‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

ABUJA, Nigeria – Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has accused Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni of acting as an unofficial spokesperson for former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Bwala made the allegation on Monday, November 9, 2026, in a post on X while reacting to Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu over his administration’s handling of public resources and governance.

The presidential spokesman alleged that Oseni drafted a recent social media post by Obi to enable the former Anambra governor to amplify his criticism of the Federal Government during the Arise Television morning programme.

In the post, Bwala questioned why the broadcaster would not openly acknowledge his alleged political relationship with Obi.

“That tweet of @PeterObi was drafted to him by Rufai Oseni so he (Rufai) would amplify on their morning show. Check the pattern and flow as revealed to me by my sources in their camp.

“What is wrong with openly acknowledging that he is Obi’s unofficial spokesman? Hypocrites,” Bwala wrote.

What Triggered Bwala’s Outburst?

Bwala’s accusation followed a post by Obi titled, “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability,” in which the NDC presidential candidate challenged Tinubu to account for funds saved from the removal of petrol subsidy, government borrowings and increased government revenue.

Obi also questioned the administration’s achievements in addressing poverty, out-of-school children, inadequate healthcare, poor electricity supply and insecurity.

Reacting to the post, Bwala suggested that Oseni was behind its composition and intended to use his television platform to give Obi’s criticism wider publicity.

However, the presidential spokesman did not provide evidence to substantiate his allegation that the Arise Television presenter drafted Obi’s post.

Political Tensions Ahead of 2027 Elections

The latest exchange comes amid growing political disagreements between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oseni has become a prominent voice in public discussions on governance, frequently interrogating politicians and challenging public officials on issues affecting Nigerians.

Bwala, on the other hand, has been actively defending the Tinubu administration against criticism from opposition politicians and other public commentators.

The allegation has again brought attention to the relationship between political communication, media independence and the responsibility of journalists to hold public officials accountable.

While Bwala has questioned Oseni’s perceived neutrality, his allegation that the broadcaster authored Obi’s post remains unsubstantiated based on the information contained in his public statement.

‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

Umahi, Cubana Chief Priest Trade Fresh Blows as Minister Asks ‘How Much Money Do You Have?’

Minister of Works, David Umahi, and popular socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, have reignited their public feud, exchanging sharp words over wealth, political influence and development in the South-East.

The latest exchange began after Umahi questioned the socialite’s repeated declaration that “money na water”, challenging him to demonstrate the impact of his wealth through meaningful contributions to society.

Cubana Chief Priest, however, responded by describing the minister as the “Pharaoh of our time” and demanding that he allow the people of the South-East to enjoy meaningful development.

The controversy has attracted considerable attention on social media, particularly as both men have brought the region’s political interests and infrastructure development into the dispute.

Umahi fired his latest salvo during a recent public engagement, where he criticised what he described as excessive public display of wealth.

Taking a swipe at Cubana Chief Priest’s popular “money na water” catchphrase, the minister questioned how much money the businessman actually possessed and challenged him to demonstrate what he had achieved with his wealth.

“We have become very noise-making. Every time, money na water. How much do you have? Have you ever seen water that have money? Have you ever seen children that say I have money?” Umahi queried.

The former Ebonyi State governor argued that genuinely wealthy individuals do not constantly advertise their financial status, citing prominent Nigerian business figures such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group.

According to him, wealth should be measured not merely by public declarations but also by its positive impact on society.

“Money speaks for itself. Money speaks for itself, not to say money na water. Every time, money na water with your small bar business. What have you done with the money? How many people are on scholarship through you?” he asked.

Umahi’s remarks came after Cubana Chief Priest publicly criticised his performance as Minister of Works, describing him as the second-worst minister the South-East had ever produced.

The businessman questioned the benefits the region had derived from having one of its indigenes occupy the strategic position of Minister of Works.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to replace ministers he considered ineffective, arguing that the South-East had little to show for Umahi’s appointment.

His comments generated reactions among social media users, with some supporting his assessment and others questioning his qualifications to evaluate the minister’s performance.

Responding to Umahi’s latest remarks, Cubana Chief Priest returned with another blistering attack, describing the minister as a modern-day Pharaoh and demanding that he stop making political promises on behalf of the South-East without tangible development to show for them.

In a video recorded aboard a boat, the businessman challenged Umahi to identify projects he had delivered in the region.

He also accused the minister of making promises to President Tinubu about securing votes from the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections without doing enough to convince the people through infrastructure development.

“Honourable Minister of Works, Pharaoh of our time. Please let the people of the South-East go. Stop giving Mr President fake promises on votes,” he said.

Cubana Chief Priest further questioned Umahi’s alleged political succession plans in Ebonyi State, accusing him of positioning his son to succeed the incumbent governor, Francis Nwifuru.

He criticised what he described as attempts to turn governance into a family affair, questioning whether the minister was satisfied with the level of development in Ebonyi State and the wider South-East.

The allegation about the minister’s son’s political ambition has not been independently established.

Beyond the political succession controversy, Cubana Chief Priest also challenged Umahi over infrastructure development in the South-East, alleging that a bridge in the region had deteriorated following the minister’s intervention.

“Our bridge is no longer bridging since you touched it. Let us go,” he said.

The businessman insisted that the people of the region deserved visible development rather than political promises and repeated assurances of support for the Tinubu administration.

The latest confrontation has once again brought attention to the relationship between political officeholders and influential social media personalities, particularly over the performance of public officials and the expectations of their constituencies.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the exchange has also added another dimension to the debate over political representation, infrastructure delivery and the South-East’s relationship with the Federal Government.

Umahi, Cubana Chief Priest Trade Fresh Blows as Minister Asks ‘How Much Money Do You Have?’

Elderly Man Flung to Death as Truck Overturns in Lagos

An elderly man has died after being flung out of a moving truck that overturned following a tyre burst around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi, Lagos State.

The fatal accident occurred around midnight on Sunday, November 8, 2026, involving a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck conveying assorted goods, including sealed bags and newly branded event chairs.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed the incident in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the agency, preliminary findings indicated that the truck, with registration number ABJ 37 AC, was travelling at considerable speed when one of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

During the ensuing struggle to stabilise the truck, an elderly male passenger seated in the front cabin was thrown out of the vehicle.

He reportedly struck his head against a sharp object, sustaining fatal injuries and dying at the scene.

LASTMA said its Night Rescue Team, which was conducting surveillance along major traffic corridors, promptly mobilised to the accident location, cordoned off the area and evacuated the deceased from the busy carriageway.

The body was subsequently moved into an ambulance operated by the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services to prevent further exposure to approaching motorists and reduce the risk of another accident.

READ ALSO:

• ‘My History Is Traceable’: Atiku Fires Back at Tinubu Over University Funding
• Job Seeker Steals Bugatti CEO’s £2m Car After Finding Keys Inside
• Netanyahu Faces Political Setback as Israeli President Picks Rival to Form Government

Personnel of the Pedro Police Division and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also participated in the emergency response.

The traffic management agency said its operatives deployed traffic cones and emergency warning signals around the scene to alert approaching motorists and ensure the safe movement of other road users.

However, the overturned truck could not be immediately recovered because of the volume and nature of its cargo.

LASTMA explained that arrangements had to be made to transfer the goods into another empty truck before the accident vehicle could be removed from the road.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the fatality as a painful and avoidable loss.

Bakare-Oki condemned excessive speeding, warning that it reduces drivers’ reaction time, compromises vehicle stability and increases the severity of road accidents, particularly when unexpected mechanical failures occur.

He said the consequences of the crash could potentially have been less severe if the truck had been travelling at a controlled speed, despite the sudden tyre burst.

The LASTMA boss urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles, commercial transporters and other motorists to observe speed limits and conduct regular mechanical inspections before embarking on journeys.

He specifically advised truck operators to pay attention to the condition of their tyres, braking systems and other critical vehicle components to reduce the risk of road crashes.

He also urged drivers to remain composed and apply appropriate vehicle-control techniques when confronted with sudden mechanical failures.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to traffic surveillance, prompt emergency response and collaboration with relevant authorities to protect lives and property across Lagos State.

Elderly Man Flung to Death as Truck Overturns in Lagos