There have been words of commendation for Doyin Okupe who stepped down as Director General of the Labour Party presidential campaign after he was convicted of money laundering.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu presiding on Monday found Okupe guilty of contravening sections 16(1)&(2) of the Money Laundering Act and accepting cash in excess of the threshold allowed under the Act without going through a financial institution.
Okupe was found guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
He was therefore sentenced to two years by Justice Ojuwku with an option of N500,000 fine on each of the 26 counts for which he was found guilty.
Delivering her judgment, the judge held that Okupe, who is the first defendant in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, violated the Money Laundering Act, and had up to 4:30 pm on Monday to pay the fine option, totalling the sum of N13 million on all the charges he was found guilty of or be sent the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Ojukwu, in sentencing Okupe, considered the pleadings for leniency from the wife of the convict, Omolola Okupe, and that of his son, Adesunkanmi Okupe, and the allocutus by his counsel.
Okupe disclosed his intention to resign through a letter to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In the letter, Okupe said, “Dear Peter, you will recall that I briefed you yesterday about my personal travails in seeking justice and clearing my name using the Nigerian legal system to pursue same.
“I have invested too much in your campaign to allow my personal travails to become a source of distraction.
In the circumstances, I have decided to step aside and plead that you appoint a new campaign DG who can continue the assignment with zero distractions. God bless you and your family.”
His decision to resign has since staired reactions from Nigeria as such action is uncommon in the Nigerian political space.
See some reactions below:
thoroughly impressed with Doyin Okupe's resignation as DG of Labour Party's presidential campaign team. In this part of the world where volutary resignations are like rains in the desert?
A huge bonus point for Peter Obi and Labour Party. This is how to inspire hope.
— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) December 20, 2022
I remember when he said on Channels TV, "Seun, you know I have a large frame. I'm going to bend my back, so that the young ones can climb on it & take Nig forward."
Dear Dr. Doyin Okupe, you've staunchly done this ????????from Day 1. Obidients are thankful and we will not forget. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/gMzlgnhQJF
— Spotlight on #PeterObi2023 #Obidatti023 (@Spotlight_Abby) December 20, 2022
Peter Obi inspiring Doyin Okupe into becoming a better version of himself is a real modern-day “Jesus and Zaccheaus the chief tax collector” story.
— Dr Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) December 20, 2022
Doyin Okupe made the right decision by stepping down as DG of Peter Obi Campaign Organization; That is the new Nigeria we seek, A Nigeria where leaders take accountability seriously, a country where corruption is washed out pic.twitter.com/Q0NaNmRb4u
— Adenekan Mayowa (@Mayorspeaks) December 20, 2022
Kudos to Dr. Doyin Okupe for resigning based on the principle of morality. He has proven that he is a man of principle, & Peter Obi, Dr. Yusuf Datti, & the Labour Party respects Nigerians. The LP has set a new standard, the party has proven they are different from PDP and APC. ????
— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) December 20, 2022
BREAKING:
Doyin Okupe has stepped down as the DG of the Peter Obi campaign organization.
He has my respect! ????????
— Chris (@Topboychriss) December 20, 2022
Doyin Okupe's decision to step down from his position is a bold move that demonstrates his commitment to the success of the campaign. It takes courage to put the greater cause before personal ambition, and it is a testament to Okupe's character. This is a reminder that …
— Kowa Ishaku Yahaya (@Yahaya_IV) December 20, 2022
