Politics
ObiDatti 62 Pages: What Do They Hold For Nigerians?
The Labour Party and her Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, have rolled out a 62-paged Presidential Manifesto titled “Pact with Nigeria” in which they outlined 7 priority areas if elected into power, come 2023.
In the document, which was made public by the LP leadership late on Saturday night, the Labour Party promised to among other things, offer honest and competent leadership in order to deliver good governance in 7 priority areas which includes: Security, Economy, Restructuring, Infrastructure, War against corruption amongst others, the 62 Pages document.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate said, “As your President, I Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi, my Vice President, Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed and our team pledge to:
Secure and unite our dear nation, and manage our diversity such that no one is left behind in Nigeria.
• Move Nigeria from consumption to production.
• Embark on comprehensive legal and institutional reforms and practicable restructuring measures, to fight corruption; to ensure the enthronement of the rule of law, and decisively tackle all forms of corruption.
• Prioritize Human Capital Development through robust investments in STEM education, health, and infrastructural development, with emphasis on wealth creation, distribution and sustainable development.
• Engineer the transition of Nigeria from fossil fuel dependency to climate and eco-friendly energy use.
• Pursue holistic poverty eradication with emphasis on agricultural revolution through effective utilization of our vast arable lands, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and erase Nigeria’s categorization as the poverty capital of the world.
• Improve access to finance, particularly to MSMEs, youths and women, to significantly reduce unemployment and insecurity.
• Ensure that in policy and practice, governance will be made more inclusive, cost-effective, transformative, and less transactional. No more sharing of the national wealth by a few.”
He also promised to “Ensure that our diversity will be leveraged to give women and youths, the aged and persons with disabilities, an unfettered voice in governance, and a renewed sense of patriotism and faith in Nigeria.
“Ensure that Nigeria is progressively better governed through legislative, executive, and judicial reforms, so that the constitutional separation of powers among the three arms of government is entrenched and the three tiers of government allowed to function independently and jointly for a more inclusive and sustainable Nigeria.
“Our vision is a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria that works for everyone and that realizes the hope of black people of the world as a city on the hill.
“We will run a government of national unity, bringing together for the task at hand, all competent, honest, and diligent Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“The new Nigeria we build will be truly ‘one nation bound in freedom, peace, unity and justice shall reign.
According to Obi, “for long, the dream of a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria has been betrayed by those who lack the character and competence to achieve the dream.
He noted that “at present, a new generation of Nigerian leadership has emerged, tested and tried, honest and dedicated, united in a common mission to reverse the current ugly trend of endemic poverty, insecurity, and create a better future for every Nigerian.
The future under this new generation of leaders will be defined by widespread prosperity based on high economic growth, equal access to health and educational facilities, and justice and fairness to all religious, ethnic, and social groups.
Obi expressed optimism that “The new Nigeria that we will build is a society where political power will no longer be used to serve the interest of the ruling class and subject the people to chronic poverty and deprivation.”
He added also that, “We will build a new social order where political leaders will be public servants working for the good of the people and not predators, flourishing in the midst of extreme poverty and misery.
“We are building a society where citizens are motivated to work hard, to innovate, to invent, fully assured that they will enjoy the fruits of their enterprise.
“We want to create wealth for Nigeria and for every household through diligence, frugality and enterprise.
“Our new Nigeria is a country all Nigerians will be proud to call home because it is an economic giant that can feed its citizens, defend them from any aggression and secure them in their homes and businesses.”
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
Justice often becomes a sensitive topic for those who have historically wielded power to oppress others. For decades, the Warri Ijaws have faced systemic injustices at the hands of Itsekiri imperialism, which has sought to marginalize and silence their voices. Now, as efforts are made to correct these historical wrongs and restore the rights and privileges of the Ijaw people, those who previously benefited from this imbalance are raising alarms, feigning concern about the changes.
The reality is that the Ijaw people have long fought for justice and recognition of their rightful place. They are not land grabbers or aggressors but individuals seeking to reclaim their heritage and assert their rights in the face of long-standing oppression. The resistance from the Itsekiri side stems from a reluctance to relinquish power and privilege.v
As the balance of power shifts toward justice and equity, it’s crucial to recognize the historical context and legitimate grievances of the Ijaw people. Their struggle is about restoring balance and ensuring their rights are respected, not perpetuating conflict. By standing up for their rights, the Ijaw people seek a just and fair resolution to decades of oppression.
The Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itskeris of Warri have coexisted for many years. It’s essential for everyone to respect the voice of justice and work towards a harmonious and equitable society. By doing so, we can build a future where all communities can thrive together.
By Divine Perezide
March 18, 2025
The political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Monday as the State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The lawmakers formally served the duo a notice of alleged misconduct, marking the beginning of a process that could see them removed from office.
The impeachment notice outlines several allegations against Governor Fubara, primarily focusing on financial misconduct and constitutional violations.
Key Allegations Against Governor Fubara
Failure to Present the 2024 Budget:
The Assembly accuses Governor Fubara of failing to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill for 2024, contrary to Section 121 of the Constitution. The lawmakers cite a Federal High Court ruling that declared any previous attempts to pass and sign the budget as “void ab initio” and ordered the governor to present a fresh budget to the House.
Unauthorized Withdrawals from State Funds:
The governor allegedly approved withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State in the 2024 financial year without a duly passed appropriation law. This act, the Assembly argues, violates Section 120 of the Constitution, which mandates legislative approval for all state expenditures.
Disregarding a Legislative Shutdown on State Expenditure:
Another charge against Fubara is his alleged violation of Section 122 of the Constitution by authorizing expenditures even after the Rivers State House of Assembly passed a resolution halting all government spending. This resolution was reportedly adopted on July 15, 2024, yet the governor allegedly continued financial operations in defiance of the legislative order.
Political Tensions on the Rise
The impeachment move comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, exacerbated by the Federal Government’s decision to withhold the state’s financial allocation. The crisis has already sparked protests, with demonstrators blocking the East-West Road in response to recent developments.
Governor Fubara has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, but political observers warn that the unfolding situation could significantly impact governance in the oil-rich state. As the impeachment process progresses, all eyes remain on the next steps of the Rivers State Assembly and the governor’s defense team.
Stay with Iduwini Voice for more updates on this developing story.
APC, Buhari, Tinubu Traumatized the Country, Must be Changed – Lukman
By Tobouke JEMINE
Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the APC, has expressed his disappointment with the current state of Nigeria under both the previous President Muhammadu Buhari and the incumbent, Bola Tinubu.
In his statement, Lukman claims that the APC, along with these two leaders, have worsened the country’s situation since taking power in 2015, particularly in areas like the economy, security, and corruption.
Lukman sees the upcoming 2027 election as a critical opportunity for Nigerians to bring about a change, but he emphasizes that simply replacing the APC is not enough. He believes a new political system is needed, one capable of holding elected officials accountable.
He also criticizes opposition leaders, such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, for being too focused on personal ambitions, which has prevented them from uniting under a common front to challenge Tinubu and the APC.
He stresses the need for more coordinated efforts among opposition parties and the emergence of new leadership that can transform Nigeria’s political landscape.