Sanwo-Olu to Obi: Poverty worsened under your watch in Anambra - Newstrends
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Sanwo-Olu to Obi: Poverty worsened under your watch in Anambra

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Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Peter Obi

Sanwo-Olu to Obi: Poverty worsened under your watch in Anambra

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has criticized former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for remarks he made about Nigeria during a recent appearance at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

In a statement released on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of making “disparaging comments” that could tarnish the country’s image internationally. He emphasized that prominent Nigerians speaking abroad have a responsibility to project a positive image of the nation rather than “de-marketing” it.

Sanwo-Olu called for unity among leaders and urged public figures to be mindful of how their statements could impact Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.

The governor said, “He made the unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government, but also about Nigeria.

“I also find Mr Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively. They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”

Responding specifically to Obi’s criticism of the current administration’s economic policies and claims that they were worsening poverty, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts, noting that Tinubu had a track record of reducing poverty when he governed Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

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“Now, I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr Obi, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise the Government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that.

“I say this because the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as Governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also challenged Obi’s record, claiming that poverty worsened in Anambra during Obi’s time in office.

Responding specifically to Obi’s criticism of the current administration’s economic policies and claims that they were worsening poverty, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts, noting that Tinubu had a track record of reducing poverty when he governed Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

“Now, I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr Obi, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise the Government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that.

“I say this because the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as Governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also challenged Obi’s record, claiming that poverty worsened in Anambra during Obi’s time in office.

He stated, “Mr. Obi talks a good game. But was he able to reduce poverty while he governed Anambra? Perhaps we can let the facts speak for themselves.

“Under Peter Obi as a two-term Anambra Governor, poverty in Anambra increased. It did not reduce. Before Peter Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4%.

“But after only two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7%.

“But the interesting thing is that five years after Peter Obi left office, his successor, Willie Obiano, reduced the poverty rate in Anambra from almost 60% to 14.8%.”

The governor questioned Obi’s moral standing to criticise the government’s efforts.

“Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria. Governor Tinubu, as he then was, was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty.

“Being that that is the case, who should criticise who?” he concluded.

 

Sanwo-Olu to Obi: Poverty worsened under your watch in Anambra

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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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