News
Usman to Morka: “Peter Obi’s life now in your hands, nothing must happen to him
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Senator Nenadi Usman, the Chairperson of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, has issued a stern warning to Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he will be held responsible for any harm that may come to Peter Obi or his associates.
Usman emphasized that Morka’s recent threat against Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, would not be tolerated.
This comes after reports of Obi denying claims of his arrest at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State. Usman maintained that despite Obi’s denial, Morka’s comments on January 5, 2025, directly threatened Obi’s life and were an affront to the democratic process.
In a statement of condemnation, Usman said, “It is with great concern and a deep sense of responsibility that I condemn the inflammatory remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka during his appearance on national television. His statements not only pose a direct threat to Peter Obi’s life, reputation, and business interests, but they also undermine the fundamental principles of democracy, decency, and responsible political engagement.”
Usman continued, highlighting Obi’s dedication to public service, “Mr. Peter Obi is a man of impeccable character who has devoted his life to serving Nigeria and championing good governance. His commitment to merit, competence, and rule of law is unwavering. To attack him with baseless allegations and threats is a clear indication that the APC cannot engage constructively on the issues that truly matter to Nigerians
She further remarked that such rhetoric has no place in the country’s democracy, as it undermines national unity, discourages productive political discourse, and endangers lives. Usman reminded Morka and the APC leadership that “words have consequences,” and that the Labour Party would hold them accountable for any harm that befalls Obi or his associates.
Senator Usman also called on security agencies to investigate the alleged threat and hold Morka accountable for his remarks. “We urge the security agencies to take swift action to investigate this matter and ensure that individuals who use public platforms to incite violence or issue veiled threats are held responsible. Political leaders must rise above such petty behavior and focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation, including insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability.”
Usman reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering support for Obi, stating, “The Labour Party will not be intimidated by threats. Peter Obi represents hope for the Nigerian people, and we stand firmly by him in his pursuit of a better Nigeria.”
Additionally, Usman demanded a public apology from the APC and a retraction of Morka’s statements. She stressed that any failure to do so would imply tacit approval of such reckless behavior. “The APC must immediately issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and retract the offensive statements made by its National Publicity Secretary. Anything less would be a tacit endorsement of such reckless and dangerous behavior.”
Concluding her statement, Usman reminded political leaders of their responsibility to promote peace, unity, and responsible political dialogue, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by how individuals treat one another, especially in times of disagreement.
President Bola Tinubu has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which provides for an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion.
He also signed the bill extending the implementation period for the 2025 budget from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
This was announced on Friday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The ₦68.32 trillion budget for this year earmarks ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion for debt service.
It allocates ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure and ₦32.2 trillion to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.
“With capital expenditure accounting for about 50 per cent, the 2026 budget underscores the administration’s continued commitment to economic stability, national security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocations reflect a strategic balance between statutory obligations, debt servicing, recurrent expenditure, and capital investments critical to driving productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians,” the statement read in part.
The President also has assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
The extension, the statement revealed, would ensure the full and effective utilisation of appropriated funds, particularly for critical infrastructure and development projects that are at advanced stages of implementation across the country.
It will enable ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to consolidate ongoing works, enhance project completion rates, and maximise value for public expenditure. With the 2026 Appropriation Act coming into force on April 1, the Federal Government will commence full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” it added.
Additionally, President Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient utilisation of allocated resources, with a strong emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its diligence, cooperation, and patriotism in expeditiously considering and passing the budget.
The President reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government in advancing national development objectives.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to deepen fiscal reforms, enhance revenue generation, and prioritise investments that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen social protection mechanisms.
The budget is also expected to be partly financed through external borrowing, following the approval of a foreign loan plan exceeding $21 billion to bridge the fiscal gap.
₦9.85trn Increase
The 2026 budget represents an increase of ₦9.85 trillion over the initial proposal of ₦58.47 trillion that Tinubu submitted to the National Assembly, and ₦13.33 trillion higher than the 2025 budget.
The President had while presenting the 2025 budget proposal before federal lawmakers in December 2025, pegged the capital expenditure at ₦26.08 trillion and the crude oil benchmark at US$64.85 per barrel.
He disclosed that the expected total revenue was ₦34.33 trillion; ₦15.52 trillion for debt servicing.
The proposal was anchored on a crude oil production of 1.84 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the US Dollar for the 2026 fiscal year.
Amid the growing concerns over insecurity across the country, Tinubu said his administration would “invest in security with clear accountability for outcomes—because security spending must deliver security results”.
“We will take decisive steps to strengthen agricultural markets. Food security is national security.
“The 2026 budget prioritises input financing and mechanisation; irrigation and climate‑resilient agriculture; storage and processing; and agro‑value chains,” he told the National Assembly members.
Nigeria’s budgets in recent years have come under fire with experts critcising the poor implementation and release of funds for the execution of important national projects.
But the Tinubu administration said that the 2026 national budget was well-planned to solidify the gains of its reform agenda.
“Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical. It is a commitment to double down on what is working, to solidify gains, and to ensure that the shared prosperity we speak of becomes a lived reality for more Nigerians, faster,” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement.
Popular sports broadcast journalist with Classic FM 97.3, Temisan Okomi, has died.
A journalist with News Central, Olawale Adigun, confirmed his death in a statement shared on X on Friday.
He wrote on X, “The worst way to go into the weekend is hearing about Temisan Okomi’s passing. I’m so gutted and, at the same time, terrified. This man meant so much to me.”
Recall that news of his death has since stirred reactions on X, with colleagues and fans expressing shock and grief.
The late journalist had worked with Lagos Television, HiTV, and other prominent media organizations in Nigeria.
His last post on X was on April 14, 2026, when he wrote, “The Champions League is hard, man.”
Ibrahim Abdulkarim, a political associate of ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has claimed that the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has agreed to deputize the Obi in the 2027 presidential race.
He spoke during an interview on Trust TV, said the Obidients and the Kwankwassiyya Movements are already aligning towards Obi/Kwankwaso ticket.
Asked if Obi and Kwankwaso had struck a deal, Abdulkarim said “yes, I can categorically tell you that they have agreed”.
We all know that. Both the Obidients and the Kwankwassiyya Movements are aware of the agreement”.
Recall that Kwankwaso recently decamped from the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
His move stirred suspicion that the two political gladiators may have agreed to run for the 2027 presidency on a single ticket.
Just in: Tinubu assents 2026 Appropriation Bill, 2025 Budget Extension
BREAKING: Popular sports analystt, Okomi is dead
BREAKING: JAMB set to release first batch of 2026 UTME results today
-
Economy18 hours agoNigerian stocks rally again as investors gain N1.66tn, market cap crosses N136tn
-
News12 hours agoJust in: Ex-Senate president, Saraki, others to face death penalty charges
-
News18 hours agoI Am Ready For 2027 – President Tinubu Declares
-
News18 hours agoSenator Abdulaziz Yari Accused of Using Billions to Secure Vice Presidential Ambition
-
Foreign18 hours agoTrump Says Iran Agrees To Hand Over Nuclear Dust Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade
-
News18 hours agoADC Reacts To Suspension Of Atiku, Lawal From Party
-
News18 hours agoINEC adjusts Osun governorship election campaign period
-
Metro18 hours agoBauchi Govt Sacks Driver Over Road Crash That K!lled Two Journalists
You must be logged in to post a comment Login