Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.
On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.
On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.
As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted.
In a similar vein, I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day.
Unfortunately, I didnβt get that call until Sunday evening when he sent me a message stating he had not been able to reach his principal since the day I called. I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days.
However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi.
Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governors ADC sent the statement directly to me.
The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security.
I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.
Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake.
I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced.
May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Have I really crossed the line?
I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of "crossing the line" and has warned that I will face the consequences.
I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch:
https://t.co/f26UDjdT7Z
If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.
We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.
May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children. -PO
One artist told the world in an interview he didnβt have a hit for a while and Tekno came through for him, gave him a full recorded song and assured him itβs a hit. Years later after going through a lot himself including throat surgery, Tekno openly reached out to the same artist tweeting at him that heβll like to be part of his then βforthcoming albumβ not only was he ignored he didnβt even come any close to the album. One would think one good turn deserves anotherβ¦ but not in the Nigerian music industry.
I pray Tekno find his voice again.
Yesterday, Wednesday, 13th of November 2024, I, alongside other esteemed Nigerians, attended the launch of "The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun OON (The Baaptian of Oyo Kingdom)" at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event brought together a distinguished assembly, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church; and Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, among many other notable figures.
In my remarks, I emphasized the significance of celebrating a professor and academic today. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Professor Akinjide Osuntokun personally, the glowing testimonials from the various speakers, including his students, underscored the profound impact of his work. I wholeheartedly join in acknowledging his legacy, recognizing that education, which is at the core of Professor Osuntokun's contributions, is precisely what our society needs. This is what we should celebrate, not the glorification of thuggery and mediocrity as we have it today.
May his dedication continue to inspire Nigerians to strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and pursue unity, rejecting the forces that promote mediocrity and violence.
A new Nigeria is POssible!
-PO
Yesterday, I visited St. John of God Secondary School in Awka as part of their 60th-anniversary celebration. After encouraging the students to take their education seriously, especially skills acquisition as a foundation for future success, I presented a cheque of 15 million Naira to the school on behalf of Mrs. Bridget Egodi Egbujiobi (formerly Bridget Egodi Akaigwe, Class of 1979).
During a recent visit to the United States, I was warmly hosted by Dr. Leo and Mrs. Bridget Egbujiobi. In our discussions, Mrs. Egbujiobi expressed her pride as an alumna of St. John of God Secondary School, Awka.
I mentioned the upcoming anniversary event and the schoolβs need for support, and, recognising the impact this contribution could have, she generously decided to make this donation, which I presented today.
Following this, I visited the new Regina Caeli School of Nursing in Awka, where I contributed 10 million Naira in support.
My commitment remains steadfast: to support critical areas of development in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
A new Nigeria is POssible!
-PO