Lokoja Judgment: An Unnecessary Serious Setback for Nigerian Democracy
Today was an exceptionally busy day. I left Lagos in the early hours for Emekuku, where I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution I have consistently supported over the years. It was gratifying to inspect projects funded through my previous interventions, including the school’s computer laboratory. Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development.
From there, I attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr Anthony Obinna, whose commitment to justice, peace, and the common good has inspired many, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.
It was at Madonna University that I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends.
It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians.
The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.
Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle.
My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity. That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations.
I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy. The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It's when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made POssible. -PO
Black diamond 🖤💎
Thank you @BBNaija for changing my life 💜. What a crazy year it’s been 😂, but every moment has been worth it. I walked into that house not knowing exactly what to expect, and I came out with memories, lessons, friendships, and experiences that will stay with me forever.
To the amazing 28 housemates I got to share this journey with, thank you. I will never forget any of you. The energy, resilience, creativity, and love I experienced in that house showed me a whole new perspective on humanity. Every one of you left a mark on my story, and I know you’ll all go on to do incredible things 🤩.
To the ever-loyal Faithfuls, there would be no Faith without you. Through every vote, every message, every prayer, every moment of support, you reminded me why I should keep believing in myself. I am honored to have you by my side and will never take your love for granted.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for changing my life too. 💜
I hope you’re excited for the next chapter of our journey… because I am 😉💜
The abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014 triggered a global movement. One school abduction was enough to unite Nigerians, attract international attention, and place enormous pressure on the government through the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
Yet, what has happened since then should trouble every Nigerian.
Under President Buhari's eight years in office, Nigeria witnessed about ten school abductions. Under President Tinubu's administration, in just three years, we have already recorded over ten school abductions.
Despite these repeated tragedies, there has been neither sustained national outrage nor significant international attention comparable to what followed Chibok.
This raises an important question: have we become so accustomed to insecurity that what once shocked our national conscience is now treated as normal?
At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, poverty, and hardship, it is deeply troubling that those in power appear more focused on political calculations and preparations for the next election than on addressing the urgent challenges confronting our people.
It is, therefore, no surprise that some observers have labelled us a "Now Disgraced Nation". While we do not agree with any attempt to define our great country by its present difficulties, we must acknowledge that persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and leadership failure have damaged our reputation and standing among nations.
The answer is not denial, propaganda, or political distraction. The answer is leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the welfare and security of the Nigerian people.
The Nigerian youth must not become indifferent. We must all refuse to normalise failure.
Young Nigerians - Take back your country!
A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO
Good morning @DONJAZZY
Months ago, you gave a young man 20M naira to disburse laptops. He didn't, nor has he provided accountability for that money, which is public funds.
That's the subpoint of this tweet.
The main point is that, he stands to implicate you in the future.
What you may or may not know is:
The young man solicited sensitive data like NIN from thousands of potential beneficiaries he lured under an application system trap - for laptops he didn't disburse. Members of his committee too have, consequently, been public touted as fraudulent.
Hundreds of crimes are committed monthly with NIN. Should one of the unsuspecting applicants have their data used in a crime in the future, one can make a case that you funded him to fish private data from the unsuspecting public.
A case can concurrently be made that it is impossible for you not to know his application request system or possible distribution apparatus before dumping 20M before him.
Ideally, you should demand that he publicly accounts for the money - and should you decide to prepare a legal contingency, that's entirely your prerogative. For posterity sake, I have just executed my duty as Twitter's unappointed class captain.
They will not turn your good into evil inside your hand o.
Yesterday, May 19th, in Abuja, I attended the Presidential screening organised by our party, which took over two and a half hours. They carefully reviewed all my documents, including my degree certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declarations.
During the process, I also addressed questions regarding my vision for a new Nigeria and the type of leadership our nation urgently needs right now. Following this, I was cleared and received the presidential nomination form I had previously paid for.
I would like to commend the screening committee, led by former governor Sam Egwu, for their thorough and professional approach. Additionally, I appreciate our party's leadership for upholding the democratic process.
A New Nigeria is POssible. - PO