Ideas leave a trail.

Bidding Christian Chukwu Farewell Today, I joined other patriotic and sports-loving Nigerians to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s finest sports minds, Chairman Christian Chukwu, who was laid to rest in his country home, Obe, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The late Chukwu embodied all that a great athlete should be—discipline, resilience, leadership charisma, all wrapped in exceptional humility. For many years, as both player and coach at club, national, and international levels, Chukwu displayed uncommon sportsmanship and left a legacy that will inspire generations. The love and honour shown to him by friends, associates, and mentees, both in life and in death, speak volumes about the selfless and fulfilled life he lived. I commend the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah, for his promise to care for the old Rangers players. I urge him to stand firm on this commitment and call on other state governors and the federal government to support our sportsmen and women who sacrificed their youthful years to represent their states and country, contributing immensely to our national pride. They must not be forgotten in their time of need. My condolences go to his immediate family, his friends and colleagues, and the entire football community of Nigeria. I pray God grants his soul eternal repose and blesses Nigeria’s new generation of sportsmen and women with many more Christian Chukwus in the New Nigeria that is Possible. -PO

Last night, I joined many notable Nigerians and foreigners to mark the 35th Anniversary of Zenith Bank and its Chairman’s Dinner. It was a time of celebration of the legendary founder of the institution: Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, and Zenith Bank’s phenomenal successes. The evening was mostly about vision, leadership and service which have brought Zenith Bank to great heights. As Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier 1 capital for 16 consecutive years, one of Africa’s most reputable financial institutions with footprints in strategic global markets, Zenith Bank must be getting many things right! We also celebrated the indefatigable Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji OON, who is the very first female Group Managing Director/CEO of the Bank. I was elated to see the bank honour customers and staff, some of whom had been with the bank for 35 years. Everything was about leadership, from the humble beginnings to heights unimagined. Congratulations to Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for the great vision. Congratulations to Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji OON for taking the vision to new heights. You are a gift to Zenith Bank. Congratulations to the entire Zenith community. -PO

Today, for the 2nd time, I honoured the invitation of Hon. Professor Lilian Orogbu @Oby_Orogbu, Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, to commission several laudable projects she attracted to her constituency. A 500kva transformer in Isuanaocha community, which has long been without electricity. This will significantly improve the quality of life for residents and support micro and small businesses in the area. Over one kilometre of road in Umudioka, Awka South Local Government Area, a critical road in that community. A newly constructed classroom block at Ikwodiaku Primary School, Awka, Awka South Local Government Area. I am particularly delighted about the new classroom block at Ikwodiaku Primary School, because of my personal connection to its history. When I was Governor of Anambra State, there was no single classroom building in that school. I recall vividly that in 2012, the then PTA Chairman, accompanied by all the students, came to the government house. When I inquired why they were in front of my office, I was told that the man was complaining that the pupils were learning under the sun and rain without any shelter. As someone who values education deeply, I immediately promised them that I would respond in three weeks. In less than three weeks, I instructed a contractor to begin work in that school immediately. I personally monitored the project and within a few months, classroom blocks were completed, giving the children a conducive learning environment. Today, I was pleasantly surprised when the same PTA Chairman approached me during the event to remind me of that encounter. And now, thanks to Hon. Prof. Lilian Orogbu, the school has an additional block to further enhance learning. Prof. Orogbu is gradually proving to be an outstanding Representative of the people and Leader. I have commissioned several of her constituency projects, and they reflect her commitment to service and the welfare of her people. A New Nigeria Is Possible - PO

FDI to Nigeria Declines Amidst Unending Global Galivanting and Uncoordinated Reforms While the President, Ministers, and other government officials continue their global galivanting in search of FDI, our poor performance in key governance indicators - such as rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and voice and accountability - continues to prove that you cannot attract sustainable foreign investment with poor leadership and governance. According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, FDI to Nigeria sharply declined by about 70% in the first quarter of 2025, falling to only $126.29 million from $421.8 million in the last quarter of 2024. Of the total capital importation of about $5.64 billion in the first quarter of 2025, FDI accounted for only about 2.24%, compared to 8.2% in Q4 2024. Disturbingly, about 90% of the imported capital went into speculative money market instruments. With such a high proportion of capital importation flowing into speculative investments, the impact on industrial growth or job creation is highly insignificant and elusive, given the ease with which such “hot money” can exit the economy. Let me reiterate: sustainable economic growth and development cannot be achieved through poor leadership and weak governance—problems that are clearly reflected in declining FDI and our poor performance in key governance indicators. To further illustrate our precarious situation, capital flows to the manufacturing sector declined exponentially by 32.1%, dropping to only $129.92 million in Q1 2025 from $191.92 million in the same quarter of 2023. There is no better confirmation of the lack of trust in this government, whose reforms remain uncoordinated and largely reactive. In 2024, while global FDI flows declined, FDI to Africa significantly increased to $97 billion—a rise of about 75% compared to 2023. Europe, the United States, and China were the main sources of this FDI. Egypt attracted the highest share in Africa, with $46.58 billion. Other top recipients included Ethiopia ($3.98 billion), Côte d’Ivoire ($3.80 billion), Mozambique ($3.55 billion), Uganda ($3.30 billion), Democratic Republic of Congo ($3.11 billion), South Africa ($2.47 billion), Namibia ($2.06 billion), Senegal ($2.02 billion), Guinea ($1.83 billion), and Morocco ($1.64 billion). Most disappointingly, our dear nation, Nigeria—the so-called “Giant of Africa”—received only $1.08 billion, about 1% of Africa’s total FDI, representing a decline of about 42% from 2023. Worse still, after this 42% drop between 2023 and 2024, FDI to Nigeria has further declined by 75% between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. We cannot achieve sustainable growth and development with ineffective leadership and a weak government. A New Nigeria is Possible! - PO

2025 Bye-Elections On the 16th of August 2025. Nigerians will go to the polling units again for the Bye-Elections. This is expected to take place in the 16 States of the Federation with 2 Senatorial, 5 Federal House of Representatives and 9 State Assembly seats available for voting. Kindly note that because the Labour Party has no recognised candidates by INEC due to the internal crisis, I humbly urge every member of Obidient and COPDEM families to go out and vote for the coalition political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), in their respective states. The struggle for Nigeria has started. Thank you. -PO

Again our President moves as the Nation bleeds Amid the deplorable state of our nation in all ramifications, we have a virtually indifferent President who has continued to display insensitivity to our situation. How can anyone explain that a President who came from Brazil recently and met with the President is returning to the same country, leaving the various degrees of challenges at home unresolved? The latest itinerary of the President shows he will depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil.   The President will stop over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan. In Japan, President Tinubu will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in the City of Yokohama from August 20 to 22. The itinerary is silent on the President's return date to his visibly troubled nation. The situation we find ourselves in is deeply worrisome. Our President, who has not found it worthy to visit any of our troubled states, takes joy in travelling to foreign countries at the slightest invitation or excuse. Often departing several days even before the events he’s invited to. In his last trip, for instance, he had a one-week State visit to St lucia before attending the BRICS Summit, where Nigeria was merely invited as an observer, though the role was dressed up as “partner” to the invitation, which was more significant. The leaders of actual member countries who attended only arrived a day or two at most for the event. Nigeria’s insecurity situation, economic hardship, and human suffering have reached their peak. We are now counted among the most insecure nations, the most fragile economies, and the hungriest countries in the world. This dire reality demands the full attention of Mr. President, and his travels should be more within our troubled states and communities, spending time on the ground, and taking decisive action to alleviate the people’s suffering rather than these overseas conferences that contribute little or no tangible value to our nation's woes. And where the trip is necessary at all, it could be attended in just a few days rather than indulging in prolonged, unnecessary absences from a country that requires 24/7 attention. What our nation needs now is security of lives and properties, economic stability and ensuring that our people have food on their table. Our President's planned trip of 12 days departing today, if necessary, should have been at most a 5-day trip as the event he was invited to in Japan commences on the 20th. Nigeria today demands competent leadership with capacity and compassion to start dealing with the problems besetting it with the presence and sacrifice required. Mr. President must, as a matter of urgency, commence tours of our states with the same enthusiasm he shows for jetting out of the country every month. These visits will enable him to see, listen and learn more about what Nigerians are going through. Though Nigerians know that our huge problems cannot be solved overnight, they want to see 100% effort and tireless commitment to solving them. Most importantly, our President must know that he's not a tourist, but the Chief Executive of a troubled nation, so he must have consciousness, strict work schedules and a strict travelling schedule to show that he has a troubled country to quickly return to. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Fish Magnet: We Must Not Allow Lawlessness to Thrive Today, I paid a condolence visit to Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi to commiserate with her over the painful tragic loss of her beloved son, Ifesinachi Onyekere, Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet. Ifesinachi was a promising young Nigerian SME entrepreneur based in Awka. Tragically, he was kidnapped and later killed by yet-to-be-identified criminals, who abandoned his remains in Amawbia. This shocking and senseless act of violence is a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity in our society. We must all raise our voices to strongly condemn such heinous acts. I call on our security agencies to thoroughly investigate this brutal murder and bring the perpetrators to justice. Our society must not become a haven for lawlessness. We must all work together - government, community, and citizens alike - to build a safer, more secure Nigeria. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to Ifesinachi Onyekere, and may He give his family the strength and fortitude to bear this heartbreaking loss. -PO

Standing with Mrs. Azuka for Onitsha North 1 Constituency Today, I visited Mrs. Justina Azuka, who recently suffered the tragic and gruesome loss of her husband, Hon. Justice Azuka, at the hands of kidnappers. In the face of this unimaginable pain, Mrs. Azuka has chosen the path of service, stepping forward to contest the Onitsha North Constituency 1 seat in the House of Assembly, to serve the remaining 13 months of her late husband’s tenure. She is a young mother of three — the eldest just 7 years old, and the others only 5 and 3. I have always maintained that leadership without compassion is meaningless. True leadership must balance competence with humanity. Mrs. Azuka is an HND graduate in Public Administration — qualified, competent, and a woman of strength, resilience, and commitment to serve. I call on all well-meaning citizens, at home and beyond, to rally behind her candidacy. Supporting her is not only an investment in competent representation but also a collective act of solidarity that will help ease the pain and heavy burden of her loss. She has my full support, and I urge us all to stand together to ensure that this capable and committed daughter of ours is elected on Saturday, 16 August 2025. In doing so, we send a clear message that in the new Nigeria, we will be compassionate, we will care for one another in times of difficulty, and we will uphold justice alongside competent leadership. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The fight against corruption in our country must be Transparent to succeed. The arrest and interrogation of the former Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Honourable Aminu Tambuwal @AWTambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has opened up an existing contradiction apparent in the fight against corruption in the country. I have always reiterated that the sincerity of leaders is what is needed to tackle corruption in our society. And I look forward to the time when the anti corruption fight in this country will be under one law that applies to all, no matter who is involved, and not one targeting political opponents and perceived enemies of the incumbent government. I expect the anti-graft operatives to be guided by their conscience and the rule of law if they hope to achieve much in wiping out corruption in our society. The rules of evidence and fact must replace impressions and preconceptions. In a credible fight against corruption, the public must be convinced that the rules are even and the subjects are not arbitrarily selected by the political convenience of the powers that be. A corruption free Nigeria is possible only if our fight is transparent. -PO

On this International Youth Day, I join the global community in celebrating the resilience, creativity, and boundless potential of our young people, the true engine of our nation’s progress and the architects of the future we all envision. Across education, health, technology, sports, and other fields, Nigerian youths have continued to showcase the spirit of resilience, hard work, and excellence on both national and international stages. You are the bedrock upon which the great future of our nation must stand. Yet, for a country where about 70% of the population is youthful, and where over 45% face unemployment or underemployment, we cannot afford the continued neglect of our youth. Investing in you through quality education, accessible healthcare, and support for entrepreneurship is the surest path to national transformation. A nation that invests in its youth secures its survival and guarantees its greatness. My commitment remains firm: to create an environment where your talents are nurtured, your dreams find expression, and your hard work is rewarded with dignity. Let this day remind us all that our youth are a priceless asset for development and transformation. We must build a safe, secure, and just society where your dreams will blossom, your skills will meet opportunities, and your future will be a national priority. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

The Poor Must Not Be Punished While the Powerful Walk Free Yesterday, I sincerely apologised to Ibom Air and its crew for the unacceptable conduct of one of their passengers. This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger, the young Ms. Comfort Emmanson in her twenties, has been banned from flying for life—once again showing how our system works, proving the truth of Anacharsis’ words that “the law is like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease.” There is everything systemically Wrong and unjust about this authoritarian decision. What due process was followed over night leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution on this matter? It is a tragic irony that a young lady in her twenties can be banned for life, while we—her parents —commit worse crimes against humanity and are celebrated; those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences, and in Ms. Emmanson’s case, the authorities acted with lightning speed, but the same urgency is absent when dealing with the influential and politically connected. If this young woman, who indeed acted wrongly, now seeks to apologise, who will hear her cry in a country where the pain of the poor is invisible and the dignity of the less privileged is often disregarded? Justice must be consistent, or it becomes oppression in disguise. This must change. Justice must be equal for all. There must be room for compassion, for rehabilitation, and for understanding when misconduct stems from frustration or displaced aggression. Power must never determine who is punished and who is pardoned. May God heal our land. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to the fore the double standards in our lives and the inadequacies of our various security operatives in acting decently and in a civilised manner. I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson. We must, as a society, learn and uphold good conduct, as it is a true measure of success and decent living. However, I must equally strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment meted out to this young woman. Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies. It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk is still at large, with government agencies and some state officials speaking up for him to be forgiven. This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials. While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court. We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker. This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as “excellencies” while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice. We must end this selective treatment of the poor or less privileged. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly. The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

In our country today, hunger and poverty are not just distant statistics, they are the harsh reality that millions of our people face daily. Recently, the United Nations stated that about 34 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity, and abour 63% of our population, which is about 133 million people, now live in multidimensional poverty. Inflation even with the suppressed statistics is nearly 30%, while unemployment and economic mismanagement have nearly wiped out our once vibrant middle class. Families who once lived stable lives are now slipping into poverty. But this is not just ordinary, it is as a result of incompetent leadership without capacity and compassion, who are not interested in putting the Nigerian people first in their actions. Other nations have faced similar challenges and turned their fortunes around through disciplined leadership, sound economic policies, and a total commitment from the leaders to invest in human development and pulling their people out of poverty. A recent example is what is happening in Argentina. In Argentina, over 52% of its population lived in poverty by early 2024 according to the World Bank, with millions of Argentines unable to meet basic needs. Inflation was above 200%, and economic confidence had collapsed. Yet, within two years, through decisive action to cut waste in governance and prioritize economic stability, the newly inaugurated president was able to cut down the poverty rate to 38.1% from 52% in just 2 years and extreme poverty fell to 8.2%, with inflation just around 2–3% monthly. As at 2025, the urban poverty had declined to 31.6%, lifting millions of people out of poverty. Investor confidence grew and the economy began to grow. The people now see real improvements in their daily lives. Both Argentina and the current Nigerian leadership assumed office in the same year, and this proves what I have always stated, that two years may not be enough to change a nation with a 100% turn around but it is more than enough to kickstart the transformation journey that will change the fortune of our dear country, with the people witnessing real and genuine change, but only if the leadership is honest, focused, and committed to the people. Nigeria can work. We can reduce hunger, and restore dignity to Nigerians. But this will not happen while corruption and criminality dominate our governance. Our nation requires leaders who will put the people first, manage resources prudently, and stand firm in rejecting corrupt practices. Nigeria will work, but only if we, as leaders, commit to tackling corruption, cutting the cost of governance, and focusing on critical areas of development like education, healthcare, and lifting the people out of poverty, just as other nations have done with remarkable results. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Celebrating a Life of Service: Mr. Mac Oruche at 72 Today in Port Harcourt, I had the honour of celebrating the 72nd birthday of Mr. Mac Oruche — one of the very few I can truly call my dear elder brother, owing to his deep compassion for humanity and society. Over the years, we have shared meaningful discussions on our nation’s development, especially in the areas of health, education, and lifting people out of poverty. I have always admired his unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. The event was well attended, but what struck me most was his Thanksgiving speech. True to his compassionate spirit, he chose not to speak about himself, but about the urgent need to invest in healthcare, education, and human infrastructure. He pledged to support the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt in building a School of Nursing Sciences — a much-needed intervention in a state that, regrettably, has fewer than three nursing schools, even at a time when health remains the foremost measure of development. Instead of hosting an elaborate party, Mr. Mac donated ₦100 million towards this vision. As someone equally committed to improving healthcare, I was honoured to support him with ₦15 million, alongside contributions from many others inspired by his generosity. Happy 72nd birthday, my dear elder brother. You remind us that true celebration lies in service to our society and to humanity. May God Almighty, who has been with you all these years and who sees your goodness, grant you many more healthy, fruitful, and happy years. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I have just received the deeply saddening news of the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a statesman with whom I had the privilege of sharing a close relationship. He was one of those rare politicians with whom I could have genuine and insightful discussions about our beloved country, particularly on agriculture, a sector he was deeply passionate about. During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, and in his strategic planning for the North, he demonstrated vision, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to seeing Nigeria feed itself and thrive through sustainable agricultural development. Chief Ogbeh carried himself with humility and integrity qualities that earned him respect across political divides. His passing is not only a personal loss to me but also a profound loss to Nigeria. May God Almighty, who has called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom and grant his family and all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. -PO

My unwavering commitment to investing in the education and health of the nation propelled the trip I made to Bauchi state today, Friday, August 8, 2025, where I parted with a total sum of N25m in three institutions. I see education and healthcare as the two most critical pillars for building a strong and prosperous nation. My first point of call was the Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences, Bauchi, where I made a donation of ₦10 million to support the training of healthcare professionals and for the strengthening of the educational infrastructure of the community. Good healthcare begins with well-trained personnel, and such investments are vital for our collective well-being. The second institution I visited was the Madrasatu Intisharul Islam Qismu Tahfizul Qur’an, an Almajiri School in Yelwa, in the Bauchi Local Government Area of the state. I was deeply impressed by the quality of education they provide. This school exemplifies what I have consistently advocated, that we must take basic education to where our children who study the Qur’an are, because no child should be left behind. I was delighted to see that alongside Qur’anic studies, they also provide basic formal education to nurture the brilliant minds of the Northern child. I supported the school with ₦5 million and assured them of my continued support. Afterwards, I proceeded to engage with the Student Union of Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. We had a meaningful discussion about the transformative power of education in national development. I was very impressed with the level of national awareness which the students portrayed. I encouraged them to remain steadfast in their studies, as they represent the future of our dear nation. Thereafter, I paid a courtesy visit to my dear friend and brother, H.E. Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State. We discussed matters of mutual interest, particularly in the areas of the development of our dear country. Finally, I visited Thomas Moore College of Health Sciences and Technology, Bauchi, where I extended another ₦10 million in support. This will help strengthen their capacity to train more health professionals who will serve our communities with dedication and competence. For us to get a better Nigeria must begin with deliberate investments in our people, through quality education, improved healthcare, and opportunities that leave no part of our dear country behind. Again, to improve our nation, we must invest in education, health and pulling our people out of poverty. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Celebrating two remarkable Anambra sons and former Governors on their special day Sen. Dr. Chris Ngige (Onwa), 73 Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike), 70 I pray God grants you continued strength and grace in body and soul. Many happy returns! – PO https://t.co/vnEUVVfdEf

JAMB: A Plea for Compassion. While passing through Amawbia, in Anambra State recently, I noticed a large crowd of students gathered outside the JAMB office - some even perched precariously on the fence. The scene was striking and may likely be the same in some other states across the country. Troubled by what I saw, I stopped to speak with a few of the students. They explained that they were there to make changes to their course or institution choices. I found this surprising, as such services are ordinarily processed at JAMB-designated CBT centres. When I inquired why they weren’t using those centres, their response was disheartening: most of the CBT centres had stopped offering the service, leaving them with few or no alternatives. Further investigation revealed that out of 28 JAMB-approved centres ( CBTs)in Anambra State, 17 have been blacklisted. Sadly, many of the affected centres were not even informed of the specific reasons behind this action. The explanation given was the vague phrase: “under investigation.” The consequences of this are far-reaching. Students are now forced to travel long distances - sometimes from remote parts of the state - just to access basic services at the JAMB state office. From my interaction with the students, I learnt that many have made up to five unsuccessful trips before being attended to. What is more troubling is the sharp increase in the cost of processing these changes: a service that should ordinarily cost around ₦1,500 at accredited centres now costs up to ₦15,000 at the JAMB office - often padded by unofficial fees. These young Nigerians—already grappling with immense pressure—now face even greater financial, physical, and emotional strain. The challenges they confront have prevented many from transferring to their preferred institutions, placing their academic futures at serious risk. To make matters worse, several universities have already begun their post-UTME screening, leaving these students further disadvantaged and uncertain about their prospects. This is happening at a time when the country is grappling with severe economic hardship, rising insecurity, and high youth unemployment. That students and their parents must suffer so needlessly is both unjust and avoidable. While JAMB may have valid reasons for blacklisting some centres, one must ask: could a more humane and transparent approach not have been adopted? Is it not possible to allow these centres to continue offering essential services under close monitoring, pending the outcome of investigations? Education remains the hope of our nation. We must not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks and opacity to derail the dreams of our young people. I appeal to JAMB to reconsider its position and embrace a more compassionate and efficient response that makes the welfare of the students a priority. -PO

On the Arrest of Omoyele Sowore I was deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore @sowore yesterday, shortly after he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force. At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention. His arrest, particularly under circumstances where he presented himself in good faith to law enforcement, should be condemned by all who value justice and due process. From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment. To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power. As the ancient Greek philosopher Plato rightly said, “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.” When those entrusted with power act unjustly, they poison not only the legal order but the moral conscience of the nation. I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law. Anything short of this would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions. It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens- regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment. -PO

The continuous protest by retired members of the Nigeria Police Force over their poor pension scheme is deeply regrettable and must not be ignored. These are men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting our nation, often at great personal risk. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant security challenges, it is both demoralising and unjust for those who once served on the frontlines to be abandoned in retirement. How we treat our retired security personnel speaks volumes about how we value those currently serving. The government must urgently implement a comprehensive and dignified pension scheme that reflects the years of sacrifice of our retired officers and ensures they live in comfort and honour. Doing so is not only a moral obligation, but it is also a step toward boosting the morale and commitment of those still in active service. No nation achieves lasting peace and order without first respecting and caring for its protectors. We must show compassion and care for those who once protected our nations, so that we will not risk losing the trust and commitment of those still in uniform. -PO