Obi Accuses NFF Officials Of Blocking Him From Greeting Nigeria’s Flamingos, Says They Feared Losing Jobs

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at an airport on Monday, allegedly because they feared losing their jobs.
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Obi described the incident as another example of what he called the growing culture of “toxic politics” in Nigeria, claiming that political differences were increasingly being allowed to undermine national unity and ordinary human interactions.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor said he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he saw the young footballers, who had just arrived and were preparing to leave the airport.

He said he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet and welcome the players but was informed that NFF officials had objected to the idea.

“I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town,” Obi wrote.

“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.”

Obi said the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with Nigerian footballers because of concerns that officials could face consequences.

He recalled that on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a World Cup qualifying match, he was similarly prevented from greeting players after the game.

According to him, the governor had welcomed him at the VIP stand, but other government officials who went to greet the players were allegedly stopped from allowing him to do the same.

“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate said the incidents reflected what he described as a deterioration in Nigeria’s political environment since 2025.

“It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected,” he stated.

Obi called for a political environment in which citizens could interact freely regardless of their political affiliations, insisting that hostility and intimidation should have no place in the country.

“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences,” he added.

Obi Had Congratulated Flamingos After World Cup Triumph

Obi’s complaint came a day after he congratulated the Flamingos following their triumph at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

In a separate post on Sunday, he praised the players for their performance and described their achievement as a source of national pride.

“FLAMINGOS: YOU HAVE MADE NIGERIA PROUD,” he wrote.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional Flamingos on their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

World Cup

“To our talented young stars, thank you for raising our flag high and bringing immense joy to our nation. Your remarkable talent, resilience, hard work and dedication have earned you a special place in the hearts of Nigerians.

“You have made our nation proud, and we truly appreciate your outstanding efforts.

“Congratulations, champions!”
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Police Warn Motorists Against One-way Driving in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way, threatening the arrest and prosecution of offenders regardless of their connections or attempts to secure intervention from influential individuals.
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The command also cautioned motorists against disregarding traffic signs and bypassing diversions, particularly around road construction sites and areas where traffic movement has been restricted.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, who said the command was concerned about the increasing disregard for traffic regulations by some motorists.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, was quoted as warning that contacting senior police officers, government officials or influential personalities would not exempt offenders from the consequences of traffic violations.

“No individual, regardless of status, position or connections, will be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic regulations,” the statement said.

Sanusi consequently directed the command’s Motor Traffic Department and all Divisional Traffic Officers to work with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant traffic management agencies to intensify enforcement operations.

He ordered the arrest and immediate prosecution of motorists caught driving against traffic or disobeying lawful traffic directions.

The police commissioner also warned enforcement officers against using the exercise to extort motorists, saying officers found engaging in such conduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with existing police rules and regulations.

It added that road users should understand that the few minutes saved through reckless driving were not worth the risk of losing lives or damaging property.

Police

The police also urged residents to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

Earlier in August 2026, the Command warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as “one-way”, reckless driving and other violations capable of causing accidents, traffic congestion and loss of lives and property.

The warning followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, to all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and personnel of the Motor Traffic Division (MOTOPOL) to step up enforcement of traffic laws across the territory.
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Ibom Deep Seaport: Governor Eno Calls for Unity, Stakeholders’ Support for Project

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on stakeholders and residents of the state to unite and support the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of his request for Federal Government support.
Eno made the appeal on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during a special thanksgiving service at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket.
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The Governor expressed gratitude to God for the successful hosting of President Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and their entourage during their recent visit to the state.
He also appreciated the President for approving his request for Federal Government support towards the development of the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport.

Eno urged political leaders, stakeholders and residents to put aside their differences and work collectively to ensure the project becomes a reality, warning against any form of interference that could hinder its implementation.

According to him, the seaport project is critical to the economic future of Akwa Ibom State, the South-South region and Nigeria at large.
“Let peace and unity reign in our State. Let us all be thankful to God for the Presidential approval for the development of the Seaport, and work together in love to ensure the project is fully brought to reality for the overall benefit of our State, our region, and the nation,” he said.

The Governor assured the people that the project would commence, insisting that no individual or circumstance would be allowed to frustrate its realisation.

He added that the project would create lasting benefits for future generations, urging residents to give it their collective support.
Eno further commended the people of Akwa Ibom for their solidarity, hospitality and cooperation, which contributed to the successful hosting of President Tinubu.
He urged residents to sustain the spirit of peace, love and unity in the interest of the state’s development.

Earlier, the General Secretary and Trustee of the Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev. Godwin Amaowoh, who preached on the topic, “We Are Well Able,” drawn from Numbers 13:30-33, encouraged Christians to demonstrate courage, confidence and positive thinking in pursuing their goals.

Amaowoh urged believers to trust in God and resist intimidation, noting that an individual’s mindset plays a significant role in determining success or failure.

He commended Governor Eno for what he described as courageous leadership, particularly his role in reclaiming a 72-hectare gully erosion site and transforming it into a world-class tourism facility.

Umo Eno

The cleric also outlined principles of courageous living, including being selective about friendships and exercising discretion when sharing personal visions, warning that excessive disclosure could undermine the achievement of one’s goals.

He encouraged the congregation to maintain a positive outlook, focus on success rather than failure, and believe that their aspirations could become achievable realities.

The thanksgiving service featured special praise and worship sessions in appreciation of God’s faithfulness and blessings upon Akwa Ibom State.
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