A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Edo state, Mr. John Mayaki has called on the security agencies to invite a former Commissioner in the state, Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor to explain his allegations of judgment purchase he made against governor Monday Okpebholo on his Facebook page.
The former Commissioner and spokesperson of the candidate of the PDP candidate in the 2024 governorship election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, had posted on Saturday that Governor Okpebholo is saving the state’s federal allocation and internally generated revenue to pay for an expected Supreme Court judgment.
Besides, in a reckless manner, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor accused the governor of purchasing the Appeal Court judgment. According to Isibor, “serious money was used to purchase Appeal Court judgment”, and funds are now being reserved to do the same at the apex court.
In his reaction, Mayaki who was a former Chief Press Secretary to ex-governor Godwin Obaseki said the statements of the former Commissioner are grave criminal allegations against a sitting governor and an indictment of the Nigerian judiciary.
According to Mayaki, “no responsible citizen, regardless of politics leaning, should remain silent when such unfounded and provocative remarks are made against the sanctity of our judicial system and the integrity of public institutions.
“I want to call on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately invite Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor for questioning and explanation.
“I think he needs to be compelled to provide proof of this wild and damaging claim, or face the full wrath of the law for attempting to incite the public, damage the credibility of the courts, and undermine our democratic process.
“I also believe that if this reckless accuser possesses any credible evidence that public funds are being diverted for judicial compromise, he should submit such to the appropriate authorities and if not, his deliberate misinformation, public mischief, character smears and criminal falsehood should not go unpunished.
“This kind of destructive opposition and divisive propaganda being peddled by Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor and his co-travelers should be nipped in the bud before it poisons public perception and drags our democratic institutions into disrepute.
“I therefore urge the security agencies to act now and uphold the rule of law by inviting Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor to clarify his allegations in the interest of truth, justice and the peace of our dear state and country”, Mayaki stated.