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Tag: Peter Obi

  • Peter Obi mobbed in Kogi (Watch Video)

    Peter Obi mobbed in Kogi (Watch Video)

    The presidential candidate of the Labour party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, was mobbed by motorists and travellers during a mid-rift between trailer drivers and police officers in Kogi State.

    According to an X user, Nwoke Agulu (Anyafurugo), on Tuesday, the former presidential candidate acted as a mediator between protesting drivers and the police along Olamaboro Local Government Area of State in a bid to relax traffic.

    The traffic came about after operatives of the Nigerian police shot the tyre of a trailer driver, in protest, other trailer drivers blocked the road.

    The former Anambra governor, was said to have walked to the centre of the protest to plead with the trailer driver, whose tyre was destroyed by the police.

    Shortly after settling the rift, the former governor was swamped by travellers and commuters alike who wanted to take photos with him.

    In the video that surfaced online, Peter Obi could be seen trying to make his way out of the crowd, with the help of his security

    Sharing the video, Agulu wrote: “A few hours ago, we left Anambra for Kogi State. As we reached Unobe, a town in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, we encountered a long line of stationary vehicles stretching for about half a kilometre. Upon inquiry, we learned that the police had shot the tyre of a trailer driver, leading all the trailer drivers at the scene to block the road in protest. True to his nature, Mr. Peter Obi got out of the car and walked towards the epicentre of that earthquake of protest that was simmering.

    “As he approached, the tense atmosphere among the commuters quickly turned cheerful, with chants of “Our President!” echoing from Igbos, Yorubas, and Hausas alike. When Obi reached the Hausa driver, who had been crying over his damaged tyre, the man’s mood shifted instantly.

    “Rather than continue his lament, he began taking selfies with Mr. Obi, and soon, an epidemic of selfies broke out among the crowd.

    “Without even waiting for Obi to plead with him, the driver exclaimed in Hausa (as translated by those nearby), “Who am I for Obi to beg me?” Immediately, he cleared the road, much to everyone’s relief.

    “In the attached picture, you’ll see the driver in a brown caftan taking a selfie with Obi, along with commuters either taking their own selfies or expressing their thoughts on the incident. Rather than continue his lament, the driver began taking selfies with Mr. Obi.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Grid collapse a National shame- Peter Obi

    Grid collapse a National shame- Peter Obi

    The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the latest collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, describing it as a “national shame”.

    Obi’s condemnation came after the grid collapsed twice in 24 hours.

    The first collapse was on Monday evening, at about 6:18 pm on Monday, leaving the masses in darkness.

    The second incident happened on Tuesday after electricity distribution companies across the country announced the grid collapsed

    Reacting to the development, Obi in a statement on Tuesday via X, highlighted the incidence as evidence of the failures in leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

    He said; “For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

    “This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

    “How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society? This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.

    “We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.

    “Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.

    “South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.

    “Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.

    “Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.

    “Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure.

    “This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continues to hold back our growth and potential.”

     

  • This is insensitive – Peter Obi tackles Tinubu over sudden fuel hike

    This is insensitive – Peter Obi tackles Tinubu over sudden fuel hike

    The presidential candidate of the Labour party (LP) Peter Obi, has condemned outrightly the recent hike in fuel price, calling on the Federal Government to immediately reverse the price hike.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Obi while reacting to the recent petrol price hike via the microblogging platform, X on Saturday described the latest increase as unfortunate and insensitive.

    It would be recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, on Wednesday increased petrol price from N897 per liter to N1, 030 in Abuja, and from N855 to N998 in Lagos.

    The former Anambra govt further called  on President Bola Tinubu, who doubles as the Minister of Petroleum, to provide full explanation, offer alternative options, and most importantly, reverse the sudden price hike.

    Peter Obi wrote: “As Nigerians continue to groan under extremely difficult economic conditions, largely caused by the Federal Government’s wrong policy choices, the NNPCL has once again raised the price of fuel (PMS) without providing any explanation.

    “This is both unfortunate and insensitive, considering the wide-ranging negative consequences for our economic survival and well-being.

    “This is neither how an economy’s resources should be managed nor how a nation should be governed. In this new measure, there is neither sound economics nor necessary compassion.

    “We are told that the NNPCL is now a limited liability company, regulated by agencies such as the NUPRC and NMDPRA, yet there seems to be growing confusion about the roles and responsibilities of the NNPCL and these regulating bodies.

    “Interestingly, both the NNPCL and the regulatory agencies are supposed to be under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria serving as the substantive Minister. Who, in this arrangement, is regulating who?

    “With the unprecedented but avoidable hardship that Nigerians are enduring, the responsibility for providing a full explanation, offering alternative options, and most importantly, reversing the sudden price hike falls squarely on the Honorable Minister of Petroleum Resources/President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We hope and pray that he acts in the best interest of the majority of Nigerians, who are living under unnecessarily precarious conditions, and that he does so before his return from his working vacation.

    “To casually inflict such a draconian measure on the populace from the comfort of an annual vacation amounts to taking the people’s welfare lightly and for granted.

    “A New and more compassionate Nigeria is indeed Possible!”

  • What Peter Obi said about Nigeria @64

    What Peter Obi said about Nigeria @64

    Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election has called on Nigerians to appreciate God for abundantly blessing Nigeria with natural, human, and material resources.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obi, who is a former Governor of Anambra State, made the call in a message on Tuesday as Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day anniversary.

    “Anniversary celebrations, whether for an individual or a country, offer opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look toward the future, and express gratitude.

    “This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its 64th independence anniversary.

    “It is now 64 years since Nigeria took charge of its destiny and embarked on the journey toward development as a sovereign nation.

    “Today is a day to appreciate God for abundantly blessing us with natural, human, and material resources to build a great nation,” Peter Obi stated.

    Obi, meanwhile, stated that the 2024 Independence Day should also be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for the leaders, “whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present”.

    The former Governor of Anambra State stated: “As the saying goes, an unexamined life is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine ourselves in the light of our nation’s journey over the past six decades.

    “Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we driven more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we allowed an army of over 18 million out-of-school children to roam the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?

    “By every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, we are underperforming. We rank poorly in security and peacefulness, making us one of the most insecure nations globally.

    “We are also ranked among the most corrupt countries, and we are noted for our disregard for the rule of law.  Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.

    “When we compare ourselves to countries that gained independence around the same time—before or after us—Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.

    “On this day, therefore, we must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is truly independent from the state capture that has dragged it into failure and kept its people in suffering.

    “We must create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. That is the independence we should celebrate as a nation whose greatness remains possible”.

  • Maiduguri flood: Obi, Baba-Ahmad donate N50m to victims

    Maiduguri flood: Obi, Baba-Ahmad donate N50m to victims

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmad have donated N50m to Maiduguri flood victims.

    They made the donation during a visit by the leadership of the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital to condole with the state over the flood disaster that befell the state last week.

    Obi was accompanied on the trip by the National Chairman of the Party’s caretaker committee, Senator Nenadi Usman, Baba-Ahmad, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr Yunusa Tanko and other leaders of the party.

    A statement by the spokesman, Peter Obi Media Reach, Ibrahim Umar, said the N50m was an “initial donation made to the emergency relief fund of the state Government.”

    According to the statement, the party leadership also visited the state Governor, Babagana Zulum, His Highness the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi.

    “Additionally, the team also visited the Bank of the North spare parts market, where traders lost their goods, an IDP camp in Government College where they met thousands of people and also visited a woman who tragically lost her newborn twins to the flood.

    “The LP team told Borno people that the Labour Party is committed to supporting those affected by the devastating floods in Borno State.

    To demonstrate our solidarity, and made an initial donation of ₦50M to the state government. They pledged to do more, “We will continue to stand with the people of Borno, providing aid and resources to help them rebuild and recover from this tragedy.

    “As the people of Borno navigate this challenging time, we want them to know they are not alone. We are dedicated to helping alleviate the suffering and hardship caused by the floods, which have submerged over half of Maiduguri and displaced thousands of residents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, and we will do everything in our power to support them.

    “I thank the various levels of government, especially the Borno State government, for their interventions and support for the affected people.

    “As we reflect on the immense loss and the daunting journey of recovery, may God Almighty grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives, replenish the losses of those who lost their goods, and grant quick healing to those still in the hospital.”

  • My heart bleeds- Peter Obi bemoans bad Nigerian roads

    My heart bleeds- Peter Obi bemoans bad Nigerian roads

    The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed frustration and sorrow over the dire state of the Nigerian roads.

    The former Anambra governor, via the microblogging platform X, formerly Twitter, recounted his gruelling experience while joining  Olumide Akpata, the party’s governorship candidate in the Saturday election in Edo State.

    Obi, who noted that his heart constantly bled over the poor state of the roads across the state, expressed grief. His experience was intense, following a week-long engagement that kept him in Edo for a few days.

    He said he had a “packed itinerary that was very tough and challenging from Friday but all ended successfully to the glory of God.”

    He said his engagement “began with my attending the burial in my village of Dr. Isaac Obi, a strong Obidient supporter who was a resident of Minnesota, USA.

    “Thereafter, I attended the burial of someone I consider a dearest brother, who meant so much to me as a great adviser and one of the best human beings I have met in my life—Mr. Alfred Nwosu.

    “After that, I joined other notable people to attend the burial of Pastor Ngozi Mouka, the wife of Pastor Lazarus Mouka, the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Ministry, in Imo State.

    “On Saturday, I travelled for six and a half hours from Onitsha to Igarra, Akoko-Edo by road, to join our Labour Party governorship candidate for Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata, and continued our campaign through Jattu-Uzairue and Auchi,” Obi said.

    He explained that “on leaving Auchi around 6 PM, but due to the bad roads, it took us about an hour and a half to reach Ekpoma, where enthusiastic Obidients had been waiting all day.”

    Unfortunately, he said “from Ekpoma, it took us about 3 hours to drive to Benin. I must express my sadness because the total journey used to take about 2 hours, but the poor road conditions made it much longer.

    “We encountered over a dozen accidents along the way, and my heart kept bleeding, wondering how we have allowed ourselves to descend so low to a situation where we, the leaders, no longer care.

    “Yesterday, Sunday, in Benin City, I joined Barr. Olumide Akpata for two Thanksgiving services: Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral on Mission Road and a service between 8 am and 12 noon.

    “Thereafter, I joined in celebrating His Excellency, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, as he marked his 90th birthday at St. Gabriel the Archangel Cathedral, Benin.”

    He said his “day concluded with the Communities Union Cultural Festival, where we celebrated the unity and heritage of the state.”

    He stressed that “these engagements reflect our collective commitment to a better Nigeria that cares for everyone. They reaffirm once again the beauty and unity of our nation.”

  • He didn’t drop anything – Portable laments bitterly after meeting Peter Obi

    He didn’t drop anything – Portable laments bitterly after meeting Peter Obi

    Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed disappointment after a recent encounter with the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections,  Peter Obi.

    The music star, who had sparked controversy with his remarks about the former Anambra governor during the elections, appeared to be in awe as  he approached Obi. 

    In the video that surfaced on social media, an excited Portable was seen bowing as he approached Peter Obi by his car, a surprising sight given his previous remarks.

    The former presidential candidate welcomed him and hugged him, as they both exchanged pleasantries after the meeting.

    Speaking in Yoruba shortly after greeting Obi, Portable said: “Obi cannot give us anything. Obi didn’t give us anything.

    “If it was Tinubu we met, he would have given us something. Let’s go.”

    Obi was in Benin to campaign for the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, while Portable was in Benin for a show.

  • 2027: I never said that – Peter Obi rebuffs VP rumours

    2027: I never said that – Peter Obi rebuffs VP rumours

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi  has denied agreeing to accept a vice -presidential position in the event of a political alliance in the 2027 elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the former Anambra governor via his microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter on Saturday clarified his stance on collaborating with other political entities, stressing he is not desperate to become president.

    Obi noted that some fifth columnists resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting his comments during a TV interview.

    He said, “I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV. In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail. However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

    “Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record. I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

    “I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture. I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.”

    Obi reiterated his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing issue.

    “I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election,” he said.

  • Benin women go extra mile as Peter Obi storms Edo to campaign for Akpata (video)

    Benin women go extra mile as Peter Obi storms Edo to campaign for Akpata (video)

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, stormed Benin City, the Edo State capital, to mobilise voters for the governorship candidate of the party Olumide Akpata ahead of the September 21 election.

    Obi, in a video that surfaced on social media, the former Anambra governor embarked on a road show through major streets of Benin metropolis with a large crowd of party faithful with Olumide Akpata who won the Labour Party’s ticket for the September 21 Edo governorship elections.

    On sighting the Labour Party’s presidential candidate the women, who could not contain their joy,  held plantains as they joyfully sang and welcomed Obi to the state.

    Watch the video below;

     

     

    Also expected in the state is the governor of Abia State Alex Oti to boost LP’s chances in the series of campaigns and mobilisation slated for the remaining days of the campaign.

  • Labour Party stakeholders officially write INEC over 29-man care-taker committee

    Labour Party stakeholders officially write INEC over 29-man care-taker committee

    Following the crisis rocking the party, the Labour Party, (LP) stakeholders have officially written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the 29-man care-taker committee to lead the party in the interim.

    Some leaders of the party, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Abia Governor Alex Otti, some elected Senators and House of Representatives members of the party met in Umuahia, Abia State last week to appoint a 29-man care-taker committee to lead the party in the interim.

    The committee, which is to be chaired by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, will midwife an election of new leadership in 90 days.

    The stakeholders in a letter jointly signed by Peter Obi and Governor Otti told the Commission that the care-taker committee followed the de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC effective June 2024.

    The letter which contained the list of 29-man care-taker committee named Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the Chairman, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the Secretary.

    LP said the Caretaker Committee has the mandate to organise congresses and the national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days to fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the erstwhile leadership of the party at all levels.

    “You will recall that Labour Party had had a leadership crisis in recent times culminating in the de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC effective June 2024.

    “Given the above scenario, the statutory executives of the party made up of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and legislators in addition to all surviving members of NEC, the leadership of organised labour, representatives of Governorship Candidates in the 2023 election and subsequent ones, Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates in the 2023 election and other party leaders met in Umuahia, Abia State on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and set up a Caretaker Committee to organise congresses and the national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days to fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the erstwhile leadership of the party at all levels.”