•When a president or governor is personally not corrupt, corruption in that government is already reduced significantly

By Onochie Anibeze

What was intended to be a brief exchange at the airport lasted over thirty minutes as we discussed major issues dominating Nigeria’s politics. Despite waiting to board his flight, Peter Obi answered every question without appearing rushed.

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I began with security, an issue that weighs heavily on Nigerians. I asked what his immediate priorities would be if elected president. He responded that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. He stressed that insecurity cannot be solved by military force alone but requires improved intelligence, better coordination among security agencies, modern technology, proper welfare for security personnel, and a deliberate effort to address poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness, which often create conditions for criminality.

The conversation moved naturally to the economy. On the government’s reforms, Obi acknowledged that reforms are necessary but insisted that they must be carefully planned and compassionately implemented. Nigeria, he argued, must move from consumption to production by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses.

When I mentioned the criticism that his proposals often sound attractive but lack sufficient detail, he smiled and said his economic philosophy remained straightforward: reduce the cost of governance, eliminate waste, block leakages, encourage production, and create an environment where businesses can thrive.

To illustrate his point, he compared Nigeria with Bangladesh. Despite having a land mass of only about one-sixth that of Nigeria and a much higher population density, Bangladesh produces roughly ten times more rice than Nigeria. He noted that Northern Nigeria is endowed with vast expanses of fertile land and has the potential to become the food basket of Africa.

“If we secure the North, invest in modern agriculture, expand irrigation, improve rural infrastructure, and guarantee farmers access to finance and markets,” he said, “there is no reason Northern Nigeria cannot become the food basket of Africa.”

He added that agriculture should no longer be viewed merely as a subsistence activity but as an export-driven sector capable of generating more foreign exchange than crude oil.

“Oil is a diminishing asset,” he said, “but productive land, properly managed, can create wealth for generations.”

On the 2027 elections and political realignments which has exposed his inability to remain in one party and build it, Obi argued that political parties are only vehicles for governance. What matters, he said, is bringing together competent and patriotic Nigerians committed to solving the country’s problems.

I also asked about the persistent speculation that he would serve only one term if elected president in the interest of equity, national unity, and power rotation.

Obi’s response was firm.

“Yes, you can do a lot in four years. You can change Nigeria in four years. I am committed to serving a single term of four years,” he said. “Nigeria’s greatest deficit today is the erosion of trust. We must rebuild confidence by showing that a leader’s word matters.

“An agreement to that effect has already been reached, and I stand by it. If necessary, I am prepared to sign further undertakings, including a legally binding affidavit before a competent court affirming my commitment to one term.

“This is bigger than Peter Obi. It is about national healing and unity. It would be a betrayal of trust to seek the support of Nigerians based on such an understanding and later renege on it. Throughout my business career and public life, I have honoured agreements, and I cannot abandon that principle now.

“My objective is not to remain in office indefinitely but to restore security, production, stability, and shared prosperity within the period entrusted to me.”

On whether he was worried about the attacks, criticisms, and pressures directed at him, Obi said that anyone seeking meaningful change must expect resistance.

“Leadership is not about avoiding criticism. When you challenge a system, there will always be opposition. What matters is remaining focused, truthful, and committed to the people. I am not driven by personal ambition but by the desire to see Nigeria work.”

I pointed out that many Nigerians have become disillusioned with politics and believe elections no longer matter. Obi acknowledged their frustration but urged citizens not to surrender.

“The 2027 election will be a defining moment between Nigerians who desire a better future and those who have continued to hold the country back through failed leadership. Nigerians must participate, protect their votes, and take ownership of their democracy. The future of Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians.”

Electoral reform also featured in our discussion. Obi maintained that restoring confidence in elections requires strict adherence to electoral laws, technology, and genuine institutional independence.

He expressed regret over the unresolved issues surrounding the electronic transmission process during the last general election, insisting that no one should hide behind an unexplained problem or a non-existent glitch to frustrate the will of Nigerians.

“Democracy belongs to the people, and the people’s mandate must always be respected. Every legitimate vote must count.”

On corruption, Obi raised concerns about deeper structural problems, including questionable practices such as fictitious agencies and opaque systems that make accountability difficult.

He maintained that leadership integrity remains the strongest anti-corruption strategy.

“When a president or governor is personally not corrupt, corruption in that government is already reduced significantly. Leadership sets the tone. Transparency, open procurement, and responsible management of public funds are the real foundations of fighting corruption.”

On Nigeria’s rising debt profile, Obi expressed concern about the purpose and consequences of borrowing. He recalled that Nigeria benefited from debt relief under former President Olusegun Obasanjo but has returned to a situation where debt has risen dramatically.

“The issue is not borrowing itself. Every serious economy borrows. The question is what you borrow for. Borrowing for productive sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create wealth. But borrowing to fund consumption only transfers today’s burden to future generations.”

The discussion also covered education, healthcare, and youth participation. Obi described education and healthcare as investments rather than expenses, arguing that human capital development remains the foundation of national progress.

As our conversation ended, I asked how Nigeria should position itself globally. Obi said the country must become a respected destination for investment through credible leadership, stable institutions, and consistent policies.

Finally, I asked what message he wished to leave with Nigerians.

“Nigerians should never lose hope,” he said. “Our greatest resource is our people. What has held us back is leadership. If we get leadership right, every other challenge becomes easier to address. That is why I continue to say that a new Nigeria is possible.”

Vanguard News

By Dapo Akinrefon

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, on Friday, urged the National Judicial Council, NJC, to protect the independence, integrity and credibility of the Nigerian judiciary, expressing worry over a recent court judgment arising from the party’s leadership dispute.

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George, in an open letter addressed to the Chairman of the NJC, said he was compelled to speak as a concerned citizen, democrat and PDP BoT member over developments he said had raised serious questions about public confidence in the administration of justice and the role of the courts in protecting constitutional democracy.

He explained that the suit before the court was instituted by the Chairman and members of the PDP Board of Trustees to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to comply with existing judgments of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court by updating its official records to reflect what he described as the authentic leadership of the party under Mr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

According to him, rather than determining the constitutional issues raised in the suit, including whether INEC was legally bound to implement the subsisting judgments, the court dismissed the action as a waste of judicial time.

He further stated that the court awarded costs of N140 million against the PDP Board of Trustees and an additional N10 million against its counsel.

The PDP leader described the development as troubling, noting that the issues involved extended beyond the internal affairs of the PDP and touched on the broader principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law.

He also tackled the Nyesom Wike-led faction’s reported expulsion of senior members of the party, describing the development as illogical and inconsistent with the party’s structure.

He argued that the judiciary occupies a unique position as the guardian of the Constitution and the rule of law, warning that any perception of political influence or constitutional inconsistency in judicial decisions could erode public trust in the courts.

George reminded the NJC of its constitutional responsibility to preserve judicial independence, discipline and ethical standards, saying the council must act whenever judicial decisions generate widespread public concern.

The letter, titled ‘The Imperative of preserving the sanctity, independence and integrity of the Nigerian judiciary’, reads: “I write as a concerned citizen, a democrat, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), compelled by recent developments that raise serious questions about public confidence in the administration of justice and the role of the courts in safeguarding constitutional democracy.

“The matter before the Court was far from frivolous. It arose from an action instituted by the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party. The action sought to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with and give effect to subsisting judgments of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court by updating its official portal to reflect the authentic faction of the Peoples Democratic Party as led by Mr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, recognised by the judgments, rather than continuing to recognise the Wike-led faction.

“Instead of first determining the substantive constitutional questions before it including whether INEC was under a legal obligation to comply with those subsisting judgments and amend its official records accordingly, the Court dismissed the action as a waste of judicial time and proceeded to award costs of N140 million against the Board of Trustees and a further N10 million against counsel.

“It is the greatest joke in the civilised international community today. Morally and ethically is it possible for a child to expel a father from his house whilst the father is still alive.

“The Wike faction said they have expelled permanent members of the upper echelon of the party, the custodians of the party. What a joke.

“Despite this absurdity, the judge concluded in his judgement that we were wasting the time of the court.

“Our constitutional order is founded upon the hierarchy of courts and the binding authority of judicial precedent. Judgments of the Supreme Court are final and binding upon all persons and authorities throughout the Federation. Equally, decisions of the Court of Appeal and other superior courts of record are not matters of discretion to be observed or ignored at will.

“The rule of law demands faithful obedience to subsisting judgments until they are set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction. No administrative authority, however constituted, possesses the legal authority to disregard or delay compliance with a subsisting judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction unless and until that judgment is set aside by a superior court.

“The issues raised by this judgment extend far beyond the internal affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party. They go to the very heart of constitutional governance and the administration of justice in Nigeria.

“Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), vests the judicial powers of the Federation in the courts and entrusts the Judiciary with the solemn responsibility of interpreting and upholding the Constitution without fear or favour.

“Equally, every judicial officer swears an oath to administer justice impartially, faithfully, and in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Where litigants approach a court seeking the enforcement or implementation of existing judgments of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, they are invoking one of the most fundamental principles of constitutional democracy—that judgments of competent courts must be respected and obeyed.

“It is therefore imperative that such issues receive full judicial consideration on their merits, for the authority of the courts rests not only upon the judgments they deliver but also upon the confidence that every party has been fairly heard and that the Constitution has been faithfully applied.

“The National Judicial Council, established under Paragraph 21 of Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, bears the constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the independence, integrity, discipline, and ethical standards of the Bench. That responsibility extends beyond the discipline of judicial officers; it encompasses preserving public confidence in the Judiciary as the impartial guardian of the rule of law.

Whenever judicial decisions give rise to widespread public concern regarding constitutional fidelity, the Council cannot be indifferent, for public confidence remains the Judiciary’s greatest source of institutional legitimacy.

“The Judiciary occupies a unique and sacred position in every constitutional democracy. It is the final guardian of the Constitution, the custodian of the rule of law, and the last refuge of every citizen seeking justice. It is upon this institution that the hopes of millions rest whenever the Executive or the Legislature falters.

“It is against this constitutional backdrop that I respectfully address the National Judicial Council concerning the growing public anxiety over judicial decisions that have generated widespread concern regarding the independence, impartiality and credibility of our courts.

“Whether rightly or wrongly, whenever judicial pronouncements give rise to a reasonable public perception of political influence or constitutional inconsistency, confidence in the administration of justice is gravely diminished. Such perceptions, if left unaddressed, threaten not only the reputation of individual courts but the very legitimacy of the Judiciary itself.

“The Nigerian people deserve a justice system they can trust not one that appears to reward judicial impunity, embolden constitutional abuse, and accelerate the nation’s slide towards institutional collapse.
No democracy can flourish where judicial recklessness is allowed to prevail or where political interference compromises the administration of justice. Such actions erode the independence of the Judiciary, diminish its integrity, weaken its moral authority, and ultimately undermine the rule of law; the very foundation upon which every constitutional democracy rests.

“The National Judicial Council bears both a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure that the Bench remains beyond reproach. The erosion of judicial integrity threatens not merely individual litigants, but the very foundation of constitutional democracy itself. If justice is perceived to be compromised, the rule of law is weakened, public confidence is shattered, and the legitimacy of democratic governance is placed in jeopardy.

“The independence of the Judiciary is not merely a constitutional provision; it is the cornerstone of liberty, the safeguard against executive excess, and the assurance that no citizen is above the law and none is beneath its protection. Once public confidence in the courts begins to erode, the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. Respect for lawful authority diminishes, democratic institutions weaken, and the social contract upon which the Nigerian State is built begins to fracture.

“This is therefore a defining moment in the constitutional history of our nation. It calls for courage, fidelity to the judicial oath, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will. The National Judicial Council must continue to demonstrate, both in action and in resolve, that the Judiciary remains insulated from every form of external influence and committed solely to the dictates of the Constitution and the law.

“History will not judge this moment by the silence of those entrusted with the administration of justice, but by whether they rose courageously to defend the Constitution when it mattered most. The integrity of the Judiciary is not negotiable; it is the lifeblood of the Nigerian Republic.

“The Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man only so long as the common man remains convinced that justice is administered according to law, guided by the Constitution, and uninfluenced by power or expediency. The preservation of that confidence is the solemn responsibility of every judicial officer, and ultimately, of the National Judicial Council itself.

“I therefore respectfully call upon the National Judicial Council to discharge its constitutional mandate with the courage, impartiality and firmness expected of the guardian of judicial ethics and accountability. In doing so, the Council will not only preserve the honour of the Bench but also reaffirm the confidence of the Nigerian people that justice in our country remains blind to political pressure and faithful only to the Constitution and the rule of law.”

Vanguard News

By Akpokona Omafuaire

As chairmen of Delta State’s 25 local government councils mark two years in office, banners, congratulatory messages and official statements celebrating the milestone have begun to appear across the state. Yet beyond the ceremonies and accolades, many residents are asking a more fundamental question: what has changed in their communities since the current administrations assumed office?

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When the council chairmen were inaugurated two years ago, expectations were high. Their campaign promises centred on improving grassroots governance through better roads, quality primary healthcare, enhanced education, youth empowerment, rural development and increased transparency in the management of public resources. Halfway through their tenure, their records are now open to public scrutiny.

Across the state, council authorities point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence of progress. Road rehabilitation, market upgrades, drainage construction, water schemes, health centre renovations and empowerment programmes feature prominently in reports released by several local government councils.

In several communities, residents acknowledge improvements in infrastructure and public services. Others, however, insist that many campaign promises remain unfulfilled, with concerns ranging from poor road networks and inadequate healthcare facilities to youth unemployment and slow project execution.

Community leaders and civil society organisations say the anniversary presents an opportunity not only for celebration but also for accountability.

Political analysts note that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people and are expected to respond swiftly to local needs. They argue that effective grassroots governance should be measured by improved service delivery, prudent financial management and regular engagement with citizens.

As the chairmen begin the second half of their tenure, residents are looking beyond speeches and commemorative events. They are focusing instead on projects completed, promises fulfilled and the overall impact of governance on their lives.

According to a senior lawyer, Justice Otorudo, “The second anniversary of the present Local Government Chairmen across Delta State presents an important opportunity for an objective assessment of their stewardship. Beyond the ceremonies and congratulatory messages, the occasion calls for sincere reflection on whether local governance has truly translated into meaningful development at the grassroots.

“There is no denying that a number of Chairmen have executed projects and initiated programmes within their respective local government areas. However, the overall impact of these interventions has not been sufficiently visible or transformative to justify widespread public satisfaction. 

“In many communities, residents continue to grapple with poor rural roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, declining sanitation, youth unemployment, and limited economic opportunities. These realities naturally raise questions about whether the enormous potential of the local government system is being fully utilised.

“A recurring concern is the apparent disconnect between local government administrations and the communities they serve. Greater transparency in the management of public resources, regular engagement with community stakeholders, prompt execution of budgeted projects, and improved accountability would strengthen public confidence in local governance. Citizens are increasingly demanding value for public expenditure, and rightly so”, he added. 

On his part, Comrade Ozobo Austin, National President Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI said, “It is unfortunate to note that local government chairmen in Delta State are not accountable to the people they claim to serve. After two years in office, they have performed poorly. There’s no period in the history of this country where local governments received more funding from the federal government than we have now.

“Almost every local government received over a billion naira per month, from statutory allocation, subsidy funds, excess crude and IGR, yet our local government areas remain underdeveloped. The big question is, what are they doing with the funds. 

“In the current dispensation, local governments could propose a yearly budget of over 15 billion naira. This never happened in the previous administrations. Despite the huge funds, lives of the ordinary people in our communities are worse compared to previous administrations.

“The local government chairmen in Delta State have failed to prioritize accountability, public trust, integrity and prudent management of the public funds. They failed to carry the people along in the affairs of the councils.

“Despite the huge allocation, there’s no empowerment, no employment opportunities or job creation, no investment driven programmes and no developmental initiatives and projects. Even the few things that the local government chairmen may claim to have done for the period of two years can’t be equated to four months’ allocations”.

Also, Francis Avbenagha, a legal practitioner said, “Any assessment must begin with the Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy. Delta State, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, became the first state to fully comply, releasing all outstanding arrears and monthly allocations directly to councils. 

“More troubling are allegations of non-performance despite massive allocations. In Ukwuani LGA, a councillor publicly questioned how the council receives up to ?500 million monthly yet has “nothing to show”. Warri North has faced accusations of neglecting the Egbema Kingdom in project execution. Communities in Oshimili North have protested over abandoned road projects. 

“However, there are few council chairmen who have done well. Isoko South Chairman Warri Ovoke Friday has delivered road rehabilitation, market construction, solar power installations, and educational interventions. Udu Chairman Vincent Oyibode has executed office complexes, security infrastructure, and flood control projects. Ughelli North Chairman Jaro Egbo has performed in some sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and security.

“Notwithstanding these gains, more work needs to be done. For instance, while Chairman Oyibode of Udu LGA has recorded achievements in some areas, the daily challenge for residents within the community is the poor state of local roads. The roads in Udu are in a very terrible condition, making movement a constant ordeal for motorists and pedestrians alike. 

“Even if comprehensive reconstruction is not immediately possible, the council chairman must take urgent steps to ensure these roads are at least accessible. We understand that major road construction is primarily the duty of the state government, but the locals suffer from these bad roads daily, and the council has a responsibility to alleviate this immediate suffering through palliative measures.

“Those who have embraced financial autonomy with prudence have delivered visible dividends. Others have squandered the opportunity, leaving their councils with little to show beyond rhetoric. The case of Udu LGA is a stark reminder that while some progress has been made, the most basic needs of the people, like accessible roads, remain unaddressed, and the gap between rhetoric and reality must be closed.

“The Delta State Local Government Law and the oversight powers of the House of Assembly provide mechanisms for sanction. Chairmen who fail to deliver can be removed for gross misconduct or non-performance. Two years is sufficient to separate the performers from the pretenders. The people are watching, and the law is watching with them.” Avbenagha noted. 

Adding his voice, Oghenejabor Ikimi, a human rights lawyer said, “Local Government Area Chairmen across Delta State celebrated two years in office recently. The question is what were they celebrating? 

“Of course it was all a waste of public funds as there was nothing at all to celebrate in the first place.

“The election that brought the incumbent Chairmen to power was a sham and a big minus for the people at the grass-root. The Chairmen were bound to fail because they were answerable only to the State Governor and not to the people of the grass-root they pretend to represent. 

“There is really nothing to write home about the present Local Government Chairmen in the State in terms of achievement.

“Economic Empowerment and Opportunity which is another form of dividend of democracy at the grass-root is totally absent due to over taxation. As a result of double taxation private enterprises are no longer flourishing.

“The Rule of Law and Justice is also absent at the grassroots as the Chairmen are not accountable to the people but the Governor who put them in power.

“Public infrastructure is totally absent at the grass-root. Social services at the grass-root such as subsidized public education and healthcare systems, which could make essential services more affordable and attainable for the masses are also absent at the grassroots.

“Grassroots Democracy if not already dead, is presently surviving on oxygen. God save Nigeria.” Ikimi added. 

As the Chairmen begin the second half of their tenure, the expectation of the people is simple: less emphasis on public relations and ceremonial activities, and greater focus on measurable, sustainable, and people-centred development. Ultimately, the enduring legacy of every administration will be determined not by the celebrations marking years in office, but by the positive and lasting difference made in the lives of the people.

For many Deltans, the second anniversary is more than a political milestone. It is a moment to assess whether grassroots governance has delivered tangible development or whether expectations remain largely unmet.

With another year left in office, the verdict on the current crop of local government chairmen is still being written. The months ahead may ultimately determine whether their administrations will be remembered for lasting achievements or missed opportunities.