Henry

A NEW DIMENSION OF TOXIC POLITICS IN NIGERIA The new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025, I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls' team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town. With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs. Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded. It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected. The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

GOOD DAY, MR PRESIDENT: NIGERIANS DESERVE ACCOUNTABILITY Good day, Mr President. I congratulate you on spending a night in one of Nigeria’s states outside Lagos and Abuja. I hope you enjoyed the warmth, hospitality, and delicious cuisine of Akwa Ibom, which I am sure is even better than those of the destinations where you have spent over 260 days outside Nigeria since coming into office. I sincerely hope this visit will inspire you to travel to the remaining 33 states of the federation, spend time with the people and, more importantly, explain what your administration has done with the ₦15.8 trillion saved from the removal of fuel subsidy, the over $100 billion you have borrowed, the increased revenues accruing to the government from taxing Nigerians, and the additional government revenues which your administration celebrated last year as having surpassed its target. Nigerians deserve to know how many that were pulled out of poverty within this period, how many out-of-school children were returned to school, and how many functional primary healthcare centres you have built. They also deserve to know how much electricity supply has improved, especially given your promise that if you do not fix power, Nigerians should not vote for you. They deserve an explanation of how you have secured the country, which still ranks among the most terrorised countries in the world. Mr President, Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government. The New Nigeria we want to build will be based on accountability, transparency, and the physical, measurable impact of our public resources on the lives of citizens. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

FLAMINGOS: YOU HAVE MADE NIGERIA PROUD I extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional Flamingos on their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. To our talented young stars, thank you for raising our flag high and bringing immense joy to our nation. Your remarkable talent, resilience, hard work and dedication have earned you a special place in the hearts of Nigerians. You have made our nation proud, and we truly appreciate your outstanding efforts. Congratulations, champions! A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

SALVATION MINISTRIES: CELEBRATING FAITH, VISION AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF GOD’S WORK Following several meetings and engagements in Abuja yesterday, I travelled to Lagos in the evening to continue with additional meetings. Early this morning, I journeyed from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to attend the dedication service for the newly completed Global Headquarters and Cathedral of Salvation Ministries, under the leadership of Senior Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a respected man of God and prominent Christian leader. The ceremony was a significant celebration of faith, worship and gratitude. I was especially struck by the vision, magnitude and architectural excellence of the new cathedral, which can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers. This achievement represents a major milestone for the ministry and reflects the dedication, commitment and perseverance necessary to realise such an ambitious vision. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Pastor David Ibiyeomie, his wife and the entire team on this outstanding accomplishment. I also commend the Salvation Ministries family for its steadfast commitment to spreading the Gospel of Christ. -PO

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND THE RIGHTS OF NIGERIANS Following my meeting with the British High Commissioner yesterday, 5th November 2026, I met with all Ambassadors of the European Union countries in Abuja on the same day. Our discussions centred on a number of issues, especially the cost of living and welfare of Nigerians, the state of governance in our country, and the forthcoming elections. I reiterated my appeal to the international community to support the democratic right of Nigerians to freely and fairly choose their leaders in a peaceful environment. The international community should stand with the Nigerian people in defending this fundamental right. The very essence of democracy is respect for the right of citizens to freely make their choices and determine who governs them. I thank the European Union Commission for the invitation and the opïportunity for this important engagement. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I am profoundly saddened and deeply disturbed by reports of violence directed at members and coordinators of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement in Delta State. I unequivocally condemn the attacks against our coordinators, supporters, and fellow citizens who were merely exercising their democratic rights. Political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified. No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian, and no dispute should be resolved through intimidation, physical attacks, or the destruction of property. It is particularly troubling that, at a time when Nigeria urgently needs responsible leadership, some individuals continue to believe that political influence can be secured through thuggery, fear, and violence. Political authority should be attained through persuasion and the trust of the people, not by intimidating opponents. I urge the Government and the security agencies to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into these attacks, identify those responsible, and ensure that they face justice, irrespective of their political affiliations. The safety and security of our members must be assured. We will not be intimidated or silenced, nor will we relinquish our democratic space to violence. Our response will remain peaceful, lawful, and determined. Nigeria belongs to every one of us. No political party or individual has exclusive ownership of the democratic space. Every Nigerian is entitled to organise, gather, express their views, and freely elect their leaders. Our nation needs constructive ideas rather than intimidation, responsible leadership rather than thuggery, and democratic contest rather than political violence. I stand in solidarity with everyone affected in Delta State. A New Nigeria must be founded on justice, liberty, peace, and respect for the dignity of every citizen. May God bless Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO