
Politics
Akpabio’s diplomatese as enabler
By Emmanuel Aziken
Senator Godswill Akpabio’s jaunt into the diplomatic circuit as number three citizen was on the springboard of a lush background of accomplishments in the domestic arena.
His arrival in Launda, Angola last October for the 147th meeting of the International Parliamentary Union, IPU, was as simple as he arrived at the Akwa Ibom Government House in 2007. Just as he left the Akwa Ibom Government House with the adornment of the Uncommon Governor, he similarly left the IPU summit with resounding glory, having won for Nigeria a place in the IPU Executive Committee. It is a feat that had not been achieved for Nigeria for 59 years. Nigeria last sat on the IPU Executive Committee in 1964 during the First Republic.
Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, seducing the new garnish on his boss with a trifle of his own tinge of embroidery, equated the ambassadorial decoration to “a diplomatic Nobel laureate” for Nigeria.
The election of Akpabio into the Executive Committee of the 179-nation network of national parliaments is significant, not for Akpabio alone, but for Nigeria. It reflects a significant milestone in the solidification of democratic roots in Nigeria given the fact that parliament is the bedrock of democracy in any nation.

Eyiboh even sees the election of his principal on a grander scale with a prospect of the makeover of Nigerian travelers who have in recent times been harassed on account of the green passport they carry.
According to his spokesman, Akpabio’s “uncommon emergence as an executive member of the IPU has opened the door and not the window for an average Nigerian to be respected, including with the ease of obtaining Visa for travels.”
The outing in Launda was, however, not a sole errand for the Senate President who went with a strong delegation of the National Assembly with the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu as the top man from the House of Representatives.
Many like Eyiboh expect the upshots from the elevation of Akpabio into the IPU executive committee to go beyond more respect for the Senate President and Nigerians with the green passport. Many also see Akpabio using the position to provide navigation for Nigeria in thorny issues that may confront the country where the executive branch may be otherwise hampered.
We have seen past Speakers of the United States Congress (the second in the order of succession in the United States just like the Senate President in Nigeria), leverage the office to project the clout of the legislative branch in the international arena. As Akpabio settles as an influential member of the Executive Committee, as he is bound to be, no less is expected from him, given his antecedents as an uncommon converter of infrastructure and processes.
Indeed, as his official orator, Eyiboh said in the sparkle of the IPU appointment, “The average Nigerian should now be proud of the Senate because the present Senate is going to give Nigeria a new image that will translate into prosperity and growth plans. “This Senate will be the best in our annals if they consistently follow their growth template as is being led by the president of the Senate.”
Besides, the splurge at the IPU, the Senate President has also used interactions with the Diplomatic Corp in Abuja to project Nigeria. On Tuesday, October 10, he received a delegation of the United States mission in his office during which he challenged the American government not to tire in its responsibility as a big brother to Nigeria, plying its presidential system of democracy hook, line, and sinker.
Receiving on a courtesy call the diplomats from Ireland led by the Ambassador of Ireland, Peter Ryan, and his entourage earlier in November in his office in Abuja, Akpabio reminisced on the very warm relationship between him as governor of Akwa Ibom State and a former Irish ambassador to Nigeria.
Unlike some flops he may have had here and there in his stewardship of the Senate which are really not unexpected in the milieu of the political twists and twirls of the legislature, Akpabio’s sexcursion in the diplomatic arena has been largely eventful. That in effect is a reflection of the uncommonness in his persona.
• Aziken is a journalist and public affairs analyst.
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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