Ideas leave a trail.

Yesterday, I extended my congratulations to President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump on his successful return as the 47th President of the United States. I am optimistic that his victory will reinforce democracy worldwide and contribute to fostering much-needed global peace. I also congratulate Vice President @KamalaHarris on her resilience and dedication throughout this political journey. She contested with courage and strength, yet in the end, the will of the people prevailed. The peaceful conduct of these U.S. elections, along with the efficient transmission and release of results, should serve as an example and an inspiration for us here in Nigeria to abandon outdated practices such as electoral malpractice, vote-buying, election violence, and network disruptions that continue to hinder our democratic process. No democratic election is complete unless the people’s will is genuinely reflected through the ballots. As a nation, let us collectively work to restore the integrity of our electoral system and ensure that our process for choosing leaders is free, fair, and reflective of the people’s true desires. Congratulations to the United States of America. A New Nigeria Remains Possible! - PO

I have just read the official announcement of the unfortunate death of Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. On behalf of my family and the Obidient family, I sincerely condole with the entire Lagbaja family, the Government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army over this painful loss, which has indeed created a big vacuum in his family and our dear nation. May God Almighty, who called him home at this time, forgive his sins, grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, Nigeria's military, the Nigerian government, and all of us the fortitude to bear his sad and irreplaceable loss. May God protect and bless his family always. -PO

Again, yesterday the now regular news came that the National Grid had collapsed once again. Just a few days ago, on the 25th of October, South Africa that was the second-largest economy in Africa behind Nigeria until recently, with a quarter of our population, celebrated seven months of uninterrupted power supply. South Africa generates and distributes about 40,000 MW of electricity, while Nigeria struggles to generate and distribute just 10% of that. Yet, despite this stark disparity, Nigerians continue to endure daily power outages. And when I ask the question: is there any tribe in Nigeria that enjoys uninterrupted power supply like South Africa? I am labelled a tribal bigot. When I ask if any religion enjoys special privileges in this crisis, I am called a religious bigot. But I will continue to speak the truth about our situation today. The fact remains that we are all suffering equally from this failure. The solution lies not in tribal or religious affiliations but in visionary leadership and a shared commitment to progress. We must set aside these primordial sentiments and elect leaders who are competent, capable, and have the vision to transform our nation from a consumer-driven economy to a productive one by investing our meager resources in critical areas of development like health and education, lifting our people out of poverty, and ensuring increased electricity production and distribution. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

The gratifying news of the election of a Nigerian-born @KemiBadenoch as the leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom cannot come at a better time than now that events in the country are making Nigerians doubt their potential. Badenoch's election is a powerful testament to the global potential of Nigerian and African youth. Her success showcases the strength of diversity and underscores the possibilities achievable when competence, capacity, integrity, and inclusivity are prioritized. This accomplishment is both inspiring and a wake-up call, highlighting the leadership paradox in Nigeria, where younger leaders with proven competence, capacity, and integrity often remain sidelined in favor of older figures who lack the same drive and qualities that the younger ones bring to the table. As we celebrate Kemi’s achievement, let us use it as a catalyst for change within our leadership landscape. It is time to move past outdated traditions of tribalism, religious bias, and the "my turn" syndrome and foster an environment that values competence, capacity, integrity, fresh perspectives, and forward-thinking leadership. Embracing a new generation of leaders can pave the way for a better future for Nigeria and Africa. Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch. A new Nigeria is indeed possible! -PO

Today, again, I came face to face with the deplorable state of Nigeria roads as my desire to join a great friend and brother, Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe, in Esan Central of Edo State, who was burying his mother was marred by bad roads. I had set out at 8 am by road to Esanland to join him and bid his beloved mother, Mrs. Ebaidebheki Esakhaigbe, farewell, but little did I know that it would be a mission impossible. Due to my previous experience with bad roads, while going to the place previously through Benin, I decided to avoid that route entirely and go through Agbor. On getting to Agbor Junction, I turned toward the direction of my destination. However, I was shocked by the very bad shape of the road which was almost not passable by car. I persisted and continued on the journey for about 25 minutes into the road until it became completely blocked by a faulty trailer that had impeded movement, causing a great gridlock. Then, I decided to take Ugoneki Road, which would have also led me to my destination. Again, getting to the road was another nightmare, making my journey impossible. The poor condition of many Nigerian roads breaks my heart. Though it was impossible for me to physically attend, I remain in earnest prayers with my brother, Gen Cecil, for a successful event. I use this opportunity to continue to plead with our political leaders, at all levels, to concentrate on maintaining, rehabilitating, and reconstructing our existing roads and other infrastructure rather than embarking on new projects that will never be completed. I look forward to the day when Nigerians will be able to travel freely and safely on good and well-maintained roads in New Nigeria that is Possible. -PO

Yesterday, at my residence in Onitsha I had the pleasure of welcoming the management team of Ijele Sports Club, led by the CEO, Barr. Ferdinand Afam Naza, along with Ezeokoli Blessing Chimezie. Based in the vibrant city of Enugu, Ijele Sports Club is a pioneering multi-sports organisation with a mission to elevate sports in Nigeria using international standards. I learnt that Ijele SC men’s football team is eagerly set to make its debut in the Nigerian National League (NNL) on November 30, 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement not only for the club but also for Nigerian youths who are passionate and dedicated to excelling in sports especially soccer. I have always maintained that sports remains a veritable tool we can use to unite the country, fight poverty and create jobs for youth unemployment. Nigeria is gifted with millions of very talented youths, who with the right investment in sports, will excel on the global stage. I extend my full support to Ijele Sports Club and to sports in general. I encourage our youths to continue to develop their sporting skills, and together, we can foster a vibrant community that celebrates and uplifts the spirit of Nigerians in new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I was in Atta, Ikeduru LGA of Imo State, where I joined other prominent Nigerians to pay my last respects to an elder statesman, father figure, and Former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as he was laid to rest. The well-attended burial ceremony bore witness to the positive legacy he left behind and the profound impact he made on people’s lives. He was not only a bridge builder committed to fostering peaceful coexistence in the nation but also a deeply patriotic Nigerian dedicated to justice, equity, and the progress and development of Nigeria. Once again, I extend my condolences to his immediate family, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the entire nation on this irreplaceable loss. May God grant us all the strength to bear it and grant him eternal rest. May God continue to protect and bless his family always. -PO

I just watched the disturbing and condemnable scenes captured in a circulating video, showing 124 protesters—among them minors—appearing in court today as part of efforts to secure the enforcement of their fundamental rights. The footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment. These children appeared visibly malnourished and starved—a condition that should alarm the conscience of every citizen in our nation. From their look, they were poorly handled despite being in the custody of the federal government of Nigeria. The offense being alleged against these suspects, including minors, is protesting against bad governance that was directly affecting their livelihood and which our constitution under a democratic dispensation guarantees them. Curiously, most of the people in government today leveraged this aspect of the Constitution standing as champions of good governance while in opposition. Moreover, our status presumes that suspects deserve some dignity, even in a correctional home as human beings. The reason why we should all be concerned about a situation like this is because we are part of a global community where human dignity should be respected. May I appreciate the presiding lordship for halting the trial and saving the country further embarrassment it would have been to the World as a democratic nation? I would like to call on relevant authorities, especially the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police, and the DSS, as well as the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate such inhuman treatment of minors to avert such incidents in the future. -PO

In my political trajectory, I have consistently refrained from name-calling or engaging in personal disputes, choosing instead to focus on issues that directly impact the masses, particularly the suffering poor of Nigeria. Despite the national attention the Rivers state crisis has gained, I have largely stayed away from matters specific to a state, but a recent court judgment halting allocations to the state—and the resulting consequences—demands attention. This curious decision now calls upon every well-meaning individual Nigerian to appeal for its immediate reversal. Consider the pensioner struggling to survive on a meager income alongside the health workers, school teachers, civil servants, and everyday citizens whose lives are already marked by severe hardship. How much more can they endure? This latest development risks pushing them even further into distress—even into untimely deaths—by compounding the challenges they face each day. As leaders—whether in the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial our decisions, and actions should be guided by a commitment to the well being of the less privileged and vulnerable among us. As we work toward a better future for all, we must genuinely care about the poor and prioritize the well-being of every Nigerian. What we do today should lay the foundation for a new Nigeria that is possible. -PO

I just read a disturbing comment in the media space attributed to one of the supposed political leaders in the country that the life of the Vice President is in danger because of the faults recorded in his official aircraft. The leader went further to urge the Federal Government to purchase a new aircraft for the Vice President. In making such a remark now, the speaker is insensitive and obviously unconcerned about the prevailing economic situation in the country. That Nigerians are facing untold hardship at this moment is no secret . Such a provoking call is coming from a person who probably is oblivious of the fact that Nigeria, at present, has continued to manifest every trait of a failed state. We are today among one of the eleven worst-governed African nations in the last 10 years. We are also among the 20 most hungry nations in the world, with our people facing worsening mass poverty, extreme hunger and starvation. Our nation remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income crashing further from $1700 in 2023 to $1109 this year. Are these not the issues that should be prioritized by committed leaders? Our national electricity grid has so far collapsed 8 times this year alone and 105 times in the last ten years, plunging our small businesses into great losses and households into darkness. In the past 15 months, several businesses have closed down or become distressed due to the harsh economic environment in the country. Are these not the issues that should preoccupy us as leaders, rather than being consumed by our selfish desires for needless luxury at the expense of the people we are called to serve? What does Nigeria's Vice President need a new jet for, and what value are all Presidential and Vice Presidential trips adding to our present situation? It was not until 2014 that Indonesia, with sustainable economic growth of over 6% annually for the past 10 years, adding about 50% to both her GDP and GDP per capita, decide to buy a Presidential jet, used by both the President and Vice President. The Vice President travels mostly in the country's national airline, Garuda Indonesia. And since we have recently undeservedly bought one, it should be used on essential, inevitable trips of the President and Vice President. I appeal to the President, Vice President, and our public office holders that our present precarious situation calls only for minimal and highly contributory inevitable travels. It is time to sit down and find solutions to our litany of challenges for the wellbeing of the people and the development of our country. Nigeria will rise again if the leadership can commit to selfless service. A New Nigeria is POssible if we can get our priorities right. -PO

The frequency of building collapse in the country has become very disturbing and worrisome and calls for national attention. The latest distressing reports of the building collapse in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, yesterday, which left about 40 persons trapped in the rubble, is just one of the many such incidents. I learned that residents and emergency workers were already on the ground since the incident occurred yesterday, helping with first response and rescue efforts. I urge the government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe and complete rescue of all the affected victims. Beyond the rescue efforts, the relevant agencies need to investigate extensively into the factors surrounding the building collapse, to forestall future occurrences. Specifically, we need to review and reinforce our building codes and regulations and ensure that there is strict enforcement of rules and regulations all over the country. There is need to arrest and prosecute all erring builders, engineers and supervisors whose negligence leads to building collapses. My heart goes out to all our brothers and sisters who were trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building. I pray that every one of them is safely rescued and reunited back to their families. -PO

The continued power outages in many parts of the country, particularly in the Northern and Eastern States, as well as South-South states, have remained a cause of grievous concern. It is heartbreaking to see that the affected states, majorly in the Northern parts of Nigeria, have been facing a total blackout for several days now. The negative impact of the continued power outage on businesses, especially small businesses, who depend primarily on public power supply to sustain their businesses as a means of livelihood, is unimaginable. This power crisis, when combined with the present high cost of petroleum products and a harsh operating environment, remains a lethal recipe for widespread business failure and increasing poverty in the country. I have consistently maintained that solving Nigeria's power and energy crisis is not rocket science. Many of our comparable peer nations have demonstrated how possible it is to provide sustainable power for their citizens. Our African neighbour, Egypt, for example, invested aggressively in their power sector, which resulted in the establishment of a sustainable power infrastructure by way of many power stations. Today, Egypt has revolutionized power and energy production in the country, providing sustainable power to millions of small businesses, which account for over 90% of active enterprises in the country and contributes to over 80 percent of their GDP. My sincere thoughts are with everyone enduring these tough times in our nation. I call on the government to ramp up efforts and provide both immediate and long-term solutions to this seemingly perennial challenge. With adequate power supply, a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I concluded my North America Thank You Tour with an Open Forum Nigerian diaspora in Atlanta, Georgia. They were also joined by some Georgia State Legislators. During my interaction with them, I encouraged everyone to hold on to the vision of a New Nigeria—a nation where institutions work; there will be the rule of law and a productive nation where every citizen has an equal opportunity to thrive. I envision a Nigeria built on merit, where individuals are lifted from poverty, regardless of their background. With the conclusion of this North America tour, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all Nigerian diaspora throughout North America for their contribution to sustaining Nigeria today in one way or another and urge that you do not relent. Our collective efforts will bring about a new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

My Gratitude Tour to Nigerians in the Diaspora continued yesterday in Los Angeles, California, US, as I met with the Nigerian diaspora community and shared a consistent message of positive desire, admonishing them not to give up hope in Nigeria. I urged them to believe in a New Nigeria—a nation where systems work, where we shift from consumption to productivity, and where every citizen has an equal opportunity to thrive. To the Nigerians in California, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support, which fuels our movement toward a just, equitable, and productive Nigeria. Together, we will build the foundation for a New Nigeria that is POssible! -PO

In continuation of my thank-you tour to the United States, yesterday I visited Houston, TX, where I had meaningful conversations with the Nigerian diaspora community. It was a valuable opportunity to listen to Nigerians abroad and engage with them directly. I encouraged everyone to keep the faith, not to lose hope, and to contribute in whatever ways they can to support the cause of a New Nigeria—just as diaspora citizens from other countries like China, Japan, and India have rallied to drive their nations’ growth. To the Nigerians in Houston, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support, which fuels our movement toward a just, equitable, and productive Nigeria. Together, we are laying the foundation for a New Nigeria that is within reach. Both Nigerians st home and the diaspora are United by a common aspiration: we all desire a nation we can be proud of, a nation that works for all Nigerians. That great nation is possible and within our reach. -PO

In Prof Nwosu, A True Democrat Exits. I have just received the sad news of the death of the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, NEC, Prof Humphrey Nwosu. Prof Nwosu was a true Democrat, an outstanding academician whose love for democracy and its values was copiously demonstrated in the way and manner he carried out his responsibilities as an electoral umpire between 1989 to 1993. His courageous defense of democratic principles, even under a non-democratic government, put him out as a man who was ready even to sacrifice his life for the sake of democracy and good governance. For his pivotal role in holding and upholding the 1993 presidential elections, Prof Nwosu’s name will remain indelible in the history of Nigerian democracy. He stood for the truth In Nigeria for standing for the truth and the best tenets of democracy when it was delicate and even dangerous to do so. It’s, however, disheartening to note that what Prof Nwosu did when the nation’s electoral commission was not even legally independent and when billions of taxpayers' money were not deployed as it is today with an accompanying updated technology could not be repeated in contemporary times in a supposed full democratic system. As an academic, Prof Nwosu brought to bear all the principles he taught in the classroom as an erudite professor of Political Science, unlike these days when professors are procured to aid electoral malpractices, including announcing results of elections they did not verify. For the new Nigeria we desire, the country needs more of Professor Nwosu, who will risk their lives for democracy. I pray God to forgive his shortcomings while on earth, grant his soul eternal repose, and his family and all lovers of democracy who mourn him the gratitude to bear the huge loss. May God Almighty grant Nigeria the likes of Professor Humphrey Nwosu in her future elections. A new Nigeria is indeed POssible. -PO

Today, I would like to add my voice to those of the global community to mark the United Nations, (UN) Day - a day which reminds us of the critical role that the World body in maintaining global peace and promoting the well-being and security of the peoples of the world. This day offers us in Nigeria the opportunity, as a nation, to re-evaluate our journey and see how we have lived up to the core values and pillars of the United Nations - peace and security, human rights, the rule of law, and development. With our nation greatly burdened by high levels of insecurity, gross abuse of human rights, and blatant disrespect for the rule of law, we must decide to make a firm commitment to upholding these principles, without which we cannot experience true development. We must also, today, make sincere efforts to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which are simply a global call to put an end to poverty, secure the planet, and ensure that everyone enjoys peace and prosperity by 2030. Nigeria has continued to underperform in the implementation and actualization of these goals. The Sustainable Development Report 2023 ranked Nigeria among the least 20 countries in the world to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets by 2030, with a global ranking of 146 out of 166 countries globally. All these are the results of the accumulated leadership failure that has held the country down, over the years. While China achieved its poverty eradication goals 10 years ahead of schedule by lifting over 98 million people out of poverty as of 2020, India has since lifted over 270 million people from poverty by implementing the SDGs. Other comparable nations of Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh have all continued to make significant progress towards achieving these SDG goals. As I have always maintained, we must first make a visible commitment to investing in our critical areas of development: education, health, and poverty eradication. By so doing, we will not only put our nation on track to achieving the UN's SDGs, but we will set our nation on the path of true development. A New Nigeria remains POssible. -PO

Yesterday, at the invitation of The Liverpool Commonwealth Association, I had the honour of serving as the guest speaker at Liverpool John Moores University, where I spoke on the topic "Harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage for Trade and Investment." Attendance included Mr. Mark Blundell, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside and representative of King Charles in Liverpool, Richard Kemp, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Tim Nicholl, Vice-Pro Chancellor of LJMU Business School, Garth Dallas, Chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association, Cllr Vanessa Boateng JP, General Secretary of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association among others. With a population of over 2.5 billion—about a third of the world's population, with over 60% of its population under the age of 30, a GDP of over $13 trillion, expected to grow to $20 trillion by 2030 the Commonwealth presents great opportunities for growth and development amongst member nations if properly harnessed. The focus must, therefore, remain on leveraging these immense resources, especially the youthful energy and innovation for the collective advancement, sustainable development, and economic prosperity of member states and their citizens. As members of the Commonwealth, we are uniquely positioned to promote inclusive growth, foster innovation, and champion sustainable development. By lowering barriers to trade, encouraging investment, and deepening cooperation, we can transform our economies, ensuring that the prosperity of one nation lifts many others. For us in Nigeria, whose trade contributions to the Commonwealth—and indeed the world—have remained dismally low due to the lack of productivity plaguing the nation, this is a wake-up call. We must clothe our nation in the garment of productivity and set the wheels of production in motion. By aggressively investing in agriculture, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through favourable fiscal and monetary policies, and ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law, which will attract and retain both foreign and local investors, we can shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-led one, and take our rightful place as a significant contributor to the Commonwealth’s economic power. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

I sincerely rejoice and congratulate My Dear Brother and Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Prof. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu on his appointment as the inaugural president of the African School of Governance, ASG, Kigali, Rwanda by African leaders. As the pioneer president of ASG, Prof @MoghaluKingsley will draw on his wealth of knowledge and experience to contribute to addressing 'the continent’s pressing governance challenges by offering a world-class education in public policy and governance, equipping emerging leaders with the mindsets, skills, and knowledge required for effective leadership of Africa’s future'. Africa, and indeed, our dear country Nigeria, has remained greatly burdened by poor governance and leadership failure. Institutions like these, which address the continent's governance challenges, are critical to building a new generation of African leaders who will be competent, capable, and committed to the development of the continent. May God give Prof Moghalu the wisdom, strength, and grace to succeed in his new position. A New Nigeria, and indeed Africa, is POssible. -PO

Today, I travelled by road from Lagos to the ancient city of Ile-Ife to honour the 50th birthday ceremony invitation of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and to commission the Oduduwa House donated by Sir Dr Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu, the Odole - Oodua of the source. May God Almighty continue to bless His Imperial Majesty and the good people of Ile-Ife, and may the Oduduwa House be a source of inspiration, Unity and Progress for the Oodua family and Nigeria in General. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO