Year: 2025

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has declared that he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s president, but rather driven by a desire to see the country function effectively for its citizens. Speaking at a special anniversary service marking Governor Alex Otti’s two years in office, Obi emphasized the need for integrity and accountability in leadership. At the event held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday, Obi urged Nigerians to consistently pray for their leaders, stressing that governance is a difficult task, especially for those determined to do the right thing. “It is difficult to govern Nigeria or any of its states, especially when you are determined to do the right thing,” Obi noted. “When I say I am not desperate to be President, I am desperate to see Nigeria work.” He also commended Governor Otti’s administration for what he described as “two years with a difference,” stating that transformational leadership does not necessarily require an extended tenure.“People always say they need eight years, ten years, or even twenty years to make an impact. But I have always said that one day can make a difference. What is happening in Abia today, we want to see it happen everywhere in Nigeria,” Obi said. Governor Alex Otti, in response, attributed the achievements of his administration to divine guidance and strength from God. He expressed gratitude to Obi for his unwavering support and thanked the Abia State legislature, judiciary, and members of the church for their prayers and encouragement. Obi’s remarks have sparked renewed conversations around leadership and the future of Nigeria as the country approaches another election cycle.

In a major breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international drug syndicate operating through Lagos, arresting two British nationals and two Nigerians in a sting operation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja. The suspects — Mhizha Jordan Alexander Tatendra, Ayedipe Andrew Adejuwon (both British nationals), along with Shonowo Oluwaseun Imole and Ofuoma Omokaro Ayobami (Nigerians) — were caught red-handed with 92 bags of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 51.10kg. According to a statement released by the NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Alexander arrived on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha, where NDLEA operatives allowed him to pass security while monitoring his movements. He was intercepted at the airport car park, where Adejuwon, Shonowo, and Ayobami were waiting in an SUV to collect the consignment. The suspects were arrested while attempting to leave the airport, with the drugs concealed in the vehicle. Alexander confessed that he had been recruited during a recent vacation and was promised £1,300 for the delivery. Adejuwon, identified as the ringleader, admitted that he had flown into Nigeria via South Africa and Ghana a day before. A subsequent raid on their apartment in Lekki led to the recovery of ₦3.81 million in cash, an Apple laptop, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and four canisters of laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide). Additionally, ₦93,000 and 17,200 South African Rand were found on Adejuwon during his arrest. The NDLEA has vowed to continue its crackdown on international drug trafficking networks, warning that no syndicate will escape the long arm of the law.