By Valentine Obienyem

The true revolution Nigeria needs is a break with the past, a transformation of civic culture, ethics of leadership, and public participation. This is the revolution that undermines corruption, enthrones accountability, and restores hope.

Revolution is not merely a dramatic or violent overthrow of governments; it is, more profoundly, a warning signal that societies emit, like a volcano emitting lava, when injustice, corruption, exclusion, and moral or material degradation have reached intolerable levels. It arises when established institutions lose their legitimacy – and of which institution is this not true in Nigeria? – and when the social contract between rulers and the ruled collapses. In such moments, revolution becomes the language of a people who have exhausted peaceful avenues of redress and can no longer endure the weight of systemic failure.

In other words, revolution functions as a painful but necessary process of renewal. It is the weeding out of entrenched falsehoods, surgical removal of decayed structures, and destructive habits that choke the life of a society. By clearing away what has become irredeemably dysfunctional, revolution creates the possibility – though not the guarantee – of a fresh beginning. It offers a chance for a nation to rediscover its values, reconstruct its institutions, and realign power with justice, dignity, and the common good.

History offers powerful illustrations of this truth. In the French Revolution, the accumulated suffering of ordinary people eventually broke the bonds of obedience and unleashed one of the most consequential upheavals in modern history. The careless speech of Marie Antoinette was merely a trigger. Reflecting on this process, Mirabeau posed a piercing question: “Have these men studied, in the history of any people, how revolutions commence and how they are carried out? Have they observed by what a fatal chain of circumstances the wisest men are driven far beyond the limits of moderation, and by what terrible impulses an enraged people is precipitated into excesses at the very thought of which they would have shuddered?” His warning exposed a central truth of revolutionary moments – that upheavals are not initially driven by extremists, but by the steady pressure of injustice and neglect, which, when left unchecked, push even the most moderate societies and individuals toward desperate and radical ends.

What happened in France was not unique. Throughout history, revolutions have erupted because ordinary people were pushed to the breaking point by unbearable conditions. Recently, I met a lawyer who had been detained by security agencies for months over a matter that could have been resolved in less than a week. In his own case, he had a wealthy brother who supported him. What, then, of those who do not have an “Abraham” to stand by them? When he was finally released, he was so frustrated and disillusioned that he expressed a willingness to join any revolutionary movement he could find, eager to fight against the injustices that had made life in Nigeria so difficult for many.

The American Revolution burned with resentment against colonial exploitation and denial of political representation; the Haitian Revolution erupted under the brutal yoke of slavery and racial dehumanization; the Chinese Revolution was powered by deep poverty, social exploitation, and foreign domination; and the Arab Spring sprang from frustration with corruption, unemployment, repression, and stolen futures. These historical moments share common causes: inequality, systemic corruption, political exclusion, economic hardship, abuse of power, suppression of basic freedoms, erosion of dignity, and, above all, the collapse of hope – just like our computer collapsed under “Mohmoodian” glitch – in the possibility of reform within existing systems.

Even in our own time, this pattern continues to repeat itself. Today, a different kind of revolution is unfolding thousands of miles away in Iran, where widespread protests have erupted across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad, driven by soaring inflation, deepening economic crisis, and public anger at entrenched political and religious leadership. Demonstrations began with economic grievances – skyrocketing prices and a collapsing currency – but have swiftly grown into broader challenges to the regime’s authority and legitimacy. Authorities have responded with force, internet shutdowns, and mass arrests, reflecting how desperate governments react when people reach their limits.

Against this global background, Nigeria’s situation becomes even clearer. In Nigeria, too, the conditions for revolutionary pressure exist. Corruption has become systemic; public resources are routinely plundered, basic services are missing, and inequality grows every year. Economic hardship is now a daily reality for millions of citizens. The failures of leadership—political, economic, and moral—have left ordinary Nigerians with shrinking opportunities, growing insecurity, and diminishing trust in the state. Meaningful change cannot come through polite silence alone—it will require the righteous indignation of citizens who refuse to accept mediocrity and corruption as normal.

Yet, despite this growing pressure, the people of Nigeria today are disillusioned. The conditions that Mirabeau described—a fatal chain of circumstances driving citizens beyond moderation—are visible in the everyday struggles of Nigerians who wrestle with unemployment, insecurity, inflation, and political exclusion. Many who once placed their trust in peaceful, constitutional change now question whether the system can be transformed from within without a fundamental break with past habits of governance.

However, at this point, an important caution must be introduced. But here we must recognize a vital point captured by Durant: violent revolution often destroys more than it creates, and only a profound shift in national character and values can build lasting progress. Durant argued that revolutions that fail to transform the underlying moral and intellectual principles of a society often lead to new forms of corruption or stagnation. The true revolution Nigeria needs is a break with the past, a transformation of civic culture, ethics of leadership, and public participation. This is the revolution that undermines corruption, enthrones accountability, and restores hope.

Therefore, Nigeria today stands at such a crossroads. Economic decay, political mismanagement, and social despair could drive people to extremes that few would have imagined: exactly what Mirabeau warned against. But the choice is not merely between chaos and calm; it is between a revolution of character and purpose and a slow descent into disorder. What Nigeria needs is a revolution of renewal, exemplified by strong, ethical leaders like Peter Obi, and a citizenry determined to reclaim its future not through destruction, but through restoration and reform.

This brings us directly to why Obi is mentioned. The reference to Obi is grounded in his antecedents. We know what Anambra State used to be before he governed it, precisely under Mbadinuju, and that memory reminds us of what Nigeria has become today. Things have gone terribly wrong. Anambra itself had drifted into decay until 2006, when a disruptive meteor entered and altered its orbit. He introduced policies that stimulated inventiveness, industry, and thrift. He marched through the fisc with an economizing scythe, abolishing offices that carried emoluments without duties and restoring discipline, purpose, and direction to governance.

In the same spirit, only by breaking decisively with the patterns that have held us back can a new Nigeria that is possible begin. Just as Obi, our meteor, altered the orbit of Anambra, so does Nigeria now need a leader like him capable of altering her own trajectory. By confronting and dismantling Nigeria of corruption, impunity, and complacency that has taken root at the national level, Nigeria can truly transform.

Ultimately, the world has witnessed revolutions that toppled regimes, but history teaches that lasting change does not come merely from the fall of governments; it comes from a transformation in a society’s values, priorities, and collective will. Let that be the revolution Nigeria seeks today, not a revolution of burning buildings, but one fuelled by a burning desire for justice, integrity, discipline, and a shared sense of national purpose.

Consequently, to achieve it, the country definitely does not need the likes of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Each day he remains as president, arising from a stolen mandate, brings untold hardship upon the people. Nigerians are tired and are just waiting for 2027 to do the needful. Indeed, there is nothing revulsive in the history of governance in Nigeria than the rise of PBAT, or more comforting than the thought of Mr. Peter Obi becoming the next president.

By PETER MBAH

It is often said that when you arrive in a great city for the first time, before you see its tallest building or its finest restaurant, before you even hear its music or taste its food, you notice its transport system. The way a city moves tells you how it thinks, works, and cares for its people. In many ways, transport is the heartbeat of civilisation, and if the heartbeat is strong, the body thrives.

About two years ago, this location was practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness. Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity. We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria will be a futile bid, if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.

Governor Peter Mbah

So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.
Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed, beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State. It is about ensuring the people commute in dignity and comfort.

It is a key part of our integrated five-terminal Transport Infrastructure Project’s Phase 1: Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1) – designated for interstate transport; Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for intercity transport; Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station); Abakpa Terminal (Abakpa Central Station); and Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station). Today, these terminals stand as inspiring reminders of the power of vision.

The Holy Ghost/Ogbete axis is the heartbeat of Enugu’s urban mobility. With over 50% of the city’s commuter traffic passing through here daily, its transformation signals our commitment to world-class standards. By modernising the area, we are creating a downtown experience that will anchor business, tourism, and urban renewal. The completion of these facilities teaches us that true development might yield some discomfort. But it always creates an outcome that benefits all.

Alongside the CNG Rapid Bus Service (Mass Transit Scheme), these terminals are central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future – integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.

With regard to roads, we have rehabilitated, built and expanded critical routes, improved junctions, and opened new corridors that connect communities and markets.

In aviation, we have launched Enugu Air and secured strategic partnerships to strengthen our position as a regional aviation hub.

We have advanced discussions in rail to reconnect Enugu State to the regional and national rail grids for cheaper, faster freight and passenger movement.

With waterways, we are exploring viable inland water transport routes to boost trade and tourism.

The thrill that these projects give is beyond sheer aesthetic delight. They are engines of economic revival. They represent our capacity to deliver projects that empower Ndi Enugu and set our state on a robust trajectory of growth.

Our vision for these projects was clear: to create a modern, integrated transport system that will spur economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall standard of living. By enhancing connectivity within Enugu State and beyond, we are laying the foundation for a more vibrant and competitive economy. This will, ultimately, make Enugu a gateway to economic opportunities.

Last month, we witnessed the inaugural flight of Enugu Air, a significant economic enabler conceived to move us closer to the goal of making Enugu the premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.

Infrastructure, particularly transport, remains a catalyst for economic transformation. From the farmer in Nsukka to the trader in Ogbete, from the manufacturer in Emene to the investor in Enugu CBD, opportunities will multiply.

Already, this project is creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning Enugu to compete with Africa’s best. Through it, we are creating over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.

This CNG rollout begins with the first 100 buses serving our markets and neighbourhoods, especially for all Enugu students, because our state is a city of universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
Dedicated routes will connect campuses with major residential and commercial areas, ensuring a safer, more reliable, and more affordable travel for students.

With special student discounts, as well as reduced fares for the elderly and young children, we are making sure our transport system is inclusive, equitable, and supportive of education. Remarkably, this will reduce transport costs for the average family by over 40%.

Comfort and safety are irreducible minimums on which modern public transport is built. Our multi-modal transport system ticks all the boxes. The way a city organises its transport, to a large extent indicates how it organises its society.

In Enugu, we are showing the world that we value safety, order, and accountability. We have carried out a state-wide biometric capture of commercial vehicle owners and drivers. This initiative has strengthened our data intelligence, making it easier to identify and track operators, and has already contributed to reducing transport-related crimes.

We have integrated our transport system into the State’s security framework. The Command and Control Centre, equipped with surveillance cameras installed in strategic locations across Enugu, ensures that our streets, terminals, and junctions remain under constant watch — providing both a guide and a guard for our people.

Our cashless e-ticketing system eliminates leakages, guarantees transparency, and ensures every payment is accounted for. Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top-up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses.

Again, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them. Our 80 bus shelters (to be clearly marked with arrival time), lay-bys, and junction improvement projects mean passengers and commuters travel with more comfort, dignity, and safety.

I am proud to announce that Enugu is the first State in Nigeria to proactively adopt and implement a State Climate Action Policy in line with national and global goals. The CNG Mass Transit Scheme we commission today is a major step in that direction – cutting carbon emissions, reducing dependence on petrol, and lowering transport costs for Ndi Enugu. We are proving that environmental responsibility and economic growth can complement each other.

There is often a common flaw in our nature as humans; it is the tendency to quickly forget the previous state of things once situations improve. Building these facilities required grit, sacrifice, painstaking patience, collaboration and support.
These projects would not have been possible, barring the bold decision taken by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to remove oil subsidies. This policy – and several other well-thought actions – has ensured that developments such as we are witnessing was possible. It is indeed remarkable that the President understands that much of the economic activities that will spur Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy would come from the states.
He has demonstrated this, through the recent launch of the WARD Development Project, an idea conceived to create 8.8 million jobs across the 8,800 wards in Nigeria. It is obvious His Excellency, the President is committed to grassroots development – just as we are in Enugu State.

Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support towards Enugu’s and indeed the South East’s progress. An example is the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which would clearly re-position Enugu as an aviation and economic hub. So, we commend the President, and will continue to support him and the Federal Government, because no administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done.
This is also an auspicious moment to thank Mr. President for his recent appointment of one of our sons as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

I wish to acknowledge and thank, as well: the transport operators, unions, market leaders and the business community. And all good men and women, who responded to the call for development, and partnered with the State to see the success of today.

I should also commend the Commissioner for Transport and his team for their hardwork and resilience. Change is never easy, but the benefits are often generally felt. Today, as we commission these terminals, we recommit to our promise: to build modern, efficient systems that serve the people, unlock economic potential, and extend the frontiers of development.

Our Transport Infrastructure Project is a legacy that will be remembered by future generations as one of several turning points in the history of Enugu State. This moment is about the Enugu of tomorrow; it reflects our resolve to grow our economy seven-fold. This is what enabling environment looks like.
We will continue to build and deliver world-class infrastructure. And together, we will make Enugu a premier destination with global reckoning.

Tomorrow is here!

Being Governor Mbah’s speech at the launch of five modern transport terminals and 100 CNG buses in Enugu, recently.