The OBEDIENT Movement in Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State on Friday, marked the 63rd birthday of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, with a grand celebration.

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This event highlighted the strong support for Mr. Obi in a region not traditionally known for backing politicians from outside the Northern region.

The celebration, Daily Gazette gathered, was spearheaded by the local chapter of the OBEDIENT Movement, a nationwide group that actively supported Mr. Obi during his presidential campaign.

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In a show of dedication and admiration, the group unveiled a large pictorial billboard of Mr. Obi in Minjibir, the local government headquarters.

This gesture was unprecedented in Kano politics, demonstrating a significant commitment to Mr. Obi’s political vision.

Alhaji Ali Baballe, the chairman of the OBEDIENT Movement in Minjibir, addressed the crowd in Hausa during the unveiling ceremony, expressing the group’s strong belief in Mr. Obi’s potential to improve Nigeria’s leadership and governance.

“We are happily identifying with the former Anambra State Governor because we believe that if he had emerged as President of this country, Nigeria would have been a better nation than what it is today,” Baballe stated.

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He also wished Mr. Obi a joyous birthday and prayed for his continued health and future leadership.

Other notable members of the OBEDIENT Movement in attendance include the Secretary, Alhaji Ravi U. Kazawa, Coordinator Yahaya Sabo Sakau, Youth Leader Baba Hassan Kunya, and P.R.O. Haruna Haladu Wasai, along with numerous other members and supporters from Minjibir LGA.

Footage from the event

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Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation International, has issued a stern advisory to President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the severe economic and political challenges facing Nigeria.

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In a pointed open letter titled “Urgent Message for President Tinubu,” Momodu emphasized the critical need for leadership discipline and urged the President to listen to Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South.

Momodu expressed his concern over Nigeria’s current state, urging Tinubu to enforce discipline among his cabinet members, specifically calling for sanctions against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for alleged disrespect in the Fubara matter.

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He began his letter by stating, “Your Excellency, I have decided to write this open letter to you as a concerned friend and brother. As you’re aware, I’m a member of the opposition but you and I have had a long history together. I owe you only one thing, TRUTH.”

Momodu highlighted several pressing issues:
1. Economic Crisis: He warned that Nigeria’s economy is on the brink of collapse, citing reckless spending as a major issue. “You’ve been wasting too much money at a time that requires absolute frugality,” he wrote, criticizing expenditures on presidential jets, monuments, and cash palliatives.

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2. Need for Performance: Momodu argued that the best assurance for Tinubu’s second term is effective performance. He advised investing in vocational skills for youth, boosting local agriculture, and upgrading educational institutions. He cautioned against the unhealthy practice of distributing cash through politicians.

3. Importance of Honest Advisors: He urged Tinubu to pay attention to sincere advisors like Senator Ndume, warning of the dangers ahead and the pitfalls of hero-worship by National Assembly members.

4. Disciplinary Action: Momodu called for strict discipline within the administration, specifically urging Tinubu to sanction Nyesom Wike for his public disrespect. “You need to sanction him before he throws Nigeria into total chaos,” he stated.

Momodu emphasized that his letter was not merely a suggestion but a record of the true state of affairs, hoping that some of Tinubu’s friends would convey the gravity of the situation to him in a sober moment.

The House of Representatives has announced a six-month salary cut of 50% to aid the federal government with ₦648 million for tackling food insufficiency and soaring food prices.

This decision was made during a plenary session in Abuja after a motion was moved by Ibrahim Isiaka (APC-Ogun State).

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However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and various civil society organizations, including ActionAid and Yiaga Africa, were quick to criticize the move.

They argued that the primary issue lies not in the lawmakers’ salaries but in their substantial allowances, which they suggested should be halved to have a meaningful impact.

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Following the resolution, the House also appealed to Nigerians for patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing the nation’s challenges.

The motion emphasized the need for peace, constructive dialogue, and cooperation to resolve ongoing issues, including insecurity, unemployment, and poverty.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who supported the salary cut motion, stated that protests would not solve the hunger problem.

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Instead, he called for support of government policies, emphasizing the need for sacrifices during these tough times.

Despite the lawmakers’ gesture, the NLC and other civil society leaders voiced their dissatisfaction.

An anonymous NLC leader highlighted that the real issue is the lawmakers’ allowances, which far exceed their salaries.

The leader suggested a permanent reduction in allowances until the economy improves.

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Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, described the salary cut as symbolic but insufficient.

He stressed the need for the National Assembly to hold the executive accountable for economic policies and focus on reducing commodity prices.

Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, acknowledged the step as positive but minor.

He emphasized the necessity of addressing allowances, constituency projects, and overall government expenditure.

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Mamedu called for a comprehensive reduction in the cost of governance, aligning with public expectations.