Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala has hit back at former presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his remarks about democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to him, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) is a failed politician who does not have a history of democratic activism.

The presidential aide said this in an X post on Tuesday in reaction to Obi’s recent remark about the state of democracy under the Bola Tinubu presidency.

Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi said progress made since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has been eroded.

Responding, Bwala said, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy.

“Peter Obi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy?

“When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date.

“His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol. Talk Is cheap.”

inDrive, a leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide including Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to driver welfare through the recently concluded inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja. This special campaign recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan.

The weeklong initiative aimed to honor dedicated drivers who remained active throughout Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers. The campaign fostered a deeper connection between inDrive and its driver community, reaffirming the platform’s mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.

Drivers who remained online and consistently completed rides during the period qualified for a special contest recognizing their dedication. As part of this initiative, numerous hardworking drivers received substantial rewards, while the most outstanding performers were honored with exclusive, thoughtfully curated hampers—symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.

“At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan. This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders,” said Timothy Oladimeji, Country Representative at inDrive, Nigeria.

The inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Campaign underscores the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.

The Federal Government and the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV), have called for collaboration among stakeholders in the oil-production communities to ensure sustainable development.

This call was made by the Managing Director of FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero and the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, (Ph.D), at the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum held at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) was established by NNPC/FIRST E&P in 2023. The trust convened the KHCDT stakeholder forum with the theme, ‘Envisioning Sustainable Community Development in Niger Delta Host Communities: Identifying Challenges and Actualizing the PIA Paradigm Shift’ to provide a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration amongst Host Community Development Trusts. The event had in attendance representatives from oil and gas regulatory agencies, over 100 Host Community Trusts, Settlors and representatives from the private sector.
In his keynote address at the event, Lokpobiri commended NNPC/FIRST E&P for sustaining the strategic partnership with the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (KHCDT) and stressed the need for the leadership of various host communities to work harmoniously.
“The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust has shown its commitment to utilize the funds provided for them to ensure that there is meaningful development in the host communities. I believe that when community leaders work together, they can bring about real development,” he said.
In his remarks, Managing Director, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, who was represented by the General Manager, Engineering and Capital Projects, John Alamu described the company’s establishment of the Trust as a tangible demonstration of its enduring commitment to supporting the host communities’ long-term socio-economic development.

He acknowledged the notable strides achieved by the Trust through the implementation of impactful interventions across health, education, infrastructure, water, capacity building and local content development.
Also speaking, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who was represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Edith Lawson, explained that the forum serves as an opportunity to develop actionable strategies that could foster sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act are not only realized but equitably distributed among stakeholders.

According to Omotowa, the Petroleum Industry Act represents a significant shift in policy and approach, offering a framework for more equitable resource management and community development.
Chairman, KEFFESO Host Communities’ Development Trust (KHCDT), HRH Moko-ama Sangana Kingdom, Moses Theophilus, in his remarks said that implementing the PIA has the potential to bring about transformative changes, ensuring that the benefits of oil and gas activities reach those in oil producing host communities.
While expressing profound gratitude to the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV for the invaluable support in establishing the KHCDT, he noted that the prompt funding and commitment to the development of the KEFFESO communities by the company has been instrumental in bringing the forum to life.
Commenting on the forum, The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Safety, Environment and Community, Captain John Tonlagha, stated that institutionalization of the community development trust initiative remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector unlike previous community development efforts that lacked focus on governance, transparency and accountability.

The event also included a series of panel sessions that highlighted challenges confronted by the host communities and possible solutions to improving the welfare of the people.