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If Nigeria Had 36 Oshiomholes: Imagining The Power Of Relentless Public Service
....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Nigeria is blessed with many distinguished leaders, public servants, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and patriots who contribute daily to national development.
Yet every generation produces a few individuals whose public journey cuts across multiple phases of national life and leaves a visible imprint at every stage.
One of such figures is Adams Oshiomhole.
The interesting question is not whether one agrees with him on every issue.
The more fascinating question is this:
What would Nigeria look like if every state produced a leader with the same intensity, consistency, and public engagement that has defined Oshiomhole’s career?
From The Shop Floor To The National Stage
Before politics, Oshiomhole became nationally known through the labour movement.
As President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, he emerged as one of the most recognizable voices advocating for workers, salaries, welfare, and social justice.
Many Nigerians still remember the period when labour negotiations dominated national conversations and Oshiomhole became a symbol of resistance against policies perceived as unfavourable to ordinary citizens.
Whether one agreed with his methods or not, few doubted his willingness to stand in difficult places and speak for those without access to power.
That reputation for advocacy would later become the foundation of his political career.
The Governor Who Preferred Construction Sites To Comfort Zones
When he became Governor of Edo State, the transition from activist to administrator was closely watched.
Could a labour leader govern?
The answer came through roads, schools, healthcare facilities, urban renewal projects, and public sector reforms that transformed significant parts of Edo State.
Across communities, infrastructure became a defining feature of his administration.
Roads that had been neglected for years were reconstructed.
Schools received attention.
Public confidence in government delivery improved.
His administration was not without criticism, as is the case with every government, but even political opponents often acknowledge that his tenure changed the physical landscape of the state.
More importantly, he cultivated an image of accessibility.
Many citizens saw a governor who appeared willing to leave the office, inspect projects personally, and engage directly with communities.
The Senator Who Refuses To Stay Silent
Today, as a Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Oshiomhole continues to attract attention for a different reason.
In an era where many legislators work quietly behind committee doors, he remains one of the most vocal voices on the floor of the Senate.
On issues ranging from insecurity to economic policy, governance accountability, public spending, and national development, he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to ask difficult questions.
He has repeatedly argued that government performance should not be measured merely by budgets approved but by results delivered.
For many Nigerians, that resonates deeply.
The average citizen is less interested in figures on paper and more interested in safer communities, better roads, quality schools, reliable healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Oshiomhole’s interventions often reflect that perspective.
His constituency projects, community engagements, educational support initiatives, infrastructure interventions, and empowerment programmes have reinforced his long-standing image as a politician who remains connected to grassroots realities.
Why The Common Man Relates To Him
Perhaps Oshiomhole’s greatest political strength is not his position.
It is his story.
He understands the language of the market woman because he once represented workers.
He understands the concerns of civil servants because he fought for them.
He understands the demands of governance because he has governed.
And he understands legislative oversight because he now serves in the National Assembly.
That combination is rare.
It allows him to speak in a manner that often resonates beyond party lines.
Many Nigerians see not just a politician, but someone who has experienced different layers of public service and continues to engage with national issues from the perspective of ordinary citizens.
If There Were 36 Oshiomholes…
Imagine 36 governors with relentless energy for project inspection.
Imagine 36 senators constantly demanding accountability and measurable results.
Imagine 36 public officials willing to challenge inefficiency regardless of whose interests are affected.
Imagine 36 leaders deeply connected to grassroots communities while simultaneously participating in national policy discussions.
The result would likely be faster infrastructure development.
Stronger public accountability.
Greater citizen engagement.
More attention to workers’ welfare.
And perhaps a more responsive system of governance.
This is not to suggest that Nigeria lacks capable leaders.
Far from it.
Across the country are men and women making meaningful contributions in public service, business, academia, security, healthcare, and governance.
But Oshiomhole’s journey offers an important lesson.
Nations make progress when leadership is active rather than passive.
When public office becomes a platform for service rather than status.
When leaders remain close enough to hear the voices of the people they represent.
The real story is not about creating 36 Oshiomholes.
It is about cultivating the values that have defined much of his public life: courage, advocacy, accountability, visibility, grassroots engagement, and an unwavering willingness to speak when others choose silence.
If those qualities were replicated across Nigeria’s institutions, regardless of who occupies public office, the country would undoubtedly move faster toward the future its citizens desire.
And perhaps that is the most important question of all:
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy
Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has revealed the circumstances that led to the breakdown of his relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Kalu said their disagreement stemmed from an alleged agreement that Obasanjo would serve only one term as president before handing over power to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.
He explained that the understanding was reached among himself, Babangida and Obasanjo before the latter was supported to become Nigeria’s president.
Kalu made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Television, where he spoke about his political relationship with the former president.
According to him, the arrangement was for Obasanjo to serve a single four-year term from 1999 to 2003 before transferring power to Babangida.
He said, “I had a very good relationship with President Obasanjo, and it went sour. And it didn’t go sour because I wanted what I wanted to have as a person. It’s because I wanted something for all of us Nigerians.
“Because most of the things we discussed, he didn’t do. We discussed that he would be president for four years. We discussed that he would only do four years and leave, and another person would take over. We helped him a lot when he came out of prison. We maintained our support to make sure that he succeeded.”
The former governor further explained that Obasanjo was expected to hand over power to another political bloc after completing his first term.
He noted that Obasanjo’s emergence as president in 1999 was partly aimed at addressing the political grievances of the South-West following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the death of its presumed winner, Chief MKO Abiola.
Kalu added that the arrangement was also expected to sustain the rotation of power, with the presidency eventually returning to the North.
However, he said he could not confirm reports that Babangida had considered making him vice president under the proposed political arrangement.
“Whether he had given IBB to make me vice president, I don’t know. Man, I never thought about that. But the one you’re certain about is what I was certain about,” he added.
Reflecting on the disagreement, Kalu said he was much younger at the time but had since grown older and become more conscious of the importance of honouring political agreements.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that the President is physically fit to continue leading the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda made the appeal on Monday night while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He argued that Tinubu’s recent visits to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States on Friday demonstrated his physical fitness and ability to handle the demands of the presidency.
Speaking during the programme, Yilwatda said he personally witnessed the President dancing during his visit to Akwa Ibom.
“Did you watch him (Tinubu) dance in Akwa Ibom? I was there live and I danced with him, he danced to the music of the people,” he said.
The APC chairman maintained that Tinubu’s schedule during the visit showed that he was capable of handling demanding engagements.
“Tinubu is fit to go. He was in Akwa Ibom, he had a dinner, town hall meeting with the people that same Friday, he engaged the people late in the night after the dinner and the next morning he was in Rivers.
“And if someone is not fit, he will do 48 hours of non-stop engagements and trips at the same time? Bring another complaint,” Yilwatda added.
He also explained that the APC had arranged Tinubu’s campaign schedule in a way that would prevent governance from suffering.
According to him, the President would spend two days campaigning and three days attending to official duties, with visits to Jigawa and Jos also scheduled.
Yilwatda further disclosed that the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives had advised against participating in every campaign activity to ensure that the National Assembly continued its work.
He said the party had equally staggered the activities of members of its National Working Committee to prevent its operations from being disrupted by the campaign.
The APC chairman questioned whether governance, the National Assembly and the party should be shut down simply because of the election campaign, describing such a suggestion as unreasonable.
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her criticism of the group’s call for an investigation into her distribution of millions of naira to constituents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan had criticised the Movement for urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate her cash empowerment programme, which she claimed was funded through a Federal Government budgetary allocation.
However, speaking in an interview with Punch, the Director-General of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, John Ughulu, said the senator’s response failed to address the concerns raised by the group.
Ughulu maintained that elected public officials needed continuous orientation on their constitutional duties, ethical responsibilities and accountability to the people.
He said the widely discussed cash distribution had raised concerns about the possible misuse of public office and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to him, if investigations establish that the money was distributed to influence voters ahead of an election, the action could amount to advance vote buying and should be examined under relevant electoral laws.
Ughulu stated:
“What Nigerians witnessed in the widely discussed money distribution incident raises serious questions about the abuse of public office and the integrity of our electoral process.
“If the circumstances establish that the money was distributed to influence voters ahead of an election, the matter could amount to advance vote buying and should be investigated under the relevant provisions of Nigerian electoral law.”
The movement’s director-general also challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to clarify whether similar cash distributions formed part of her election campaigns, arguing that the circumstances surrounding her emergence as a senator also warranted scrutiny.
He said:
“The election that brought Senator Natasha into the National Assembly was decided by the people. Therefore, an important question must be asked: Was the same practice of distributing money to influence voters involved in securing her electoral victory?
“That question deserves a factual answer, not an emotional reaction.”
The group further rejected suggestions that its criticism was politically motivated, insisting that its position on electoral accountability applied to politicians across party lines, including candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ughulu stressed that the movement would not overlook alleged electoral misconduct involving individuals within its political camp while condemning similar actions by members of other parties.
He added:
“We cannot condemn alleged electoral malpractice under the present administration while appearing to tolerate similar conduct from individuals within our own political space. The same standards of integrity, transparency and accountability must apply to everyone.
“The OK Movement will not make exceptions for anyone. This applies equally to NDC candidates and candidates of every other political party. Anyone involved in electoral manipulation, vote buying, result falsification or any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate should expect lawful scrutiny and accountability.”
Ughulu also warned that the movement would explore legal options to demand accountability if the EFCC or other relevant agencies failed to investigate credible allegations.
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