ASABA/Nigeria: Olorogun Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded 2023 general elections in Delta State, has addressed the issues raised by Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi Esq, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), at the Election Petitions Tribunal in Asaba. Oghenesivbe categorically dismissed Gbagi’s claims, stating that they hold no weight and are an exercise in futility.
Speaking to newsmen in Asaba on Friday, Oghenesivbe assured that the testimonies given by Gbagi, who failed to secure a single local government area during the gubernatorial election, have already been adjudicated upon by competent courts, ruling in favor of Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the 3rd Respondent.
Oghenesivbe emphasized that the age and names of Governor Oborevwori were no longer in dispute, as decided by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Ikie vs Oborevwori. He likened Gbagi’s mischievous allegations to the ancient African Folklore of “Tales by Moonlight,” implying that they lack credibility and substance.
Furthermore, Oghenesivbe stated that Governor Oborevwori’s enviable reputation remains untarnished, countering Gbagi’s claim that he had visited Oborevwori in prison during his tenure as Chairman of the Legal Aid Council. Oghenesivbe pointed out that there is no evidence to support such a claim, as the 3rd defendant has never been convicted or sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction for any offense.
Regarding the age difference between Gbagi and Oborevwori, Oghenesivbe argued that it is narrow and insignificant, with a two-year gap between their birth years (Gbagi in 1961 and Oborevwori in 1963). He highlighted that this age proximity suggests they belong to the same age grade within the African setting.
“Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi is, to a large extent, a political comedian who fails to recognize the right time to quit when the ovation is loudest,” Oghenesivbe remarked.
He described Gbagi’s testimony against Governor Oborevwori at the Election Petitions Tribunal as lacking substantial evidence and weight, emphasizing that the issues raised had already been adjudicated upon and resolved in favor of the 3rd defendant by courts of competent jurisdictions.
Oghenesivbe concluded by reaffirming Governor Oborevwori’s integrity and pedigree, dismissing Gbagi’s attempts to tarnish his reputation. He highlighted that Gbagi’s inability to win a single local government area during the 2023 governorship election renders his claims ineffective.
Oghenesivbe also made it clear that the matter at the Election Petitions Tribunal would ultimately end in favor of Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
