Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra, says he is not desperate to become president of Nigeria. 

Obi spoke at the fourth convocation ceremony of Nexford University, the US-based online school.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election decried the state of leadership in the country, describing it as “an imposition on the people”.

Obi urged the graduating students to embrace the spirit of servitude so as to lead effectively and “ignite the needed change”.

He added that he is “desperate to see the country work”.

“All of these that we are saying is for you to use it and ignite that change and support. It is not for you to start saying ‘I want to be in charge. I want to do this. I want to do that’,” he said.

“When people say I am desperate I say ‘No’. I am not desperate to be Nigeria’s president’. I am desperate to see Nigeria work because it can work.”

He said Nigerian youths must help to reignite the “right leadership that the country requires for development”.

“James Robinson, one of the Nobel laureates in economics, last year said it openly that Nigeria is a country that knows what to do to prosper and refuses to do it,” Obi added.

“How can you allow drivers and people who are at their destinations to drive you? You will lose. They have passed their destinations. They have passed their time.

“That is what you should help to reignite. Use what you have henceforth to help us change the society. Do not go and be part of this. You are a victim of Nigeria. Because our age and the one before refused to do what is right and we are suffering for it.”

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) picked Obi as his running mate in the 2019 presidential election.

Four years later, Obi contested for the presidential office under the LP but polled third behind Abubakar and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Imported food prices in Nigeria have defied government interventions, increasing by 37.65 per cent between January and December 2024, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report said the average price of imported food commodities to Nigeria rose to its highest level in December, recording an increase of 260.8 basis points from 692.6 per cent recorded in January 2024.

Our correspondent also observed that the price of imported food has been on a monthly upward trajectory since 2020.

The data highlighted a significant rise of 41.28 per cent per cent year-on-year increase in December 2024, marking a 278.6 percentage point.

 This price surge comes amid plans by the government to utilise food import as a succour to beat down the price of basic food items and ensure food security.

This sharp rise was been attributed to multiple factors, including currency devaluation, global supply chain disruptions, and inefficiencies in domestic policies.

In July 2024, the Federal Government announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities as it stepped up efforts to tackle rising inflation, which had impoverished many Nigerians.

The commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpea. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price. It was designed to reduce import costs and make staple foods more affordable.

However, after months of bureaucratic delays, a consignment of 32,000 tons arrived in Lagos earlier this month from Thailand.

Commenting, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, said the Federal Government’s intervention in the middle of the year was necessary to address the prevailing food inflation in the country.

Adewale speaking at a briefing to announce its highest revenue collection of N6.1tn, noted that the implementation is still ongoing.

He said, “About six items were listed but people tend to look at only some three parts of it so let’s get it very clear, there are items like wheat, there are items like grain, there are some items that can be directly consumed, whereas some of those items are also inputs of other manufacturing and I think it’s only when we get that distinction very clear that we will understand that there are some other objectives behind it, beyond just granting zero percent concession.

“Of course, implementation has been ongoing, and yes, a particular importation, this importation that you’re talking about came in the middle of December, and that particular one was, of course, rice.

“The government, in its wisdom, decided that they were not going to allow polished rice because there are some interests, some local farmers and millers who are also in this business, and their interests will be compromised if we just allow some wholesale of importation of these items.”

Meanwhile, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited has projected that the prevailing economic hardship, high inflation and violence in food-producing regions in northern Nigeria may push 33.1 million Nigerians into food insecurity in 2025.

Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has disclosed that many founding fathers and some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who are aggrieved with the system have concluded plans to dump the party.

The governor was concerned that such action would weaken the strength of the party and might, undoubtedly, affect its victory chances in coming elections.

Senator Mohammed who disclosed this in a BBC Hausa Service on Saturday said that members of the PDP said they have completely lost trust and hope in the party, making reference to the prolonged leadership challenge that seems not to have any solution.

He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had either planted some persons at the leadership of the party or had contracted some moles to silently work against the peace and unity of the party.

He said: “You made reference to former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, that reportedly dumped the party, I can tell you that more people who are higher than him in rank and influence are on the verge of leaving the party.

“Few weeks ago, PDP youth leaders from the states visited me, and in the cause of the meeting, I asked them to appeal to the aggrieved founding members to exercise more patients with the party, because we are working on fixing the challenges within the shortest time possible. If that is not done, we will simply and cheaply play to the plans of the ruling APC, and that might result in the extinction of the PDP.

“Many of them are thinking of forming another political party, but that won’t have effect like the PDP. But the thing is that many founding members of the party said they are tired of the leadership and administrative instability in the party and might soon leave the party. I won’t disclose their identities because I don’t want them to leave.

“There’s a serious plan by some of these aggrieved persons to join another small political party as alternative, perhaps, in preparation for 2027 general election. Even with this plan ongoing, I appeal to them to have a change of thought and tarry a while as we fix the challenges in our party.”

He confirmed that PDP and its governors are working hard to restore the lost glory of the party, saying that would be achieved in the shortest time possible.

“But we need to come together and strengthen PDP, and once it’s done, we can develop a strategy for victory in the coming elections and form the government to serve our people better.

“Nigerians are waiting for us to put our house in order, present credible and competent individuals for elections in the next cycle. But being divided might or will affect our chances of winning elections in future,” he said.

The Bauchi governor admitted that the major problem with the PDP is leadership and the activities of “black sheep” who had penetrated the leadership system and are playing the cards in favour of the ruling APC.

“But we cannot throw away the baby with the bath water. We will continue to work with everybody to ensure we achieve the desired success,” he said.

He also blamed the judiciary for the prolonged leadership crisis in the PDP.

His words: “Judiciary is also not helping us in this country. They keep throwing up different pronouncements that are confusing and contrary to one another.

“But we have no option, but to obey the court orders, and it’s not because of convenience, but because we are law abiding. Our systems are losing credibility and people’s confidence because of the activities of the judiciary.

“However, we have no option, but to rely on them for justice to all persons irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic differences. But if that is not done, we would be forced to take political measures to get a solution.

“These measures might be unfriendly to some people and might also not be what is written in either the constitution or guidelines of operation. We have had enough of this ‘behind the scene’ operation by some individuals who were allegedly planted in our midst to destabilize us.

“PDP is the main opposition party in Nigeria for now, and we cannot afford to allow it die, thereby silencing the power of the opposition in Nigeria. That might threaten our democracy.”

He, again, called on the aggrieved founding fathers and other members to be more patient with the party and allow the wheel of the ongoing reconciliation to complete within the shortest time, promising that better and stronger PDP will emerge sooner than expected.

Auditions for the highly anticipated 10th season of Nigerian Idol started penultimate Friday, MultiChoice Nigeria announced.

It invited talented Nigerians to participate and showcase their talent on one of Africa’s biggest music stages. Submission of applications will close on Sunday, 2 February, 2025.

This season, themed “Your Voice, Your Victory,” encourages young Nigerians aged 16 to 30 to take a bold step towards realising their dreams.

To audition, participants must record a 30-second video of themselves singing a song of their choice and upload it to the Africa Magic website.

Speaking about the announcement, Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa at MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola said: “Nigerian Idol is not just about discovering talent; it’s about giving everyday Nigerians the chance to share their voice and inspire others.

Over the past decade, the show has touched lives, built careers, and entertained audiences across Africa. This year’s theme, ‘Your Voice, Your Victory,’ speaks directly to the heart of Nigerian Idol. It’s a reminder of the power of music in changing lives.”

The last season of Nigerian Idol delivered great entertainment, with Chima Udoye emerging as the winner. This season promises to be even more captivating, continuing its long-standing tradition of unearthing our rich musical talent.

MultiChoice further said that popular soft drink brand, Bigi, will once again be the main sponsor, highlighting the brands unwavering support for homegrown talent and creativity.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force Police Public Relations Officer, has stated that police personnel can break into any property without a warrant if they suspect that crime is going on there.

Adejobi said this on Saturday in reaction to a shocking video that has sparked outrage, showing masked armed policemen in improper attire, invading a property without a warrant.

The officers scaled the fence and fired shots to disperse people. This blatant disregard for protocol and human rights has raised concerns about police brutality and accountability.

In response, the Nigeria Police Force has condemned the actions of the officers involved, acknowledging that their behaviour was unacceptable. However, the police also emphasised their authority to enter properties where they reasonably suspect a crime is being committed.

In the video clip shared by @General_Somto and tagged, "What’s Going On Here???", two masked policemen, wearing improper attire and carrying AK-47 rifles, are seen ordering the occupants of a house, whose location has not been confirmed, to open their gate.

A young man in the video is seen telling the masked men that they cannot open the gate for them unless they show their faces and a search warrant.

The man, supposedly the owner of the house, said, "Imagine police people with facemasks come into my house to force our door, said that we are fraudsters."

The masked policemen are overheard saying, "You said you no go open the gate? Ok!" The occupants of the house replied, saying: "Yes, we are not going to open the gate to masked armed men. We don't know you."

Thereafter, the armed men cocked their guns and one released a shot, forcing the house occupants to run inside the house. One of them is overheard urging others to "get down".

The policeman who fired the shot is then seen scaling the fence of the house. After gaining access into the compound, he proceeded to open the gate for his colleague.

Reacting to it, Adejobi stated: "Let's clarify an issue here. The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed. That is understandable.

"But I am not too ok with their dressing and appearance. It is improper dressing. Policemen are not allowed to wear masks or tie head gear. These are 2 issues we need to iron out. What is the offence of the people to have warranted breaking in, and why this dressing?

"I wish I knew the location so that we could direct these questions to the men involved. However, I have shared the video with d PPROs to locate the men. We need to investigate the scene captured in the video. Thanks."

A tragic event unfolded on Tuesday in the Oke-Ijeun area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, where an elderly woman, Kehinde Ojo, was lynched by a mob following accusations of witchcraft.

Disturbing videos circulating on social media show Ojo, visibly frail and unable to speak, being subjected to inhumane treatment while lying in a pit.

The old woman was accused by the mob of transforming from a large bird into a human in broad daylight. According to a Saturday PUNCH report, a prophetess from a local white garment church raised the alarm, claiming that Ojo transformed from a bird into a human and fell onto her church’s roof while she was praying. In a video, the prophetess and other community members were seen interrogating the old woman. The prophetess's name could not be ascertained.

A video shows personnel from the state police command rescuing the woman. She was reportedly taken to the hospital but later died.

Narrating the incident to Saturday PUNCH, Kabir Kehinde, one of the deceased's children, accused the prophetess and her son of beating his mother to death. According to him, his mother lost her way while visiting his brother, who lived behind the church, on Monday evening and was attacked by the prophetess.

“My mother was not a witch; she was wrongly accused and beaten to death by the prophetess. My mother had gone to visit my brother on Monday evening and lost her way because she had sight problems.

“The prophetess and others beat her from Monday evening till Tuesday morning. They inflicted injuries on her because they were pestering her to confess to witchcraft.

“Despite her repeated pleas of innocence, they descended on her, beating and accusing her of witchcraft.

“My mother was still bleeding from the injuries even till the day we buried her. We have reported the case to the police and the prophetess has been arrested,” Kehinde said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Omolola Odutola, on the phone for an update on the issue failed.

Meanwhile, Leo Igwe of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has urged Nigerians to realize that no human being turns into a bird, snake, or cat as popularly believed.

He said the statement has become necessary following a viral video of the elderly woman in the Ago/Egun Isabo area in Ogun State.

Igwe said, “This video illustrates the grip of superstition on the minds of Nigerians. Modern education has not succeeded in weakening this grip. The misconception that a human being can turn into a bird remains a popular superstition.

“The notion that a human being could magically turn or transform into a bird or cat is counterintuitive. This claim contradicts the fundamentals of science and logic that Nigerians study in schools. Religions often preach, peddle, and reinforce this mistaken idea, and baseless nonsense, motivating Nigerians to show no compassion for persons believed to have the capacity to transform into animals.

“Nigerians often use this misconception to justify murder, torture and maltreatment of elderly persons, including those suffering from dementia and other mental health challenges.”

AfAW urged Nigerians to abandon such superstitions and embrace science and critical thinking.

Prof. Emeka Chukwuma, a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, has been reportedly killed by gunmen.

According to PUNCH Online, it was gathered that Chukwuma returned to his home town, Umueji in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Friday for his usual weekend when the assassins killed him in his house.

Sources told The PUNCH that the 56-year-old professor usually comes home every weekend in Asaba.

“Prof. Emeka Chukwuma was assassinated in Asaba on Friday night. He is a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, Anwai campus but later went back to the Abraka campus after the conversion of Anwai campus to Dennis Osadebey University.

“Prof Chukwuma usually comes home every weekend, it is unfortunate that he came back yesterday for his usual weekend and was assassinated in his place at St. Bridges area of Umueji quarter, in Asaba.

“As I speak to you now, Asaba is no longer safe, we are confused over the situation”, the source lamented.

Meanwhile, there have been a lot of reported killings and kidnappings in Asaba in recent times as residents have urged the security agencies to stand up for their responsibility of the protection of life and property.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the killing, said the police are looking into the killing with a view to arresting the perpetrators.

He said, “Yes, it is confirmed, they have reported the matter to the police, and we are looking into the incident.”

Emoseh Khamofu, the popular Nigerian singer, who is known professionally as Bloody Civilian, has opened up on her sexuality.

According to her, she is a lesbian.

The ‘Blood On The Dance Floor’ crooner said she is tired of hiding her sexuality.

On her X handle on Saturday, she wrote, “I’m actually a lesbian. [I] can’t hide it anymore.”

Im actually a lesbian. Can’t hide it anymore. ✌?

— BLOODY CIVILIAN (@bloody__civ) January 25, 2025

Her revelation triggered mixed reactions as the beautiful songbird is the crush of many men, some of whom have publicly declared their love for her on social media.

Detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed fear of getting an unfavourable judgment from any court in Abuja.

Naija News reports that this was conveyed by his Lead Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, in a social media post after visiting Kanu at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Service, DSS, where he has been in confinement since June 2021 when he was abducted and extraordinary renditioned from Kenya.

According to Ejimakor, the IPOB leader expressed frustration over handling his cases, which he described as a flagrant disregard for due process and the rule of law.

According to him, those benefitting from insecurity in the Southeast decide what adverse decisions to make.

He wrote, “He asked us to inform the general public that he’s not expecting any favourable judgment from any courts in Abuja because his cases are not decided in accordance with the rules of law but the rules of politics – dirty and deadly politics.

“The way and manner the laws are applied to him are not in conformity with the written laws of Nigeria or the pertinent international laws.

“Those benefitting from insecurity are the ones deciding what negative decisions to deliver because if justice were to be done, the well-orchestrated and heavily funded attacks and demonisation of his person and his lofty mission would no longer resonate with the public.

“Onyendu MNK urged the public to read all court decisions and judgements pertaining to him and IPOB to understand that what the law says is not what is being done. He insists that his trial is a sham designed to destroy truth and justice.”

Recall that Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja High Court had, mid-last year, recused herself from the matter, but the matter, after some time, was reassigned to her amidst protests by Kanu and his legal team.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused the current administration of harboring more corrupt officials, whom he described as “Yahoo people,” than those outside the government.

Obi made the remark during his keynote address at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University, where he was the guest speaker. Themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future,” the event highlighted the importance of leadership and youth empowerment.

Speaking on governance and corruption, Obi lamented the state of affairs in the country, asserting that it has become a haven for looters both within and outside government.

“For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than there are outside because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing and people outside are stealing,” he said.

Obi underscored the necessity of quality leadership to steer the nation toward development, urging the graduates to become agents of change in their respective communities.

“It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science but it is difficult. It is being able to have a strong character, the ability not to do the wrong thing,” he noted.

Encouraging the graduates, Obi said, “You have acquired knowledge today. Use what you have learnt to help us change society. It is for you to help bring a better change in that society that you want to live in.”

The former governor of Anambra State further stated, “You are a victim of Nigeria because our age and the age before has refused to do what is right and you are suffering it.”

The Labour Party leader emphasized the critical role of young people in transforming the country, urging them to leverage their skills and education to lead with integrity.