Ideas leave a trail.

Yesterday, Thursday 23rd May, after meeting with His Excellency the Governor Bala of Bauchi State, I proceeded to Madarasatu Intisharu Islam Qismu in Bauchi, where I had visited in the past and supported them with the sum of 5million naira to provide chairs and other items for the school. On visiting yesterday, and seeing improvements that have been achieved and how enthusiastic the children are, I was glad and gave them another sum of 5million to support the scholarship of indigent students. We must invest in the lives of these children for our own future and for the progress of the country. A new Nigeria is POssible.-PO

Today, in continuation of our consultations and collaboration efforts, I was in Bauchi state with some notable Igbo Leaders where we had a very insightful discussion with Governor Bala Mohammed. The mission is aimed at a United, Secured, productive and progressive Nigeria that cares for all, especially the less privileged. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Elevation For More Service to Humanity. My dear younger brother, Distinguished Senator Tony Nwoye, congratulations on your emergence as the Senate Minority Whip. This elevation provides a greater platform for you to continue your service to humanity, particularly the poor and suffering Nigerians who look toward principled leadership for hope. Remain steadfast to the Unity of our dear country, the well-being of the people, and the progress of our nation towards a new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

Today, Wednesday, I had the honour and privilege of hosting the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Gautier Mignot at my residence in Onitsha. It was an enriching meeting as we shared some useful conversations. -PO https://t.co/t8yPDx6Rp2

Nigeria Must Prioritise Education or Risk Falling Further Behind. Yesterday, at Coal City University Enugu I delivered a lecture on 'Repositioning Nigeria’s education sector for national growth and global competitiveness' I also seized the opportunity to commend the Vice-Chancellor and the entire management of the University for their commitment to academic excellence and for providing a platform for meaningful national discourse. No nation rises above the quality of its education system. Nigeria’s current low Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.548 and persistent high unemployment are clear symptoms of chronic underinvestment in education and human capital development. The data is equally revealing. Nigeria allocates less than 10% of its budget to education, far below the 15–20% global benchmark. Youth unemployment and underemployment exceed 30%, while life expectancy remains among the lowest 50–55 years. Literacy levels hover below average 59% and 65%, all of which point to deep structural weaknesses in our development trajectory. In contrast, comparable countries such as Indonesia and Egypt, and South Africa have high HDI levels with HDI scores of 0.72–0.75. They all have higher life expectancy of above 65 years, higher literacy levels and higher per capita incomes of $3,500 above, while Nigeria is about $1000. This stronger progress was through sustained and deliberate investment in education, healthcare, and broader human capital development. The difference is not in talent, but in priority and policy consistency. We must move beyond rhetoric and confront these realities with urgency. I therefore called for a total review of Nigeria’s education funding model, stronger public-private partnerships, and more inclusive policies that recognise the role of both public and private institutions in educating Nigerian students. It is difficult to justify excluding private universities from intervention frameworks like TETFund when they are actively contributing to national capacity building. Education is not charity; it is the foundation of national growth and the gateway to global competitiveness. With sustained investment in education and a deliberate focus on human capital development, a new Nigeria is not only POssible - it is inevitable. -PO

The Attack on the GUO Bus Along Benin–Ore Expressway: Condemnable. I received the devastating report of a violent attack on a GUO transport bus travelling along the Benin–Ore Expressway, where armed kidnappers reportedly ambushed the vehicle, killed the driver, and abducted all passengers into a nearby bush. Sadly, this has become an increasingly distressing and recurring story. This is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the worsening insecurity on our highways and across the nation. No society can truly thrive under such conditions of fear and uncertainty. The impact of this crisis now cuts across all sectors of national life and development. Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are being severely affected. Transporters are losing passengers, while traders and business owners are losing customers who can no longer travel safely to access goods and services. Economic activity is being quietly strangled by insecurity. We must urgently confront this situation and take decisive steps to improve security across the country, especially for ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the option of air travel. We must rethink and strengthen our national security architecture. The protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of the state. Anything less is unacceptable. May God protect our people and grant comfort to the families of those affected. -PO

Yesterday's Advocates of democracy, Today's Oppressor of the Press Nigeria is drifting dangerously. At a time when our nation should be strengthening its vital democratic institutions, we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite. The recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission, especially at this critical time of the general elections, is very troubling. A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy. The media is the conscience of the nation. Attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy. Institutions are not built to serve governments; they are built to serve the people. At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country, and the economy continues to fail the average citizen. Our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results. Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions. I stand in solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are standing against this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression. We must return to the path of transparency, accountability, and true independence of all arms and agencies of government. We cannot continue to endanger our democracy. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Nigeria Is Bleeding From Within It is deeply troubling to read recent World Bank reports indicating that, while Nigeria’s Federation Revenue surged to ₦84 trillion in just three years, a staggering 41% —amounting to ₦34.44 trillion —never reached the Federation Account. This sum exceeds the combined ₦34 trillion earmarked for capital projects in the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills, a comparison that underscores the gravity of the situation and signals that something is fundamentally wrong. This is not a mere oversight; it points to institutionalised corruption on a massive scale. In 1994, when the Okigbo Panel reported about $12.4 billion from the Gulf War oil windfall as unaccounted for, Nigerians were outraged and the nation shook with indignation. Today, an even more troubling situation appears to be unfolding, yet it is met with a disquietening silence. We are trapped in a lethal paradox: Earning more as a nation, yet having less to invest in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. From 2025, systemic “deductions” have allowed agencies to capture more resources than entire states and even critical ministries. These leakages explain why countries with fewer resources are out-performing us across key development indices. With such a broken system, how can we fix power, strengthen our schools, build resilient healthcare, or develop critical infrastructure? Nigeria has no business being poor. We must stop these leakages through disciplined, transparent leadership driven by character. It is time to redirect our hijacked resources back to the people and move Nigeria into the league of developed nations. With our collective resolve to change this corruption-infested system, a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The news of the abduction of innocent UTME candidates in Benue State is not just heartbreaking but a damning indictment of the failure of leadership and the collapse of security in our nation. Young Nigerians striving for an education are being met with terror. In a country where the share of tertiary graduates is already painfully low (about 1%) which is far below peers like Indonesia (about 13%) and South Africa (around 10%). This is unacceptable. We cannot afford to lose even one more student to violence. Those entrusted with protecting these young students appear increasingly preoccupied with the next election, projecting strength and power to rig elections, rather than deploying that same power and agencies to secure our roads, prevent these crimes, and rescue the abducted children who should not be in the hands of criminals but in examination halls. This is no longer an isolated tragedy. It is a pattern. It is a national crisis. And it demands urgent, decisive, and responsible action, not excuses, not silence, but leadership that matches the scale of the emergency this deserves. A nation that abandons its youth abandons its future. This cannot continue. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today in Abuja, I had a breakfast meeting with some diplomats that included, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and his Colleagues from European Union, Germany, Canada, and France. It was an enriching discussion on relationships. -PO https://t.co/6QgX5bzQoh

Yesterday, we witnessed yet another defining moment in our democratic journey as the ADC convention was held successfully against all odds. I must respectfully appreciate the leadership of our party, ably led by the Chairman, Distinguished Senator David Mark, whose calm and steady guidance continues to provide direction at critical moments. My gratitude equally goes to the convention organising committee led by H.E Lyle Imoke, whose diligence, sacrifice, and attention to detail ensured that this convention was not only held, but was successful in every sense of the word. To our delegates, party faithful, volunteers, and supporters across Nigeria and beyond, I thank you deeply. You have once again demonstrated that democracy thrives when the people refuse to give up on it. I sincerely thank all Nigerians who, through their resilience and unwavering belief in democracy, made this possible. Your commitment is a reminder that the power of the people remains stronger than forces that seeks to undermine it. However, now that the convention has come and gone, we must move quickly from celebration to responsibility. Nigeria is facing very serious challenges, economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and a general sense of uncertainty among our people. These issues require urgent attention, clear thinking, and decisive action. The success of this convention must therefore not end as an event; it must become a renewed commitment to building a nation that works for everyone. We must focus on offering practical solutions, strengthening our institutions, and restoring hope to millions of Nigerians. The way forward demands unity, sacrifice, and integrity. We must put Nigeria first, above personal interests, above politics, and above all forms of division. If we remain focused and committed, I believe strongly that we can build a new Nigeria that is possible, sustainable, and beneficial to all. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Bidding His Lordship Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu, Goodbye I am deeply saddened by the passing of Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki. His life was a shining testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to the service of God and humanity. Through his ministry, he strengthened the spiritual life of the faithful and contributed meaningfully to the growth of the Church and society. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as to his family and loved ones. I also commiserate with the entire Universal Church, which has lost a devoted shepherd in the vineyard of the Lord. May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord, and may God grant comfort, strength, and peace to all who mourn this great loss. -PO

Borno–Yobe Border Airstrike: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Defence Strategy I read the reports of the accidental airstrike at Jilli Market in the Borno–Yobe border area, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several innocent Nigerians. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the affected states in this painful tragedy. May God grant eternal rest to the departed and comfort to all who are grieving. I have refrained from making any hasty conclusions on the matter, as the details remain unclear, including what exactly transpired and the confirmed casualty figures. That said, such tragic incidents are often associated with a combination of factors, including operational constraints, coordination challenges, and limitations in equipment and ageing platforms. We have witnessed similar occurrences in Nigeria in the past, and this underscores the urgent need to invest in modern fighter jets, upgrade existing platforms, and ensure continuous, rigorous training and retraining of military personnel. In the midst of the challenges facing the country, we must continue to stand in solidarity with our military personnel who risk their lives daily to keep Nigeria safe, while also insisting that they are properly equipped and fully supported to discharge their duties effectively and prevent avoidable tragedies of this nature. Overall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must rise fully to the immense challenge of national security. At this critical time, decisive leadership, strengthened coordination of security architecture, and sustained investment in modern defence capacity are required to address the worsening insecurity and prevent further loss of innocent lives. -PO

I will be a guest on Arise Prime Time today at 8:00pm, where I will be discussing issues of national importance and our collective path toward a better Nigeria. I invite you to join the conversation. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO https://t.co/H3kjjSKV8m

From Pharisee to Tax Collector: Rethinking Tinubu’s Kenyan Comparison In a recent remark in Yenagoa, Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggested that Nigerians should find solace in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries.” While this may have been intended to soften the impact of economic hardship and rising fuel prices, the comment risks downplaying the severity of the current crisis. It echoes the biblical parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Gospel of Luke (18:9–14). A similar warning is found in the Qur’an (53:32), which cautions against self-righteousness. Like the Pharisee who boasted of his superiority over others to mask his own spiritual void, such downward comparisons serve more as a refuge than a remedy. This validated an earlier dismissive remark by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu during electioneering: “Na statistics we go shop?” Yet statistics remain indispensable - they are the language through which nations understand their condition and chart progress. No country can develop in isolation from measurable realities or without comparing itself with peers. Comparisons, when properly grounded, are not instruments of escapism but tools of accountability. What is objectionable is not comparison itself, but comparison stripped of credible, verifiable data—mere tax collector comparisons that soothe rather than solve. On key development indicators such as security, the Human Development Index, life expectancy, GDP per capita, literacy levels, and electricity access, Kenya consistently outperforms Nigeria. Nigeria is the fourth most terrorised nation in the world, while Kenya is not among the ten worst. Kenya’s HDI ranking is 143 out of 180 countries, with a coefficient of about 0.630, compared to Nigeria’s ranking of 164 out of 180, with a coefficient of about 0.530. Its GDP per capita is roughly $2,200–$2,300, compared to Nigeria’s $807–$835. Kenya’s poverty rate is about 43% of the population (approximately 23 million people), while Nigeria’s is about 63% (around 150 million people), over six times that of Kenya. Kenya’s life expectancy is about 67 years, while Nigeria’s is about 54 years. The literacy rate in Kenya is approximately 81–85%, compared to Nigeria’s 62–65%. Kenya’s electricity access is higher, while Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of electricity access in the world. Kenya has about 3.5 million out-of-school children, while Nigeria has about 20 million. Kenya’s inflation rate has been about 4.5% or lower over the past three years, while Nigeria’s has remained above 15% within the same period. Kenya’s exchange rate has been around USD 1 to KES 130 over the past three years, whereas Nigeria’s exchange rate rose from below ₦500/$1 to above ₦1,250/$1 within the same period. Even with developments in the Middle East and rising oil prices, Kenyans have not experienced the sharp increases in petroleum product prices seen in Nigeria. Across other key indicators, Kenya also performs better. In the end, these indices clearly show that Kenya ranks higher than Nigeria on several development metrics. The standard of living of Kenyans is better than that of Nigerians. If the President considers Kenyans to be suffering despite these stronger figures, then Nigerians are in a far more difficult situation. He should therefore refrain from self-consolation and, in honest reflection, take responsibility for the situation and make a determined effort to drive improvement. This requires a posture of humility, accountability, and commitment to addressing the factors that have slowed Nigeria’s development. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I honoured the invitation of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation at the launch of its landmark report titled “Strengthening the Nexus Between Democracy and Economic Growth in Nigeria.” The report and the robust panel discussions that followed did not just present data; they reiterated the necessary truth that we have failed in critical areas of development: health, education, and pulling our people out of poverty. Over the past decade, our democratic progress has weakened while the economic well-being of our people has continued to decline. Consensus thinking from the event is that our leadership recruitment process must change for democracy to thrive. The recruitment must be based on competence, capacity, compassion, character, and commitment to serving the well-being of the people. And for it to thrive, our institutions must be strong, independent, and accountable to the people. We must rebuild trust in our institutions, restore discipline in Leadership, and ensure that governance translates into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

A Call to Reflect: The Death of Brigadier-General O. Braimah The moment I heard of the killing of yet another soldier, Brigadier-General O. Braimah, who was killed alongside other army personnel in a Boko Haram attack at Benisheikh, I was quickly reminded of what other countries commit to when it comes to rescuing their endangered soldiers on the battlefield. Such unfortunate incidents serve as a clarion call for all of us to reflect more deeply on the value we place on the lives of all citizens, including those who stand in defence of our nation, and on the urgent need to strengthen our collective resolve in safeguarding them. May God grant his dear wife, the families of all the fallen soldiers, and indeed all those who lost their lives in the incident, the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May their souls rest in peace, in honour of their supreme sacrifice for the nation. -PO

U.S. Security Alarm on Nigeria: A Bad Omen The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria due to rising insecurity is deeply worrisome and should be treated as a national emergency, especially for a country already struggling to attract investors. Nigeria currently ranks fourth in the Global Terrorism Index, yet insecurity continues to worsen - lives are being lost and communities remain under constant threat. There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, what prevails are schemes that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety of citizens. The U.S. directive is a clear signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture. Disturbingly, reports indicate the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today. A nation where people cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot progress or attract investment. The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, yet in this regard, we as leaders have fallen short over the years. Our failure continues to place immense strain on our troops, who make the ultimate sacrifices. Sadly, as Nigeria deteriorates, we as leaders, like Nero, remain preoccupied with politics, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to campaign for. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Standing Up for Democracy Today, I joined fellow Nigerians, leaders, and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by National Chairman Sen. David Mark to participate in a peaceful "Save Democracy" protest. This event was not just an effort to protect our democracy; it was also a moment of reflection on how far we have fallen as a nation. We must resist the suffocation of our democracy by those who once claimed to have sacrificed to defend it, but are now doing everything possible to undermine it and silence opposition. History will not be kind to those who traded the struggle for democracy for the comfort of power. We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender the future of this nation. The will of the people must prevail—stronger, louder, and impossible to suppress. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed. We say NO to a one-party system and for that today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO