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What President Buhari told me about Biafra agitation – Gov. Umahi reveals
Recently, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state and Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, travelled with President Buhari to New York to attend the UN General Assembly. In this interaction covered by our correspondent, OBINNA ODOGWU, the Governor revealed the details of his private discussions with Buhari on Biafra agitation as well as the President’s response.
Hate speeches seem to be the order of the day in Nigeria. What is the Ebonyi State Government doing to curb the menace?
We have a very important law we are going to make and that will be on hate speeches. You will have to prove henceforth whatever allegations you put forward, whether it is on the social media or on the pages of newspaper. We are going to make the law so that when you are accusing anybody you will have to prove it. We will create a department that will be in charge of that so that we regulate hate speeches in the state.
Already, Kaduna state did it and I told the Governor, please export whatever you have in Kaduna and bring here. What is pulling this country down is our mouths and mindset. People just sit down at one corner and start to destroy people and cook up all kinds of things you cannot prove. We know that this is democracy but he that comments must prove his or her point and we must insist on that. The courts are there to prove our points and strengthen democracy. Anybody who stays at the corners of his/her house to accuse you, that person must be fished out to prove it.
From all indications, the country will soon be restructured in view of the clamour all over the nation. How prepared are South East states?
Very soon, there will be no more money coming from Abuja, it will happen just suddenly. If they just say okay let us do restructuring and of course the North is doing greatly very well, how do we survive? North has a lot of opportunities, they are moving into agriculture.
And so some people see restructuring as a dream that may not come to pass. If they say we must restructure and let every region harness its resources and keep it, bring 50% of it to the centre, 30% to common pocket to be redistributed and 20% to the federal government. The question is: what are we going to bring to the centre? But this is one of the aspects of restructuring and so we must wake up. I will continue to shout it, we must hear that and I am happy the President commended Ebonyi state in agriculture and fertilizer. One of my fights in this state is such that the Abakaliki rice would not be dimmed because it is known all over the world. But we have to do different things if we must excel. We have improved in agriculture actually but we have not reached our destination and we must get to the destination in rice production in this country.
What can you say about the ongoing agitations in the South-East region for the actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra and the recent proscription of IPOB?
I want to thank the Governors of South-East and the North for their efforts in ending the ugly incident that occurred recently. Let me assure Nigerians that Mr. President has heard you and he is going to address all the issues raised. There is no need to continue insulting our leaders and abusing other tribes. No need trying to pose danger to the existence of our people. We are not untrustworthy people. We are very, very trustworthy. We are hardworking and well cultured people and so, we have made our points.
I had private discussion with Mr. President in New York and I want to assure the South-Easterners that the President will address all our problems. Nigeria is going to see peace. We are stronger when we are bigger. Let me also tell our people that we are playing too much politics. It is only in the South-East that you see petitions that they are piling in the EFCC. Everything is now about politics and we left our hard work for politics.
As the incumbent and 3rd civilian Governor of Ebonyi State since its creation 21 years ago, what efforts have you made in living up to the dreams of the founding fathers?
In our efforts to create a new Ebonyi State of the dreams of our founding fathers, we christened the platform upon which God brought us to leadership and raised us so high above distractions through the divine mandate. We remain grateful to God. We can humbly say that we have achieved a lot through God’s divine mandate within the two years of our administration. We have kept hope alive and delivered on our campaign promises despite obstacles that have stirred us and still stirring us in the face, but we are surmounting most of them.
Undoubtedly, this year’s celebration for us as a people is an important juncture in the annals of our statehood; because, we have worked hard to bring development to our state.
In the previous years, we have devoted this celebration to enumerating our collective challenges in which insecurity had formed the major challenge. But today, we have modified this annual event such that it has become a convention for our collective achievements. We have kept hope alive and tackled our challenges as a people who are destined to succeed.
Let me emphasize that the dream of our founding fathers was that should Ebonyi State be created; it will survive based on the human and mineral resources that God endowed us with. It is important that we know how far we have harnessed these resources that God gave to us.
From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History
By George O. Sylvester
On May 8, 2025, history was made within the walls of the Vatican as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate with deep roots in Latin America, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history, a milestone that underscores the evolving global nature of Catholicism.
A Historic Election
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was notable not only for its outcome but also for its efficiency. The College of Cardinals, comprising 133 electors, the largest in history convened in the Sistine Chapel and, after just four ballots over two days, signaled their decision with the traditional white smoke. The swift consensus reflects the cardinals’ shared vision for the Church’s future, seeking a leader who embodies both continuity and renewal.
In his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with all of you!” This simple yet profound message set the tone for a papacy aiming to bridge divides and promote unity within the Church and the broader global community.
A Life of Service and Scholarship
Born on September 14 1955 in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost entered the Order of Saint Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982. His academic pursuits led him to earn advanced degrees in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas. However, it was his missionary work in Peru that defined much of his ecclesiastical career. Serving as bishop in the Diocese of Chiclayo, he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015, reflecting his deep commitment to the communities he served.
His tenure in Peru was marked by a focus on social justice and outreach to marginalized populations. This experience informed his later work in the Vatican, where he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, overseeing the selection and appointment of bishops worldwide.
A Papal Name with Purpose
Choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed the rights and conditions of workers and laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching. This choice signals Pope Leo XIV’s intention to continue advocating for social justice, labor rights and the dignity of the poor and oppressed.
Navigating Contemporary Challenges
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church grappling with numerous challenges, including declining attendance in Western countries, debates over doctrine and social issues and the need for continued reform in the wake of clerical abuse scandals. His background suggests a leader prepared to address these issues with both compassion and resolve.
While maintaining traditional Catholic teachings on matters such as the priesthood and marriage, Pope Leo XIV has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue on contentious issues. He has emphasized the importance of pastoral care and inclusivity, particularly concerning immigrants and the marginalized.
A Global Reception
The election of an American pope has been met with enthusiasm across the United States and Latin America. In Peru, where he served for many years, celebrations erupted, with many expressing pride in his elevation to the papacy. In the U.S., Catholics see his election as an opportunity to reinvigorate the Church’s presence and address local concerns, such as priest shortages and declining participation.
World leaders have also extended their congratulations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate would “contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”
Looking Ahead
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces the monumental task of guiding the Catholic Church through a complex and rapidly changing world. His unique blend of American roots, Latin American experience and Vatican leadership positions him to address both internal Church matters and broader global issues.
His commitment to peace, unity and social justice, coupled with a deep understanding of diverse cultures and communities, offers a hopeful vision for the future of the Catholic Church. As he embarks on this new chapter, Catholics worldwide will look to Pope Leo XIV for leadership that honors tradition while embracing the need for renewal and inclusivity.
In the words of Pope Leo XIV himself: “Peace be with all of you!” A simple greeting that carries the weight of a new era for the Catholic Church.
Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In the ever-chaotic theater of Nigerian politics, there is one political party that has never lost a single election, one party whose membership transcends ideology, region or religion: The Decampee Party. Call it satirical, call it tragic, but it is the harsh and honest reality of Nigeria’s political ecosystem. This unofficial but most dominant party is powered not by vision or values, but by opportunism, betrayal and a deep-rooted contempt for the Nigerian electorate.
Across Nigeria’s political spectrum, party affiliation has become a farce. Politicians jump ship more often than they deliver basic amenities. The concept of loyalty to a party manifesto, ideology or principle has eroded. Instead, politicians dance to the rhythm of self-preservation, defecting whenever personal ambition or legal battles threaten their current status.
A Culture of Defection: A Brief History
Defection in Nigerian politics dates back to the First Republic, but it has become a normalized tradition in the Fourth Republic. The 1999 Constitution under Section 68(g) provides a loophole: legislators can defect if there is a division in their party. Nigerian politicians have weaponized this provision to justify shameless defections that have little to do with principle and everything to do with political survival.
In 2014, five PDP governors—Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) defected to the APC, a defection that laid the foundation for Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in 2015. By 2018, some of them returned to PDP when the tides changed.
Who can forget the spectacle of Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s master of U-turns, who once described the APC as a “Satanic party” and President Buhari as “a curse to Nigeria,” only to later join the APC with the fanfare of a prodigal son returning to his father’s mansion?
A Game of Survival, Not Service
Political parties are supposed to be vehicles for policy direction and ideological clarity. In developed democracies, parties represent core values. The Democrats and Republicans in the U.S., the Labour and Conservative parties in the UK, each has a distinct identity. In Nigeria, however, the only ideology is power and the only constant is greed.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once said, “There is no political party in Nigeria; they are all platforms for capturing power.” That quote, though stinging, is spot-on.
The average Nigerian politician does not defect because of a disagreement with policy or a change in personal ideology. No, They defect to escape corruption trials, reclaim lost political relevance or align with the federal might ahead of an election.
From PDP to APC and Back Again: Who’s Fooling Who?
In Nigeria, it is common to hear phrases like “I have returned to my political family.” But what family changes every four years? The PDP ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 and was dubbed the “largest party in Africa.” Then came the APC, a merger of desperate opposition forces, including disgruntled PDP members. As soon as the APC took power, the PDP was declared dead. Yet, like a zombie, it came back to life as more APC members became disillusioned.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president, himself is a classic product of this decampee culture. A one-time PDP supporter in the early 2000s, Tinubu eventually became the brain behind the APC. Today, his administration is filled with recycled PDP members, proving once again that the Nigerian political class is just one extended family quarrelling over control of the national pot/cake.
Power for Power’s Sake
Nigeria’s economy has been crippled by leaders who see public office as a meal ticket. Unemployment stands at over 33%, inflation at nearly 30% and over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Yet, politicians spend billions campaigning and cross-carpeting, while hospitals decay, universities strike and roads kill.
They defect from the party they helped destroy to join the one they once condemned, only to resume the cycle of looting and neglect. They promise “CHANGE,” then deliver “CHAINS”. They preach “RENEWED HOPE,” but all they offer is “RECYCLED FAILURE”.
The PEOPLE as COLLATERAL DAMAGE
The biggest losers in this culture of defection are the Nigerian people/masses. With no real ideological compass, the masses are dragged along in confusion. A politician elected under PDP defects to APC mid-term and expects his constituents to accept the change without question. Votes are rendered meaningless as parties are no longer platforms of choice, but mere logos to print on ballot papers.
Political campaigns have become carnivals of lies. One day, a politician is fighting corruption under the EFCC’s radar. The next day, he defects to the ruling party and all investigations mysteriously vanish.
We Must Judge Leaders, Not Labels
So many a citizen(s) with a conscience, have long abandoned party loyalty. Many allegiance is to performance, not platform. They evaluate every leader based on their stewardship. If you build roads, equip schools, secure lives and create jobs, you earn their respect, regardless of the party that sponsors your ambition.
According to Hon. Sam Iweka (BoT chairman PDP-SA) “This may sound anti-party, but it is the only logical position in a political landscape where parties mean nothing and politicians belong to all and none”.
As Nigerian author and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once said: “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” We must stop enabling incompetence just because it wears the color of our preferred party.
Time for the Electorate to Defect Too
The tragedy is not just the defections by politicians, but the tribal, religious and party-blind loyalty of the electorate. Nigerians must begin to defect from the politics of ethnicity and emotion to the politics of accountability and metrics.
Enough of “HE IS OUR SON,” “IT’S OUR TURN,” or “NA OUR PARTY.” Ask: DID HE/SHE SERVE? DID HE/SHE DELIVER? DID HE/SHE LOOT or LEAD?
To quote Chinua Achebe, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” But that failure thrives because we, the people, have accepted mediocrity as destiny. We must break this spell and become citizens, not spectators.
By and Large: Rebuilding the Broken System
The cure to this sickness is institutional reform. Nigeria needs independent political parties built on ideology, backed by enforceable party constitutions and run by patriots, not godfathers. The judiciary must stop legitimizing sham defections. INEC must stop rewarding political prostitution with automatic tickets.
Above all, the Nigerian voter must rise. The real power lies not with the defector-in-chief, but with the citizen. When we begin to judge politicians by results and not slogans or party colors, then and only then, will we reclaim this republic from the hands of serial defectors.
Let it be known today: Nigeria’s biggest political party is not APC, PDP or LP, it is the Decampee Party. And unless we reform our democracy, it will remain the only party that always wins, while the people continue to lose.
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