By Jide Ajani, Editor, Northern Operations & Kolade      Olarenwaju
ABEOKUTA — The ongoing fight of attrition in Ogun State over the list of candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the April elections, appears to be getting messier with the submission of a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alleging offences committed by Governor Gbenga Daniel of the state.

The Ogun State government has, however, declared that it cannot put the mischief behind its political opponents.
Also, the Government of Ogun State has declared its unflinching support for the presidential aspiration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Vanguard gathered that a very prominent Nigerian had sent a petition to the EFCC, alleging three things against Governor Daniel: Needless borrowing, Diversion of local government funds; and Mis-allocation of land.

When Vanguard confronted the Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Shina Kawonise, yesterday, with the alleged petition before the EFCC, Vanguard was told that “we, too, are seeing the so-called allegations allegedly brought before the EFCC by the prominent Nigerian. There is even talk by some people that we are planning to ditch President Jonathan.

“But let me tell you.  If the idea is to cause President Jonathan to move against Governor Daniel, it would not work.

“Knowing President Jonathan to be a man of peace, justice and fairness, and especially because of the fact that I was present at a meeting last Monday at Aso Rock Presidential Villa where Governor Gbenga Daniel again re-affirmed his loyalty and commitment to the presidential aspiration of the President and to which the President himself is aware of my governor’s contributions, I would simply say you should not bother yourself about such talks.”

Following a meeting of the Daniel faction of the party in the Sagamu residence of the governor, Kawonise issued a statement reiterating the determination of the faction to stay within the party.

He said: “A meeting of all Joju Fadairo-led Ogun PDP stakeholders meeting was held today in Sagamu. The resolution, after a heavy rebuke of Gen. Obasanjo as the chief traducer of truth, justice and equity, was that for the sake of President Goodluck Jonathan, all will remain in PDP and not move to another party.

It is the belief of all that justice will eventually be done in the ongoing legal processes in the courts. This finally puts to rest the speculation that His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was set to dump PDP for another party.”