Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), recently recounted a memorable experience from his tenure as the Governor of Anambra State, where a young student held him accountable for unfulfilled promises. During an interview with Advocacy For Good Governance, the former governor described how this took place at a public town hall meeting designed to foster dialogue between officials and the public.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The encounter unfolded as follows:

• The event took an unexpected turn when a junior secondary school student stood up and directly challenged him, asking why he failed to keep his promises.

• The question immediately shifted the tone of the meeting, causing the audience to fall silent and focus intently on the issue.

• Rather than dismissing the girl’s complaint, Obi chose to investigate the matter.

• He discovered that her school had been promised repairs and facility improvements that had not yet been executed.

• Following this realization, he took immediate action to ensure the repairs were completed.

Obi noted that this experience served as a significant lesson on the importance of leadership and accountability. He emphasized that leaders must remain open to correction, regardless of the source, and that public trust is built when leaders follow through on their commitments. Furthermore, he remarked that staying connected to the citizenry allows leaders to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges facing the people.

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has suggested that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai may remain in detention until the upcoming elections conclude. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show this Wednesday, Abati analyzed the significant legal and political hurdles facing the former governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Stringent Bail Conditions: Abati highlighted that the court has set difficult requirements for El-Rufai’s release, specifically demanding a Level 17 official from the Federal Capital Territory as a surety—a condition the former governor claims he cannot fulfill.

• Court’s Stance: The court has shown no inclination to adjust these demanding bail terms, leaving El-Rufai in a difficult position.

• Complex Legal Battle: The case involves serious allegations, including corruption and wiretapping, and proceedings have been officially adjourned until September.

• Political Implications: Beyond the legal technicalities, Abati emphasized that the situation carries heavy political weight, leading him to conclude that El-Rufai is unlikely to be released before the elections.

• Accountability vs. Politics: While acknowledging that the court maintains the discretion to set bail terms, Abati framed the ongoing situation as a blend of genuine pursuit of accountability and strategic political maneuvering.

On Wednesday, human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja under tight security. Reports indicate that Department of State Services (DSS) operatives restricted access to the courtroom, preventing lawyers, supporters, and associates of the activist from entering.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Public Access Challenged: Oshiok Philip, the National Secretary of the AAC, confronted the security officials, arguing that the courtroom is a public space and asserting that blocking citizens from observing legal proceedings violates constitutional rights.

• Criticism of the Agency: During the exchange, Philip cautioned the DSS against allowing the agency to be utilized as a tool against dissenting voices.

• Heightened Security: Operatives reportedly established a security perimeter around the courtroom, restricted public movement, and engaged in the intimidation of some of Sowore’s supporters.

• Context of Ongoing Tensions: This event followed a ruling two days prior by Justice Mohammed Umar, which ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

• Allegations of Force: Supporters and AAC members expressed outrage following reports that armed DSS operatives had forcibly removed Sowore from the courtroom on Monday while he was waiting for correctional officials, characterizing the actions as lawless and an affront to due process.