Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy

Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani‑Kayode has sharply criticised Peter Obi over remarks perceived to diminish the role of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in Nigeria’s democratic history, thrusting the debate over the nation’s pro‑democracy legacy back into the spotlight.

In a lengthy post shared widely on social media, Fani‑Kayode labelled Obi’s alleged comments about NADECO as “a crying shame” and warned that they “shall not go unanswered.” He accused Obi of attempting to denigrate the sacrifices of NADECO leaders and activists who opposed military rule in the 1990s.

“Peter Obi’s attack on NADECO and his attempt to denigrate the leaders of that movement and its members — who single‑handedly fought military rule and made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy in our country — is a crying shame,” Fani‑Kayode wrote.

He recalled how Obi, in his early political life, had been associated with the administration of General Sani Abacha, one of Nigeria’s most oppressive military rulers. Fani‑Kayode contrasted this with the actions of NADECO figures and footsoldiers who resisted military oppression, endured persecution and brutality, and were driven into exile for their activism.

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Fani‑Kayode stressed the heavy cost paid by NADECO members during the struggle. “Many of us were in NADECO and are living witnesses to what happened. We spoke out, wrote articles, suffered persecution, were locked up, were tortured, were killed and were forced into exile,” he said. He argued that the sacrifices made between 1992 and 1999 should never be dismissed or belittled.

The former minister also took aim at politicians linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including ex‑Senate President David Mark. Fani‑Kayode alleged that Mark had previously spoken against Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election whose annulment by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida plunged the country into prolonged unrest.

He reiterated that NADECO activists faced brutal repression, including imprisonment, torture, and exile under successive military rulers, and warned that Nigeria’s current democratic freedoms and free speech are the results of those struggles.

“He (Obi) should enjoy the democracy and free speech that we have today which others fought and died for between 1992 and 1999,” Fani‑Kayode said, urging Obi and others to refrain from comments that appear to undermine the legacy of pro‑democracy figures.

Obi’s comments, though not publicly expanded in recent days, sparked discussions across political and historical circles, with analysts noting that the debate over Nigeria’s democratic heritage and the sacrifices of groups like NADECO remains politically sensitive, particularly as the country continues to grapple with governance, electoral reforms, and national identity.

Political commentators also highlighted how the exchange reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s opposition and among public figures vying to define the narrative of the nation’s democratic journey.

As of now, Obi’s camp has not formally responded to Fani‑Kayode’s rebuttal, but the debate has garnered attention on social media and in political commentary platforms, underscoring the enduring significance of NADECO’s legacy in contemporary political discourse.

Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy

Plateau Killings: Ezekwesili Blasts Tinubu, APC Over ‘Failure to Act’

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the ongoing killings in Plateau State, accusing the government of inaction and failure to protect citizens.

In a sharply worded statement posted on her X account, Ezekwesili questioned the priorities of political leaders who continue with engagements while communities are under attack. She condemned what she described as a pattern where authorities respond to violence with statements, silence, and committee formations instead of decisive security action.

Reacting to disturbing images from recent attacks in Jos, she said the blood of innocent Nigerians rests on leaders who “knew, looked away, and chose a convention hall over a command centre,” warning that such conduct reflects a deeper governance failure.

The former minister also raised concerns about the normalisation of violence in Nigeria, stressing that citizens must reject any situation where human lives are treated as expendable. She urged Nigerians to transform grief into collective action, demanding accountability, justice, and urgent reforms to address insecurity.

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Her comments come amid renewed violence in Plateau State, particularly in Jos North and nearby communities, where recent attacks have reportedly left dozens dead and many injured. The persistent crisis has once again drawn attention to the fragile security situation in Nigeria’s north-central region.

Despite increased military presence and government assurances, Plateau has continued to experience recurring attacks linked to communal tensions, armed groups, and farmer-herder conflicts. Analysts say the repeated outbreaks highlight the limitations of current security strategies.

President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks and directed security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice, while promising that such incidents would not recur. Additional security deployments and restrictions have also been introduced in affected areas.

However, critics argue that these responses remain largely reactive, with little progress in addressing the underlying causes of the violence. Ezekwesili’s remarks add to growing public pressure on the federal government to adopt a more proactive and coordinated approach to national security.

As outrage continues to build, many Nigerians are calling for stronger leadership, improved intelligence gathering, and decisive action to end the cycle of killings and restore confidence in government.

Plateau Killings: Ezekwesili Blasts Tinubu, APC Over ‘Failure to Act’

ABC Logistics accelerates deliveries across major Nigerian routes, backed by fleet expansion

ABC Logistics has announced significantly faster delivery timelines across key commercial corridors in Nigeria, reinforcing its position as a dependable partner for time-sensitive cargo movement.

Customers on select major routes can now benefit from improved delivery windows of 24 to 48 hours, reflecting enhanced operational speed, stronger coordination, and increased distribution capacity, according to the company.

It stated that the improved turnaround time was driven by the firm’s recent fleet expansion, which had strengthened haulage capacity and reduced transit bottlenecks along high-volume routes.

The addition of new vehicles has enhanced route optimisation, improved schedule discipline, and increased overall network efficiency—enabling the company to sustain faster deliveries with greater consistency.

A statement by the company listed some of the routes covered by the accelerated delivery service as:

From Lagos: Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Warri, Lokoja, Abeokuta, Akure, Ilorin, Asaba, Owerri and Onitsha.

From Abuja: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Lokoja, Benin, Owerri and Onitsha.

From the Eastern region (Owerri axis): Enugu and Abuja.

In addition to expanding its fleet, the company says it has upgraded its hub operations through semi-automated cargo processing systems, structured loading protocols, and trolley-assisted loading and offloading.

These enhancements have reduced handling time, strengthened cargo security, and improved operational coordination nationwide.

Management stated that the strategic investment in fleet expansion and process efficiency underscores its commitment to meeting the growing demand for faster, secure and reliable logistics services across Nigeria’s commercial centres.

ABC Logistics is the trade name of ABC Cargo Express Limited, a subsidiary of ABC Transport Plc.