Category: News

By [Kamal Yalwa] Political Correspondent A recent statement by Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stirred conversation and sparked varied interpretations among Nigerians, particularly around a cryptic phrase he used during a campaign address. In an earlier speech, Obi rallied his supporters by declaring: “For those who think they will not count our votes — we count them.” Many interpreted this as a call for electoral vigilance, with some suggesting he meant citizens should take the vote-counting process into their own hands if electoral officials fail to do so. However, the discussion intensified after Obi released a follow-up video in which he urged supporters not to leave polling units after voting. In that video, he stated: “When you vote, don’t go. Stay there. Insist they count it. If they refuse to count it — count the person.” The phrase “count the person” has been widely seen as a parable, prompting questions and various interpretations. While some view it as a metaphor for holding officials accountable, others are seeking further clarification to avoid misinterpretation or potential escalation. Political analysts say Obi’s use of such language reflects growing public frustration with electoral transparency and a push for more civic involvement. Still, they caution that ambiguous rhetoric, especially in a tense political climate, can lead to unintended consequences if not clearly explained. Obi, known for his calm demeanor and grassroots engagement, has yet to elaborate on the exact meaning behind the “count the person” remark. Supporters hope he will provide clarity in future statements to ensure the message remains peaceful and constructive. As Nigeria approaches another critical electoral cycle, calls for clearer communication — from all political leaders — are growing louder.

Reno Omokri, a self-proclaimed pastor and political commentator, has once again found himself at the center of a storm of criticism — this time, accused of being the very embodiment of projection, betrayal, and double standards. Observers say Omokri’s recent attacks against political opponents reflect less about their actions and more about his own unchecked insecurities. Once a vocal critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Omokri now appears to have undergone a dramatic shift in allegiance — a move critics describe as politically expedient and morally bankrupt. “Reno doesn’t hold principles — he holds grudges and opportunities,” a political analyst noted. “He calls others untrustworthy, yet his history of flip-flopping alliances reads like a political soap opera.” Omokri’s credibility has been called into question on several fronts. Despite claiming to support ethical leadership, he has been accused of repeatedly launching unwarranted verbal assaults on figures like Peter Obi — a man he once praised. Critics say this pattern of behavior points to a fear of being overshadowed by genuine popularity and public goodwill. Even more contentious is his self-styled identity as a moral guide and pastor. Detractors point to glaring contradictions, including his open polygamous lifestyle and shifting loyalties between political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu. “Nigeria isn’t your polygamous playground,” one observer quipped, referring to Omokri’s now-infamous balancing act between rival camps. Critics have also challenged Omokri to address unresolved issues around President Tinubu’s academic records and past drug-related investigations in the United States — topics Omokri once pursued with zeal but now curiously avoids. “Why the sudden silence?” one commentator asked. “What happened to the moral outrage?” In response to Omokri’s recent statements touting his “credibility,” one critic summed it up bluntly: “Reno Omokri and credibility? That’s not irony — that’s parody.” The growing chorus of dissent signals a broader public fatigue with perceived political opportunism dressed in robes of righteousness. As one analyst put it: “You can’t wear a clerical collar on Sunday and sell your conscience by Monday.” Until Reno Omokri addresses these glaring contradictions, many say he remains, at best, a cautionary tale in credibility — and at worst, a polished example of everything wrong with Nigeria’s political class.

While victims of recent Fulani herdsmen attacks continue to receive treatment in hospitals and grieving families mourn their loved ones, a group of youths and women in Benue State staged a political rally on Thursday in support of the current administration. The demonstrators, under the banner of pro-Tinubu/Alia support groups, marched through major streets of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, expressing solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the group called for second terms for both leaders, praising their policies and leadership style. The rally, however, sparked mixed reactions from residents, many of whom viewed it as insensitive given the recent wave of violent attacks that have left several communities in mourning. Local commentators noted the growing tension between political activities and the humanitarian crisis triggered by insecurity in the state.