The Disheartening Humiliation of Prof. Aghaji
Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation.
Just this morning, my attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a distinguished 74-year-old medical expert. This man was not invited, nor was any direct contact made with him. Instead, they invaded his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, in the dead of the night, at 2 a.m., to arrest him in front of his visiting daughter.
As an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, esteemed academic, and elder statesman, Professor Aghaji warrants a considerable degree of respect, both because of his advanced age and his substantial contributions to our nation. More importantly, however, every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law. After the humiliation of breaking into his house and whisking him away from Enugu to Lagos for three days, all he got was, “Sorry, we made a mistake.”
The public outcry concerning the state’s handling of Professor Aghaji’s case highlights a wider conflict between the actions of state security agencies and the imperative to safeguard professional integrity and individual dignity. Such conduct directed at a 74-year-old might not only exacerbate the critical “brain drain” but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure.
This incident brings to mind the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike. Fortunately, due to prompt intervention, a formal public apology was issued to the affected doctor.
The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals - and indeed any Nigerian - like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed POssible. -PO
DEAR OPPOSITION — UNIFY UNDER PETER OBI
This is for the Labour Party stalwart. The PDP loyalist who has not crossed
over. The NNPP supporter. The ADC newcomer. The independent who cannot find a home.
I am not here to tell you your party failed. I am here to tell you the arithmetic.
Tinubu was declared winner 2023 with 36 percent of the vote. The opposition together took the rest.
The math has never been the problem. The math has always favoured us. The problem is that we ran three campaigns where we needed to run one — and the man who was said to came first in that split is the
man currently mortgaging your children's future.
2027 will not be won by the party with the loudest supporters. It will be won by the side
that learns to assemble itself.
Peter Obi is not the candidate of one camp. He is the candidate with the strongest record on the ballot, the broadest appeal across the regions, and the only campaign in 2023 that took Lagos from the man who claims to own it.
Unifying under him is not surrender. It is strategy. And unifying does not mean dissolving your party, your platform, or your principles. Your senator can still be your senator. Your governor can still be your governor. What we are asking is one
shared answer at the top of the ballot — and a shared commitment to govern together when we
win.
If you are a party operative, an organiser, a fundraiser, a strategist sitting inside
one of the opposition parties — we have a coordination channel for you. Not to replace what you are doing. To connect it.
The other side is unified. They are unified by stolen public money, but they are unified. We have to be unified by something stronger.
Visit https://t.co/VWJfhLpJZZ. Bring your party. Bring your network. Let us assemble.
Arise, O Compatriots.
This week, I have observed with deep concern two notable media appearances: one by my brother, Mr. Peter Obi, and the other by the family of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In his interview with Mr. Chude Jideonwo, Mr. Obi voiced serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses. Even more troubling was the Federal Government’s response, which resorted to personal insults and derogatory language instead of the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration.
Let me state clearly: like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns.
Democratic leadership requires fairness, justice, and restraint.
A government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.
On the other hand, it was distressing to watch the wives of Malam Nasir El-Rufai publicly express the family’s anguish over his prolonged detention.
Regardless of political affiliation, Malam El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. The continued delay in granting him bail through what many perceive as stringent and unreasonable conditions is deeply concerning. As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded.
I therefore join well-meaning Nigerians in urging the Federal Government to handle these matters with transparency, accountability, and justice. These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores.
For our democracy to truly thrive, every citizen; young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political persuasion must receive equal and equitable treatment under the law from the government that exists to protect us all. - RMK
A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.
I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future.
Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen's rights, regardless of their background.
We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process.
Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage. -PO
I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to Channels Television on Monday.
After a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected that time away might have sharpened Senator Sheriff’s judgment. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case.
In the interview, the former governor claimed that Peter Obi cannot command sizeable support in Northern Nigeria. It is curious that he has appointed himself spokesperson for the Northern masses. For the record, in his first outing on the presidential ballot, Mr. Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes in the region — a remarkable achievement that cannot be dismissed lightly.
Given the current national hardships, the widespread consensus on the failure of the APC administration, and the addition of a strong Northern figure to the ticket who previously garnered 1.45 million votes in the region, the OK ticket remains a formidable force in Northern politics.
Even more surprising was Senator Sheriff’s assertion that the people of Kano would not vote for Mr. Obi. Let me state clearly: the good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner.
I respectfully advise Senator Sheriff that, in future national television appearances, he would do better to speak to the serious insecurity and humanitarian challenges facing his home state, rather than making divisive and poorly considered remarks.
The OK ticket currently represents the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity, and progress. - RMK
The wait is over.
We have 2 golds: Chimdiebube Onwubiko and Don Anele Munachimso.
We are the best in the world!
Egejurum Onyedikachi’s name was omitted. He should have a gold.
Happy birthday to illustrious and distinguished Nigerians.
A highlight of my weekend was attending the special birthday celebrations of two distinguished Nigerians whose lives continue to reflect service, leadership, and nation-building.
The first was His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), CFR, the Obi of Onitsha and Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University. He is a respected symbol of cultural heritage, enterprise, and traditional leadership, who marked his 85th birthday. I worked closely with him in my eight years as Governor, where he showed a passion for good governance. His life and reign continue to represent dignity, continuity, and the preservation of our rich cultural identity.
Also celebrated was Chief Yomi Edu, former Minister of the Federal Republic, who turned 80. His years of public service and contributions to the corporate world and national development were duly honoured by family, friends, and well-wishers.
The occasion was further graced by eminent personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Ghana, the Governor of Lagos State, captains of industry, former governors, and other distinguished guests from across Nigeria and Africa at large. It was a gathering that reflected deep respect across political, cultural, and generational lines.
Moments like this remind us of the value of longevity, service, and the importance of celebrating those who have contributed in various ways to the growth of our nation and continent.
We continue to pray that God grants them good health, strength, and many more fruitful years ahead. -PO