🗣️ Thomas Müller on Kai Havertz: “My answer to playing him in another position is ‘No!’. Because for me, Kai Havertz is an anchor player for this team. He is clearly set as the number 9, and if possible, he should play every single minute."
"Especially against big teams, he becomes even more crucial than against smaller ones. So, I want to see Kai Havertz on the pitch every minute.”
Insecurity: Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This
I received with deep shock and sadness the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers. Earlier, before this heartbreaking news, I also received disturbing reports of renewed bandit attacks in Sokoto and Kwara States.
The armed bandits reportedly blocked a market route in Sokoto and abducted traders, while terrorists invaded communities in Kwara State, kidnapping scores of citizens and killing innocent people, are heartbreaking and alarming. These incidents are not isolated tragedies; they are clear manifestations of the deepening security crisis confronting our nation.
But particularly painful is the reported death of Major General Rabe Abubakar, a distinguished military officer who dedicated a significant part of his life to defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens. It is tragic that a man who served his fatherland with honour, rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and retired after years of meritorious service, would meet such a heartbreaking end at the hands of criminal elements. His death is a national tragedy and a sobering indictment of the insecurity that has engulfed our country.
When traders can no longer travel safely to markets, farmers cannot access their farms, communities live under constant fear, and even retired senior military officers are not spared from the menace of kidnapping and violent crime, it becomes evident that our nation is facing a grave security emergency.
Security remains the foremost responsibility of any government. Every life lost, every citizen abducted, and every community displaced represent a painful failure of our collective duty to protect the Nigerian people. The recurring attacks in Sokoto, Kwara, and many other parts of the country demonstrate that insecurity is not only persisting but spreading in both scope and intensity.
I once again urge the Federal Government and our security agencies to move beyond rhetoric and adopt a more proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-based, and coordinated approach to tackling insecurity. We must strengthen our security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, secure our borders, equip and motivate our security personnel, and ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
A nation where citizens live in fear cannot prosper. A nation where economic activities are disrupted daily by criminal elements cannot attract investment, create jobs, or guarantee a better future for its people. We must urgently reclaim every part of our country from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal gangs threatening our collective existence.
My heartfelt condolences go to the family of Major General Rabe Abubakar, his former colleagues in the Armed Forces, and all Nigerians who have lost loved ones to insecurity. I also sympathise with the families of those killed, those abducted, and the affected communities in Sokoto, Kwara, and across the nation.
The recurring tragedies and embarrassing security failures we continue to witness make the quest for a New Nigeria not only necessary but inevitable. We must build a nation where every citizen can live, work, travel, and pursue legitimate economic activities without fear.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Yesterday, I had the honour of hosting my brother and partner, His Excellency Peter Obi, at my residence in Abuja.
I warmly welcomed him back from his highly productive international trip, and we engaged in frank and productive discussions on key partisan and national issues.
Our party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), remains united. As leaders, we must continue to demonstrate maturity by making the necessary sacrifices and tolerating our differences in pursuit of our shared goal.
We are resolute in this mission, and together, we shall ensure that Nigeria is OK. - RMK
Dear Young Nigerians,
One lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten.
In the period following the presidential election and leading up to the governorship election, we witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse. Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development, and the future of our nation were gradually diverted towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions, and unnecessary suspicion among citizens.
Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others.
Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.
Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognizing the broader agenda behind such campaigns.
Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.
At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them. The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires.
We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity. In most cases, their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.
I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders.
Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.
The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
To all lovers of good governance and discerning Nigerians:
This article was not written by an independent, objective foreign journalist sitting in a high-rise office in New York. It comes directly from Ruth Olurounbi - a freelance writer who routinely sells her commentary and opinions to various domestic and international outlets, ranging from Al Jazeera to local dailies like the Tribune. She is deeply embedded in the local political environment, and her writing carries the heavy scent of partisan interests.
Even the picture she chose reveals her clear intentions. Instead of using a neutral, professional, or statesmanlike headshot of Peter Obi, she intentionally selected a tense, strained, downward-looking image. This is a deliberate editorial tactic designed to subliminally plant a negative, anxious impression in your mind before you even read her words.
Do not let international branding trick you into accepting local political hatchet jobs as gospel truth. This is a partisan narrative hidden behind a global masthead, and it deserves to be completely discredited.
As an analyst, I have done my work, and I want to make the reality completely clear so you are not deceived by an inherently biased write-up from a Nigerian thinking it is Bloomberg.
Peter Obi has the right to run for election now as a Southerner. And if we must blame any opposition politician for fragmentation, it is Atiku - who is not ready to wait for the Northern turn and forced his way in when it is currently the time for only Southerners to run. Therefore, Ruth Olurounbi is blaming the wrong person, for reasons best known to her.
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.
CONTINUOUS ABDUCTION OF NIGERIAN SCHOOLCHILDREN AND THE COLLAPSE OF SCHOOL SAFETY
After congratulating Nigerian children as they celebrate their day today, my heart remains heavy and troubled, knowing that some Nigerian children have remained in captivity for years. It is a shame that days, weeks, months, and even years have passed while our children continue to languish in kidnappers’ dens, with their heartbreaking images still circulating on social media.
A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community. No parent can bear the shame of being unable to protect his or her children, yet here we are as a nation, moving on while our children continue to suffer in forests and captivity for years. -PO
On this World Nurses Day, I would like to take a moment to appreciate all the nurses and midwives in our dear nation, who occupy a very special place and play very critical roles in our health sector. As one who has been on the vanguard of investing in our critical sectors of human and national development, I have always maintained that you, our dear nurses, are the heart of our health sector.
Over the years, I have traversed different corners of our nation supporting different schools and colleges of nursing and midwifery because I understand the inevitable role you play in our healthcare delivery. As you mark this special day, I wish to, firstly, thank you for all your efforts and sacrifices. Your compassion, sacrifice, and resilience keep our nation alive. And secondly, I wish to encourage you not to relent in your service to humanity. Nigerian nurses work under some of the toughest conditions with dignity and courage. From physical and mental stress to high patient-to-nurse ratios, to lack of equipment and poor working environments, your resilience keeps our health sector going.
And beyond the shores of the nation, our nurses have continued to make exploits on the global stage. From leading the next generation research in nursing practice to championing excellence in clinical practice—many Nigerian nurses have written their names on the sands of time and lifted our national banner high. I celebrate you all.
My firm commitment to you all remains this — we will build a New Nigeria where your hard work and sacrifices will never go unnoticed. We will invest in your education and training to ensure that you remain competitive on the global stage. Happy World Nurses Day to you all.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
"Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party." Winston Churchill
Today, May 9th, I attended the 1st convention of my latest party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The convention was successful and continued to show the resilience of Nigerians to change
I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the NDC family, led by the distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for inviting us and for the generosity of spirit with which they have accommodated us at this critical moment in our national journey.
I also wish to express profound gratitude to the African Democratic Congress(ADC), particularly Distinguished Senator David Mark, for providing a democratic platform and showing uncommon understanding when the ongoing litigation forced us out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP respectively. That spirit of solidarity must remain the foundation upon which a better Nigeria will be built.
Today, the most painful aspect of our political existence is that many who once benefited from democratic governance have now become willing accessories to the destruction of democracy itself. Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice. Those who once spoke against impunity now defend coercion, manipulation, intimidation, and outright political gangsterism, especially against opposition voices. What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people.
Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering. Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country. It was not always so, and it must never be allowed to remain so.
Across virtually every recognised indicator of good governance - accountability, political stability, rule of law, control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and the separation of powers - Nigeria continues to record alarming failures. The institutions that should protect the people are weakening daily, while the burden on ordinary citizens grows heavier with each passing moment.
Today, over 140 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Tens of millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed. Inflation continues to crush families. Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms. Communities live in fear. In this month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity, while many others have been kidnapped, displaced, or thrown deeper into poverty.
The most heartbreaking question confronting us is this: Who consoles the grieving mother whose child was abducted on the way to school? Who speaks for the father who can no longer feed his family despite working every day? Who defends the young Nigerian whose dreams have been destroyed by a nation that rewards connections over competence and corruption over character?
Our present tragedy is not accidental. It is the direct consequence of years of deliberate sabotage by a political class that prospers by dividing the people and weakening the nation. Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty. We have abundant human and natural resources, yet we remain trapped in deprivation because leadership has failed to place the common good above personal interest.
Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity, justice, competence, and productivity.
My dear Muslim brothers and sisters,
I rejoice with you on this blessed Eid al-Fitr, marking the successful completion of Ramadan, a month of faith, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion.
May the lessons of Ramadan; love, humility, generosity, and unity continue to guide us. In these trying times for Nigeria, let us carry forward the spirit of kindness, extend help to the vulnerable, and work together for peace, justice, and progress in our nation.
I pray Almighty Allah accepts your ibadah, forgives our shortcomings, and grants you and our country abundant blessings, security, and prosperity.
Eid Mubarak! Eid Sa'id
-PO
A Global Recognition of Integrity and Exemplary Leadership
I warmly congratulate my very dear sister, Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, on her well-deserved recognition with the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to her in Doha.
This prestigious honour is a powerful global endorsement of the enduring value of integrity and principled leadership. It affirms that competence, character, and unwavering commitment to the public good still command respect on the world stage. For decades, Dr Ezekwesili has been a resolute advocate for transparency, accountability, and institutional reform - often at significant personal sacrifice - yet she has never faltered in her belief that public power must always be exercised in service of the people.
Her life’s work testifies to the leadership Nigeria is capable of offering the world when excellence is placed above expediency. She remains, consistently and unmistakably, a beacon of ethical leadership and a source of pride for our nation and the African continent.
I wish her continued strength, sound health, and even greater impact as she continues to project the ideals of integrity, service, and excellence for Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.
Congratulations to a quintessential Dr @obyezeks . -PO
To the proud sons and daughters of the Tiv Nation across Benue State, throughout Nigeria, and all corners of the globe, Msugh u dedoo. I send warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate Tiv Cultural Day.
As you gathered to mark this special occasion, I pray that God continues to bless the Tiv people with wisdom, peace, and prosperity. May your communities continue to thrive. Thank you for blessing our nation with your outstanding culture, rich heritage and brilliant minds.
I congratulate His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, as our nation joins the Tiv people in this prestigious celebration. I commend his steady leadership and the invaluable contribution of the Tiv nation to our country.
Let this celebration remind us of the power of our roots and the promise of our potential. May the Tiv nation continue to shine, inspire, and contribute to the greatness of Nigeria.
Aondoo se u hemba. Aondoo se Tiv. -PO
The recent ActionAid/Plan International report, which highlights the devastating fact that over 80 million young Nigerians are unemployed, is an indictment of our leadership and economic direction.
Nigeria tops the world in the absolute number of unemployed youths due to our large population, with over 80 million youths without jobs. South Africa with a youth unemployment rate of around 60%, translates to about 6 million unemployed youths, still more than 70 million fewer than Nigeria.
When millions of youths are unemployed, it is not a youth problem, it is a leadership failure. This is the direct result of political greed that has failed to serve the people.
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with about 75% of our citizens under the age of 35. With such a large share of the population young, joblessness at this scale should be a national emergency.
It is deeply troubling that, rather than investing in these youths as our most productive assets, promoting and supporting MSMEs the drive growth and create employment, we the Leaders chose wasteful spending, corruption, unproductive borrowing, and policies that will shrink opportunities and expand poverty, reducing Nigerian youths to easy tools for all forms of vices.
Nigeria does not lack entrepreneurial and resourceful youths, what we lack are leaders who are intentional about creating opportunities. We need leaders who understand that jobs come from deliberate investments in production and from running a government that is prudent, transparent, and people-centred, that can lift people out of poverty.
We need leadership that will see the youth as the engine of productivity and growth of a nation. This is the time, more than ever, for the Nigerian youths to get involved and ensure they elect leaders who have their best interest and the best interest of our nation.
Nigeria deserves competent, credible, compassionate, and capable leadership, one that will create opportunities and empower our young Nigerians.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO