Ideas leave a trail.

The regularity of bloodletting of innocent souls in our country has reduced the news value of human deaths. A glance at the news in a day in Nigeria, one would see the sad reality of our dear nation, and one would wonder if our country's leaders are really concerned. Even hitherto peaceful areas have turned into killing fields. From Kano today comes a bomb explosion that has left at least 5 persons dead, many injured. And just yesterday, 12 wedding guests were attacked and killed in Plateau, and 11 others were injured. In Kebbi, 30 people were confirmed dead as bandits went on a rampage. In Borno, a female suicide bomber killed 24 citizens. In Katsina, bandits gunned down a police inspector. All of this just in a day, for a country that is not even at war. And there are still many other unreported cases as the incidents are spreading to all nooks and crannies of the country. We must begin to treat insecurity as an utmost national priority. And to see the criticism on it as a genuine and constructive voice to help direct authorities to their failings. An administration that continuously allows insecurity and other vices to thrive is doing a grave disservice to the nation. The world is watching. People see these killings and corruption all over the system. Allowing these insecurities and corruption to continue is the real demarketing of the country. But while the country bleeds daily, the relevant authorities must offer adequate response. The grieving Nigerians are not shown any empathy by leaders. We must tackle this insecurity now. It is destroying lives and demarketing our nation. All hands must be on deck. We must act now to save our country. Nigerians deserve to live. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

On World Sickle Cell Day Last Thursday, the global community marked World Sickle Cell Day - a moment to reflect not only on the burden of Sickle Cell Disease, but also on the strength and resilience of those living with it. Since 2017, I have either personally attended or been represented at the annual commemorations of this important day, an expression of my commitment to the cause and to the lives it affects. Sickle Cell Disease is more than a medical diagnosis; it is a condition that imposes deep social and economic challenges on individuals, families, and communities. As a society, especially within professional and workplace settings, we must continue to encourage inclusive environments where those managing this condition are given the understanding, flexibility, and support they need to live full, productive lives. I salute the doctors, researchers, caregivers, and advocates whose tireless efforts continue to improve the quality of life for those affected. Above all, I honour the quiet determination of sickle cell warriors, many of whom are making remarkable contributions to their communities despite daily battles most of us never see. This day is a call to action for us all: to promote early screening and genetic counselling, combat stigma, and strengthen our healthcare systems to provide affordable, accessible care. I particularly commend Mrs. Aisha Edwards, whose dedication to this cause continues to inspire and transform lives. I thank Sir Paul Chukwuma for his generous donation of an ambulance, and all others who have offered support in one way or another. Your compassion speaks volumes. Let us, together, build a more humane society where no one suffers in silence and where every person, regardless of health status, is treated with dignity and given every opportunity to flourish. -PO

From learning to lamentation: The Crisis in Oko I am deeply saddened by the tragic attack on the learning environment of the Oko community in Anambra State, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, which reportedly claimed some lives and left several others injured. Also distressing are reports that some staff members of the academic institution were abducted during the same incident. This horrifying act is yet another painful reminder of the growing insecurity that continues to endanger lives across our nation. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, and my thoughts are with the injured and the entire Oko community during this difficult time. I also stand in solidarity with the students and staff of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, who must now cope with the trauma of this violent disruption to their lives and academic pursuits. It is disheartening that educational institutions, places meant for learning, growth, and safety, are now targets of such violence. We must, as a matter of urgency, make the safety of our citizens a priority, especially the youth and educators who play a vital role in shaping our future. The government and security agencies must act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the release of those kidnapped. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for a more proactive and people-focused approach to security. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant comfort to their families and healing to all who have been affected. -PO

It is with the utmost sadness that I once again reaffirm what I have consistently said: Nigeria has become a crime scene. How else does one explain the recent revelation by the Senate, which uncovered the audited accounts of the NNPC from 2017 to 2023? The Senate uncovered ₦210 trillion in financial irregularities, ₦103 trillion in so-called “accrued expenses”, and another ₦107 trillion in unaccounted “receivables.” No documentation. No accountability. No consequences. This is not just another scandal, it is a clear and damning confirmation of a nation held hostage by monumental corruption. Our national budget within the said period of 2017 to 2023 is as follows: 2017 ₦7.440 trillion. 2018 ₦9.120 trillion 2019 ₦8.916 trillion 2020 ₦10.590 was initially approved and in June revised to ₦9.974 trillion due to COVID. 2021 ₦13.588 trillion. 2022 ₦17.130 trillion 2023 ₦21.830 trillion Total: ₦88.010 trillion Our total national budget within the said period was not up to 50% of the said financial discrepancies and irregularities. This is a criminal institutionalised betrayal of the Nigerian people and a grave threat to the future of the society our children will live in. No responsible nation can continue to function like this without confronting this truth. This criminality masquerading as governance must be stopped and dismantled for a better Nigeria. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

One of the consistent principles of leadership is the willingness to make ultimate sacrifices and take risks. A true leader does not make excuses or complain; he shows up, sacrifices, and provides solutions, especially in difficult times. While I do not advocate for our President to expose himself to monumental risks, I cannot accept the excuse that bad roads prevented him from reaching Yelwata in Benue State—especially after he had already made it to the state. This visit happened days after the massacre, with enough time to plan appropriately. But let’s ask the fundamental question: Who is responsible for fixing the roads if not state and the federal governments? If the Commander-in-Chief cannot reach a part of his own country due to bad roads, what hope is there for the ordinary Nigerian who plies those same routes every day? Leadership is not about comfort; it is about sacrifice. It is about standing with your people, especially in moments of pain and tragedy. You cannot abandon your citizens in their hour of need. You don’t offer excuses when action is required. Even if we accept that the roads were truly impassable—which they are not, as presidential aides and staff managed to navigate them—what happened to the use of helicopters? Are we saying a nation that boasts of a presidential air fleet could not airlift the President to Yelwata to condole with grieving citizens? The people of Benue did not need protocol or explanations. They needed empathy. They needed presence. The roads may be bad, but what is worse is the institutional neglect that brought us to this point. A New Nigeria cannot—and will not—be built on excuses. It will be built on the sacrifices, courage, and responsibility of true leaders. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

What has happened to our compassion as a People ? We pleaded that the President should show Leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre of over 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that killed similar number in Niger State. But what we saw in Benue visit was instead of a solemn, reflective visit, a display that would have been more befitting for the commissioning of reconstructed Enugu-Makurdi highway, a critical road connecting South and Northern Nigeria which had become impassable for years. The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy. Even more heartbreaking is the role of the State. Rather than been in mourning mood and weeping declared a public holiday, not for reflection or prayer, but to organize fanfare. Schools were shut down. Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates, and parents were instead lined up under the rain, rehearsed to sing and dance for the President. In what kind of country does this happen? We have tragically arrived at a point where condolence visits have become carnivals. A time that should be marked by silence and solemnity is now polluted by banners, music, and rehearsed spectacles. Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally. This is not how any compassionate nation behaves. The energy, resources, and logistics poured into this charade could have gone into food supplies, temporary shelters, medical aid, school support, and trauma counselling for grieving families. Instead, we chose optics over empathy. Look elsewhere: When President Ramaphosa visited Mthatha after the floods in South Africa, there were no drums. No staged crowds. No rented cheers. Just presence, silence, and action. When Prime Minister Modi went to the site of a crash, no one lined up to welcome him. He came, he mourned, he acted. That is what leadership looks like in moments of pain. We must ask ourselves: What kind of people have we become? Enough of this culture of impunity. We are not at war yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping. It is not only insensitive, it is dangerous. Let us not forget: These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice. When very sad incidents like this turns to campaign or festival, our Nation Losing Its Soul. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Yet another heartbreaking report of the brutal killing of innocent farmers in Ikpakpara village, Agamede, Eha-Amufu community in Enugu State At the weekend, is sad news coming too often in our country. My heart breaks for the Eha-Amufu people, for the grieving families, and for those still searching for their missing loved ones. The Eha Amufu community has been experiencing a series of attacks that should lead to a permanent solution to the disruption of the people's peaceful living. These killings must stop. We cannot keep watching communities bleed without justice or protection. We cannot continue to allow our farmers to be afraid of going back to their farms. We cannot continue to allow insecurity. These Communities deserve not only our compassion but also real and immediate security intervention. To the people of Eha-Amufu: You are not alone. I offer my heartfelt condolences to your community and I pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace. May peace and security return to your land. -PO

It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State. For this I thank him even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger state that lost more number of human lives in a natural disaster, flood recently. Given the emergency nature of these incidents, a prompt visits would have delivered the urgency needed, instead of giving future dates that makes it look like a state visit. The presence of the President in these devastated and grieving communities will be very reassuring and uplifting. Both Benue and Niger States have lost over 200 lives each due to recent tragedies. In Mokwa alone, more than 200 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,000 are still missing following the floods. These are not just statistics; they are the lives of Nigerian families torn apart and their communities destroyed. The distance from Abuja to these affected areas is not far. Abuja to Makurdi is about 282 km and Abuja to Mokwa is about 287 km Combined, that’s roughly 1,134 km for a round trip to both locations, still significantly less than the 1,870 km round trip President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa recently made some days ago from Pretoria to Mthatha to personally visit flood victims in his country. Less than 100 persons died in Mthatha, and more than 200 died in Mokwa, with over 1000 still missing. If the South African President could do it, we trust that you, as our own President, can do the same for your people. Let your visit to Mokwa send a strong message, that all Nigerian lives matter, and that no community, no matter how rural, is forgotten. Please also consider stepping up security across the country, especially in disaster-prone areas. We look forward to seeing not leadership by remote control but proactive leadership that responds not just with words, but with compassion and action. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

What cannot be hidden in Leadership Leadership of a nation is such that it's either succeeding or failing, none can be hidden. There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do. It's in this line that I have always maintained that we must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country. Competence because Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them. Capacity because it is not a ceremonial position; it requires strength, stamina, and the mental energy to confront our complex challenges. And above all, leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over. But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored. Sadly, the evidence is right before our eyes. Recently, we witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, with many still missing. Yet, not even a single presidential visit, this, in a nation where the scene of the tragedy is less than an hour away by helicopter. Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning. No leadership face to comfort the grieving or give hope to the people. Yet, we have seen what true leadership looks like elsewhere: In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours. In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility. That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life. But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face. That is why I insist: Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

My heart is heavy as I learn of yet another horrific series of killings in Benue of women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons, all senselessly slain. This tragedy has become too common in our national life, and the Benue situation now calls for a national emergency. Over 200 lives have reportedly been extinguished in a single onslaught, homes burnt, families shattered, communities left in ruin. This is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership, a stain on our collective conscience. Every life lost is a Nigerian life, each one precious, each one irreplaceable. We cannot accept the normalisation of mass killing. It is intolerable. The primary duty of any government, federal, state, or local is to protect lives and property. When it repeatedly fails, we must ask: What kind of nation are we bequeathing to our children? To the people of Benue, I say: your pain is our pain. The blood of your loved ones cries out for justice. The survival of our people must not be negotiable; it must be urgent, deliberate, and comprehensive action. To all relevant authorities, I say that the time has come to move beyond symbolic gestures to decisive deployment. Let your actions speak louder than visits or statements. The time has come for the government to prove their commitment to protecting citizens, which is the primary duty of any government. A safe, secure Benue is not too much to ask, it is our moral duty, our national duty. This is not the Nigeria we deserve, nor the Nigeria we aspire to. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity. A safe Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I just arrived in the UK this morning, on Air Peace from Lagos to London. I have now taken almost a dozen flights to or from London on this airline. I want to sincerely thank the management and staff of Air Peace for their professionalism, consistency, and competence on this route. Once again, I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerian Elites and political leaders to give strong and deliberate support to indigenous businesses. It is never easy to run any business in our difficult environment, let alone highly capital-intensive sectors like air and land transportation, especially given the challenges of competitiveness and rising operational costs. Nigerian businesses need our encouragement and patronage, not harassment or unnecessary intimidation. Supporting local businesses, particularly those that create massive employment, is critical for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable national development. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Democracy in Decline: Reflecting on Two Years of Present Government Today, June 12, is slated as Democracy day. Most unfortunately, in our present state, our dear country Nigeria cannot be justifiably classified as a democratic country. The vital indicators of democracy are noticeably absent. Some do not even exist. Democracy is said to be ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ yet none of these three measures exist in our democracy today. Rules, regulations and requirements to participate in elections or be elected for are not followed, consequently, individuals who are to be disqualified ab-initio are now holding public offices. As we mark June 12, a day symbolizing the struggle for true democracy in Nigeria, it is deeply troubling that under this present administration in a short span of two years, our nation has witnessed broad erosion of democratic principles. There has been a corresponding decline in security and the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. We have traversed from rigged elections to collapsing social services; from soaring poverty to rising corruption; and from a seemingly stable economy to a parlous economy. It is most troubling that in its two years in office, the present government has brought the nation to the point where our leaders now celebrate and endorse failure, lies, and propaganda. The government today, rather than show genuine accountability and measurable progress, focuses on manipulating narratives, gaslighting the public, shifting blame and weaponizing governance. Meanwhile, Nigerians live in a worsening and worrisome insecurity, widespread corruption, hunger, and general despondence. There are no clear benchmarks for measuring tangible development, as we continue to witness the collapse of key indicators - like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation- which are parameters for measuring national progress. Simple comparisons of what has happened in the past two years, now relies on propaganda and misinformation to mask the mis governance. Our country today can best be described as a nation declining fast in all its facets. The security of lives and property has worsened, and the rule of law is virtually non-existent. These are the hard-verifiable facts: 1. On May 29th, 2023, when this government was sworn into office, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $364 billion. As of today, it has declined to $188 billion, a decline of almost fifty percent (50%). 2. Nigeria’s GDP per capita was $1,640 as of May 2023, but today it has dropped drastically to about $835, a devastating decline of about 50%. 3. Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty increased from 38.9% to 54% within this period, with about 129 million Nigerians now living below the poverty line. The World Bank reported recently, that 75% of Nigerians in the rural area now live in poverty as at 2025, and even more than previously recorded in the urban areas. 4. Our education sector has deteriorated significantly. Today, more than 18.3 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest number in the world. The quality of education in Nigeria is also fast deteriorating. Many of our children are being taught sciences without any science lab and computer studies without any computers. Students are now writing WAEC and other national exams in darkness relying on candles. There are now even glitches in their exams. 5. Health services have worsened drastically. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency decried that less than 20% of over 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centers across the nation are fully functional. I have even recently visited some Health Centers where delivery rooms were without toilets. The United Nation recently reported Nigeria as the world's worst country to give birth, with one death recorded every seven minutes.

Earlier this month, my dear sister @AishaYesufu called to give me the disturbing information that there were no computers, functional laboratories, or electricity in the Secondary School in Chibok, the same school where over 200 girls were sadly kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, with 70 still unaccounted for. With a population of over 2,500, the school had only one desktop computer. Aisha Yesufu respectfully requested that I buy an additional two and help install solar lighting, even if it was only for the computer classroom. While I was trying to contact His Excellency, my brother Governor Zulum, to enable me to visit the school, I was advised against doing so due to security concerns. Aisha Yesufu accordingly arranged a meeting between me and the Chibok community leaders in Abuja, where I presented them with 10 laptops and 3 printers as a start. I also donated the sum of ₦2 million each towards providing some items for the lab, the computer classroom, and a handheld motorised borehole, totalling ₦6 million. I promised to do more and made it clear to them that what I was doing was not a donation, but a sincere commitment and a promise to the future of our community. However, occasions like this are deeply disturbing and cause me to reflect and personally question our priorities and the rising costs of misgovernance. One wonders why we live in a nation where our students don’t have labs, books, or even pencils, while our leaders live in opulence, spending billions to renovate conference centres, build car parks, and furnish new lodges of international standards. I continue to plead on behalf of all of us that the time has come for self-examination. We must prioritise critical areas of development, education, healthcare, and pulling our people out of poverty. -PO

Today, in Abuja, along with several other notable persons, I attended the presentation of the book titled OBI: The Political Change Agent, written by the respected journalist Ike Abonyi, former Group Political Editor of ThisDay Newspapers and the founding Deputy Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspaper. Ike Abonyi did a very good job chronicling not just a political journey, but a call for transformational leadership rooted in competence, capacity character, and compassion. The event was also used to mark the rebirth of the Obidient Movement, an organic body formed by Nigerians who are delirious of creating a new Nigeria. The keynote speaker at the occasion, Prof Sam Amadi, who spoke on the inevitability of a new Nigeria, provoked thoughts on how and why a new Nigeria is inevitable. At the event, I reiterated what I have always stood for, that our votes must count and that democracy must reflect the will of the people, not the manipulation of a few. Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, and the need for sincere, accountable leadership has never been greater. The fight is not about personal ambition, it is about the future of our children, the integrity of our institutions, and the soul of our nation. We must continue to believe in a new Nigeria, one built on justice, equity, and service to the people. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Rest Well, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha. His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice - his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth. For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people. His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old. Through his work, he immortalised the essence of life - its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience. Recently, one of his old tracks, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo), took social media by storm, popularised by Brain jotter, a young content creator. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, to the government and good people of Enugu State, his home and cultural base, and particularly to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as he leads the state in honouring one of its finest sons. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy never fade. -PO

Five Years Without Pay: An Urgent Call for Justice for Staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Today, I met with a group of teaching and non-teaching staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and heard their pathetic story. What they shared with me was both shocking and heartbreaking. These are individuals who were duly employed by the university between 2019 and 2020, yet have remained without pay for five years. They informed me that despite multiple petitions and appeals — both within Nigeria and to relevant international bodies — their situation has remained unchanged. What they face is not simply delayed salaries, but complete exclusion from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has made the disbursement of their lawful earnings impossible. Their accounts are harrowing. Some have lost their homes due to eviction. Others have suffered broken families, untreated medical conditions, and in some tragic cases, the death of colleagues who could not afford basic healthcare. These are not isolated incidents but the consequences of systemic neglect and failure. While we continue to lament poor investment in education, here is a clear case where even the most basic obligation to educational workers — the payment of salaries — has not been met. This is not just a labour issue; it is a moral and humanitarian one. I call on the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively to resolve this matter. The affected staff must be immediately enrolled on the IPPIS platform, and all outstanding arrears must be paid without delay. A nation that neglects its educators and university staff undermines its own future. Their dignity, like that of every Nigerian worker, must be protected. -PO

As the Nation Mourns the Exit of Two Great Leaders I wish to join the families, friends, and associates of two foremost Nigerians - the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais (89), and the former Minister of Education and Petroleum, Professor Jibril Aminu (85) - in mourning their passing after such illustrious service to our fatherland. Justice Uwais was an outstanding jurist who upheld the rule of law and ensured that justice prevailed under his watch. Equally significant was his contribution to deepening our democracy through the renowned Uwais Report, which laid the groundwork for vital electoral reforms. In the same vein, Professor Aminu was a conscientious educationist who also served as President of OPEC. I admired his bold vision to bring education to the grassroots through the controversial nomadic education system, designed to reach herdsmen wherever they were. He was both futuristic and revolutionary in approach, and such a programme, had it been sustained, would have significantly improved access to education for pastoral communities. Professor Aminu was a man who saw tomorrow and understood the transformative power of mass education as a catalyst for national development. Nigeria needs more such visionary and committed leaders to confront the myriad challenges facing our country today. My condolences go to their families and to the governments of Kaduna and Adamawa States. I pray that Almighty Allah grants their souls eternal rest and gives their families the strength to bear this great loss. -PO

Eid al-Adha: A Time for Reflection, Sacrifice, and Leadership As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Eid al-Adha, I join them in thanking Almighty Allah for the grace of sacrifice, unity, and peace that this sacred occasion represents. This solemn festivity reminds us of the enduring power of faith, obedience, and selflessness. This celebration is also a time for deep reflection on the values that bind us as a people - compassion, justice, and a shared responsibility for one another, especially the most vulnerable in our midst. May it especially be an opportunity for our leaders at all levels to reflect on the noble virtues of leadership - sacrifice, accountability, humility, and service - and apply them becomingly in the discharge of public duty. I wish all Nigerians a peaceful and joyful Sallah. May this season renew our collective hope, strengthen our unity, and inspire us all to work toward a better, more inclusive Nigeria. Eid Mubarak! -PO

Following my earlier remarks on the security situation in Benue State on May 28th, 2025, I would like to once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the good people of Benue State over the tragic and senseless killings that continue to plague their communities. The pain, anguish, and sorrow being experienced across Benue are not only heartbreaking but also a grave indictment of a nation that is repeatedly failing its own people. Just a few days ago, I commented about the growing wave of violence and bloodshed across our country, particularly in Benue, Kogi, and Plateau States. Sadly, those fears have once again become our tragic reality, as communities are attacked and innocent lives are lost. This is not just unacceptable, it is intolerable. I commend the recent move by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oloyede, to relocate along with Principal Staff Officers to Benue State. This decision signals a welcome shift toward prioritizing the security of a region that has endured far too much bloodshed. I earnestly pray that this action brings lasting change for the good and resilient people of Benue, who deserve not only protection but also meaningful justice, and the freedom to live, farm, and work in peace without fear. The blood of innocent Nigerians cries out for justice. The security and survival of our people must be the foremost responsibility of any government that claims to be responsible and compassionate. My heart is with every grieving family in Benue and across Nigeria. I stand with you, not just in words, but in the call for urgent, deliberate, and comprehensive action. A safe Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today, along with @SenNenadiUsman and Dr @YunusaTanko, I travelled to Niger State to condole and show solidarity with the Governor and the good people of the state over the devastating floods in the Mokwa area of Niger State. While in the UK yesterday, I had earlier called the governor, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago @HonBago, to express my heartfelt condolences. While in Niger State, I was warmly received by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Yakubu Garba, and we had a discussion about the urgent needs of the affected communities, where over 200 lives have been lost, about 1,000 persons are still missing, more than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and several homes destroyed. As I mentioned during the visit, this incident and others happening all over Nigeria affect us all, and as a family, we must come together to care, comfort and stand together, especially in times of grief and difficulty. I hereby urge and appeal to the Federal Government, all support agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the good people of Niger State in ameliorating their suffering. I also wish to commend the efforts of the Governor and the local response teams for their courage and resilience in the face of this overwhelming challenge. As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger State during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of ₦20 million to support the effort of the government and I will continue to support their effort. I pray that God comforts the families of those who have lost their loved ones, protects those still missing, and grants healing and strength to everyone affected by this disaster. May Niger State find peace and restoration. -PO