Television Nigerian

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential contender, has come under fire from Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his recent remark that “the labor of our heroes past is all in vain.”

If Obi is unable to address internal party issues, Akpabio claims he lacks the moral capacity to lead Nigeria.

Speaking Wednesday in Abuja during a Senate chamber valedictory session honoring the late elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information Chief Edwin Clark, Akpabio made the statements.

In a subtle jab at Obi, Akpabio remarked: “How can you handle the Boko Haram situation or other significant national issues if you can’t handle the turmoil within your Labour Party? I urge Nigerian leaders to deal with their party’s internal problems.

The Senate President’s remark was made the day after Obi in Abuja gave a memorial lecture honoring the late Clark.
While praising Clark’s history of bravery and selflessness, Obi bemoaned the current situation in Nigeria in his remarks. The circumstances of today, he contended, have rendered the efforts of prior leaders such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and General Yakubu Gowon pointless.

Obi also criticized the Nigerian government for a lack of civic involvement and accountability, pointing out that instead of large-scale protests during Jonathan’s presidency, there were no public protests over the recent increases in petrol prices.

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According to him, Nigerian democracy was in decline, and he was frequently accused of “demonizing the country” for raising his voice.

Akpabio, however, brushed Obi’s comments aside as being out of context and proposed that handling internal party matters is the first step towards leadership.

Speaking about his record, Akpabio emphasized his accomplishments while serving as the previous governor of Akwa Ibom State. “The dualized thoroughfares in my city, the international hospitals, and the digitalized governor’s offices are things I can proudly talk about,” he remarked.

“I started free and mandatory education in the state and encouraged religious inclusion by sponsoring more than 5,800 Muslims and 12,000 to 15,000 Christians on pilgrimages to Mecca, Rome, and Jerusalem,” he continued.

Additionally, the Senate President issued a warning against the divisive use of social media, characterizing it as mainly unregulated and frequently used to deceive the people.

Akpabio sent a clear warning to opposition leaders as he wrapped up his speech: “Resolve your party issues first before aspiring to lead Nigeria.”

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has given an official update on the ongoing efforts to extradite Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian citizen and former city councillor in Finland, over alleged criminal and terrorist activities.

Speaking during a public briefing on Thursday, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed that Ekpa is currently under investigation in Finland for suspected terrorism. The briefing was part of a special event to highlight the progress made by the Federal Ministry of Justice in criminal justice administration since October 2024.

“He committed an offence against the Finnish government as well as in Nigeria. His extradition will come at the right time,” Fagbemi said.

Simon Ekpa was arrested in Finland in November 2024 alongside four others—who were later released. His case is now being reviewed by Finland’s Deputy Prosecutor General, who will decide whether to press formal charges.

Nigeria Strengthens International Legal Cooperation

In addition to the Ekpa case, the Justice Minister revealed that Nigeria has successfully extradited two suspects to the United States:

• Hassan Bun Hussein Abolore Lawal – extradited in January 2025

• Okechukwu Josiah Odunna – extradited in March 2025

Fagbemi also disclosed that Nigeria is working with the government of Qatar to extradite Benjamin Nnanyereugo, popularly known as Killaboi, who is accused of killing his girlfriend, Augusta. Killaboi is expected to be returned to Nigeria in April 2025 to face murder charges.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Justice

The Justice Ministry reiterated its commitment to international collaboration in pursuing fugitives and ensuring they face justice, regardless of where they are located.

Paul Ibe, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Adviser on Media, has stated that no amount of assault would prevent the coalition from overthrowing the current government.
Ibe was quoted as saying that the coalition’s political players had been in negotiations and would shortly announce the merger.
There have been attempts to thwart the merger, but it will not occur, Atiku’s spokesperson revealed in a Wednesday interview with News Central.

The political figures that are coming together are conversing with each other. The contents of the ship are known to them. It will not be fair, in my opinion, to reveal the secret. Let’s wait a bit longer. As of right now, the coalition baby will be born sooner rather than later.

“There have been attempts to murder the woman who will give birth, but I can assure you that she is safe, the baby will be born healthy, and the fireworks will begin,” he stated.
Ibe discussed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governors Forum’s opposition to the collaboration and said that the PDP would gain the most from the merger.

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He continued by saying that Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, was responsible for the governors’ opposition.

“Wike has a mandate and a job to impersonate the PDP and ensure that the coalition does not happen,” he said.

Since the PDP is the largest opposition party, it will gain the most from the alliance. Their leaders need to be interested in this continuing alliance.

However, the former Rivers State governor and FCT minister is also causing a crisis in the PDP because he has been mandated to be the undertaker, and those who seem to be disparaging the alliance are doing so. His job is to make sure that PDP impersonation is done. He has individuals around him who are making sure they keep diverting attention from the coalition’s goals, he said.

According to the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), northern voices against President Bola Tinubu’s reelection are self-serving people who are angry at the current administration’s lack of acknowledgement and support.
In particular, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was denounced by AYCF President Yerima Shettima, who insisted that his actions were caused by his inability to obtain a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking to Vanguard, Yerima reminded Nigerians to disregard individuals such as El-Rufai, who served as governor for eight years but accomplished nothing.
The north cannot be represented by someone like El-Rufai, hence he should be disregarded. He should have the courage to demonstrate his accomplishments for the people, as he served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years,” Yerima said.

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He maintained that El-Rufai’s recent public displays of emotion were motivated more by personal disillusionment than by sincere care for the north.

The man is obviously upset that Tinubu did not name him a minister. He ought to let it go and move on. He shouldn’t convey the false idea that he can decide the north’s course in 2027 or that he represents it,” Yerima continued.

The leader of the AYCF stressed that it is too soon to assess Tinubu’s performance after less than two years in power, and he urged detractors to wait until he has served out his first term before making any judgments.

“We were aware from the start that Tinubu’s term would be difficult. He inherited difficulties that would not be resolved in a year. Just because certain people haven’t been awarded their desired roles doesn’t mean we should get political overly heated,” he remarked.