DEMOCRACY IS NOT A GIFT, IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY
A message from Opuda (Alabo) Dumo Lulu-Briggs on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day.
It is another democracy day when we celebrate the sacrifices of our heroes past in the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in our country.
For us in Rivers State, democracy has in the last 27 years, since 1999, impacted us in different ways. It carried both promise and pain, sometimes in the same election cycle.
But democracy is the only system where the fisherman in Bille, the market woman in Mile 3, the farmer in Emohua and the teacher in Bori has just one vote, one voice and one stake. Democracy is not perfect but it remains the best form of government.
On a day like this, we only need to remind ourselves that power belongs to the people. It is a day to remind us that we own Rivers State together - Ikwerre, Ijaw, Ogoni, Etche, Ogba, Ndoki, Ndoni, Omuma, Abua, Ekpeye etc.
Our founding fathers fought for the creation of this state so that we and our children can live freely, vote without fear, speak without threat, and build without being inhibited.
Today, the disappointments and weariness in our people’s voices are loud and I understand it. My answer, and I hope yours too, is not to walk away but to reclaim what belongs to us.
Our forebears fought for it and we must not trade that inheritance for division. We have the responsibility to protect and preserve our state.
Rivers State sits on enormous wealth. Our waterways, our blue economy, our brilliant and restless young people who deserve better. Democracy becomes real when the right to choose, the right to demand accountability, and the right to know are guaranteed.
On this day, I urge us not to give up but to renew our faith in the unity and progress of Rivers State. We will disagree without violence, we will compete without hate, we will protect our state, its people, its unity, its wealth and its future.
Rivers State shall rise again.
Happy Democracy Day.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours ceaselessly,
Opuda Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs
#DLBLegacy #NDC
As the World Cup Begins Without Nigeria
As the World Cup begins today across three nations, I identify with our teeming football followers and urge them not to be despondent that Nigeria is not participating, despite the abundant talent in our land.
Our failure to participate on the global stage is not due to a deficit of talent; it is a direct consequence of a deficit in leadership, planning, and institutional support.
The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. Do not watch the World Cup with despair; rather, see it as a reminder of where Nigeria ought to be. We must move our country from being a nation of mere consumers of global entertainment to a nation of proud producers and competitors.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Despite Three Years of Tinubu's Food Emergency, Nigeria hungriest ranking index declined to among the worst nations globally.
In celebrating his supposed successful three years in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu listed some achievements in the agricultural sector, firstly, his declaration of emergency on food security in July 2023, followed by the acquisition of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 farming implements, stated as Nigeria's largest agricultural mechanisation programme.
Yet the outcome of this has been the opposite. Nigeria's hunger index has worsened significantly. Nigeria's hunger index ranking was 103rd out of 123 countries surveyed in 2022/2023, and this figure had since worsened to 115th out of 123 countries surveyed in 2025/2026. Consequently, Nigeria is now classified among the world's most hungry or food-insecure nations in the world, with the World Bank forecasting that 33 million Nigerians could experience severe hunger.
In fact, Nigeria has the highest number of hungry people in the world.
I have always maintained that Nigeria have no reason to be seen among the hungriest nations in the world when we have fast, uncultivated land in the north, which is our greatest asset today.
We must transparently invest in Agricultural production, which will guarantee food security, but create huge employment.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Dear Obidients, Well-Meaning Nigerians, and Good-Spirited Patriots,
Let us channel our focus, energy, and love for Nigeria’s survival squarely on Peter Obi.
@PeterObi is our leader and hero. He deserves our unwavering attention and support.
Stay focused. Do not be distracted.
PRESS STATEMENT
OBIDIENT MOVEMENT SUSPENDS TOP TO BOTTOM CAMPAIGN AND DECLARES OPERATION NO WORK, NO VOTE
The Obidient Movement has taken note of the repeated disregard, disrespect, and political injustice shown to its members by political parties and politicians who want to benefit from its strength, credibility, structure, reach, and public goodwill.
We have also taken note of the recent statement credited to Senator Seriake Dickson, where he reportedly told Obidients not to disparage him or his party, and claimed that NDC is doing Peter Obi and Obidients a favour by granting them its platform.
We have heard him clearly.
We also noticed the troubling tone of ownership in that interview. The possessive and self-important language made NDC sound less like a democratic party set up to rescue Nigerians and more like the personal property of one man. If NDC was truly set up to save Nigerians, then it must be a party for Nigerians, not a private estate where citizens are expected to kneel and thank one man for political access. Political parties are supposed to belong to the people, their members, and the public interest, not to one man or a small circle of political landlords.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Obidient Movement is not owned by any political party. We are not political slaves. We are not campaign tools. We are not a crowd to be summoned during election season and ignored when decisions are being made.
If NDC believes it is doing Obidients a favour, then we will no longer force our favour on NDC.
Since we have been rudely reminded that we do not own the party, and since we are being told that nobody is doing NDC any favour, it is time for us to withdraw automatic political charity and move into non-partisan, people-centred politics.
We must also speak for the aspirants and ordinary members who reportedly went through primaries in good faith, spent money, mobilised supporters, earned their place, and were later allegedly cheated, replaced, or pushed aside. If a party cannot protect fairness inside its own house, it has no moral right to preach justice to Nigerians. People who worked for their mandate must not be sacrificed for backroom deals and political convenience.
In view of recent events, and the continued failure of party leaderships to treat the movement with the respect it deserves, we hereby suspend the Top to Bottom campaign approach.
Going forward, every candidate must stand on their own record, competence, character, capacity, and public credibility.
Whether a candidate is in NDC, ADC, PDP, Labour Party, or any other political platform, they must campaign on issues. They must face the people. They must explain what they have done, what they can do, and why Nigerians should trust them with power.
Peter Obi has shown the standard. He campaigns on issues. He speaks to governance, economy, education, security, production, accountability, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. Any candidate who wants the support of the people must do the same.
No candidate will be allowed to ride on Obi’s wave while disrespecting the same movement that built and sustained that wave.
No more automatic support.
No more blind loyalty.
No more party-first politics.
No more “vote them because they are under our platform.”
From today, we are moving from Top to Bottom to Operation No Work, No Vote.
No work, no vote.
Nigerian politicians have shown repeatedly that many of them are on the same side when it comes to protecting their interests against the masses. They change parties, form alliances, recycle themselves, insult the people, and still expect the people to keep clapping. That era must end.
Our loyalty is to good governance, competence, integrity, justice, accountability, and the Nigerian people.
At the presidential level, our position remains clear. Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are the only ticket we recognise for the national rescue mission.
Every other candidate, at every other level, must prove themselves.
They must show capacity.
They must show integrity.
They must show their work.
They must convince the people.
The Obidient Movement will no longer be used as political fuel by people who cannot respect the source of that energy.
Any candidate who wants Obidient votes must earn them.
They are not doing us a favour.
The people are the favour.
And anyone who wants the people’s support must respect the people first.
Karigwe
Prophet of Thoughts
For and on behalf of Obidients, since the leadership of the Movement is sleeping.
*Peter Obi and the Case for a New Global Conversation About Africa*
By Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke
Yesterday in London, I had the honour of accompanying His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi to a series of strategic engagements and high-level meetings focused on Africa’s evolving place in the global order.
Among the most significant was a productive meeting with Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). What stood out throughout the engagement was Peter Obi’s consistent and deliberate advocacy for a new international approach toward Africa, one rooted not in pity or patronage, but in partnership, respect, and shared strategic interests.
For decades, Africa has too often been discussed within narrow frameworks of aid, instability, poverty, and crisis management. The continent has frequently been reduced to statistics and humanitarian narratives, despite its enormous economic, demographic, and geopolitical importance.
Peter Obi’s position during these conversations was both clear and compelling: Africa must no longer be treated merely as a recipient of global attention, but as an essential stakeholder in shaping the future global economy and international relations.
He emphasized that just as the world increasingly recognizes the strategic importance of countries and regions such as India, Indonesia, and parts of Southeast Asia, Africa deserves the same level of seriousness, engagement, and long-term partnership.
More importantly, he stressed that Nigeria must play a central role in that emerging conversation.
With its vast human capital, entrepreneurial population, natural resources, and regional influence, Nigeria possesses the capacity to become a major driver of economic growth and innovation on the African continent. Yet, according to Obi, realizing that potential requires leadership driven by productivity, competence, institutional reform, and investment in people.
What became increasingly evident during the meetings was Peter Obi’s determination to reposition Africa within global diplomatic and economic discourse, not through rhetoric alone, but through constructive engagement, credibility, and policy-driven conversations.
His advocacy reflects a broader vision, one where Africa is viewed not as a burden to be managed, but as a strategic partner capable of contributing meaningfully to global trade, innovation, security, climate solutions, and economic transformation.
At a time when many global powers are recalibrating their foreign policy priorities, Peter Obi believes Africa cannot afford to remain on the margins of critical international conversations. He argues that the continent must engage the world with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.
These engagements in London reinforced the importance of leaders who can articulate Africa’s value beyond slogans and emotional appeals. The future global order will increasingly be shaped by strategic alliances, economic cooperation, technological advancement, and demographic realities, areas where Africa possesses undeniable relevance.
Peter Obi’s interventions during these discussions demonstrated his continued commitment to ensuring that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, are not excluded from that future.
Nigerians should also expect to see more of such strategic international engagements in the coming months. These meetings are part of a broader effort to build relationships, expand diplomatic and economic conversations, and position Nigeria more credibly within emerging global discussions that will shape the future of nations and economies.
The message from London was unmistakable: Africa’s role in the world must evolve from passive participation to active partnership, and Peter Obi remains one of the leading voices pushing that conversation onto the global stage.
Peter Obi has a unique kind of influence, whether he is in office or not. He doesn’t need a government position to get rare international connections because he is already a well-known global businessman. The other man is different; he relies entirely on Aso Rock and his Lebanese connections to make things happen. That is exactly why he hasn't stayed at home for the past three years, moving constantly from one foreign trip to another. He is trying to make hay while the sun shines, knowing very well that once he leaves office, those international doors will close on him. 🤣😂🤣😂
In continuation of my quest to deepen knowledge and impact positively on our society, yesterday June 10th, in London, I held a series of important engagements, including a fruitful meeting with Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
Our discussions focused on strengthening strategic relationships and fostering a deeper understanding of Africa’s evolving role in global affairs. It was emphasized that Africa must no longer be viewed merely through the prism of statistics or humanitarian concern, but as a serious and equal partner in shaping the future global order, much like India, Indonesia, and other emerging centres of influence.
During our engagement, it became increasingly clear that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, must be placed at the centre of international conversations on partnership, trade, governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
Constructive dialogue and mutual respect remain essential to building meaningful cooperation between Africa and the international community.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
APC MUST GO ! APC MUST GO !! APC MUST GO !!! TINUBU MUST GO
VeryDarkMan and the rest of the ratels chats all over Abuja tonight after arriving from China 😂✊🏽✨
One of the defining qualities of Peter Obi is his belief in fairness. He believes everyone deserves a fighting chance and has consistently shown that leadership is about creating opportunities for all, not bending the rules to favour himself or a privileged few.
Over the years, he has stood by those who believe in him, often without fanfare or publicity. His leadership has never been about noise; it has been about consistency, empathy, and service.
Despite the personal attacks, intimidation, and victimization he has endured, Peter Obi has remained committed to the Nigerian people and to the vision of a better nation. Through setbacks and challenges, he has continued to inspire hope and encourage citizens to stay engaged in the democratic process.
In one of the most defining moments of the 2023 election, after many Nigerians felt their mandate had been taken away, he left them with words that continue to resonate:
“I will not leave you. I will be with you till the end.”
He didn’t leave us then, he certainly won’t leave us now and we must stick with him till the end.
#NigeriaWillBeOk
PRESS STATEMENT
OBIDIENT MOVEMENT REJECTS THE APPOINTMENT OF THEO ABU AGADA AND DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FROM NDC LEADERSHIP AND TANKO YUNUSA
The attention of the Obidient Movement has been drawn to the appointment of Theo Abu Agada as Director of New Media and Strategic Communications by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
We condemn this appointment in the strongest possible terms.
This appointment is not just insensitive. It is a direct insult to their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement, and the millions of Nigerians who have stood firmly behind a movement built on competence, character, justice, accountability, and people-centred politics.
A party that claims to value the Obidient Movement cannot turn around and appoint a man whose public record is filled with repeated attacks, insults, and open hostility towards their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Obidients. You cannot disrespect the largest support base within your political structure and still pretend you are building unity.
Theo Abu Agada has publicly described supporters of their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in insulting terms. He has questioned Peter Obi’s capacity, portrayed him as a threat to free speech, accused his supporters with reckless language, and repeatedly made statements that show clear contempt for the same movement NDC now expects to energise its public communication.
Even worse, he once claimed that Peter Obi had “unleashed his IPOB supporters on Nigerians.” That kind of statement goes beyond political disagreement. It is a dangerous attempt to link their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Obidients to IPOB, and by extension paint the movement with the brush of extremism and terrorism. No serious political party that respects Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement should reward such a person with a sensitive communications position.
Can NDC appoint someone who has publicly insulted and disparaged Rabiu Kwankwaso or the Kwankwasiyya Movement into a sensitive communications position and expect Kwankwasiyya supporters to clap for it? Can NDC reward someone who has repeatedly attacked Kwankwaso and still claim it respects his movement?
If the answer is no, then why does NDC think it can do this to their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement?
The NDC leadership must explain how such a person passed through any serious political vetting process for a sensitive communications role. New Media and Strategic Communications is not a decoration. It is the public voice of a party. Appointing someone with a history of hostility towards their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement into that office sends a very clear message, and the message is disrespect.
This also raises serious questions about the role and effectiveness of Tanko Yunusa as the leader of the Obidient Movement.
What exactly is Tanko doing?
In the Labour Party, he was always seen around the leadership, taking pictures and standing close to Peter Obi, yet the same Labour Party repeatedly disrespected Peter Obi and the movement he was supposed to represent.
In ADC, the same pattern repeated itself. The Obidient Movement was treated with disregard, and its value was undermined.
Now in NDC, the same thing is happening again. The party leadership continues to disregard the Obidient Movement, even though Obidients remain the largest, loudest, and most active stakeholder group in this political alignment. That disregard has now reached their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, directly through the appointment of someone whose public record shows open hostility towards him.
So we ask again: what exactly is Tanko doing?
Is he there to defend the movement, or to take pictures?
Is he there to protect Peter Obi’s political leverage, or to stand in rooms like a mannequin?
Is he there to represent Obidients, or to lock comment sections whenever people ask uncomfortable questions?
Tanko Yunusa must answer a simple question: what the hell is he doing?
The Obidient Movement cannot continue to be treated as a crowd for rallies, online engagement, and political optics, while those who openly insult the movement are put in strategic positions where they will continue the insults.
We demand the following:
1. The immediate reversal of Theo Abu Agada’s appointment.
2. A public explanation from the NDC leadership on how this appointment was approved.
3. A formal apology to their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement.
4. A clear commitment from NDC that no individual with a public record of hostility towards Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement will be placed in any sensitive strategic communication role.
5. A full explanation from Tanko Yunusa on what he is doing as leader of the Obidient Movement and why this pattern of disrespect keeps repeating itself under his watch.
The Obidient Movement is not a spare tyre. We are not political furniture. We are not a movement to be used when convenient and disrespected when power is being shared.
If NDC wants the energy, credibility, reach, and sacrifice of Obidients, then it must treat the movement with respect.
Anything short of that is unacceptable.
Karigwe
Prophet of Thoughts
For and on behalf of Obidients, since the leadership of the Movement is sleeping.
Sad: Our Children Are Now Pawns in a Deadly Ransom Economy
It’s heartbreaking to report yet another bandit attack on a school, barely three weeks after over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted and are still languishing in the forest.
The security situation in Kogi State has taken another tragic turn with a brutal bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu LGA. Armed bandits disguised in military uniforms invaded the school during an ongoing WAEC examination, killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and attempted a mass abduction of students.
Reports from the scene indicate that local security personnel and vigilantes actively resisted the attackers and frustrated their abduction attempt.
Making educational institutions soft targets is a direct assault on the nation’s future. It creates a psychological barrier to school enrolment and worsens Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, disproportionately forcing young girls out of formal education due to fear. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than being unable to protect its children.
My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the Vice Principal, who lost his life while gallantly defending the children entrusted to his care. May God grant his soul eternal repose.-PO
Exponential increase in revenue with excessive borrowing: Yet more hardship for Nigerians!
In celebrating three years of his administration, President Bola Tinubu included, among his achievements, an increase in revenue from N16.8 trillion in 2022 to N35 trillion in 2025. An increase of over 100%.
Shockingly, while Nigerians expected a reduction in borrowing with the exponential increase in revenue, the opposite is the case. In just three years, President Bola Tinubu’s government seems to be obsessed with excessive and imprudent borrowing, with our total debt currently about N200 trillion—a deeply disturbing increase of over N100 trillion.
In addition to the exponential increases in both revenue and debt, it is also important to note that Nigeria has earned far more than the budget revenue targets due to global and regional geoeconomic and political tensions.
Alarmingly, even with the astronomical increase in both revenue and debt, almost all key socio-economic and governance indicators are worse than in 2023. Multi-dimensional poverty has increased from 87 million people in 2023 to over 140 million people in 2025. Rapidly increasing unemployment and a decline in GDP per capita from $1,597 in 2023 to $1,223 in 2025, and the list goes on.
Just more and more hardship for Nigerians! The question Nigerians and even the international community are asking is, “Where did all the money go?”
Nigerians deserve a detailed and transparent explanation of what happened to our economy and financial resources since 2023, and a stop to the imprudent, unaccountable, and opaque management of our common patrimony.
A new and productive Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK! -PO