TheNewsGuru

Tag: Peter Obi

  • 2027: I’m part of the coalition but not desperate to be president – Obi

    2027: I’m part of the coalition but not desperate to be president – Obi

    The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has said he is not desperate to become the president of Nigeria.

    On vying again for the presidency in 2027, Obi said his concern in discussing an alliance with other political forces is to save Nigeria from the brink.

    He disclosed this in a recent interview on Arise News that he is not ready to wrest power to become president but to join forces to realise a Nigeria that works.

    He said: “I am reluctant to talk about 2027. Yes, I am part of the coalition. But whatever alignment must discuss the future of the country. We must discuss doing it to invest in education not just to wrest power. We are talking about working together to save Nigeria. I am not desperate to be President but to see Nigeria work.”

    “Elections are won and lost by the votes of the people. All these things people are talking about are because we are not in a democracy. We are talking about working together for the sake of the country. That is why I am not desperate to be President, but I am desperate to see Nigeria work.

    “It was all these alliances that brought Nigeria to where we are today. Because people were blinded. Instead of seeing what they will do to make the country work and make it productive, they are focused on wrestling power. What are we going to use the power to do?

    “I ran in 2023 because I wanted to do something different. By now, you would have seen something different in education. I would have even visited schools. In the health sector, we have over 70% of primary healthcare not functional. I want Nigeria to know it is about their country. So many Nigerians today don’t know where the next meal will come from. So, the people have to know that this man can do it.

    “You talk about the devaluation of the naira; there is nothing wrong with it. I would have allowed the naira to follow, but there would be productivity.

  • “Let the Love of Ramadan live in our hearts”, Obi saluttes Muslims at Eid-el-Fitr

    “Let the Love of Ramadan live in our hearts”, Obi saluttes Muslims at Eid-el-Fitr

    The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has prayed for Nigerian Muslims to allow the love and spirit of Ramadan to guide their ways.

    Obi, in a message, said, “I sincerely join the Muslim faithful in Nigeria to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr 2025, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is our earnest prayer that Almighty Allah will accept our prayers, fasting, and supplications now and always.

    “It was indeed very fulfilling for me to break the Ramadan fasts with different Muslim Communities across the nation. Sharing our blessings and joys with one another is not just an act of Ramadan but should form part of our everyday lives.

    “We pray that the blessings and lessons of Ramadan will forever remain and abide with us – that love will live in our hearts, that peace and unity will flourish in our nation, that security of lives and property will again be celebrated within our borders, and that our nation will experience growth and development.

    ‘Once again, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters for completing the Ramadan. May the blessings of Almighty Allah remain with you and your families now and always. Eid Mubarak

  • Just in: Bill to bar Tinubu, Atiku, Obi from contesting election scales 2nd reading

    Just in: Bill to bar Tinubu, Atiku, Obi from contesting election scales 2nd reading

    The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a bill seeking to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.

    The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to revise eligibility requirements for these key political positions.

    According to the bill: Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.

    Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.

    The bill specifically amends Section 131 of the constitution to introduce the age limit for the presidency and Section 177 to apply the same requirement to gubernatorial candidates.

    In addition to the age limit bill, the House passed several other important bills for second reading, including: Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.

    Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill proposes the creation of an additional LGA in Imo State to enhance administrative and developmental efforts.

    Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill aims to ensure inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.

    Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, boosting economic activity nationwide.

    Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies.

    Judicial Reform Bills: Timelines for Justice Administration Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Seeks to expedite judicial processes.

    Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje) – Proposes an increase in the number of justices to improve efficiency.

    Creation of New States: Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill, Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill.

    With these legislative efforts, the House aims to reshape Nigeria’s governance structure, promote youth and gender inclusion, and enhance economic and judicial efficiency.

  • Obidients take presidential spokesperson to the cleaners, say your words against Obi are uncouth

    Obidients take presidential spokesperson to the cleaners, say your words against Obi are uncouth

    … insist it’s a veiled threat

    The Obidients Movement on Tuesday took a swipe at Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga saying his words against Peter Obi were uncouth.

    This was contained ina statement signed by Nana Kazaure
    Director
    Strategic Communications & Media Obidient Movement.

    In the statement the movement said: “The tendency for the Tinubu Administration to bury its head in the sand and play the ostrich has become one of its defining characteristics.

    “Its latest attack on H.E. Peter Obi, through a presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, betrays a desperate attempt to muzzle free speech guaranteed Nigerians by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “Mr. Onanuga responding to H.E. Peter Obi’s remarks during a Colloquium, marking the 60th birthday of Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, where H.E Peter Obi had decried the increasing despotic inclination of the Bola Tinubu-led APC Federal Government, confirmed this tyrannical cast of mind by issuing a veiled threat to H.E. Peter Obi.

    “Labelling H.E. Peter Obi as a disgruntled politician, Mr. Onanuga warned him to “watch his mouth”.

    “As a Movement, we take serious exception to the uncouth threat by this choleric presidential spokesman whose antecedents as an instigator of intolerance and division is well known, recorded and documented.

    “Having taken note of Mr. Onanuga’s threat, we ask him the question: “watch his mouth.. or what?
    What exactly are Onanuga’s plan for H.E. Peter Obi?
    Or put more directly, what sinister plans has the Tinubu administration for its critics whose ranks swell daily on account of the administration’s cluelessness, and inability to provide sound and qualitative governance for Nigerians?

    “We submit that if the Tinubu administration had invested a quarter of the energy and resources
    it expends in hounding and demonizing varying opinions through its intemperate spokespersons and numerous cyber Rottweilers, Nigeria would be a far more decent and conducive place to live in.
    Unfortunately, we are stuck with a government high on talk but miserably low on action or any iota of progress.

    “As millions of Nigerians struggle to come to terms with the hardship, insecurity and dislocation foisted on the nation by ten years of APC misrule, the least that is expected of minions like Mr. Onanuga is to hide their heads in deep reflection on their pathetic complicity in bringing a once thriving country to its knees.

    “The threat issued to H.E. Peter Obi whilst completely in character, should not at all be discountenanced for as the 2023 elections showed, inciting words from highly placed APC officials including Mr. Onanuga himself helped to unleash violence, murder and destruction, as well as ethnic hatred from which Nigeria has yet to recover.

    “We are therefore putting Nigerians and the international community on strong notice that should any harm of any sort befall H.E. Peter Obi, his family or any of his associates, these culprits who have clearly identified themselves by their vitriolic speech, will be held entirely responsible.

  • Watch what you say and stop playing to the gallery- Presidency warns Obi over his stance on Nigerian democracy

    Watch what you say and stop playing to the gallery- Presidency warns Obi over his stance on Nigerian democracy

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has responded to the recent statement by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, at the Emeka Ihedioha Colloquium.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the former Anambra governor sparked controversy, after declaring that democracy had collapsed in Nigeria, as he laments the state of governance in the country.

    According to Obi, “Democracy has collapsed in Nigeria. Everything has been knocked down. We are in a situation where we should stop lamenting and start rebuilding.”

    The presidential candidate further pointed to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, particularly the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the state assembly, as clear evidence of the country’s failing democratic institutions.

    He argued that such incidents exemplify a broader breakdown of the rule of law and democratic governance, suggesting that the political unrest was reflective of a deeper structural issue within the nation’s governance.

    Reacting to Obi’s remark on Nigeria’s democracy, Onanuga via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter described the statements as exaggerated and unfounded.

    The presidential spokesmen further noted that, while Nigeria faces political challenges, Obi’s description of the country’s democracy as having collapsed was misleading and overly dramatic.

    Charging Obi to watch what he say, Onanuga wrote, “I listened multiple times to former Governor Peter Obi’s statement in this clip, where he claims that democracy has collapsed in Nigeria. His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation.

    “How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed? Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens.

    “If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday at Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium. I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery.”

  • Obi condemns defiance of Supreme Court ruling on Rivers funds allocation

    Obi condemns defiance of Supreme Court ruling on Rivers funds allocation

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced his disapproval of the current political events in Rivers State, arguing they deviate from and violate Nigeria’s constitutional norms.

    Peter Obi has taken to X, Monday, to express his displeasure over the alleged disobedience of a supreme court ruling that stated that statutory allocations should be released to a duly constituted legislative body, and not a sole administrator.

    “What we are witnessing in Rivers State is a brazen disobedience and disregard for the rule of law and our democratic principles.

    “The decision to release statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator, despite a standing order of the Supreme Court, is not just unlawful, it is a direct challenge to the authority of the highest court of our country,” Obi said.

    He criticized the decision to release funds, arguing it defied a standing Supreme Court order that restricted the CBN and Accountant-General until a legitimate House of Assembly approved an Appropriation Act.

    “The Supreme Court had explicitly barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing these funds until a properly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid Appropriation Act.

    “Yet, we see a situation where this order is being ignored. This raises serious moral questions about what is happening in Rivers State,” Obi stated.

    He cautioned against the dangerous precedent of ignoring the judiciary, and implored the CBN and AGF to uphold the law and resist involvement in actions that flout court rulings.

    “A country cannot function where the rule of law is trampled upon, where the separation of powers is disregarded, and where judicial decisions are treated as mere suggestions,” he cautioned.

    Obi stressed the national implications, calling on leaders to uphold constitutional principles to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.

    He added “If we continue this way, we are undermining the future of our democracy. We must choose to do the right thing, to respect the law and uphold the principles that bind us as a nation.”

  • Your use of voice vote on crucial national matters is adding salt to injury-Obi slams NASS

    Your use of voice vote on crucial national matters is adding salt to injury-Obi slams NASS

    The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has slammed members of the National Assembly for using voice vote on such crucial national matters as a breach of the constitution.

    Obi, who has made a passionate appeal to members of the National Assembly not to endorse the illegal removal of the Rivers State Governor Similaya Fubara in the state of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, decried the use of voice vote in the parliament to determine their position on such vital issues.

    Writing on his X handle on Thursday Obi noted that “While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote.

    “The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

    “You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

    “While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability. The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process. Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.

    “It’s disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — was handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards. “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives. A simple call of “Aye” or “Nay” cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold.

    “When a supermajority is required, it demands a recorded vote — whether by division, roll call, or electronic means. This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a matter of law and legitimacy. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability. Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.

    “A voice vote for such a critical matter is not just insufficient; it’s a dangerous precedent. If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy? Today, it’s a voice vote on a state of emergency — tomorrow, it could be a voice vote on citizens’ fundamental rights.

    “It is painful to think that members of the National Assembly, who swore to uphold the Constitution, could participate in a process that sidesteps the very essence of due process. We must ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?

    “This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal. We cannot afford to gamble with the soul of our democracy.

  • You added salt to Injury – Peter Obi blasts Reps for backing emergency rule

    You added salt to Injury – Peter Obi blasts Reps for backing emergency rule

    The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections  has lampooned the National Assembly for approving the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a voice vote.

    TheNewsGuru had earlier reported that both the Senate and the House of Representatives endorsed the emergency rule in Rivers State and the six months suspension slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Reacting, Obi in a statement on Thursday afternoon accused lawmakers of adding ‘salt to injury’ by using a voice vote to pass the illegality.

    According to the former Anambra governor, the Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

    He said: “While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote to pass the illegality .

    “The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

    “You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

    “While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.

    “The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process as well as the transparency and integrity of the National Assembly .

    “Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.

    “It is disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — has been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.

    “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives.

  • BREAKING: Atiku to hold world press conference with Obi, El-Rufai over Rivers’ state of emergency

    BREAKING: Atiku to hold world press conference with Obi, El-Rufai over Rivers’ state of emergency

    The presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, will on Thursday, lead opposition political leaders to address a world press conference on the Rivers’ state of emergency.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that President Bola Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency, after which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu for six months.

    Fubara, his deputy and House members’ suspension ignited condemnation from Atiku, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

    Afam Osigwe, (SAN), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), in a statement also condemned the President’s action.

    In a statement on Thursday, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Media (Broadcast), Abdula Rasheeth, said the press conference would be held at 10:00 am, in Abuja.

    The picture of the statement showed Amaechi, El-Rufai and Obi would be in the press conference.

    “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Vice President of Nigeria 1999 – 2007, will be leading a Joint Press Conference today, Thursday, March 20, 2025, alongside Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria regarding the unconstitutional declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event is scheduled for 10:00 AM at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja,” it read.

  • Rivers Crisis: Fubara’s removal is undemocratic – Peter Obi

    Rivers Crisis: Fubara’s removal is undemocratic – Peter Obi

    The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers and removal of Governor Fubara as undemocratic.

    In a reaction on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said that the action was against the rule of law, and capable of  undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

    Obi said that it was grossly unconstitutional to remove a serving governor of a state through a unilateral declaration of state of emergency.

    He said that the situation was capable of undoing the progress the country had made in the past 26 years of its democratic journey.

    “The situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

    “A state of emergency does not mean that an elected governor can be removed unilaterally.

    “The decision does not align with democratic norms and good governance. It appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers people and Nigeria.

    “This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers,” he said.

    Obi urged the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the decision to stand in the interest of democracy and the wellbeing of Rivers people.