Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”

Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.

Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.

While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.

“Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.

The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.

The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.

Benue Seeks Federal Approval to Rehabilitate 400 Repentant Bandits

By George Omagbemi Sylvester 

The Benue State Government has requested the support and approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate about 400 repentant bandits who have reportedly surrendered in parts of the state.

State officials disclosed that the proposal was formally communicated to federal authorities in Abuja this week, seeking collaboration on a structured programme covering disarmament, deradicalisation, vocational training and supervised reintegration into communities. According to government sources, Benue lacks the financial and institutional capacity to independently execute a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative of that scale.

The development follows intensified security engagements across several rural local government areas that have experienced repeated attacks linked to armed groups. Benue, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has in recent years faced persistent violence associated with banditry and farmer-herder clashes, leading to significant displacement and humanitarian strain.

Authorities indicated that the identities of the 400 individuals are undergoing verification by security agencies before any formal reintegration begins. Federal officials are yet to publicly confirm approval of the request, as consultations between state and national security institutions continue.