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Tag: Peter Obi

  • ‘Your remarks lacks statesmanship, decency’ – Peter Obi knocked over statement on stampedes

    ‘Your remarks lacks statesmanship, decency’ – Peter Obi knocked over statement on stampedes

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has been criticized over his statement on the Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja stampedes.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that no fewer than 70 people, including children, died in a stampede during the distribution of Christmas palliative last week.

    Reacting to the tragic incident, the former Anambra governor, noted that the unfortunate incidents is evident that there’s a systemic failure in Nigeria.

    Obi said the fatal outcome of the event exposed the harsh realities in Nigeria where children out of inequalities are exposed to such danger scrambling for mere Christmas gifts.

    However, reacting to Obi’s remark, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, stated that the former LP presidential candidate lacked decency and statesmanship for always seeks to benefit from the misfortune of others and confusion.

    Dare stressed that Peter Obi’s attempt to score cheap political points fell flat.

    He further emphasized Tinubu’s government commitment to ensuring that the economic difficulties are resolved swiftly in Nigeria so that the standard of living of the average Nigerian can improve.

    He said, “When seeking someone who benefits from the misfortune of others or from confusion, what the Yoruba people describe as ‘Aríje nínú Màdàrú,’ look no further than Peter Obi. His recent remarks regarding the avoidable tragedies in Anambra and Oyo states lack statesmanship and decency, even as he wallows in the fading waters of his much-vaunted political victory. This attempt to score cheap political point falls flat.

  • Peter Obi to clear Dele Farotimi’s ₦30 million bail fee

    Peter Obi to clear Dele Farotimi’s ₦30 million bail fee

    The presidential candidate of the Labour party(LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has offered to meet the bail conditions of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reported that Farotimi, in his alleged defamation case against Afe Babalola, was granted bail by Ekiti Magistrate Court on Friday.

    The bail conditions include ₦30 million bond, 2 sureties (one shall be a house owner), submit his passport and shall not grant any media interview.

    Former spokesman of his presidential campaign organization, in 2023, Tanko Yunusa, disclosed  Peter Obi‘s decision to meet Farotimi’s bail condition via a brief statement on his X handle, on Friday.

    According to him, the former governor of Anambra State wanted the allegation against the former member of his campaign organization to be resolved in the best interest of all concerned.

    “I consulted His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the leader of the Obidient Movement. As a respecter of rule of law, due process, and order he offered to take Dele Farontimi on the bail conditions.

    “He thanked our courts and all concerned on this matter. His concern is that situation be resolved to the best interest of all concerned as well as our legal system.

    “He extended his sincere appreciation to all concerned,” Obi’s aide stated.

  • ‘He is old enough to be your grandfather’ – Peter Obi tells Archbishop’s kidnappers

    ‘He is old enough to be your grandfather’ – Peter Obi tells Archbishop’s kidnappers

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections Peter Obi, has pleaded to kidnappers responsible for the abduction of Archbishop Emeritus, Godwin Okpala to release him immediately.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala had mysteriously disappeared stirring fear in Anambra.

    According to reports, the Archbishop was last seen on Friday, December 6, when he embarked on a journey to Umuchu, a community within the state, but never arrived at his destination.

    Speaking 10 days after the incident, Obi said it is unfortunate that the clergyman remains in captivity despite appeals from various quarters.

    The former Anambra State Governor appealed to the abductors to release the Bishop on compassionate grounds.

    “A few days ago, after receiving distressing news of the abduction of an Archbishop Emeritus, Godwin Okpala, I immediately made a passionate appeal to his kidnappers for his release.

    “It is deeply troubling and unfortunate that, after 10 days, the 75-year-old revered prelate – old enough to be a father or grandfather to the abductors – remains in captivity. I once again appeal to the conscience of the abductors to release His Grace on compassionate grounds and put an end to all actions that endanger lives and undermine humanity,” Peter Obi appealed via a short message on his X account on Wednesday.

  • CAF Awards: Peter Obi congratulates Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie

    CAF Awards: Peter Obi congratulates Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has reacted after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) crowned Ademola Lookman king of African football on Monday night.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman scooped the Africa Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco while Paris FC Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, clinched for the second time in a row CAF’s Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year 2024.

    Obi, via the microblogging platform, X formerly said Lookman and Nnadozie brought honour to the country through their individual awards.

    He also congratulated Nigeria’s Super Falcon for emerging as CAF’s Women’s National Team of the Year 2024.

    “Nigeria was again the starlight in Continental soccer as our own Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, was crowned the African Footballer of the Year 2024, while Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, is again crowned the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year 2024 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. And to crown it all, the female national team, the Super Falcons, won the continent’s Women’s National Team of the Year at the same awards.

    “I sincerely congratulate our very dear sportsmen and women who, through these awards, have written their names in gold and brought honor to our nation. Thank you for your hard work, efforts, skills, and excellence which brought you thus far,” Obi said.

    The former governor of Anambra State further called for investment in sports to serve as a means of employment for the youths of the country.

    He emphasized that the country can tackle most of its challenges if opportunities are created for the youths in the sports sector.

    “Sports has not only been a strong unifying factor for us in Nigeria but has proven to be a means of job creation for our talented youths. Moments of victory like this remind us of what we can accomplish as a nation in the area of sports if we invest more in the sector.

    “For a youthful population like ours, sports remains a very important sector and we must give it the adequate attention it deserves,” he stated.

  • Farotimi speaks on asking Peter Obi to beg Afe Babalola on his behalf

    Farotimi speaks on asking Peter Obi to beg Afe Babalola on his behalf

    A lawyer representing embattled human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, Tope Temokun, has stated  that his client did not ask the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) Peter Obi, to plead to the octogenarian legal icon, Afe Babalola, regarding an alleged defamation suit.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) recall that Farotimi is currently being detained in the Correctional Center on an allegation of defaming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola.

    In a bid to mediate, the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, paid a visit to Afe Babalola, with sources suggesting that the visit was to make a plea on behalf of Farotimi.

    However, speaking on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Temokun disclosed that that during a prison visit on Friday, Farotimi denied asking Peter Obi to appeal to Afe Babalola or seek an out-of-court settlement.

    He said, “I visited Mr Dele Farotimi in a correctional service in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday afternoon.

    “The events of the recent days; the visit of Mr Peter Obi, the (2023) presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to Aare Afe Babalola; his visit to Mr Dele Farotimi, created some lack of clarity; people are not so clear about some things; people are not clear about what is going on. It is based on this that I had to visit him yesterday, and we sat together and had a good discussion.

    “After Peter Obi left Ekiti, the news that filtered through the town to the issue of the conditions for release, the issue of apology, the issue of whether Mr Dele Farotimi can do this or that to come out.

    “I told him (Farotimi): the reason why I am here is to confirm from you, ‘What do you think should be done?’ The visit of Mr Peter Obi to you in person and the subsequent visit to Aare Afe Babalola: What do you know about it? What is your message to Aare Afe Babalola? What is your message to the people outside? What is also your message to me as part of your legal team?

    “He (Farotimi) said if anybody who is very familiar with his antecedents, with his principles, with his philosophy over time should join anybody to believe that in a matter where he had written a book that he had published and that had been in circulation, that if anybody, somebody who has a brain should join others to believe that he has sent anybody to beg anybody, he said he will be so disappointed in that person.

    “He told me categorically that even you, Tope, if you join anybody to believe that I could beg anybody or that I have sent anybody to beg anybody, I will be so disappointed in you.”

  • Sowore knocks Peter Obi for going to Ekiti to ‘beg’ Afe Babalola on behalf of Dele Farotimi

    Sowore knocks Peter Obi for going to Ekiti to ‘beg’ Afe Babalola on behalf of Dele Farotimi

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has slammed former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi,  for meeting with Nigerian Senior Advocate, Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) understands that the former governor of Anambra State met with the Nigerian legal luminary on Monday concerning human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, currently at the Ekiti prison.

    Social activist, Moses Paul, who shared video and photos of the visit via his X handle, said Peter Obi and Afe Babalola reportedly had in-depth discussions, including on Farotimi’s matter.

    Moses wrote, “Today, Mr. @PeterObi travelled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements. He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within the Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of activists and lawyer @DeleFarotimi.

    “Following this, Mr. @PeterObi proceeded to the prison facility where @DeleFarotimi is being held. In a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”

    Sources also at the meeting confirmed that Peter Obi begged Afe Babalola on behalf of Farotimi.

    In reacting to the development, Sowore via his Facebook page on Monday criticised the former Anambra governor for begging Afe Babalola regarding the unjust detention of the popular human activist.

    According to Sowore, the LP candidate have committed a despicable injustice in the fight against judicial corruption in our country.

    He wrote: “I strongly condemn those who went to ”beg” Chief Afe Bablola today regarding the unjust detention and persecution of Dele Farotimi. The delegation led by Mr Peter Obi has committed an unspeakable and despicable injustice in the fight against judicial corruption in our country. Obi’s action feels like forcing Rosa Parks to return to the back of the bus(of raical injustice) during the Civil Rights era in the United States. The struggle continues.”

  • Why Tinubu should not rush his tax bills on Nigerians – Peter Obi

    Why Tinubu should not rush his tax bills on Nigerians – Peter Obi

    Mr Peter Obi has said the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly (NASS) should not be rushed on Nigerians and that public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs on the bills.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Obi, candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, said this on Monday while stressing on the need to ensure transparency in the passage of the bills.

    Obi wrote: “Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it. However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate.

    “A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policymaking.

    “Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful consideration—they should never be rushed.  Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs. Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy.

    “When considering tax reforms and similar issues, it is insufficient to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection.  We must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions.

    “Furthermore, the government must sensitize the people and secure their buy-in for any policy changes. Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail.

    “Let us prioritize transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward. This is how we build a truly participatory democracy”.

  • Atiku is my elder brother – Peter Obi praises Wazirin Adamawa

    Atiku is my elder brother – Peter Obi praises Wazirin Adamawa

    Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate under the platform of Labour Party (LP) has commended Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice-President, for his sacrifice, investing and vision of coming up with the America University of Nigeria (AUN) for the development of education in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Peter Obi gave the commendation on Saturday at the 20th anniversary of AUN and Founders Day celebration in Yola, where he described education as the most critical tool for development and future of Nigerians.

    Obi, who was the Keynote Speaker at the anniversary, tasked the products of AUN understand that they were groomed to be leaders of tomorrow hence the need to understand the qualities of leadership for them to contribute their part for the development of Nigeria.

    “The more society is educated the more they develop and have quality life,” he said.

    After the speaking at the event, Obi took to X and wrote: “Today, I traveled to Yola, the Adamawa state capital, where I was a guest and keynote Speaker at the American University of Nigeria (AUN).

    “This engagement was in continuation of my tradition of sharing my thoughts by speaking at various Ivory Towers across the globe.

    “This trend has taken me to various educational institutions worldwide, including Cambridge University, Oxford University, Harvard University, Yale University, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and the University for Peace, among others.

    “At today’s event, I expressed my gratitude to the university’s founder, H.E. @atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, who is both my leader and elder brother, for his immense sacrifice and visionary commitment to society, particularly in advancing education and human development.

    “I commended the students of the American University of Nigeria for their resilience and dedication to staying in Nigeria to study and learn, rather than joining the trend of “Japa”—a reality now prevalent among many young people in our land.

    “During my address, I emphasized the critical role of leadership in national development , underlining the need for competence, compassion, and capacity to transform our nation from consumption to production.

    “I highlighted the importance of foresight and vision, citing countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines as examples of nations that have followed the global measurements of development and have significantly improved their Human Development Indices, GDP, especially GDP per Capita within a decade, to prove what determined and enlightened leadership can achieve.

    “It was indeed a great pleasure to address such an audience of mostly young Nigerians”.

    In his address, Abubakar said, the 20th anniversary is the beginning of the journey for his contribution to development of education in the country to shape the future.

    Abubakar appreciated American government, ket stakeholders, pioneer board Chairman and his members for their eminent contribution for the success of the institution in the country.

    He said, the day is also a day to celebrate those who contribute and dedicate for the development of the institution to date.

    Dewayne Frazier, AUN President said, “AUN is first of its kind in Nigeria impacting positively for development of education in the last 20 years”.

    He described Atiku as visionary founder by having the passion of coming up with the institution in the country, especially by having it in Yola.

    According to him, the institution has all facilities up to international standard and is open for all, not only for the elites.

    Obi also visited the “Almajiri” under going literacy and numeracy training as part of community service by the AUN.

    Peter Obi donates computers, printers to school in Adamawa

    Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra, has donated 10 computers and printers to Saint Augustine College, Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa.

    Speaking at the presentation in Yola on Saturday, Obi said the gesture was to help students acquire more knowledge in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    “Today, we are talking about technology, therefore, our children need to be empowered with technological skills for them to excel,” he said.

    According to him, the computers will help them to get more skills at their basic level.

    Rev. Fr. Moses Maaji, Principal of the college, thanked and appreciated Obi for the gesture and assured to make judicious use of the computers for the benefit of the students.

    In his remarks, Bishop Stephen Mamza, Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, appreciated Obi for the donation and contribution for the development of education in the country.

    According to him, the visit of Obi and donation are not because of politics. but his gesture in promoting education of young people to succeed in future.

    He added that the computers would help to facilitate learning process for the purpose intended.

  • Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s most valuable human capital export – Peter Obi

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s most valuable human capital export – Peter Obi

    Mr Peter Obi has said Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the newly reappointed Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is Nigeria’s most valuable human capital exports to the world.

    Mr Obi, candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, described Dr Okonjo-Iweala as a symbol of hard work and excellence, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for the younger generation.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Okonjo-Iweala was reappointed Director-General by the WTO General Council on Friday for second term beginning in September 2025.

    Reacting over the reappointment, Obi in a statement stated that her rise to greatness through productive contribution to societal development stands as a lesson to Nigerians.

    “I am sincerely delighted at the reappointment of my very dear elder sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for a second term, effective from 1 September 2025.

    “The very heartwarming news was just announced by the General Council of the organization.

    “Iweala’s admirable character, impressive resume, and litany of achievements in public office stand her out as a competent leader for such a noble organization.

    “With her very visible contributions to our national development and the global community, she remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable human capital exports to the world, a symbol of hard work and excellence, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for the younger generation.

    “As she is set to continue to pilot the affairs of this global organization for another 4-year tenure, I wish her more health, strength, and wisdom to continue to stand for what is right.

    “Her rise to greatness through productive contribution to societal development stands as a lesson to us in Nigeria; first, as leaders, who must understand that leadership is a responsibility to care for the people; and then as a people, who must understand that our leadership recruitment process must be based on character, competence, capability and integrity.

    “Congratulations once again to you @NOIweala. A New Nigeria remains POssible,” Peter Obi wrote via X (formerly Twitter).

  • PH Refinery: Nigerians deserve reduction in petrol prices – Peter Obi to NNPC

    PH Refinery: Nigerians deserve reduction in petrol prices – Peter Obi to NNPC

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has taken to social media to urge the Bola Tinubu-led administration to provide clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the former presidential candidate said this while reacting to the commencement of oil production at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

    The former Anambra State governor on Wednesday commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for revamping the old refinery.

    He, however, noted that Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.

    Peter Obi wrote: “I wish to congratulate the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery.

    “The refinery, which comes on stream today boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery.

    “Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.

    “Additionally, news of the Kaduna refinery’s revival is promising, as it is expected to boost productivity, improve transportation, and alleviate economic burdens across the country.

    “While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC.

    “Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources, ensuring that the benefits of increased refining capacity reach every Nigerian and that the gains are used to support long-term development.”