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I’m Burdened By Suffering, Deprivation In Nigeria — Peter Obi

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The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said on Sunday that he is more burdened by the scale of “suffering” and “deprivation” among Nigerians than celebrating his 64th birthday, which took place on Saturday.

He recommended that to address the situation, leaders should apply public funds for the “public good.”

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Obi took to his X handle to express gratitude to all those who wished him well at 64, saying that though he had rarely celebrated his birthdays, he couldn’t afford not to express appreciation for the momentous show of love.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra, gave specific examples of how funds donated for his birthday in the past were sacrificed to provide needed facilities to serve the people as opposed to using the money for his personal comfort.

He wrote, “Recall vividly when I turned 50, during my time as Governor. Many institutions and individuals approached me with elaborate plans for the occasion.

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READ ALSO:Obi Berates Tinubu For ‘Ignoring’ Benue, Says No Value For Human Lives

One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village. When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching.

“Another group had budgeted ₦20 million for a lavish party. I graciously asked them to consider using the funds to purchase desktop computers for schools. Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state, enhancing learning for many students.

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“In a similar spirit of redirection, another organisation, whose intention had originally been to celebrate me, ended up donating buses, which we distributed to institutions in need, including one that went to the legendary Old Rangers Association.

“This has been my consistent approach over the years. On each birthday, I use the opportunity to redirect goodwill towards causes that uplift others.”

READ ALSO:‘His Security Is Not Guaranteed,’ Okpehbolo Warns Obi Not To Come To Edo Without Informing Him

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The former presidential candidate recalled that on Saturday, the day of his 64th birthday, his thoughts were more about the current state of affairs in the country and not himself.

He said, “As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate. The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience.

“This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”

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He added that on his part, he had chosen to renew his commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state in the best way he could, especially those that directly served the people.

READ ALSO:Why Peter Obi Must Get Security Clearance Before Coming To Edo — APC Chair, Tenebe

Obi further stated, “Providentially, I was in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, and my birthday coincided with this visit.

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“I used this sacred opportunity, as I always do when I am in Nigeria, to remember you all in prayer. I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria, that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good.

“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”

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FCT Area Council Elections: INEC Declares Campaigns Open

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the commencement of campaigns by political parties for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council elections.

The Commission said this is in line with the provisions of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 8 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for political parties participating in the election.

The electoral body stated that political parties are now at liberty to begin their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and conclude at midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

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READ ALSO:Things To Know As INEC Begins Physical Voter Registration Monday

As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind political parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials,” a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said.

Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.”

The FCT Area Council elections will hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

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BREAKING: EFCC Chairman, Former Rivers Sole administrator Ibas In Aso Rock

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The immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, are currently at the State House in Abuja.

Although the reason for their presence at the Villa could not be immediately ascertained, it was gathered that President Bola Tinubu had summoned Ibas.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Rivers Administrator Ibas Bows Out, Hands Over To Governor Fubara

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According to Channels TV, Ibas arrived at the State House on Wednesday at around 5:50 pm.

Ibas, who took over the affairs of the state in March following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, had last week handed power back to the governor after Tinubu lifted the six-month suspension.

Members of the State House of Assembly had also resolved to probe Ibas’s six-month administration.

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Natasha Resumes At Senate, Calls Akpabio Dictator

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The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, describing Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as a “dictator.”

Her return followed the unsealing of her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.

Upon resumption, Senator Natasha, who has been on suspension, remained resolute, insisting that she has “no apology to tender.”

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She said, “In retrospect, it is actually amazing how much we have had to pay in the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. But we survived the recall, blackmail and that crazy lady on Facebook.

“It is amazing what we had to pass through, and I give God Almighty the glory and my deepest appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. To my husband, I love you dearly. I pray all men support their wives in the same manner you have supported me.

“In everything, sometimes it is good to push the institution to the test. We can’t cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were a servant or domestic staff in his house.

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“It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”

READ ALSO:Defamation Charges: Natasha Accuses FG Of Double Standard

The office had been locked since March 6, 2025, when the lawmaker was suspended from the Red Chamber.

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In a video shared on Tuesday, Adedeji was seen removing the seal.

I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he declared.

Upon resumption, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been at the centre of a protracted standoff with the Senate leadership, maintained her defiance, stressing that she had “no apology to tender.”

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The embattled lawmaker was handed a six-month suspension in March, barring her from all activities of the 10th Senate over alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.

Although her suspension formally lapsed in September, she was unable to return due to legal tussles and resistance from Senate leadership. On July 4, however, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.

READ ALSO:Natasha’s Lawyer Warns Senate Against Defying Court Order

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Following the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Senate notifying it of her intention to resume duties, but the request was rebuffed by the National Assembly.

It, however, remains unclear whether Tuesday’s development restores her full privileges as a senator and if the senator will be allowed to sit with her colleagues when plenary resumes on October 7.

Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has again altered its legislative calendar, shifting the resumption of plenary sittings from September 23 to October 7, 2025.

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The postponement was conveyed in an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze.

The shift in date has raised eyebrows within the National Assembly as it extends the chamber’s annual recess by another two weeks.

While no official reason was given, sources told our correspondent that the delay was intended to allow lawmakers to fully observe the Independence Day celebrations on October 1.

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READ ALSO:Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman

In the memo titled “Notice of Shift in Plenary Resumption Date,” Akubueze also apologised to the senators for the belated information.

It read, “This is to respectfully inform distinguished senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025.

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“Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly.

“Thank you for your kind understanding, and God bless.”

The Senate had adjourned plenary on July 24 for its annual recess.

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At the time, the Senate President justified the move as an act of “chamber reciprocity,” since members of the House of Representatives had also embarked on a break in line with the legislative calendar.

With the latest adjustment, critical debates and pending motions—including oversight inquiries into government spending and executive appointments—will remain on hold.

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