By Mario Deepromoter

… ensure neutrality

…and INEC must inspire in Nigerians

As the Edo state governorship elections is few days away, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives outrightly condemns the incessant discriminatory arrests of members and leaders of some opposition parties by the police and other security agencies.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Caucus Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda where the Caucus expressed concern over events in Edo State.

” We are worried by the reported cases of deliberate coercion, gross harassment, and grand intimidation of some of the minority party faithful and stakeholders across the state.

“We are alarmed that the police and some security agencies in cahoot with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) have, in the past weeks being involved in serial unlawful activities which includes wanton and forceful arrests of opposition members under spurious allegations.

The caucus also condemned the unusual silence from above saying: “More disturbing is the silence of the Federal Government to the ludicrous posturing, preposterous demagoguery, and insidious shenanigans of some leaders and senior members of the APC.

” Some of these people whose penchant for garrulousness and tactless elucidation are well documented. If these anti- democratic forces are not called to order, their negative acts may deny the good people of Edo state the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility.

“Also, the FG must as of necessity, come clean and clear doubts about allegations that it plans to rig the elections for the APC candidate.

“The Caucus criticises in its entirety this negative ploy, which will further erode citizens confidence in our electoral system. As it is, the FG’s interest and interference in the elections has created mistrust in the electoral process among some voters.

“As major stakeholders in the electoral process and advocate for odourless, and transparent elections, the Caucus strongly appeals to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair, and credible elections on Saturday. Aware of the negative narratives, and stain-riddled perception of INEC by many Nigerians, the electoral body is advised to use the Edo governorship elections to wean itself of these baggages. The INEC should grab the opportunity of Saturday’s election to embark on necessary image-cleaning, credibility re-positioning, and convince Nigerians of its independence. To achieve this, the electoral umpire should not only guarantee level playing field for all parties, and candidates, it must ensure that voters freely exercise their franchise.

“The Caucus enjoins the FG, INEC, security agencies, political parties, and other major stakeholders to play by the rules. President Bola Tinubu must ensure that the Edo governorship elections, the fourth in his administration, must be an improvement on the Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa elections. To achieve this, he must ensure that INEC is fair to all parties; guarantee the neutrality of the police, and other security agencies, and emplace protection of voters.

“The Caucus has also resolved to monitor the election to enable it take necessary and consequential legislative action.

The split among the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is widening.

A group of National Working Committee (NWC) members met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday and got a message.

Another group led by Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum met yesterday with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. They got another message.

While the Bauchi State Governor said the party would send Damagum packing because his stay had become untenable, Makinde said in Ibadan that he was giving 100 per cent support to the acting national chairman.

Mohammed hosted members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) yesterday at the time that Damagum was in Ibadan.

Reading the communique of his meeting with a faction of the NWC, he said: “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.

“According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated.

“Northcentral has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue.

“We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the Northcentral is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”

He said such an arrangement was worked out after the resignation of Alh. Bamanga Tukur from the Northeast, when former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, became the PDP National Chairman.

The NWC team that met with Mohammed was led by the National Legal Adviser, Kamaluddeen Adeyemi.

With him were National Publicity Secretary Debo Olagunagba and National Vice Chairman (Northeast) Emmanuel Bovao.

Others were National Treasurer Ahmed Yayari, National Women Leader Amina Bryhm and National Financial Secretary W. A Daniel.

There were also DG-PDP Governors Forum Agbo Emmanuel and Consultant Agu Emmanuel.

But, Makinde pledged full support for Damagum, who was in Ibadan for the turning of the sod for the rehabilitation of the Ladoke Akintola airport.

The Oyo governor said: “I am glad also that our Acting National Chairman and members of his NWC are here.

“I was reading yesterday (Tuesday) that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members.

“Let me say clearly that I have been discussing with my brother and let me tell you that we are 100 per cent in support of Damagum-led NWC.

“Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party.

“Let me also say this: I don’t think this is the right time…Even if we have issues within ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday.

“So, we should all just rally around and deliver our candidate.”

Dispelling speculations that he is not in support of Edo PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, Makinde said: “I was away. I already fixed the meetings in Finland and Sweden when they fixed the Edo governorship grand finale rally. I couldn’t come.

“I thought I would manage to get to Nigeria that Saturday and tongues have been wagging that I wasn’t at the rally.

“Let me declare loud and clear that Seyi Makinde is 100 per cent with our candidate Asue Ighodalo in Edo State and it is the Edo people’s decision.

“If the people of Edo want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, you should vote for Asue Ighodalo and deliver him as your next governor. He will give you nutrition.”

‘APC planting moles in Rivers PDP’

Mohammed accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately planting moles within the PDP in Rivers State.

The governor alleged that the ruling party’s strategy is to fuel internal divisions for political gains.

Mohammed made the accusations when the PDP BoT visited him.

Mohammed expressed concern over the ongoing power struggle within Rivers PDP between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the APC-led government.

He said: “We have to close ranks but it is something that is baffling some of us.

“No challenge is not insurmountable. It will be surmounted by the grace of God and we will find a solution to that and that is why there is a problem.

“It is only PDP with the experience of governance that is being challenged. And you will notice that this is a creation of the other side (the APC).

“They want us to be in disarray; the crisis is the creation of the APC. They always want to have moles within us; they want to know what is happening within us.”

Mohammed said efforts were on to unify the party, adding: “We cannot compromise the peace and unity of our great party.”

BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara commended Mohammed for his initiatives in resolving the crisis, expressing the BoT’s willingness to support his efforts.

Wabara said the BoT plans to engage the two factions in Rivers in separate meetings to address the issues.

Wabara further expressed disappointment with the ongoing challenges in the PDP, particularly the NWC’s actions and the leadership crisis in Rivers.

“We are not happy with what is happening in the party, and I think Nigerians too are not happy with what is happening in the PDP, particularly in Rivers,” he said.

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, born on October 7, 1970, in Edo State, Nigeria, is a distinguished legal practitioner with over three decades of experience in corporate and commercial law.

His rise to prominence as a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and his involvement in high-profile legal matters have earned him widespread recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.

Olumide Akpata Biography

Olumide was born into a family that valued education and hard work. His mother, Mrs. Patience Oluwafunmilayo Akpata (née Obasahon), was a respected businesswoman, while his father, Mr. Akpata, a medical doctor, initially hoped his son would pursue medicine.

However, Olumide chose a different path, opting for law after initially considering business administration. He attended King’s College, Lagos, one of the country’s most prestigious secondary schools, before heading to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he earned his law degree in 1992.

Shortly after, Akpata attended the Nigerian Law School, where he completed his legal training, and in December 1993, at the age of 23, he was called to the Nigerian Bar. His early career began with his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service in Kano, after which he gained invaluable experience working for one of Nigeria’s leading litigators, Dr. Mudiaga Odje, SAN.

Career at Templars: A Leading Role in Corporate Law

Olumide’s legal journey took a pivotal turn when he joined Templars, a top-tier commercial law firm co-founded by his cousin, Oghogho Akpata. Moving to Lagos, he became deeply involved in the firm’s operations, quickly rising through the ranks.

Over time, Olumide established himself as a Senior Partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group, focusing on areas like mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and oil and gas law.

Under Akpata’s leadership, Templars grew to be one of Nigeria’s most prominent law firms, known for its robust team of over 100 lawyers.

His expertise in handling high-stakes corporate transactions brought him into close contact with major multinational companies, such as Google, for whom he facilitated the launch of Google Street View in Nigeria.

One of his major accomplishments was advising Access Bank on its merger with Diamond Bank, a monumental deal that led to the creation of one of Africa’s largest retail banks.

He also played a crucial role in the restructuring of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), which opened the door to the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector, as well as advising on the acquisition of telecommunication towers from Airtel Networks Limited for American Tower Corporation.

His vast knowledge and contributions have made him a trusted legal advisor, not just in Nigeria but also on the international stage, where he has counseled leading global companies.

Groundbreaking NBA Presidency

In 2020, Olumide Akpata achieved a milestone in Nigerian legal history by becoming the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). His election was significant, as he was the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to hold the position in more than three decades.

Akpata’s campaign resonated with a large number of Nigerian lawyers, particularly younger members of the Bar, who were eager for change and reform within the association.

During his tenure, Akpata implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare and professional development of lawyers.

He emphasized the importance of continuous legal education, mentoring programs, and improved technology for lawyers to stay competitive in the modern era.

Akpata also made strides in advocating for human rights, with his leadership being pivotal during the #EndSARS protests, a movement that sought to end police brutality in Nigeria.

Under his guidance, the NBA called for accountability and reforms within the police force, further solidifying his role as an advocate for justice and fairness.

A Personal Life Grounded in Family and Tradition

On the personal front, Olumide Akpata’s marriage to Osayamon Ogbebor May Michelle in 2022 was a major event in Nigerian society.

Osayamon, a lawyer with a Master’s degree from Queen Mary University of London, works as a Financial Market Legal Advisor at Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Nigeria’s central securities depository.

Their traditional wedding, held in Benin City, Edo State, was followed by a white wedding in the Republic of Mauritius in October 2022.

The high-profile events were attended by numerous dignitaries, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Godwin Obaseki.

His marriage is seen as a union of two intellectual powerhouses, with both Olumide and Osayamon excelling in their respective legal careers.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Akpata has been open about both his personal and professional journey, which includes living with Vitiligo, a condition that results in patches of lost skin pigmentation.

However, Akpata’s story extends beyond his legal and leadership achievements—it’s also one of remarkable endurance.

In a candid speech, Akpata shared that he had faced a serious health battle more than a decade ago when he was diagnosed with stage three cancer.

Reflecting on his journey during his 51st birthday, he said: “I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage three cancer over 10 years ago, but by the grace of God, I have been cancer-free for at least five years.”

Akpata also revealed that his recovery involved undergoing multiple surgeries.

His willingness to share such a personal and challenging experience has forged a stronger connection with the public, who now view him not only as a leader but as a person who has overcome significant obstacles.

His survival and resilience have further solidified his image as someone capable of navigating both personal and collective struggles, qualities that resonate strongly with his supporters and those he hopes to lead.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Olumide Akpata’s career has been marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence, both as a corporate lawyer and as a reformer within the legal profession.

His contributions to corporate law, his transformative leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, and his foray into politics highlight his commitment to making a lasting impact on Nigerian society.

Olumide Akpata Controversy

His emergence as Labour Party Governorship election in Edo state has not been short of controversy. A suit was filed by Kenneth Imasuangbon, who alleged a breach of the electoral guidelines in the primary election that produced Akpata as the LP governorship candidate.