Lawrence Achuta

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

National Association of Seadogs - Jokaina Deck (Calabar 1) has called for improved funding support for schools catering for students with special needs.

The deck donated learning and sanitary materials to the Special Education Primary School, Calabar, as part of its Street Child and Back-to-Schpol Project under the National Advocacy and Humanitarian Campaign.

Capoon of Jokaina Deck, Lawrence Achuta, stated that the gesture underscores the association’s commitment to enhancing the educational experience of special needs children.

Cross River State Commissioner of Education reiterated the government's commitment to ameliorating the plight of students with special needs.

#ForHumanisticIdeals
#NASPC1952

[Mimi @Mimi_yakigar]

I recently met with a 90-year-old retired John Aya in Mbo, Akwa Ibom. He started work in 1962, served with Cross River Agricultural Development, later transferred to the Cross River Basin Authority in 1982, and retired in 1989.

For decades, he was paid his pension. But in 2023, he was suddenly told his service record was “just 7 years” and that he no longer qualifies.

This man is now completely blind, in poor health, and unable to afford his medications. He has all his letters and documents proving his service, yet he has been abandoned by the system he once served.

He has been seeking help, reaching out to me repeatedly, until I finally went to visit him. What I saw broke me, this is not how a country should treat its elders.

Soon, I will begin releasing videos of him narrating his ordeal, with documents to back every word.
I appeal to you, my friends: please share this story until it reaches those who must act.

We call on @PTADNigeria and @CrossRiverbasin , justice delayed is justice denied.

Pension is not charity. Pension is a right.

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

Clemency in Emmanson, KWAM 1 cases ‘not tolerance for misconduct’ – Pyrates Confraternity https://t.co/93cZBw6plq

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

If Service is the motive Turning the Tide in Four Years is Possible

I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation. By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.

I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter. There are some traits associated with desperation, which in no way are in any of my political behaviours in the past and now, like engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention; becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, often to the point of appearing paranoid.
Making unrealistic or unfulfillable promises to win support or approval, resorting to personal attacks or character assassination to discredit opponents or frequently changing positions or policies to suit immediate political needs.

What drives me is not personal ambition, but a deep, commitment to see Nigeria work. And if the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it.

Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice. I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.

Ask those who have contested against me—none were ever denied their rights, framed, or falsely accused. None was asked to place their advert materials or break the bank to do so. I believe in fair competition, not manufactured victories.

In four years we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.

Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed.
Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair and credible elections

Leadership, to me, is not about entitlement. It is about service. If given the mandate, for just one term, I will dedicate every moment to building a Nigeria that works for all. -PO

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

In a fusion of creativity and conscience, the National Association of Seadogs  (Pyrates Confraternity) has reaffirmed its dedication to social justice by launching its maiden art exhibition, Art Ova Yap, in Owerri, Imo State.

Held as part of the association’s 49th National Konverge and Annual General Meeting, the exhibition showcased powerful visual narratives crafted by talented members of the Confraternity many of them professional artists who used their work to spotlight issues of governance, inequality, and societal transformation.
#ArtOvaYap
#NASPC1952
https://t.co/KCgTfLq0gF

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Leadership Failure: Nigeria’s Greatest Burden

I have consistently maintained that leadership failure lies at the heart of Nigeria’s problems. Until we confront it head-on, the country cannot move in the right direction. The cumulative effect of poor leadership remains our greatest obstacle to development. This calls for urgent disruption of the current retrogressive system and the enthronement of leaders with competence, character, capacity, and compassion.

Our declining governance has drawn global attention, as shown in the recent statement by the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, echoed in The Africa Report (https://t.co/h1LOxXx1tk) - a clear confirmation of what many of us have long said. Once again, let me be clear: you cannot ask the people to keep fasting while you feast every day. As Chinua Achebe rightly said, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

I speak out to help build a new Nigeria, free of criminality and corruption. But instead of addressing the message, those who have hijacked our country deploy media thugs to insult and distract. Now that the American government has made similar observations, perhaps they too will become targets.

To all well-meaning Nigerians: this must stop. We must dismantle the system of criminality. We have voted based on tribe and religion for too long - it is time to vote for competence. Let us move from waste, looting, and reckless borrowing to production. Let us build a Nigeria that works.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

National Association of Seadogs (Panama Deck - Ikeja) presents an educational awareness campaign against pollution, and in promotion of environmental hygiene.

THEME: "Adventures of Kaptain Clean for Kids".

DATE: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025.

TIME: 8:00 am prompt

VENUE: Olusosun Primary School, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

Join us as we educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
#ForHumanisticIdeals
#NASPC1952

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

Where is the urgency? Where is the protection?

We call on the Federal and Benue State Governments to:
✅ Investigate thoroughly
✅ Bring perpetrators to justice
✅ Deploy meaningful security
✅ Address root causes of these massacres
#StopBenueKillings
#EnoughOfTheBloodshed
#ForHumanisticIdeals

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

KILLINGS IN BENUE: SEADOGS CALL ON FG TO END CYCLE OF BLOODSHED

We strongly condemn not only the heinous acts of violence committed against innocent villagers but also the lukewarm response of the authorities whose duty it is to protect lives and property. We demand leadership, not platitudes. We demand accountability, not blame games. We demand action, not condolence letters.
https://t.co/QbYr2BsGwq
#NASPC1952
#PressRelease

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

Over 200 lives lost in Benue on June 13. Entire families wiped out. Futures shattered. Communities in fear.

This is not normal. This must not become routine. We demand justice, protection, and accountability.

#StopBenueKillings #ForHumanisticIdeals

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

The recent outcry by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state that Boko Haram informants and terrorists exist among our politicians and within our armed forces is a damning indictment of the state of our nation. It is not just shocking, it is devastating. And if true, it confirms what many Nigerians have long feared: that our country is bleeding not only from external attacks but from betrayal at the highest levels.

Let me say without hesitation: anyone who aids, abets, protects, or collaborates with terrorists, no matter their rank, title, or political office, is a traitor to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Such individuals have no place in our institutions and must be identified, exposed, and prosecuted without delay.

We cannot win the war against terrorism while traitors sit in the corridors of power, feeding off the blood of innocent Nigerians. We cannot continue to bury our citizens while those responsible hide behind the veil of politics and impunity. This is not just a security failure, it is a moral collapse.

The federal government must treat this revelation with the utmost urgency. Words are not enough. The silence and inaction that often greet such explosive disclosures only serve to embolden the enemies within. The Nigerian people demand answers. More importantly, we demand action.

Governor Zulum has done what few in power dare to do: he has spoken the truth. That truth must not die in the news cycle. It must be pursued, investigated, and confronted with courage and justice. Nigeria cannot afford to be held hostage by the very people entrusted to defend her.

Let us rise to it with courage, with clarity, and with a commitment to reclaim our country from the shadows.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

It's obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective. Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackmail campaign by merchants paid ostensibly to propagate anything negative against Obi.

One such individual, whose entire life revolves around blackmail, falsely claimed that I went to Rome to have a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding a purported ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank. These claims are not only baseless, malicious, but entirely false.

Let me categorically state that I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office, except about 1 minute meeting at the arena of Saint Peter’s Basilica Rome during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, where I was seated behind, and had to respectfully greet him, and other dignitaries present.

I was previously in Rome on the 9th of May for the lying in state of Pope Francis. Immediately after the mass and exchanging pleasantries, I went straight from Vatican City to London, and then back to Nigeria.

The self-proclaimed "blackmailer-in-chief" and others who thrive on spreading pain and falsehoods have also claimed that I own Fidelity Bank. For the record, I do not. Throughout my career, I have served as Chairman/Director of 3 banks/Financial institutions, of which Fidelity is one of them. Fidelity has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake. What this blackmailer seeks is to harm these hard-working Nigerians and cause them needless distress.

To those peddling these falsehoods, and engaging in blackmail, I offer a simple prayer: May God grant you the virtues of gratitude and understanding to know that we came here with nothing and will go with nothing, that they cannot profit from their evil ways.

A new Nigeria is POssible.

-PO

[Lawrence Achuta @achuta_lawrence]

@ruffydfire A microcosm of the Macra health Sector in the Country. Very soon, we will be left with just Native Doctors controlling our health Sector; who cares, after all, our Big fly abroad when they need Medicare.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

I came across multiple reports of students being asked to attend a public examination by 6:30 AM, teenagers, mostly around 15-17 years old, forced to travel in the dark, even in the face of insecurity, across dangerous and unfamiliar locations, because they want to get the basic right of education and sit for JAMB examinations.

Setting exams for vulnerable teenagers as early as 6:00 AM while transporting them across far-flung locations is reckless.

Already, reports are emerging of students getting into accidents and losing their young lives, some going missing, and many more being subjected to unnecessary trauma. Who takes responsibility when a 15- or 16-year-old child disappears or is harmed while trying to access their right to education?

This situation sadly exposes a deeper, systemic failure: Nigeria simply does not have enough universities and exam centres to cater to its youth.
Today, Nigeria has just about 200 universities for a population of over 200 million people. That alone means one university for every one million citizens, a very disturbing and staggering ratio that shows the dilapidated level of the country’s access to education.

According to the data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and IndexMundi, countries aiming for good development, strong economies, and broad access to higher education are expected to target a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of at least 40%
And according to these statistics, Nigeria with a population of about 230 million people and about 200 universities has a GER of about 12%

In comparison with other countries with a high population, for example, Indonesia with about 280 million people has over 4,000 tertiary institutions and stands at a ratio of about 1 university per 70,000 people and a GER of over 45%. The country has over 10 million students enrolled in tertiary education alone spanning across various ages.

Indonesia’s substantial investment in education is evident in its university-to-population ratio, supporting its large student population. Nigeria’s GER, on the other hand, is significantly below the global average, showing the urgent need for substantial investment in education, which would, in turn, yield national growth and development.

Indonesia, unlike Nigeria, has universities scattered across every region, making access to exams, learning, and opportunity far more democratic and safer.

If we had even half of Indonesia’s educational infrastructure, which would be about 2,000 universities, the Nigerian child would not be forced into life-threatening journeys just to write an exam and still face challenges of university acceptance after performing well.

Education is not a luxury or expense, It is the biggest contributor to development for any nation, and therefore most important investment any nation can do for development.

You cannot claim to want development while starving our young the access to knowledge. You cannot claim to value your citizens while risking the lives of teenagers every examination season.

We must aggressively and intentionally expand our education system.

We must strive to match our population with access to education.

Our young generation should not be endangered because they desire education. We must do better as a nation and ensure that our future leaders get the new Nigeria that they deserve.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

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 didn’t 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

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

As we celebrate the Mother's Day today, I join the nation to celebrate the motherly love, selfless sacrifices and maternal care of all mothers in Nigeria. I acknowledge and applaud their immeasurable contributions to our respective families - which form the very nucleus of our society, while also appreciating their invaluable contributions to our communities and nation at large.

Our mothers play very critical roles in nurturing their respective families, shaping the minds and characters of citizens in society from childhood and spreading high levels of morals in the larger society. A day like this offers us the opportunity to show them gratitude for their unwavering support and priceless roles in our lives.

Today also offers us the opportunity to reevaluate the challenges of motherhood in Nigeria and find ways to improve their lives and society in general. From widespread poverty and hunger, which have seen mothers also toiling so hard to earn a living, to a deplorable healthcare system that has seen an unacceptable maternal mortality rate - these need to be addressed.

The 2023 UN Report on Trends in Maternal Mortality from 2000-2020 revealed that nearly 28.5% of global maternal deaths happen in Nigeria. The report further states that a woman in Nigeria has a 1 in 19 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum, whereas, in the most developed countries, the lifetime risk is 1 in 4900.

These are direct consequences of not investing in the very critical areas of national development - health, education and fighting poverty. And just like men, women - and mothers are also victims of our bad decisions and misplaced priorities as leaders.

On this day, may we commit to protecting, empowering and appreciating our mothers whose love and sacrifices make our lives beautiful. With their unwavering support, a New Nigeria remains POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

What is happening in the country today as it relates to River State is an aberration, unknown to our Constitution and must be condemned by every discerning mind.

What we are witnessing in Rivers State is a brazen disobedience and disregard for the rule of law and our democratic principles. The decision to release statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator, despite a standing order of the Supreme Court, is not just unlawful — it is a direct challenge to the authority of the highest court of our country.

The Supreme Court had explicitly barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing these funds until a properly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid Appropriation Act. Yet, we see a situation where this order is being ignored. This raises serious moral intentions, and questions of what is happening in Rivers State.

By disregarding the judgment of the Supreme Court, those involved are setting a dangerous precedent. The CBN and AGF, institutions meant to uphold the law, should not be complicit in this disregard for our judiciary. We cannot build a nation where those who swore oaths to uphold our constitution and obey the laws are doing the opposite.

This is about more than just Rivers State; it is about protecting the very fabric of our democracy, and our existence as a nation.

A country cannot function where the rule of law is trampled upon, where the separation of powers is disregarded, and where judicial decisions are treated as mere suggestions. If we continue this way, we are undermining the future of our democracy. We must choose to do the right thing — to respect the law and uphold the principles that bind us as a nation.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

[PRESS RELEASE] AFFIRMATION OF EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE THROUGH “AYES AND NAYS”

The National Assembly has a constitutional duty to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are reached through proper debate, individual voting, and public scrutiny.
It is unacceptable that such an important resolution could be decided through a mere chorus of voices, leaving room for ambiguity and manipulation. The resort to emergency rule risks escalating tensions rather than resolving the ongoing political crisis.
https://t.co/G1opoHi9av
#AgainstImpunity
#NASPC1952

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

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

[Lawrence Achuta @achuta_lawrence]

@ShehuSani Look at how this beautiful democratic Icon has , Shehu Sani, spoiled his hard earned reputation by selling his Soul to the Devil. Truly disheartening for some of us who were near idolizing him.