Politics
2023 Election: I Joined LP To Recue Nigeria From Failed Governance – Obi
Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi had announced that he took a significant decision that could potentially impact the country’s political landscape.
He revealed that he had joined the Labour Party alongside other patriotic Nigerians with the goal of rescuing the nation from a litany of leadership and governance failures on 27th of may 2022.
He said “On 27th May 2022, I took a most important decision in my life to join great and patriotic Nigerians in Labour Party to rescue our dear country Nigeria from litany of leadership and governance failures.”
Peter Obi made this announcement on his Twitter handle yesterday, as a way of marking the end of his Obi-datti presidential campaign ahead of the election.
According to Peter Obi, he was elected with great honor as the Presidential Candidate to lead the movement for a New Nigeria.
He expressed his gratitude towards the members and leadership of the Labour Party, as well as other committed Nigerians such as Professor Pat Utomi who played a crucial role in making this possible.
After deep reflection, Peter Obi expressed his eternal gratitude to God for his decision to join the Labour Party and offer himself to serve and lead a movement for a New Nigeria.
Peter Obi went on to say that during his campaign around various states, he alleged that multi-dimensional poverty, undeserved unemployment, and poor living conditions during his time in Nigeria was observed.
He also witnessed decaying and unavailable basic infrastructure, avoidable crises, accidents, deaths, and unchecked criminal activity.
He further appreciate his supporters known as “Obedient” Across the country for their unwavering support since his campaign.
Peter Obi expressed his condolences and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of Nigerians, particularly his supporters, who lost their lives during the struggle for a New Nigeria.
Peter Obi acknowledged the loss of notable supporters, including Mallam Lawal Garba, the Zonal Party Chairman in Kaduna, who died in a ghastly motor accident in October 2022.
He also mentioned Mrs. Victoria Chimtex, the Labour Party Women Leader in Kaduna State, who was tragically murdered in Kaura, Kaduna State in November 2022.
Peter Obi also acknowledged the loss of Mr. Christopher Elehu, the Labour Party’s candidate for Onuimo Local Government Area constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, who was killed in December 2022. He also mentioned Mr. Isaac Dauda, the Labour Leader in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, who passed away in January 2023.
Peter Obi promised to build agricultural dams and support every state in Nigeria to plant 10 million economic trees, which would generate an additional N300 billion per state every year. This, he believes, will help eradicate poverty and enhance the human capital development of Nigeria’s children and youth.
He reiterated his commitment to a New Nigeria, stating that farmers must return to their farms to feed the country. He emphasized that he and Datti Baba-Ahmed were committed to providing leadership towards a New Secured, United and Prosperous Nigeria with their.
He said “We will build agricultural dams and support every state in Nigeria to plant 10, million economic trees to generate additional N300,000,000,000 (Three Hundred Billion Naira) per state every year to eradicate poverty & enhance the human capital development of our children & youths.”
“Our farmers must return to their farms to feed Nigeria. That is the New Nigeria that Datti Baba-Ahmed and I offer to provide and lead. With our soul, mind, and body, we pledge and deeply commit to A New Secured, United and Prosperous Nigeria! So, help us God.” He added
Peter Obi also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the upcoming elections with the utmost professionalism and impartiality.
He emphasized the importance of timely delivery of election materials and adherence to agreed guidelines. Above all, he stressed the need for the choice of Nigerians to be respected and allowed to prevail.
“We equally call on INEC to conduct the elections with utmost professionalism and impartiality. Election materials must be delivered on time and conducted strictly in line with agreed guidelines. The choice of Nigerians must be respected and allowed to prevail.” He said.
Peter Obi implored all Nigerians of goodwill to turn out in large numbers on Saturday, February 25th, to cast and protect their votes for the Labour Party (LP- Mama, Papa, Pikin) in order to bring about a New Nigeria.
“We implore all Nigerians of good will to troop out on Saturday 25th of February to cast and protect their votes for Labour Party (LP- Mama, Papa, Pikin) to birth a New Nigeria” He added.
Politics
US Election: Cardi B Expresses Nerves
Grammy-winning rapper, Cardi B has shared her intense feelings about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, admitting that her nerves are so high she feels as though she’s running for president herself.
With the election only a day away, Cardi B took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express her anticipation, telling her 36 million followers, “I don’t know why I’m so nervous for tomorrow. I feel like I’m running for president.”
The Bronx-born rapper and cultural icon recently made headlines for her passionate endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s candidate, at a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Cardi B gave a rousing speech, highlighting her concerns about the Republican Party’s candidate, former President Donald Trump. She criticized Trump’s stance on women’s rights, calling him “a hustler who is trying to hustle women out of their rights and hustle Americans out of their money.”
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The rapper, known for her outspoken political views, did not hold back, asserting that Trump is “selling more than watches and sneakers” and accusing him of promoting “bigotry, misogyny, division, chaos, and confusion.” Her words resonated with supporters, many of whom see Cardi B as a voice for younger voters who care about issues like women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice.
Addressing rumors circulating online, Cardi B also clarified that she was not paid to endorse Harris, dispelling speculation that financial incentives were behind her appearance at the rally. “I did this because I believe in the future that Kamala Harris stands for, not for any money,” she tweeted.
Cardi B has been vocal about her political stance throughout the election season, using her platform to encourage her fans to vote and make their voices heard. Her support for Harris has added significant star power to the Democratic campaign, especially among younger and minority voters. As the election approaches, her rally speech and social media statements have brought renewed attention to the high-stakes issues on the ballot.
With her passionate stance, Cardi B has become one of the most influential celebrity advocates in this election cycle, drawing both praise and criticism. As Americans prepare to vote, her message continues to reverberate across social media and beyond, emphasizing the rapper’s commitment to political engagement and advocacy for her beliefs.
Politics
Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
In an effort to reduce Nigeria’s debt burden and stabilize the economy, President Bola Tinubu announced on Monday that the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has fallen from 97 to 65 percent over the 17 months since he took office.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for seven new ministers at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy despite challenging conditions.
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“For us, it was a challenge when the nation was servicing its debt with 97 percent of its revenue. It was nothing but the edge of the cliff,” Tinubu said.
“But today, I can report to you that we have brought that down to 65 percent, and we have never defaulted in meeting all obligations, both foreign and domestic.”
His remarks follow Afreximbank’s recent projection that Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio could reach 110.4 percent by 2024.
Afreximbank’s 2024 Nigeria Country Brief warned of a troubling upward trend in debt servicing, which could see the ratio surge from 33.8 percent in 2017 to a projected 110.4 percent next year.
However, with continued reforms, the report suggested the ratio might decline to 62.6 percent by 2025.
In the first nine months of 2023, debt servicing consumed 66.9 percent (₦5.79 trillion) of Nigeria’s total revenue, a slight improvement from 99.3 percent (₦4.23 trillion) during the same period in 2022.
Tinubu, while optimistic about economic recovery, acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by Nigerians due to a sharp increase in the cost of living triggered by recent economic reforms.
“We have taken the bull by the horns,” the President asserted. “We have stopped the scavengers. We will fully put an end to the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country. We are not shirking our responsibility; we are confronting it head-on.”
He further expressed confidence that Nigeria was on a “good path” toward recovery, emphasizing that the government remains committed to re-engineering the economy.
He cited the introduction of a new minimum wage as one measure aimed at mitigating rising living costs.
Monday’s ceremony also saw the swearing-in of seven new ministers, part of a recent cabinet reshuffle.
In two batches, ministers including Idi Maiha (Livestock Development) and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment) took their oaths.
The reshuffle, which saw 10 ministers reassigned, five discharged, and seven new appointments confirmed by the Senate, reflects Tinubu’s stated commitment to reshaping his cabinet to meet Nigeria’s evolving challenges.
As the administration continues to implement reforms, President Tinubu emphasized a long-term vision for economic sustainability, not only for the current generation but also for future ones.
“Despite the challenges, we must undertake the job of re-engineering and retooling this country’s economic path,” he said.
Politics
Edo Deputy Gov, Omobayo Ordered To Court Over Refusal To Vacate Office
A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated that Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, appear in person on November 26, 2024, following allegations of contempt of court stemming from his failure to comply with a previous ruling.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Monday, asserting that Omobayo, described as the alleged contemnor, must be afforded a fair hearing in accordance with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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The court action was initiated by Philip Shaibu, who was reinstated as Deputy Governor after the court invalidated his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly on July 17.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the impeachment proceedings lacked due process and that the grounds for Shaibu’s removal did not constitute gross misconduct.
Shaibu’s suit targets several parties, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Edo State House of Assembly, seeking enforcement of the court’s judgment and demanding that Omobayo vacate the deputy governorship position.
Omobayo assumed office on April 8, following Shaibu’s impeachment.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Omobayo was served legal documents but failed to appear.
In response, Shaibu’s attorney, Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, urged the court to compel Omobayo’s attendance, citing the need to uphold judicial authority.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 26 for further proceedings.
He directed that hearing notices be served to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th defendants involved in the charge.
“In the interest of justice and to provide the alleged contemnor with an opportunity to defend himself and receive a fair hearing, in accordance with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I hereby order that the alleged contemnor appear in court in person on November 26, 2024,” the judge stated.
It is noteworthy that the current tenure of the state government is set to conclude on November 12.