Date Published: 11/17/09

Bode George: SW Governors mobilize N600 million bribe for appeal

Alao Akala

There are indications that some Governors in the South West, Nigeria, are desperate to ensure their leader, Bode George gets out sequel to last week rejection of his bail application. Already, a whooping sum of N600 Million has allegedly been earmarked to be shared to six Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN. They are expected to ensure George gets out at all cost. 

George who was locked up, alongside five others, for their roles in the wanton embezzlement perpetrated at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), is viewed by these Governors as a pillar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the South West.  

The former South West deputy Chairman of the PDP, was convicted alongside five other members of the NPA board for contract inflation to the tune of N84 billion, during his tenure as the Chairman of the board between 2000 and 2003. 

Pointblanknews gathered that the Governors at the helm of the ‘get him out at all cost ‘ project are Oyo State Governor, Bayo Akala, and  his Osun and Ogun counterparts, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Gbenga Daniel.  

Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Justice Olubunmi Oyewole had turned down the bail application for lack of adequate evidence to support George’s counsels’ ill health claims. 

It was learnt that the Governors raised a whooping N600 million earmarked as ‘fees’ for the defense counsels who are all Senior Advocates. The fee is outside the normal legal fee. According to our source, part of the amount would be used to induce whoever could sway the judgment in George’s favor. 

George has four senior advocates in his defense team led by Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN) 

Gbenga Daniel

Recal that counsel to the EFCC, Festus Keyamo had protested the presence of Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour in the panel of court 2 billed to determine his appeal. Justice Rhodes-Vivour is a Lagosian, who has twice, allegedly tried to influence Justice Oyewole while the case lasted in the latter’s domain. 

Sources told Pointblanknews.com that the point’s man for the defense is another senior Advocate, Lateef Fagbemi, who has already taken delivery of N100 million made available by Governor Akala.  

Said the source” they have put together N600million to ensure they get him out. They believe that without Bode George the PDP in the south west is doomed in the next election and AC would take over.” 

Sources disclosed further “They are using Lateef Fagbemi, the Ibadan based SAN who is coordinating the project. He has already received N100 million from Oyo Governor, Bayo Akala, Gbenga Daniel and (Olagunsoye) Oyinlola are also key governors running the show on behalf of their colleagues.”