NEWS
NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA WARN OBASANJO AGAINST REVERSING COUNTRY’S GROWTH Full text attached.
AriseNigeria
(Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora )
Being text of a Communique Issued at the end of an emergency meeting of AriseNigeria, a platform for Nigerians in the Diaspora to review the state of affairs in Nigeria.
Introduction:
The AriseNigeria at its emergency meeting held in London United Kingdom on Monday February 18, 2019 convened to review the state of affairs in Nigeria after the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which considered issues of urgent National importance including but not limited to the unholy interference by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a segment of the international community in the electoral process in Nigeria.
The Executive body of AriseNigeria considered the issues mentioned above and resolved as follows:
1. The unholy Alliance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the People’s Democratic Party to compromise the general elections in Nigeria.
2. AriseNigeria notes with concern the desperation exhibited by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in active connivance with leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the credibility of the presidential elections by making overtures to manipulate the outcome of the polls in favour of his erstwhile deputy and current presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar.
3. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo took his ill-mannered campaign of slander against President Muhammadu Buhari to astonishing heights by soliciting and getting lobbyist to pave the way for Atiku’s visit to the United States of America after 10 years visa restriction due to corruption charges in the US against Atiku Abubakar and his wife, Jemilla Abubakar (Jennifer Douglas).
4. Impeccable information at our disposal indicates that there was a grand plot to undermine the credibility of the elections by some persons led by former president Olusegun Obasanjo in active connivance with the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party in favour of his preferred candidate.
5. The plan was to hack into the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the help of some high ranking INEC Systems Analysts in collaboration with some hackers from the USA loyal to the Atiku’s cause and have the election massively rigged to favour Atiku.
6. The case they proffered against President Muhammadu Buhari is his insistence that the right things must be done in the overall interest of the citizens of Nigeria which is mostly a disconnect from their way of doing things in times past where executive impunity was the order of the day.
7. AriseNigeria also notes with concern the statement credited to Atiku Abubakar in an interactive event in Lagos tagged “Getting Nigeria Economy Working” vowed to “enrich” his friends when elected as the president of Nigeria and sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by all means even if it leads to his death.
8. These statements are gravely embarrassing and unbecoming of an individual aspiring to be the president of a country as important as Nigeria, and we are therefore of the opinion that the PDP and its cohorts are hell bent of subverting the will of the people at the elections to achieve their undemocratic plans for the future of Nigeria.
9. It is also most embarrassing that a supposed Elder statesman in the mould of former president Olusegun Obasanjo would denigrate to this unenviable level all in a bid to cover his tracks while he held sway as president from 1999 to 2007.
10. AriseNigeria also views with concern the soft-handedness the administration of Donald Trump of the United States of America has extended to the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the run-up to the elections despite the avalanche of pieces of evidence that indicates that Atiku Abubakar abused office while he held sway as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 to 2007.
11. This is given the role of the United States of America in the entrenchment of democracy in the world. AriseNigeria wonders why the case of Nigeria is different even with the glaring commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in tackling the menace of corruption headlong.
12. Arisenigeria expect the government of the United States to support the anti corruption agenda of Muhammadu Buhari. The Trump administration could not afford to watch Nigeria pushed to the brink of possible turmoil by a greedy few, whose only interest has been, and remains, an appetite for unbridled accumulation of money/material by any means necessary from public sources. This is the time to stand with Nigeria. The USA must be unequivocal in declaring looters of the Nigerian state resources as enemies of the Nigeria people and must render the needed assistance to the government of Nigeria to continue to make inroads in the fight against corruption.
13. It is therefore instructive to note that previous administrations had raped Nigeria from all indices to the point of death before the advent of the administration President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. And to think that the people who abused Nigeria blind have ganged up against the truth, justice and fairness are gearing to come back to continue from where they stopped is an anomaly that must be resisted by all and sundry in Nigeria.
14. AriseNigeria also wishes to inform members of the international community of the invaluable role Nigeria plays in the stability of the African continent and any attempt to take Nigeria back to the dark ages might spell doom for the African continent.
15. AriseNigeria arising from its emergency meeting thereby resolved that Nigerians must protect its nascent democracy from the hands of hawks that are hell-bent on seeing its disintegration. Nigerians must rise to the challenge of subduing unpatriotic, corrupt and selfish past political office holders to save Nigeria from collapsing. It must be noted that the future of over 180 million people are at stake if the wrong choices are made in this material instance.
16. AriseNigeria states in unequivocal terms that President Muhammadu Buhari has displayed a patriotic mien that portray hope for Nigeria in this critical point of its existence. And the forces against his re-election are propelled by selfish and personal motives that are far from National interest.
17. The assurances that Nigeria is on the path to greatness under President Muhammadu Buhari are bolstered by the resolve of the administration to tackle the cankerworm of corruption and insecurity.
18. We hereby urge Nigerians to resist the overtures of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and his likes in the attempt to retard the progress of Nigeria.
19. The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) is also urged to rise to the occasion in delivering to Nigerians a free, fair and credible election.
SIGNED
Dr. Philip Idaewor
Chairman, AriseNigeria
Mr. Charles Eze
COO, AriseNigeria
Endorsed by Coordinators of AriseNigeria worldwide
- Prof. Adesugun Labinjo USA
- Mr. Ayoola Lawal (Sweden)
- Chief Balogun ( France)
- Mr. Chima Ibezim ( Italy)
- Mr. Adeayo Tella ( Spain)
- Mr. Bola Babarinde ( South Africa)
- Mr. Hammeed Adefioye ( Republic of Ireland)
- Mr. Marthins Sadoh ( Holland)
- Mr Ogunwede Lombrado (Germany)
- Mr. Niyi Agbelese ( Switzerland)
- Mr. Charles Michelleti (Ghana)
- Engr David Onmeje ( Scotland)
- Mr. Eric Ayoola (UK)
- Mr. Ikem Chinedu ( UK)
- Mr. David Abraham ( South Korea).
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to the state on Friday, landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 11:55 a.m. to the cheers of his supporters who trooped out to welcome him.
His return comes hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, following a political crisis that saw Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, suspended from office.
Despite his arrival, the governor had yet to resume at the Government House office as of Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened, but hundreds of Fubara’s supporters who had gathered at the Government House in anticipation of his return waited in vain.
During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday, Ibas handed over power and urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
The crisis in the state began after Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of Rivers’ political structure. The feud split the state assembly and escalated into violent confrontations.
In June, Tinubu convened a reconciliation meeting with Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other key stakeholders.
By July, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, which conducted council elections across the state on August 30.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.
NEWS
Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds
Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.
As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.
The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.
“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.
The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.
Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.
About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.
The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.
Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.
Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.
The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.
In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.
Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.
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