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Julius Abure-Led Labour Party Describes Obi’s Defection as Good Riddance

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Abure-Led Labour Party has described the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “liberation,” while also apologising to Nigerians for presenting what it termed an unfitting presidential candidate in the last general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.

“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was unsurprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”

According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.

“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.

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The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.

It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”

It also blamed its internal crisis on Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.

“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Otti had not followed Obi out of the party despite his suspension.

Reacting to Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”

It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”

The faction also accused Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffered political marginalisation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a result.

“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.

The Abure-Led Labour Party apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.

“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.

It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”

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Nigeria Secures $20bn Shell Investment 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chief Executive Officer of Shell Plc, Mr Wael Sawan, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for creating a healthy climate for investments to thrive and restoring investor confidence.

At a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently, Sawan said Shell is deepening and expanding its investments in Nigeria, and the company is ready, alongside its partners, to invest an additional $20bn primarily because of the robust and bold leadership of the President.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Sawan emphasised that Nigeria, under the Tinubu administration, is one of the countries attracting significant investment from global oil companies.

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Highlighting Shell’s recent investments, such as the $5bn in Bonga North, $2bn in HI, and the gas project to NLNG, Sawan stated that the corporation is committed to long-term investments in the country, underscoring the stable economic environment.

“We have really been in a space where we are very keen to invest in Nigeria. But I would say this has not always been the case.

Your leadership and your vision have created an investment climate over the last few years that, I will be very honest with you, propelled us to invest, in particular, also as we compare to other investments around the world,” he said.

The Shell CEO maintained that “stability in today’s environment will honestly have a premium for corporates because we are investing not for one administration or five or 10 years; we want to invest for 20, 30, or 40 years, and in the case of Nigeria, for many, many decades.”

Speaking on the expansion of Shell’s investments in Nigeria, Sawan maintained that the corporation has also deepened its interest in OML 118, the Bonga Block.

“TotalEnergies was selling, so we bought it because we want to deepen it further. But that, we think, is not enough. We think there is more to invest here, and we understand the vision that you have for the country.

“And so we are indeed working on a project, Bonga Southwest, that could, if we reach an FID stage, see us, with our partners, invest around $20bn in foreign direct investment, half of which will be capital. The other half will be the operating expenses and the like that will come into the country. This will be one of the biggest energy projects in the world,” he explained.

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NLC Deputy President Attends Coronation Ceremony in Daura

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By: Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Anipr.

The National President of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), who also serves as the National Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani, mni, Magayakin Minjibir, attended a grand traditional coronation ceremony held in the Daura Emirate, Katsina State.

Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani, who is also the Representative of the Sarkin Bai of Funakaye, attended the occasion to honour and celebrate his deputy from the North-West Zone.

During the colourful ceremony, Comrade Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna was officially turbaned as the Sarkin Gabas of Daura, an important traditional title within the historic Daura Emirate.

The event was conducted with dignity and deep respect for cultural heritage, attracting a large gathering of distinguished guests from across the country.

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Traditional rulers, labour leaders, government officials, and members of the host community were all in attendance, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

The presence of the MHWUN and JOHESU President, as well as the Deputy President of the NLC, added special prestige and national relevance to the ceremony.

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of combining traditional leadership with public and labour service for sustainable community development.

Comrade Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna was described as a man of integrity, dedication, and selfless service—qualities that have distinguished his career within the labour movement.

These outstanding attributes were cited as key reasons for his selection and elevation to the traditional title.

The Daura Emirate Council noted that his turbaning was based on his proven character, leadership record, and meaningful contributions to society.

Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani congratulated the newly turbaned Sarkin Gabas, expressing pride and satisfaction over the honour bestowed upon his deputy.

He stated that the traditional title would further enhance the Sarkin Gabas’ capacity to unite people and promote harmony and development.

Special prayers were offered for divine guidance and blessings upon the new titleholder.

The congregation prayed for Allah Almighty to grant him wisdom, fairness, and strength to discharge his responsibilities with justice and fear of God.

Residents of Daura expressed joy over the appointment and pledged their full support to the Sarkin Gabas in serving the community.

Participants at the ceremony observed that such traditional recognitions play a vital role in strengthening peace, unity, and social cohesion.

The Daura Emirate was widely commended for the orderly and culturally rich manner in which the coronation ceremony was organized.

In conclusion, heartfelt prayers and goodwill messages were extended to the Sarkin Gabas of Daura, with hopes that his reign would serve as a pillar for progress, peace, and the overall development of society.

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Kano State Strengthens Urban Mobility with Road Safety Awareness: Teaching Children the Language of Traffic Lights

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Parents and guardians continue to shoulder a major responsibility in ensuring that children are properly guided in their daily movement to and from school.

By Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, ANIPR

Beyond providing educational materials and supervision, teaching road safety remains a critical part of nurturing responsible and safe young citizens.

Every day, children interact with busy roads, whether on foot or while being conveyed to school. This reality makes it necessary for parents, guardians, and teachers to consistently enlighten them on how to behave when approaching roads and intersections.

One of the most effective tools for road safety education is a clear understanding of traffic light signals. These signals are universal guides designed to protect both pedestrians and motorists, and their meanings must be clearly understood by all road users.

Teachers play an important role in reinforcing this knowledge within the school environment. By explaining traffic signs and signals in classrooms, children gain theoretical understanding that complements real-life experience.

Parents and guardians, on the other hand, translate these lessons into practice. By guiding children during road crossings and explaining traffic lights in real situations, safety lessons become practical and memorable.

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In support of these collective efforts, the people’s Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf FNISE, has embarked on the construction of additional traffic lights and the renovation of existing ones across major city roads and urban areas.

This intervention has significantly improved traffic regulation and enhanced safety for pedestrians, especially schoolchildren who rely on properly functioning traffic systems for safe movement.

As part of public enlightenment, it is important to clearly understand the laws guiding traffic light signals:

– Red light: A firm instruction to stop. All vehicles and pedestrians must halt and wait patiently.
– Yellow light: A warning signal. Road users should be alert, preparing either to stop or to move depending on their position.
– Green light: Permission to go ahead. For pedestrians, it signals that it is safe to cross; for vehicles, it allows orderly movement forward.

Understanding and obeying these signals reduces accidents, promotes orderliness, and builds discipline among road users. It also ensures that children develop safe habits from an early age.

With the rehabilitation and installation of traffic lights, Kano State’s urban roads are becoming more organized, reducing confusion and improving communication between drivers and pedestrians. Parents can now feel more assured as they send their children to school, knowing that visible and functional traffic lights support safer crossings and controlled traffic flow.

The Governor’s commitment to such meaningful projects reflects an administration that listens to the everyday concerns of the people and responds with practical solutions. Road safety infrastructure goes beyond physical construction; it represents a long-term investment in human life, public order, and sustainable urban development.

By combining parental guidance, educational instruction, and government intervention, a strong culture of road safety is being built across Kano State. Through these deliberate efforts, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf FNISE continues to demonstrate people-oriented leadership, ensuring that Kano State remains a safer place where development and public enlightenment move hand in hand.

 

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