Politics

Kenneth Okonkwo remains my trusted ally — Peter Obi

2023: Peter Obi Has Already Won The Election Says Kenneth Okonkwo

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come out in support of Kenneth Okonkwo, his ex-Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, after Okonkwo’s resignation from the party.

Okonkwo had cited internal strife and leadership crisis as reasons for his departure.

Obi cautioned party members and supporters against attacking Okonkwo, stating that differing opinions do not make him an enemy.

He emphasised Okonkwo’s loyalty and commitment, describing him as a “beloved brother and trusted ally”.

Obi encouraged constructive dialogue and respect, even in disagreement, and urged party members to remain united and focused.

He stressed that learning and listening are crucial components of leadership and that he values diverse opinions.

In a series of posts on his X account on Monday, the former governor said Okonkwo’s differing opinion does not make him an enemy, but rather a strong voice and friend.

He wrote, “Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.

“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.

“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree. Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.

“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me because, as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.

“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient, and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies, or tactics. My message is clear and simple: unity, respect, and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance.”

Politics

Aiyedatiwa asks Ondo Assembly to confirm 12 commissioner nominees

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded 12 commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

The commissioner designates were nominated four months after Aiyedatiwa’s swearing on on February 24, 2025.

Aiyedatiwa, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, sent a letter to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, requesting that the nominees be confirmed in order to boost his cabinet currently comprising just two commissioners and some Special Advisers.

According to the governor, the request was in tandem with exercise of the power conferred on him by Section 192 (1 & 2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“I wish to forward to your esteemed office the following commissioner nominees for your kind consideration and confirmation of the House of Assembly. I shall be most obliged to the Honourable House for your expeditious action on this request in the overall interest of our dear state.”

The nominees include Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun (Former Rector, RUGIPO and Former Vice-Chancellor, AAUA), Abiola Olawoye (Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing), Ayodele Akande, Alabi Johnson, Amidu Takuro, Adewale Akinlosotu and Idowu Ajanaku.

Others are Dr Oluwaseun Osamaye, Dr Tob Loko, Olaolu Akindolire, Sunday Olajide and Henry Omoyofunmi.

On January 15, 2025, Aiyedatiwa had dissolved the cabinet ahead of his inauguration, with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, retained.

Politics

Zamfara PDP to sue Matawalle over alleged defamation against Gov Lawal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State has resolved to sue the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle, for allegedly defaming the Governor Dauda Lawal.

A statement issued by spokesperson, Halliru Andi, said the Zamfara State PDP Working Committee (SWC) under the leadership of Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki is considering dragging Matawalle to court for alleged character assassination and baseless claims against Lawal.

“We have been monitoring the body language and unguarded utterances of Bello Matawalle and are considering court action against him.

“We have resolved to initiate legal action against him just to remind him of his limits as Junior Minister without immunity and to serve as deterrent to other egoistic politicians in the state,” the Zamfara PDP said.

The statement said PDP would no longer tolerate the politics of bitterness from Matawalle’s faction of the APC.

Politics

Tinubu refutes one-party state claims

Amid the gale of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Tinubu on Thursday rubbished claims that his government plans to make Nigeria a one-party state, declaring that it is not good for the country.

Tinubu said this while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja as part of activities lined up to mark the 2025 Democracy Day.

“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state,
I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of
your panic, it rings in error.

“At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket,” he said.

Recalling his rule as an opposition governor while he administered Lagos State between 1999-2007, Tinubu said he has no intention to make Nigeria a one-party state but would not reject members of the opposition who want to join the APC.

“In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation
clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of
the progressive governors standing in my region,” Tinubu added.