News

Knocks As INEC likes Twitter Post Criticising Obi’s Candidacy

Published

3 years ago

February 8, 2023

Nigerians on Wednesday knocked the Independent National Electoral Commission for identifying with a post that criticised the candidacy of Labour Party presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, on Twitter.

The official verified INEC Twitter handle on Tuesday liked a post against Obi on the micro-blogging site. The post was coming days to Nigeria’s presidential election and Obi is one of the major contenders.

The post was made by a news media outlet where Seun Kuti, son of legendary Nigerian music icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, said the LP candidate was “an opportunist that can’t deliver Nigeria.”

Checks by The PUNCH on INEC’s handle showed that the electoral body liked the post, which was made over 22 hours ago as at the time of filing this report.

Seun has been very open about his stance on Obi’s presidential ambition and in an interview with the online platform Mic On Podcast hosted by Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye, Mr Kuti noted that only the people of Nigeria could save the country.

Describing Obi as a capitalist he said, “He hasn’t had the time because he started too late. You can’t be telling me that just because you lost PDP primaries 18 months before the election, you suddenly started a movement, and you have a plan for the country.

“No, that’s opportunism. And it’s not an opportunist that will deliver Nigeria—not jumping on Labour Party. The Labour Party has a socialist structure. Peter Obi is a capitalist. Where are they going?”

Efforts by The PUNCH to get the reaction of the electoral body were futile as at the time of filing this report.

Calls and text messages sent to INEC’s Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, were yet to be returned or responded to.

But reacting to the post, a Twitter user, @FS_Yusuf_ wrote, “Dear @inecnigeria why is your handler liking this tweet where Peter Obi is attacked! What is this nonsense! Are we a joke to the commission!?

“Don’t set this nation aflame. @inecnigeria this is a warning! We need to sue INEC for this misbehavior!”

@BishopPOEvang said, “If we talk them go say we dey lie. See what INEC is liking. A whole so called independent body that conducts elections. @inecnigeria you can’t make us lose this election. We won’t allow you.”

@Urchilla01 said, “Fellow Nigerians, wouldn’t it be nice to demand an explanation from @inecnigeria for why they liked a post that is biased against H.E. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the LP for an election where @inecnigeria is supposed to be an unbiased umpire?”

@Dr_chazduke wrote, “@INECNigeria’s Twitter account handle liked a story criticizing the Presidential candidate of LP Mr Peter Obi. Who is in charge of INEC’s social media accounts, is INEC IT compromised 🤔”

@VictorIsrael_ tweeted, “Nigerians please can we make this post go viral? We need to ask Questions why @inecnigeria would like a tweet that is targeted at demarketing Peter Obi? We thought INEC should be neutral? Why are they taking a side? Please help me RETWEET this. We need answers.”

@JaypeeGeneral wrote, “@inecnigeria @ineclagos is not hiding their partisanship. From planning to use Tinubu’s MC Oluomo for Lagos logistics to liking a tweet that calls Peter Obi an opportunist. Also, remember how Lagos REC called the Igbos migrants. Obidients, this election is between us and INEC.

@Morris_Monye wrote, “Just look at @inecnigeria liking a post on Twitter where Peter Obi was called an opportunist. Just look at INEC handlers.”

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

10 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.