Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 polls, Mr Peter Obi, has intensified consultations with northern leaders.
He first took a trip to Zaria in Kaduna State and then Minna in Niger State. In Zaria, he met the former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and then Minna, where he met Babangida.
Obi, who confirmed this development, In a post on his verified X handle yesterday, he said, “As part of my ongoing efforts to engage with various stakeholders and contribute to the nation’s development, I embarked on a trip to Zaria yesterday.
“My mission was to meet with Professor Ango Abdullahi, a distinguished academic and respected voice in our national discourse.
“Our conversation focused on the pressing issues facing our country, the imperative of unity, and practical ways to rebuild Nigeria.
“During our discussion, we spoke candidly about the challenges confronting our nation and the responsibility of leadership to transcend divisions and work towards the common good of all Nigerians.
“I appreciated Professor Abdullahi’s insights and perspectives on these critical issues.
While in Zaria, I had the opportunity to meet a group of graduating pilots at the airport. They approached me with enthusiasm and hope for the future, and I encouraged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence.
“I reminded them that Nigeria needs their skills, integrity, and professionalism to drive progress and development.
“From Zaria, I proceeded to Niger State, where I met with former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida. During a previous visit, he had discussed a book, ‘Growing Apart’, which highlights the divergent paths of Indonesia and Nigeria, two nations with similar trajectories.
“Indonesia has become a success story, while Nigeria has struggled. He had directed me to obtain the book, and I ensured that I got an autographed copy for him.
“I presented the book to him yesterday, and we discussed the country’s unity, security, and the need to improve the lives of our people.
“These engagements have reinforced my conviction that meaningful progress requires honest dialogue and collective responsibility for the future of our dear country. I believe that a New Nigeria is possible, and I remain committed to contributing to its realisation. – PO.”
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration!
The Rivers State Police Command has declared that the tragic death of a 26-year-old lady, Peace Moses, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was not reported in any of its divisions or units across the state.
Peace was knocked down last Monday evening by a convoy of about 15 fast-moving vehicles around Omega Junction along Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.
She was returning from an evening service at her church, Love Channel Christian Centre, also located along Ada-George Road, when the tragic incident occurred.
Last Thursday, a candlelight procession was organised in her honour by her friends and neighbours.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), wondered why neighbours could not report the incident to the Police.
Iringe-Koko stated that even the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Rumuepirikom Police Division was unaware of the tragic incident.
“Probably they didn’t report any such incident to the Police Station because the DPO in charge of that area is asking me where and when the incident occurred.
See, if they don’t report cases to the Police, how would the Police know? We are not magicians. I just spoke with the DPO, and she said she is not aware of anything like that.
“Somebody needs to report or anyhow, information needs to get through so that we too will get it,” she said.
But reacting to the claim by the Police, a human rights lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu, said that, with or without a report on the tragic incident, the Police are duty-bound to investigate the matter.
Nsirimovu said: “The duty of the Nigerian police is to secure lives and properties, and where a life has been lost in such grievous circumstances, the police have a duty to investigate the matter on the basis of their mandate and the public need to prevent such a menace to human life.
“The Police have a duty to investigate the matter, with or without a petition.”
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Sunday said many Nigerians might seek a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office beyond two terms.
The monarch, in a congratulatory message by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to celebrate Tinubu’s 74th birthday, described the President as a decisive leader who has laid a renewed foundation of hope for the country.
“Many Nigerians may beg for a constitutional review for Tinubu to spend more than two terms in office. He is a leader who knows what he is doing,” he said.
Oluwo said the President had distinguished himself through what he described as a firm campaign against illegalities that had stalled the country’s economic growth.
He added that the President’s administrative prowess had driven notable gains, citing improvements in the naira, a rise in foreign reserves from about $1bn to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn as of late February/March 2026, and strengthened economic indices.
The monarch attributed the gains to structural reforms, including exchange rate unification, increased oil output and higher foreign investment inflows.
Oluwo also commended Tinubu for granting local government autonomy, increasing allocations to states, expanding road infrastructure and improving palliative distribution at the grassroots.
According to him, past leaders attempted similar economic reforms but were overwhelmed by public and political pressure.
He said only a capable leader could implement tough but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.
Oluwo added that the President’s policies had begun to impact the standard of living, noting that the next phase would be stability.
He said, “You are not yet a capable leader until you make decisions and stand by them. Many past presidents attempted to remove obstacles to economic prosperity but were overrun by public outcries. Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon leadership through reforms.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased to over $49.5bn from about $1bn. Local government autonomy is taking effect, states earn more, and road projects, including Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and Sokoto-Badagry, are ongoing.”