Latest News
…Tunde Rahman, Presidential aide, hails Onyema
…Private sector group rallies round Air Peace, urges FG to step up, protect national interest
Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has said that the Nigerian economy had begun to turn the corner for good.
Agbakoba pointed out that the economic activities of two prominent citizens were responsible for the feat so far recorded.
The Maritime lawyer noted that there may be signals the economy may be turning.
According to him, “Dangote refinery commenced sales of diesel, increasing supply and crashing prices significantly. Diesel prices dropped from about ₦1,700 per litre to around ₦1,350 per litre. This was just by pumping 100 million litres.
“Dangote plans to pump another 100 million litres. Diesel prices may dip below N1000. Dangote announced plans to begin sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by May. This will significantly bring down prices. Experts predict petrol prices to crash by at least 25 percent to N400.”
Also noting the positive role Allen Onyema’s Air Peace is playing in the aviation industry and the reaction of the forex market to the activities in that space, Agbakoba said: “With the support of Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation, finally broke through the reciprocity barrier in aviation. Air Peace is now flying to the United Kingdom (UK). Ticket prices monopolised by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic crashed by at least 60percent.
“The forex market reacted to all these. The Naira strengthened against the dollar. Experts suggest the price of the dollar may well fall below ₦1000 in the coming months. If this trend continues, much-needed relief for Nigerians will occur. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may potentially review the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by Q4.”
The Senior Advocate also said: “It is notable that the turning points now witnessed in the economy, is the work of just two persons (Dangote and Onyema). Imagine what 10, 20 or 50 private sector individuals can do. This raises the issue of putting the private sector at the centre of economic development. Government must withdraw from business. We must move immediately from consumption to production. Q4, 2024, may look on the bright side but it is still early days.”
In a release he personally signed, ‘Is the Economy Beginning to Turn?’ Agbakoba noted that “Nigeria’s economy has gone through very challenging times over the past year. Inflation reached 28.92 percent in December 2023, the highest in 27 years. Food inflation rose to 33.93percent in December 2023.”
According to him, “the naira depreciated significantly, losing 25percent of value in a single day in June 2023 when the government removed pegging to the US dollar. This made imports much more expensive.
“Removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 caused petrol prices to jump by 196percent practically overnight, from ₦189 to ₦557 per litre. Prices went through the roof!
“According to the World Bank, accelerating inflation pushed an additional 24 million Nigerians into poverty in the first five months of 2023. By late 2022, 63percent of Nigerians (133 million people) were considered multi-dimensionally poor.
“Major foreign companies like Procter & Gamble, GSK, and Bayer stopped manufacturing and scaled back operations in Nigeria, due to tough operating environment. This resulted in massive job losses.”
BusinessDaySunday gathered that it was not only Agbakoba that has noticed the positive things going on at Air Peace.
Emulate Allen Onyema, Tunde Rahman counsels
In his tribute recently during the 72-birthday anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tunde Rahman, a senior presidential aide, had noted that: “It has become compelling that as citizens, we must continue to play our part. The example of Lawyer and Businessman, Allen Onyeama’s Air Peace and its gallant intervention, which helped to crash the airfares on the lucrative Lagos-London route, is there for all of us to emulate.”
At a meeting of private sector operators a few days ago, an ample time was voted to discuss the Air Peace exploits. Participants were unanimous that the Nigerian government must do whatever it would take to support the airline.
An elated member of the group said: “This thing is war. We should be clear-eyed about this and know that Nigeria (not just Air Peace) simply cannot afford to lose. Let us not be deceived into thinking this is only about an airline flying to London.
“The aviation business is cut-throat and governments play very deeply in it. Just look at the history of Boeing, Airbus, Emirates, BA, Pan-Am, Delta, United, Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian, etc. We need to win this fight. The FG must step up and protect our national interest without fear or equivocation.”
All the members at the meeting were in agreement that, “this is a National battle for existential survival, not just for the traveling Nigerians, but for our image, honour and reputation.”
In summary, the chairman of the meeting, admonished: “On the commercial/business side of the battle, we all need a DELIBERATE plan to fly Nigeria in this case.
“This is enlightened self-interest. When we have done our bit and Air Peace does not deliver, then we can turn our angst on them.
“This goes beyond Air Peace and aviation – this might be the catalyst to make us take: Buy Nigeria; Use Nigeria; Wear Nigeria; Drive Nigeria, Eat Nigeria, etc, more seriously.”
[BusinessDay]
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a Delhi, India-bound passenger at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja on March 31 for ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine.
Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that the passenger was to board a Doha-bound flight en-route Delhi using a Liberian passport with the name: Carr Bismark, when he was arrested.
A body scan on the suspect revealed the ingestion of the illicit drugs, he explained.
Babafemi added that preliminary checks showed the passenger’s real name to be Freeman Ogbonna.
The NDLEA placed the passenger under observation and in a short while he started to manifest signs of discomfort.
“Obviously choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion, the suspect soon began to retch, vomited and excreted wraps of cocaine simultaneously.
“The suspect who claimed he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives, eventually passed out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine.
“He vomited or excreted the drugs, weighing 889gms over a period of four days.
“The great risk almost took his life.
“Ogbonna said he was given the drugs to swallow at a hotel in Ikeja with a promise of N300,000 reward if he successfully delivers the consignment in India,’’ Babafemi stated.
Also on April 3, the NDLEA arrested a drug mule at the airport on his way to Oman.
Its operatives discovered a false bottom in his backpack and on the sides concealing illicit drugs and also swiftly moved in on a man who accompanied the suspect to the airport.
The second man was later discovered to have been the one who recruited the passenger to traffic the drugs.
“The suspect said he returned from Dubai some years ago, but still had a valid residence permit on his passport.
“He claimed he was promised N1.5 million if he successfully delivered the consignment in Oman, while his recruiter, was to be paid N200,000.
“A charm was found in one of the passenger’s bags when they were searched and another was found on his person.
“The drug mule confessed that he travelled to Ibadan earlier where a cleric made the charms for him to evade arrest during the trip.
“Another charm was found on the recruiter who claimed the charms were procured at a cost of N70,000,’’ Babafemi added.
(NAN)
A former Edo State lawmaker, Pascal Ugbome, has been tipped to replace the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, if the Edo House of Assembly impeaches him.
Naija News gathered that Ugbome, an Etsako man and a frontline member of the Legacy Coalition in the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is likely to replace Shaibu.
According to the Nation, the choice of Ugbome by Governor Godwin Obaseki has gotten the support of the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, and his teeming supporters ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
The newspaper reported that Obaseki wouldn’t want to take chances in Edo North Senatorial District, where the former state governor and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, hails from.
Ugbome, who hails from Ekperi in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo, is guaranteed to ensure victory for PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in Edo North senatorial district, thereby reducing the influence of Oshiomhole and Shaibu.
It was learned that the move would help Ighodalo, who is from Edo Central and has the least voting strength, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, who is from Edo South and has the highest voting strength.
Ugbome, a Law graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who is a former Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, according to the permutation in Obaseki’s camp, would be able to convince the preferred governorship aspirant of legacy coalition, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, an influential former member of the House of Representatives, to also support Ighodalo’s aspiration, thereby ensuring unity and peace in Edo PDP.
Justice Stephen Omonua (rtd.) led a seven-member probe panel set up by the Edo Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, on March 25 to investigate the allegations levelled against Shaibu.
The panel rounded off its three-day sitting on Friday and will soon submit its report to Justice Okungbowa for the state’s 24 lawmakers to proceed or not with Shaibu’s impeachment.
[NaijaNews]
The Rivers State Police Command has warned politicians to seek a lawful means to address grievances rather than resort to verbal attacks that can stoke violence in the state.
The warning comes on the heels of recent verbal attacks between Governor Similanayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, who is now Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The crisis between the duo has set Rivers political stakeholders against one another.
Although Tunji Disu, the police commissioner, did not mention the names of Wike and Fubara directly, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Grace Iringe Koko, quoted him as saying the command will not fold its hands and watch the state erupt in crisis as a result of utterances and actions of politicians.
The command implored the political class and members of the public in the state to maintain peace and abide by the laws of the land.
“The Rivers State Police Command is fully aware of the numerous political statements and sentiments that have been circulating within the state. In light of these developments, we would like to inform the general public and the esteemed people of Rivers State of the following:
“The Nigeria Police Force is the statutory and constitutional authority entrusted with the responsibilities of enforcing laws and orders, as well as protecting lives and properties, among others.
“The Rivers State Police Command, as an integral part of the Nigeria Police Force, is firmly committed to upholding and enforcing all laws and orders within the state.
“The Command will not stand idle and allow any individual or group to disrupt the existing peace in the state under any guise or pretext.
“The Rivers State Police Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any person or group of persons found to be in violation of the laws and orders of the state. Therefore, we implore members of the public to maintain peace and abide by the laws of the land. To those involved in the ongoing political unrest, we urge you to seek peaceful/lawful means to address your grievances,” Koko stated.
Koko said the command will remain neutral and apolitical in all matters pertaining to the current political situation in the state.
[DailyTrust]
Thirty-five, 35, Corps members from the 2023 Batch A, Stream II service year in Bayelsa State were on Thursday sanctioned by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for various offences against the service code.
DAILY POST gathered that while twenty-one, 21, corps members who committed various offences had their service extended, Fourteen, 14, corps members would repeat their service year.
The NYSC, however, announced that a total of one thousand, seventy-five, 1,075, Corps members who passed out meritoriously served the nation in Bayelsa State for the 2023 Batch A, Stream II service year have been discharged and issued their certificates of national service.
The State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, during the low-key presentation of Certificates to Corps members, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the 2023 Batch A stream 2 service year.
She commended the corps members for their immeasurable contributions to the state during their service years.
She also commended the corps employers, traditional rulers and various host communities across the state for providing a conducive environment for corps members to serve the nation in the state.
Some corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year were rewarded with certificates of commendation.
While wishing them the best in their future endeavours, she enjoined those who took advantage of the SAED training programmes to put them to maximum use for their self-reliance and become employers of labour.
She thanked the NYSC staff who have mentored, supervised and monitored the corps members in their various places of primary and secondary assignments.
[DailyPost]
A28-year-old travel content creator, Pelumi Nubi, who embarked on a solo road trip from London has arrived in Lagos.
She was received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on behalf of Lagos State Government by Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe.
Nubi began her journey on January 31 facing various obstacles along the way.
She survived a crash in March with a video of the wrecked vehicle revealing severe damage to the front and a shattered windshield.
Nubi started from England, crossed into France, Spain and headed to Morocco then through the West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin finally reaching Lagos.
The travel content creator in 2022 listed 77 countries she had visited at 27. She has reached over 80 out of the 193 countries in the world.
With respect to her adventure, Nubi wanted to show the world that “impossible” is just a word while adding that when one has enough grit and determination, impossibility would be overlooked.
Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Lagos Governor on Sunday, tweeted: “Lagos State Government gives a hero’s welcome to @peluminubi_, a Nigeria-British citizen who who did a solo drive from London to Lagos.
“Pelumi was received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on behalf of Lagos State Government by the Hon Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture @IdrisConnecting.
Welcome home!”
[TheNation]
The abductors of the two students of the Federal University Wukari in Taraba State are demanding a ransom of N50m in exchange for the freedom of the students.
The Head of Information and Protocol Unit of the institution, Mrs. Ashu Agbu, disclosed this in a telephone conversation with journalists on Sunday.
“The abductors revealed that they came for the owner of the eatery and not his staff and will return to get him.
“They are demanding a ransom of N50m to free the two students. Since the incident, security agencies and youths of the area are combing the surrounding forests and bush paths to apprehend the kidnappers and will not relent until the students are rescued alive and safe,” she said.
Our correspondent reported that about 90 percent of the students and staff of the institution live outside the school premises.
The students were picked on Wednesday, April 3 at about 10:pm at a shop close to the busy area, accommodating students staying outside the school premises.
[Punch]
Modupeorelouwa, daughter of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tied the knot with her lover, Oladele.
The white wedding took place a week after their traditional wedding.
The union was solemnised at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Lagos by the Anglican Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi.
The wedding was attended by dignitaries, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State; and former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, among others.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, says Nigeria needs to invest more aggressively in the health sector.
In a statement to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day, Obi said health remains critical to human development.
He noted that as one of the critical measures of the human development index, health contributes immeasurably to the development of the humans and the progress of a nation.
He said Nigeria’s “poor investment” in the health sector has continued to manifest in many ways.
“Our obvious neglect of our health sector, especially the primary health sector has continued to result in so many unpleasant outcomes for the nation,” he said.
“With Nigeria ranking 14th out of the 18 African countries with poor health systems and also ranking 157th out of the 167 countries measured on health systems, we need to invest more aggressively in the health sector.
“We are today, among the countries with the highest infant mortality rates. The current life expectancy in Nigeria is 56 years, obviously among the lowest in the world.
“Healthcare in Nigeria is increasingly becoming out of the reach of most Nigerians due to its high cost.
“Our budget of N1.3 trillion for the health sector, in a country of about 218 million people, is still not enough to make a serious impact in the sector and still falls below the 15 percent commitment specified in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
“With the continual decline in our health sector, we need to make more aggressive investments that will improve the lives of the people.
“Aside the negative impacts on the citizens of our lack of investment in the health sector, the attendant capital flight arising from health tourism remains worrisome.
“It is reported that Nigerians spend over $1.5bn on Medical Tourism Annually. Such a volume of funds, if retained in our economy would have impacted positively on the nation and helped us to save the much-needed foreign exchange.”
He added that the World Health Day presents another opportunity for leaders to reflect on their vision and prioritise investment in critical areas of human development for the ultimate good and development of the nation.
“The resources wasted on frivolities and unnecessary expenditure should now be invested in health, education and pulling people out of poverty. Our vision in New Nigeria is to build a healthy and productive nation, and it is possible,” he added.
[TheCable]
- Modalities to Deploy Security Boats is priority - Mobereola
The Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell has declared that the Spanish Government is desirous to deepen cooperation with Nigeria through further collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. Ambassador Juan made this declaration while inspecting the two new Bulletproof Security boats, built for NIMASA by a Spanish Company, Aresa. This is just as the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola says deploying the vessels is priority.
Ambassador Juan said, “This is one more milestone in the cooperation between Spain and Nigeria for maritime security. The Spanish government sees Nigeria as prime in attaining security in the Gulf of Guinea. We also have a naval ship present in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance security. The message from our President back home is for the Embassy to seek more partnership with Nigeria in the Maritime Sector. The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by President Bola Tinubu GCFR is a sign that this administration is committed to harnessing the Ocean potentials and Spain is ready to support Nigeria all the way. This is why I came from Abuja to see the DG”, he said.
On his part, the NIMASA DG noted that Management under his leadership will fast track the deployment of the patrol Boats as soon as possible. He also welcomed the partnership with Spain noting that security in the maritime domain cannot be done in silos.
“Maritime security cannot be done in silos by any country. Collaboration plays a major role in achieving safety and security in the maritime domain. We appreciate the gesture from the Spanish Government and we will explore areas of collaboration particularly in terms of both human and infrastructural development. We will work out the logistics so that these vessels can be deployed immediately. I am confident that they will be instrumental not just to enhance security in Nigerian waters, but also shore up revenue accruable to the Federal Government as Port calls by vessels will increase, and Fishing in Nigerian Coastal waters will become a major industry in Nigeria.
The 8 passenger, 13.2 meters long Security Boats with a fuel capacity of 3000 liters is fully air-conditioned with a range of 500 Nautical Miles. They are powered with two 2,300 Horsepower outboard engines with a maximum speed of 45 Knots and 25 Knots at cruising speed. NIMASA now has seven fast intervention bulletproof Aresa boats to be deployed soon.
Osagie Edward, FNIPR
Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations
NIMASA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
April 7, 2024
Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) and the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell shortly after an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.
Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) presenting a souvenir to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria; His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell during a visit by the Ambassador to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.
R-L: Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba and Executive Director, Finance & Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile. After an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.
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No fewer than 5043 secondary school learners in Ogun State Students have been trained on how to use the abacus counting machine skills to solve addition and subtraction Mathematical problems, so as to enable them to break the world record.
The programme organised by International Academy For The Gifted (IAGIFTED), in collaboration with Ogun State Government, held at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Giving an insight to the programme, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said it is imperative to encourage learners to adopt usage of abacus skills for mathematical calculations, noting that it would not only enable them compete favourably with their mates in other nation of the world but also take our educational system to a higher pedestal.
Mrs. Bamidele noted that Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) education is only essential tool for personal and professional development for driving innovation and economic goals, hence the reason for Prince Dapo Abiodun government's commitment towards ensuring that every child have access to effective STEAM teaching.
The First Lady of Ogun State described education as the key to unlocking the potentials of the youths and empowering them to become agent of change in the society.
Mrs. Abiodun said "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the organiser of this very special programme, Prof. Adewale Solarin, which was to commemorate his 70th Birthday Celebration for the vision in championing STEAM education and for putting Ogun State on the world field. I am pledging my full support to this great vision of yours."
In his speech, the Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu submitted that Prof. Solarin was acadmia par excellence, due to his academic prowess and expertise, can be referred to as Grand Father in academics, because he has nurtured and produce Professors, who have also mentor other Professors and PhD holders, appreciating him for his greatness, unrelenting efforts and a shared vision.
Speaking, The Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluwole Banjo affirmed that the feat Prof. Solarin have recorded in his chosen field, and his contribution to National Development will forever remain indelible, praying God to continue to shower his blessings on him and grant him the grace to enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health and sound mind.
Responding, the visioneer of the programme and Chairman IAGIFTED, Professor Solarin explained that the selected over 5000 learners were gathered to have Largest Mathematics Lesson Class, as well as teaching them on the simultaneous usage of Asian Abacus with both hands, in order to develop both sides of their brain in solving Mathematical problems, saying the event was organised to mark his 70th birthday and retirement from active academic service.
The highlight of the programme includes competition on usage of abacus, where Master Isaac Rilwan and Miss Damaris Oyediran won the male and female categories respectively and were presented with trophies as King and Queen of STEAM.
Ahead of the 2027 election, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Kwakwanso, has said his party is the best alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Governor of Kano State described the ruling APC as a failing party and the PDP as a failed party, adding that both parties do not have the competence to lead the country.
He likened the ruling APC and the PDP to birds of a feather, suggesting that both parties have inflicted immense suffering on Nigerians with their unpopular and inhumane policies.
He stated these during the party’s national convention, which took place at the A-Class Event Centre in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday.
Kwankwaso guaranteed that the NNPP would introduce a revitalising change for citizens and the nation as a whole if it is given the chance to lead the nation.
The former Defence Minister asserted that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources and manpower to address insecurity.
He said, “We are all aware that the PDP has completely failed. Many of us decided in 2014, and 2015 to bring in some positive changes. Unfortunately, we have seen what happened from 2015 to date. This is the same APC government.
“Therefore, as far as we are concerned, we have a failing party that is the APC and we believe that this country requires an alternative to the APC and of course, the PDP and the only party, in my opinion, and based on facts, because the NNPP today is the fastest growing party in this country.
“I also believe even beyond this country, that is the only hope as we stand today. In many parts of this country, especially in northern Nigeria, particularly in my part of the north, so many people have been chased out of their homes, and so many have been killed. Some are in the bushes now in the forest under the care of bandits and other criminals. And it looks like many people don’t care.
“It is even becoming a normal thing to go and pick up people in their homes, on the roads, in the markets and so on. I believe it is only in this country that this sort of nonsense is happening. And it is the responsibility of every government, responsible government to ensure the peace of its people.
“I believe, as a former minister of defence in this country, as a former chief security officer of Kano State for eight years, and so on, I believe that we have adequate resources, we have enough manpower, we have all that it takes to protect Nigerians to peace in this country today. So it’s an opportunity for me to ensure that we bring on board a united, stronger, more peaceful, more prosperous Nigeria for all of us.”
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed not to give recognition or legitimacy to the leadership of the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure.
NLC vowed not to rest until it unseat Abure as national chairman of the party.
The Congress also stated that the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, is free to leave the party if he chooses to.
The NLC spokesman, Benson Upah stated this on Sunday during an interview with Punch.
According to him, “Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist.”
Speaking further, Upah said the issue of whether Obi should stay or leave the party should not be debated, saying the former governor was free to determine his destiny.
According to him, the NLC cannot stand in the way of the presidential candidate should he decide to defect to another political platform.
While describing him as an asset, the spokesman reiterated that the congress would not stand in his way if he chose to leave.
“The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu extends his congratulations to Alhaji Alliyu Babatunde Oduwole, an Ijebu prince, as he marks his 80th birthday.
Alhaji Oduwole, an active citizen and believer in Nigeria's potential for greatness, has embarked on many lofty advocacies to promote public accountability, peace, and dialogue.
In 2015, he created a plethora of fora to discuss 'Project Nigeria'; held citizen-engagement meetings, and submitted a memorandum on constitutional amendments to the National Assembly in 2022.
In 2018, he founded the United Muslim Community Care Foundation to feed indigent Nigerians of all religious persuasions. The foundation has been feeding many families during this Ramadan and providing them with some stipends.
As Alhaji Oduwole marks this milestone birthday, the President wishes him good health and renewed vigour in his service to humanity.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 7, 2024