Standing Up for Democracy
Today, I joined fellow Nigerians, leaders, and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by National Chairman Sen. David Mark to participate in a peaceful "Save Democracy" protest.
This event was not just an effort to protect our democracy; it was also a moment of reflection on how far we have fallen as a nation. We must resist the suffocation of our democracy by those who once claimed to have sacrificed to defend it, but are now doing everything possible to undermine it and silence opposition.
History will not be kind to those who traded the struggle for democracy for the comfort of power. We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender the future of this nation. The will of the people must prevail—stronger, louder, and impossible to suppress.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Today, history was made in Abam Onyerubi as we commissioned two landmark projects: the New Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River and the 30-kilometre Ndi Okereke Abam, Okobo, Amuvi Arochukwu Road. The commissioning was performed by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), who turned 70 years old today. We wish him a memorable birthday in good health and God’s continued blessings. These projects stand as a testament to our collective resilience and the determination of our administration to end decades of neglect and usher in a new era of prosperity.
For years, the old Omenuko Bridge symbolised pain and loss, with families mourning loved ones who perished due to its structural failures. Today, we honour their memory and declare that deceit and failed promises shall never again define leadership in Abia. The commissioning is not just about infrastructure. It is about restoring dignity, hope, and safety to our people. And with the completion of the road, too, the age-old cliché that “there is no easy road to Arochukwu” has been abolished forever.
The nightmare of collapsed roads and broken bridges is over. Farmers can now move their produce to markets, students can travel safely to schools, and communities once cut off by fear and frustration are reconnected. The siege has collapsed, the jinx is broken, and Abam and Arochukwu stand tall as beacons of what is possible when leadership aligns with the aspirations of the people.
This is the dawn of a new Abia, one built on truth, progress, and shared destiny. Together, we have proven that our future is not bound by neglect but is shaped by our collective will. Abia has seen the light, and never again shall darkness cover our path.
A Call for Unity and a New Nigeria
Today in Enugu, I was joined by distinguished leaders and associates, including former Governors Okwesili Nwodo of Enugu State, Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, as well as Emeka Ihedioha from Imo State. Notable senators present included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji. Additionally, we had prominent political figures such as High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and others, alongside various members of the Federal House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, as well as community leaders.
This historic political gathering also featured distinguished individuals from outside the Igbo community, led by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, as well as Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State, and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor.
We came together to reaffirm the urgent need for leadership and a government that can truly appreciate Nigeria’s potential, unify our diversity, and drive rapid socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.
In my speech, I emphasized that Nigeria's challenges do not stem from a lack of potential. We are abundantly endowed with human and natural resources. Our tragedy arises from the deliberate sabotage by a political class that exploits the country and its people. We are not poor; we have been looted into poverty. The existing system rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure. Nigeria is suffocating under impunity and greed, with a government that rewards illegalities and corruption. What we need is genuine, patriotic change—not mere cosmetic makeovers.
I made it clear that the time to act is now. The choice before us is between continuing the cycle of decay or embracing the courage to disrupt entrenched corruption and formalized criminality in governance. I have visited every corner of Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps neglected by the government. From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair. This cannot define our legacy. For the sake of the hungry, the poor, and future generations, we must dismantle the structures that are destroying our nation. A New Nigeria is possible.
I reaffirmed that with unity and effective leadership, agriculture and manufacturing can become the highest contributors to our GDP. We can transition Nigeria from a state of consumption to one of production, tackling issues such as insecurity, corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy. A productive, inclusive Nigeria is achievable. To build lasting unity and prosperity, we need honest, transparent, and responsive leadership. Our generation is tasked with creating a new framework for unity and progress. Many nations have succeeded; Nigeria can excel even more.
This is a time for unity and national renewal. I called on my leaders, associates, supporters, the Obidient Movement, and members of opposition parties across the country to join a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark. This coalition is guided by patriotism and the national interest. Nigeria deserves leadership that unites, governs with empathy, and delivers real results. Let history record that Nigeria’s turning point begins here and now. Together, with courage, unity, and resolve, we can build a new, productive, and inclusive Nigeria.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
From the 2025 polls:
Peter Obi emerges Man of the Year
Alex Otti wins Eastern Governor of the Year
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Woman of the Year
Let’s retweet to celebrate them! 🙏
Yesterday, I signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦1.016 trillion, a budget we have aptly titled the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities.”
The budget reflects our unwavering commitment to building a prosperous Abia, a state where opportunities abound and infrastructure works for the people. It is a bold, forward-looking financial plan that prioritises capital investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
I want to sincerely thank the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, and the entire Abia State House of Assembly for their diligence and speed in passing this bill. Your attention to detail, rigorous scrutiny, and collaborative spirit exemplify the kind of democracy we are building in Abia.
To my incredible team, thank you for the sleepless nights and tireless effort that went into crafting this document. The numbers we presented remain intact, and the capital-to-recurrent ratio holds firm, underscoring our focus on sustainable development.
Let us keep building the Abia of our dreams. The journey continues.
To the proud sons and daughters of the Tiv Nation across Benue State, throughout Nigeria, and all corners of the globe, Msugh u dedoo. I send warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate Tiv Cultural Day.
As you gathered to mark this special occasion, I pray that God continues to bless the Tiv people with wisdom, peace, and prosperity. May your communities continue to thrive. Thank you for blessing our nation with your outstanding culture, rich heritage and brilliant minds.
I congratulate His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, as our nation joins the Tiv people in this prestigious celebration. I commend his steady leadership and the invaluable contribution of the Tiv nation to our country.
Let this celebration remind us of the power of our roots and the promise of our potential. May the Tiv nation continue to shine, inspire, and contribute to the greatness of Nigeria.
Aondoo se u hemba. Aondoo se Tiv. -PO
Honestly, this whole lengthy 3-way conversation is pretty much whatever. You can't diminish anyone's greatness, whether they're A-list, B-list, or anything else. Feel free to believe what you want or support whoever you choose—there's plenty of room in the sky for everyone.
However, one thing to remember is that Burna, David, and Wiz aren’t narrow-minded enough to get offended by someone else’s opinion or perspective. That’s part of why they’ve reached where they are today.
I arrived in Madrid, Spain, this morning, 15th November, and commenced a series of meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities for future generations. Immediately afterwards, I proceeded to attend the Reimagining Nigeria Symposium 2025, themed “A Journey to Development.”
I also highlighted one of our greatest untapped strengths: agriculture. With vast arable land and a vibrant young population, Nigeria has all it takes to become a global leader in food production and has no business being one of the hungriest countries and the poorest nation in the world.
Beyond that, I addressed the critical need to build genuine businesses and move away from any system that glorifies shortcuts, celebrates questionable wealth, or promotes criminality. A nation cannot grow on foundations that undermine integrity. We must collectively insist on transparency, hard work, and honest enterprise as the bedrock of our economic progress.
I am encouraged by national advocacy, as we must all now become advocates for a new Nigeria. The task of rebuilding our nation cannot be left to leaders alone. We all have a role to play in promoting accountability, good governance, and the values that will shape the Nigeria we desire. True change begins when citizens use their voices, platforms, and actions to demand and defend what is right.
As I shared with the audience today, the journey to rebuilding Nigeria is not just about policies; it is about values and the collective resolve to do things the right way. A more productive, united, and globally competitive Nigeria is possible, and together, we must continue to work toward it.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
My Visit to the USA, Rome: Taking Nigeria's Situation to God.
After my 2-day trip to the United States - where I addressed the Friendship Club on Saturday, 4 October, and spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington on Sunday, 5 October - I departed that same night for Rome, arriving on 6th October to join my dearest wife, who was already in Rome waiting for me.
This year marks a Jubilee Year, an event celebrated every twenty-five years, and my dearest wife and I chose to dedicate our prayers to Nigeria. With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation - a rare and profound blessing for which we remain deeply thankful.
We also sought forgiveness for our national transgressions and implored God to intervene in the suffering of the Nigerian people. We prayed for the injection into our political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders whose hearts He God would touch—leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good. Leaders whose decisions would reflect competence, capacity, character, and commitment to the welfare of all. Leaders who understand that they were not created to live in isolation but in community with others, and must ensure that actions are for the benefit of the community.
On Tuesday, the 7th of October, as part of our pilgrimage, we passed through three Holy Doors of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome, praying at each that God would open the door of His mercy to Nigeria. At St. Mary Major, we prayed, passed through the Holy Door, and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis. From there, we journeyed to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James Harvey warmly received us, led us through the Holy Door, and shared the basilica’s rich history and the deep significance of the Jubilee Year. Our third stop was the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, where, together with other pilgrims, we passed through the Holy Door and joined in prayer. We then proceeded to the Scala Sancta - the Holy Steps which Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate - where we prayed with profound reverence, completing a day of deep spiritual reflection at some of Rome’s most sacred sites.
On Wednesday the 8th of October, we rose early for the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we were blessed to hear the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship. Afterwards, we passed through the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, praying and reflecting deeply on God’s mercy, thus completing our pilgrimage through the four doors with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed faith.
At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria.
Along the way, we met several Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.
I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism. Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part - with honesty, diligence, and love - for the healing and progress of our country.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Orgulhoso por este reconhecimento especial. 22 anos de Seleção e continuo com a mesma paixão. Obrigado a todos os treinadores e companheiros que me ajudaram a chegar até aqui. Obrigado, @selecaoportugal!
Today in Accra, @GEJFoundation in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, hosted the 4th edition of the #GJDemocracyDialogue under the theme: “Why Democracies Die.”
Participants reflected on the importance of democracy in nation-building and the challenges confronting democracies in Africa.
The insightful conversations and submissions from the wide range of participants offered lessons and pathways toward building peaceful, just, and democratic nations.
I am grateful to H.E. @JDMahama President of the Republic of Ghana, and to the Government of Ghana for their gracious partnership; H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and H.E. Kadre Désiré Ouédraogo for their profound contributions; and to all participants whose voices enriched this dialogue.
Together, let us commit to safeguarding democracy as the surest path to peace, security, and prosperity across Africa.
-GEJ