Latest News
Retired military personnel staged a demonstration on Tuesday, barricading the entrance to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja to demand the full settlement of their unpaid entitlements.
The protesters, equipped with canopies and chairs, blocked access to the ministry, disrupting normal operations.
This marks the second such protest in recent months, following a similar action in December when the retirees also shut down the ministry over unresolved claims.
Despite receiving official approval for payment, the government cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay.
The retirees are owed a salary increment of 20% to 28%, covering the period from January to November 2024.
They are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including:
– Palliatives for October 2023 to November 2024.
– A ₦32,000 pension increase.
– A lump sum payment of the Security Debarment Allowance.
– A refund of pension deductions from medically discharged soldiers.
Following their December protests, the Federal Government paid 50% of the outstanding entitlements and pledged to clear the balance.
However, the retirees allege that the government has failed to honor this promise, leading to the renewed demonstration.
During Tuesday’s protest, the retirees blocked the ministry’s gates with their makeshift setup, preventing vehicles from entering.
Staff members were forced to park their cars outside the premises as the protesters refused to back down until their demands were addressed.
See Photos from the protest below:
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken luxury travel to the next level, upgrading his private jet to the Gulfstream G650, valued at an eye-popping $75 million.
This move, reported by Daily Sabah, marks a significant step up from his previous Gulfstream G200, which the star reportedly sold for $24 million before acquiring the state-of-the-art aircraft.
The Gulfstream G650, often referred to as the “flagship of private aviation,” is renowned for its advanced technology, elegant design, and unrivaled speed, boasting a top velocity of 610 mph.
It stands as a symbol of excellence in the skies, perfectly aligning with Ronaldo’s penchant for the finest in life.
The interior of Ronaldo’s new jet reflects opulence and practicality. Designed to accommodate up to 19 passengers, the aircraft features three distinct areas for relaxation, work, and dining.
Its lavish amenities include Wi-Fi connectivity, a multimedia system, a telephone, and a fully equipped kitchen with an electric oven, microwave, and refrigerator.
According to the report, the jet also offers ample storage space for Ronaldo’s clothes and accessories, ensuring the football icon can travel in comfort and style.
From the exterior, the Gulfstream G650 is just as striking. The sleek black metal body is adorned with Ronaldo’s initials, “CR,” alongside the silhouette of his signature “Siu” celebration pose—a fitting tribute to one of football’s most recognizable figures.
An aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 and 2015, Reno Omokri has revealed why he stopped backing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Omokri, a long-time supporter of the former Vice President, has thrown his weight behind the present administration headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a political rival of Atiku.
Speaking to Tribune, Omokri, a pastor and social media influencer, revealed why he abandoned Atiku after the 2023 general election.
He said: “I helped Atiku Abubakar put together his Media Team and, in the course of doing that, I brought one or two persons who have served quite well in the Team. But a few of them turned out to be backstabbers and very disloyal to me personally.
“And I sat down and gave Atiku the opportunity to do the right thing because loyalty must be met with loyalty. When I am loyal to someone, it is 100 percent loyalty and I expect loyalty back, and with the kind of almost blind loyalty I gave him, I expected him to take action. And when he did not take action, I didn’t take any action publicly until I went directly to him to say, ‘Sir, listen, because of this thing you have done, I can no longer be with you and Iam going to pitch my tent somewhere else’.”
Speaking further, Omokri said he made up his mind to leave Atiku’s camp before the 2023 elections.
He said: “I called a trusted person that was trusted between me and Atiku and I told the person that, whatever the case, after the election and either Atiku wins or not, I am going to leave him because of this thing. The person is still alive. Atiku Abubakar will continue to have that problem because he is not able to know the difference between loyalty and sycophancy.
“Other than that, Waziri Atiku Abubakar has what it takes to be Nigeria’s leader. He is almost at the par with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Banji Akintoye, has reiterated the group’s unwavering commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Yoruba Nation, insisting there is no turning back on the quest.
Akintoye, speaking with Punch on Monday, revealed that approximately 60 million Yoruba people worldwide support the movement’s cause.
“We are not going back. We must leave Nigeria, or our nation will perish,” Akintoye stated emphatically.
He added, “Don’t you hear our voice in the streets? Yoruba Nation now, no going back. We mean, the Yoruba people in Nigeria, roughly 55 to 60 million people. We want to establish a country of our own. There will be no Nigeria where we have our country. But if the rest want to continue as Nigeria, they are okay.”
UK Government Response
Akintoye disclosed that the movement had written to the United Kingdom government about its agitation, receiving an acknowledgment that the matter was being attended to.
“We knew from the beginning that we were dealing with one of the most powerful governments in the world and that it is not something you can expect a response to in a month or two.
“But we have got a general kind of acknowledgment that our letter was being attended to. We got the acknowledgment on a date after we submitted the letter. It’s the British government. We cannot rush them; so, that does not mean they are not giving it the needed importance. They are doing it their way,” he explained.
Panic Within Nigerian Government
In a separate letter to the Nigerian government requesting a peaceful breakaway, Akintoye claimed the movement had evidence that the communication had unsettled authorities.
Akintoye said, “Yes, they (the Nigerian government) are working on it. We know that they are working on it and we have seen evidence that our letter is causing them some trouble. But they don’t have to have any trouble with us.
“Certain things they must take into consideration. First, is that we have a right to ask for the self-determination of our people.
“The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People affirms that very clearly that every Indigenous people in the world have a right to self-determination and separation from their country to which they currently belong; that they must do it peacefully and not violently and in a disruptive manner. And we are following those directions very carefully.”
Following the signing of the new terms and conditions of Service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved mouth-watering allowances for officers of General rank who will retire after serving 35 years in service
Some of the Allowances include the provision of a bulletproof SUV as take-home gift, fully paid foreign medical treatment, the sun of $20,000 as estacode while embarking on the medical trip, and payments for cooks and house helps
The Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces which had been in the works since the tenure of the former administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was signed by President Bola on December 14, 2024
Starting with the top brass of the military, it provides that the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and other Senior officers are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as a retirement package.
The vehicle and a backup vehicle are replaced every four years and maintained by the armed forces
The retired generals will also enjoy a range of other luxurious benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards upon retirement.
Vanguard gathered that While Lieutenant Generals and their equivalents will be entitled to foreign medical treatment and $20,000 annually with that of the CDS expected to be higher
The generals will also be entitled to a Special Assistant or Personal Assistant, 3 military drivers, and a military orderly, with escorts provided by individual military units.
Each retiring service chief is also entitled to 5 domestic staff, comprising 2 cooks, 2 stewards, and a civilian gardener, along with an ADC/Security Officer.. Years Po
It reads, “The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle.
‘’Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers).
“Three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”
“These are Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs”.
“For other senior officers such as lieutenant generals and equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards and two drivers.
“Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.
“Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents. The following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank.
“Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”
The Federal Government also approved
For Major generals and Brigadier generals the HTCOS approves a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards.
One-star generals are expected to receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent and similar domestic and security arrangements.
“For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value.
“One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum.
“Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.’’
Colonels and their equivalents are to get a Toyota Corolla or its equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.
Vanguard however recalls that the practice of rewarding retired service Chiefs and retired generals and equivalents with mouth-watering benefits is not a new thing as it has been the status quo.
Only difference is that the new HTACOS has reviewed the benefits upward in line with the present/prevailing socio-economic realities of the country
[TheCable]
Taiwo Awoniyi scores the third and final goal in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderer in their English Premier League (EPL) clash.
The Super Eagles striker’s stoppage time goal wrapped up an emphatic victory for surprise package Forest, who demolished Wolves at the Molineux on Monday.
Awoniyi scored deep into added time after James Ward-Prowse cut a pass over to him with the goal-gaping, and the striker rolled the ball into the net.
The strike was the 27-year-old first goal since February 2024.
It was an emotional scene for Awoniyi, who dropped to his knees in celebration and relief.
Persistent injury concerns have hampered the striker’s playing time and form since he scored in a 2-0 win over West Ham United almost a year ago.
Before Awoniyi’s goal, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood had emphasised the dominance of Forest with their goals.
The victory is Forest’s 12th of the season, which takes the team to an improbable third position on the table.
They are level on points, with Arsenal in second place and four points ahead of Chelsea in fourth.
[TheCable]
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a remittance of over N6bn to the coffers of the Nigerian government in 2024.
According to the board’s weekly bulletin released on Monday by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 in 2024, out of which N6,034,605,510.69 was remitted to the government.
Additionally, the board noted that the reduction of N1,500 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination form fees for candidates, multiplied by the number of beneficiaries, increased the effective remittance to N9,013,068,510.69.
The board also said the remittance formed part of its operating surplus following the successful conduct of the 2024 UTME.
The board also said it haD contributed over N50bn to the national treasury over the past seven years under the leadership of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
It partly stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.
“In 2024, the board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government.
When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.”
$20,000 Medical Allowance, Bullet-proof SUV, Others - Tinubu Approves Lavish Retirement Benefits For Service Chiefs, Generals
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has approved $20,000 foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs and cooks, among other benefits, as a retirement package for service chiefs and generals, which the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors faulted, The PUNCH reports.
According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces, signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 14, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as a retirement package.
The vehicle would be replaced every four years and maintained by the military. This is in addition to a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as backup.
The retired generals will also enjoy a range of other luxurious benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards upon retirement.
While those who retire as lieutenant generals and their equivalents will enjoy international and local medical treatment worth up to $20,000 annually, the benefits for the CDS and the service chiefs were not specified, but it is believed that theirs would be significantly higher.
In addition, they will be assigned a special assistant or personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly, with escorts provided as necessary by relevant military units.
Also, each retiring service chief will also be provided with five domestic aides, comprising two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener, along with an aide-de-camp or security officer.
The HTCOS read, “Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs: The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle.
‘’Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers).
“Three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”
For other senior officers such as lieutenant generals and equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards and two drivers.
The document stated, “Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.
“Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents. The following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank. Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”
The Federal Government also approved for major generals and brigadier generals a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards.
One-star officers are expected to receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent and similar domestic and security arrangements.
The HTCOS further read, “For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value.
“One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum.
“Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.’’
Colonels and their equivalents are to get a Toyota Corolla or its equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.
The President of the NMA, Prof Bala Audu, emphasised that any retirement benefits received by government officials should be invested within Nigeria.
Speaking on the upgraded perks for the military brass, the NMA president noted, “If they want to give them government-benefited medical treatment, cooks, or whatever, I think they should give them all their benefits in Nigeria, that is what I believe.’’
“Whoever wants to receive benefits, whether service chiefs or Mr. President, it should be in Nigeria, and not abroad,’’ he insisted.
President of MDCAN, Prof Muhammad Muhammad, demanded that the Nigerian healthcare system should be transformed to cater to Nigerians’ healthcare needs.
“My main concern is not what they are giving, but the fact that it is made official that the medical treatment has to be abroad. When, in fact, in most situations, when they go out, it’s Nigerian doctors that they are going to meet. So, in that situation, we need to make sure they are taking good care of the Nigerian healthcare providers,’’ he said.
He added that the decision to make provision for foreign treatment for the retired officers signalled a lack of confidence in the local health sector.
“This also means that the government does not have confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system. So, they have to make sure that whatever level of care they receive abroad, we also have it in Nigeria because that is what is going to make Nigerians continue to have confidence in the healthcare system and the healthcare providers in Nigeria. So, my main concern is not what was allocated, but the fact that it is made official that the treatment will be abroad.
“That means the government itself is not comfortable and is not happy with what is available in the Nigerian hospitals for the care of Nigerians,” he added.
While acknowledging that the retirement package for service chiefs, judges, and politicians is not new, the medical expert insisted that the well-being of Nigerians and healthcare professionals should also be prioritised.
“And then likewise, they need to increase budgetary provisions to upgrade our hospitals and other healthcare institutions and training centres so that Nigerians who may not necessarily have to go out of the country will be able to get the requisite healthcare service that they require,” he recommended.
On his part, NARD president, Dr Tope Osundara, noted that medical tourism is the bane of the health sector, stressing the need to address it urgently.
“The treatment they go abroad to get can be gotten here in Nigeria. Besides, what is stopping the government from providing state-of-the-art equipment in our hospitals or upgrading the hospitals?
“It’s not like we don’t have Nigerian doctors who can do some of the things they travel abroad to do, but unfortunately, rather than prioritise our health system, equip the hospitals and make it efficient, we would rather spend the money elsewhere, thereby improving their economy.
“We should rather pump money into our health system, and this money will find a way to circulate. By the time you are pumping money into it, and people are taking advantage, it will give a return on investment. But it seems that the focus of the government is elsewhere rather than majoring on what is essential in Nigeria.
“I appreciate the Coordinating Minister, Prof Muhammad Pate, who is also trying to do everything they can to improve the health system, but there is a limit to what a minister can do.
“We need a paradigm shift concerning reforms in the health sector. It still lies with the executive arm of government to ensure that the priorities are not focused on medical treatment abroad, but we should internalise treatment and make it local,” he said.
The Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, described the development as “alarming”, noting the hardship faced by Nigerians, adding that the extravagant retirement benefits raised concerns about the priorities of the government.
He also questioned whether the service chiefs had done enough to deserve the packages while calling on the citizens to challenge such policies.
Odeh stated, “It is alarming that service chiefs are set to receive $20,000 for foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs, and personal staff as part of their retirement package. At a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, such extravagance raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities.
‘’Millions of Nigerians struggle with poverty and failing public services, yet resources are being funnelled into luxuries for a select few. Does Nigeria truly have this kind of money to play around with?”
Odeh queried the wisdom behind the retirement perks citing the inability of the armed forces to address the insecurity plaguing the country.
He added, “The justification for these perks is questionable. For over 12 years, insecurity has ravaged the country, with insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and violence leaving a trail of destruction. While there have been some gains, they are uneven and insufficient.
‘’Have the service chiefs done enough to deserve such packages, especially when insecurity persists in many regions in a country where military procurement details are never public and allegedly, corruption sits deep in these budgets?
“This policy reflects deeper issues in governance. It sends a troubling signal that public resources can be lavishly spent on elites, regardless of performance.
“Citizens and the media must challenge such policies that always hide behind national security, and demand a focus on the greater good. While insecurity has marginally reduced in some areas, it is far from enough to justify rewarding leaders with excessive perks,” he stated.
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, pointed out that the retirement benefits reflected “a troubling disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens”, adding that the justification for such perks was questionable.
He noted, “The Nigerian government’s decision to grant excessive retirement perks to military leaders amid the current economic hardship reflects a troubling disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens.
“It raises significant concerns regarding government prioritization and fairness. The lavish retirement benefits of military leaders contrast sharply with the struggles faced by the majority of citizens dealing with insecurity, unemployment, and inflation.
“This disparity can deepen public disenchantment with the government, as it appears more focused on rewarding elites than addressing the needs of ordinary people.”
Nwaguma said the decision may reinforce the perception that the Tinubu government favoured elite interests, fostering public alienation.
“It raises questions about the fairness of resource allocation during times of crisis. This situation highlights the need for improved governance that reflects the will and welfare of the people. Citizens expect their leaders to demonstrate empathy and responsibility.
“For lasting stability and public trust, the government should align its policies with the socioeconomic realities of the populace and prioritise security and social welfare initiatives,” he added.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has described defending the current administration as one of the simplest tasks for anyone well-versed in governmental operations.
Speaking during Monday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, Bwala addressed the speculation surrounding his new portfolio, dismissing claims that it represented a demotion.
“I have never been demoted. I have an absolutely good relationship with the president, and I’m happy doing my job,” Bwala stated.
The former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Council shared his approach to defending the government’s policies.
According to him, clarity, honesty, and thorough research are key.
“To defend this government, in my view, is the easiest thing to do because you speak to facts, be honest with Nigerians, and then be ready to counter any negative narrative or agenda-driven narrative.
“So, once these three things are very clear to you and you have done your research, it is very easy,” he said.
The Secretary to the Sokoto state Government Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa yesterday lost a daughter and 3 of her children as a result of a fire incident in the early hours of Monday.
The Deceased was a housewife to the Permanent secretary of the state Ministry of Sports and Youths Development Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf Bello.
The fire which started in the wee hours of the night engulfed the entire house while the family were sleeping, in which only her husband survived.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation as men of the state fire service battled for hours before they brought the fire down.
The remains of the deceased housewife and her 3 children are slated for burial at Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque Sifawa at about midnight today at the family home of the SSG who is a father to the Deceased housewife.
Already the state deputy Governor Eng Idris Mohammed Gobir, Members of the state executive council, APC stalwarts, friends and well-wishers have been trooping to Sifawa for burial rites and condolence.
More...
Relocating abroad is not for everybody, especially if you’re doing well in Nigeria, UK-based singer Candy Bleakz has advised.
She said most of those seeking to go abroad have no idea, and are not being told the accompanying price they have to pay.
Vanguard reports that about 60 per cent of youths both in Nigeria, and other African countries have left the continent due to corruption and other factors, with about 430,000 from Nigeria getting UK visa in just seven months.
“Why is everyone talking about japa and UK, and nobody is telling them about the price they have to pay. “Did you tell them about working everyday 7 to 6? Did you tell them about the cold, the bills, how hard it is to live? Did you tell them that you don’t greet anyhow or walk carelessly in the UK, because everywhere you go there’s a ticket for it?” She said
Candy Bleakz whose real name is Blessing Akiode said that although there’s peace in the UK, you’ll have to work extra hard because your life literally depends on it.
“One thing I just realised in the UK is that you have to work as though you want to die. Imagine working all your life and the bills are still taking the money.
“It’s just that there’s peace here but you still need money. I would advise that if you are in Nigeria and God has blessed you, and you are making money, I won’t advise you to relocate. It’s just stressful and boring. The only reason you should relocate is if there’s no hope for you in Nigeria. Even those in the UK want to relocate back to Nigeria.” She concluded
The Obidient Movement has expressed concern over what it describes as a reckless attack on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi.
The movement was particularly concerned about recent comments made by Felix Morka, the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Publicity Secretary, on Arise TV on January 5, 2025.
The APC mouthpiece had said that Obi has “crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
The Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by Dr Yunusa Tanko, said it considered this a direct threat to Obi’s life and the peace of the Nigerian state.
The Obidient Movement said it views the statement as not only an attack on the vocal 2023 LP presidential candidate but also a dangerous signal of the country’s descent into authoritarianism under Tinubu’s administration.
“Such a declaration from the spokesperson of the ruling party is reckless, unbecoming, and a blatant endorsement of violence,” the statement added.
In the statement on Monday, the Obidient Movement demanded to know the line crossed by Peter Obi and who drew the line.
Obidient also said they want to know under what authority the line was drawn and the specific statements or actions of Obi that justify the statement coming from the ruling party.
The movement demanded to know, “What exactly is coming to Peter Obi?”
It accused the Tinubu administration of choosing repression over dialogue, intimidation over engagement, and threats over democratic discourse.
“We categorically state that if any harm befalls Mr Peter Obi, his family, or anyone associated with him, the Nigerian government and its agents will be held directly responsible,” the statement said.
It also called on Nigerians and the international community to take note of the pattern the ruling party has allegedly adopted and hold those in power accountable.
“We urge the security services to not sweep such threats under the carpet as they have done in previous times but engage Mr Morka to elucidate on his utterance.”
Earlier, Peter Obi had cried out, alleging that his life is now under threat because of his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola Olamilekan, has announced January 31, 2025, as the tentative date for the passage of the ₦49.7tn 2025 budget.
This comes as the committee prepares to commence budget defence sessions on Tuesday.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with the chairmen of key committees, Olamilekan outlined the framework for the 2025 Budget Defence Session, designed to guide the legislative process leading to the budget’s enactment.
He noted that following the Senate’s resumption of plenary on January 14, 2025, there will be a two-week recess dedicated to continuing the budget defence process seamlessly.
A retreat is also scheduled for Thursday, bringing together ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to provide additional consultation and insights into the budget proposal.
According to the timeline, committees are expected to report back with their findings between January 15 and 18.
This will allow the Appropriation Committee to collate and finalise the documents for consideration.
Highlighting the tight schedule, Olamilekan urged lawmakers to prioritise the budget process over their holidays, stressing the need for prompt and diligent work to ensure the budget is passed within the stipulated timeframe.
The house of representatives committee on appropriation says the budget defence by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will begin on Tuesday.
Abubakar Bichi, chairman of the committee, spoke in Abuja on Monday while addressing journalists ahead of the budget defence.
On December 18, President Bola Tinubu presented the proposed 2025 budget of N49.7 trillion to the national assembly.
Tinubu said the proposed budget reinforces his administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for Nigeria.
“This budget christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of our Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates our commitment to stabilising the economy, improving lives, and repositioning our country for greater performance,” Tinubu had said.
On December 19, the appropriation bill scaled the second reading at the senate and house of representatives.
After a meeting with members of the committee on Monday, Bichi told journalists that the defence will end on January 17.
He said the reports on the exercise will be presented before the house on January 31.
“We are going to study the budget. All our committees will study the budget. I believe the budget is for Nigerians (and) for our development—infrastructure and other important things—and I am sure Nigerians will be happy with it,” the lawmaker said.
“We just had an integration meeting today for the 2025 appropriation bill. You have been aware that the president has presented the budget to us, and by tomorrow we will start the budget defence by all the MDAs.
“From tomorrow to the 17th, we are going to do our budget defence and we will likely harmonise by the 22nd.”