Ideas leave a trail.

The recurring fake News on me. I have been made aware of a circulating fake News about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha. Anambra State. Such fake News on my person has become a pastime for some people. Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja. The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation. I Thank the public for the concern, support, and dedication to the cause of a better Nigeria that is possible!!! -PO

Yesterday, I honored the invitation of His Lord Bishop; Rt Rev Dr. Owen Nwokolo, to the Formal Opening of the University on the Niger, Umunya Anambra State. I rejoiced with the University Community on the opening of this great citadel of learning. I am particularly impressed with the establishment of the institution; first, because of my firm belief in education as the greatest investment in society and mankind, and as the greatest tool of development, and secondly, because of my contributions to the establishment of the Institution. The land on which the University is built would not have been made available without my return of schools to missionaries over a decade ago as the Governor of Anambra State. I recall pleading with the good people of Umunya, who wanted some part of their lands back. I appealed to them to allow the church to make use of the land for the educational project. I went ahead to acquire another expanse of land in Mbaukwu and relocated the NYSC Camp from Umunya to Mbaukwu to enable the church to use the location in Umunya. I then followed this later, with my initial support of N50 million and with my promise of continual future support. I thank everyone, through whose effort and commitment, the University of the Niger stands today; from Most Rev Dr. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of all Nigeria and Visitor to the University; Rt Rev'd Dr Owen Nwokolo, Chancellor to the University; Prof Chinedu Nebo, Vice Chancellor of the University and Chief Osita Chidoka, Chairman & Director of Site Completion. I wish the students well in their academic journey. Through our collective investment in education, we will transform our nation and build a New Nigeria for all. It is POssible. -PO

My dear elder brother, President John Dramani Mahama @JDMahama, as you take the oath of office today as President of Ghana, I would like to heartily congratulate you once again and wish you a fruitful tenure. On December 7th, 2024, the people of Ghana spoke loudly in an unmistakable voice that they wanted a reset of their country and gave you the mandate to do it. My earnest prayer is that God Almighty will be with you and grant you the wisdom and willpower to prioritize the welfare of Ghana's people rather than the few. You should strive to always be exemplary in your commitment to the masses and dedication to inclusive development. I extend my heartfelt wishes to you and the people of Ghana as they embark on this journey of hope and resilience. May this new chapter be marked by peace, prosperity, and the realization of their collective aspirations. Congratulations once again, my dear brother. May your leadership continue to illuminate the path for a stronger Ghana and a better Africa of Kwame Nkrumah's dreams. -PO

Have I really crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of "crossing the line" and has warned that I will face the consequences. I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch: https://t.co/f26UDjdT7Z If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices. We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children. -PO

Yesterday, following my visit and meeting with President Obasanjo, I made time to visit my dear younger brother, Dele Farotimi. Since his return from the correctional center in Ekiti, I have not had the opportunity to meet with him. I was pleased to find him in good spirits and deeply encouraged by his unwavering dedication to the struggle for a better Nigeria. @DeleFarotimi exemplifies courage in the face of adversity, consistently taking bold stands for good governance in our nation. I wish him a fruitful and productive year as we continue to work together toward the development of our country. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I travelled from Abuja to Lagos to visit a father figure, Leader, and Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, to wish him a happy new year and also deliberateded on issues of national concern. Like always, I appreciate and enjoy his fatherly words of advice and kind guidance. President Obasanjo remains one of the leaders under whom our nation saw tremendous growth. To date, he continues to add his voice of wisdom to solving the many challenges facing us as a nation. I wish him and his family abundant health and happiness in the new year and beyond as he continues to contribute to our national development. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Finally, on returning to Abuja yesterday, I caught up with my dear elder brother and Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan, to also wish him a happy new year. I also had the opportunity of discussing germane national issues with him. President Jonathan's patriotic approach to national issues remain admirable. I appreciate his kind advise and guidance and I wish him and his family a happy and productive year ahead. With the visit, I concluded my New Year engagements for the day. -PO

Also while in Minna, Niger State, in continuation of the New Year engagements, I visited Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the Former Governor of Niger State, fondly referred to as the "Chief Servant." The visit was an opportunity to share in his grief following the recent loss of his mother and younger sister. I extended my heartfelt condolences and emphasized the importance of standing together during challenging times. Beyond offering sympathies, our discussion also focused on the critical task of nation-building and the shared responsibility we all hold in shaping a brighter future for our country. -PO

From Jigawa state, I travelled to Minna, Niger State to pay a visit to a father figure, elder statesman and leader, the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his residence in Minna, Niger State. The visit was an opportunity to wish him a happy New Year and to exchange thoughts on national issues. General Babangida’s wisdom and perspectives remain very important and I always deeply appreciate the chance to visit him and listen to his invaluable advise and words of wisdom. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

In continuation of my New Year engagements, I visited Jigawa State to commiserate with and stand in solidarity with my brother, the Governor, His Excellency Mallam Umar A. Namadi, during this difficult time as he mourns the painful loss of both his mother and his son. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Jigawa as they navigate this profound grief. May Almighty Allah protect, bless, grant him and his family the strength and solace to endure this difficult period and find comfort in the love and support of those around them. May Almighty Allah forgive the sins of the dead and grant them Aljanna Firdausi. -PO

Yesterday 1st Jan 2025, after my visit to the IDP Camp, I revisited the Tungamadaki Primary Healthcare Center in Abuja, where I had previously contributed to repairing the roof and improving other facilities. This return visit was an opportunity to inspect the installations and reaffirm my commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in deprived communities. During my visit, I was satisfied with the repairs so far and promised additional support to the community to further enhance the center's capacity to deliver essential services. Ensuring access to quality healthcare, remains a priority and I remain dedicated to making tangible contributions toward that goal. A new healthy Nigeria is within reach if we are committed. POssible! -PO

Yesterday 1st January 2025, from Crossover vigil, and early mass, I visited the IDP camp in Durumi, Abuja at 7.30am, to spend time with the residents amid their challenges. During the visit, I provided some financial support and promised to do more as part of my effort to ease their burdens. This visit, as part of my New Year engagements, offered a chance to connect directly with those affected by displacement and listen to their stories. Their resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring and highlights the urgent need for more inclusive policies to address the challenges faced by internally displaced persons. These interactions underscore the importance of implementing practical solutions that improve lives and restore dignity to those in need. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

I attended the crossover service at the Dunamis International Gospel Center, Glory Dome, Abuja, hosted by Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Paul Enenche. The service was graced by former Presidents of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma and other distinguished dignitaries, and a congregation of devoted worshippers. It was a time of heartfelt prayer and inspiring worship as we crossed over into the year 2025 with faith and hope. As we step into this new year, I join millions of Nigerians in praying for a New Nigeria—a nation where insecurity, hunger, poverty, and the absence of empathy are replaced with peace, prosperity, compassion and good governance. Together, we shall continue working tirelessly to transform Nigeria by prioritizing education, improving healthcare, and pulling people out of poverty. May 2025 mark the beginning of a new Nigeria that is possible!!! -PO

The exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other Regional Commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed. Such an anomaly does not make for even development and peace that is needed for progress in the country. A total of N2.493 trillion has been allocated to five regional development commissions, with the North Central Regional Commission glaringly omitted. The North Central region requires special attention due to the severe challenges it faces today. Relentless terror attacks and banditry in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States have caused immense suffering, resulting in significant loss of lives and forcing countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. These persistent tragedies have made the North Central one of the most affected and vulnerable regions in Nigeria. Known as the agricultural backbone of the nation, the North Central region deserves robust support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire country. I, therefore, call on the government and National Assembly to urgently review and rectify this decision that will impact negatively on the region and area most needed for the development of the country Together, we must work toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. A New Nigeria is not just a dream—it is POssible. -PO

Dear beloved Nigerians, I welcome you into the New Year 2025 with a message of hope and encouragement knowing what we all are going through in this blessed land. As I bring you my New Year message and state of the nation later, I urge us all to remain steadfast in our creator who will give us a new Nigeria that is Possible. -PO

Today, the world mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter of the United States of America, a leader whose life was a testament to service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to humanity. For us in Nigeria, and indeed across Africa, his contributions were not just distant policies but direct interventions that saved lives, transformed communities, and inspired generations. President Carter’s relentless fight against diseases such as Guinea worm and river blindness through The Carter Center will forever remain etched in the annals of global health advocacy. His work reached into some of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities in Africa, demonstrating that leadership transcends borders when driven by compassion. In Nigeria, his initiatives brought hope and relief to countless citizens. Through his advocacy and the empowerment of local systems, he provided tools for sustainable development. Beyond health, his deep-seated belief in democracy and justice resonated with those fighting for freedom and equality worldwide. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the American people, and all who cherished his profound legacy. May he rest in peace, having fought the good fight and finished his race with grace. -PO

Today, I woke up to the heartbreaking news of the tragic and unfortunate death of Rev Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala. Fr Tobias was shot dead by yet-be-identified criminals last night in Ihiala, Anambra. The constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking. In many parts of the nation, the blood of our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by insecurity, continue to cry. How many more lives will be wasted before we rise to action and put an end to this menace contending with our future as a nation? As one who has continuously visited and partnered with the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, I understand how devastating this incident is to the College community. I extend my sincere condolences to his immediate family, the proprietor, the entire management, staff, and students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala. May God grant him eternal rest and grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. May God heal our bleeding nation. -PO

I received with deep pain the reports of the tragic incident where the Nigerian military fighter mistakenly bombed innocent people in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of at least 10 precious lives. While we continue to employ every productive strategy in our war against the wind of insecurity sweeping through the nation, we must ensure that our innocent civilians, who we are bound to protect, do not pay the ultimate price of the war, especially when it can be avoided. Our military men have remained resilient and firm in their efforts to stamp out the criminal elements terrorizing our nation. I urge them to ensure perfect precision in launching targeted strikes on criminal strongholds to avoid further waste of innocent lives, which have become too many. I most sincerely sympathize with the grieving families and the communities who lost dear ones to this tragedy. I also commiserate with the government and people of Sokoto state over this painful incident. May Almighty Allah grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable losses. May Almighty Allah forgive the sins of the dead and grant them Aljanna Firdausi, and grant quick and full recovery to the wounded. -PO

On behalf of my family and the Obidient movement, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, on the death of his beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi, and his dear son, Abdulwahab. Our hearts are with the Governor and the family at this very difficult moment, as they mourn these departed ones. I had learned of the death of his mother earlier and was hoping to humbly convey my sincere condolences to him when, suddenly, I received the news of the tragic death of his son in a motor accident. The death of a loved one is always painful. But the pain of losing a mother and a son within such a short period cannot be described by mere words. We are united with Gov Namadi in prayers that the Almighty will grant him the strength to accept these painful losses as His will and grant him, his family, and all of us the fortitude to bear the sad, irreplaceable losses. May Almighty Allah forgive the sins of the dead and grant them Aljanna Firdausi. May Almighty Allah continue to protect and bless the Namadi family. -PO

Media reports, yesterday confirmed the kidnapping of a member representing Onitsha North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Justice Azuka, in Onitsha, our commercial city. The honourable member was just arriving in Onitsha to celebrate the Christmas season with his family when the assailants struck. As I have always continued to warn, if left unchecked, the monster of insecurity will consume all of us. These merchants of terror are becoming emboldened in their criminal acts, and if not stopped, no one will be spared. I sincerely appreciate everyone on the frontline of ensuring the security of lives and property in Nigeria. We must now, however, make more efforts and sacrifices to conquer this monster of insecurity. I appeal to the security agencies to ensure that Hon Justice Azuka is safely rescued and reunited with his family and that the perpetrators of the crime are arrested and punished. -PO