Ideas leave a trail.

Empowering the People Through Purposeful Representation Yesterday in Awka, I witnessed another inspiring demonstration of what purposeful representation can achieve through the empowerment programme organised by Professor Lilian Orogbu. What I saw was remarkable: vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, refrigerators, grinding machines, and other productive assets being distributed to constituents - not merely as gifts, but as tools for creating livelihoods, strengthening families, and promoting self-reliance. Prof. @Oby_Orogbu has consistently demonstrated that public office should be about service. Her interventions in education, infrastructure, scholarships and human development reflect a commitment to leaving her constituency better than she met it. Whenever she invites me to an event, it is almost invariably to commission a school, inspect a road, support a scholarship initiative, or participate in a project that directly benefits the people. This is the kind of public engagement we must encourage in our country. As I said yesterday, if she has achieved this much as a first-term legislator, one can only imagine what even greater impact she can make with more experience and responsibility in the National Assembly. I commend Professor Lilian Orogbu for her courage, commitment and compassion. I also commend the people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency for supporting a representative who continues to demonstrate that leadership is about service, sacrifice and measurable impact. Nigeria will progress when public office becomes less about what leaders receive and more about what they give back to the people. With clear leadership, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO*Empowering the People Through Purposeful Representation* Yesterday in Awka, I witnessed another inspiring demonstration of what purposeful representation can achieve through the empowerment programme organised by Professor Lilian Orogbu. What I saw was remarkable: vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, refrigerators, grinding machines, and other productive assets being distributed to constituents - not merely as gifts, but as tools for creating livelihoods, strengthening families, and promoting self-reliance. Prof. Orogbu has consistently demonstrated that public office should be about service. Her interventions in education, infrastructure, scholarships and human development reflect a commitment to leaving her constituency better than she met it. Whenever she invites me to an event, it is almost invariably to commission a school, inspect a road, support a scholarship initiative, or participate in a project that directly benefits the people. This is the kind of public engagement we must encourage in our country. As I said yesterday, if she has achieved this much as a first-term legislator, one can only imagine what even greater impact she can make with more experience and responsibility in the National Assembly. I commend Professor Lilian Orogbu for her courage, commitment and compassion. I also commend the people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency for supporting a representative who continues to demonstrate that leadership is about service, sacrifice and measurable impact. Nigeria will progress when public office becomes less about what leaders receive and more about what they give back to the people. With clear leadership, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Building a New Nigeria Through Education, Healthcare, and Responsible Citizenship Yesterday, I visited Faith Foundation College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, where I was delighted to witness the remarkable progress of the projects currently under construction. The proprietor shared something deeply encouraging. He revealed that it was my initial support to the institution, particularly my earlier donations, that gave them the confidence to commence many of the projects now taking shape. In continuation of my commitment to improving healthcare and supporting the training of quality health professionals, I presented the institution with an additional cheque of ₦10 million to support the ongoing projects and assured them of my continued support until the vision is fully realised. Thereafter, I joined the participants at the 68th Annual Conference of Anglican Youths at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Nsukka, where I encouraged the young people to embrace their responsibility in building a new Nigeria. I reminded them that the Nigeria we desire cannot become a reality unless they actively participate in shaping its future. I urged them to reject politics based on tribe, religion, or language and instead insist on electing leaders of proven character, competence, capacity, integrity, and ethical values. Our future depends not only on the leaders we produce but also on the standards we demand. Together, we can build the New Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

Supporting Healthcare Education with My Visit to Ibadan’s Nursing Institution. After attending the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church, I proceeded to the College of Nursing Sciences, Oluyoro, Ibadan, where I interacted with the management and students of the institution. I reiterated my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for building a better nation, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare. The training of competent healthcare professionals is essential to improving the quality of care and strengthening our national development. In keeping with my earlier commitment to continually support the institution, I donated another ₦10 million to assist the College in its important work of training future nurses and healthcare professionals. This is part of my continued commitment to investing in education and supporting initiatives that contribute to Nigeria’s future. I also encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, reminding them that nurses occupy a vital place in the healthcare system. Their skills, compassion, and dedication are needed not only in Nigeria but across the world. I urged them to pursue excellence, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and become worthy ambassadors of our country. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I have followed with deep concern the developments surrounding the reported freezing of the bank accounts of the Osun State Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), coming just days before the governorship election. Let me reiterate that I have always supported a relentless fight against corruption. However, that fight must never become a tool for political intimidation or the suppression of democracy. No institution, however important, should be used in a manner that creates the impression of influencing the electoral process. The timing of this action raises legitimate questions. If investigations had been ongoing for months, why take such a drastic step on the eve of an election? In a democracy, institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial. What is increasingly troubling is the growing perception that state institutions are being deployed to achieve political ends and secure power at all costs. This is dangerous for our democracy. Governments come and go, but once institutions lose their independence and credibility, the nation suffers. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the Constitution provides a clear path: seek the appropriate orders from a competent court. Due process is the foundation of justice. No agency should exercise powers beyond those granted by law. I call on all relevant authorities to act strictly within the Constitution and ensure that nothing undermines the credibility of the Osun Governorship Election. The people of Osun must be allowed to freely determine their future through the ballot, without intimidation or institutional interference. Nigeria’s democracy was built on sacrifice. We must not allow it to be weakened by the misuse of institutions or the pursuit of political advantage. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I joined my dear brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, and faithful members of the Methodist Church from across the country and beyond at the opening of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Ibadan. I thank God for His faithfulness to the Methodist Church over the years and reflect on the immense potential Nigeria possesses as a nation. I encourage the Church and its delegates to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, standing with the suffering masses, and continuing to advocate for justice, good governance, and a better Nigeria for all, especially in these challenging times. The Church remains one of our nation’s strongest voices of hope, conscience, and moral leadership. I thank the Methodist Church for its invitation and ask that they continue to remember our nation in their prayers. I urge them always to pray that God Almighty would touch the hearts of politicians and leaders, so that they will always think and use public resources for the public good. I wish them a fruitful and successful conference. A New Nigeria is POssible – PO

When a Government Declares War on the Truth President Donald Trump of America recently described Nigeria as “a now disgraced country.” The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people. The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition party in Nigeria. Across military regimes and successive democratic administrations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has maintained a principled voice on national issues and the nation’s conscience, commending governments when they deserved commendation and speaking the truth whenever national conscience demanded it. Its interventions are driven by a moral obligation, rooted in Christian social teaching, to defend truth, justice, and the common good. The same applies to Nigeria’s major religious organisations. Bodies such as Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have repeatedly raised concerns over economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity. Living among the people, religious leaders often encounter the suffering of citizens firsthand. They speak because they witness families struggling with rising food prices, unemployment, and the fear created by kidnappings and insecurity. As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction. As Governor, I had the opportunity of working with a very strong Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha, and religious bodies that consistently criticised me and offered suggestions. This contributed greatly to our success in Anambra State, especially in critical areas like education and health. Against this background, the attacks on the CBCN, and especially on His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, are deeply troubling. Even in 1998, when Pope John Paul II visited Nigeria and told General Abacha some hard truths, including about the incarceration of Chief Moshood Abiola, nobody vilified him. During the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, to demonstrate his purported commitment to and respect for the Catholic Church, President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome days before the event, ahead of most other visiting dignitaries, including Catholics such as the U.S. Vice President, JD Vance. He participated in the liturgy, queued with other world leaders to greet the Holy Father, and displayed deep respect for the moral authority of the Church. Back in Nigeria, however, that posture has now changed completely. What is playing out today also reveals how political leaders sometimes exploit religion and ethnicity to divide the people. Even when it was obvious that the CBCN was speaking on issues affecting Nigerians across religious and ethnic boundaries, aides to the President immediately reduced it to a “religious affair.” The question is: are insecurity, poverty, inflation, unemployment, and hardship problems exclusive to a particular faith? Do these challenges recognise religious or tribal boundaries? The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily: insecurity has worsened, poverty is deepening, inflation is crippling families, businesses are struggling, and hope is fading. These are realities echoed by religious leaders across the country, to whom successive governments gave thanks and promised to look into their observations. Rather than address these concerns or explain the measures in place to ameliorate them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aides and supporters responded with vicious attacks, particularly against Cardinal John Onaiyekan, with little regard for his age, stature, and accomplishments.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of being the Guest Speaker at the Babcock International Model United Nations (BIMUN 26), held at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, under the theme: “Better Together: A Decade of BIMUN Advancing the United Nations Vision for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.” Before the students’ session, I had the pleasure of meeting with the University’s leadership, where we shared thoughts on the critical role of education in nation-building and sustainable development. I must commend the University’s management for their commitment to learning and excellence. I was truly impressed by the institution’s serene environment and the palpable culture of learning. Engaging with these brilliant young minds on governance, leadership, human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, and nation-building was both inspiring and reassuring. I reminded them that we must strive to build a society where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody, a nation founded on merit, justice, equal opportunity, and strong institutions. Such a society can only be built through competent, compassionate, and character-driven leadership. Africa has the world’s youngest population. If we are to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future, our young people cannot afford to remain on the sidelines. They must take a keener interest in leadership, governance, and active citizenship, because the future they desire is one they must help shape. I remain confident that with the right leadership and an empowered youth population, we can build a nation that works for everyone. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Condolence on the Passing of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji I am saddened by the passing of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, the Sardauna of Sokoto, former Minister of Finance, and diplomat who served Nigeria in various capacities. He will be remembered for his years of public service and his role as the Sardauna of Sokoto. His contributions to the nation and the Sokoto Sultanate will remain part of his legacy. On behalf of my family and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, the Sultanate of Sokoto, the royal family, and all who mourn his passing. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort the bereaved with strength and fortitude in this difficult time. -PO

Honouring Two Extraordinary Nigerians: Charly Boy and Newton Jibunoh Yesterday, July 31, I attended the launch of 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy in Lagos. Charly Boy is one of those people many may easily dismiss because of his appearance or the public persona he projects. But beyond that is Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, a thoughtful intellectual, a compassionate human being, and a patriot deeply committed to building a better society for all. What particularly inspired me was the work he is doing through his foundation to promote men’s health. Having survived prostate cancer himself, he has chosen to transform his personal experience into a campaign for awareness, early detection, and improved access to treatment. Good health remains one of the most critical foundations of a productive and progressive society, and I am committed to supporting this noble cause. Today, August 1st, I visited the newly established Newton Jibunoh Centre and Museum in Asaba, the brainchild of Newton Jibunoh. Although I was unable to attend his Mandela Day event, themed “Poverty and Inequality Are in Our Hands,” I considered it important to pay him a visit. My dear Father, Newton Jibunoh, remains one of Nigeria’s living icons. He is a man whose stories, experiences, and wisdom can keep you listening for hours without fatigue. His remarkable road expeditions across the Sahara Desert to London, beginning in 1967 and repeated in 2000, 2008, and subsequent years, are enduring testimonies to courage, resilience, determination, and an adventurous spirit. His extraordinary journeys also remind us of a period when travelling across Nigeria and beyond was far safer than it is today. Listening to him always leaves me reflecting on how much we have lost as a nation and how much work still lies ahead if we are to rebuild a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Rehabilitate Existing Infrastructure Before Embarking on New Projects I have consistently advised governments at all levels to prioritise rehabilitating existing infrastructure before embarking on new projects that may also end up abandoned or left unfinished. For expressing this position, I have often been criticised and called all sorts of names. Yet, it remains the most responsible approach to governance. It is therefore noteworthy that President Bola Tinubu has now cautioned state governors against committing scarce public resources to constructing unnecessary flyovers in areas with little traffic while neglecting more pressing developmental needs. The President is, in essence, saying what I have always maintained: government must prioritise projects that directly address the immediate needs of the people. I hope those ministers, officials, and supporters who have consistently attacked this position will now direct the same criticism at him. However, this admonition must also apply to the Federal Government. There are several unrealistic and white-elephant projects being pursued by the current administration, even as much of our critical infrastructure remains in a state of disrepair. Given our present fiscal realities, priority should be given to rehabilitating and completing existing infrastructure rather than embarking on expensive new projects with limited immediate impact. Across Nigeria, many of our major highways linking commercial centres and food-producing communities have deteriorated into death traps. Neglecting these critical roads while pursuing prestige projects is neither economically prudent nor people-centred. This philosophy guided my administration as Governor of Anambra State. I prioritised completing viable projects initiated by my predecessors before embarking on new ones. Government is a continuum, and development should never be measured by who starts a project, but by whether it is completed and serves the people. Leadership is about making the right choices: fixing what is broken, completing what has already been started, and investing limited public resources where they will have the greatest impact on the greatest number of people. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Hunger and the Insensitivity of Mr. President I watched with deep concern the statement made by President Bola Tinubu to the Catholic Bishops who visited his office, that there has always been hunger in Nigeria, even before he was born. While it is true that hunger has been a part of human life and has existed in our country for decades, such a statement appears insensitive to the plight of the millions of Nigerians who face worsening economic hardship today. More importantly, we must focus on the facts and the measurable outcomes of governance. Before the present administration assumed office in 2023, an estimated 17 million Nigerians were facing acute food insecurity, primarily caused by insecurity, armed conflict, widespread banditry, and devastating floods. Today, less than three years later, that number has risen to about 35 million Nigerians. Instead of improving the situation, the crisis has worsened significantly under the current administration. The same trend is evident in poverty. Before this government took office in 2023, Nigeria’s extreme poverty was estimated at 87 million people. Current projections suggest that this number is approaching 140 million people, making Nigeria home to the largest population of people living in extreme poverty anywhere in the world. No one disputes that this administration inherited serious challenges. However, leadership is measured not by the challenges inherited but by the results achieved. The government must honestly acknowledge that its response has fallen far short of what the situation demanded, with millions more Nigerians pushed deeper into poverty and hunger. The combination of persistent insecurity, poor economic management, fiscal indiscipline, wasteful public expenditure, and inadequate investment in productive sectors has compounded the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. A responsible government must prioritise investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and small businesses while pursuing policies that create jobs, expand production, and lift people out of poverty. That remains my commitment to the Nigerian people. A New Nigeria is Possible. PO

The concerning building collapses in Anambra and Ogun States. The collapse of structures housing, among others, some students of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Amaokpala, Anambra State, is deeply distressing. I am saddened by the tragic loss of two lives in this unfortunate incident. While I understand that the deceased were not students of the Polytechnic, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. I also pray for the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries. Coming barely days after the unfortunate similar incident at Amaokpala, the reported collapse of a building in Ogun State, with the loss of lives, is another painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise the safety of our people. I commend the Anambra State Government, the Ogun State Government, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, emergency responders, security agencies, and all involved in the rescue and relief efforts for their swift and coordinated response. Their prompt actions helped prevent what could have been even greater tragedies. These incidents call for deeper reflection and urgent action. Across our country, we must strengthen the enforcement of building regulations, ensure strict compliance with approved standards, and insist on regular structural integrity assessments to avoid preventable tragedies. The safety and welfare of our citizens, especially our young people, must remain central to our development efforts. We must continue to invest not only in educational infrastructure but also in ensuring that every environment in which our people live and learn is safe and fit for purpose. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, the students affected by the Amaokpala incident, and all impacted by these unfortunate events. May God grant eternal rest to the deceased, comfort their loved ones, and grant the injured a swift recovery. I will continue to cherish and support our students, as they remain central to building the New Nigeria we aspire to. By investing in their education, safety, and well-being, we make that New Nigeria possible. -PO

A Birthday wish to Governor Charles Soludo I warmly congratulate the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on the occasion of his birthday. Birthdays are moments to thank God for the gift of life and to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with each new year. As Governor Soludo marks another year today, I wish him good health, strength, wisdom, and God’s continued guidance. May this new year of your life bring you peace, fulfilment, and abundant blessings. Happy Birthday, my dear elder brother, Governor Charles Soludo. -PO

My Visit to Ogoja After visiting the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ogoja, where I supported the hospital and its School of Midwifery, I stopped at the INEC Continuous Voter Registration Centre at St. Ben’s Demonstration Primary School, Ogoja. I observed the voter registration exercise and the orderly conduct of the citizens who came out to register. Thereafter, I honoured the invitation of the Missionary Diocese of Ogoja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), where the newly installed Bishop held his first Synod and unveiled a vision centred on expanding access to education and healthcare through the establishment of a school and a hospital. In support of this noble mission, I made an initial contribution of ₦5 million. Investing in education, healthcare, and the welfare of the less privileged remains one of the most meaningful ways to build a productive, compassionate, and prosperous society. I sincerely thank the Bishop and the Diocese for their commitment to serving humanity. We thereafter proceeded through Okuku, Yala LGA where we greeted the people. Together, through purposeful investments in people and institutions, we can build a better Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Mission Hospital That Keeps Hope Alive I left Enugu early this morning for Ogoja/Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. My first stop was the Catholic Maternity Hospital, Moniaya, Ogoja. This decades-old facility remains virtually the only maternity hospital serving the entire Ogoja area. Despite its age and the enormous responsibility it bears, it continues to provide care for thousands of women and newborns with limited resources. Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, despite having overtaken countries such as China and India, whose populations are several times larger than ours. This is not just a statistic; it represents mothers, babies, and families whose lives are forever changed by preventable tragedies. The hospital also operates a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, providing vital healthcare services that are becoming increasingly rare. To support their commendable work, I made a token donation of ₦10 million and assured them of my continued partnership. I urge governments at all levels, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to support institutions like this, run by voluntary and faith-based organisations. Investing in healthcare and education is investing in our future. -PO

Strengthening Democracy Through Inclusive Voter Registration Yesterday, after attending the graduation ceremony of the Millennium College of Nursing Sciences in Awka, I visited an INEC Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Centre in Enugu. I was pleased to witness an orderly and well-organised registration process. I also met a number of people patiently queuing to register, demonstrating their commitment to participating in our democracy. I commend the INEC staff for their dedication and professionalism. I, however, urge INEC to extend the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to at least 90 days before the General Elections to give more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register and participate in the electoral process. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Fulfilment of Investing in Education I was delighted to attend the maiden graduation ceremony of Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, an achievement that reflects the power of vision, commitment, and investment in human capital. What gave me the greatest joy and fulfilment was learning from the Provost, Mrs Chisom C. Ezulike, that the initial support I provided served as the seed funding enabling the institution to commence operations seamlessly. I was equally pleased to learn that my subsequent interventions significantly contributed to making today’s historic graduation possible. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a small act of support blossom into an institution that is transforming lives and strengthening our healthcare system. Nothing is more fulfilling than witnessing a modest investment in education grow into a thriving institution. Today, that same institution has graduated 116 pioneer students, who achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Professional Examination. This serves as yet another reminder that investments in education and healthcare are the most reliable investments in our nation's future. I commend the pioneer graduating Class of 2025 and extend my congratulations to the Proprietor, management, faculty, benefactors, and everyone whose dedication and sacrifices have made this notable milestone possible. Let us continue to invest in education, healthcare, and human capital development, for they remain the most assured paths to national progress and sustainable development. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

MY REMARKS ON THE ENUGU AIR RUNWAY EXCURSION AT BENIN AIRPORT I received, with profound relief, the news of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft during its landing at Benin Airport today. First, I join all Nigerians in expressing heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty that all 68 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries or casualties recorded. The safety of human lives must always remain our highest priority. I commend the pilot, the flight crew, and the airport emergency response teams at Benin Airport for their swift and professional handling of the situation, which averted what could have been a major tragedy. Their calmness and decisiveness under pressure are deeply commendable. While we celebrate this safe outcome, the incident serves as a sober reminder of the critical need for strict adherence to aviation safety protocols, rigorous routine maintenance, and continuous infrastructure upgrades across our airports nationwide. I urge the relevant regulatory and investigative bodies—particularly the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)—to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the root cause of this incident. Learning from occurrences such as this is essential to strengthening public confidence in our aviation sector and ensuring that our skies remain consistently safe. May God continue to guide and protect all travellers across our nation. – PO

Earlier today, I met with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Richard Montgomery. We had a thoughtful discussion on the state of our democracy, the economy, the importance of strengthening our institutions, and the need to ensure that our elections remain free, fair, credible, and truly reflective of the will of the Nigerian people. As Dr Montgomery prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria next month, I thanked him for his service and for the role he has played in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. His time in Nigeria has been marked by constructive engagement and support for our democratic and economic development. I wished him well as he prepares for his next assignment and thanked him for the friendship and cooperation he has extended to Nigeria throughout his tenure. I look forward to seeing the strong relationship between our two countries continue to grow. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Why the voter registration exercise should be extended. As we continue to encourage Nigerians to participate actively in our democracy, I respectfully appeal to INEC to consider extending the voter registration window to the latest practical date that still allows adequate time for the preparation of a credible voters’ register before the 2027 general elections. Every day, more young Nigerians attain the age of 18 and become constitutionally eligible to vote. They are not just our future; they are stakeholders in our present. It would be unfortunate if many of them were denied the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility simply because the registration process closed long before the elections. Moreover, this position is legally supported by the High Court judgment delivered on 22 November 2022 in Anaja Salmat & 3 Others v. INEC (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1342/2022). In that decision, the Federal High Court held that voter registration should continue until 90 days before a general election to protect the constitutional voting rights of eligible Nigerians. I appreciate the enormous responsibility placed on INEC to deliver free, fair, and credible elections. I also recognise the need for sufficient time to clean the register and make the necessary logistical preparations. However, our electoral process should, as much as possible, maximise participation rather than limit it. A democracy is strengthened when every eligible citizen has the opportunity to be heard. I therefore urge INEC to adopt a registration timeline that protects the integrity of the process while ensuring that no eligible Nigerian, especially our young people, is unnecessarily disenfranchised. -PO