Labour Party Reacts As Kenneth Okonkwo Dumps Peter Obi

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The Labour Party (LP), has reacted to the decision of veteran actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, to dissociate himself from the leadership of Peter Obi. Labour Party in a statement on Sunday while condemning the attack on Obi, said they are not surprised by Okonkwo’s decision.  Okonkwo in announcing his decision on Sunday, said Obi lacks the capacity to rally the party and lead as expected. However, the party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said Okonkwo smuggled himself into the presidential campaign team of Obi during the 2023 elections, and they are not surprised by his decision. Ifoh added that Okonkwo is only seeking attention with his actions and Nigerians don’t need political jobbers like him. The LP statement further stated that the party is aware of the moles within its ranks who are sure to be exposed and fumigated. It also reaffirmed the Labour Party’s decision to stand with Peter Obi and present him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections. According to the statement, “If you recall, recently a former Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, a former deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. “Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us. “Needless to say that Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise. “We also wish to note here, that the party is aware of a few other persons who are planted as moles, who are presently instigating crisis within the party, and who have unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the party for the use of their paymasters. We urge them to act fast and do the needful before they are exposed and fumigated out of the party. “Labour Party is keeping to its decision to stand with Peter Obi as its leader and presidential hopefully come 2027 presidential election and we are not apologetical about that position. “Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in anyway diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly, the Obidients and youths in Nigeria have in him. We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027.”

World leaders react to Biden’s withdrawal from U.S. presidential race

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma President Joe Biden’s decision on Sunday to end his campaign to seek reelection in November is generating reactions from foreign leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had known Mr Biden for years and that “he’s a great man.” Mr Trudeau added, “Everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his reaction on X, said, “Joe Biden has achieved a great deal – for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the U.S. is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.” Reacting in a statement, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.” “I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.” Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his unwavering support of Israel over the years. “Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship,” Mr Gallant stated. In his comments on X, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he admired “the brave and dignified decision” of the U.S. president. “Thanks to his determination and leadership. The U.S. overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression. A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom,” Mr Sanchez stated. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement, “On behalf of the people and government of Ireland. I … would like to thank you, Mr President, for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. “Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him a great debt for this.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said, “The elections are still four months away. And that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation (the war in Ukraine). Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stoere and his Polish and Czech counterparts Donald Tusk and Petr Fiala, respectively, reacted to Mr Biden’s withdrawal from the U.S. presidential race.

Presidency Reacts As Tinubu slips during Democracy Day Celebration 

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has played down concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s brief slip while boarding a parade vehicle at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja. The aide, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said, “Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues.” The aide’s statement comes after videos circulated showing the President momentarily losing his footing while stepping into the vehicle. Despite the slip, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings. The ceremony at Eagles Square was a flagship event in a roster of festivities held across the nation to commemorate the country’s annual Democracy Day celebration.