When a Society Turns Against Its Own
Reports from Cross River State this week have brought to light a deeply troubling incident involving young boys who were tied up like animals and brutally treated under the label of “Skolombo boys.” These are not merely disturbing images; they are a stark reminder that we have failed the children of our nation.
These young people, often labelled “Skolombo boys” and “Lakasara girls,” are not criminals by birth; they are victims of a system that has neglected them. Children who ought to be in classrooms, learning and building their future, are instead on the streets, struggling to survive.
Today, Nigeria has over 20 million out-of-school children, the highest number in the world, which constitutes a national emergency.
A society that ties up and beats its children with machetes is one that has lost its moral direction. We cannot claim to be building a future while destroying the very foundation of that future - our children.
Even more troubling is the contradiction we now live with. In a country where we speak of rehabilitation and reintegration for “repentant” terrorists, how do we justify brutality against vulnerable children whose only “crime” is poverty and abandonment?
We must move from punishment to compassion, from neglect to responsibility. These children must be taken off the streets and given access to education, shelter, and structured rehabilitation. Governments at all levels should seek ways to protect and integrate them into society, rather than criminalise them.
This is not just about Cross River; it is about the kind of Nigeria we are choosing to build. We must do better. Our nation must protect the weak and the future of its people.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Nnamdi Kanu Should Be Released, and If He Is Not Wanted In Nigeria, He Should Be Returned to Kenya Where He Was Taken From
There are plans to honour Sunday Igboho, whom he described as Kanu’s South-west counterpart.
The youths in the South-east see us as sell-outs; when we come to Abuja, they think we come to collect money and keep quiet on these issues. Mr President should do something about Nnamdi Kanu.
We cannot make progress in this country if we don't tell ourselves the whole truth.
-South East Monarch
I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned. Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives.
For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member. My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement. I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria.
As for Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party. Elections and primaries should not be reduced to toxic narratives or personal attacks. Political choices should be guided by credibility, vision, and the ability to deliver real change — not by dragging individuals into toxic discussions, blackmail, or needless controversy.
Furthermore, primaries — whether conducted through voting, interviews, selection processes, or any other democratic method — must be free, fair, and credible. Every aspirant who is a legitimate member of a party deserves a fair chance to contest without bias or blackmail.
As we approach the Anambra State governorship election in November, I sincerely hope that all parties, including mine, will ensure a transparent and democratic process, and engage in credible, fair primaries.
This election presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to embrace true democracy — something that, unfortunately, remains elusive in our nation today.
I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process. We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack.
By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
My dear brothers and sisters,
Members of the Labour Party in the National Assembly,
Since your inauguration as Distinguished, and Honorable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
However, at this critical juncture — following 26 years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders — I find it necessary to address you. These unconstitutional actions have far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.
I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.
We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people's mandate. At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
Together, let us stand firm in our resolve — because a new Nigeria is possible!
-PO
Dem no declare state of emergency for Zamfara , Sokoto , Katsina , Plateau , Benue , Borno where AK47 na water and blood dey flow like water but dem quick quick declare state of emergency for Rivers State where people dey release singles everyday , dey dance and dey speak grammar .
Chai . Hand don Touch Rivers purse .
I urge the Governor and the good people of Rivers State to challenge the state of emergency. There is no perfect crime .