Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Wednesday rejected the tag of “street urchins” and “low-class Nigerians” placed on his supporters.
Obi on X (formerly Twitter) stressed his belief in equality and empathy.
The former presidential LP candidate said he would never look down on any Nigerian regardless of their social or economic status.
In his statement titled: “Humanity is paramount in my politics, no street urchins,” Obi said: “Lately, I have heard a few people say that those who follow Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some have even gone as far as calling them “street urchins” and people of no value. It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens now look down on fellow citizens in such a degrading manner.
“I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. After all, we can only rise by lifting others. My involvement in politics has never been about associating with the so-called high and mighty, but about standing with the ordinary Nigerians whose voices have been silenced and whose resources have been stolen by the same “big names” who now parade themselves with all sorts of titles and names.
“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about the state of our nation that everyday Nigerians, are now battered by poverty and hardship, to the point their leaders refer to them as of no value, and urchins.
“Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. That is why I will continue to do my part to ensure that the ordinary Nigerians enjoy a better life, one built on access to education, quality healthcare, and genuine efforts to lift them out of poverty.
“True leadership is not about mocking the weak, it is about lifting them up.”
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu to ECOWAS Committee: Uphold fairness, inclusivity in distribution of the statutory positions
From: Vincent Ikuomola and Goodness Abiodun Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has urged the Economic Community of West African States’ Adhoc Committee on rotation of statutory positions to uphold fairness and inclusivity in sharing positions among member states.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the adhoc committee meeting in Abuja.
The members of the committee were drawn from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo.
The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing and considering proposals for the allocation of statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions for the term 2026 to 2030.
It has till December 2025 to turn in its report.
The current appointees’ tenure expired in June 2025 having exhausted their four year non-renewable term.
Addressing members of the adhoc committee, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the importance of the work of the committee given the sensitivity of appointments.
She said: “We are fully aware that the appointment of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions remains a matter of considerable importance and sensitivity among Member States. This issue has become even more delicate in recent times, given the reduction in the number of statutory positions available following the implementation of the ECOWAS institutional Reforms.
“In this context, our Committee must be mindful of the need to uphold fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of the statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions.”
She therefore warned that aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources should not be trampled upon.
According to her: “It is also essential that the aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, but who have nonetheless demonstrated unflinching commitment to the organization, are duly recognized and accommodated.
“It is equally important to underscore that our membership of this Ad-hoc Committee should not be construed as a pathway to positions of leadership within the ECOWAS Institutions. Rather, our engagement should be guided by the principles of regional solidarity, prioritizing the collective interest of the Community above national aspirations. In doing so, we will contribute to fostering deeper unity, mutual trust, and a shared sense of purpose among our citizens.
“As we prepare to commence deliberations on the Memorandum before us, I encourage us all to approach our discussions with unflinching commitment, open-mindedness and a spirit of constructive dialogue. Let us remain focused on ensuring that the outcomes of our engagements are both meaningful and impactful for the future of our region.”
The Minister also assured the gathering that Nigeria will as traditional leader to engage with all member states to build consensus and ensure collective decisions for the future of the community.
“We would also recall that Nigeria, as a long standing and committed Member State, played a significant role in shaping and supporting the institutional reforms which culminated in the current and more streamlined structure. Excellencies, these reforms were aimed at reducing operational costs, optimizing administrative efficiency, and enhancing the effectiveness and impact of ECOWAS programmes across the region.
“I want to therefore assure you that as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all Member States to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our Community.”
The minister also commended the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and his team for the comprehensive and well-prepared Memorandum provided to guide the deliberations of the committee over the course of the two-day engagement.
“The document thoughtfully reflects the relevant legal framework governing the allocation of statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions, and will no doubt serve as a valuable reference in facilitating our discussions,” she said.
In his earlier remarks, Touray urged the committee to do its work with broader interest of the Community at heart.
He reminded the gathering that the Council of Ministers was informed at the 94 ordinary session of the impending end of mandate of the current management of ECOWAS Institutions by July 14, 2026 in compliance with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions in ECOWAS Institutions.
This, ECOWAS Commission President culminated into the setting up of the six member adhoc committee.
He stressed that “Article 14, paragraph 3 of the Supplementary Act mandated Council to recommend the allocation of the positions to the ECOWAS Authority based on a proposal to be submitted by the President of the Commission.
“To facilitate this process, Council, in June, established this six-member ad hoc committee, comprising of the Republics of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo, to review the proposed allocation of the Commission and submit it to Council for consideration, and ultimately to the ECOWAS Authority for decision.”
He also adedd: “During this meeting, the Commission will be presenting a memo setting out the framework for the allocation of the statutory positions for your consideration. The memo was prepared taking into account the provisions of the 2012 Supplementary Act and historical data on the allocations of the statutory positions of the institutions since 1975.
“It is the expectation that the ad hoc Committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart.”
