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Tag: Peter Obi

  • Peter Obi describes Tinubu’s fall as unfortunate

    Peter Obi describes Tinubu’s fall as unfortunate

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election has described the fall President Bola Tinubu suffered during the 2024 Democracy Day parade as unfortunate.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu fell on Wednesday while trying to board the vehicle for the parade at Eagle Square as part of activities to mark 25 years of democracy in Nigeria.

    While the presidency had disclosed that the president is okay, Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, stressed Tinubu’s fall should remind everyone of the need for compassion, empathy and unity.

    “I was saddened to learn of President Tinubu’s unfortunate fall today. I wish him well. We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to any of us.

    “We are all human beings and, while we profoundly disagree on how to move Nigeria forward, we must remember our common human frailty. Let us stay focused on the issues that will lead to a new Nigeria.

    “May this moment serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the need for compassion, empathy, and unity in our pursuit of a brighter future for our great nation,” Obi stated.

    Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, has said political leaders are human too, stressing that Tinubu is not a superman.

    “President Tinubu is not a Superman. He is human like all of us. President Biden has had several slips in the last three years. Even the younger Barack Obama slipped while President. Political leaders are human. Slipping should not detract from the import of Democracy Day celebration,” Onanuga stated.

  • Democracy Day: Peter Obi Decries State-Sponsored Attacks On Journalists

    Democracy Day: Peter Obi Decries State-Sponsored Attacks On Journalists

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said the increasing attacks on journalists in Nigeria, is not practising democracy but a state capture.

    A handful journalists have come under increasing attacks with a number of them thrown into jail without trial for months under the administration of Bola Tinubu.

    Commemorating 25 years of democracy, Obi decried the attacks on media practitioners insisting that true democracy forbids such state-sponsored attacks on free speech while speaking on Wednesday.

    The former Anambra governor said as the country marks democracy day, the fundamental question remains if the country is truly democratic.

    He said an unexamined life is not worth living, “so it is now time to re-examine what we have been doing over this quarter of a century.

    “Democracy, as we know, is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

    “While we may say that in 1999 we started in earnest in the right direction, today we have deteriorated into what can be classified as classical state capture. Instead of benefiting all, it has become a deprivation to all.”

    He stated that the consequences of not being a true democracy have led to leadership failures that have resulted in “uncontrolled systemic corruption, high levels of insecurity, lack of freedom of speech, increasing poverty rates, and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship, which remain unsolved and are growing geometrically.”

    True democracy, he said, should be people-oriented, where the rights of citizens are respected, the laws are obeyed, the leaders remain accountable to the people, and people’s welfare and care, especially for the poor, become paramount and high priorities.

    Unfortunately, he said “the opposite is the case in our situation.”

    He pointed out that to “further illustrate that we are not truly democratic and have only produced the vices enumerated above, we are now ranked as follows:

    “In the measurement of democracy, we have a democracy index score of 4.23, which ranks us low on the Global Democracy Index.

    “In the Corruption Perception Index, we are ranked 145th among the 180 countries measured, showing a high level of corruption in Nigeria.

    “In the Rule of Law Measurement, we are ranked 120th out of 142 countries measured in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, indicating that Nigeria suffers from gross disobedience to the rule of law.”

    He referenced that the “2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists.

    “Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries where journalists are regularly monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested.

    “We are ranked 109th out of 125 countries measured on the Global Hunger Index.”

    He called for a return to a truly democratic nation, the fear he said was achieved on June 12, 1993, by collectively voting for democracy. “We must stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy today.

    “I urge everyone to respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state, obey the governing laws of the state, be accountable to the people, and fulfil the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.

    “As we build a New Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible,” Obi said.

  • Peter Obi, other top celebrities who stormed Enugu for Flavour’s father’s burial

    Peter Obi, other top celebrities who stormed Enugu for Flavour’s father’s burial

    The presidential candidate of the Labour party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, popular socialite, Cubana Chief Priest, Obi Cubana, Phyno, Chukwuemeka Odùméje, other celebrities have stormed Flavour N’abania’ father’s burial ceremony.

    The celebrities uploaded photos and videos from the event on Instagram on Saturday.

    Celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest shared the video from the event on his Instagram page, lamenting the negative impact of the insecurity in the Southeast on the ceremony.

    Cubana Chief stated that the funeral was supposed to be held in Anambra, but they had to manage Enugu because of the insecurity.

    He wrote: “This Amazing Funeral Was Supposed To Be Happening In Umunze Anambara State But Here We Are In Enugu Managing It. Umunne We Need To Come Together And Fix This, It’s No Longer interesting. We Cannot Destroy Our Own Because We Are Being Marginalized.

    “We Must Uphold Our Glory By Going Back To Our Peaceful Nature. We Can Only Fight Back If Home Is In Order For Proper Planning. If This Continues That Means They Have Succeeded In Disorganizing Us. Oga Adicha Mma, Nke Di Na Iru Ka. RIP Papa Ijele Igbo Nile, Papa Muru African Royalty @2niteflavour Ebube Agu Na Eche Agu. Were Okwu M Hapu Omume M.”

     

     

     

    It would be recalled that Flavour announced the death of his father on May 22 via his Twitter page where he shared an old video of himself performing for his father.

    In the video, the old man could be seen surrounded by his children, who were also enjoying the music played by the high life singer.

    Sharing the video, Flavour offered prayers for his father’s soul to rest in peace, noting that “God gives and God takes”.

  • Peter Obi visits Tijani Babangida after tragic accident

    Peter Obi visits Tijani Babangida after tragic accident

    Former presidential candidate of the Labour party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has visited ex- Nigerian International, Tijani Babangida who was involved in a ghastly car crash.

    Babangida, 50, broke his leg in the accident that claimed the life of his brother, a former international himself, Ibrahim and his son.

    Tijiani’s wife was also seriously injured.

    Speaking after the visit, Obi said, “They made the nation proud, they made us happy with their talents, and in times like this, they deserve our sympathy and attention.

    “I came to commiserate with him for the wound, for the lost ones, for the trauma and to show him that he is not forgotten.”

    Babangida, who’s still nursing the injured leg, told the former governor of Anambra State that he lost his brother and his son in the accident.

    The president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) also told Obi how help has been coming to him through his former colleagues and Ajax Football Club which he starred for during his playing days.

    The Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist and the general secretary of PFAN, Emmanuel Babayaro, who was with Babangida when Obi visited, thanked him for the visit and said such a gesture was necessary to encourage the ex-player.

  • Peter Obi reveals the ‘political party’ Obidient movement belongs to

    Peter Obi reveals the ‘political party’ Obidient movement belongs to

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has clarified the political party the Obidient Movement belongs to.

    Taking to his X page on Wednesday, Obi distanced the movement from any political party, explaining that it is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends structures.

    In a series of tweets, he said “I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not directorate of any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement.

    “There may be a youth mobilization directorate in political parties but the Obidient movement is far beyond a particular political party. The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations.”

    Highlighting the movement’s expansive and inclusive nature, obi said, “It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country. Its membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including rural communities, and public, private, and corporate entities.”

    “United by a shared vision for a New and better Nigeria. Guided by the principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values, the Obidient Movement advocates for fairness, equity, inclusivity, and justice.”

    The former Anambra State governor further noted that the movement is committed to accountable governance and the realization of a better future for Nigeria, stressing that the movement rejects deceitful behaviours and strives for positive change through integrity, honesty, and accountability.

    “It is committed to a strictly accountable and responsible code of government. Our members are committed to contributing to the realization of a better future for Nigeria through the New Nigeria project, anchored on loyalty, integrity, and democratic values.

    “The Obidient Movement seeks to foster positive change through a commitment to integrity, honesty, and accountability, rejecting deceitful behaviours.

    “We serve as a beacon of hope for a reimagined Nigeria, where leadership is grounded in character, capacity, competence, compassion and the well-being of all citizens,” he asserted.

    Obi added, “Let this serve as a clarification that the Obidient Movement operates independently of any political party, and its membership is not limited to any particular affiliation.

    Advertisementains steadfast on driving positive change and promoting a New Nigeria for all. This is who we are and will remain for all time.”

  • Pay Heritage bank depositors without delay – Peter Obi urges FG

    Pay Heritage bank depositors without delay – Peter Obi urges FG

    Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the federal government, through the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), to ensure that all depositors of Heritage Bank receive their funds in full and immediately.

    This follows the recent revocation of the bank’s operating license by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the appointment of NDIC as liquidator of its assets.

    Obi expressed concern that delaying or denying payment to depositors would exacerbate the economic hardship faced by many individuals and SMEs who rely on their savings to survive. He warned that any attempt to withhold payment could lead to a crisis of confidence in the banking system, destabilize the financial sector, and worsen the economic woes of Nigerians.

    Obi emphasized that the government must prioritize the protection of depositors’ funds and maintain public trust in the banking system, especially in these challenging economic times. He urged the NDIC to act promptly and ensure that depositors receive their funds in full to alleviate their suffering and prevent further economic hardship.

  • What will make Peter Obi consider a merger – LP Campaign Spokesman, Tanko

    What will make Peter Obi consider a merger – LP Campaign Spokesman, Tanko

    After few weeks of speculation that there could be a merger between Peter Obi of the Labour Party  (LP)and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the spokesman for the Obi-Datti campaign council in the 2023 election Yunusa Tanko has revealed what could make his principal agree to a merger.

    According to Tanko, Obi would only be interested in a merger that will make the country better.

    “His Excellency, Peter Gregory is not interested in a merger that is only for the interest of seeking power. He is interested in a merger that will bring Nigerians out of the poverty level, bringing the Nigerian people to a comfortable state of health care,” he Tanko said.

    “Making sure Nigerians have potable drinking water; making sure the problem of power supply is being solved.

    “So, therefore, he is interested strongly in a merger that is driven by ideology and a programme. But if it’s only for the purpose of power, he is not interested.”

    The Obi/ Atiku merger started to emanated after the duo met few weeks ago in the latter’s residence.

  • 2027 Elections: Obi, Atiku can’t work together – Tajudeen Yusuf

    2027 Elections: Obi, Atiku can’t work together – Tajudeen Yusuf

    Tajudeen Yusuf a  former member of the House of Representatives has dismissed the notion that Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar could form partnership ahead of 2027 general elections in the country.

    It would be recalled that talks of an alliance between Obi, the presidential candidate of the  LP in the 2027 election, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart Atiku gained mileage following a meeting between the duo some weeks back.

    Obi was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election under the PDP before the former joined LP in the leadup to the 2023 poll.

    However, Tajudeen said that he does not see both working together when Nigerians head to the ballot in three years time.

    “They have worked together before in 2019. It would not be out of place if they work together again. I am not in their minds but I don’t see the possibility,” he said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.

    According to him, Atiku’s comment after the meeting and other roadblocks make an alliance between the duo a herculean task.

    “They met a few days ago and after the meeting, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came out to say he will continue to contest as long as he’s alive and healthy,” the former lawmaker insisted.

    “To me, that was to send a signal to those, especially the media, who were running with the notion that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar might step down and shelve his political ambition for Peter. But the follow-up statement a week later clarified that.”

    He thinks both men may contest the poll in 2027 which makes talks of a merger difficult.

  • 2027: Peter Obi hails Atiku, hints at LP, PDP merger

    2027: Peter Obi hails Atiku, hints at LP, PDP merger

    Peter Obi the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate has hinted on the possibility of a merger between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Obi gave the hint while granting an interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV, a YouTube news channel on Saturday.

    The Anambra based politician also hinted at the prospect of being supported as a Southeast candidate in the 2027 presidential election by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 flagbearer.

    While responding to the interviewer’s question, Obi expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s statement about potentially supporting him as a result of the South-East candidate. “I commend him and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the South East,” Obi said.

    Obi has also made it known that his primary concern was not personal ambition or political maneuvering, but rather the well-being of Nigeria and its people. “

     “I’m not desperate to be president, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people because we have a lot of potential,” he stated.

    On the subject of a potential merger between the PDP and LP, Obi expressed openness to the idea, provided that the goal is to better govern Nigeria and unlock its vast potential. “If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” he said.

    Obi clarified that he has no interest in mergers or alliances solely to secure power or win elections.

    “If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it, I don’t want to be part of anything like that,” he asserted.

    The former Anambra State governor stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among individuals and parties, but only if the objective is to build a better Nigeria.

    He said, “It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level, might be at any level, but we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria.”

  • Peter Obi named “most impactful 4th Republic politician”

    Peter Obi named “most impactful 4th Republic politician”

    The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, on Saturday received the 2023 Champion Newspapers’ Most Impactful Politician of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2023).

    Champion Newspapers Ltd. gave the award to Obi at the Champion Annual Awards held on Saturday night in Lagos.

    The organisation described Obi as a distinguished leader widely recognised for his contributions to public policy, good governance, international business, 21st Century leadership and human capital development.

    Champion Newspapers Ltd. also awarded Anambra State Gov. Charles Soludo  the 2023 Governor of the Year on Infrastructure and Rural Development.

    It described Soludo  as a distinguished achiever, whose dedication and excellence  transformed the landscape of Anambra.

    It added that Soludo’s tenure  had been characterised by focus on infrastructure and rural development, driving transformative projects that revitalised communities, improved livelihoods and set new standards for governance and public service.

    Other awardees at the event include the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, who received Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who recieved 2023 Excellence in Service Award.

    In her speech, the Managing Director of Champion Newspapers Ltd., Dr Nwaduito Iheakanwa, said that the awards were about Nigerians’ responsiveness to the things that held the citizenry together.

    “For Nigeria to get better and bigger, we will need more of this calibre of people and institutions that we set out to honour this evening because they constitute an integral part of the best.

    “My simple message to us is that Nigerians should assiduously face issues of good governance and set aside politics and political meandering.

    “For us, change comes from constructive thoughts and sound actions, “ she said.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, said that all the awardees deserved their awards.

    Marwa is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    “The purpose of awards, such as these, is to encourage the citizens to do even more in their areas of expertise and callings and also let Nigerians and the entire world to know that if you work hard enough, there is a reward for it, “ he said.

    On illicit drug scourge in the country, Marwa said that it had continued to destroy youths, families and communities.

    He said that illicit drug scourge aided  kidnapping, banditry and other crimes.

    He urged parents to bring up their children properly.

    “Parents should begin by setting the right examples and paying more attention to their children, bringing them up properly like in the times of old.

    “We need to recover Nigeria from the drug scourge; we must say no to drugs, “ Marwa said.

    According reports 43 Nigerians and institutions received awards for their efforts, dedication, tenancy of purpose and sacrifices in advancing Nigeria.