Peter Obi and a buffoon called Monday Okpebholo
By UGO ONUOHA Who is a buffoon? I will not put my thumb on the scale so that I will not inject my personal bias and anger in the definition of a buffoon. I will simply ask Meta AI. Please AI who is a buffoon? “A buffoon is a person who behaves in a silly, foolish, or absurd way, often causing amusement or annoyance. The term can imply someone who: acts foolishly or absurdly; makes a spectacle of themselves; lacks seriousness or judgment; [and/or] engages in clownish or ridiculous behaviour”. AI elaborates by saying that “In modern usage, ‘buffoon’ can be used to describe someone who is seen as ridiculous, incompetent, or silly, often in a way that’s entertaining or annoying”. It went on to illustrate: “He’s such a buffoon on social media, always posting ridiculous videos”. Which one of these descriptions does not fit the governor of Edo state, Monday Okpebholo? He is silly. He acts foolishly. He is absurd in conduct and utterance. He causes amusement and annoyance at the same time. He makes a spectacle of himself. He never appears to be a serious person. Indications are that he is a dullard. Okpebholo lacks good judgment. He’s ridiculous. He is clownish. So far, there is no evidence that he will be a competent governor of an otherwise sophisticated state like Edo. His nomination as the ruling party’s [All Progressives Congress, APC’s] governorship candidate in the last election in Edo state came as a shock to those who knew his antecedents. His stomping for the office was absurd and a depressing spectacle to behold. He struggled to articulate his promises to the electorate. His grasp of the English language was challenged, and sadly continues to be challenged even as a governor. There was no evidence either that he was grounded in his mother tongue. Even if he was, how many of the native languages would he have spoken during the campaigns given the diverse languages of the state. Using Nigeria’s special English or pigeon [pidgin English] also appeared a bridge too far for him to cross. He was a disaster as a nominee for a high office. He was a greater disaster as a candidate. And now, daily he is unravelling as a governor. In spite of being a former senator of the federal republic, Monday Okpebholo is neither literate in spoken words nor in written figures. Do you want evidence? Search for videos where he spoke. Okpebholo will only be caught dead addressing any audience extempore. Wherever and whenever he does be ready to squirm and to hold your breath for the duration of the exercise. Thankfully, they are all usually short video clips. He is no better with a written speech. He is sure to mangle the words and end up being incomprehensible. Some months ago, Okpebholo could not pronounce the sum total of the 2025 budget of Edo state during its presentation to the house of assembly. He was the presenter. Before the APC, budget presentation was a serious business. At least, there used to be a veneer of seriousness. Until it stopped being so when the lawmakers in our national assembly started heralding the presentation of Nigeria’s national budgets with the rendering of ‘On your mandate…’, the partisan political song of Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president. In Edo the budget figure that was beyond the pay grade of Okpebholo was the same he is supposed to superintend its implementation. Pray, how do you implement what you cannot figure [pun fully intended] out. He tried three times and he failed three times. His subsequent failures were worse than the previous ones. That was how bad he was. And that’s how bad he still is. Okpebholo typifies the typical Nigerian ruler at all levels. The bar is extremely low, encourages fawning, cronyism, and hypocrisy. And we still keep wondering how our country and its sub-nationals keep moving forward in reverse gear. We keep wondering how our country has remained the poverty capital of the world. We keep wondering how and why about 75% or 161 million of our compatriots are today not sure of where their next meal will come from. Why do we wonder with a plethora of the type of Okpebholo in leadership [rulership really] positions, in the driver’s seat across board. Before his accession to the Edo state Governor’s Mansion, Okpebholo was a senator. In that role he was not much known for his contributions at plenary or sponsorship of bills or strong advocacy for his constituents and senatorial district. There’s no evidence, but he was probably adept in joining other senators in padding the budget for his personal benefit or for the good of his district. That may have partly accounted for his promotion to be the chief executive of Edo state, a state that had been governed by politically sagacious personages including John Odigie-Oyegun, a former chairman of the APC; an academic and the first First Class graduate of law in 1975 of the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor [the first Nigerian law student to achieve this feat]; a stormy petrel labour leader, Adams Oshiomhole, who was also chairman of the APC, and now a vibrant senator; as well as a well educated Lucky Igbinedion, one of the sons of the billionaire Esama of Bini Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. Like his fellow party man elsewhere, Okpebholo’s academic career is muddled in controversies, with his political detractors attributing even his marginal success to association with the notorious miracle centre. Miracle or magic centres are special but illegal examination centres designed for those who must be assisted to cheat to pass the joint admissions and matriculation board [JAMB] examination, a prerequisite for admission to tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Even then, his alleged school certificate which was posted online presumably by his political enemies read like a glorification of the ‘D’ poor grade. There’s no doubt that Governor Okpebholo passed through the senate but the senate, the upper chamber
Poster Boy Alabi, Police and criminal enterprise
By: UGO ONUOHA THE Nigerian Police exhibits the features of a criminal enterprise. Every such business or group shows characteristics which enables it to operate effectively often without being caught by the law. In broad terms every criminal enterprise has organisational structure, hierarchy, chain of command, and division of labour. It also engages in illicit activities, generates revenue, usually dark money, extortion, money laundering, and it exploits vulnerabilities of individuals, businesses and institutions. A typical underworld business maintains secrecy on what it does, uses deception to distract, and has mastery of code of silence. Firms or institutions that are into shady dealings do not hesitate to deploy violence and intimidation or the threats thereof to maintain control and discipline. They are also usually nimble so as to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, laws, and law enforcement strategies. Criminal enterprises are adept at bribing and corrupting everything in their way, infiltrating legitimate institutions either to launder money or to gather intelligence. As may be needed they apply influence peddling to shape policy or decision – making. Any country that has a sizable number of criminal enterprises operating within its borders is damned. And any society that is grappling with state agencies that have turned into rogue or criminal enterprises is doomed. Sadly, Nigeria falls into this later category. Almost all strata of enterprise Nigeria is a criminal set up. The executive arms of government at all levels are studies in perfidy and all that they should not be. Across the Nigerian state and at the centre, the legislatures do not exist in reality as co-equal branches of the government. They are tied to the apron strings of the governors in the states and the president in Abuja, respectively. The judiciary is no better. The Supreme Court is leprous. It’s the same spectacle down to the lowest rung of courts. Justices and judges and magistrates now publicly cavort with, and receive favours from politicians, armed robbers and con artists better known as 419ners. A former chief justice of Nigeria enjoyed lavish banquet dates with notorious politicians while he was the CJN. In fact he once publicly and unabashedly promoted and supported the fractionalisation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). While still the CJN he gave thumbs up to five PDP governors that worked to sabotage their party to benefit his kinsman who was a candidate in the then upcoming 2023 presidential election. The current CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun appears not to be overly concerned about how she’s perceived by the public. On October 21, 2024, she was loud in Abuja in the company of one of the loudest and controversial politician who is the federal capital territory minister, Nysome Wike, during the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of some housing units for judges in the territory. Until recently, that was not a common sight. Judges were virtually hermits in Nigeria in the past. In spite of themselves, judges studiously avoided such outings and sundry social gatherings even those organised by family members and acquaintances simply to avoid the perception of bias in their judicial functions. Not any more. Judges now frequently attend public social functions including owambe parties as a badge of honour, and status conferor. The other arm of the federal government, the national assembly (NASS) also reflects its leadership. It was in the public domain that the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is presently bersmiched with allegations of sexual harassment by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was dogged by allegations of fraud and potential trial in court before he was ‘head-hunted’ for the senate presidency. Until recently Nigerians didn’t know that the senate ethics committee is led by a man reported to be a fugitive from the law in the United States of America. So, Nigeria’s senate is headed by a man with so much baggage to contend with. The judiciary by a woman who is alleged to be on a no-visa list of a super power, and who has no qualms in being found in the midst of a loquacious and controversial politician. For the headship of the executive branch, the compelling narrative will be the one offered prior to the 2023 election by a dyed-in-the-wool critic of presidential candidate, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Reno Omokri. He wrote on twitter on March 28, 2021 that: “The 2023 packaging of Bola Tinubu, a man of: Questionable name, Questionable wealth, Questionable education status, Questionable age, Questionable state of origin, Questionable US record, Questionable parentage, Questionable sobriety, Questionable religion, and Questionable hygiene”. Reno (Rent) Omokri has since become a turncoat which is legitimate. Only a dead person does not change his or her mind. Reno’s may be like Saul’s on the Damascus highway. And Reno’s reward may soon be handsome if the rumour mills are to be believed. Mr. Reno Omokri could soon become His Excellency, Ambassador Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s ambassador or high commissioner to wherever… Don’t worry about the message we could be passing to our children about rewarding scoundrels, turncoats and scammers. And people who do not really believe in anything. If Nigeria is in a bad shape it’s because “mmiri siri n’isi gbaruo” or the stream was muddied from the fountainhead. As the Good Book says if the foundation be faulty, what can the righteous do? Every state institution has turned rogue. The armed forces whose generals steal monies voted for the foot soldiers, and the rank and file who are moles for Boko Haram militants and other terrorists. The judges who brazenly pervert justice and of whom the poet, Niyi Osundare, asked where he would keep their bribe money for them. Operatives of the directorate of state services (DSS) and other security agencies who pick up government critics on the whims but are incapable of locating and apprehending terrorists and bandits who regularly flaunt ransom monies on the social media. The Customs officers who allow goods into the country through our entry ports, and then go to the highways to mount roadblocks to seize the same wares
Peter Obi Visits Babangida in Minna
In a broad consultative effort prior to his likely second attempt at the presidential race, former Anambra Governor Peter Oi has visited General Ibrahim Babangida at his hilltop home in Minna, Niger State. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, made the trip to Minna, Niger State, yesterday, January 2, 2024. READ ALSO: Deaths and Blood Rituals for Bulaba Balablu Christmas The visit provided Obi with an opportunity to exchange views on national matters and extend New Year wishes to the former military president. Obi shared images of the visit on his X account, acknowledging Babangida’s continued influence and the valuable insights he offers during their conversations.
LP Launches Membership Online Registration App, Sets Congress Timetable
The Labour Party has unveiled an online membership registration app as part of its push to surpass 20 million members before the 2027 elections. The app, designed for both new sign-ups and membership revalidation, is part of the party’s plan to expand its base ahead of upcoming congresses. LP National Executive Council (NEC) held a virtual meeting on Saturday to discuss these plans, including the announcement of the congress timetable. Membership revalidation begins immediately, with a deadline set for January 31, 2025. The app is expected to update the ward registers in preparation for the ward congresses, scheduled to begin between February and March 2025. At the ward level, there will be 17 positions up for election, including chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. READ ALSO: TINUBU ARRIVES BRASIL FOR G20 SUMMIT Local Government congresses are set to take place between April and May 2025, with 21 positions contested, while state congresses will be held between June and July 2025, offering 29 positions. The NEC also approved the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, commending the directorate’s success under the leadership of Dr. Marcel Ngogbehei. Additionally, a new Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs has been established to manage the growing number of party members abroad. This new directorate will also explore ways for the diaspora to participate in local congresses. The meeting also led to the formation of several committees, including the Electoral Reform Committee, tasked with addressing electoral challenges faced by the party in the 2023 elections. The committee, led by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, will submit its report within eight weeks. The Political Education Committee, headed by Rt. Hon. Ativie Elizabeth, will focus on reorienting the public and preparing citizens for active political engagement. PLEASE READ: NEF APPOINTS DR. AMINU ANAS DIRECTOR,PLANNING AND PROGRAMMES
Kwankwaso Under Attack Over Visit To Alex Otti
The internal rift within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has intensified following a recent visit by its former presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) convened an emergency meeting in Lagos to address what it termed a controversial move amid ongoing legal and leadership battles. Kwankwaso’s November 9 visit coincided with a ruling by an Abia State High Court, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transfer NNPP’s administration to its Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. The NWC viewed this meeting as an attempt to exploit the legal development for personal advantage. The party’s leadership has been embroiled in a crisis, resulting in the expulsion of Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and other members of the Kwankwasiya group. The NWC dismissed their claims to any leadership roles within the NNPP, labeling such assertions as baseless and aimed at disrupting the party’s unity. Governor Otti was advised to distance himself from NNPP’s internal disputes to avoid potential political fallout ahead of the 2027 elections. The NWC also alleged that Kwankwaso had been a destabilizing force since joining the party, accusing him of trying to take control of its structures for personal benefit.
Call for new presidential jet for VP Shettima, “Insensitive” – Peter Obi
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticized a call for a new jet for Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, calling it “insensitive” amidst the country’s economic struggles. The former Anambra state governor stated that Nigeria’s challenges, such as extreme poverty, unreliable power grid, and failing businesses, should be the priority of the country’s leaders and not luxury. He urged leaders to focus on essential trips and prioritize selfless service to uplift Nigeria’s development and welfare. “We are today among one of the eleven worst-governed African nations in the last 10 years. “We are also among the 20 most hungry nations in the world, with our people facing worsening mass poverty, extreme hunger and starvation. “Our nation remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income crashing further from $1700 in 2023 to $1109 this year. Are these not the issues that should be prioritized by committed leaders?” Obi queried. Using Indonesia as an example, Obi stated: “It was not until 2014 that Indonesia, with sustainable economic growth of over 6% annually for the past 10 years, adding about 50% to both her GDP and GDP per capita, decide to buy a Presidential jet, used by both the President and Vice President. “The Vice President travels mostly in the country’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia. And since we have recently undeservedly bought one, it should be used on essential, inevitable trips of the President and Vice President. “I appeal to the President, Vice President, and our public office holders that our present precarious situation calls only for minimal and highly contributory inevitable travels. “It is time to sit down and find solutions to our litany of challenges for the wellbeing of the people and the development of our country. Nigeria will rise again if the leadership can commit to selfless service.”
Court Orders INEC To Recognize Julius Abure As Labour Party Chairman
The Federal High Court in Abuja has officially recognized Julius Abure as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party. This decision, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, reinforces the leadership structure established during the party’s national convention in Nnewi in March 2024. The court’s directive mandates that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accept Abure’s chairmanship, contradicting its previous assertion that his leadership lacked legal validity. INEC had contended that the Labour Party’s convention breached the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, claiming that proper legal protocols were not followed. The current decision of the court however, further conflicts the relationship between Mr. Abure and His Excellency Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 national election. Further developments are anticipated.