Politics
Obidient: What Fani-Koyede Said About Peter Obi’s Supporters [Explosive]
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
WHO ARE THESE OBIDIENTS?
Let me make this clear from the outset. I am a member of the APC and a supporter of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
This contribution does not in any way derogate from that and my analysis is more of an academic and intellectual exercise than anything else.
I am NOT a supporter of Peter Obi and I have NO intention of becoming one. I am however interested on what his supporters represent and stand for and that is the subject of this essay.
They are worthy of my attention only because their rise and relevance in the political configuration of our nation, just in a matter of weeks, is meteoric and phenomenal.
In order to counter and defeat them or to keep them in their place we must at least attempt to understand them and figure out how their minds work.
The following are my findings.
Those that are the supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, are known as ‘Obidients’ and they are EVERYWHERE.
Those of us in the larger political parties like the ruling APC and the opposition PDP, treat them with contempt and ignore them at our own peril.
The truth is that they are far more dangerous to our collective cause as a ruling class than many of us can possibly conceive or appreciate.
Only the discerning can appreciate this and know precisely where this whole thing may be heading.
They may not have structures or elected representatives in the legislative and executive arms of Government but they have IDEAS and VISION coupled with a clear ideological and philosophical bent which can and will endure for far longer than mere political platforms and structures.
Unknown to them as well as virtually everyone else, therein lies their power. As they say, an idea whose time has come cannot be stopped.
Long after we are all gone they will still be here because structures and political alliances rarely endure but IDEAS and VISION last forever.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Identifies Areas Nigeria Must Tackle For Greater Economy
Again they will outlive and outlast us all because they are not a political party in the true sense of the word but rather a growing national movement which scales and spreads across ethnic, religious, political and regional lines and traditional boundaries.
They also represent a generational and paradigm shift which is increasingly attractive to many and they are bound tightly together by a common purpose, common cause and common objective: namely to rid Nigeria of the old order and usher in the new.
That is really what they want to do and that is the primary and strongest source of their inspiration and motivation.
They are far more dangerous to what the French describe as the ‘Ancien Regime’, the old political class and the entire system itself than anything we have ever seen before because most of them, bar their leader and a small handful of political tried and tested veterans and old war horses around him, are NOT politicians and have never ventured anywhere near the political arena or the circles of power.
In the main they are an innovatively aggressive and frightful array and association of angry and determined young men and women who clearly have the courage of their convictions coupled with the audacity, fury, daring, rage and firm resolve of those that were involved in the Endsars protesters and the fiery footsoldiers that effected the 1917 Russian Bolshevik revolution led by Vladimir Iliyich Lenin.
There is also something Rawlingesque and intimidating about them.
That is to say they are like the late, great and mighty son of Africa and leader of Ghana, President Jerry Rawlings, who also led a successful revolution in his country in 1979 and who, on his second coming in 1981 when he toppled yet another Government said, “if there is no justice there can be no peace!”
That is the spirit that is in the Obidients and that is what moves them.
Yet though they do not like to hear it their chances of winning the presidential election next year, short of a miracle, are very slim and deep down they all know it even if they refuse to publicly acknowledge it.
Despite that they are determined to fight to the end, hope for the best, work hard and give it their best shot and, of course, therein lies their victory.
In this game courage is the key. As they say, ‘he who dares wins’. Again as they say, ‘fortune favours the bold’ and these young people are both daring and bold.
That they can challenge the status quo and vie for the sacred and awesome power that has been shared by the two major political parties or their ancestral variants over the last 62 years is commendable in itself. I am not part of them but I certainly commend and applaud their efforts.
They too have a right to fight for their rights and future and to be heard. They too have a dream and a story to tell and we must never begrudge them that.
Yet if the truth be told they are not only interested in winning an election but, perhaps even more importantly, they are interested in making a profound and defiant statement, registering their protest against the status qou and the powers that be and triggering and engendering a full scale, comprehensive and all-embracing social, cultural and political revolution.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Meets Afrobeat Singer, Femi Kuti [Video]
They want a real and fundamental change and not a fake one. They want to pull the whole house and system down with everyone in it and rebuild a new one in their own image, with their own values and on their own terms.
Most important of all they want to see the back of those of us that are in any way associated with the old order or that have been in Government or the corridors of power at ANY point in time over the last 62 years.
That desire and sentiment is the force that is driving and propelling them and that is kindling their fire and swelling their ranks.
They are like the Robspiers and the Marats of the bloody French revolution between 1789 and 1799 whose battle cry was “liberty, equality and fraternity”, who brought an end to the French monarchy, Royal family and nobility, chopped off their heads and established a proud and strong new order and proud Republic.
Like Robspier’s tiny cabal of French revolutionaries they are led by a small cell of intellectual and idealistic hardliners and are bolstered, girded and supported by a volatile, massive and increasingly dangerous support group and power base who threaten violence and hurl insults at their perceived detractors at the drop of a hat and as a consequence of years of pent up anger and frustration.
If they ever get power many heads will role and many of today’s and yesterday’s leaders will run into exile or go into hiding.
This is especially so of those who have something to hide or who have skeletons in their cupboards.
That is what makes them so threatening and I repeat, those of us that are in the larger political parties or that are members of the existing and ancient ruling class underestimate them, ignore them and display disdain for their firm resolve and rising anger at our own peril.
Most of my political associates, friends and colleagues across party lines tend to dismiss them with contempt.
They regard them as being inconsequential and argue that they only exist on social media. I beg to differ. I see them in the streets and I see them in the Churches.
I see them amongst my staff and amongst those that regard themselves as being amongst the oppressed and downtrodden.i see them amongst the professionals and those thst are bankers, lawyers, doctors and artists.
I see them in the North, West, East and South. I see them everywhere and not only on social media.
READ ALSO: Nigerians Will Defeat Tinubu, Not N50bn, Peter Obi’s Camp Replies Fayose
I see them as being a very powerful and potent rising force which, if properly managed, will develop into a major political power over the next few years with a strong ideological and electoral foundation and massive structures.
That is the potential that they have and that is how dangerous they can be.
The sooner those of us that are in the larger political parties get off our high horses, display a little humility, try and understand their mindset, reach out to them, take them more seriously, appreciate their anger, restore their hope, make the necessary concessions and try and abate their rage and rising angst the better it will be for us all.
They may not have today but if we do not play our cards right they may end up having tomorrow.
May God help us all.
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Politics
Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns After Gov’s Defection To APC
Published
2 days agoon
June 6, 2025By
Editor
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has formally resigned following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress
In a Facebook post on Friday, Ememobong explained that his resignation was in accordance with the Governor’s directive that any political appointee unwilling to join the APC should step aside.
“Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign,” he stated.
Ememobong, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, emphasised that his decision was guided by his principles and long-standing opposition to the APC.
READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Man For Allegedly Macheting Wife To Death
“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors,” he said.
He made it clear that his resignation does not reflect any personal disagreement with Eno.
“This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port),” he wrote.
“I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.”
READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Ex-Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, For Alleged N700bn Fraud
In his statement, Ememobong expressed gratitude to both the governor and his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration,” he said.
Reflecting on his career in public service, Ememobong said he is proud of his contributions as he appealed for understanding.
Ememobong added, “Given another opportunity, I will do more.”
“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding,” the commissioner concluded.
Politics
VIDEO: Moment Tinubu Observed Akwa Ibom Gov’s Defection To APC
Published
2 days agoon
June 6, 2025By
Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, observed the official defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, via a televised broadcast.
A video shared by the official APC account on X.com (formerly Twitter) captured the President watching the live transmission on TVC News.
The caption read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, observed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State defect from the PDP to the APC in the early hours of today.”
Eno made an official announcement of his defection on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.
READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000
The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.
Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.
APC has also formally welcomed the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, following his defection to the ruling party.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party’s National Working Committee expressed delight at Eno’s decision, describing it as a significant boost to both the party and the people of Akwa Ibom.
Photo/Video Credit: PUNCH
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐀𝐤𝐰𝐚 𝐈𝐛𝐨𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐯 𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐃𝐏 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐏𝐂
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.https://t.co/yy57Mv0eHF
AdvertisementCredit: TVC NEWS pic.twitter.com/aTHvBQKOtD
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 6, 2025
Politics
US-based Mathematics Professor Joins Osun Gov Race
Published
3 days agoon
June 5, 2025By
Editor
A United States of America-based Professor of Mathematics, Rafiu Durodoye, has joined the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, promising to focus on education and quality healthcare delivery if elected governor.
Durodoye, an indigene of Osogbo, Osun State who was accompanied by many supporters, earlier met the members of the State Working Committee of the APC at the party’s State Secretariat in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Prof. Rafiu Durodoye
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Durodoye expressed hope that APC would provide a platform for him to contest the poll.
READ ALSO: Osun APC, PDP In War Of Words After Adeleke, Tinubu’s Meeting
“I am Professor Rauf Durotoye, a Professor of Mathematics at Dallas College for 37 years.
At this point in my life, I have to contribute my quota to the development of Osun State.
“I want to donate my knowledge, experience and wealth to the development of our youth. Our youth have no future, no mission, no goal, it is very sad.
“So I have to donate everything that I have in order to make Osun, not only a great state but also a model state that others will learn from in education, health care delivery, science and technology and economy empowerment, I can do it,” Durodoye said.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Hosts Gov Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Davido In Lagos
Commenting on the state of affairs in Osun APC, he commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for providing leadership for the party in Osun.
He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, for the effort to stimulate the economy, saying the direction he is leading Nigeria will end in self and sustained growth.
Asked about his chances to get an APC ticket, the university don said, “I am very hopeful that the party will give me the ticket. I am here to provide service. No quality education in the state, we have to do something about it.”
Already, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, a security expert and lawyer, Mr. Dotun Babayemi and the chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, have announced their interest in the APC ticket for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship poll.
(PUNCH)
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