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Peter Obi Says He Never Ordered The Arrest Of El-rufai

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Peter Obi Says He Never Ordered The Arrest Of El-rufai

Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has tackled the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for linking him to his arrest in Anambra State years back.

Mr El-Rufai, at an interactive session organised by Arewa Joint Committee in Kaduna on Monday, claimed to have been detained nine years ago in Anambra for 48 hours on the orders of Mr Obi, the then governor of the state.

 

 

“In 2013, I went to Anambra State as an official of the APC to witness the bye-election for governorship. Your next guest, Peter Obi, as governor, got me arrested and detained for 48 hours in my hotel room,” the Kaduna governor claimed.

Now as a sitting governor, Mr El-Rufai said he has all the security power to deal with the LP candidate but he would not do so because of his northern background.

 

 

Mr Obi was also among the dignitaries who spoke at the event.

In his defence, the former Anambra governor described the governor’s comment as a reckless one which should not have been made in the public space.

 

 

“What His Excellency, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai said about me has been brought to my attention. I believe that as we grow older and are saddled with more responsibilities, we are expected to become circumspect in our thinking and avoid recklessness in our speeches and utterances.

“How does the circumstance he referred to relate to bigotry, to warrant such a label?

 

 

“All I do for people like El-Rufai is to pray for them and encourage them to concentrate on doing those things that will better the lots of Nigerians rather than engage in hate speeches that will divide and destroy the country,” he fired back.

Mr Obi said it was impossible for him at the time to order agents of the State Security Service (SSS) from Abuja to arrest Mr El-Rufai.

 

 

“The police commissioner that was there then was from Adamawa State, and the AIG was from Nasarawa. The GMD that was planning for that election was from Kano. There’s no way I could have done that.

“My chairman, I never asked anyone to arrest you. As Governor of Anambra State, I have the first APC best policeman in Nigeria, and he is from Kano, so where will I give the order and tell a man who lives in my house every day that I want to deal with his people, and he will say yes?”

 

 

“I was in APGA during the elections in 2010 (2013), the ruling party was PDP, how can I instruct the PDP in Abuja to detain anybody, even me as state governor was detained in my own local government,” Mr Obi said.

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APC and Peter Obi Supporters Clash Over Alleged Threat to Former Governor’s Life

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APC and Peter Obi Supporters Clash Over Alleged Threat to Former Governor's Life

APC and Peter Obi Supporters Clash Over Alleged Threat to Former Governor’s Life

 

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have exchanged accusations over an alleged threat to the former Anambra State governor’s life.

The controversy began during an Arise Television interview on Sunday, where APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka criticized Obi’s recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Morka accused Obi of attempting to incite Nigerians and warned, “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”

Morka stated, “Mr. Obi is shooting from the hip… irrational in his thinking about a man who was governor for eight years and left nothing to remember in Anambra State… He has crossed the line so many times, and I think that at this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets.”

In reaction, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, condemned Morka’s comments, labeling them as a veiled threat. He warned that any attempt to harm Obi or intimidate his supporters would provoke public backlash.

“That is a threat. If they make the move [to arrest Obi], it will boomerang on their government,” Tanko said. He called on security agencies to investigate Morka’s statement and ensure accountability.

Tanko emphasized Obi’s right to critique the government and accused the APC of attempting to suppress dissent. “We Nigerians have the right, as covered under the constitution, to speak to issues. Criticizing them uplifts our democracy,” he added.

Peter Obi also responded via his official X handle, expressing disbelief over the situation. He claimed his New Year message, intended to inspire hope, had been misconstrued as an attack on the government.

“Have I really crossed the line? My New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me,” Obi wrote. He reaffirmed his commitment to speaking truth to power and cautioned against Nigeria’s slide into authoritarianism.

Meanwhile, Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, defended Morka, dismissing allegations of a threat. Ibrahim accused Obi’s supporters of overreacting and urged them to avoid divisive rhetoric.

“They are taking politics to a different level… There is nothing threatening or harmful in what Felix Morka said,” Ibrahim argued. He called on Obi to caution his supporters against inflammatory language.

When contacted, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated he was unaware of any formal complaint regarding threats to Obi’s life. “I’m not aware of what you are saying. Has he informed us?” Adejobi queried.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with citizens questioning the state of free speech and political discourse in Nigeria. Many await further developments as the APC and the Obidient Movement continue their war of words.

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APC Dismisses Obi’s ‘Doomsday’ Narrative, Points to Tangible Successes in Governance

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APC Dismisses Obi’s ‘Doomsday’ Narrative, Points to Tangible Successes in Governance

Obi Calls on President Tinubu to Use Local Healthcare Facilities and Experience Nigeria’s Infrastructure Firsthand

 

ABUJA — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has urged President Bola Tinubu to set an example by utilizing Nigeria’s healthcare facilities instead of seeking medical treatment abroad. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said this would not only encourage Nigerians to trust their local health institutions but also help address the country’s chronic issue of medical tourism.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi suggested that the President conduct his next medical examination at one of Nigeria’s national hospitals, such as the National Hospital in Abuja, or at one of the country’s regional Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) in cities like Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Calabar, Umuahia, or Akure.

“It is time for you to visit our national hospitals,” Obi said. “Consider conducting your next medical examination at one of these hospitals. This will allow you to assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians and help you understand their condition, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to improve and modernize them.”

In his first 18 months in office, President Tinubu, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, has embarked on 42 trips across 27 countries, spending more than 180 days abroad. Tinubu alone has made 29 trips to 16 countries, with a significant number of these trips, particularly to France, raising speculation about their possible medical purpose.

Obi emphasized that such international trips should be weighed against the importance of engaging directly with the country’s critical challenges. He also proposed that the President experience the state of Nigeria’s roads firsthand by taking short trips across the country. Obi suggested journeys such as the under-100-kilometer route between Calabar in Cross River State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State.

Drawing from his tenure as governor, Obi recalled taking former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a road trip from Awka to Onitsha, which led to the federal government approving the reconstruction of roads in the region. He argued that such experiences could help President Tinubu identify key issues and take meaningful actions.

Obi also called for impromptu and planned visits to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to ensure that the resources allocated to education are used effectively. These visits, he said, would provide critical insights into the state of Nigeria’s universities and the impact of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

On political matters, Obi dismissed rumors of a potential merger with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He clarified that there was no formal agreement with any party but urged Nigerians to unite in 2027 to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Obi of hypocrisy, claiming that his New Year’s message was misleading and designed to score political points. Morka emphasized that the current administration under President Tinubu has made substantial progress in addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

“Eighteen months into President Tinubu’s administration, the economy has shown steady progress,” Morka said. “The administration is committed to ensuring that the ongoing reforms achieve their full potential and transform the country for the better.”

He further criticized Obi, pointing out that his tenure as governor of Anambra State had yielded little transformation or significant achievements. Morka argued that Obi’s constant pessimism is an attempt to undermine the current government, which he believes is steadily improving Nigeria’s fortunes.

“The vision and reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are already making a tangible impact,” Morka said. “We urge Nigerians to stay confident that better days are ahead.”

 

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2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-olu

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2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

 

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has spread a message of hope and optimism for Nigeria and Lagos as the world celebrates Christmas.

 

 

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured citizens that 2025 holds promise for a better future.

 

2025: There's Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos - Sanwo-olu

 

The governor expressed gratitude to God for the country’s resilience despite its challenges. He commended residents for their faith in his administration, pledging to continue working towards a safe, secure, and prosperous Lagos.

 

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of living in peace and harmony, urging families and friends to support one another.

 

2025: There's Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos - Sanwo-olu

 

“As a government, we’ll continue to provide enabling environment for growth and advancement, especially infrastructure development.

 

“Nigeria will be better eventually just like our President assured us in his media chat, and everyone will smile,” he added.

 

 

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Senasu Okupevi appealed to the federal and state governments to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

 

He called for policy relaxation to bring peace and prosperity to the land.

 

According to Dr. Okupevi, the citizenry must jettison tribal sentiments and embrace unity, stressing that by so doing, “we will realize the country of our dreams.”

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