Connect with us

Politics

How Peter Obi was ‘coerced’ into running for governor of Anambra state

Published

on

The leading presidential candidate and flag-bearer of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi has amassed enormous support which cuts across all geo-political regions in Nigeria and he can unarguably be projected as the most accepted candidate amongst the 4 front runners for the Aso Rock seat in 2023.

Unlike many politicians who joined politics on their own volition, Peter Obi is one of the very few politicians who never desired public office prior to his decision to run for the Anambra gubernatorial elections in 2003, a decision that came at a very huge cost because he had to leave his budding and vast business empire to rescue a state drowning in questionable governance and all that comes with it.

Peter Obi was governor of Anambra state from 2006 to 2014

In this article, we will discuss how Peter Obi was ‘coerced’ into running for the Anambra governorship position in 2002.

In 2002, the PDP stakeholders & power brokers asked Prof ABC Nwosu, a respected figure and elder statesman, to recommend 3 very competent people that are capable of restoring Anambra from its then very horrible state under the erstwhile governor, Dr Chinweoke Mbadinuju. Prof Nwosu forwarded 3 names;

  1. Peter Obi
  2. Peter Obi
  3. Peter Obi

When Prof. Nwosu was questioned about his choice and why he didn’t nominate anyone else apart from Obi, he said, “Peter Obi is the only one I know who can restore Anambra state and take it to a new phase, he is the only one I can vouch for, he is the only one I can guarantee.

He is an honest and straightforward man, he is the only one I know who will work for the interest of the people, and not for a few elites and cabals”.

The PDP power brokers then made an enquiry about the then 41 year old Obi who at the time was the Chairman of Fidelity bank PLC, Guardian Express mortgage bank and also held an executive director position in Guardian Express Bank Limited, alongside sitting on the boards of over 5 multinational corporations.

This was in addition to running a multi-billion naira commodity franchise in Lagos and Onitsha. The PDP discovered that the man Obi was a very dexterous, disciplined and principled man and could pose threats to their embezzlement plans for the state and so they decided against going for him.

They didn’t want anyone who they couldn’t control like a puppet, this gave the Uba brothers (Chris and Andy Uba) an opportunity to hijack the party due to their close relationship with President Obasanjo, as Andy Obi was then the senior special assistant to president Obasanjo on domestic affairs, it was said that he was the first person Obasanjo saw when he woke and the last person he’d see before he sleeps, he was the gate-keeper of Aso-Rock, he was extremely close to the president, so he wielded this influence and connection graciously.

Obi would decline Prof Nwosu’s request to join the race for the 2003 gubernatorial race but after persistent pleas from not just Prof Nwosu, but other prominent figures from the state like Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu the Biafra warlord, former Vice-president of Nigeria Dr Alex Ekwueme, and a delegation of Catholic Bishops, he obliged their request and would then resign his many positions in the business world to throw down his gauntlet for the governorahip seat.

Seeing as there was no space for him in PDP, he then joined the newly formed APGA on the advice of his political mentor Odumegwu Ojukwu and Prof Nwosu.

This was Obi’s first time in politics, he knew nothing about maneuvering the radical, corrupt and violent Anambra state elections at the time and unlike other candidates who went about sharing monies for citizens, Obi would address the pertinent issues the state faced at the time, laying out a blueprint on how he’d address those issues if and when elected.

Against all odds, Peter Obi would later win the election, even though he was initially robbed of his victory by the wide spread rigging of PDP, he regained his mandate through the appeal court in 2006, 3 years into the tenure of the PDP and the Uba brothers imposed choice, Chris Ngige, who was made to take an oath of loyalty to them in 2003 in the now infamous Okija shrine.

Continue Reading

Politics

African Union Takes Action: Republic of Niger Suspended Amidst Political Unrest

Published

on

In a decisive move that reverberated across the continent, the African Union (AU) announced the suspension of the Republic of Niger from its membership ranks.

This momentous decision was unveiled during the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, August 22.

African Union:Picture Source- Pinterest

The suspension stems from the recent political turmoil that engulfed the nation, with the African Union pointing to the coup orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani on Wednesday, July 26. As part of a series of sanctions imposed on the francophone West African country, the Republic of Niger faced the repercussions of its internal upheaval.

The African Union’s stance was uncompromising, as it made it clear that Western nations seeking to meddle in African affairs should refrain from interfering. This firm message was directed from the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU’s call for autonomy echoed loudly.

The events leading up to Niger’s suspension unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The coup in Niger, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, prompted the Afican Union to take action. Their decision to suspend Niger was not taken lightly and was ratified during the Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22.

The aftermath of the military takeover in left President Mohamed Bazoum in captivity, held under the close watch of the juntas in Niger. Despite international pressure, the release of the president and his family remains elusive. This tense situation compelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene, imposing sanctions on Niger and establishing a deadline for the initiation of military intervention by the sub-regional body’s standby forces.

The suspension of the Republic of Niger from the African Union serves as a stark reminder of the continent’s commitment to upholding stability and safeguarding democratic governance. The swift response underscores the African Union’s dedication to maintaining order and security within its member states, sending a resounding message to the global community about the importance of respecting Africa’s sovereignty.

Continue Reading

Politics

Peter Obi: “I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria”

Published

on

In a recent tweet that has caught the attention of many, @MissPearls shares an inspiring declaration made by former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to @MissPearls, Peter Obi proclaimed, “I campaigned for Presidency because I can say it any day, I Will SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NIGERIA. All these confusion everywhere can BE SOLVED, and I am PREPARED for it”

Peter Obi: I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria.

Peter Obi’s bid for the presidency in the recent elections stirred considerable excitement and garnered support from diverse quarters, particularly the youth demographic. The former governor is known for his progressive ideas and pragmatic approach to governance, which resonated with many Nigerians who sought change and effective solutions to the country’s myriad challenges.

Despite his extensive support and well-articulated vision, Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions faced formidable opponents in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results that placed him behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged as the winner, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second. However, these results were met with skepticism due to apparent electoral irregularities that marred the integrity of the process.

In response to the controversial election outcome, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar filed legal challenges against the INEC’s declaration. This move underscores their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the electorate is accurately reflected. As the election Tribunal Judges prepare to deliver their verdict, Nigeria watches with bated breath, eager to witness justice being served.

Meanwhile, the administration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant policy actions since assuming office. The removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira have triggered mixed reactions across the nation. While these measures may be intended to foster economic stability and growth, the immediate consequences have been felt by everyday Nigerians. The cost of living has surged, and the socio-economic effects on the rich and the poor have become more pronounced.

As the Nigerian population navigates these shifts, the aftermath of the election and the ensuing governance strategies offer a critical juncture for evaluating the nation’s trajectory. The voices of discontent, expressed by citizens facing the brunt of these policies, highlight the necessity for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the populace while pursuing economic advancements. It is essential for the government to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society.

The policy changes implemented by Bola Tinubu have shed light on the delicate balance between progress and the welfare of the people. As the nation waits for the tribunal’s judgment and the dust settles on the recent election, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reshape its future trajectory and address the systemic challenges that have held it back for far too long.

Fore more updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporteraNews.

Continue Reading

Politics

Youths in Kano Defy Police Ban to Protest Alleged Tribunal Bribery

Published

on

Hundreds of determined youths in Kano took to the streets, defying a police ban, to protest what they perceive as attempts to manipulate the state election petition tribunal. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a ban on protests by the Commissioner of Police, Usuani Gumel, following revelations of alleged plots to obstruct justice through financial inducement in legal proceedings.

Youths in kano

The rally, which unfolded outside the state government house, saw impassioned youths brandishing placards with messages that underscored their commitment to justice and the integrity of the electoral process. Their actions were sparked by concerns over an alleged plan to bribe the state election petition tribunal, casting a shadow over the fairness of the process.

The ban on protests was issued in response to recent revelations made by Justice Flora Azinge, who unveiled purported schemes by lawyers to disrupt the course of justice through financial incentives. The Commissioner of Police cited “confirmatory intelligence products” as the basis for this decision, leaving a contentious atmosphere surrounding the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest.

This ban, however, failed to deter the resolute youths who carried a variety of placards conveying their strong stance against corruption, manipulation, and injustice. The slogans they chanted resonated with their determination to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold transparency in governance.

Among the messages displayed, one placard caught the eye with its direct callout: “Gandollar, stop spoiling the name of Tinubu.” This highlights the allegation that financial impropriety is tainting the reputation of key political figures.

In a video circulated online, the enthusiastic protesters chanted slogans that echoed their deep-seated concerns. Chants of “No to corruption,” “No to injustice,” and “No to manipulation” reverberated through the crowd, embodying the youth’s unwavering commitment to fair and accountable governance.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to President Bola Tinubu. This gesture recognizes the role of the youth in shaping political discourse and underscores the importance of their voices in the pursuit of a just society.

In conclusion, the youths in Kano have seized the moment to voice their concerns and demands for an unbiased electoral process. Their defiance of the police ban serves as a reminder that public sentiment cannot be easily suppressed. As this incident unfolds, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of assembly, legitimate protest, and maintaining public order. It also underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping the political landscape and demanding accountability from their leaders.

For the latest news updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporterNews. Stay informed and engaged with evolving stories from all around the world.

Continue Reading

Trending