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Tag: Peter Obi

  • Obi mourns says Pope Francis fought for the poor

    Obi mourns says Pope Francis fought for the poor

    The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described Pope Francis as a Moral Compass in a Troubled world who had a deep concern for the Poor.

    In a condolence message to the Universal Church, the Bishops, Priests, religious and faithful, Obi said the 88-year-old Pontiff left a lasting legacy in his reformative tenure.

    Writing on his X handle on Monday, the LP standards bearer said, ‘I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.

    “Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.

    “As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.

    “Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.

    “On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded.

  • Peter Obi makes strong vow after meeting young supporter released from Kirikiri

    Peter Obi makes strong vow after meeting young supporter released from Kirikiri

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has promised to ensure all those responsible for the detention of viral supporter, Alabi Quadri will be held accountable.

    The former Anambra Governor made this known after meeting with Quadri at his residence on Friday, April 18th, 2025.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the teenager who went viral during the 2023 presidential campaigns in Nigeria was unlawfully detained at Kirikiri Prison over allegations of robbery.

    After Quadri’s situation went viral, the former presidential candidate directed a lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, to take over into the case.

    The Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9, sitting at Orege, Ajegunle—Sikiru Adagun Courthouse in Lagos, acquitted and discharged Quadri on Thursday after the legal intervention from Obi’s lawyer.

    Speaking, Obi via the microblogging prevealed  that he has met with the boy and would make sure his dream of returning to school is fulfilled.

    “Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose story moved us all. After enduring unjust and illegal incarceration, he is finally free, and I am very grateful to the lawyers led by @InibeheEffiong, who fought for his release and also @DeleFarotimi and Ms Hassana Nurudeen, whose constant intervention was instrumental in securing justice for the young lad.

    “I listened to Quadri today, and one thing stood out clearly: his unwavering desire for education. Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it.

    “His determination is not just inspiring; it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves.

    “In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for his illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished.

    “I once again thank the lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for justice.

    “Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity and justice, care and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy,” Peter Obi wrote in a statement via his 𝕏 account.

  • Why I will never support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition – Seyi Law

    Why I will never support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition – Seyi Law

    Nigeria’s popular stand-up comedian, Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, aka Seyi Law, has declared that he will never support the presidential ambition of former Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi.

    Seyi Law cited Obi’s failure to call the Obidient movement to order, particularly after they allegedly attacked his wife and children for supporting President Bola Tinubu.

    In a recent interview on the Teju Babyface podcast, Seyi Law expressed his unwavering stance on the matter, stating that Obi’s inaction has earned him a permanent place on Seyi Law’s blacklist.

    “There is nothing on earth that Peter Obi can do that will make me support him,” Seyi Law said emphatically. “They (Obidients) attacked my children and my wife. As long as Peter Obi will not call them to order and he keeps denying that they are doing that, he will never get my support.”

    Seyi Law emphasized that his anger may not last long in personal matters, but when it comes to his loved ones, there is no forgiveness. He described organizations that don’t support free thinking as cults, highlighting his commitment to individual freedom and expression.

  • ‘I want to go to school’ – Obi’s 17-year-old supporter speaks after release from Kirikiri

    ‘I want to go to school’ – Obi’s 17-year-old supporter speaks after release from Kirikiri

    The recently released viral supporter of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Alabi Quadri, has expressed his desire to get an education.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the counsel of the teenager, Effiong Inibehe in a statement earlier, disclosed that the supporter of former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, was freed following legal advice from Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Babajide Martins.

    However, speaking after his release, Quadri expressed his desire shortly after he regained his freedom on Thursday.

    He also appealed to kind-hearted Nigerians to assist his mother as she doesn’t have any tangible means of livelihood at the moment, adding that they would appreciate a change of residence as well.

    “I want to go to school…people should help my mother because she doesn’t have anything she’s doing…please if anybody can help us, we want to leave where we are staying, if anybody can help us, we’d appreciate it,” Quadri said.

    TNG reports he also expressed appreciation to his family, lawyer and Nigerians for standing by him, leading to his acquittal and release.

  • Just in: Lagos Court frees Alabi Quadri, young Nigerian who stood before Obi’s convoy in viral photo

    Just in: Lagos Court frees Alabi Quadri, young Nigerian who stood before Obi’s convoy in viral photo

    The Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9 sitting at Orege, Ajegunle – Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, has discharged and acquitted Alabi Quadri, the young Nigerian who became a national symbol of courage during the 2023 general elections, for standing boldly in front of the convoy of then-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    He was discharged and acquitted of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery.

    The court held that he has no case to answer.

    Quadri was brought to court on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after spending months in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.

    The Nigerian Correctional Service produced Quadri at the Apapa Magistrate Court, located at Orege, Ajegunle—Sikiru Adagun Courthouse (Court No. 9).

    Quadri’s case was initially slated for a hearing on April 28, 2025.

    However, human rights lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong had revealed that both he and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested that the date be moved forward, and the court granted the application.

    Quadri gained widespread attention after a viral video showed him, a teenage boy at the time, fearlessly standing before Peter Obi’s campaign convoy—a moment many Nigerians interpreted as a symbol of youthful defiance and hope during a tense election period.

    The media reported that Effiong revealed that Alabi’s recent painful descent into the Nigerian prison system was not due to any major crime but rather a result of prolonged malice and resentment harboured by some self-acclaimed ‘area boys’ (thugs) in his neighbourhood.

    According to the lawyer, these individuals felt entitled to a portion of the unexpected attention and goodwill, including financial support, that Alabi received following his moment in the spotlight during the 2023 presidential campaign.

    Effiong, who recently visited the Apapa Magisterial Court in Lagos alongside Alabi’s mother and legal colleagues, stated that Alabi’s journey to Kirikiri prison was not only heartbreaking but appeared to be the outcome of a vendetta fuelled by local ‘area boys’ who felt entitled to the financial support Alabi received after his viral moment.

    Effiong revealed that Alabi was abducted in January near his home while returning from work by the ‘area boys’ who had been threatening him.

    They allegedly took him to Amukoko Police Station (popularly known as Pako Police Station) and accused him of being involved in street fights.

    However, Alabi was then arraigned before a Magistrate Court along with four other individuals, said to be complete strangers to him, on allegations of conspiracy to commit armed robbery with cutlasses.

    According to the charge sheet, the alleged victims were robbed of N579,000, comprising cash and four mobile phones.

    Effiong also emphasised that despite being a minor, Alabi had been detained with adults at Kirikiri since January, pending legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

  • Insecurity: Obi hails Northern Traditional Ruler’s bold steps

    Insecurity: Obi hails Northern Traditional Ruler’s bold steps

    The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has hailed the Northern Traditional Rulers for taking bold steps on the menacing security challenges in the region and in the country.

    Obi, who was reacting to the ‘Enough is Enough’ declaration of the royal fathers on the security situation, said that their courageous steps are needed to find a lasting solution to the menace.

    Writing on his X handle, Obi said “I would like to sincerely thank the Northern Traditional Rulers for their courageous and timely emergency declaration of the security situation in the region. I cannot agree less with them that “Enough is Enough” regarding the persistent killings and insecurity plaguing our nation.
    “Their collective voice, as reported, underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and restore peace in our communities.

    “I urge governments at all levels to work closely with these royal fathers who are closest to the people at the grassroots. Their commitment to addressing these challenges and offering counsel to regional governors reflects true leadership and a deep concern for the well-being of their communities.

    “The stance of the Northern Traditional Rulers serves as a clarion call to all stakeholders. We must unite, irrespective of political affiliations, to implement lasting solutions that address the root causes of our nation’s challenges.

    “Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, valued, and empowered.

  • Suspend your foreign trip immediately, rush home to take responsibility over disturbing issues – Peter Obi tells Tinubu

    Suspend your foreign trip immediately, rush home to take responsibility over disturbing issues – Peter Obi tells Tinubu

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the  2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in France and return to Nigeria to address the spate of insecurity in the country.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the former Anambra governor made the request in a statement via his 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, where he noted that his appeal for the president’ return became necessary due to the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance.

    Obi lamented that over 150 Nigerians in the past two weeks, have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in the Plateau and Zamfara states.

    The former presidential candidate further wonders the type of retreat Tinubu is attending in another country while there’s an increasing rate of blood shed in the country.

    The statement reads, “Mr. President, Domestic problems Beacons.

    “I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.

    “This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance. In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in the Plateau and Zamfara states.

    “The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, further reflect a nation in distress. In the North East, Borno state leaders are bemoaning the return of insurgency, with troops and civilians being killed randomly. In the South East, the story is the same: killings and abduction.

    “Amid all these, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating far away land in France from the Company’s headquarters.

    “The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens and one wonders the type of retreat going on in another country where peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country.

    “The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals; it is about ensuring that every citizen can see, feel, and benefit from the policies and decisions of those in power. I, therefore like to urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues.

    “That is the new Nigeria that the nation seeks.”

  • “I have no plan to leave my party now or in future – Peter Obi declares

    “I have no plan to leave my party now or in future – Peter Obi declares

    Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has denied claims that he is planning to leave the party.

    He addressed the matter during the ongoing National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where he made it clear that he has not held any talks with anyone about leaving the party.

    Obi explained that any decisions about his political future or the party’s direction would involve discussions with those working with him in the party.

    He said this to clarify recent speculation surrounding his political stance, which had triggered concerns among his supporters.

    Obi, who served as the governor of Anambra State, spoke directly to members of the party to clear the air.

    He also stressed that he remains committed to the Labour Party and has not given any indication of moving to another platform.

    His response came as members gathered in Abuja to discuss party matters and the way forward.

    This comes at a time when the Labour Party is trying to stay united after a busy political season and court battles, including a recent Supreme Court decision that supported the party’s caretaker committee.

  • A man I held in high esteem – Peter Obi reacts to Pascal Dozie’s death

    A man I held in high esteem – Peter Obi reacts to Pascal Dozie’s death

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has described the late founder of Diamond Bank and pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria,Pascal Dozie as a true gentleman.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Dozie died at the age of 85 years in the early hours of Tuesday.

    Reacting to the news, the former Governor of Anambra State, in his condolence message on Tuesday,  said Dozie’s legacy as a banker and entrepreneur was a testament to his vision, leadership and commitment to excellence.

    Obi further described him as a teacher who sought the good of all. He consoled his family and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.

    It read: “I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem. I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.

    “His legacy as a banker and entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence inspired countless individuals, and businesses.

    “May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom, and grant his family and all of us who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.”

  • Me and you never get problem before, make e no start now – Odumodublvck sends warning message to Peter Obi

    Me and you never get problem before, make e no start now – Odumodublvck sends warning message to Peter Obi

    Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has issued a public message to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, requesting his support for his newly released album.

    The 31-year-old via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter, asked the former Anambra governor to record a video message endorsing his project.

    Odumodublvck tweeted: “@PeterObi Hello Mr. Peter Obi, I supported you that year, now support me. Please do a video talking about The Machine Is Coming. I beg. Me and you never ever had problems before, let’s not start now.”

    The post, which references his album The Machine Is Coming, cause mixed reactions amongst fans on social media.