Obasempire reports that Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has left the party.
Okonkwo stated that he chose to depart after the party’s former presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, was unable to resolve the party’s internal issues.
“I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate,” Okonkwo said in a statement he shared on his X account.
Obasempire reports that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) has asserted that the party is not associated with lawlessness and cannot be connected to actions that might disrupt national unity.
In a statement released over the weekend and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifo, the party reiterated its dedication to legal norms while addressing remarks made by the Media Aide of President Bola Ahmed, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga had claimed on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that the LP was involved in the planned nationwide protest against the Bola Tinubu administration.
The party refuted the claims linking the Labour Party, its national leader Peter Obi, and other prominent figures within the party to the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest.
The LP statement read in part: “We say that there is no truth in that and the tweet is just a figment of the author’s imagination.
Labour Party is known for being a very peaceful party and it has at several occasions asked its followers to follow peace at all times.
“We are not known as a lawless group as was evident in the aftermath of the last general election. It is therefore delusional for anyone to link our supporters to the planned protest. Labour Party, Peter Obi and our supporters are not planning any protests.
“However, peaceful protests all over the world are initiated and executed by the people and not by the opposition. No opposition has any control over protests. Popular protests such as in Kenya, Egypt and several other places were a direct registration of the people’s frustration against the government. The opposition have the right to protest and it is within their constitutional right.
“It is therefore puerile for the government or anyone for that matter to begin to look for who to blame for the bad governance that is being witnessed in Nigeria today. Nigeria can still get it right if the right policies are initiated. We also advise that some aides of the Presidency must be cautioned to avoid incendiary pronouncements capable of combusting the nation, all in the name of playing politics.”
Obasempire reports that the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the Federal Government is poised to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the abduction of school children.
Mr. Idris made this declaration during an engagement in Kano on Wednesday, addressing media professionals and practitioners at a forum organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had instructed security agencies to expedite efforts in ensuring the safe rescue and reunion of recently abducted school children in Kaduna with their families.
Furthermore, the minister urged journalists to refrain from sensationalizing the activities of kidnappers and bandits.
“Mr President is disturbed that journalists celebrate the activities of kidnappers and bandits on the pages of national dailies. He believes that such publicity encourages the unpatriotic elements,” he said.
He said that the Federal Government was currently putting adequate modalities in place to overhaul the agricultural sector towards ensuring food security.
He stated, “Mr President is insisting that Nigeria must be self-sufficient in food production. Proactive measures have been adopted by the Federal Government to ensure adequate provision of assorted fertiliser to farmers at subsidized dates,”
Obasempire reports that Ayo Adebanjo, the head of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has thrown his weight behind the proposition for Nigeria to revert to the parliamentary system of governance.
Adebanjo contended that the presidential system of governance is excessively costly and riddled with corruption.
His stance emerged during an appearance on Arise Television, where he articulated his views passionately.
Adebanjo staunchly maintained that the presidential system transforms the president into a dictator post-election, rendering questioning of his authority obsolete.
According to him, “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.
“To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.
“Particularly in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most powerful in the world. The system is too expensive and corrupt. The earlier we revert, the better.
“Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.
“The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed.”
Obasempire reports that in a recent development, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos state for 2023 election has voiced his reservations about the party’s choice for the presidential candidacy, Peter Obi, asserting that Obi does not align with the kind of politician Nigerians require.
Rhodes-Vivour conveyed this sentiment during an appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast.
In a snippet circulated across online platforms, the LP stalwart indicated that the former Governor of Anambra State might possess the qualities of a leader Nigeria requires; however, he falls short of embodying the quintessential politician. “we need for us”.
He said, “Peter Obi is the leader that we need for Nigeria, but not the politician we need for us.”
Rhodes-Vivour also insisted, “Peter (Obi) does not buy votes. He won Lagos without buying votes.”
Obasempire reports that Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, underscored the resilience of Nigerians amidst economic challenges, emphasizing their capacity to endure hardship and persevere.
He stated this during a session on Wednesday in the lower legislative chamber. Kalu’s remarks came as he contributed to a discussion on food security.
The legislator highlighted the buoyant spirit of Nigerians despite prevailing economic adversities, noting that their resilience contributes to national happiness.
Kalu advocated for the subsidization of farm inputs to bolster the nation’s journey towards food security.
He urged governors to adopt policies that promote agriculture within their respective states, aiming to complement the federal government’s initiatives.
In his address, Kalu urged governors to align their policies with agricultural priorities, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap between federal strategies and local implementation.
“It is high time you prioritise your policies and the mechanism to achieve those policies towards agriculture and food insecurity so that what the president is doing from this level of the federal government will be felt at the local level,” he said.
“If there is a need for subsidy in this country, it is to subsidise these farm inputs and everything that has to do with farming. Let‘s put our energy there.
“We are hardworking people in Nigeria. We have been declared as one of the happiest people in the world because we can absorb hardship and keep moving.
“The governors — we urge you to prioritise the issue of agriculture.”
Kalu’s call to action resonated with an appeal to governors, urging them to prioritize agricultural development as a crucial step towards enhancing food security nationwide.
Obasempire reports that the Nigeria Police Force has stationed anti-riot personnel at key locations, in anticipation of today’s nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the country’s economic downturn.
According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, officers have been placed on red alert to manage potential unrest.
Despite warnings from the Presidency and police authorities, the NLC remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the demonstration, citing economic hardships and prevailing conditions in the country.
The protest stems from the government’s alleged failure to uphold agreements made on October 2, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the widespread hardships.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
In response to the looming protest, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed state commissioners to safeguard the demonstrators’ rights while preventing any attempts to hijack the event.
The police underscored their commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while vowing to deter any disruptions.
Adejobi emphasized the police’s preparedness to swiftly counter unlawful activities or violence during the protest, asserting that the force will not tolerate disorder or threats to public safety.
“Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.
“It is vital to state that the police have spread their tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage the nationwide protests to create brouhaha, and such will be met with approved legal and proportional force as the police will not allow the wanton breakdown of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in some parts of the country,’’ Adejobi stated.
The force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.
“As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.
“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
“All commissioners of police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.’
’In a bid to facilitate a peaceful rally, police commands in Delta, Benue, and Niger states have engaged with labor leaders to coordinate efforts for a smooth protest.
This halt became necessary after a commotion claimed seven lives at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in the Yaba locality of Lagos State last Friday.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the Chief Superintendent of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, unveiled the pause in operations in a statement released on Monday.
The Nigeria Customs initially intended to vend confiscated food supplies at a rate of N10,000 per 25 kilograms to mitigate the populace’s distress amidst soaring living costs and economic adversities.
On the ill-fated Friday, a pregnant woman and six others purportedly perished in a surge when suspected troublemakers attempted forcible entry into the Yaba Customs office premises.
Disgruntled Lagos inhabitants, who had congregated at the NCS facility in Yaba, voiced their disappointment on Monday subsequent to the discontinuation of the initiative.
Obasempire reports that Prophet Odumeje recently met with renowned Nigerian musician Flavour, sharing his vision of using one of his spiritual powers to tackle Nigeria’s enduring problems.
In a candid conversation, the prophet expressed his determination to bring about positive change in the nation.With unwavering faith in his divine calling, Prophet Odumeje assured Flavour that his spiritual gifts could be harnessed to address issues such as corruption, poverty, and social injustice.
He emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in overcoming these challenges.Prophet Odumeje’s message resonated deeply with Flavour, who has long been an advocate for social change through his music.
Inspired by the prophet’s vision, Flavour pledged his support in spreading awareness and mobilizing communities to work towards a brighter future for Nigeria.
As they parted ways, Prophet Odumeje and Flavour shared a sense of optimism and determination. United in their commitment to ending Nigeria’s problems, they vowed to collaborate and inspire others to join their cause.
Obasempire reports that renowned Nigerian comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly known as Seyilaw, has opened up about the monetary repercussions of endorsing Tinubu’s bid for the presidency.
In an exclusive interview with TVC, Seyilaw revealed that he had to refund a significant sum of 15.5 million naira to certain dissatisfied clients following his public backing of Tinubu.
Comedian Seyilaw
He stressed his steadfastness in his stance, asserting that he remained resolute in his support for Tinubu despite enduring financial setbacks and business losses.
In Seyilaw’s words: “Supporting Tinubu made me poorer, I refunded N15.5m to people who were angry that I backed Tinubu. But because I believed in my choice, that was why I was bold enough to refund money and did not back down from my support.
“Everybody knows that as a comedian December is probably the high point of our event and I lost quite a number of clients because I supported this administration. But do I regret it? No, I don’t. I believe that this administration will deliver”
