Connect with us


BIG STORY

I hope Obi Doesn’t Vie For Presidency In 2027, He’s Unfit To Lead Nigeria — Prof. Wole Soyinka [VIDEO]

Published

on

  • Says Obidients Can’t Stop Me From Saying The Truth

 

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has declared that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in 2023, is unsuitable to govern the nation.

He said that this was made clear by the way his followers, dubbed “Obidients,” behaved during the general election campaign of 2023.

He claimed that Obi’s inability to stop his fans from harassing those who hold different opinions on the internet is evidence that he is unfit to be the leader of a nation the size of Nigeria.

The famous author further charged that Obi, a former governor of Anambra, was inciting “Obidients” to criticise him and other people who have different opinions on the internet.

The Nobel laureate, speaking in a recent interview with Noble Nigeria, said he hoped the former governor won’t contest the 2027 presidential election.

“I hope for the sake of the nation that he doesn’t express interest in the next election because for me as a leader if there was any proof that he was unfit to lead that country, it’s in the conduct which he encouraged among his followers. I know for a fact, and I can give you an instance that proves that he was in control of those forces.

“But it is for me a sad phenomenon, especially for those who want to lead a multi-texture society, different religions, different ethnic groups, different world views and who actually want to preside over sub-groups as one, it means that have already declared themselves incompetent to lead such entity and that’s it.”

Backing his claim that Obi was in control of the trolls, Soyinka said, “It’s simply because when he first came to visit me, you know, he did come at one time. And I watched him. I watched his actions and body language. It seemed to be very conciliatory.

“I remember the moment when he took out his (mobile device) after he made a statement like ‘Oh don’t worry. You don’t have anything to worry about these people. He was talking about ‘Obidients’. I remember he took out his phone, and he typed a message there. I was watching him very closely, I didn’t say a thing. And after that, everything seemed to be nice and cosy.

“And I saw and I read his statement about that meeting afterwards. The statement was a contrast to what actually happened, what we discussed, and I mentioned it in my response. It was a misrepresentation of what happened, and I made sure that I put a statement out saying ‘No, I’m sorry, this is not what was said. This language never came into it”.

The literary icon explained that it was surprising that Obi would, after the meeting, put out a different narrative of what really transpired.

“On the contrary. This is what happened, and so when I meet somebody who is incapable, even at a meeting which is supposed to be reconciliatory, of being completely honest. I look at that person and smile to myself. Of course, when I got to Stellenbosch and I was asked a question about this, I repeated exactly what had given ‘offence,’ only this time I made it even stronger. I said Peter did not win this thing (election). So I led them again to go on the rampage, and I went on about my own business.

“Don’t take my word for it. There were witnesses at the meeting. He came with two people and one person was from my side. Ask them! The statement he put out was not a reflection of what went on at that meeting, which I very reluctantly considered,” he added.

BIG STORY

Tinubu To Hold First Presidential Media Chat Tonight

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural media chat is set to be broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed that the media chat will be aired at 9 p.m. today.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

All television and radio stations are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

This marks Tinubu’s first media chat since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

During the chat, Tinubu will respond to questions from a panel of journalists on national matters, including his economic policies, security, and other key issues.

The tradition of presidential media chats began during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The practice was continued by the administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the frequency of the presidential media chats declined.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

IGP Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Beat Up Officers During Stop-And-Search — Police

Published

on

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Federal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Published

on

The federal government has declared December 25-26, and January 1, 2025, as public holidays.

The public holidays are to commemorate the “Christmas,” “Boxing Day,” and “New Year’s Day” celebrations, respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the dates in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians for the holidays and encouraged them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of “love,” “peace,” and “unity” that the season signifies.

He further emphasized that the yuletide is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the statement reads.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

Tunji-Ojo added that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Bola Tinubu administration will usher in a prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular