Happy % birthday to me. I am grateful to Almighty God for another year. To God be the praise for bringing me this far & for His faithfulness in ordering my footsteps in life. It’s always been a journey of belief & determination. I wish my very self all I have prayed for.
Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive.
As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins. This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.
I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people.
Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin.
Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law.
We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity.
Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain.
A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this.
A new Nigeria is within our reach. -PO
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The relentless increase in insecurity nationwide continues to inflict severe hardship on frontline workers. Regrettably, this alarming lapse in governance is being eclipsed by prevailing political machinations.
I wish to express my condolences to the FRSC operatives in Kebbi State following the heinous murder of their colleagues. Furthermore, I unequivocally condemn this act, which exacerbates the profound and unacceptable threats to our nation's stability.
We must elevate the sanctity of human life to a paramount position within our national agenda. -PO
A Faithful Father in the Faith at 85
On behalf of my family, I join millions of believers and well-wishers across the world in celebrating your 85th birthday, Papa Kumuyi.
For decades, you have exemplified integrity, humility, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Through your teachings, leadership, and personal example, you have inspired and transformed countless lives across generations and nations.
As you mark this milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, renewed strength, and greater wisdom to keep impacting lives and advancing His Kingdom.
Happy 85th Birthday, Papa Kumuyi. May your light continue to shine brightly. -PO
What Our Pervasive Insecurity Requires: A Holistic not Reactive Approach.
In a hasty effort to be perceived as attentive and courageous, it is reported that President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of about 1000 forest guards for Oyo State. This is a further demonstration of poor leadership and attending to very serious governance and security issues with a reactive approach. It is the same reactive approach that led to the sudden removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira that has caused irreparable damage to ordinary Nigerians and the economy.
While recruiting more security personnel for Oyo state and the country is important, it should be done in a more organised and well-thought-out manner. Presently, almost all the 36 states in Nigeria are experiencing different forms of insecurity, with Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto being very alarming.
The question, such as the reactive approach of our President, is whether all the states will receive the same approval to recruit 1000 forest guards per state, that is 37, 000 forest guards for the 36 states and Abuja or is the recruitment approval based on the mood of the President? Moreover, with the approval for Oyo, what will happen to the Amotekun Corps that is trying its best to secure South-West Nigeria?. Will they be disbanded in Oyo state?
The pervasive insecurity we currently have is directly related to the failure of our ecosystem, particularly leadership. It is only failure in leadership that can lead to the death of over 10,000 innocent Nigerians since 2023, and Nigeria is ranked among the top-most terror-affected countries in the world.
Addressing our insecurity situation requires a holistic or what can be described as an ecosystem approach. With failure in leadership, there is failure in unifying our dear nation, failure in industrialisation, failure in harnessing our abundant resources in agriculture, minerals, tourism, water, sports and even oil and gas to effectively generate required revenue, growth and particularly jobs for our exponentially growing youth population.
A New and Productive Nigeria will be POssible, and we will be OK! -P0
Concerns About Deteriorating Security
Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness.
Today, the security situation across the nation continues to deteriorate. On Sunday, terrorists killed at least seven people and injured ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, located in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In Kogi State, armed assailants kidnapped over 25 individuals and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area. These heavily armed attackers carried out their operation in a commando-style manner, terrifying residents in the early hours of Monday.
In Anambra State, we also mourn the loss of two police officers who were killed in a bandit attack.
We still remember the painful incident in which armed individuals targeted three schools—Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle Community (Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso)—and kidnapped 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers, and the school principal.
On the same day, between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community (Askira-Uba Local Government Area) were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The victims, who included young children from nursery classes as well as primary and secondary school students, were taken on May 15, 2026, and have now remained in captivity for two weeks.
Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens.
In a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge. -PO
Enugu is under attack as well. Nowhere is safe in Nigeria. But the APC are campaigning. Peter Mbah should be very careful. He may lose the governorship election. APC has no structure in the South East. The people are very angry. 💔
I am deeply disturbed by the ongoing plight of the abducted students and teachers, kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Like many other victims still in captivity, they have endured prolonged hardship, missing precious moments including the recent festivities with their families and loved ones.
It is imperative that the government treats their rescue as a matter of urgent priority, while taking decisive steps to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Nigeria must break free from the chains of insecurity. The dignity and sanctity of every human life must be protected. - RMK
Yesterday in South Africa, after meeting with the ministers in the morning, I delivered a guest speech at the Spier Dialogue Event on “Policies for Growth in Africa” in Cape Town, where I reiterated that Africa has no reason to remain poor. Our continent is blessed with enormous natural and human resources. Africa holds huge mineral reserves, possesses over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and has the youngest population globally. These are not liabilities; they are strategic assets for economic transformation.
Yet, despite these enormous advantages, Africa continues to lag due to poor leadership, corruption, weak institutions, and the high cost of governance.
Africa must now look ahead and move forward with decisive action. We must shift our focus from politics and endless election cycles to productivity, development, and nation-building. The future of Africa lies in investing aggressively in Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, especially education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty.
Today, many African countries still record low life expectancy, high infant mortality, widespread unemployment, and growing poverty levels. Small and medium-scale businesses, which should be the engine of growth, are collapsing under harsh economic conditions, poor infrastructure, and policy inconsistency.
What Africa needs is competent leadership with the capacity, compassion, and commitment to prioritise production over consumption, and development over politics. If we invest in our people, strengthen institutions, reduce the cost of governance, combat corruption, and create an environment where businesses can thrive, we can build a more productive, secure, democratic, and prosperous Africa that works for all its people.
A New Africa is Possible. -PO
It was a profound honour to join fellow party members at the special affirmation ceremony of His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections.
I am particularly humbled and deeply honoured by my ratification as the party’s Vice Presidential Candidate.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, and all other leaders for this bold and visionary decision. It clearly reflects the NDC’s unwavering commitment to national unity, democratic consolidation, and purposeful leadership as we prepare for the 2027 elections. - RMK
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY MR. PETER OBI FOLLOWING HIS NOMINATION AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS(NDC) – MAY 30, 2026
Protocols,
Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,
It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.
I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.
I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face. This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.
Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children's futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.
UNITY
To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.
Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.
We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, "A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.
INSECURITY
In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forthe ces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.
Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one pointin a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.
We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.
Nigeria has a massive landmass of 923,768 square kilometres. Divided by our population of approximately 230 million, this results in about 4.00 square metres per person. The foregoing clearly illustrates that we have absolutely no justification for being among the world's hungriest nations.
Transitioning our nation from a state of consumption to one of production, through significant investments in agriculture, is the sole dependable strategy to escape the current depths of hunger and poverty. As I often emphasise, the uncultivated lands in our northern region represent our most substantial tangible assets. Transforming this sector is our direct pathway to prosperity.
ENERGY SECTOR
Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally. We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million. In contrast, comparable nations worldwide - including several African peers such as South Africa and Egypt - each generate and distribute over 40,000 MW, despite both countries having less than half of our population. This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries, and stall overall economic growth.
Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 Mof W power increase generation and distribution.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
Our large pool of talented youth remains largely unemployed. The current official unemployment rate of 4% grossly misrepresents the true situation; actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceeds 30%, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40% - among the highest globally, necessitating urgent intervention. We will address this by aggressively supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, special interest rates, and accessible funding in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution. These improvements will be both measurable and verifiable.
CORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE COSTS
Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance. Public resources will be managed with absolute transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure that every naira spent yields demonstrable value for citizens.
RULE OF LAW
The rule of law will be fiercely upheld, and adherence to it will be sacrosanct for both government officials and citizens alike, strictly in accordance with our constitutional frameworks.
DEMOCRACY
Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party. Instead, we will institutionalise deep respect for opposition parties and foster constructive engagement in governance.
Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness, and transparency.
Following this i will make democracy work and the Vice president will be partner not a spare tyres. I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM as my Vice President.
May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Smart people that are free from criminality support Peter Obi irrespective of their tribe.
"Tinubu is the most hated and most failed President in Nigeria"
Tinubu cannot happen again.
Until public office is stripped of its material attractions public life will majorly attract people whose goals are not service and whose service will more likely bring misery to the people than progress.
Nigeria Mourns the Loss of a Distinguished Soldier
It is with great sorrow that I share the news of the passing of Lt. Gen. Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a respected soldier, patriot, and one of Nigeria’s exceptional international peacekeepers. Gen. Obiakor dedicated himself to our nation with remarkable bravery and integrity, proudly representing Nigeria both domestically and at the United Nations.
Just a few weeks ago, I engaged with him for some information; it’s hard to believe that was our final conversation. I even mentioned him just last Monday at a public event.
His life was characterised by dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to peace and humanity. From the Nigerian military to his participation in global peacekeeping efforts, he exemplified professionalism and integrity, inspiring countless officers and young Nigerians to prioritise service to others.
During this challenging time, I offer my sincere condolences to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all those who are grieving this significant loss. May God grant his noble soul eternal peace and provide strength to his loved ones as they cope with this painful time. -PO
It is my pleasure to announce that we have officially commissioned the landmark Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, and it is now ready for public use. The project is a multimodal transport hub designed to accommodate more than 340 buses at once, powered by sustainable infrastructure and connected to our growing network of electric buses.
The facility is named in honour of Prof. Nnenna Nnennaya‑Oti, the courageous INEC Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election, whose integrity and patriotism remind us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply standing for the truth.
Her name on this terminal is not just about one person, but a tribute to all electoral officials, security operatives, party agents, and citizens who resisted intimidation and defended democracy.
With 20 electric buses already in operation and more on the way in the coming weeks, the project signals our bold vision for a modern, safe, and sustainable transport system in Abia. The facility is also supported with independent power and water systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.
In my address titled “Raising the Bar”, I stated unequivocally that we have moved beyond the era of small ambitions. We refuse to be boxed into margins that underestimate our strength. This principle underpins all our undertakings.
I extend special commendation to the contractors, Planet Projects Limited, for a job well done in delivering this landmark facility. I also appreciate the dedication of the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, the SSA Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, and their team for the critical role they played in bringing this vision to reality.
I call on all residents and members of the host community to take ownership of this facility, to maintain a clean environment, and to guard against vandalism. This terminal belongs to you, and its success depends on your care. I also urge all Abians to pay their taxes regularly. Development cannot be sustained without collective responsibility, and every naira contributed helps us deliver the future our people deserve.
Alhamdulillah! I was glad to join the Muslim faithful for Eid prayer at Masjid Musa Saleh Kwankwaso in Kano this morning.
May Allah accept it from us all. Ameen. – RMK