By Our Correspondent

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has called for greater transparency and accountability in public leadership, faulting attempts by political office holders to prevent the release of records relating to their past, particularly educational credentials.
Obi, in a statement on his official social media platform, expressed concern over what he described as an “embarrassing” situation where a sitting President would seek to stop a foreign court from releasing documents concerning his history despite the public interest attached to such records.
The former Anambra State governor said responsible leadership requires the courage and humility to confront one’s past, explain areas of concern and accept responsibility where necessary.
“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” Obi stated.
He argued that the strength of leadership is not weakened when leaders admit past shortcomings, but rather enhanced when they demonstrate honesty, accountability and a willingness to make amends.
According to him, issues surrounding educational background, especially foundational records such as primary and secondary school credentials, should be addressed through openness and credible explanations rather than prolonged legal battles.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past,” he said.
Obi expressed concern about the message such controversies send to young Nigerians, particularly millions of students aspiring to build a better future, stressing that the highest office in the country should reflect the values of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.
The NDC candidate noted that imperfections are part of human existence, but maintained that true character is demonstrated by the willingness to acknowledge mistakes, apologise where necessary and place national interest above personal ambition.
He questioned the commitment of Nigeria’s political class to prioritising the country’s long-term interests over individual aspirations.
“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” Obi asked.
He added that while political offices are occupied for limited periods, the standards and values established by those who occupy them have lasting implications for future generations.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria, Obi said he had never sought citizenship of another country despite opportunities to do so, insisting that the country’s integrity must remain above personal considerations.
“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” he said

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, formally brought a closure to his reconciliation effort in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) with the hosting of a Mega Unity Reception at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The well-attended event brought together leaders of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, stakeholders and contestants in the disputed April 2026 INC election that produced the High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwe leadership.

The inauguration of the Igbadiwe-led executive in Warri, Delta State, outside the traditional Ijaw House in Yenagoa, generated controversy that threatened the fabric of the foremost Ijaw nation’s socio-cultural organisation until the Bayelsa governor intervened and constituted a reconciliation committee chaired by former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Mathew Seiyefa.

At the unity reception, Governor Diri implored stakeholders to bury the hatchet in the interest of the unity and cohesion of the ethnic group.

He also urged the new INC leadership to unify the people and build an institution that would protect the identity of the ethnic nationality.

Senator Diri said the Ijaws must rise and speak with one voice that commands a seat at every table where Nigeria’s destiny is decided, stressing that they must act together in helping to shape decisions that affect their future.

He further challenged the INC to move beyond rivalries, narrow interests, and old divisions, emphasising that the Ijaw nation’s collective glory must come before personal ambition.

According to the governor, “this powerful gathering tells Nigeria, Africa, and the world that the unity, solidarity, and indivisibility of the Ijaw nation are non-negotiable.

“Most Ijaw people cherish and will defend this sacred unity. When we stand together with shared purpose and destiny, no force can weaken us. The Ijaw nation stands at a critical crossroads and must embrace the responsibility of unity.

“We must understand what is at stake. If we fail to act together, others will decide our future without us. We will live with their decisions instead of helping shape them. The time to organise is now. Our relevance, resources, dignity, and shared future depend on what we do today.”

Acknowledging the Igbadiwe-led INC, Diri, who is known as the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, maintained that this was not a time for division but a time for unity and every son and daughter under the INC must rise above narrow interests and unite for their dignity, destiny, and greater glory.

In his remarks, chairman of the event and one-time deputy governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, lauded the Bayelsa governor for his timely intervention in resolving the leadership crisis within the organisation.

Sir Toby equally praised Dr. Seiyefa and other members of the reconciliation committee for their selfless efforts and sacrifices on such a critical assignment.

He charged the INC president to be a team player and work effectively to represent the collective interest of the Ijaw nation and embrace issues that promote peace, unity and progress.

The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, who is chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and also chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), an INC advisory body, equally encouraged Igbadiwei, to see his position as a call to service and to unite all zones of the Congress.

“So, today, you are bestowed as the chief servant to ensure that no piece of Ijaw land, no piece of Ijaw property, no Ijaw man, no Ijaw woman is mistreated in any part of the entire globe. That is why you are president worldwide,” the monarch said.

In his remarks, the INC President, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, a former lawmaker in the Bayelsa Gouse of Assembly, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for not allowing the INC to disintegrate undr his watch.

He assured that the INC would work with the governor, other leaders, traditional rulers, youth bodies and relevant stakeholders towards actualising the mandate of the Ijaw nation.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, serving and non-serving lawmakers from the state, former Bayelsa deputy governors, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), former deputy governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker of the Bayelsa Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere represented by Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou.

Also present were the National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Form, Dr. Boladei Igali, Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, and Chairman, Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo.

Also in attendance were the Pere of Tuomo Kingdom and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, King Francis Tabai, the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom in Rivers State, Sir Acheseinimie Frank and other traditional rulers as well as Mrs Juliana Oguara, Vice Chairman, INC in the United States of America, and Chief Meg Agidee, president, Izon Ladies Association among other prominent personalities.

By David Owei, Yenagoa

Former South -South Coordinator of Transition Monitoring Group ( TMG), Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, (OON, has called on artists and celebrities in Nigeria to emulate David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido by using their platforms to defend a free and fair elections in 2027 and urge the International community to provide close monitoring during the poll

According to Chief Nengi James, despite his blood connection to the Accord Party candidate in Osun State, Davido showed resilience and encouraged voters of all categories to come out emmasse to vote and protect their votes.

Chief Nengi James, who is also the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Monitoring Group and member of the oversight Board of the Violence Crimes Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, inaugurated under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, stressed that unlike many other celebrities who decided to join one political parties or another to engage in verbal attacks against candidates against their choice, there is the need for Celebrities to focus on promoting true democracy, free and fair polls, protection of human rights and true opposition.

Chief Nengi James, in a statement on Monday, said the conduct of Davido during the last Osun State Governorship election has elevated him to a statesmanship level and make him a role model for Youths and electorates in the country.

He said by Davido conduct, he has earned the status of a true democrat and a true voice against electoral crimes and undemocratic conduct against opposition.

He added that Davido deserves both International, National and Corporate Awards for his exceptional bravery against Anti- Democratic Forces and policies.

The Niger Delta Activist also backed calls for the Nigerian Artistes to participate in voters education and mobilisation in order to put an end to the flagrant abuse of electoral laws including buying of votes and violence before and during elections.

He commended Davido, his uncle and Governor of Osun State, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security agencies for listening to the voice of the people to avoid undemocratic influences during the poll.