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Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), says the military will intervene if the ongoing nationwide #EndbadGovernance protests persist violently.
Musa spoke in reaction to the vandalisation and looting of properties that characterised the protest in many parts of the country on Thursday.
In Kano, protesters looted the newly built Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, setting parts of it ablaze.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre was scheduled for commissioning next week.
Some youths were seen making away with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances from the centre.
The protest, which has also turned ugly in Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, and Abuja, has left at least 14 people reported dead.
Organisers have labelled the nationwide demonstrations as ’10 Days of Rage’ and #EndBadGovernance.
In a press conference on Friday, Musa urged protesters to recognise that destruction is counterproductive and would only set the nation aback.
“We should realise that these destructions and monies have to be used—mmonies for development will have to be used to develop these things so we can move forward, and so instead of doing that, we should come together to make sure nothing is destroyed,” the CDS said.
“The statement has already been passed to the local, state, and federal governments.”
Musa commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its attempt to establish order but added that the military would be forced to step in if the violence persists.
“We want to warn those that are recalcitrant, those that don’t want to listen, that we will not fold our hands and see our country destroyed,” the CDS said.
“We will take action, and the action that we’ll take will be professional. Anyone who is caught will be taken to the courts to be dealt with.
“Let us avoid anything that will bring mayhem within our communities.
“We have seen the level of destruction that has been carried out just yesterday, and so you can imagine if this continues for so long. The armed forces and the entire military security agencies will not stand by and see that to continue.”
The military chief also asked the media to lessen coverage of the protests, saying some protesters are only looking for screen time.
“I noticed throughout yesterday all the stations were hooked up on the occasion. This is not election, don’t give them that coverage because some of them are just looking for moments of being on the screen,” he said.
Musa appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government, saying policies have been enacted and actions have been taken to ensure there is relief from the economic hardship.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said he is happy that people of South-East did not join the hunger protest going on across the country.
Hope Uzodimma said the decision not to join the ‘EndBadGovernanceinNigeria’ protest showed wisdom.
He added that residents of the region recognized the danger that hoodlums would hijack the protest.
In a statement on Friday, Governor Uzodimma explained that while peaceful protest is a right of the citizens, President Bola Tinubu has shown commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country.
He further alleged that the hunger protest was sponsored by politicians who contributed to the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum said, “I commend our people of the South Eastern region for heeding our appeal not to join the nationwide protest. Your wisdom in recognizing the potential danger of hijackers targeting peaceful demonstrators is truly commendable. While peaceful protest is undoubtedly a right of the people, your decision to prioritize safety and stability showcases great prudence.
“It is unfortunate that those who contributed to our current economic challenges are now the ones sponsoring protests instead of working with FG for resolution. This reaction comes simply because we have a President who is courageous enough to dismantle the entrenched cabal exploiting our common resources.”
Uzodimma called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu. He appealed to the protesters to embrace dialogue.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown compassion and determination in addressing the inherited challenges. He deserves our unwavering support as he works towards a more prosperous future. Let us stand united in this mission with dialogue, which remains the best path to achieving our demands,” he added.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has refuted the claim made by ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, about informing him (Saraki) before withdrawing for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2022 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held inside the velodrome of the National Stadium in, Abuja.
Tambuwal had made the claim in an interview on the Arise TV programme titled ‘Untold Stories With Adesuwa’.
However, in a statement by his Media Office signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki stated that Tambuwal never informed him that he would withdraw for Atiku.
Saraki said Tambuwal took him by surprise at the PDP presidential convention when he returned to the podium to announce his withdrawal after he had addressed the delegates seeking their votes to fly the PDP presidential flag in the 2023 general elections.
He added that Tambuwal should take responsibility for his decision and actions, noting that he had nothing to do with the former Governor’s withdrawal for Atiku.
The statement reads: “I need to set the record straight. When I saw Tambuwal returning to the podium after he had earlier addressed the delegates to canvass for their votes, I wondered what was happening. His announcement that he had withdrawn from the race and that the delegates who were supporting him should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar took me by surprise.
“Tambuwal is my friend but he should take responsibility for his decisions and actions. He never discussed withdrawal from the race with me. I never contemplated withdrawing my candidature from the race and had nothing to do with the decision process that led to his withdrawal in favour of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has charged President Bola Tinubu to listen to Nigerians who have taken to the streets to protest the current hardship in the country.
Nigerians had set August 1 as the date to commence protest against bad governance and hardship and the first day was deemed successful. Some lives and properties were, however, lost and destroyed in the process.
Atiku took to his verified Facebook page on Friday to commend the protesters and charge Tinubu’s government on the way forward.
He wrote, “To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.
“The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.
“For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.
“I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest. This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law.
“The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order,” he added.
“Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters,” he concluded.
...advise Tinubu to address issues
The Sultan of Sokoto and President of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Friday called on the Nigerian youths to put an end to the ongoing nationwide protest.
The two religious leaders made the call in a statement they jointly signed with the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua.
Yesterday, the Sultan appealed to protesters and the conveners of the protests to sheath their swords and come to the dialogue table.
“With the ongoing protests in Nigeria and the information reaching His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, he once again appeals to the protest conveners, their covert and overt benefactors, as well as other critical stakeholders to sheath their swords and urgently come to the table for dialogue.
“We genuinely feared escalation to an uncontrollable scenario and the reports are tilting towards that.
“Therefore, we in the name of Allah, the Most High call for an end to the snowballing rampaging, in the name of protest.
“We should all understand that there must be a stable country called Nigeria, before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians.
“With tomorrow being Friday, Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders are implored to calm nerves and call on the Ummah to appreciate peace than chaotic state of affairs, which may even deny us congregational prayers…..
“Nevertheless, the Sultan of Sokoto, implores the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria to address the nation, by assuring all Nigerians that peace, security, stability, relief to hardship and food security would be achieved under his stewardship, in-sha’Allah.
“Likewise, State Governors should also calm nerves, as silence is no longer golden at this moment of anxiety.
“In this time of challenge, we pray for guidance, protection, good health, and peace for all leaders, and for tranquility to prevail in Nigeria.
“May Allah, the Highest, also provide the quickest relief to all problems bedeviling the Nigerian state. Aamin.”
Fast forward to today, Sultan and Archbishop Daniel Okoh, opined: “The NIREC observes with heavy heart the happenings in the country at the moment. The protest that commenced in a peaceful manner on Thursday, August 1, 2024 despite pleas from all quarters, took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day.
“In just a few hours lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario,” the statement read. “NIREC hereby calls on fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.
“In just one day lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time, only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred,” the council said.
It also urged the security agencies to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.
NIREC urged the government to expedite action towards meeting the yearnings and needs of the citizens.
“We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own,” NIREC said.
Protesters have blocked major roads in Jos, the Plateau capital, urging President Bola Tinubu to address Nigerians over the hardships in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the number of protesters for the #EndBadGovernance# protest, has increased significantly, compared to Thursday, the first day of the protest.
The protesters blocked the Old Airport Roundabout, compelling motorists to seek alternative routes within the metropolis.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Solomon Dalung, urged Tinubu to save Nigerians the stress by addressing the nation.
“I thought the president would have saved Nigeria from the stress that the people are going through and the demonstration.
“But maybe due to ill advice, he thought the demonstration was not going to be possible, but it recorded 70 per cent success.
“Nigerians that came out yesterday and today indicate that the president should listen to Nigerians. Nigerians are talking.
“They are saying, restore the oil subsidy because you withdrew it and we are suffering; bring it back.
”Nigerians are saying that you increased the electricity tariff, and it is making us poorer.
“Nigerians are saying we want to go to the farm and do our businesses, but there is no security. Provide security.
“Are these demands too big for the government of Nigeria? I don’t think so,” Dalung said.
The convener of the protest in Jos, Prophet Isah Elbuba, said that the protest was going on peacefully and that the people were having a feeling of a festival, while at the same time, sharing their pain.
Elbuba urged the President to rise up to the occasion at this time in the history of Nigeria.
The convener urged the President to reverse the fuel price and re institute the subsidy.
According to him, the government needs to take proactive action to end hunger in the land.
Mr Sam Odeh, Programme Manager, International Organisation for Peace and Social Justice (PSJ), said in spite of their hungry state, the youths still remained peaceful, dancing and placing their demands before the government.
Odeh therefore, said the government needed to urgently address the issues that led to the protest. (NAN)
Muslim faithful participating in the ongoing nationwide protest on Friday in Lagos paused their ongoing demonstrations to observe the Jumaat prayers.
In photos on social media, Christians could be seen standing guard while Muslim faithful observe the prayer.
Juma’at is a prayer required of Muslim faithfuls every Friday.
Recall the nationwide protest against bad governance began on Thursday, August 1, and it’s ongoing in most parts of the country.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters have reconvened at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
This is coming a few minutes after the protesters and journalists were teargassed at the popular Berger roundabout.
Immediately after arriving at the stadium, the protesters chanted that they would not back down until the Federal Government met their demands.
Speaking to journalists, a protester identified as Tari, lamented the actions of the police officers.
She stated that they (the protesters) remain resolute and wouldn’t be intimidated by the actions of the police.
Tari said, “The police must explain to us why they are harassing us. There is hunger in the land. We remain resolute, we will remain on the streets unless the President listens to us. “
Another protester, Michael Zayi, said, “It is very bad. When a child cries and the parent doesn’t listen, the results are always not palatable. We are peaceful protesters. The issue behind the issue is that if the president had listened to us, we would not have been in this situation.
“Hope is alive when persistence is in motion. The worst thing in life is not death but hunger. People are hungry. No amount of teargas will stop us from demanding better lives for ourselves.”
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described some Nigerians involved in the protest against economic hardship in the country as sore losers.
The Governor said those behind the protest want to oust President Bola Tinubu from power, but are only hiding under the guise of protests to express their dissatisfaction with the President.
He added that such persons should wait till 2027 rather than sponsor faceless protests against the government.
According to him, those who voted for Tinubu and want him as their President are more than those who voted against him.
The Ogun State Governor made the submission on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television where he spoke about the #EndBadGovernance protest.
“The majority of Nigerians voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He majorly won the election, and that says one this; those who wanted him to be president were far more than those who didn’t. The problem we have today is that Nigerians are sore losers. Rather than accept the fact that you want a regime change and wait till 2027, don’t begin to sponsor faceless, leaderless protests under the guise that you’re dissatisfied,” he said.
Abiodun added that the current economic challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria and instead of protests, Nigerians should join hands with President Tinubu to build the country.
“The economic realities is not is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. There were protests in Ghana yesterday, there were protests in London today. So what are we talking about? The medicine for a headache is not to cut off the head. We must all work and join hands together and speak to each other. Let us have a dialogue that is constructive,” the Governor said.
Prosecute Those Behind Genocidal Threat Against Igbo In South-West Now – Peter Obi Tells Tinubu
AFOLABI
…Denies Declaring War On Northerners, Leading Hunger Protests
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately arrest and prosecute those behind the divisive genocidal threat against the Igbo in the South-West immediately.
Obi made the call on Friday following a trending call by certain elements from the South-West for Nigerians from the South-East geopolitical zone to be driven away from the South-West geopolitical zone.
They blamed the Igbo for the ongoing hunger protests which have degenerated to Tinubu Must Go.
Tinubu is of the Yoruba ethnic stock from the South-West geopolitical zone. They alleged the Igbo are behind the protest to remove “our brother (Tinubu)” from office.
An individual who runs an account called Lagospedia on X/Twitter made the post urging “Lagosians and every South-West stakeholders to prepare for the massive protest of IgboMustGo on the 20th to 30th of August,” on July 27.
The post which was latched into by other Lagospedia apologists further said “they have one month from now to leave and relocate their business from all South-West states.
“We urged all Yoruba living in the South-East states to return home,” the post said.
The threat has not been condemned by the police or any security agency and the individual has not been arrested as of the time of filing this report.
Obi condemned the incendiary rhetoric and likened it to genocide.
Stating that it’s really “deeply disturbing,” he said he has “read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation.
“Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric,” he said.
Obi added that immediate action should be taken to “investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.”
He urged “all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding” adding that “our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God,” he added.
I Never Declared War On Northerners Or Led Hunger Protests
The former Anambra State governor also raised an alarm that people have been paid to blackmail him to conform to their nefarious agenda denying ever declaring war on Nigerians from the north.
He said, “I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some persons to blackmail me into conforming to some of their nefarious agendas.
“Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State.
“They have twisted the video to suit their motive to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.”
Similarly he said “another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false.
“The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.”
He stated that the video was “conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation.”
This “kind of misinformation” he said “has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail.”
He said it’s a “misrepresentation,” which “is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda.”
He emphasised that he remains “committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.”
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Amid reports that WhatsApp may exit Nigeria because of a $220 million fine, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said Nigeria’s case will not be different.
FCCPC said WhatsApp and Meta infringed and violated the privacy rights of Nigerians and were fined in line with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
It said the company has been found to have violated the privacy of users in other countries, including the United States, adding that the company paid fines approved by the US data protection agency without the threat of exiting.
FCCPC said Meta and WhatsApp denied Nigerians their rights to control their personal data and shared Nigeria users’ data without the authorization and consent of citizens.
The regulatory agency also said WhatsApp discriminated against Nigerian users in its business policy when compared with users of other jurisdictions.
In a statement on Thursday, FCCPC advised WhatsApp to take legal steps to address its displeasure with its order.
The statement read: “WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.
“The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
“The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR. These infringements included denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorization, discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.”
The statement added that WhatsApp and Meta are required to comply with Nigeria’s data policy. It stated that the fine of $220 million was to deter WhatsApp from future violations and ensure accountability.
“The final order requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights.
“To deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements the FCCPC also imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million.
“The FCCPC’s actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy and the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different,” FCCPC said.
In the wake of nationwide protests against economic hardship, Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for the 2023 Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign organisation and now a supporter of President Bola Tinubu, has accused All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, ministers, and other appointees of failing to support the president during this critical time.
The protests, which began on Thursday under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, seek to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the economic hardship affecting citizens.
The demonstrations, scheduled to continue until August 10, have seen varying levels of participation and impact across different states.
Bwala, in a tweet on Thursday, expressed disappointment at the ruling party’s governors and Tinubu’s cabinet members.
“I was actually expecting all the APC governors who share the vision of Mr President for the reform to engage with the protesters in their respective states and calm them down,” he tweeted.
The lawyer also criticised the lack of visible support from government officials, saying, “I also expected all the ministers and cabinet members of the @officialABAT administration to go to their respective states and engage in dialogue and address the protesters who are peaceful.
“I also expected that all appointees of Mr president to flood the airwaves TV, Radio, zoom, and social media engaging with the protesters and or millions of Nigerians who are not protesting but share views one way or the other
“Adversity defines loyalty, not longevity or proximity. But alas, majority took cover and are silent. This is disingenuous and unfair to the man who appointed you. Sad”
While some states experienced peaceful demonstrations, others faced violence and vandalism on day one of the protests.
In Lagos and Ogun, protests were largely peaceful, with security operatives providing protection. However, states like Borno, Kano, and Niger reported incidents of violence, looting, and loss of life, leading to the imposition of curfews in some areas.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s failure to arrest and prosecute promoters of Igbo must leave the South-West five days after that declaration was made.
Atiku made the condemnation on Thursday as anger rages over certain elements from the South-West who had called for Nigerians from the South-East geopolitical zone to be driven away from the South-West geopolitical zone.
The call for the Igbo, one of the major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria to leave has dominated the social media following a post by an individual who runs an account called Lagospedia on X/Twitter calling on “Lagosians and every South-West stakeholders to prepare for the massive protest of IgboMustGo on the 20th to 30th of August.”
The post which was made on July 27 further said “they have one month from now to leave and relocate their business from all South-West states.
“We urged all Yoruba living in the South-East states to return home,” the post said.
The threat has not been condemned by the police or any security agency and the individual has not been arrested as of the time of filing this report.
Atiku condemned the incendiary rhetoric saying it’s a recipe for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda, which led to genocide.
Taking to his social media page, Atiku said “the recent call on X (formerly Twitter) for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation.
“Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda.
“What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively,” he said.
He called “on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division.”
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party emphasised that it is imperative to “investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.”
Atiku stressed that the rule of law must prevail,” positing that “those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences.”
He stated that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and “we must resist any efforts to sow discord among our people.”
According to him, Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to “our collective growth and development.”
That said, he pointed out that the Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic.
He therefore urged “all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding.”
He added that “our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously,” charging the government and security agencies to “act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.”
The PDP top brass lamented, “It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence.”
He called for “Immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda is crucial.”
He said their arrests “will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security.”
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP), on Thursday, noted that the party is not moved by the decision of some of its members to dump the party.
The party also alleged that some of its members dumping the party were working for the opposition parties to create crisis in the LP.
The National Legal Adviser of the party, Kehinde Edun, in an interview with Punch, said the exit of some bigwigs had rather opened the way for more notable and committed personalities to come into the party.
He said, “There is no need to lose sleep over it. Things like this happen a lot in politics, especially in Africa. As they (chieftains) are leaving, more people are coming in. In fact, we have more people coming into the party without making noise about it.
“The truth is that some of these people leaving LP are working for opposition parties. What they are trying to do is create a semblance of crisis in our party. That is the situation they want to create so they can have an excuse for leaving the party.
“But as I told you, more people are coming in as some left. When five persons leave, 50 people come in. Our membership strength is getting bigger by the day. All this noise about people leaving us is sponsored to distract us. It is better to lose fats and gain muscle.”
The National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, also shared his sentiment when he said they had no doubt the internal strife in the party was being sponsored by external forces.
Ifoh, however, insisted that the party’s national leader was also not giving up on his plan to reconcile all aggrieved members and stakeholders of the party, to have a united front in preparation for the 2027 general election.
He said, “I think some external forces are propelling this distraction and the NLC agitation. That is exactly what Peter Obi is trying to resolve. But I can tell you that Obi’s reconciliatory effort has not collapsed. It is having an effect. You know reconciliation does not happen in a day. It takes time, depending on the people on both sides.
“This in-fighting is happening because LP has already confirmed Obi as our candidate for 2027. It is the handiwork of the APC and PDP. All these fights are against Obi, not the party. They (parties) easily buy some members over to cause a crisis in the Labour Party because they don’t want Peter Obi to emerge as the president.
“That is why we are having all these issues you are seeing. But we are working seriously to hold on to our members and party chieftains.”