Former Anambra governor, Chief Willie Obiano was disgraced at Onitsha main market while campaigning for his wife with chant of obi obi obi. The deafening chants made them hurriedly leave the market for fear of being lynched.
“It’s unfortunate that other Nigerian tribes haven’t truly understand who Igbos are, true Igbos don’t support looters, be it Igbo politician or none Igbo. Ndigbo are republicans ,they hate people without good records. Obiano has taken ndigbo as fools and that is why he failed to appreciate the fact that his eight years in Government was a total disaster .This is a lesson to other public officers. There is always time for judgement’
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has revealed that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 general election, Bola Tinubu Slept all through their meeting with the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Abuja today.
The National Peace Committee met with some presidential candidates and other stakeholders on breaches to the Peace Accord signed in September 2022.
Also in attendance for the meeting were the vice presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa; and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Bishop Isaac Idahosa.
The Chairman of the NPC, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); Secretary, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III also came for the meeting.
Others in attendance are leaders of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police, and civil society organisations.
Speaking on what happened at the meeting, Sowore said the candidate of the APC didn’t say a word all through the meeting because he was sleeping and their party’s National Chairman spoke in his stead.
We just returned from a meeting of party leaders/Presidential candidates with the national peace committee in Abuja, the Presidential candidate of The @OfficialAPCNg @officialABAT slept through the meeting, he didn’t say a word. His party chair spoke on his behalf,” he tweeted on Friday.
These days, I am up most nights, swatting mosquitoes and pouring sweat. I tell you, it feels like hell. With fuel selling at 400 on the black market, and diesel costing double in both consumption and price. Like hell. How Governance is absent, and nobody takes responsibility enough to say – It is my failing. Blame me. Instead, those already in Power lament with us and say, ‘Put me in a different office, a higher office, and you will see…’ See what? What will we see that we have not already seen?
The bastardization of the word ‘change’. It is not that we are not deeply appreciative of rice pyramids, and railway lines, we are. But the idea was to add this to the pre-existing state of relative peace and security, and inter-ethnic co-existence. Not to take that away for locally produced rice. Ah! E no balance. No. For it is better to be importing rice, but travelling with relative peace of mind from Lagos to Kafanchan. Than to be unable to carry that bag of locally made rice to Maiduguri for fear of bandits. Yes. Law and Order is the First Law of Civilization.
For this reason, to me, it is clear, the cancerous effects of Tribalism. Yes. This is it. This tendency to condone the petty criminality of our ethno-religious kinfolk. Saying, ‘No, they are just hungry. No, they are just angry. No, it is not really murder.’ Shielding them from the full weight of the Law, always in the false belief that anarchists from your own side of the country are on your side, and will shield you and yours from the worst consequences of their anarchism. I tell you, Extremism is nobody’s pet. It is, and will always be, a tiger. And those who feed it will end up in its belly. That is the eternal tragedy of Tribalism, with its naïve belief that the Terrorism of relatives can be domesticated.
Let me tell you. If you are muslim who believes that jihad is not about violently seizing other people’s lands, but about valiantly striving against the downward pull of earthbound propensities, you have far more in common with a Christian who understands what Christ meant when He said, ‘The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force’ than you have with someone who thinks capturing and enslaving young girls of contrary faiths is Islam. It is not. It is not Christianity either to say, ‘God says to love one’s neighbour as one’s self, but these Fulani people eh… Hmm. It does not apply to them’. It does. For eternal truths are not only true when it comes to forbidding the white man from discriminating against the black man. No. They are also true when it comes to forbidding the black man from discriminating against the black man. You see? Racism or Tribalism, it is one root.
So, free your heart from this prejudice and bias. Yes. It is how to begin the process of re-building one’s capacity to hear, again, one’s human spirit, and see the road ahead clearly. For the decadence all around us is rooted in our inability to call a spade a spade when that spade is in the hand of a member of our ethno-religious group. You see? Where there should be light, there is darkness. Where there should be peace, there is war. Where there should be singing and dancing, mothers are wailing and weeping deep into the night for lost sons and daughters. Because we would rather sit in suffering under the incompetence of someone from ‘our side’ than let the best man or woman win. I swear, Tribalism is a bastard.
So, I let it go. These years of deep conditioning, to put my socio-cultural idiosyncrasies above the Truth. No more. It is one country, and no life is more precious than the other, no culture is more beautiful than the other, no faith is more valid than the other. Yes. Let God be the judge. But here and now, on this earthly plane, between me and you, I owe you nothing more than Love and Justice.
Frank Nweke Jr, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, on Thursday addressed Biafran agitators in a section of his rousing lecture delivered at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nweke, who shared his perspectives on how the Igbos can reclaim their identity was unequivocal in stating that while the agitations for secession could be traced to logical reasons, the methods deployed by the majority of the separatists groups were counterproductive.
In his submissions, the guest lecturer recalled the devastating effects of the civil war, highlighted the loss incurred by the southeast for every day a sit-at-home order is observed and implored individuals demanding a secession to consider the effects continued agitations would have on the people they desire to liberate.
“The effects of your agitation today are not felt by those who govern us. Instead, the poor are getting poorer, being battered by a government that ignores them and a nonstate actor that keeps them in fear.
“The Southeast bleeds profusely every Monday that local businesses, schools, hospitals, and institutions are closed. We lose an average of N75.711 billion every day that a sit-at-home is observed.” He shared.
Instead, he urged them to pay attention to instituting a leadership structure that will be trusted and held accountable to deliver the dividends of democracy to our region.
“What is the quality of the leadership that will take over the reins of administration should a referendum be granted, and the new entity demanded with intense passion become a reality?
“I implore you to reconsider the motives and the strength of your pursuit. I speak to you as one that is unhappy with the current system and wants to see a change, that we sit down and re-evaluate our methods, our goals, and our values.”
The Lecture, which was the first in the series for the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2023 had in attendance almost 3000 students, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Obi Ani and the Head of the English and Literary Studies Department and Chairman, Local Organizing Committee for the lecture, Professor Stella Okoye.
The senatorial candidate of the Labour Party ( LP) for Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh said he has no regrets in contributing his quota for the emergence of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said he had forgiven Soludo for removing his campaign billboards in Awka.
Umeh, who spoke with reporters in his campaign office at Udoka Housing Estate, said he won’t challenge the Governor’s action in Court as he had resigned himself to fate.
He said during the 2021 governorship election, he toiled day and night working as Soludo’s returning officer on the election day yet the only way he had to pay him was to remove all his campaign billboards that were fully paid for because of party politics and interest.
Umeh said: “I campaigned for him (Soludo) to be Governor; I was a member of the National Campaign Council and the State Collation Agent for Soludo and APGA including the run-off Election at Ihiala and I discharged that duty creditably, ensuring that his votes were not stolen and after that, I took the result to him in Isuofia his community and presented it to him.
“I have no regret. I only told him my interest then was for him to take care of Anambra people and it is left for the Anambra people to judge if he is doing well or not.
“Anything I say now will be misinterpreted because the Governor recently pulled down my billboards. It’s left for people of the state to judge him.”
He said the Governor ordered the removal of the billboard during a meeting with some members of his party at the Governor’s Lodge.
According to him: “He ordered them to remove it but someone told him that I duly paid for the billboard to stand at Unizik temporary Site junction, but he replied that they should refund my money to me, that the space was too strategic for any other political party to display their billboards.
“They removed it on Saturday morning, and on Saturday evening, they replaced it with APGA billboard.
“I made inquiries before I accepted to pay for placement of that billboard. That space was previously occupied by Interfact Brewery, makers of Hero Beer, and when their contract there expired, an advertising company, which is duly registered, which works with us told us the space was vacant.
“We paid N1 million for our billboard to be hoisted on that space and the billboard had my face and that of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
”The advertising company also paid the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) for the billboard.
“That billboard has been there since December and the contract was to expire after the election, but he ( Soludo) ordered it to be removed.
“He did it in bad faith and I heard that he has asked me to go to court if I liked, that if I do, the matter will remain there until after the election.
“On the very day he ordered that the billboard be removed, about five people who were in that meeting called to tell me too.
“This is impunity. The Soludo government has been very intolerant of other political parties campaigning in Anambra, except APGA and PDP. That is unfair.”
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called on the presidential candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the presidential race over allegations of drug peddling and corruption against the two of them.
The NNPP said the allegations against the duo have made mockery of the 2023 general election and has brought the country into ridicule and disrepute.
A statement signed by NNPP’s national publicity secretary, Dr Agbo Major, the party said the two presidential candidates should withdraw from the February 25 elections to answer to charges preferred against them in court.
While calling on Nigerians to collect their PVCs and make the right choice next month, NNPP says its presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is the man to give Nigerians a new lease of life from the grip and years of misrule by APC and PDP.
Nigeria has been brought to ridicule and disrepute before the comity of nations over accusations of high level corruption and drug peddling against Atiku and Tinubu. He that goes to equity must come with a clean hand.
NNPP demands the immediate withdrawal of both presidential candidates to answer to charges preferred against them in court. It is justice juxtaposed for them to continue in the presidential race with heavy allegations of wrongdoings on their shoulders. It is moral burden for the two candidates to continue in this race at a time Nigerians are looking for a younger and unblemished crop of leaders. There is no moral justification for Atiku and Tinubu to strive to rule the nation until the court decides their fates one way or the other. National interest supersedes personal interests, aggrandizement and grandstanding in the quest for a better, greater, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.
“Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians who have numerous cases of corruption, drugs, birth/educational certificates, health and questionable source of wealth. Citizens want men and women of integrity, visionary, purposeful, resourceful, dynamic and transformational leaders to usher them to a new and better Nigeria we all desire and deserve.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is the man of the moment to give Nigerians a new lease of life after years of wandering in political wilderness from the oppressive APC and PDP regimes.
Eligible Nigerians should collect their PVCs and let their voice be heard loud and clear in the forthcoming elections.”
FIFTY-THREE years after the Nigeria-Biafra civil war that claimed no fewer than three million lives on both sides, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to avoid situations that would lead to another war.
Obi, who said Ndigbo, who were on Biafran side during the war were committed to the ideals of a just, equitable and inclusive Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor, who spoke in Lagos before jetting out to London for an appearance at Chatham House, said, reason for some agitations across Nigeria was due to non-functional system and policies, insisting that a new and united Nigeria was possible.
Obi’s address was to mark the 53rd anniversary of the end of the Nigerian civil war and the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Federal Government has set aside January 15 each year to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and remember the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed forces in various theatres of conflict across the globe.
Obi recalled that the end of the civil war, 53 years ago, gave Nigerians an opportunity for a fresh start with the then Military Government declaring “No Victor, no vanquished,” and all Nigerians were encouraged to partake in the reconciliation process.
He said: “Anyone who still harbours a different agenda different from the realisation of a wholesome and unifying people-oriented development vision is doing a terrible disservice to this generation and generations of Nigerians yet unborn.
“I cannot think of any valid reason, except for the deficit of sound socio-economic and political policies and programmes that will unite and propel Nigeria forward.
“From what I know of the South-East, the Igbo Nation, led by Ohaneze, has at every opportunity been unequivocal about its commitment to the unity, oneness, integrity, and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, justice, and an inclusive society.
“And I, Peter Obi, a proud Nigerian of Igbo extraction, I am most truthfully and wholly committed to that stand of one united, secure and progressive Nigeria.”
He described this year’s edition of the annual event as a very special and unique day.
Obi also recalled the role played by the then Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo, who handed over the instrument of Biafran surrender to Nigeria’s sovereignty to the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
He declared that all Nigerians have a duty to commit their mental and physical energy to building a secure and inclusive Nigeria that works for all.
Obi also said: “While we regret the immense losses from the war, pray for the repose of souls of the departed and thank God that it ended. We all must join hands with utmost sincerity and commitment to prevent any serious violence in Nigeria, let alone another civil war! Never again.
Obi said: “It is also worth calling a spade a spade. There are youths all over Nigeria, who are frustrated because of injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, unemployment, and apparent exclusion. Such youths could seize upon and use anything issue or tool to express their frustration and anger.
“I believe that some of those who are agitating, are doing so partly due to our failures in creating an inclusive and progressive Nigeria. A working Nigeria with equity, justice and fairness will also definitely and effectively checkmate such extreme groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“I personally believe that the best strategy for dealing with these situations manifesting in the guise of unclear nationalism, bigoted patriotism and religious bigotry is a carrot and stick approach.”
Ethnic profiling wrong
Further, he said: “It is also unfair to use the misconduct or position of one person or few persons in an ethnic group to stigmatize the entire group.
“It is a wrong approach and should not be so. I have repeatedly said that I will sit down and discuss with all agitators, believing that we must continue to talk and negotiate with all to achieve positive results.
“Today, marks 53 years since the civil war formally ended. Let us accept that the war has truly ended. To try to continue to ‘fight the civil war’ today, after 53 years, would be a great disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly our heroes who diligently laboured to secure and unite us.
A new Nigeria is possible
“There are critical junctures and times in which every nation must seize the moment to define or redefine its history. For Nigeria that moment is now. Today marks 53 years of Nigeria’s re-unification after the civil war.
“A new Nigeria is possible; a nation bound in freedom, peace, unity, justice and prosperity is realizable! Let us all join hands in love and brotherhood to build, with God of our creation guiding our noble cause.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has officially announced that he will be at the Chatham House tomorrow, being 16th of January 2023 to discuss his vision for policy and governance reforms in Nigeria, including the priorities for tackling deep-rooted insecurity and corruption, and measures to promote social and political mobility for Nigerian citizens.
Though before now, the international think-tank organization had explained that the event which will also feature the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), professor Yakubu is part of a series of events and outputs examining Nigeria’s 2023 elections and political developments.
In its schedule of events, the INEC boss will discuss preparations and priorities for ensuring electoral integrity and inclusivity on 17, January 2023.
He will also discuss key challenges and plans for the conduct of the elections, including election security and the use of new technological systems.
On his part, Kwankwaso will discuss his policy ideas for improving systems and services in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the country’s education sector and the wider priorities for ensuring secure and inclusive service delivery on 18, January 2023.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has said he is not the leader of the aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), popularly known as G5.
Speaking in a recent interview on BBC, monitored by Akelicious, Wike named the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom as leader of the G5.
“We can’t leave our house to armed robbers, we can’t do that. No way. And we won’t leave this party,” he said.
I don’t lead the G5; our leader is the governor of Benue State.
“We are not like them. We would stay inside this house and fight.
And we know they have no choice than to allow peace to reign.”
The PDP has been enmeshed in crisis after the party’s national convention in May 2022 where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar defeated 12 other aspirants, including Wike, to emerge the party presidential candidate for 2023 elections.
Dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary, Wike and his associates are demanding the replacement of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu with a southerner to correct “regional imbalance” in the PDP considering Messrs Atiku and Ayu are both northerners.
Apart from Wike and Ortom, other governors who are members of the G5 are Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
The G5 governors, who were appointed into the PDP presidential campaign council, withdrew their membership and have since boycotted PDP presidential rallies.
Good Governance Ministry( GGM), a political Ministry has congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his election as the National Leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)
In a statement signed and released to the Press, the Leader of the group, Comrade Chinedu Asuzu said APGA has got a revolutionary Thinker as a Leader. The statement reads in full ” GGM expects Prof Soludo to translate those beautiful proposals he has authored over the years into a political ideology. APGA as a political party has taken a historical position among all the progressives in Nigeria to be led by a renowned economist of first class rating . GGM expects that in Soludo Leadership ,APGA will set a high ethical standard and show the light for others to follow in line with democratic principles. GGM believes that the obvious reason why most Nigerians sell their votes and show indifference on who occupies political offices is because they(the people) have never benefited anything from democratic dividends.
GGM therefore, challenges Prof Soludo to initiate processes that would reform APGA operations to accommodate all the progressive elements in the Country as the era of sharing crumps from political table has long expired and the era of selling ideas that would touch lives positively taking over. GGM is ever ready to partner with Prof Soludo Leadership so long as the interest of people will be served and protected ”. The statement concluded
