@NigeriaStories What is shame this institution and they're turned puppets executive and no one speaks again shame on you corrupt politicians and you can't buried the truth for so long
The Recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about the direction we are headed as a democracy. The tension in the land aggravated by hardship is being needlessly fueled by our attitude to the rule of law and human rights.
The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.
The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements. If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.
This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law.
Moreover, these methods are beginning to affect our economy and business environment. The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community.
One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?
Similarly troubling are allegations surrounding the so-called adoption of the NANS President If true, it raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership and the subtle erosion of young voices in our democracy. Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize.
We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild.
A new Nigeria is POssible! –PO
As the Christian community around the world celebrates Ash Wednesday today, marking the beginning of the Lenten Season, a period of fasting, prayers and almsgiving, I wish all Christians in Nigeria a fruitful Lenten season.
This is a season of sober reflection on our journey as a nation in the light of our present challenges and our future opportunities.
It is also a season of personal sacrifices, not just for spiritual upliftment, but for national growth and development.
May we continue to show love to one another irrespective of tribe or religious background according to the Holy teachings.
May we also continue to support one another through these challenging times while praying for God's intervention in our nation.
I wish us all a fruitful Lenten season filled with blessings as we all continue to work towards the new and better nation we all deserve.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
I arrived in London, United Kingdom safely on Sunday, the 2nd of March morning for a busy schedule.
I made the trip via Air Peace business class, as is my policy when embarking on long-haul flights, particularly when I have to start work immediately upon arrival.
On arrival, I proceeded to Cambridge for scheduled meetings with development experts.
Our discussions centred on suggested solutions to challenges confronting our nation.
Coming back to London later in the day, I attended Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s launch of her latest novel, Dream Count, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The event attracted about 3,000 attendees.
Her conversation with journalist and author Elizabeth Day was insightful, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout the event.
The event was not only a celebration of literary excellence but, more importantly, a testament to the immense potential our beloved nation holds if we invest in the most critical measures of development reflected in the Human Development Index (HDI): education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty.
Coupled with my earlier discussions on turning around our struggling nation and the exhilarating performance by @ChimamandaReal, I am convinced that with the energy and brilliance of our youth, a collective commitment, and guidance through good governance, the dream of a better Nigeria is within reach.
I remain confident that all hope is not lost.
A new Nigeria is POssible!
– PO
The tragic collision on February 28, 2025, along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway in Kwara State, which claimed over 60 lives, is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the reconstruction of existing road infrastructure across the country, improve road safety, and regulate the transportation of hazardous materials, rather than embarking on new road infrastructure that might never be completed.
The alarming frequency of such road traffic accidents demands immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
A greater percentage of road accidents today are caused by the deplorable condition of our road infrastructure.
I recently visited the site in Suleja, where over 100 people were burnt—a tragedy resulting from the poor state of the roads.
During my recent trip to Kafanchan, we spent over three and a half hours navigating dangerous, death-trap roads, further underscoring the urgent need to improve existing road infrastructure.
As we mourn this loss, I extend my condolences to the families and the good people of Kwara State. May God Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed and provide strength and comfort to their grieving loved ones.
Through collective responsibility and unwavering commitment, we can prevent further senseless tragedies and work toward building a safer, more secure nation for everyone.
A new Nigeria is POssible!
-PO
I have just been informed of yet another unpleasant news of the recent attacks on the communities of Amagu, Amaokwe, and Umunesha in Nkalaha, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. This brutal invasion has led to the tragic loss of at least 15 innocent lives, with many others still unaccounted for.
This atrocity is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of violence that continues to plague our nation. The wanton destruction of lives and property is an affront to our collective humanity and a grave threat to the peace and stability we hold dear.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Nkalaha community. Your pain is our pain, and your loss serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work required to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
I call upon our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The perpetrators of this barbaric act must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. We cannot and will not tolerate impunity. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and our security forces must protect every Nigerian, regardless of location or status.
Furthermore, I urge community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. We must stand united against these agents of chaos and work together to restore peace and security in our land.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may we find the strength to forge a path toward a more secure and harmonious Nigeria.
-PO
The recurring fake News on me.
I have been made aware of a circulating fake News about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false.
I am currently at my home in Onitsha. Anambra State.
Such fake News on my person has become a pastime for some people.
Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja.
The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation.
I Thank the public for the concern, support, and dedication to the cause of a better Nigeria that is possible!!!
-PO
The exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other Regional Commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed. Such an anomaly does not make for even development and peace that is needed for progress in the country.
A total of N2.493 trillion has been allocated to five regional development commissions, with the North Central Regional Commission glaringly omitted.
The North Central region requires special attention due to the severe challenges it faces today. Relentless terror attacks and banditry in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States have caused immense suffering, resulting in significant loss of lives and forcing countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. These persistent tragedies have made the North Central one of the most affected and vulnerable regions in Nigeria.
Known as the agricultural backbone of the nation, the North Central region deserves robust support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire country.
I, therefore, call on the government and National Assembly to urgently review and rectify this decision that will impact negatively on the region and area most needed for the development of the country
Together, we must work toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. A New Nigeria is not just a dream—it is POssible. -PO
In this season of Christmas, I join the entire Christendom to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May we take a moment to remind ourselves of the true spirit of Christmas, which is a season of love, peace, and kindness - such values that are more important to us now than ever, especially as our nation battles many unprecedented challenges?
Amid the many challenges plaguing our nation, the season of Christmas reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a new dawn. At such times as this, we must, therefore, in the spirit of love, prioritize the well-being of one another, help the poor, feed the hungry, and show love to everyone.
On this unique occasion, may we renew our spirit of unity, look beyond the walls of tribe and religion that have always separated us as a people, and lift our nation to God in prayers, even as we all continue to work together for a better nation.
Merry Christmas to you!
A New Nigeria remains POssible. -PO
Today, after my visit, in the morning, to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu to sympathize with and encourage one of us and his family, over the ghastly gas explosion that affected his siblings, I headed to Anambra to commiserate with a renowned professor of pathology, Prof Gershon Ejeckam, over the sudden death of his only son and practising doctor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ejeckam, who died in Qatar recently. I also commiserated with his immediate family over the loss.
The pain of losing a very promising child who is also contributing productively to societal growth cannot be measured.
From there, I headed to Onitsha to commiserate with one of our very dedicated teachers, a good disciplinarian and our Vice Principal back in my secondary school, Christ The King College, Onitsha, over 40 years ago, Mr Anthony Onyebuchi Ibeziako, who lost his wife at the age of 91.
I pray God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the Late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ejeckam and the Late Lady Kushnell Ibeziako and grant the entire Ejeckam and Ibeziako families and all of us, the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable losses.
May God protect and bless the Ejeckam and Ibeziako families always. -PO