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

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

Published

2 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.

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.