Trending News:Goodhead: Era of Dependence on Imported Goods Must Give WayOtti’s Threat to Opponents and Stinks of HypocrisyEXCLUSIVE: Army Officers Detained For Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Are Attached To NSA Ribadu’s Office, Include Ex-Governor’s NephewTowards a More Perfect ConstitutionReserved Seats Bill Gathers Momentum Ahead of Voting Next MonthDeputy Speaker Kalu Renovates Correctional Centre in Abia, Pays Fines for Over 15 Inmates in Umuahia, AbaYour People-oriented Governance Inspires Hope, Martha Agba Tells Gov Otu at 66First Lady Headlines UNA-Nigeria @80 ConferenceADC Vows to Redesign Governance, End Godfatherism, Budget PaddingKebbi Govt Denies Hiring Chinese Security Firm to Fight LakurawaBREAKING: Nigerian Police Order Operatives Nationwide To Monitor, Resist #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters On MondayGov Yahaya Approves Over 100% Increase in Scholarship AllowanceGov Eno Calls on Youths To Be InnovativeBayelsa Reiterates Commitment to Conclude All Ongoing ProjectsStanbic IBTC Partners LOXEA BYD to Promote Sustainable TransportationNigeria Stands Firmly With You, House Speaker Tells Wounded-in-Action SoldiersSMEs: Aisha Babangida Urges FG, States to Adopt Inclusive Procurement Reforms EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Defence Intelligence Detains Brigadier-General, Other Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President TinubuGov Otu Divine Gift to C’ River, Says IronbarDangote Committed to Full Local Fuel Supply, Says Sabotage, Misinformation Threaten OperationsIs Tinubu Nigeria’s Opposition Nemesis ?Celebrating a Heart Immersed in Service: Gov Bassey Edet Otu at 66BREAKING: Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Nigerian Army Convoy In Borno, Kill Two Senior Officers, Others2027: Defections Shake PDP, LP, ADC as Opposition Fights to Remain CompetitiveTrump’s Adviser Dismisses Religious Persecution Allegations in NigeriaDangote Refinery: Drop in Crude Order Tied to Fluctuating Oil Prices, Not Facility BreakdownIn Washington, DC, Cardoso, Uzoka-Anite Rally Global Backing for Nigeria’s ReformsCiting Tenure Expiration, Osun Withdraws LG Funds Suit against CBN, AGFFAAC Disburses N2.103tn September Allocation, N122bn Less Than August’s N2.225tnSenate Moves to End ASUU Strike, Summons Education Minister, NUC Boss Over Funding CrisisKcee, Ikem Mazeli, Thrill at ‘Evening With Glo’ in Onitsha Air Peace Launches Monthly Commercial Schedule Flights to Antigua, Barbados Effective from December 2025Obi of Onitsha to Leaders: Don’t Sacrifice Poor Nigerians in Quest for 2027Wike Won’t Run Against Tinubu in 2027, Aide Dismisses PDP Faction’s ClaimUN: Only 23% Nigerian Women-owned Businesses Have Access to Credit US Embassy Warns Citizens Over Planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow ProtestWale Ojo’s ‘This is not A Nollywood Movie’ Set for Release Dec.5Pharmacists Kick against Proposed University of Medicine & Health SciencesBREAKING: Bandits Kill Police Officers In Southern KadunaEXCLUSIVE: Tinubu Strikes Secret Deal With Southern Governors To Conduct All Elections In One Day, Guarantee Re-election For DefectorsMama Victoria Abiodun at 90: The Day Iperu-Remo Hosted All NigeriansGov Mbah to Set up Multi-stakeholder Review Committee on TaxationSpecial Seats Bill Crucial for Deepening Democracy, Say PLAC, ExpertsSenate Moves to End ASUU Strike, Summons Education Minister, NUC Boss Over Funding CrisisCiting Tenure Expiration, Osun Withdraws LG Funds Suit Against CBN, AGFGBV: Experts Advocate Creation of Gender Centres in All Tertiary InstitutionsObi Only Enjoying Media Publicity, He is Not Going to Contest Next Election, Says LP2027: APC Strong Enough to Manage Defections, Expectations, Says C’ River GovFUOYE Alumni Elect New Executives, Pledge to Strengthen EngagementBREAKING: Tinubu Govt Secretly Obtains Court Order Barring Sowore, Others From Staging #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest Near Aso Villa, OthersNCS Warns of Fake Appointment Letters Circulating OnlineNGO Unveils Project to Tackle Gender-based Violence, Promote Justice in Katsina Eventhive Partners Lewis Silkin to Co-host ‘Fintech Without Borders’ Forum in LondonBREAKING: Tinubu Govt Files Suit To Stop Sowore, Others From Organising October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow ProtestNarcotics: NCAA, Nigerian Pilots Debunk Orji Kalu’s Claim, Seek ProofCREDICORP Clinches Credit Access Company of the Year AwardBenue Government Reaffirms Commitment to FarmersArmy Promises Justice to Family of Deceased Commercial DriverMRA Condemns INEC’s N1.5bn Charge for Access to Voter RegisterFG Pushes for Sign Language in Schools NationwideTransparency: Kaduna Leads for Second Year RunningNSCDC Foils Kidnap of Customs Officer, Wife, Others Fubara Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract Awarded to CCECCRE: CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST GAIL FAJEMBOLA AND HER COMPANY – GIF ENERGY RESOURCES LTDW’Bank Designates Nigeria as Priority Country to Showcase Universal Health CoverageBREAKING: Nine Killed, Several Abducted As Bandits Mount Coordinated Attacks On Kaduna CommunitiesFG: Presidential Pardon Still Under Review, No Convict Released YetSenate Confirms Amupitan as INEC ChairFG: Over $1bn Private Sector Investment Mobilised to Boost CNG AdoptionKeyamo Seeks Sustained Collaboration Between Aviation Regulators, JudiciarySenate Confirms Amupitan as INEC ChairFG: Foreign Loans Must Drive Local Investment, Enhance Competitive Advantage2027: For Ogun West, It’s Nothing But GovernorshipNUPRC Opposes Planned Commission for Decommissioning of Oil InstallationsAmid Gains in Global Ethical Finance, AI, Others, Nigerian Risk Managers Move to Plug Potential PitfallsDangote to FG: Amend BPP Act to Strengthen, Institutionalise ‘Nigeria First’ Policy World’s Leading Solar Firm, Sun King, Plans $150m Investment in Local Production in 5 YearsCoca-Cola System Champions Circular Economy Dialogue at NESG SummitLife After Cancer: How Beiersdorf’s Partnership with BRICON Foundation is Aiding Rehabilitation for Nigeria’s Cancer SurvivorsNigerian Navy Intercepts Boat Laden with 4,000 Litres of Suspected AGO in Lagos WatersArewa Professionals Laud Oyebanji’s Achievements, Pledge Continued SupportSanwo-Olu Becomes Grand Patron of Bodex Social Media Hangout InitiativeBREAKING: Bandits Kill Eight Nigerian Policemen, Community Guard Officers In ZamfaraNANS Disowns Planned #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest, Warns Students Against Political ManipulationBREAKING: Bandits Abduct Worshippers During Morning Prayers At Zamfara MosqueBREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Files Preliminary Objection Against Further Trial Over ‘Illegal Rendition, Repealed Law’BREAKING: Abuja Court Strikes Out Treason Case Against Whistleblower PIDOMNigeriaSenate Halts Electoral Act Amendment Debate, As Akpabio Recalls 2019 Election OrdealSenior Lawyer Tasks National Assembly on Amendment of Section 136 of Electoral ActEXCLUSIVE: Secret PDP Faction Meeting Minutes Reveal Push For Wike’s 2027 Presidential Run, Claim ‘Leader’ Saved Party From ExtinctionCourt Adjourns DSS Operatives’ ₦5.5bn Defamation Suit Against SERAP Till November 12NELFUND Exonerates Unilorin of Wrongdoing over Students Illegal DeductionsUUBO Seeks Stakeholders’ Collaboration in Implementing NDP ActEXCLUSIVE: Wike-For-President 2027 Committee Nominates National, Zonal Coordinators During Secret Meeting, Rules Out Makinde, Others As ‘Turncoats’FUL Poised to take Education to Higher Heights, Says VCNasarawa Disburses N592m As Bursary Allowances to Indigent Students Stakeholders Back Establishment of Aviation University at House HearingWorld Food Day 2025: Sterling Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Food SecurityEXCLUSIVE: NMA Report Exposes Nnamdi Kanu’s Worsening Health: Nosebleeds, Blood In Urine, OthersBREAKING: Court Grants Bail To Nigerian Journalist Fejiro Oliver Accused Of Cyberstalking Delta Governor, Senator
Trending News:Goodhead: Era of Dependence on Imported Goods Must Give WayOtti’s Threat to Opponents and Stinks of HypocrisyEXCLUSIVE: Army Officers Detained For Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Are Attached To NSA Ribadu’s Office, Include Ex-Governor’s NephewTowards a More Perfect ConstitutionReserved Seats Bill Gathers Momentum Ahead of Voting Next MonthDeputy Speaker Kalu Renovates Correctional Centre in Abia, Pays Fines for Over 15 Inmates in Umuahia, AbaYour People-oriented Governance Inspires Hope, Martha Agba Tells Gov Otu at 66First Lady Headlines UNA-Nigeria @80 ConferenceADC Vows to Redesign Governance, End Godfatherism, Budget PaddingKebbi Govt Denies Hiring Chinese Security Firm to Fight LakurawaBREAKING: Nigerian Police Order Operatives Nationwide To Monitor, Resist #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters On MondayGov Yahaya Approves Over 100% Increase in Scholarship AllowanceGov Eno Calls on Youths To Be InnovativeBayelsa Reiterates Commitment to Conclude All Ongoing ProjectsStanbic IBTC Partners LOXEA BYD to Promote Sustainable TransportationNigeria Stands Firmly With You, House Speaker Tells Wounded-in-Action SoldiersSMEs: Aisha Babangida Urges FG, States to Adopt Inclusive Procurement Reforms EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Defence Intelligence Detains Brigadier-General, Other Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President TinubuGov Otu Divine Gift to C’ River, Says IronbarDangote Committed to Full Local Fuel Supply, Says Sabotage, Misinformation Threaten OperationsIs Tinubu Nigeria’s Opposition Nemesis ?Celebrating a Heart Immersed in Service: Gov Bassey Edet Otu at 66BREAKING: Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Nigerian Army Convoy In Borno, Kill Two Senior Officers, Others2027: Defections Shake PDP, LP, ADC as Opposition Fights to Remain CompetitiveTrump’s Adviser Dismisses Religious Persecution Allegations in NigeriaDangote Refinery: Drop in Crude Order Tied to Fluctuating Oil Prices, Not Facility BreakdownIn Washington, DC, Cardoso, Uzoka-Anite Rally Global Backing for Nigeria’s ReformsCiting Tenure Expiration, Osun Withdraws LG Funds Suit against CBN, AGFFAAC Disburses N2.103tn September Allocation, N122bn Less Than August’s N2.225tnSenate Moves to End ASUU Strike, Summons Education Minister, NUC Boss Over Funding CrisisKcee, Ikem Mazeli, Thrill at ‘Evening With Glo’ in Onitsha Air Peace Launches Monthly Commercial Schedule Flights to Antigua, Barbados Effective from December 2025Obi of Onitsha to Leaders: Don’t Sacrifice Poor Nigerians in Quest for 2027Wike Won’t Run Against Tinubu in 2027, Aide Dismisses PDP Faction’s ClaimUN: Only 23% Nigerian Women-owned Businesses Have Access to Credit US Embassy Warns Citizens Over Planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow ProtestWale Ojo’s ‘This is not A Nollywood Movie’ Set for Release Dec.5Pharmacists Kick against Proposed University of Medicine & Health SciencesBREAKING: Bandits Kill Police Officers In Southern KadunaEXCLUSIVE: Tinubu Strikes Secret Deal With Southern Governors To Conduct All Elections In One Day, Guarantee Re-election For DefectorsMama Victoria Abiodun at 90: The Day Iperu-Remo Hosted All NigeriansGov Mbah to Set up Multi-stakeholder Review Committee on TaxationSpecial Seats Bill Crucial for Deepening Democracy, Say PLAC, ExpertsSenate Moves to End ASUU Strike, Summons Education Minister, NUC Boss Over Funding CrisisCiting Tenure Expiration, Osun Withdraws LG Funds Suit Against CBN, AGFGBV: Experts Advocate Creation of Gender Centres in All Tertiary InstitutionsObi Only Enjoying Media Publicity, He is Not Going to Contest Next Election, Says LP2027: APC Strong Enough to Manage Defections, Expectations, Says C’ River GovFUOYE Alumni Elect New Executives, Pledge to Strengthen EngagementBREAKING: Tinubu Govt Secretly Obtains Court Order Barring Sowore, Others From Staging #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest Near Aso Villa, OthersNCS Warns of Fake Appointment Letters Circulating OnlineNGO Unveils Project to Tackle Gender-based Violence, Promote Justice in Katsina Eventhive Partners Lewis Silkin to Co-host ‘Fintech Without Borders’ Forum in LondonBREAKING: Tinubu Govt Files Suit To Stop Sowore, Others From Organising October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow ProtestNarcotics: NCAA, Nigerian Pilots Debunk Orji Kalu’s Claim, Seek ProofCREDICORP Clinches Credit Access Company of the Year AwardBenue Government Reaffirms Commitment to FarmersArmy Promises Justice to Family of Deceased Commercial DriverMRA Condemns INEC’s N1.5bn Charge for Access to Voter RegisterFG Pushes for Sign Language in Schools NationwideTransparency: Kaduna Leads for Second Year RunningNSCDC Foils Kidnap of Customs Officer, Wife, Others Fubara Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract Awarded to CCECCRE: CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST GAIL FAJEMBOLA AND HER COMPANY – GIF ENERGY RESOURCES LTDW’Bank Designates Nigeria as Priority Country to Showcase Universal Health CoverageBREAKING: Nine Killed, Several Abducted As Bandits Mount Coordinated Attacks On Kaduna CommunitiesFG: Presidential Pardon Still Under Review, No Convict Released YetSenate Confirms Amupitan as INEC ChairFG: Over $1bn Private Sector Investment Mobilised to Boost CNG AdoptionKeyamo Seeks Sustained Collaboration Between Aviation Regulators, JudiciarySenate Confirms Amupitan as INEC ChairFG: Foreign Loans Must Drive Local Investment, Enhance Competitive Advantage2027: For Ogun West, It’s Nothing But GovernorshipNUPRC Opposes Planned Commission for Decommissioning of Oil InstallationsAmid Gains in Global Ethical Finance, AI, Others, Nigerian Risk Managers Move to Plug Potential PitfallsDangote to FG: Amend BPP Act to Strengthen, Institutionalise ‘Nigeria First’ Policy World’s Leading Solar Firm, Sun King, Plans $150m Investment in Local Production in 5 YearsCoca-Cola System Champions Circular Economy Dialogue at NESG SummitLife After Cancer: How Beiersdorf’s Partnership with BRICON Foundation is Aiding Rehabilitation for Nigeria’s Cancer SurvivorsNigerian Navy Intercepts Boat Laden with 4,000 Litres of Suspected AGO in Lagos WatersArewa Professionals Laud Oyebanji’s Achievements, Pledge Continued SupportSanwo-Olu Becomes Grand Patron of Bodex Social Media Hangout InitiativeBREAKING: Bandits Kill Eight Nigerian Policemen, Community Guard Officers In ZamfaraNANS Disowns Planned #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest, Warns Students Against Political ManipulationBREAKING: Bandits Abduct Worshippers During Morning Prayers At Zamfara MosqueBREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Files Preliminary Objection Against Further Trial Over ‘Illegal Rendition, Repealed Law’BREAKING: Abuja Court Strikes Out Treason Case Against Whistleblower PIDOMNigeriaSenate Halts Electoral Act Amendment Debate, As Akpabio Recalls 2019 Election OrdealSenior Lawyer Tasks National Assembly on Amendment of Section 136 of Electoral ActEXCLUSIVE: Secret PDP Faction Meeting Minutes Reveal Push For Wike’s 2027 Presidential Run, Claim ‘Leader’ Saved Party From ExtinctionCourt Adjourns DSS Operatives’ ₦5.5bn Defamation Suit Against SERAP Till November 12NELFUND Exonerates Unilorin of Wrongdoing over Students Illegal DeductionsUUBO Seeks Stakeholders’ Collaboration in Implementing NDP ActEXCLUSIVE: Wike-For-President 2027 Committee Nominates National, Zonal Coordinators During Secret Meeting, Rules Out Makinde, Others As ‘Turncoats’FUL Poised to take Education to Higher Heights, Says VCNasarawa Disburses N592m As Bursary Allowances to Indigent Students Stakeholders Back Establishment of Aviation University at House HearingWorld Food Day 2025: Sterling Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Food SecurityEXCLUSIVE: NMA Report Exposes Nnamdi Kanu’s Worsening Health: Nosebleeds, Blood In Urine, OthersBREAKING: Court Grants Bail To Nigerian Journalist Fejiro Oliver Accused Of Cyberstalking Delta Governor, Senator
The Kebbi State Government has emphatically denied reports alleging the hiring of a Chinese security firm, G-Safety, to combat Lakurawa banditry and related crimes in the state.
In a press release, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, described the circulating report as “false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the general public.”
Idris explained that Governor Nasir Idris’ administration remains resolute in its commitment to strengthening security across Kebbi State, but emphasises that this will be achieved through collaboration with Nigerian security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, and other paramilitary organisations.
“The Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, reiterates the administration’s resolve to continue working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace, protection of lives and property, and the overall safety of the people of Kebbi State,” the statement read.
The denial comes amidst allegations by former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, who claimed Governor Idris was importing mercenaries and linking with terrorist groups, accusations the Kebbi State Government vehemently denies, labeling them baseless and politically motivated.
The government has urged the public to rely only on verified information from official government sources, cautioning against the spread of misinformation.
This development underscores the challenges of combating fake news and maintaining public trust in governance, particularly in a state grappling with security concerns.
The Kebbi State Government’s swift response aims to set the record straight and reassure citizens of its dedication to addressing security challenges through established and transparent channels. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are advised to await official confirmations and verified updates from credible sources.
Goodhead: Era of Dependence on Imported Goods Must Give Way
Goodhead: Era of Dependence on Imported Goods Must Give Way
.Says indigenous manufacturers ready to compete globally
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Chairman of the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Hon. Boma Goodhead, has said that the House of Representatives will continue to support President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the era of dependence on imported products is over.
Goodhead stated this when she led members of her committee on an oversight visit to Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd., in Ogbaru, near Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday.
Zobis is an indigenous cable manufacturing company under the John Zobis Group, which consists of cable manufacturing, Zobis oil and gas, Zobis engineering, and others.
Goodhead who led the 15-member committee on the inspection said she was satisfied with what the company had done, showcasing Nigeria’s manufacturing ingenuity, and also assuring that Nigeria was ready to compete globally.
She said, “The House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring expresses deep satisfaction with the remarkable industrial strides recorded by Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd, an indigenous electrical cable manufacturer located in Onitsha, Anambra State.
“Our oversight visit today reaffirms that Nigeria has what it takes to produce world-class industrial materials locally and to meet the technical demands of the oil and gas, energy, and construction sectors.
“What we have witnessed at Zobis Cable is a strong demonstration of Nigerian ingenuity, technical excellence, and commitment to national industrial growth.
“As a Committee of the National Assembly, we are particularly impressed with the company’s adherence to the principles of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, its deployment of modern production technologies, and its ambitious drive toward value addition and import substitution. The scale of investment here shows that indigenous manufacturers are ready to compete globally if given the right policy support, visibility, and access to the oil and gas value chain.
“Importantly, this aligns with President’s renewed national drive for industrial transformation through the Presidential Directives on ‘Nigeria’s First Goods and Services’.
“The President has made it clear that under his administration, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies particularly those in the oil and gas, power, and infrastructure sectors — must prioritise the patronage of locally manufactured goods and services as a strategic path to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and technological self-reliance.
“The House Committee fully supports this Presidential vision and will continue to provide the legislative muscle and oversight framework needed to ensure its full implementation across Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem.
“This visit is therefore part of our broader legislative mandate to promote, monitor, and strengthen local content participation nationwide. By shining a spotlight on companies like Zobis Cable, we are sending a clear message: the era of dependence on imported cables and electrical materials must give way to a new phase of Nigerian industrial self-reliance and home-grown technological advancement. “
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. John Ezeobi, told the lawmakers that local manufacturers need protection from importers to be able to function optimally.
He said, “Local manufacturers need funding to be able to compete. Like today, as cable manufacturers our basic raw material is copper, but we have the expertise to set up copper manufacturing firms here, but funds are a problem.”
.Says indigenous manufacturers ready to compete globally David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Chairman of the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Hon. Boma Goodhead, has said that the House of Representatives will
Otti’s Threat to Opponents and Stinks of Hypocrisy
Otti’s Threat to Opponents and Stinks of Hypocrisy
Ike Agunaechemba
It was one of Nigeria’s living statesman, former President Goodluck, who said: “…my ambition, and indeed the ambition of anybody, is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. True to his solemn declaration at the flag-off of his campaign for the 2015 general election at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Jonathan quietly handed over to late President Muhammadu Buhari who was declared winner of the poll.
The then President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces with all the powers in his kitty, gradually conceded defeat without minding how the victory was secured whether there were infractions from any quarters even as he then Minister Godsday Orubebe openly accused the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Chairman that time, Professor Attahiru Jega, of not been fair.
However, fast forward to 2025, a sitting governor and supposed chief security officer of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, who came from the corporate world, where diplomacy is the watchword, has declared otherwise that his ambition is worth the blood of Abians and any other Nigerian who tampered with the election in which he is likely going to be seeking second term of office.
Otti, elected on the self acclaimed sanctimonious Labour Party (LP), gave this indication on Thursday during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians held at the Government House, Umuahia, in a video shared on many televisions’ YouTube page and other online media platforms.
The governor was purportedly wand
warning politicians against election malpractice when he declared that any politicians planning to rig elections should first of all write their will. “I have heard that some people around him say oh, they must take over this state, they must write results but the only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time.
“You know what it is? Their will,” Otti said.
He was reportedly responding to a question about recent remarks credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would take over Abia in 2027. This is indeed the height of hypocrisy stinking in the political nostrils of the country, coming from the lone governor of the Labour Party which like the military came forward to entrench a correctional “regime” if it were elected.
Imagine what would happen. May be the social media or Internet would have caught fire by now if such was coming from the ruling APC governor or politician, or that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or even African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, the death threat from Otti to perceived political opponents has received deafening silence from the corrective Obedient Movement or LP because it is from their own so there is nothing wrong with.
Even their leader, the 2023 presidential candidate of the LP and former Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, joined in the spiral of silence though one expects that he will also come out to tell Otti the only governor that this not the leadership model from China and other countries he has been advocating for it to be adopted in Nigeria. One cannot tell whether Otti’s remarks are in consonance with the China, Indonesia, India and even Egypt model on which Obi thinks Nigeria should be governed for the country to get better?
Though one is not here to launder the image of Deputy Speaker Kalu but his mere comments like every other politician pushing for his party, the APC, to take over the reigns of power in Abia attracted fire and brimstone from the LP’s Abia governor. Kalu was quoted to have said: “The APC will take over this state. And you know why? It is so that what is given from Abuja will get to your ward. We are not going to take over this state by force. We are going to use the vote of the masses.”
The governor while replying Kalu through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said: “For now, what he (Kalu) is displaying is ignorance and rascality, boasting about 2027 while making incoherent, false claims against the government…”
Still not satisfied or may be his real intention were not communicated effectively by his spokesperson, Otti came out himself to declare that anyone planning to rig election or impliedly take over Abia should write “his will” as such a person would die! This is indeed a reckless statement from someone holding an important office as that of a governor by the virtue of which made him a chief security officer.
Without dwelling much on that as the security agencies know what to do if they so wish the surprising thing again is that Obedient family see nothing wrong with them provided it is coming from their only governor. While Otti and his people in the Labour Party enjoy freedom of speech guaranteed under the constitution, they should as well be reminded that the freedom comes with responsibility and where one’s freedom ends, another person’s own begins.
Also, the work of the opposition and its leaders such as Governor Otti in a democracy is to provide constructive criticism and lead conversation for deepening process and engendering good governance and not issuing threats to opponents lives. The Obedients who still live in the illusion that their candidate, Obi, won the 2023 presidential election and are upbeat that he would win the 2027 general election should have come out to condemn what Otti said because there are institutions to handle issues of election malpractices and not an individual issuing such weighty threat.
The silence they exhibited and that of their leader left what the country would have turned to if the party took over power at the centre or what it will look like if peradventure LP wins can be best imagined.
Mr. Agunaechemba, a public affairs commentator, writes from Arochukwu, Abia State
ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction
Ike Agunaechemba It was one of Nigeria’s living statesman, former President Goodluck, who said: “…my ambition, and indeed the ambition of anybody, is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
Hot Source
