I successfully defended my master thesis today at Uppsala University, to the glory to God. It's been 2 years of grace. I am grateful to my darling husband for his unparalleled support and to all my friends & research group members. https://t.co/Szgtc0JeJB. Biochemistry 💯🍾🥳
"Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there, and in numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!" - President Trump
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
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
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
An unending gory story in our land.
I woke up this morning reading about yet another gory and deeply distressing report from Bokkos, Plateau State. Entire families have again, been slaughtered in yet another senseless attack. Children and pregnant women were not spared.
Five communities in Bokkos: Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai have been left in mourning, forced to bury their loved ones in mass graves.
How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government act for the people?
We are now normalizing mass killings and mass burials as a way of life in our nation. Every Nigerian life is sacred, whether in Edo State, Benue, Enugu, Borno, Anambra, Ondo, or Plateau.
Communities now live in fear and no longer have a livelihood either in their farms or in their markets, without being killed, kidnapped, and maimed. Communities like Bokkos in Plateau, Jato-Aka in Benue, Eha-Amufu in Enugu, Ufuma in Anambra, and Aba Oyinbo in Ondo deserve government protection.
We must end this grief and terror, as this is becoming extremely unacceptable.
The government and security agencies must ensure that these killings are stopped, concrete steps are made to prevent future occurrences, and those arrested face the justice they deserve.
My heart goes to the people of Bokkos, and others in various communities.
No Nigerian should live in fear as the government must do what it takes to protect Nigerians.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer @DeleFarotomi runs foul of every Democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until found guilty before a law court.
It's curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light.
Hearing that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over an allegation of defamation is very disturbing. This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation.
At a time when national efforts should be directed toward addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, it is disheartening to see the focus shifted to cases that appear to stifle critical voices.
Matters of defamation are civil and should be treated as such, not turned into a tool for intimidation or the erosion of fundamental rights.
The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to tolerate differing opinions and uphold the rule of law without bias.
I once again call on the authorities to ensure that justice is served impartially and to prioritize the urgent task of combating the real threats plaguing our nation. -PO
I just learned of the arrest of @DeleFarotimi, a respected human rights lawyer and advocate, over an allegation of defamation.
This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.
I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority .
It is also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who loves and values freedom of expression and dares to demand accountability and transparency.
The Nigeria Police Force exists to protect the rights of citizens, not to suppress them.
Defamation, by its nature, is a civil matter that should be addressed in court through due legal process in line with the dictates of the rule of law in a democracy.
As a private citizen, former governor, and even today, I am frequently defamed, insulted, and lied about and against. Yet, I have never resorted to using the Nigerian police or filing reports to silence others.
Those who feel otherwise should seek redress through the proper legal channels, not by weaponizing the police or abusing their access to authority or state power.
The resort to police action, in this case, reeks of abuse of power and raises serious concerns about the independence and professionalism of the police as a civil force.
I hereby request that Dele Farotimi should be released immediately and unconditionally. The police must recognize that their allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to narrow interests at the behest of those in power.
A new more Just and fair Nigeria is possible!
-PO
Anniversary celebrations, whether for an individual or a country, offer opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look toward the future, and express gratitude.
This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its 64th independence anniversary.
It is now 64 years since Nigeria took charge of its destiny and embarked on the journey toward development as a sovereign nation.
Today is a day to appreciate God for abundantly blessing us with natural, human, and material resources to build a great nation.
However, for me, this should also be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present.
As the saying goes, an unexamined life is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine ourselves in the light of our nation's journey over the past six decades.
Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we driven more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we allowed an army of over 18 million out-of-school children to roam the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?
By every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, we are underperforming. We rank poorly in security and peacefulness, making us one of the most insecure nations globally.
We are also ranked among the most corrupt countries, and we are noted for our disregard for the rule of law.
Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
When we compare ourselves to countries that gained independence around the same time—before or after us—Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.
On this day, therefore, we must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is truly independent from the state capture that has dragged it into failure and kept its people in suffering.
We must create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony.
We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
That is the independence we should celebrate as a nation whose greatness remains POssible. -PO
I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV.
In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail. However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.
Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record.
I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.
When I was asked about collaboration, I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture. I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.
I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions.
As I have always maintained, I am not desperate to become president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work.
Likewise, I am not desperate for any position at all as I believe I can make contributions as I am already doing without occupying any. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election. I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.
My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words.
For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it's unequivocal.
I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.
My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing. -PO
Pictorial glimpse from the LP Stakeholders Meeting convened by Peter Obi and Gov Alex Otti, in Umuahia.
I’m so glad that Peter Obi is walking that talk.
1. The handshake moment
Good morning: @PoliceNG, @OfficialDSSNG, @NPF_NCCC, @officialABAT
Your unjustifiable stubbornness in unlawfully detaining PIDOM and all 2,111 #EndBadGovernance protesters is further proof that the Nigerian state under Tinubu's regime is an illegitimate and criminal entity. Tinubu's fascist regime does not protect nor respect our unalienable rights and, as a result, we absolutely have no reason not to rebel against it.
Know that we have now officially entered the Season of Rebellions, big and small, and we want a country that works for us. We will not stop until we have democratically installed a government of our choosing, a government that respects our unalienable rights and listens to us.
#FreePIDOMNow
#FreePIDOMNigeria