would have to swear to an affidavit so that it would be the same.

“If it should be changed, it would be backed up by marriage certificate or sworn affidavit,” he stated.

Adeleke stressed that the companies stated by those media houses in their reports had no linkage with Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

He added that the name, signature, and other details in the story has no relationship with Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

“BVN is a different server, it does not belong to any bank. You cannot punch BVN and get any financial details. It is only the regulator or the anti-corrupion agency that can do so through the CBN,” he said.

Polaris Bank was represented by Mr. Charles Osho and Mr. Rotimi Omotayo, Chief Internal Auditor of the bank.

“Mr. Adebayo Adeyemi David is different from Mr. Ajayi Mudashiru Obasa and there is no linkage between the two personalities.

“Rt. Hon. Ajayi Mudashiru Obasa has one account with our bank and the BVN quoted for Obasa is correct. The other person has a separate BVN for the two accounts.

General Manager of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), Mr. Onafowote Fati Idowu, who was also invited by the Committee, revealed that the 40 Toyota Corolla back-up cars bought for the 8th Assembly was with the notice of his office and that the purchase followed the due process.

He said that Certificate of Compliance was issued for the procurement of the vehicles on 30th April 2019.

“The purchase of the vehicles was approved by the Management Committee of the House, led by the Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the relevant documents were provided.

“Members of the Committee were Hon. Wahab Olumuyiwa Jimoh, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Hon. Dayo Saka-Fafunmi, and Hon. Setonji David. The purchase was budgeted for and It is in tandem with the appropriate Procurement Law,” he said.

We, therefore encourage those organizations behind those publications against the impracticable character and numerous achievement of the Speaker, to have a rethink and do a rejoinder of their allegation, as is now obvious that they goofed based on the publication made against the innocent man. Reject invitation to support lies against the innocent. Very common in politics; blackmails will come but stick to the truth and right fact.

Hon. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA has won so many awards based on his outstanding performance over time. As a young man of his age to have achieved a lot within this short period of time, I think he deserves an accolade from us, Nigerians.

Leadership Training, Cambridge University, UK, Certificate on Legislation, UK parliament, Nigerian Law School, (2007)

Legislator of the Year, Podium Recognition Awards 2016 by Podium International, 10th Anniversary, Evergreen Lawmaker of the Year 2016 by APC Volunteers Lagos Award of Excellence, Omoluabi/Ambassador Ile Asofin Rere (OAIAR) by the Yoruba Community (Egbe Omo Oduduwa), Naples, Italy. True Son of Islam Award 2016 by CITINET international, Best House of Assembly Speaker 2016 by Global Excellence, Speaker of the Year 2016 by City People Magazine, Outstanding Leaders Award by Christian Coalition Against Corruption, Award of Landmark for Community Support Initiative by Orchard Media, Man of the Year Award by Agege Awards Organization, Mentorship/Leadership Award by R&A City Hotel: Ikeja Committee of Friends, Certificate of Excellence by the State of Georgia, USA. His awards and achievement will be too numerous to mention here on this platform. May we at this juncture call on well-meaning Nigerians to always support hard work instead of this, “let bring him down syndrome” for the Development and interest of this Nation is more paramount than our individual interest.

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Delta North 2027: Between Legacy and Renewal- Why Victor Ochei Represents The Future

Published

4 days ago

April 13, 2026

The Gleamer

By Austin Edemodu, PhD

The emerging political discourse surrounding the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest raises a fundamental question about leadership, succession, and the moral obligations of those who have long occupied the public space.

Recent reports suggesting that Ifeanyi Okowa has “accepted” calls by stakeholders to re-enter the senatorial race have, understandably, stirred both interest and concern across the district.To be clear, every Nigerian, including Dr. Okowa, is constitutionally entitled to seek elective office.

However, beyond legality lies a more compelling question; one of equity, fairness, and the sustainability of democratic culture.

Should the political space continually revolve around a single individual who has, by all standards, had an extensive and privileged run in public service?

Dr. Okowa’s political résumé is both rich and undeniable. From his early days as Secretary to Ika North East Local Government, to his roles as Commissioner in multiple strategic ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, he has occupied some of the most influential offices available within the state and beyond.

His trajectory reflects not just ambition, but opportunity; opportunity that many equally capable individuals have not been afforded.

It is precisely within this context that his reported return to the senatorial contest raises legitimate concerns. At what point does experience give way to overreach?

When does political continuity begin to resemble stagnation? And perhaps more importantly, what message does this send to a new generation of leaders waiting in the wings?

Democracy thrives not merely on participation, but on renewal. It depends on the deliberate cultivation of successors, the encouragement of fresh ideas, and the willingness of established figures to step aside in the interest of broader inclusion.

A system that recycles leadership without fostering transition risks alienating its most vibrant and innovative minds.

This is where the candidacy of Rt Hon. Victor Ochei becomes not only relevant but compelling.
A former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei embodies a blend of legislative experience, administrative competence, and grassroots connection. His career has been defined not by political dominance, but by service across multiple sectors. As an engineer, lawyer, and public servant, his intellectual depth is matched by practical engagement.

His tenure in the state legislature was marked by strategic empowerment initiatives and a demonstrable commitment to constituency development.

Beyond the legislature, his role at NIMASA and his current position as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation further underscore a capacity for leadership that transcends politics. These experiences have equipped him with a national outlook and administrative discipline, qualities essential for effective representation at the Senate.

Yet, perhaps Ochei’s most distinguishing attribute is his accessibility. In an era where political office is often perceived as distant and elitist, he has maintained an open-door philosophy that resonates with ordinary citizens.

His appeal among youths, women, and grassroots communities is not incidental; it is the product of consistent engagement and inclusive leadership.

The argument, therefore, is not merely about replacing one individual with another. It is about redefining the political trajectory of Delta North. It is about choosing between continuity that risks entrenchment and renewal that promises expansion.

This is not to diminish the contributions of Dr. Okowa, but to recognize that leadership must, at some point, evolve beyond individual dominance.

The future of Delta North cannot be built on the foundations of perpetual recycling. It must be anchored on deliberate transition, generational inclusion, and visionary representation.

As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North are presented with a choice that goes beyond personalities. It is a choice between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of the possible.

In Victor Ochei lies a candidacy that reflects not just competence, but the urgency of a new direction.

History will not merely remember who held power, but who had the courage to pass the torch.q

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