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Okonkwo’s Full Speech After Dumping Peter Obi

A former spokesman for the opposition Labour Party presidential campaign council, Kenneth Okonkwo has dumped the party.

Okonkwo said he decided to leave the party after its former presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, failed to solve the party’s internal crisis.

Okonkwo Full Speech

I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, where every citizen will be free and able to aspire to any position or level in life without regard to primordial sentiments built around ethnicity, religion, sex, or circumstances of birth.

It’s obvious that the APC or PDP, as presently constituted, do not have what it takes to lead us to a great Nigeria. Indeed their combined leadership is trying to cripple Nigeria as this blessed country is now down economically, politically, and in every other index, leaving the people with no other option than to protest for their survival. They can see no hope for the future.

Unfortunately, by our Constitution, we need a solid political party with solid grassroot base to be able to wrestle power from these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. We, therefore, need a decisive leader who will be able to build such a party of integrity and character from the grassroots because eventually, majority of the people that will populate a government will eventually proceed from the political party of the leader. A party is like a political tree that produces the fruit of the leadership cadre in government. A corrupt tree will never birth good fruits no matter the integrity and good intentions of the leader. Nigeria problems today come from lack of internal democracy in the parties which become a breeding ground for the production of incompetent and corrupt leaders in government.

We also need a decisive leader who will be selfless enough, in boldness and bravery, to secure our victory, when the people vote for such leader, because these corrupt and incompetent leaders are not willing to conduct free and fair elections and will always grab, snatch power from any weak and indecisive leader, and run away with it. Our judiciary has not proved to be equal to the task in preventing the emergence of electoral bandits who steal electoral victories at gunpoint in the public glare of everyone.

I am ernestly searching for such a leader who has the integrity and also the commensurate charisma and bravery to mobilise the people to sustain the victory, in the event that Nigeria votes for such a person. The time for calm down is over.

I recall how we suffered and risked all to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of these kakistocrats and kleptocrats in 2023 only for the victory to be stolen. It is obvious that the judiciary will not give us democracy because of abuse of the judicial process. The people must take their destiny in their hands. They must be willing to vote the right person as the President and must be willing to fight to ensure that the person is sworn in as President. However, the person must be willing to be in the forefront of such endeavour. The suffering Nigerians are going through now from the people they didn’t vote for, but who snatched power, cannot be allowed to continue. These people will still remain in power come 2027 unless a decisive leader emerges to stop them with the votes of the people.

What is happening in Labour Party today has inspired in me a determination to chart a new course for my political journey. After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes on Labour Party. I believed that Peter Obi will seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity that will have the solid base that we need to overthrow these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. He just needed to give the right directives and everyone will fall in line.

I received my first shock when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria problems. I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading to no where politically?

However, I continued in his defence believing he will still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems. to no avail.

PO also publicly demanded that the Abure led National Working Committee must organise an all inclusive convention that will guarantee the participation of all members of Labour Party in the choice of their leaders. This didn’t happen, and surprisingly, PO refused to disassociate himself from the shenanigans and criminal activities of the former NWC as their time has expired. Every member of Labour Party is confused today as to the future of Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself. I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.

I am shocked that PO could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers to the extent that some of them are openly saying that PO is now the problem of LP. The Labour Unions now have the unfortunate situation where they are fighting criminals who want to hijack their party when an ordinary statement from PO would have brought the solution. I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever.

I am of course in full support of the Labour Unions and other stakeholders who are now compelled to fight for the soul of LP without the support of PO.

However, the consequence is that I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate. I don’t intend to embark on such a campaign as we did in 2023, projecting a person who cannot sustain the victory even if he wins.

It’s in this regard that I have decided to continue my political journey into the great Nigeria of our vision without Peter Obi. I am always 100% loyal to a leader whenever I am working or following the leader. At anytime I have doubts within me that I can no longer offer 100% loyalty to him, I will respectfully let everyone know. When I joined myself to his campaign, I made it public, now that I cannot guarantee my support for his future political aspirations, I believe I owe it to everyone to let everyone know.

This has nothing to do with any desire to join APC or PDP. I will perpetually be joined to the Nigerian people and their aspirations for a new, better, and great Nigeria.

There’s also absolutely nothing personal with my decision to adjust my relationship with HE Peter Obi. It’s 100% based on principles and my conviction that I need a more decisive, bold, brave leader with integrity and team spirit who can confront these kakistocrats and kleptocrats head on. I will continue to respect him and cherish the periods we worked together.

With this declaration, I am free to embark on negotiation and consultation with every like minded people to determine the next step in my political journey, which does not include joining APC or PDP for now, but includes, and not limited to consolidation of Labour Party.

Nigeria must regain its greatness, whether the kakistocrats and kleptocrats like it or not.

Protest is a democratic right of the people. Nobody should prevent the people from protesting, even as the protesters should endeavour to be peaceful. The government must deploy all its wisdom and exercise extreme restraint in the management of the protest of the people. The best method of avoiding protest is good governance. With bad governance, protest is inevitable.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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HP Wolf Security Launches Advanced Physical Cyberattack Protection for Business Introducing HP Enterprise Security

Edition: Comprehensive Safeguards Against Hardware and Firmware TamperingLagos, Nigeria – November 21, 2024 – HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has unveiled the HP Enterprise Security Edition, a revolutionary suite of security features designed to protect HP business-class PCs from targeted physical cyberattacks.

This innovative solution offers robust multilayered defense for hardware and firmware, coupled with unparalleled visibility into potential tampering throughout the device lifecycle.With the rise of hybrid work and Work from Anywhere (WFA), the risk of physical cyberattacks has surged. Attackers exploiting brief physical access to PCs pose significant threats to organizations.

A recent survey reveals that over 51% of IT Security Decision Makers (ITSDMs) are concerned about their inability to detect hardware or firmware tampering during transit. HP Enterprise Security Edition addresses these vulnerabilities, empowering IT teams to detect and prevent unauthorized alterations while safeguarding devices from persistent threats.

Key Features of HP Enterprise Security Edition1. Firmware LockA user-controlled lock at the firmware level, used alongside HP Sure Admin. When activated, this feature employs HP Sure Admin’s cryptographic, password-free authentication, preventing unauthorized access even if the device is left unattended.

This lock offers significantly stronger protection than traditional operating system locks.2. Platform CertificatesDigital certificates validate the integrity of critical hardware and firmware components, such as processors, memory, BIOS, or PCIe devices.

This ensures that no unauthorized modifications occur, enhancing overall device security.3. Sure Start Virtualization ProtectionPre-boot protection isolates malicious or compromised third-party hardware—such as devices connected via Thunderbolt™/USB-C or PCIe ports—within a micro-virtual machine.

This safeguards the device from firmware contamination and prevents attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.—Revolutionizing PC SecurityDr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP Inc., stated:> “Physical attacks are typically well-planned, often linked to nation-state campaigns or corporate espionage. However, the growing underground market for corporate network access is driving opportunistic attacks—exploiting moments of vulnerability, like unattended PCs in public spaces.”Dr. Pratt emphasized the importance of hardware security:> “By compromising hardware or firmware, attackers can establish a nearly undetectable foothold, gaining long-term access to sensitive networks and data.

HP Enterprise Security Edition provides critical defenses to prevent these threats, while equipping IT teams with the tools to validate device integrity.”—Strengthening Resilience and VisibilityHP Enterprise Security Edition empowers organizations with:

Enhanced Platform Integrity: Protects hardware and firmware layers beneath the operating system.Supply Chain Risk Mitigation: Validates hardware and firmware integrity before onboarding.

Lifecycle Security Governance: Maintains control over device security from deployment to retirement.

These measures ensure businesses can confidently secure sensitive data, enabling hybrid work without compromising security.—Availability

The HP Enterprise Security Edition will be available for select HP PC platforms.—About HP Inc.HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader delivering innovation that connects people and ideas.

Operating in over 170 countries, HP offers sustainable solutions across personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, and gaming. Visit www.hp.com for more information.

About HP Wolf SecurityHP Wolf Security provides world-class endpoint protection with hardware-enforced solutions that safeguard PCs, printers, and users from cyber threats. Learn more at www.hp.com/wolf.Media Contact:THOP for HPAdeola – adeola@wearethop.com

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Federal High Court Adjourns Labour Party’s Suit on Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to January 2025

PDP Urges Caution from Police as It Prepares for Upcoming Rivers Local Government Elections

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has adjourned until January 21, 2025, to deliver a ruling on several applications in a case filed by the Labour Party (LP).

The suit, registered as FHC/PH/25/2024, seeks to have the seats of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly declared vacant following their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Labour Party, represented by its caretaker committee chairman in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, is also asking the court to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats, allowing all interested parties, including the Labour Party, to contest.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for the defendants, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), representing the embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule and others, requested the consolidation of three separate applications.

Orbih argued that the motions all addressed similar subject matters and called for the exchange of pleadings and presentation of evidence to substantiate the claims. He urged the court to grant the consolidation request.

The Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chukwu, did not object to the consolidation but opposed the substance of the defendants’ applications. Chukwu argued that the defendants had failed to file further affidavits in response to the Labour Party’s counter-affidavits, effectively admitting to the facts stated in the counter-affidavits.

He urged Justice Emmanuel Obele to dismiss the motions filed by the defendants.Justice Obele, after hearing arguments from both sides, announced the adjournment of the case to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on the applications.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Chukwu emphasized the Labour Party’s stance, stating that the 27 lawmakers openly admitted their defection through various public platforms, including televised announcements.

He further revealed that affidavits and video evidence were available to substantiate the claims.

The case took another dimension as Justice Obele scheduled December 7, 2024, to hear a related suit filed by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and three other lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This separate case also seeks to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and to restrain them from parading as members of the State House of Assembly.Commenting on the matter, Emeka Onyeka, one of the defense counsels, explained that the current proceedings focused on preliminary issues, which must be resolved before the court can address the substantive case.

He reiterated the defendants’ request for the court to order the filing of pleadings, citing the contentious nature of the issues at hand.

As the political drama unfolds, the adjournment leaves the fate of the embattled lawmakers in limbo while raising significant questions about party loyalty, legislative integrity, and the legal implications of political defections in Nigeria.

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Efe Ajagba Poised to Challenge Daniel Dubois for IBF Heavyweight Title

Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has emerged as a potential challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.

This development follows the confirmation that Anthony Joshua’s anticipated rematch with the champion could be delayed until 2026.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against any top 15 ranked contender before April 22. Ajagba, currently ranked eighth and holding the WBC Silver title, has risen as a strong candidate.

Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed plans for the champion to defend his title in February, following indications from Joshua’s camp that they would not be ready for an immediate rematch.

“Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against someone ranked in the top five,” Warren revealed in an interview with Sky Sports.Dubois, 27, captured the IBF title in September with a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

The win extended his record to an impressive 22 wins, with 21 of those coming by way of knockout.

Meanwhile, Ajagba boasts 14 knockouts in 20 professional fights, with only one loss, further establishing himself as a formidable opponent for the champion.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, explained that the British-Nigerian boxer’s injuries from the September fight, coupled with concerns about a quick turnaround, have ruled out his availability for an immediate rematch.

Joshua, who has amassed over $200 million in his career, including $75 million from fights this year alone, is expected to return to the ring in the summer.

Warren highlighted the champion’s flexibility for his upcoming defense, noting that the bout against Joshua in September fulfilled a mandatory obligation.

“First of all, the fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory, so he is allowed a period, which means he can fight in February and he’s allowed up until April or May to make a voluntary defense,” Warren explained.

IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed Dubois’ right to an optional defense, paving the way for a potential showdown with Ajagba.

Both fighters, known for their impressive knockout power and similar physical attributes, promise an explosive matchup.

The winner of the potential Dubois vs. Ajagba clash could position themselves for a lucrative unification bout against the winner of the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.

That fight will see the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles on the line, further intensifying the stakes in the heavyweight division.

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You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ—Odoh to Tinubu

The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has rejected his removal, claiming that President Bola Tinubu “can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ.”

Odoh, in a Thursday interview on Arise TV, said his dismissal failed to follow due process and undermined the autonomy of the institution’s governing council, which had appointed him.

“You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release,” Odoh said.

Yesterday, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced that he has dismised Odoh as Unizik Vice-Chancellor as well as the institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike and also approved the dissolution of the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice chancellor without following due process,” Onanuga said.

Onanuga said the controversial appointment drew the attention of the federal government after tensions arose between the institution’s Senate and the governing council.

In response, Odoh refuted claims that his appointment had violated university laws, stating that his selection as VC had “followed a straightforward procedure” and not “through a press release”

“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my sack after investigating me,” adding that “Mr. President could have been ill-advised.”

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure.”

He also noted that his records were validated by the Sokoto State High Court and corroborated by the university’s registrar at the time of his confirmation.

“What some people did was to pay somebody to remove my records from the university.

The VC who appointed me still teaches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and he wrote my reference letter,” he added.

Odoh also alleged that his removal was influenced by regional bias, stating that being from Ebonyi State, often regarded as a ‘third-class people’ had made him a target.

“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State. People have ganged up to remove me at all costs.

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Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland for terrorism

Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism
Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, alongside four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland for terrorism. 

A report from Finland states the self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement published on its website on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police of Finland announced the arrests of five individuals on suspicion of terrorist crimes. 

The police indicated that Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the other four individuals were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.

According to the police, the suspect is believed to have promoted his activities from Finland through means that have incited violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation from the Central Crime Police, stated that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.” The statement also mentioned that four other individuals are suspected of financing this activity. 

“Claims will be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court today, November 21. The detention demands are linked to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, ” the statement added,

All five suspects were arrested earlier this week, and “international cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.”

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GATEWAY GAMES: All the facilities for the Festival will be ready – Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu


  • …We are leaving no stone on turn in order to deliver a world class event – Governor Dapo Abiodun
    By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

“The construction firms handling the renovation works at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto in Abeokuta, the Sports Complex in Ijeja and other venues to be used for the 2024 National Sports Festival will complete their various projects before the start of the event.”

This is the assurance from the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG on Thursday.

Honourable Wasiu explained that the State Government under the dynamic stewardship of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun is committed to deliver a National Sports Festival that will be remembered for a long time to come.

The State Government is giving a facelift to the Moshood Abiola Stadium built over three decades ago.

THE FACILITY UPGRADE:

★ Re-Grassing the pitch
★ Re-Laying the tartan track
★ Construction of tennis courts
★ Expansion of the media gallery
★ Construction of handball courts
★ Ultra morden digital score board
★ The VIP section will be upgraded

“Similarly, the Sports Complex in Ijeja that houses basketball, squash, table tennis and scrabble among other sports is receiving equal attention.

The renovation works there has reached an advance stage,“ the Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, who until his appointment was the Boss of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), for the Festival paid a visit to the State governor His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.

During the visit, the Governor said, “As we prepare to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the “2024 Gateway Games,” in Ogun State this January, we are proud to welcome 12,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country.

This Festival promises to be historic, with a state-of-the-art games village accommodating all athletes—a first in the event’s history.”

He went on to state that, “We have made significant upgrades to key facilities, including the MKO Abiola Stadium, Ijeja Sports Centre, and Remo Stars Stadium, alongside new basketball courts.

These legacy projects will serve Ogun State and the nation for decades, fostering talent development at world-class standards.”

“Innovations such as a digitized feeding system, efficient transport clusters, and comprehensive support for journalists will ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

With the invaluable support of Premium Trust Bank as lead sponsor, our Local Organizing Committee is working tirelessly to deliver the best Festival ever hosted in Nigeria.” the governor added.

“This event reaffirms Ogun State’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, creating opportunities for the next generation to shine. Together, we are setting a new standard for excellence.” He concluded.

For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, Babcock University, a private university will be providing standard accommodation facilities for all the athIetes.

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