National
Obi says Nigeria’s democracy is on the slab courtesy of Supreme Court’s judgment

The Supreme Court Judgment delivered on 26th October, 2023 on the 2023 Nigeria Presidential Election is a breach of confidence reposed in the apex Court by Nigerians and a dearth knell on democracy, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi has indicated
He also described the Nigeria’s democracy as the victim of the Supreme Court judgement that affirmed President Bola Tinubu as winner of the February 25th Presidential election.
Obi who spoke on Monday while addressing the media in Abuja noted that the Nigerian democracy is on the slab having become the victim of that judgement
However, he said as a person who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, he would continue to speak forthrightly.
Obi, said, “As students young lads at CKC, Onitsha, we were taught values and admonished to always; “choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong.”
“Setting legal issues aside, the Supreme Court exhibited a disturbing aversion to public opinion just as it abandoned its responsibility as a court of law and policy.
“It is, therefore, with great dismay that I observe that the Court’s decision contradicts the overwhelming evidence of election rigging, false claim of a technical glitch, substantial non-compliance with rules set by INEC itself as well as matters of perjury,
“identity theft, and forgery that have been brought to light in the course of this election matter. These were hefty allegations that should not to be treated with levity.
“More appalling, the Supreme Court judgment willfully condoned breaches of the Constitution relative to established qualifications and parameters for candidates in presidential elections.
“With this counter-intuitive judgment, the Supreme Court has transferred a heavy moral burden from the courtrooms to our national conscience. Our young democracy is ultimately the main victim and casualty of the courtroom drama.
“Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary.
“To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force against the very Nigerian people from whom the power of the Constitution derives. This Supreme Court ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023 but not the present demand for substantive justice.
“The judgment mixed principles and precepts. Indeed, the rationale and premise of the Supreme Court judgment, have become clearer in the light of the deep revealing and troubling valedictory remarks by Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, (JSC) on Friday 27th October 2023.
“In disagreeing very strongly with the ruling of both the Presidential Petitions Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court on the outcome of the 25th February 2023 Presidential election as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as democrats who believe in the rule of law, we recognize that the Supreme Court is the end stage of the quest for legal closure to the matter.
“As a party and as candidates, Datti and I have now exhausted all legal and constitutional remedies available to us.”
This is just the beginning of our struggle “However, this end is only another beginning in our quest for the vindication of the hope of the common man for a better country.
“After all, sovereignty belongs to the people! If only for historical purposes, it behooves us to place our disagreement with and deep reservations about this judgment on public record.
“We have long been aware of how weak national institutions have negatively affected our democracy. This year 2023 has been quite remarkable and revealing. INEC has displayed incompetence in the conduct of its statutory duty.
“The judiciary has largely acted in defiance of constitutional tenets, precedents, and established ground rules. Political expediency has preceded judicial responsibility.
“A mechanical application of technicalities has superseded the pursuit of justice and fairness. Both INEC and the Supreme Court as the referees, respectively shifted the goalposts in the middle of the game.
“Where the value and import of the recent Supreme Court ruling ends is where our commitment to a New Nigeria begins. Our mission and mandate remain unchanged.
“From the very onset, our mission has been more about enthroning a new Nigeria. It is a new nation where things work, where the country is led from its present waste and consumption orientation to a production-driven economy.
“Our commitment is to a nation anchored on the principles of prudent management of resources to quickly pull millions out of multidimensional poverty, ensuring transparency and accountability in the equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and privileges.
“In the new Nigeria, we aim to address all unmet needs by showing compassion for all those left behind by the present system.”
The future of the struggle
Obi further said, “Going forward, we in the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement are now effectively in opposition. We are glad that the nation has heard us loud and clear.
“We shall now expand the confines of our message of hope to the rest of the country. We shall meet the people in the places where they feel pain and answer their needs for hope.
“At marketplaces, motor parks, town halls, board rooms, and university and college campuses, we all carry and deliver the message of a new Nigeria.
“As stake holders and elected Labour Party officials, we shall remain loyal to our manifesto.We will continue to canvas for good governance and focus on issues that promote national interest, unity, and cohesion. We will continue to give primacy to our Constitution, the rule of law, and the protection of ordered liberties.
Our opposition to bad policies starts now
He said, “We will offer the checks and balances required in a functional democracy and vie robustly in forthcoming elections to elect those who share our vision of a new Nigeria.
“Given our present national circumstances, there is a compelling need for a strong political opposition. We shall, therefore, remain in opposition, especially because of the policies and the governance modalities that we in the Labour Party campaigned for, especially reducing the cost of governance, moving the nation from consumption to production, reducing inflation, ending insecurity, promoting the rule of law, guaranteeing the responsibility to protect, and stabilizing the Nigerian currency; are clearly not the priorities of the present administration nor is it interested in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“ If there is one thing that has immensely gladdened my heart in the course of the struggle of the past 18 months, it is the passionate desire of our people, especially our young people from across ethnic and religious divides, to construct a new and restructured Nigeria that will work for all Nigerians. That goal remains my guiding light and abiding inspiration.
“ I thank all Nigerians who believed in what is now only a revolution postponed. We deeply appreciate the unalloyed non-partisan moral support millions of youth and ordinary Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and geopolitical divides have continued to give to Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed and me.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerians who have supported this mission from the onset. We salute the leadership and members of the Labour Party, the Obidient Movement, the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Support Groups, and all people of goodwill who worked diligently and hoped for the realization of the beginnings of a New Nigeria in this election cycle.
“Nigerians who supported our cause have done so out of patriotism and their sincere conviction that our nation requires and deserves dedicated and visionary leaders who will lead Nigeria toward a brighter future.
“The energy and dedication of Nigerian Youths and the Obedient Movement have been simply amazing. I appreciate and salute them! I want to assure them that this is not the end of our journey; but in fact, the beginning. Nigeria heard you.
“The world has taken note and will not forget so easily. We shall endure, persist, until we get to our destination because a new Nigeria is our destination. A destination not an event.
“We thank, in a special way, our legal team. We also thank our elder States-Men, whose wise counsel were immeasurable To them, we wish to state unequivocally that this judicial outcome – an obvious misrepresentation of substantial justice – has by no means foreclosed the realization of a new Nigeria that is Possible.
“On a personal note, I take personal pride and express gratitude to those who share our vision; and who have also exhibited rare courage to challenge the nefarious system, the genuineness of individuals’ identities and their defining and qualifying particulars up to the highest extent allowed by law. Nigeria holds out hope of infinite possibilities leading to our desirable greatness.
“ I remain consistent in my belief in the possibility of a new Nigeria built on character competence, capacity, compassion, integrity, and respect for the rule of law based on justice and fairness.”
National
COP28: Frank tells Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians over ’embarrassing speech’, 1,400 delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must apologise to Nigerians for his speech described as “one of the most embarrassing speeches ever, filled with inconsistency and totally out of point” at the ongoing COP 28 climate change event in Dubai, political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has indicated.
Frank also condemned over 1,400 government officials and individuals in the President delegation to the international event.
In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, Frank pointed out that the large number “is not only embarrassing to Nigerians, but a shame to a government who promised to cut down on spending, but rather encouraging Estacode spending by different agencies and parastatals whose attendance has no significant benefit to the Nigerian people.”
According to Timi Frank, the speech delivered by the President, which has now become a subject of caricature to many Nigerians worldwide has cost Nigerians over $20m, as the only African country and the 3rd nation, with a large delegation of over 1,400 persons whose impact cannot be felt and has only succeeded in squandering government funds unnecessarily.
He observed that China & Brazil which are world economies had about 1,600 delegates and 1500 respectively, with Nigeria coming 3rd.
“It is sad to see many at the international event wondering how the President of Nigeria would deliver one of the most embarrassing speeches ever, filled with inconsistency and totally out of point, being presented by a world leader at this auspicious World event.
“Moreso, that this is coming at a time when many Nigerians are languishing in pernury because of the untold hardship associated with the coming of this government.
“If this speech that was read at the COP 28 was what was given to him by the experts, then they should immediately be fired for leading him astray. Nigerians cannot continue to be a joke internationally, after spending such a huge amount only to embarrass the country in this manner
“Other countries were there with very few delegations and achieved so much, but in our case it was partying and shopping without being visible in the event proper. Afterall, Nigeria has no significant carbon footprints to allow for such a huge delegation to grace the event.
“Therefore, I call on the President to immediately apologize to Nigerians and explain why the embarrassment on Nigerians in an international event. These are the reasons why investors continue to reject the idea of investing in Nigeria, because of our lack of seriousness in leadership.
“Other world leaders were very visible, initiating deals on the sidelines whereas.the delegation from Nigeria where partying and shopping around Dubai and nowhere to be found.
“This is the reason why Nigerians must support the upcoming grand diaspora protest, of Tinubu must go as this is the only way the people can have their say and save the nation.
“We are hopeful that some day, Nigerians would witness a true leader who would change the narrative for the better.”
National
Akpabio expresses hope of a united Nigeria where all tribes will speak in one accord

The President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has expressed the optimism that a day will come in Nigeria when all tribes and tongues will come together in patriotism to push the country to its Eldorado
Akpabio spoke on Sunday at the Occasion of the NTA Carol Night, 2023.
“I believe that one day, Nigerians of all tribes, peoples and tongues will come together in unity and patriotism, and share the love of Jesus Christ.
He indicated that Nigerians are in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest ever ensemble of Christmas Carol Singers.
Explaining further, he said the feat was attained when he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“We wanted to have a taste of Heaven when the Bible says in Revelation 7:9 that “… a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
He recognised Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon as he thanked him as grand patron for being steadfast uptil today
“I used to ask my self a question, what if we were not praying? In a difficult time such as we faced during the COVID a lot of people in the world thought Nigeria was going to go down with every household carrying dead bodies but God though otherwise because of the prayers of the Church abd prayers of good men who struggled with the believe that God will definitely intervened and God intervened nit just for Nigeria but for the reat of the world.
“The administration of Preaident Tinubu believes strogly in renewing the hope of all Nigerians so it is coming very apt at this time. Our hope is being rwnewed in the activities going on.
“The joy if this Christmans starting from the 3rd day of December shows us clearly that you have been steadfast for 20 years
While commeding the NTA, Voice of Nigeria and the FRCN who put the event together and have been doing it for the past two decades, he said, “I am thrilled that at your 20 anniversary, you are the senate president who believes so much in Chrismas Carols.
“I have this believe that the only reason that God made man was for man to praise and worship God and therwforewhen I had the opportunity to be Governor between 2007 and 2015, I drew the attention on yearly bases of about 59 countries to know that Jesus has come and therefore we organised the largest choir on earth and we broke the guinness book of records and it is still there till today. My people named it after me, Godswill Akpabio Choir.
“Just as the star led the way to the humble manger in
Bethlehem, Jesus continues to light the path for those who place their trust in Him. “His birth represents a promise, a divine covenant calling us out of darkness into His marvelous
light. His life exemplifies limitless compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love.
“By embracing Jesus as our hope, we discover strength, redemption, and the promise of eternal
life.
“In Nigeria, the power of hope resonates deeply within us. We have faced our fair share of trials and tribulations, but our faith and the hope found in the message of Jesus have kept us resilient.
“In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.
“Today, as we celebrate Christmas in unity and love, let us rekindle that hope within our hearts, inspiring change, forgiveness, and compassion towards one another.
“This Christmas carol event, graciously organized by the
Nigeria Television Authority, serves as a reminder for us all that our hope in Jesus shall never fail because God’s word shall never pass away.
“His love which was made manifest In Christmas shall never cease and it brings good will and peace
to all of mankind.
“In celebration of this, we have come to witness the power of music, transcending barriers, and touching the depths of our
souls.
“We are reminded of the angelic music the shepherds heard when they heralded his birth. As we embrace these harmonious melodies, let us remember that they, too, carry the message of hope through the ages, reminding us of Jesus’ everlasting impact on humanity.
In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May “His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us.
“Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.
“As we sing our carols and rejoice together, may Jesus, our eternal hope, fill us with renewed faith, strength, and
purpose.
“Let us carry His message of love and hope throughout the year, illuminating our homes, communities,
and our beloved Nigeria.”
“As we gather here today, united in celebration and joy, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ, our eternal hope.
Let us, therefore, reflect upon
this profound theme of “Jesus Our Hope,” and embrace His love and grace.
Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering
lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the
reason for this season — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
National
Senator Kadiri eulogises ex-president Shagari for initiating Ajaokuta Steel company

***Says, Kogi governorship election was a sham
An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Senator Alex Kadiri has eulogised late former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari for several infrastructural development initiated by his administration, notable among which is the conception and construction of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, in Kogi State.
Senator Kadiri who represented Kogi East in the Senate from 1999 to 2003 said the Shagari administration made giant strides towards the advancement of the Nigeria with a nationalistic view
The steel complex which was said to have been about 90% completed in 1984 by late Nigerian first executive President Alhaji Shehu Shagari had been abandoned by successive administrations and the gigantic project has been lying fallow almost in the shadow of its potentials.
He lamented that if subsequent governments after the Shagari administration in 1983 had been sincere in completing the project, it would have taken Nigeria to its Eldorado.
Senator Kadiri spoke to journalists receltly in Abuja after a trip to his hometown Odu in Dekina, Local Government of Kogi State.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the late president Shagari because the level his government left Ajaokuta as the president of Nigeria is where it is today as he described the gigantic project as a national disgrace and shame.
“Nigerians, we are so wasteful, so indecent. I don’t think Nigerians deserves any good thing,” he said.
He said the road leading to Lokoja the Kogi State capital has been under construction for the past seventeen years, yet the road has no portion that can be said to have been concluded.
“There’s no other state capital that looks like mine. Which was also the first country’s capital. I passed through that road with tears in my eyes.
“It’s very unfortunate for me that my party is APC. It has not done any thing across the river Niger for the past eight years.
“God knows, we know, If this is democracy, then we are not practicing such in that part of kogi state. Nigerians resources were just wasted by INEC by conducting a sham election.
“Once I arrived at my village, everyone was looking very frail and impoverished and dispirited in a country in which they live. They can’t go elsewhere, they’re stuck.
“I’m even mocked by my children about the fact that I speak about such things and I’m being paid with a deaf ear. They feel that I’m criticizing the government too much and should just keep quiet like every other person, because that’s what Nigeria wants.
“Nigerians are bing treated like conquered slaves. We’ve not conquered Nigerians. We’ve not conquered Kogi State. We’ve not conquered the Igala people. We’ve not conquered the individuals. We’ve forced them and this force cannot be sustained.”
According to him, the November 11, governorship election was a rape of democracy as nobody voted for anyone, adding that there was no election.
“The government will feel like, they in control of all the local governments, we’ve all the councils, all the chairmen.
He pleased with God to forgive him, his family because we know not what we’re doing. We’re taking Nigerians as nothing, and in fact they have no choice. They can’t protest.
He blamed the National Assembly members from Kogi State who want to play roles of the executive.
“They now want to construct boreholes, roads, schools and so on, which are the functions of the executive. They are supposed to make laws for good governance of the country, the state and the local governments. They are not expected to do such.”
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