State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse
The recent passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly marks a significant legislative milestone in addressing a long-standing demand of the Nigerian people. For years, many of us, alongside security experts and regional stakeholders, have consistently argued that a highly centralised policing structure is fundamentally unsuitable for a country as vast, diverse, and complex as Nigeria. However, the legislative and constitutional implementation appears shaky and raises legitimate concerns.
The process should involve greater community participation. Policing should be more visible at the local government and community levels. The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue. Indeed, the rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedures fuels suspicion among many observers about the political motives behind it.
The greatest concern does not arise from logistical issues; it stems from history. There is a widespread, justifiable fear that state police forces could become instruments in the hands of governors. The suspicion is that a state-controlled police force could be weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies, and manipulate elections.
For state policing to evolve from a risky political gamble into a genuine security solution, the law must not only permit states to establish police forces but also clearly provide for independent oversight bodies, such as a state-level Police Service Commission that is entirely free from executive influence, to ensure that policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite.
Going by what Nigerians have seen so far, there is no guarantee that this administration can resist the temptation to take advantage of state policing to influence the 2027 general election by proxy. In view of that possibility and the danger it poses to the polity, it is necessary to defer its implementation until after the general election.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Happy birthday to the greatest player that has ever played the game.
The greatest player that will ever play the game.
The greatest sportsman of all time.
SOWORE BEING SENT TO PRISON: A DANGEROUS REGRESSION FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
I have received, with deep concern, the news of the court’s remand of citizen activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison.
While the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, we must consistently guard against any trend that gives the appearance of state institutions being weaponised to systematically stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria.
A thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices; rather, it is anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights, most notably the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in our Constitution. Moreover, our society is already strained by insecurity and biting economic hardship; therefore, deliberate steps should be taken, even by the courts, to avoid inflaming the situation.
When we begin to treat citizen critics, activists, and journalists as threats to state survival rather than as partners in building accountability, we signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. Our current challenges, ranging from economic strain to internal security vulnerabilities, require inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society.
I urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to, that Mr. Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected, and that our security and judicial institutions are used solely for the impartial administration of justice. We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all. -PO
Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility
This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.
The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.
Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.
During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.
I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible. -PO
Today, on my final day as Director of National Intelligence, I’m releasing never-before-seen communications and documents exposing how Dr. Fauci provided millions in US taxpayer dollars to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab, worked with politicized elements within the Intelligence Community to suppress the truth about his actions and hide the virus’ lab-leak origins, and lied to Congress while under oath in 2024. It’s time you know the truth.
https://t.co/3YJSstB7d4
There is a huge difference, when Higuain was getting abused, what did messi do?
Here is what Higuain himself said:
Gonzalo Higuain: "After the match, everyone in the locker room turned cold toward me and no one spoke.
Only Messi came over to me, hugged me, and said, 'No problem, this is football. We made it to the final and gave it our all.'
Later, the coach at the time told me not to come back to the national team, but once again Messi stepped in and talked to the coach. 'This isn't his fault. In football, we win and lose together. No one is perfect, he said. He changed the coach's decision.
That's how I got called back to the national team. If it weren't for Messi, I'd still be tormented by guilt to this day."
🚨🎙️🗣️| Leo Messi: “I'm no longer the same player I once was, I don't have the speed from 10 years ago anymore.
However, I've adjusted quickly to other styles in my game, like weaponizing the game in midfield.”
Leo Messi: "I can't ask for anything more, God gave me too much, now everything is just to enjoy.
"I'm just happy to being considered as one of the best in football history, I'm just grateful to be considered among many great players..."
🚨 Leo Messi: "I love playing football, it has been my passion since I was little. And when I'm in good form, I give everything I have on the field."
"This is my sixth World Cup, and I still feel like I'm in good shape. Fortunately, I'm doing well, and today we managed to win a tough match. It's important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game, as that's never easy in a World Cup.
"We struggled in the first half, but fortunately we overcame that, and in the second half we created a crucial difference.
"As for my message to the fans, first of all, I thank them, because they've proven once again that Argentina is an exceptional case. They've filled the stadium again, I don't know if there were 80,000 spectators or more.
"I thank them for all the effort they put in; wherever the tournament is, they're always there, whether in Qatar or now in the United States. I know the fans make huge sacrifices.
"I hope they enjoy this moment and enjoy what happened today just as much as we do. And I repeat my thanks to them, because the feeling that we're playing on home soil thanks to them always gives us a huge advantage."
This is exactly how you score a hattrick at a World Cup no penalties needed 2 bangers and a goal where he reacted faster than guys considerably younger than him.
Messi is lobos.