NO MOTIVE FOR OZEKHOME TO WANT MAGU DEAD
It is amazing how Mr. Israel Olayiwola in his article (Why Ozekhome Wants Magu Dead!) Published by Sahara reporters on the 18th of July, 2020 tried in justifying the heading of his write up.
All in the attempt to black mail the learned silk in phantom acclamation at the end insulting the sensibility of Nigerians.
So we decided to do a fact finding study on his claim.
Who actually is Chief Mike Ezakhome?
High Chief (Dr) Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the Akpakpa Vighi Vighi of Edo land, Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-democracy campaigner, Author, Social Justice Crusader, Notary Public of Nigeria, Knight of the Order of St. Mulumba (KSM), Motivational Speaker and Public Affairs Analyst, hails from Iviukwe town in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state, Nigeria.
His late parents, Chief Abu Ozekhome and Madam Alimoh Abu Ozekhome were revered Chiefs and notable Community leaders.
He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Iviukwe, between 1964-1969, St. Peter’s College, Agenebode, from 1970-1974. He obtained his WASSCE with top grades as the best graduating student of the college in 1974. In 1975, obtained his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at Baptist Academy, Lagos before he gained admission into University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, to study English language and Law.
He joined the legendary Chief Gani Fawehinmi on a part time basis to unleash part of his bubbling professional energy and zeal. This was later to sharpen his advocacy skills and build a stronger platform for his fiery human rights activism and dogged defence of people’s rights.
He bagged his LL.M in 1983 and immediately went back to his first love, advocacy in the busy Chambers of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, to work first as a junior counsel, later as a senior counsel and finally as the Deputy Head of Chambers by 1985.
In 1986, Chief Mike Ozekhome, founded the law office of Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers with offices in Lagos, Abuja, Benin City and Agenebode. He coordinates the activities of the various law offices.
His guiding principles are: be bold, courageous and fearless in the defence of peoples right.
He is highly detribalized. He believes in one Nation characterized by a sense of social justice, peace, equity, equalitarianism and mutual respect by the various Nationalities for one another. The Nigerian people attest to his illustrious credentials, avalanche of achievements and strong legal pedigree.
Today, Sir Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, is a member of over twenty professional bodies, clubs and associations. He has received over 150 Awards and Honours both locally and across the globe. Outside legal practice, he has held over forty positions and appointments.
Honoured with the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a member of the Inner Bar, the prestigious and glamorous Silk which hallmarks of excellence in the Legal profession.
He is an exceptionally compassionate personality and a God-fearing Catholic.
He is happily married with seven Children to High Chief (Lady) Josephine Mike Ozekhome, a Barrister at Law and the Managing Partner of Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers, Lagos, Abuja, Benin City and Agenebode.
High Chief (Dr) Mike Ozekhome, SAN enjoys reading and writing, traveling and sightseeing, sports and music, philanthropy and empowerment activities, hot argument/debates, tending pets and plants. He is a teetotaler. He fears and glorifies God, putting Him first in all his undertaken.
In all of these credentials there is nothing that depicts murder or anything that is resembling such. What we see is a capacity packed individual that can defend his people. with such profile, Chief Mike Ozekhome is in good standing to fight against corruption with high value.
Chief Mike Ozekhome has never been arraigned or convicted on any criminal charges in Nigeria or any other country in the world.
Chief Mike Ozekhome has never been found seeking protection from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN neither has he collected or benefited from the proceed of the crime of money.
Chief Mike Ozekhome has never been convicted for any electoral offences nor has he been a member of Nigerian Customs probe panel.
The question is why go through all this to castigate Chief Mike Ozekhome and for what reasons?
These are questions Mr. Israel Olayiwola must answer.
If not Chief Mike Ozekhome should approach the courts for legal redress and this baseless allegations should be thrown into the dustbin.
We stand in strong support of Chief Mike Ozekhome to continue his fight against corruption, he should not allow himself to be distracted by anybody.
Mall Yusuf Ibrahim,
Director of Operation, CRESIA