The Okun Parapo, a Pan-Okun socio-cultural group representing the interests of the Okun people in Kogi State and in Diaspora, is using this medium to strongly issue this stern statement in reaction to the spurious and offensive lies and allegations made against Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke by some faceless arm-chair critics or group that tagged themselves “concerned citizens of Kogi State”. We at Okun Parapo hereby express our shock and dismay at the evil attempts to smear the very good reputation of a respected member of the Okun nation.
The wicked allegations against Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke are not only false but also terribly offensive to every Okun citizen. It is disheartening and heart wrenching to see such baseless accusations being thrown around without any evidence to back them up, using a media platform called Muri Media/Strategic Center (which is rather unfortunate) to disseminate falsehood around. As a leader and a prominent public figure, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke had worked and is still working tirelessly to serve not just the interest of the people of Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State that he represents at the Federal House of Representatives with nobility but also craves with his soul to improve the lives of the entire good people of Kogi State without borders.
To many of us, to see his good name being dragged through the mud in this manner is truly unsettling, heart- breaking and treacherous.
We at the Okun Parapo platform unequivocally stands by one of our own in person of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and urges the general public not to give in to blatant liars or give credence to their unending malicious lies. We are calling for a thorough investigation by the law enforcement agencies to unearth the identities of members of this ignoble shameless group, and the people concerned. Our reaction to the allegations against our own is a testimony to our commitment to upholding justice and integrity within Kogi state and anywhere for that matter.
The baseless allegations of purported involvement and collaboration of a forthright legislator like Rt. Hon James Abiodun Faleke getting himself in the financial malfeasance and obstruction of justice in the ongoing EFCC versus former governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello saga is a clear example of malicious tribal chauvinism and character assassination backed up with ethnic sentiments These allegations, churning out recklessly on various tribalistic platforms by faceless individuals claiming to be “concerned Kogi citizens,” are not only unsubstantiated but also damaging to not just the reputation of an innocent individual but to Kogi state as a whole
The so-called concerned Kogi citizens have alleged that Hon. James Abiodun Faleke is involved in money laundering and acts as a middle man for former Governor Yahaya Bello. What an insult to the sensibility of Faleke and any Okun person? The shameless group has gone beyond their boundaries and they must be tamed and placed where it belongs.
They have further claimed that Faleke has vowed to shield Bello from any investigation and prosecution by the EFCC. These allegations are unfounded, outrageous and lack any factual evidence to support them. It must be understood that Faleke can never be an errand boy to Bello, he is extremely far above that.
It is important to note that without concrete evidence, such allegations are mere speculations or fabrications aimed at tarnishing the image of a good individual who has dedicated his entire life to public service. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has been a respected political figure and has served his constituency assiduously and diligently. It is unfounded and unfair to drag his well-guided name through the mud with baseless allegations.
In a society where the rule of law should prevail, it is essential to refrain from spreading false information or engaging in character assassination. The individuals behind these allegations should be held accountable for their reckless actions or utterances and should be made to provide hard evidences to support their claims.
The spurious and baseless allegations against a completely innocent man have caused quite a stir in the political landscape of Kogi state, portraying to the rest of the world the crops of people with warped or witless brains pretending to belong together. These allegations, coming from jobless and expired writers with questionable motives, aim to tarnish the reputation of a well-respected and honourable man. You can’t pull a good man down.
It is clear that those behind these allegations have ulterior motives, stemming from their desperation to regain the lost power after being out of office for a significant period of time. Their attempts to create chaos among different ethnic groups in Kogi State against each other is nothing short of despicable and should not be entertained by the innocent citizens of the state.
The Okun people, to which Faleke belongs, are a proud and highly educated group who will not fall for such cheap political blackmail or tactics. Faleke has never been accused of corruption, and it is evident that these allegations are nothing more than a smear campaign orchestrated by those who fear his integrity and popularity among Kogites.
As a man of high principle and honour, Faleke will not be brought down by any faceless group or with baseless accusations. The people of Okun Parapo stand firmly and solidly like the Rock of Gibraltar behind him, ready to defend him against any crude attempts to discredit his character and national reputation.
It is imperative that we discard these false allegations and focus on the issues that truly matter to the development and progress of Kogi state. Let us not be swayed by the deceitful tactics of those who seek to divide us for their own selfish gains. Hon. Faleke is a man of integrity, and he deserves our unwavering support in the face of such malicious attacks.
It is imperative that we do not jump to conclusions based on unfounded allegations and rumours. Let us uphold the principles of fairness, equity justice and refrain from engaging in baseless accusations that serve no purpose other than to defame individuals. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and his reputation should not be tarnished by false allegations
In times like these, it is important for Kogi people to come together to support their leaders and stand up against unwarranted or unfounded attacks on their characters. The Okun Parapo’s swift response to these allegations is to serve as a reminder that unity and solidarity are essential in the face of adversity.
Signed:
Hon. Musa Bakare
For: Okun Parapo
9th July, 2024
