Pray For Us Politicians, We’re The Problem of Nigeria – Peter Obi

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to pray for politicians, describing them as the major cause of the country’s challenges. Obi made the appeal on Sunday, February 1, during a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, as part of activities marking Day 7 of the Oyo State at 50 celebrations. Speaking at the church service, the former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s problems stem largely from leadership failures rather than the actions of ordinary citizens. “I want to make a request of Nigerians. Please do remember us politicians in your prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria. No other person,” Obi said. He emphasised that Nigeria is richly endowed with resources and has the capacity to thrive, but poor governance continues to hold the country back. “Nigeria is not a poor country. It is poorly governed. Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good. That is what is required. If they use it, Nigeria will be good,” he added. Peter Obi’s remarks drew attention to the role of leadership and accountability in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing economic and social challenges, reinforcing his long-held position that good governance is key to national development.

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Moves to Unseat Tinubu Driven by Self-Interest — Matawalle

Moves to Unseat Tinubu Driven by Self-Interest — Matawalle

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has cautioned that efforts to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are motivated by personal ambitions rather than the national interest, warning that such actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability. Speaking on Saturday at his residence in Abuja, Matawalle said early political manoeuvring and internal power struggles aimed at weakening the current administration could disrupt ongoing reforms and undermine national unity. He praised President Tinubu’s leadership style and policy direction, describing them as critical to repositioning Nigeria for economic recovery, stronger institutions and improved national cohesion. “President Tinubu has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and strengthen national institutions. Those plotting to unseat him are motivated by personal interests rather than the public good. If allowed to complete his reform programme, I am confident the President will win convincingly in 2027,” Matawalle said. The minister expressed optimism that Tinubu would secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election, citing the growing impact of the administration’s policies across the country. According to him, notable progress has been recorded in the North, particularly in governance reforms, security operations and institutional development. Matawalle urged Nigerians and political leaders to rally behind the administration and support its reform agenda, calling for unity and cooperation rather than division. He emphasised that political stakeholders should prioritise dialogue and collaboration, stressing that Nigeria’s collective interest must come before individual ambitions. “Rather than engaging in rancour and short-term political calculations, we should focus on solutions that deliver jobs, security and stronger institutions for Nigerians,” he added.

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Aisha Yesufu Slams Onanuga Over ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ Comment on Vandals

“You Would’ve Been Shot” – Aisha Yesufu Slams Onanuga Over ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ Comment

Human rights activist and co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has strongly criticised the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over his controversial “shoot at sight” comment on vandals. In a statement shared on her verified X handle on Sunday, Yesufu described Onanuga and those who share his views as “the worst species of citizens,” arguing that such rhetoric undermines the rule of law and basic human rights. Yesufu maintained that the individuals the presidential aide referred to are, in many cases, victims of what she described as the current administration’s “depravity, unconscionable and insatiable greed.” “Without rule of law, justice and the right to fair hearing, you and those you work for would also have since been shot, and these citizens might not have had to resort to the hideous criminality they are alleged to be engaging in,” she wrote. She further accused the government of inflicting widespread hardship on Nigerians, insisting that this, rather than criminal intent alone, fuels acts of vandalism. “What is more hideous than how you and the illegitimacy you work for have destroyed the lives of hundreds of millions for your selfish, myopic and greedy interests!” she added. Warning against normalising extreme measures, Yesufu said such statements could signal dangerous intentions within government circles. “For him to talk about shoot on sight, don’t be surprised that it is now part of their discussions and what they plan to do,” she wrote. Recall that Onanuga’s remarks followed the circulation of a video showing alleged vandals damaging materials at a federal highway construction site, prompting his call for immediate execution of offenders.

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Peter Obi Condemns ‘Street Urchins’ Tag On Supporters, Says No Nigerian Is Without Value

You Spent Billions on Conference Centre But Primary School Remain Closed In FCT – Peter Obi Slams FG

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the situation as disturbing and unacceptable for the nation’s seat of power. In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi faulted the federal authorities for allowing public primary schools in Abuja to remain shut while billions of naira are being spent on renovating the International Conference Centre and other high-profile infrastructure. According to him, education remains the backbone of national development and should never be treated as an afterthought. Peter Obi lamented that millions of Nigerian children are currently out of school, either due to insecurity or prolonged industrial actions by teachers, stressing that the situation in Abuja is particularly alarming. “This is particularly tragic in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools remain shuttered,” he wrote. He added that it was difficult to justify massive public spending on projects such as conference centres and bus terminals when teachers remain unpaid and children are denied access to basic education. “This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and bus terminals,” Obi stated. “One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education.” The former Anambra State governor’s comments have reignited conversations around government priorities, public spending, and the welfare of teachers, especially in the nation’s capital, where expectations for governance standards are significantly higher. The FCT primary school teachers’ strike has left thousands of pupils out of classrooms, sparking growing public frustration and calls for urgent intervention by the authorities.

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2027: “I Never Betrayed Plateau People” – Gov. Mutfwang Defends Defection to APC

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has responded to criticisms trailing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the decision was taken in the best interest of the people of the state and not for personal political survival. Since his official declaration for the APC on January 27, the governor has faced backlash from some political figures who accused him of betraying the mandate given to him by Plateau voters in the 2023 general elections. However, speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the Government House in Jos on Saturday, Mutfwang said his action had been misunderstood, stressing that aligning with the ruling party was a strategic move aimed at securing greater development for Plateau State. According to the governor, the PDP has become deeply troubled, with no clear path to resolving its internal crises, making it an unreliable platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. “What I did was not betrayal. It was alignment for the good of the people who voted for me,” Mutfwang said. He revealed that despite intense pressure to leave the PDP earlier—including personal outreach from President Bola Tinubu—he initially resisted. However, the worsening situation within the PDP later convinced him that moving to the APC was the most viable option. “Going into 2027, I needed a platform. When I looked at it and saw that the PDP was not likely going to become a viable platform for 2027, I had to think of an option,” he explained. “The options were either to look for a new political party or to accept the invitation by the President. When I did my intelligence gathering, I found it was least dangerous for me to respond to the President than to think of a new platform.” Mutfwang also ruled out alternative political platforms, noting that he never considered parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as viable options. On the benefits of aligning Plateau State with the ruling party, the governor expressed optimism that existing progress in education, security, agriculture, and other sectors would be strengthened. “The people of Plateau State should expect more development now that we are in the APC. They should expect more collaboration, more enhancement and more support to continue what we have started,” he said. He added that Plateau State has not experienced hostility from the federal government, noting that collaboration over the past year had been largely positive. “What is emerging is that Plateau State is becoming like the jewel of the crown in the North Central,” Mutfwang stated, expressing confidence that the state’s political and economic potential would be fully harnessed. Concluding, the governor said Plateau people are rational and understand leadership decisions when properly explained. “It is not party membership but voter support that matters,” he said.“Since we crossed over, we have been engaging the grassroots. Many of them only wanted to hear the reasoning behind our decision, and leaders across faith and ethnicity have come to appreciate the rationale.” Mutfwang maintained that the support of the people remains intact, regardless of party lines, as he continues to position Plateau State for greater federal collaboration and long-term development.

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Nigerian Army Eliminate Top Sambisa Commander, 10 Terrorists in Night Operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State. Barely 24 hours after troops eliminated the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11:00 p.m. Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis. Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five (5) AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as huge medical consumables. No casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation. Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region. The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised , lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region. The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East region, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.  

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“Shoot them at sight” – Onanuga Calls for Immediate Execution of Highway Vandals

“Shoot Them At Sight” – Onanuga Calls for Immediate Execution of Highway Vandals

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called for the immediate execution of vandals caught stealing or damaging materials on federal highways. Onanuga made the statement on Sunday while reacting to a video shared on X by user Salanwu Omoiyaonipako, which showed suspected vandals cutting starter bars and shoulder rods at the reconstruction site of the Ibadan–Ilesa/Ife Federal Highway. In the video, Omoiyaonipako lamented the continued destruction of public infrastructure despite government efforts to improve road networks across the country. “Update on the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ilesa/Ife Federal Highway. Vandals are at it again! They’re cutting and removing starter bars/shoulder rods at the construction site. This is pure wickedness. The government is helping us build good roads, but some Nigerians are vandalising them. I’m tired!” he wrote. Reacting in a quoted post, Onanuga described the vandals as “unconscionable” and “the worst species of citizenship,” calling for drastic action against them. “Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are the worst species of citizens,” he stated. Vandalism of public infrastructure remains a recurring challenge in Nigeria, extending beyond road projects to include oil pipelines, railway tracks, and electricity cables and poles. Such acts often result in major service disruptions, economic losses, and, in some cases, fatalities.

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SERAP urges NASS to reject bill punishing non-voters.

SERAP Sues NNPCL over Missing N22.3bn, $49.7m, £14.3m, €5.2m Oil Money

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over the “failure to account for the alleged missing or diverted N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million and €5.2 million oil money.” The suit followed the damning allegations documented in the 2022 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which was published on 9 September 2025. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/195/2026 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the NNPCL to account for the alleged missing or diverted N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million, and €5.2 million oil money.” SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose the specific financial transactions carried out in respect of the alleged missing or diverted N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million and €5.2 million oil money, including details of disbursement, the contractors, and other individuals who collected the money.” In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The diverted or misappropriated oil revenues reflect a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.” SERAP is also arguing that, “granting the reliefs sought would strike a blow against the impunity of those responsible for the missing or diverted oil money, and ensure that the money is returned for the sake of NNPCL’s victims—Nigerians.” SERAP said, “The allegations have also undermined the economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprived them of opportunities.” According to SERAP, “The Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of oil money from the NNPCL. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing oil money meant to provide essential public services for Nigerians.” SERAP is also arguing that, “Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.” The lawsuit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Oluwakemi Agunbiade and Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “The diverted or misappropriated oil revenues have further damaged the already precarious economy and contributed to very high levels of deficit spending and borrowing by the government. “Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of the widespread grand corruption including in the NNPCL, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators. “The grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations. “According to the 2022 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation, published on 9 September 2025, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million and €5.2 million oil money. “The NNPCL in 2020 reportedly paid over N292 million [N292,609,972.29] ‘for a contract to construct an Accident and Emergency Facility along Airport Road, Abuja.’ But ‘the contractor has abandoned the contract, and failed to execute the job, despite collecting the fee.’ “The Auditor-General fears the contract money may have been ‘diverted’. He wants the money ‘recovered from the contractor and remitted to the treasury.’ “The NNPCL in 2021 also reportedly spent over GBP£14 million [£14,322,426.59] ‘to repair its London office.’ But ‘there was no evidence to show that the money was actually spent, and no documents of any spending’. “The NNPCL also ‘irregularly paid’ over USD$22 million [$22,842,938.28] to a contractor for lifting 9 cargoes of crude oil.’ The NNPCL ‘failed to explain why the amount due to it from crude from January to October 2019 was only $4,858,997.22 and why the contractor got over $22 million for crude for the same period.’ “The NNPCL in 2021 ‘irregularly paid N2.3 billion [N2,379,488,622.99] as car cash option to 100 staff’ but ‘without the approval of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’, and ‘without any document to show that the 100 staff applied for the cash options and any rationale for the payments.’ “The NNPCL in 2021 also reportedly ‘failed to deduct statutory taxes of over N247 million [N247,181,597.92] from payments made to contractors and service providers.’ The NNPCL also ‘failed to deduct statutory taxes of over USD$529,000 [$529,863.24] from payments made to contractors and service providers.’ “The NNPCL ‘paid over N3bn [N3,445,022,107.40] for various services’ but ‘without any documents or trace’. The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have diverted’. “The NNPCL ‘irregularly renewed a contract for over USD$1 million [$1,801,500.00] for charter hire of coastal vessel.’ The money was paid ‘before the consummation of a formal contract ratification.’ “The NNPCL also ‘irregularly paid a contractor over N355 million [N355,436,310.42] as consultancy fees for negotiating and securing waiver to avoid demurrage on abandoned cargoes.’ “The NNPCL ‘paid over N474 million [N474,462,744.53] to a contractor for the connection of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited to the National Grid.’ The Auditor-General is concerned ‘the money may have been lost’. “The NNPCL ‘paid over USD$2 million [$2,006,293.20] to a contractor for the rehabilitation and upgrade of system-depot project’, but ‘without any documents’. The NNPCL also ‘paid over N478 million [N478,505,300.00] to a contractor for the rehabilitation and upgrade of system-depot project’, but ‘without any documents’. “The NNPCL in 2019 ‘awarded a contract for over USD$8 million [$8, 211,432.00] ‘for the emergency procurement and installation of custody transfer meters on crude oil and product pipelines at eleven locations.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the payments may be for work not executed.’ “The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid over €5 million [€5,165,426.26] to a contractor for the operation and maintenance of Atlas Cove Jetty Facility’ but ‘without any documents.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted’. “The NNPCL ‘paid over USD$1 million [$1,035,132.81] as legacy debt for charter hire of coastal vessels to a company without…

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