Whyte

"...In Nigeria, they [Government officials] go out in all kinds of fancy cars and you say people will not pay enough taxes?" @UtomiPat says taxation works only when citizens see clear benefits and trust how their money is used.

I am worried about a seeming absence of understanding about what will create “development” in African countries, and a tendency to chase shadows and leave substance severely alone. The first prerequisite for development is effective governance (that is, the organizing principle of any entity or society). That includes the fundamental matter of security, as well as strong institutions and the rule of law. Life and property must be protected effectively, and citizens have the confidence that this is a reality. That is a necessary foundation for economic productivity. This is why conflict in Sudan and the massive rise of terrorism in the Sahel cannot allow many African countries to make real progress if they are not resolved and defeated. Individuals must be equal and accountable before the law. That is the difference between organized society and the jungle, where might is right, and reigns. We see the Prime Minister of Israel indicted and charged for alleged ethical breaches that are offenses under the laws of Israel, a former President of South Korea indicted and removed from office. In what African country has ANY leader been held to account in such a manner? Without these foundations, macroeconomics or other “development” processes such as “poverty alleviation” and “foreign investment” can never yield economic transformation that creates wealth or at least sustainable livelihoods for large majorities of citizens in any country. The question of state capacity is critical. Governance by any government in any country must demonstrably deliver the following core elements: ✅ Security of life and property. ✅Effective and efficient taxation as part of a social contract. ✅Effective delivery of social services such as healthcare, education, and social protection. ✅An enabling environment for business and wealth creation. These are the core elements of state capacity. For these to be achieved, every country needs a “capable state”. That is, a public sector and civil service bureaucracy equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver these requirements in a sustained manner over generations. This is how development happens. According to @WorldBank , African countries lose $1.2 trillion in GDP annually from weak institutions, and only 3 African countries (Mauritius, Seychelles, and Botswana) make it into the top 50 countries in the world for governance effectiveness. All the emphasis on “markets”, without state capacity, cannot create the wealth of nations. Functioning markets are, of course, essential. But it takes a capable state to create an enabling environment for efficient markets. That’s my point. This is not the same thing as governments attempting to become the market themselves and set prices, or choking economic life and productivity with excessive regulation. No. These fundamental understandings are the foundation on which Africa can build the African century. #IGETAcademy

You can try sugarcoating it but we all know that what is happening in Nigeria is genocide and nothing else.

Turning Nigeria Around: Insights from Global Engagements My last engagement of 3-day trip to the USA was defining and enriching, including over two hours of lunch and a walk meeting with the distinguished Professor James Robinson, alongside Professors Korieh and Utomi. Professor James Robinson was co-author of “Why Nations Fail” and a Nobel Laureate in Economics on “Prosperity of Nations”. My interest in meeting him was stirred by one of his penetrating observations, that there are nations in the world which clearly know the path to prosperity, yet consistently fail to take it. Among his examples was Nigeria. That remark struck me profoundly. It was not merely an academic statement but as a mirror held up to our nation. In our conversation, Professor Robinson reminded me that nations must possess the humility to remain learners if they are to advance. For me, the dialogue was both challenging and inspiring. It strengthened my conviction that Nigeria’s renewal requires difficult choices. With committed reforming and prioritising critical sectors of development, we can leapfrog our turnaround. Earlier this year, in pursuit of similar insights, I visited Johns Hopkins University to meet Professor Peter M. Lewis, the author of “Growing Apart: Oil, Politics, and Economic Change in Indonesia and Nigeria.” His comparative study of Indonesia and Nigeria - two nations that began with similar trajectories but diverged so starkly - posed an unavoidable question: why did one move in the right direction while the other faltered? To seek answers, I travelled to Indonesia itself, where I held constructive engagements with six ministers, a former Vice President, and Indonesia's most Popular President Joko Widodo. These encounters, across continents and with some of the finest minds and most experienced leaders, continue to deepen my conviction: Nigeria’s story is not a closed chapter of decline but an unfinished narrative with the potential for redemption. With competent and visionary leadership - rooted in capacity, character, commitment, and compassion - Nigeria can still be transformed into a nation of pride, dignity, and prosperity. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

@Davddonmoe 🌚🌚🌚

Newcastle is so useless

@Davddonmoe @ronaldorox4life Please help me ask oh

@ronaldorox4life is that life ????

You go just dey normal, dey observe life and your guys go dey video you? Is that life ?

@NJethro 😫😭😭😭

@Davddonmoe Relax. Trust the process 😊

What’s the excuse today? Grimsby also have better players ???

BLACK MAMBA FOREVER ♾️

My One-Term, Four-Year Vow Is Sacrosanct One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership. Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations. In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer. His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self. Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service - however brief - that defines true statesmanship. It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct. I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities. Many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word. But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words - whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent. Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term. One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed. Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation. I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards - where political promises are made to be broken. But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation. In my political life, my word is my bond. When I entered politics in Anambra State, I made clear and measurable promises to the people: to improve education and healthcare, to open up rural areas through road construction, and to manage public funds with prudence. I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word. My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity. If making such a promise qualifies me for psychiatric evaluation, then we may as well question the mental fitness of those who framed our Constitution, which clearly stipulates a four-year renewable tenure. I maintain without equivocation: if elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office. In fact, I believe that service should be impactful, not eternal. We must rebuild trust in our country. I have dedicated my public life to demonstrating that leadership with integrity is not a myth. I have done it before, and I do not intend to betray that trust under any circumstances. Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. In that time, I intend not merely to make an impression, but to deliver on concrete promises to: sanitise our governance system; tackle insecurity through effective and accountable use of national resources; prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation; catalyse small businesses as engines of growth ; and combat corruption with unflinching resolve. Above all, I will dedicate myself to transforming Nigeria from a consuming nation into a productive one, where agriculture, technology, and manufacturing replace rent-seeking and waste as our national anchors. These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

@MKthe2nd What do you think of the coalition?

2027 needs real competition. If PDP can put forward a disciplined, policy-heavy candidate, Nigeria’s democracy will be healthier for it.

Lagos Lover Boy Tracklist. Do you see this? 12AM Tonight we dance. Thank you to everyone who worked on this incredible project with me, The Lagos Lover Boy is here. Thank you.

Obidients, let’s get to work. Everyone has a role. 1.Wanna run? Start building your CV. Show your receipts 2.Party agent? Form your 3 man team now. Backups for your backups 3.Canvasser? Get ready to knock doors, share flyers and talk to people 4.Finance crew? Can’t be on ground? Save ₦1 daily. Every kobo counts 5.Media and PR? Writers, meme creators, social media managers — own the narrative 6.Design squad? Graphics, video editors, animators start stockpiling content 7.Musicians and creatives? Jingles, skits, parodies move culture, win hearts 8.Tech and data? Build tools. Secure data. Analyze everything 9.Logistics? Who is printing flyers? Got buses, halls, speakers? You are key 10.Legal minds? Know INEC rules. Protect candidates. Block sabotage 11.Mobilizers? By tribe, region or religion speak your people’s language 12.Diaspora Obidients? Fund. Amplify. Connect. We are global ops While we wait for our leaders to align, start figuring out where you can plug in No idle supporters No standby observers Only active participants When the whistle blows, we do not start preparing we move PETER OBI IS COMING Also read @DavidHundeyin latest tweet. Internalize it and get ready.

The APC and Tinubu supporters are employing a strategy to portray Peter Obi as an Igbo president and depict his supporters, the Obidients, as a violent group that would target other tribes if he were elected. This approach aims to spark tribal tensions and potentially influence the political landscape for future elections after a failed toxic MM ticket that brought severe pain to the entire country through renewed hopelessness. We will continue to sell Mr. Peter Obi as a global citizen who comes to rescue his country and Obidients as well-meaning Nigerians who want to see a working Nigeria. Shikenan!!!

I am from Ondo State. I was born and raised in Osun State. My whole family is made up of lovers and supporters of Peter Obi. More people from the Southwest are supporting the Obidient movement. We are Obidients, so don’t let them gaslight you into believing that Obidients are from a certain region of Nigeria. 🇳🇬 Obidients are well-meaning Nigerians.

His Excellency @PeterObi Will Be Live On Our Space With Nigerians This Thursday May 28th 2025 To Mark Democracy Day. Time 7pm WAT. Pass It On. #PeterObiOnParallelFacts

Join us this Thursday for a live press briefing with @AfricaCDC Director General, @Dr_JeanKaseya, as he delivers critical updates on health emergencies in Africa. 📅 Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 🕒 Time: •⁠ ⁠16:00 | Eastern Africa Time (GMT+3) •⁠ ⁠15:00 | Southern Africa Time (GMT+2) •⁠ ⁠14:00 | Central Africa Time (GMT+1) •⁠ ⁠13:00hrs – 14:00hrs | West African Countries (GMT) Register now to participate: africacdc-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist… #AfricaCDCBriefing #MpoxResponse

Nigerian politicians are talking about the next election already. I have never seen any of them aside Peter Obi talk about the next generation... Is there no hope for these young ones coming up? Do they think they will live forever?

USC, UCLA complete first-in-human bladder transplant news.keckmedicine.org/usc-ucla-team-…