
Politics
Pinnacle Oil and Gas: Propaganda is Free, But Facts are Sacred
By Uche Anichukwu
I have read the rejoinder to my piece “Pinnacle Oil and Gas: the Limits of Propaganda”, which was my counter-narrative on the propaganda dished out to Ndi Enugu on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Mbah and Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd. _E dey sweet me no be small_ because the writer was honest enough to admit that I am a principled and “decent man”. Forget the fact that he/she claimed that I lied in my account of Dr. Mbah and Pinnacle’s road to success. You can’t describe me as a decent man in one breath and claim that I lie for politicians in the same breath – unless, of course _Mkpuru Mmiri_ was at work in the head of the author of the rejoinder. A good tree can’t bear a bad fruit and vice versa. In any case, _okwu bu uzo erugo be Chukwu_. So, for the true confession, I say “Thank you, don’t mention”.
But I am even happier because the rejoinder failed to contradict me fact for fact. It is just the same emotional outbursts of a drowning opposition. I wrote that Dr. Mbah joined the business world at a very tender age; that he had already registered businesses such as Peter Mbah Investment Company and was importing 18 containers of electronics and spare parts in a month way back in the late 1980s and early 1990s; and that he set up “FOCUS International School in Lagos that same period. I expected the said rejoinder to counter me with the results of a company search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), etc. Yes, I maintain that Mbah built his first house in Lagos by 1992. Have you gone to the Lagos State land registry and found that to be false?
I also wrote that he penetrated the Nigerian downstream petroleum subsector way back in 1993 when he became the Nigeria representative of IOC, a US-based oil company, courtesy of the late Dr. Lazarus Agbowo, who was the Executive Vice President of the firm. He was earning money on every barrel of crude oil lifted by the company. The rejoinder didn’t contradict this with any facts too.
Furthermore, I said that Mbah registered Pinnacle Oil and Gas in 2004, not 2007 or 2008, as propagandists want Ndi Enugu to believe. And it was between the time he exited office as Chief of Staff and the time he reluctantly accepted the position of Commissioner for Finance.

I also wrote that Pinnacle started with a capital base of N1 million. Did a CAC search show any information to the contrary? Yes, I wrote that the company started with just two staff in a one-room apartment in Lagos. Please, prove me wrong, I will humbly concede.
As I said, ideas rule the world and businesses thrive on innovation. As I wrote, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple in the garage in Cupertino, California; HP brand started off in a 12-by-18-foot garage with just $538 investment in California; Amazon.com began from a garage in Seattle, USA; Larry Page and Sergey Brin rented Susan Wojcicki’s 1,900-square-foot home in the course of Google’s journey to corporate giant; Walt Disney started from a garage belonging to Walt’s uncle, Robert Disney. These businesses have now become multi-trillion and multi-billion dollar businesses. If Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Bill Hewlett, David Packard, Jeff Bezos, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, among others, didn’t rob the US Federal Reserve to become big, what makes you think that a Nigerian entrepreneur must steal from public treasury to grow big? How many former this and former that have built something like Pinnacle?
Even here in Nigeria, Africa’s richest man explained that he was obsessed with business right from primary school. He stated: “I can remember when I was in primary school, I would go and buy cartons of sweets (candies) and I would start selling them just to make money. I was so interested in business, even at that time.”
Going into business proper at 21 after his college education, Dangote took a loan of N500,000 from his uncle. See where he is today.
Or have we forgotten how Cosmas Maduka (Coscharis) moved from an underaged apprentice to a multi-billionaire?
You claimed that Pinnacle’s $1 billion offshore, subsea petroleum products terminal was “Ego Ndi Enugu”. But I provided the names of the banks that funded it: First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Globus Bank and Coronation Bank. But it is convenient for you to fault my facts without providing any facts to the contrary.
If Pinnacle is about “Ego Ndi Enugu”, how come the company overtook the major oil marketing companies to become the number one? Or are you saying that Enugu State’s allocations, even for 10 years, outweigh the finances and credit-worthiness of these oil majors?
Did you also investigate and found out that KPMG, a foremost international audit firm, is not the auditor of Pinnacle Oil and Gas accounts? That one alone is a stamp of integrity and good governance of the company. Abi KPMG na your mate?
On the EFCC matter, the writer has still not shown any facts to contradict my position that Dr. Peter Mbah was never a subject of any EFCC investigation and that he was never charged to court, let alone enter into any plea bargain with the Nigerian government. His name was equally not mentioned in the petition. He went to the EFCC on his own based on personal principle and philosophy as a member of that administration. And his issues with the EFCC was more as a placeholder in the sense that once the then governor concluded his tenure, Mbah’s name and the names of two others were struck out of the EFCC charge sheet. So, as I stated, Mbah was never charged or arraigned by the EFCC. And of course, the phantom plea bargain exists only in the imagination of those chefs serving in opposition’s propaganda kitchen. These things can be verified at the EFCC or the Federal High Court registry.
But come to think of it, if you claim that a co-contestant has a criminal record, yet you prefer to patronise the social media space instead of heading to the courts to stop him, what shall we call you?
Meanwhile, as for Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s assets issues, I won’t waste my time on it since it is subjudice, except to state that I don’t know any Nigerian law that bars a political office holder from owning properties. The law only says that you must declare them to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) every four years and I have been consistent in my statement right from 2016 that he declared all of them to the CCB. I don’t know anybody who declares illegally acquired assets to the government. Of course, I also clarified that the list, which, by the way, was first released by the Obono-Obla panel in 2016, was garnished to achieve the purpose of media trial at the time.
In any case, the matter is still in court and I wouldn’t know from whence you draw this your air of finality or why you think that an interim asset forfeiture order, which is still being contested in court for clear violation of fundamental principles of justice is tantamount to “stolen houses”. Besides, the fact that the EFCC did not link Ekweremadu with any missing public funds let alone charge him to court all these years he was in Nigeria says alot. If you sincerely believe that shaving a man in his absence, pouncing on a man while he is in detention and undergoing trial (not for corruption) is in order, then I leave you to your conscience. But rest assured that what goes around comes around and that the measure you give is the measure you receive.
All said, when people sidestep the message and begin to attack the messenger, it means that the message hit the right target and those it was directed at have no sensible answer to it. But attack the messenger all you want, it will still not change anything because propaganda is cheap (especially when your candidate has no manifesto or pedigree to market to the electorate). Comment is also free. But facts are sacred and stubborn. So, on my facts I stand._Ka Chineke mezie okwu_.
• Anichukwu is Deputy Director, Mainstream Media, Enugu PDP Campaign Council_
News
2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences
Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.
It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.
Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.
“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.
“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.
“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”
While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”
It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.
Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.
It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.
“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.
“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.
“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.
“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.
“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.
News
I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.
Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.
According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.
The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.
“The way they are going now I might not be alive, I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.
“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.
He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.
Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.
He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.
Politics
Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.
According to the National Chairman:
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.
Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.
“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”
“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”
The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”
Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
It
“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”
The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.
Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.
“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”
“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”
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