Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the 'Obidient Movement,' expressed confidence in Peter Obi's potential to become Nigeria's president in 2027.

Tanko, who spoke during a symposium in Onitsha, Anambra State, noted that the Labour Party candidate was denied victory in 2023 due to alleged electoral malpractice but affirmed that the movement would be better prepared for the next election cycle.

Speaking at the one-day event, titled “Repositioning the Obidient Movement for Greater Impact,” organized by the Obidient Movement and Anambra State Support Groups, Tanko outlined the movement’s renewed focus on mobilization, structure, and youth empowerment. He stressed that a “new Nigeria” is within reach if citizens choose leaders committed to good governance and accountability.

“We are dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability,” Tanko said. “Obi has the potential to emerge as president in 2027 if we organize ourselves properly. We will ensure that our agents are thoroughly trained and prepared before the 2027 general election.”

Tanko emphasized that the movement aims to build a strong foundation for fair and credible elections. Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he noted that while critics accused the Labour Party of lacking political structure, Obi still garnered substantial support. However, Tanko claimed that electoral malpractice prevented a fair outcome.

“This time, history will not repeat itself. We will prepare thoroughly,” he assured the audience.

The symposium also highlighted the Obidient Movement’s plan to advocate for electoral reform through legislative efforts and public mobilization.

Tanko explained that they would bring their proposals to the National Assembly and rally public support in favor of fair electoral practices, both in the courts and on the streets.

“Even the North is dissatisfied with the current government,” he said. “We are committed to making a tangible impact by empowering Nigerian youths and advocating for justice, equity, and meaningful change.”

The Obidient Movement’s commitment, Tanko noted, is to establish a Nigeria where the power of the people is respected and where the right leadership can bring about genuine transformation for all citizens.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Olubunmi Johnson, for allegedly setting his wife, Kikelomo, on fire in their apartment on Fagbuyi Street, Ilogbo, in the Ota area of Ogun State.

PUNCH Metro learnt from an eyewitness on Saturday evening that the incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, following a domestic dispute.

While the exact circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear at the time of this report, the spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola told our correspondent that Johnson has been detained in connection with the crime.

Our correspondent learnt that a neighbour who witnessed the incident alerted the victim’s relatives, who then informed the police about what is now being investigated as an attempted murder.

Odutola told our correspondent that police officers from the Ilogbo Division quickly took action, resulting in the arrest of the 55-year-old suspect.

“The husband doused his wife’s body with petrol and set her on fire with a match. Witnesses to the incident immediately rushed her to the hospital.

“Upon receiving the report, our detectives quickly took action and arrested the husband, who has since been detained.”

PUNCH Metro reported a similar case of domestic violence in October 2024, when a 30-year-old man, Motunrayo Olaniyi, allegedly stabbed his newlywed wife, Olajumoke, to death at Amazing Grace Estate, Elepe, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The incident reportedly occurred following a heated argument between the couple.

The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that during the altercation, Olaniyi stabbed his 25-year-old wife multiple times, locked her in the room, and set the room on fire.

The founder of the Daystar Christian Center, pastor Sam Adeyemi has advised men with concerns about their small manhood.

Adeyemi gave the advice on Sunday while addressing his congregation.

Narrating an incident that happened during his secondary school days, the 57-year-old preacher highlighted the absurdity of body comparisons.

Speaking further, the clergyman encouraged young men to focus more on inner growth, meaningful relationships, and self-acceptance.

“One of the major pressures we have is body image problems. It is terrible to compare your body with mine. Setting standards on what the body should look like and then you find out you fell short. It is so bad.

“I went to an all boys secondary school. I still remember a day that some of my classmates went somewhere and by the time they came back, we now found out what they went to do. They went with a ruler to go measure their private parts and to compare.

“Nothing destroys self image more than that. It is nonsense. If you are a young guy, let me encourage you because it is all over the internet now. You will see either medicine or a Chinese method of elongating your manhood.

“It is a lie, it is not the length that matters but the effectiveness, the skills and love for your spouse. So for God’s sake wait till you get married. Don’t let them kill you,” he said.

The Nigerian government has announced the release of the results of the Professional Examination in General and Post Basic Nursing Programmes in 2024.

This was disclosed in a circular dated November 10, 2024, by the Nursery and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

A breakdown of the results showed that 18,139 candidates were successful, representing an 88 percent pass rate.

The statement noted that the heads of Nigeria’s nursing training institutions are hereby directed to check the result of their institution(S) online as of Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has approved the release of the results of the November 2024 Professional Examination in General/Post Basic Nursing Programmes.

“Summary of the results indicated that eighteen, thousand, one hundred and thirty Nine (18,139) candidates were successful, representing 88 percent pass.

“The breakdown is as follows: A) General Nursing Programme Twelve thousand, five hundred and thirty-four (12,534) candidates were successful, representing 88 percent pass; refresher program Forty-two (42) candidates were successful, representing 45 percent pass; Foreign Trained Nursing (FTN); One hundred and seventy-eight (178) candidates were successful in representing 43 percent pass; Post Basic Nursing Programmes Four thousand, five hundred and thirteen (4, 513) candidates were successful, representing a 96 percent pass rate and Community Nursing Programme.

“Eight hundred and seventy-two (872) candidates were successful, representing 74 percent pass”, the statement signed by the acting registrar of NMCN, Ngadi Alhassan, reads.

The Nigeria Army says troops have recorded success in the Niger Delta region as it dismantled over 43 illegal oil bunkering hubs, arrested 19 economic saboteurs and confiscated over 260,000 litres of stolen products.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops also demolished over 11 vehicles, 21 boats, as well as 11 motorcycles used for stealing crude oil in the region

According to the statement, in Rivers State, troops dismantled seven active illegal refining hubs around Abesa and Kula general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), just as it confiscated over 60,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

It said the troops also destroyed several illegal bunkering havens, three fibre boats, five wooden boats, as well as recovered over 41,000 litres of stolen products.

It said in Buguma Creeks, four active illegal refining hubs, eight large cooking pots, massive receivers/reservoirs, three local boats stocked with over 12,500 litres of stolen products were destroyed.

According to the statement, several wooden boats with over 10,000 litres of stolen products were intercepted around Odagwa, Akwa, Oza West, Oyigbo,Obozur and Ayama general areas.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has accused Dangote Group and oil marketers of ganging up to rip Nigerians off in the Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) pricing.

NLC disclosed this in a communiqué on Sunday after its National Executive Council Meeting held on Friday.

The Union noted that the current price of petrol, which stood between N1060 and N1,200 per litre, is higher than the market value.

According to the NLC, the high petrol price in Nigeria is an indication of the prevalence of cost padding and abnormal margins in the country’s oil and gas sector at the detriment of Nigerians.

The Union called on the Nigerian government to immediately activate the Port Harcourt refinery takeoff and other government-owned refineries.

“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria.

“It was observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product
is significantly higher than the real market price.

“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the
ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote Group.

“It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of economic power in Nigeria, which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.

“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the public domestic refineries in PH, Warri, and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream to break up the monopolistic stranglehold the big players have on the industry,” NLC stated.

Recall that in the past days, Petroleum marketers and Dangote Refinery have been enmeshed in controversy over petrol pricing.

DAILY POST reports that Dangote Group had announced that its petrol was sold at N960 and N990 per litre.

However, Petroleum Marketers had insisted that imported petrol is cheaper than Dangote Petrol.

But Dangote Refinery accused petrol marketers of importing cheap and substandard fuel, which was denied.

Recent data from the Major Energies Marketers Association showed that the landing cost of imported petrol stood at N971 per litre.

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, ANPMP, says private hospitals in Nigeria are folding up due to the ravaging economic downturn.

It also revealed that the nation’s economic situation has forced several Nigerians into self medication, resulting in organ failure and subsequently, death.

ANPMP’s Chairman, Dr Odia Festus Ihongbe in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, weekend, in Abuja, said that morgues were being filled up with dead bodies, while hospital beds were empty.

According to him, “people come only when it becomes critical and they just want you to do magic. And some want to die in the hospital, maybe because of confusion in their families.”

Dr Odia revealed that Nigerians now google their symptoms and buy “drugs from chemists until it gets to the terminal stage.

“Sometimes, we keep them outside and issue death certificates because if you don’t do that, they will come in and dump the body in your hospital and say they are going to look for money for burial”.

Odia further lamented that private hospitals cannot afford to pay the N70,000 minimum wage recently approved by the federal government, owing to poor revenue.

He said, “How will the private sector pay the N70,000 minimum wage?

“Meanwhile the private sector employs 80 percent of doctors and nurses and other scientists, so we are more in number.

“If you have like eight to ten cleaners in your hospital, that’s already about N800,000. Who will pay that money?”

“We provide services to 80 percent of healthcare services in Nigeria yet the government does not show concern about developing the private sector.

“They do more lip service than giving us required attention. Whatever affects health, affects the private sector more.

“You have to provide accommodations for your workers, pay salaries like any other businesses.”

He lamented that prices of essential drugs and hospital equipment have skyrocketed due to the forex crisis.

“We buy drugs and other heavy equipment and the prices of all these things are galloping everyday.

“For instance, the oxygen machine that we used to buy for N25,000 some years ago, went to about N100,000 and we raised the alarm.

“Now the same machine is over N1.5 to N2 million. How do we survive it? These are even minor pieces of equipment.

“Now, the interest rate in banks is something else and no bank wants to help us because it’s not a ‘sharp sharp’ business”, he lamented.

He further stated that the only way the Nigerian medical system would work effectively was through the national health insurance, which according to him, collapsed 20 years ago.

He said, “Where the Nigerian medical system would have worked is through national health insurance. This has been destroyed for over 20 years.

“For over 20 years, they could only cover 4 percent of the Nigerian population. Recently they said the insurance has increased from N500 to N700, how can N700 treat a person for a whole month?

“They know the truth, but they are acting like they are ignorant. Some months ago, we said we are not treating again, then they added N400.

“You can see that there is no seriousness. Between now and December, we will stop treating them. They should go and look for how to treat their patients.

“The way Nigerians are dropping dead every day is alarming. If we have resolved as a country to reduce the population of Nigerians through negative health index, let us come out openly and say it.

“Because Nigerians can no longer access healthcare. Paracetamol that used to be N250 is now N7000. I don’t know how they want Nigerians to survive.

“Ordinary syringe of N250 is now more than N7000 per pack. We are all confused. People are just dying and mortuaries are filled up”.

On the issue of minimum wage, Odia stated that “if health insurance is working and the government is paying when they are supposed to pay, the hospital will be able to settle these bills.”

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has raised concerns over ministries conducting promotion exercises for special civil servants without adhering to due process.

According to Punch, a memo signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, cautioned such ministries against bypassing established protocols.

The document emphasized that cases involving promotions for special, deserving civil servants must be submitted to the Federal Civil Service Commission for approval.

The memo, addressed to key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, heads of departments, and agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and permanent secretaries, highlighted the need for compliance.

Dated October 28, 2024, the memo stated, “Henceforth, all Ministries/Extra-Ministerial Departments are advised to follow the extant procedure as provided in Part IV Section 24 of the “Guidelines for Appointments, Promotion and Discipline” (2004 Edition) issued by the Federal Civil Service Commission, in their requests for special promotion for deserving officers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all requests for special promotion must be forwarded to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission by the recommending Permanent Secretary, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

“Kindly ensure strict compliance with the content of this Circular.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has given state governments an ultimatum of December 1, 2024, to implement the new minimum wage.

It also accused fuel marketers of inflating petrol prices, claiming the pump price is significantly higher than the actual market value.

The NLC contended that Nigerians were being exploited, with citizens enduring heightened suffering and hunger due to government policies which keep pushing many into destitution.

In a communique released on Sunday, following its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC highlighted the severe economic hardship across the country and called for an urgent review of policies it described as “anti-people.”

The NLC further directed state councils where the new minimum wage is not yet implemented to commence an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024, in protest against the unaddressed labour issues.

In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers from N30,000 to N70,000.

However, the implementation across states has been gradual, with some still yet to adopt the new minimum wage.

While a number of states have pledged to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, others have gone further, committing to pay amounts higher than the federal mandate.

As of the first week of November, more than 20 states have announced the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and sensitisation campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent

until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state councils where the national minimum wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024.

“Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the communique read.

The NLC’s call underscored its growing concerns over the economic strain on Nigerians and its commitment to holding both fuel marketers and the government accountable for citizens’ welfare.

“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol in Nigeria.

“It observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price.

“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote group.

“It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of economic power in Nigeria which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.

“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the Public domestic refineries in PH, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream,” it added.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun and vigilante group, among others, from participating in the Ondo State governorship election.

No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the election slated for November 16, 2024.

In a statement on Sunday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG said only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.

He said, “Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like vigilante corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State gubernatorial election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”

The police boss ordered the deployment of officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit, among others.

The statement added that aerial patrols would be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies.

“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”

Adejobi also said the IG vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.

He said, “The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”

For the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission said is set to deploy over 15,500 ad hoc staff.

INEC via its website as sighted by The PUNCH on Sunday, revealed that out of the 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, only 1,757,205 collected their Permanent Voter Cards and would be eligible to vote on Saturday.

The remaining 295,856 registered voters failed to collect their PVCs, thereby missing out on the opportunity to participate in the upcoming election.

The electoral body will allocate a team of four officials to each of the 3,933 polling units across the state, comprising one presiding officer and three assistant presiding officers, bringing the total number of ad hoc staff to 15,732.

In addition, supervisory presiding officers will be assigned to oversee operations at various polling locations.

INEC commenced training for its ad hoc personnel on Friday, November 8, and concluded it on Sunday, November 10.

The sessions, conducted by INEC’s Electoral Institute, took place across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

The training aimed to equip National Youth Service Corps members, ex-corps members, and final-year university students with the necessary skills to manage polling operations effectively.

The focus was on adhering to the 2022 guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections.

During his monitoring visit, the Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute, National Commissioner, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, stressed the importance of the training to ensure “efficiency and effective performance of the Polling Officials on election day.”

He also used the opportunity of the visit to reiterate the function of the INEC Results Viewing portal “as a platform to view election results stating that this does not connote transmission of results.”

NSCDC deploys 6,000 officers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced the deployment of 6,000 officers to ensure adequate security across Ondo State during the election.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, disclosed this in a press release signed by the Corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on Sunday.

Audi stressed the corps’ readiness to provide comprehensive security before, during, and after the polls.

He explained that the personnel would be drawn from Ondo and neighbouring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta.

“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and men to provide adequate security before, during and after the November 16, Ondo governorship elections.

“CG Audi said the NSCDC is fully ready to ensure free, fair and credible elections, noting that the corps would deploy personnel from neighbouring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, amongst others,” the statement read in part.

The officers will be tasked with protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, safeguarding INEC officials and ensuring the safe distribution of election materials.

The deployment covers all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units, including coastal areas in the state.

The security arrangement will feature specialised units such as the Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit.

Additionally, K-9, Marine, and Election Monitoring units, along with the Intelligence and Investigation Department will also be part of the operation.

The NSCDC boss noted that these measures were designed to prevent political violence and thuggery throughout the electoral process.

“The personnel drawn from the host state, neighbouring states and the national headquarters comprises Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, CG’s Mining Marshal, Election Monitoring Unit as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department.

“There are comprehensive and strategic measures already put in place which are targeted towards forestalling all forms of political violence and thuggery before, during and after the elections.

“It is highly imperative that you work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security,” the statement added.

He also warned against acts of vandalism, destruction of public utilities, and election-related violence, urging parents to caution their children against being used by politicians for violent purposes.

Audi assured the public of the corps’ commitment to protecting voters’ fundamental rights while promising to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to disrupt the election process in accordance with the electoral law.