My Stance on Road Development
There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network. Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.
Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria's transportation infrastructure. Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition. It has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators.
Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.
Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects. The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention.
Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Daddy TINUBU celebrated 52yrs in 1993.
But 31yrs later TINUBU is 72yrs !!
How is that possible ???
MR PRESIDENT, if you don’t wish to celebrate it, we will celebrate it for you:
HAPPY 84yrs !!!
Today, again, I came face to face with the deplorable state of Nigeria roads as my desire to join a great friend and brother, Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe, in Esan Central of Edo State, who was burying his mother was marred by bad roads.
I had set out at 8 am by road to Esanland to join him and bid his beloved mother, Mrs. Ebaidebheki Esakhaigbe, farewell, but little did I know that it would be a mission impossible.
Due to my previous experience with bad roads, while going to the place previously through Benin, I decided to avoid that route entirely and go through Agbor.
On getting to Agbor Junction, I turned toward the direction of my destination. However, I was shocked by the very bad shape of the road which was almost not passable by car. I persisted and continued on the journey for about 25 minutes into the road until it became completely blocked by a faulty trailer that had impeded movement, causing a great gridlock.
Then, I decided to take Ugoneki Road, which would have also led me to my destination. Again, getting to the road was another nightmare, making my journey impossible. The poor condition of many Nigerian roads breaks my heart.
Though it was impossible for me to physically attend, I remain in earnest prayers with my brother, Gen Cecil, for a successful event.
I use this opportunity to continue to plead with our political leaders, at all levels, to concentrate on maintaining, rehabilitating, and reconstructing our existing roads and other infrastructure rather than embarking on new projects that will never be completed.
I look forward to the day when Nigerians will be able to travel freely and safely on good and well-maintained roads in New Nigeria that is Possible. -PO
He may be arrogant in many senses, we may not equally like his manner of approach and insults but Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves every form of respect from every Nigerian and Igbo blood. Kanu is that fearless leader that surfaced and filled a huge vacuum no south East politician could fill. He stood tall and confronted every nepotistic and barbarian deed against Easterners by tyrant Buhari.
Kanu never resorted to violence as he and IPOB members carried out every protest nonviolently even at the height of provocation. Many times IPOB members were arrested, molested, killed in large numbers by security agencies and they never retaliated. They moved from street protest to sit at home and security agencies went from house to house kidnapping their members. To him who thinks about today alone, remember yesterday’s events as a guide to tomorrow.
The governors of the South East met with Kanu, he gave them a 7 point condition to end his agitation. All the points were valid but instead of acting on it, they hurried to proscribe IPOB and used severe violence against the masses thinking it will easily fade away. Nnamdi Kanu is never our problem in the South East. Kanu deserves every form of respect. He has paid his due price and his release will not end the insecurity in Ala Igbo but will go a long way in addressing it.
I wish to convey a stern caution to the distinguished service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria's armed forces that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service. The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest. -AA
My Response to the President's Address - Obi
Having led the call for the President to address the nation and respond to the demands of the people, and having listened to the belated speech, I needed to delay my response to see if my understanding of the address was aligned with
Our team of pro bono lawyers under the auspices of LAWYERS FOR RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS have just secured the release of 12 protesters who were arrested by the police at the Lekki Toll Gate and other parts of Lagos.
Most of them were grabbed by thugs at the Toll Gate and handed over to the police.
We met with the Commissioner of Police earlier today at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and complained about the ongoing arbitrary arrest of protesters in Lagos.
The CP then directed us to Panti where the protesters were detained and instructed the DCP, Panti to release them.
The protesters were accordingly released to me and my colleagues.
We are also making efforts to help detained protesters in other States and the FCT.
NAMES OF PROTESTERS RELEASED FROM DETENTION AT SCIID, PANTI ON 2/8/2024:
1.Labe Benedict
2.Nura Umar
3.Yaro Gazama
4.Joseph Jeremiah
5.Osinachi Udoeze
6.Ayodele Ajayi
7.Godwin Moloku
8.Adelokun Wasiu
9.Precious Alfred
10.Yahaya Mohammed
11.Otika Victor
12.Ndukwe Ogbonnaya
History will vindicate the just.
South East is just a small, underdeveloped region.
How much do they even generate in IGR? They're insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Wether they protest or not, nobody would even notice.
Just a dot in a circle. We don't even need their protest.
I wish to most sincerely pass my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. I deeply mourn these brothers and sisters of ours, who have lost their lives in their struggle for a better nation.
From Borno to Lagos, Gombe to Ibadan, the cry of hunger echoes and the frustration from bad governance is evident. The APC has failed the people and have dashed their hopes. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria
APC Government will start a project, embezzle the money meant for the project and abandon it. Arrange people to vandalize the project and then accuse the innocent and peaceful protesters of destroying the project. A government of lies and deceits.
Happy Birthday to a remarkable leader, brother and friend! Okwute, your dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigeria continue to inspire all of us.
Your leadership has not only illuminated the path for many but has also instilled hope in the hearts of countless Nigerians.
On your special day, I wish you abundant joy, good health, and all the success you deserve. May your year ahead be filled with new achievements and the fulfillment of your dreams. Here’s to many more years of impactful leadership and cherished memories.