Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of worshippers in Enugu State, describing the incident as another grim reminder that insecurity has become a nationwide crisis requiring urgent and collective action.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Monday titled, “Disruption of Worship Centres Now a National Calamity,” Obi expressed deep concern over the attack, saying no Nigerian should have to live in fear of attending religious services.

“I have been deeply dismayed by the recent news concerning the abduction of worshippers in Enugu. It is profoundly distressing that fellow Nigerians, who had come together in divine worship seeking solace and hope, have endured such a traumatic and criminal ordeal,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor warned that the country’s worsening security situation has gone beyond isolated incidents affecting a few states and has evolved into a national emergency.

According to him, insecurity is no longer confined to states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara or Katsina, but now threatens the safety of Nigerians across every region of the country.

“It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states. It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs or regional origins,” Obi said.

He stressed that no part of Nigeria should become a place where citizens live in constant fear of attending places of worship, pursuing education, going to work or resting in their homes.

Obi called for unity in addressing the country’s security challenges, insisting that the protection of lives should rise above partisan politics, ethnic loyalties and religious differences.

“This is a critical moment for Nigeria to come together as one nation. Security concerns must go beyond partisan politics, tribal loyalties or religious differences. It is a collective national duty that requires unity, urgency and decisive action,” he stated.

The NDC presidential candidate urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted worshippers and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

“I call on all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to swiftly apprehend and bring to justice those responsible,” he said.

Obi also urged Nigerians to commit themselves to eliminating insecurity through all lawful means, maintaining that the sanctity of human life must remain the foremost responsibility of government.

“The inviolability of human life must remain the highest priority for any government. We cannot accept these tragedies as a new normal. Every Nigerian life is invaluable, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the country could overcome its security challenges, saying, “A New Nigeria is possible.”

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced the creation of a 100 million U.S. dollar investment de-risking fund to attract local and foreign investors as part of the state’s drive to diversify its economy beyond oil.

The governor made the announcement on Monday at the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, where government officials, local and foreign investors and business leaders gathered to explore investment opportunities across key sectors of the state’s economy.

Speaking at the summit, Oborevwori said the event marked a transition from investment promotion to concrete action, following the state’s recent investment engagements in countries including China and Brazil.

According to him, Delta State is positioning itself as a preferred investment destination through a private sector-led development model anchored on fiscal discipline, policy consistency and an enabling business environment.

“Our administration believes in a development model that is private sector-led. We are seeking strategic partnerships with investors from across the world to maximise Delta’s economic potential, create jobs and accelerate sustainable development,” the governor said.

He said the state government had implemented several reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, including the establishment of the Delta State Ease of Doing Business Council.

Oborevwori explained that the reforms are designed to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, strengthen investor confidence and create a more competitive investment climate.

He disclosed that qualifying investors could also benefit from tax incentives, including tax relief of up to five years after the commencement of operations.

Highlighting investment opportunities, the governor said Delta State offers significant potential in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and agro-processing.

He identified cassava and palm oil value chains as priority sectors, adding that over 12 hectares of land had already been earmarked for agricultural development by prospective investors.

Oborevwori also said the state possesses abundant natural gas reserves that provide a strong foundation for industrialisation and economic diversification.

He noted that opportunities also exist in biomass, waste-to-energy projects, renewable energy technologies and the local manufacturing and assembly of energy solutions.

The governor attributed the state’s growing economic stability to prudent fiscal management, transparency and responsible allocation of public resources.

“We have not borrowed a kobo from any bank, and we are not intending to borrow. The money is there,” he said.

According to him, the state’s financial position provides confidence for prospective investors seeking stable and financially viable investment destinations.

Oborevwori further highlighted improvements in the state’s security architecture, noting that sustained investment in security had strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

He said Delta was recognised as one of Nigeria’s safest oil-producing states in 2024, adding that maintaining peace and security remains central to attracting long-term investments.

Announcing the new investment initiative, the governor said the state had set aside 100 million U.S. dollars specifically to de-risk new investments and encourage greater private sector participation.

“I am pleased to announce that the government has set aside 100 million dollars to de-risk new investment in the state. We are not going to borrow. The money is there,” he said.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a diversified economy driven by strategic partnerships, private capital and sustainable investment across multiple sectors.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has honoured former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (rtd.), describing him as a patriot whose military career was marked by courage, professionalism and selfless service to Nigeria.

The reception, organised by the Enugu State Government to mark Ogalla’s successful completion of his tenure, attracted serving and retired military officers and political leaders, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Alison Madueke (rtd.), and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.).

Speaking at the event in Enugu, Mbah said Ogalla earned the admiration of colleagues and his people through exemplary leadership and humility.

“Rank gives you authority, but it does not automatically earn devotion. Love is earned over time through relationships and the way you treat people when no one is watching,” the governor said.

He also commended Ogalla’s contributions to security and human capital development, citing the establishment of a naval base in Ogurugu, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area, and the Navy Secondary School in Umuopu, Igbo Eze North Local Government Area.

“An operational naval base strengthens security today, while a naval school invests in tomorrow’s leaders,” Mbah added.

Representing the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described Ogalla as a disciplined and visionary officer whose leadership strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security.

Musa also praised the developmental progress recorded in Enugu State under Mbah’s administration.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described Ogalla as calm, humble and highly professional, saying his career had inspired younger military officers.

He also commended Governor Mbah for organising the reception, noting that outstanding service deserved recognition.

Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said the event reflected the state’s appreciation for Ogalla’s distinguished service to Nigeria.

Responding, Ogalla thanked the Enugu State Government, his family, colleagues and friends for the honour bestowed on him.

He praised Governor Mbah’s development initiatives, particularly his approach to tackling insecurity through infrastructure, education and job creation.

“The modern concept of security is not just about weapons. It is about human security, education, employment and improving the capacity of citizens. These are exactly the priorities of the Governor,” Ogalla said.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Naval Staff and fulfil his vision for the Nigerian Navy.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, insisting that every naira belonging to Nigerians must be used solely for their benefit.

Umahi made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the launch of the Joint Tracking Report, organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works.

The event, held at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, brought together lawmakers, anti-corruption agencies, senior government officials and other stakeholders to discuss the theme, “The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption.”

Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability in public service, the minister described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development, saying it must be confronted through ethical leadership, institutional reforms and collective action.

Drawing on his experience as a former governor, senator and now a cabinet minister, Umahi said public office demands integrity, responsible leadership and prudent management of national resources.

“As one privileged to have served in both the Executive and the Legislature, and now as the Honourable Minister of Works under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of ethical leadership, effective legislative oversight and responsible governance,” he said.

According to the minister, the Tinubu administration remains committed to ensuring that public funds are managed with discipline and deployed to improve the lives of Nigerians.

He argued that corruption extends beyond the diversion of government funds, warning that it weakens institutions, erodes public confidence and undermines national development.

“Corruption is not merely the misappropriation of public resources. It is an assault on development, justice, equity and the confidence of citizens in government,” Umahi said.

He noted that corrupt practices deprive citizens of essential infrastructure and public services by diverting resources intended for roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and social welfare.

According to him, prudent financial management remains indispensable to achieving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

Focusing on the role of the National Assembly, Umahi described lawmakers as critical partners in the country’s anti-corruption campaign because of their constitutional responsibilities in lawmaking, oversight and representation.

He urged parliamentarians to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework by reviewing existing laws, closing loopholes that encourage corruption and enacting legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, procurement reforms and fiscal responsibility.

The minister also stressed that legislative oversight should be exercised constructively to ensure public resources are properly utilised rather than becoming a source of unnecessary conflict between arms of government.

“Parliamentarians’ oversight function should never be reduced to confrontation; rather, it should be a constitutional mechanism for ensuring that public funds are utilised efficiently, lawfully and for their intended purposes,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi attributed the state’s infrastructure expansion to prudent financial management, strict monitoring of projects and direct supervision of government programmes.

He said ensuring value for money in public projects remains a guiding principle of his approach to governance.

The minister maintained that defeating corruption requires the active participation of all sectors of society and should not be left solely to anti-corruption agencies or government institutions.

He called for stronger collaboration among the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media, professional bodies, religious institutions and citizens to build a culture where integrity is rewarded and corruption is rejected.

Umahi further argued that Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign must be institutionalised to outlive individual administrations.

“The fight against corruption is not a one-time campaign; it is a continuous national commitment. Every generation has the responsibility to leave behind stronger institutions than it inherited,” he said.

Concluding his address, the minister said the campaign against corruption ultimately seeks to promote justice, national development and a better future for generations to come.

“The fight against corruption is ultimately a fight for justice, development, national unity and the future of our children,” he added.

Among those in attendance were Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende; Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Kayode Moshood Akiolu; Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; Director-General of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari; Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, as well as senators, members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to prioritise quality education and accessible healthcare if elected, describing the two sectors as the foundation for rebuilding Nigeria and driving sustainable national development.

Obi made the pledge in the second part of his policy document, “Roadmap to a New Nigeria That Is Possible,” titled “Education and Healthcare: The Foundation of a Renewed Nigeria.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said the transformation of Nigeria must begin with strategic investments in human capital.

He recalled that the first part of his roadmap, unveiled on July 1, outlined a broad framework for national renewal centred on rebuilding human capital through education, healthcare, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), character and civic education, and reforms aimed at shifting Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one.

According to Obi, the second instalment expands on education and healthcare because they are the pillars upon which prosperous nations are built.

“Education and healthcare are the cornerstones of the foundation that will ensure that a son of nobody can become somebody and lift many out of the ranks of the disaffected who often become tools in the insecurity challenges confronting our nation,” he said.

Citing global evidence, Obi argued that countries with strong education and healthcare systems consistently achieve higher levels of economic growth and social development.

He referenced Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton and his book, The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality, saying the work demonstrates the close relationship between education, health and national prosperity.

Obi also rejected the growing perception among some young Nigerians that “education is a scam.”

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

“Education, when combined with good health, provides the ladder for individual upward mobility and drives economic growth for the nation.”

The NDC presidential candidate said Nigeria must deliberately align its education system with national development priorities, drawing lessons from countries such as Singapore and China.

He noted that Singapore successfully linked education to economic transformation, while former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping consistently emphasised education as a key driver of China’s development from 1978 onward.

Outlining his proposals, Obi said his administration would strengthen collaboration among the three tiers of government through education commissions.

He said primary education would be managed at the community and local government levels with stronger parental involvement and curricula tailored to local economic realities and value chains.

According to him, state governments would receive targeted grants and incentives to expand access to high-quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as general secondary education.

Obi also pledged reforms in the university system aimed at encouraging higher institutions to specialise in specific areas of teaching and research.

He said the approach would improve global competitiveness and produce graduates equipped with the skills required for the future workforce.

The policy document forms part of Obi’s broader vision for national renewal, which he said will be released in phases in the coming weeks and months.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has dismissed suggestions that a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket offers any electoral advantage, insisting that competence, justice and good governance remain the issues that matter most to Nigerians.

Adebayo made the remarks during an interview on ARISE Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, following the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) confirmation of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

According to the SDP flagbearer, religion should not determine political choices in a country grappling with widespread poverty and economic hardship.

“There is nothing like a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Adebayo said.

“From the point of view of Muslims in Nigeria, it is a zero Muslim ticket.”

He argued that Islamic teachings emphasise justice and merit rather than religious identity when choosing leaders.

“The main reason Muslims get involved in politics is to pursue justice. If you are a good Muslim, you will not give political office to someone who is not qualified or who is unjust.

“What Muslims and Nigerians are looking for is a righteous leader,” he said.

According to Adebayo, where justice is absent, the religious composition of a presidential ticket becomes irrelevant.

“When you say you are a Muslim-Muslim ticket and there is no justice anyway, it amounts to nothing,” he added.

The SDP presidential candidate also cited the experience of the previous Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whom he said championed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and is now allegedly not shielded from alleged persecution by the government.

He maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about leadership quality than religious affiliation.

“There is no support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket anywhere,” he said.

Adebayo further accused the Tinubu administration of failing to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.

According to him, the government has committed what he described as five major “abominations.”

He alleged that the administration had shown contempt for the Constitution, failed to fully implement appropriated budgets, narrowed Nigeria’s democratic space, failed to ensure fairness in public appointments and demonstrated incompetence in governance.

Adebayo also criticised the handling of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), arguing that the controversy surrounding the body reflected incompetence within the government.

The Federal Government has previously distanced itself from the PFIPC, stating that the body lacks official government approval and denying any wrongdoing.

The SDP candidate further accused the administration of failing to uphold transparency and accountability in public affairs.

He alleged that government officials had relied on figures that could not be independently verified, including electoral statistics.

Questioning claims that the APC inherited 12 million votes associated with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Adebayo asked: “Where do you get such figures?”

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Adebayo outlined what he described as his administration’s priorities if elected president.

He promised to strengthen national security by increasing manpower in the armed forces, fully implement national budgets, create employment opportunities and reduce unemployment to single digits.

He also pledged to promote inclusive governance, ensure fairness in public appointments and expand opportunities for young people in government.

“We are fair and reasonable. No part of Nigeria will feel alienated. No favouritism, no ethnocentrism.

“We will ensure that the democratic space is well open, with greater involvement of young people in government,” he said.

Returning to the debate over religion in politics, Adebayo argued that Nigerians are ultimately united by shared socio-economic challenges.

“History has shown that it is not a major issue in Nigeria.”

“You cannot eliminate religion, but it cannot be the dominant factor in a country reeling in poverty.

“Nigerians have a common problem, irrespective of religion. The key issues are survival and justice,” he said.