Category: Politics

Democracy Day: Anyaoku, others reiterate call for new  constitution

Constitution

By Adekunle Williams

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN)Former Commonwealth General Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and other prominent Nigerians have reiterated calls for a new democratic constitution that will  be determined by the Nigerian people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anyaoku made this known at the June 12, 2024 Democracy Day Rally in Lagos on Wednesday.

The  programme was organised by the June 12 Movement of Nigeria in conjunction with The Patriots,a group of eminent Nigerians.

The theme of the event is: Ensuring the Future of Nigeria Through New Democratic People’s Constitution.

Anyaoku said the present 1999 constitution was imposed on the country  by the  military.

The former Commonwealth Secretary- General said the country needed a new  Constitution that would reflect true federalism and address the problems of the country.

He charged the National Assembly to put a legal framework in place for the birth of a new constitution that would be determined by the Nigerian people.

“If eminent Nigerians; people who have used better part of their time serving this country have a conversation and we cannot take it forward and make sure that we have a complete solution, then we are wasting our time.

“Given the number of people that are here, we should make this conversation very effective. Many speakers have said that it is not the National Assembly that will make those amendments and it makes a lot of logical sense.

“It is for the National Assembly to constitute a law where people will come together and make those amendments themselves,” he said.

, t

Speaking ,A former minister, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu ,said the country  needed a completely  new federal constitution that would give autonomy to the federating units ( States or Zones) as created and agreed.

Nwachukwu noted that the new constitution must be subject to a referendum, adding that anything else would, pretty much, further estrange citizens  and deepen the pains Nigerians currently endure.

According to him, the country is in need of a people’s constitution that would guarantee freedom of speech, movement and assembly.

“(We are in a need of a constitution)that provides access to the mineral and human resources domiciled in the federating units with taxes paid to the central government.

“That supports development in all spheres of human endeavours (education, science and technology, health and others).

“That, provides security of life and property. That, promotes trust among its citizens. That forges a country which is sustainable and balanced to which its citizens can proudly belong and defend”,he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Anthony Kila, said the present democratic dispensation had attempts to  produce a constitution to accommodate the wishes and aspirations of the people ,but had not succeeded.

Kila said the reason for the failures, in his view, could be found primarily with those in authority at those times, wishing to force the citizenry to conform to their own personal ethos rather than those of the people who genuinely desire a better and more effective polity.

The don said the 2014 National Conference attached a draft new constitution for a balanced and workable Nigeria.

He said: “It firmly placed sovereignty and power in the people, with all citizens equal subjects under the law.

“It made government and its officials accountable to the people. And unequivocally granted autonomy to states (the federating units) and for them to deal with matters concerning their local communities including policing and security.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

WAC/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

June 12 : Declare Abiola ex-President, activists tell Tinubu

MKO

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Lagos , June 12 ,2024 (NAN) Some rights activists and followers of late Chief MKO Abiola on Wednesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election as ex-President.

They spoke at the “2024 Memorial Programme for the Commemoration of June 12, 1993 Election” in Lagos

The event was organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in collaboration with the Centre for Anti Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) and Moshood Abiola Mandate Movement.

Speaking, the National President, CDHR, Mr Debo Adeniran, said that Tinubu, being an insider in the struggle for democracy for which  Abiola sacrificed his life, must complete the process of honouring  MKO by declaring him  winner.

”Asiwaju must declare him (Abiola) as a former President and June 12 as Bashorun MKO Abiola Day,” Adeniran said.

He said that recognising Abiola as former President would heal the wounds inflicted by all that happened at the time.

Describing Abiola as a pillar of trust in Africa and democracy in Nigeria, the activist said that the late business mogul was passionate about true democracy and putting  an end to poverty and hunger .

Noting that Abiola was betrayed, Adediran said that the people believed strongly in him.

“His farewell to poverty made us to believe him. He had been doing this before throwing his hat into the ring.

“MKO was an indiscriminate philanthropist all over the world, giving was his second name,” he said.

He said the programme was organised to  draw attention of government and other stakeholders to the need to respect and defend the human and political rights of the citizenry, and uphold the tenets of free and fair elections.

Also speaking , Mr Babatunde Ogun, a  former President, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said that late Abiola and other leaders- dead and alive-paid dearly for democracy.

“Some of us paid dearly for what we believe in. Abiola had passion for Nigeria, believing that African nations can do better.

“Those who are governing us must go back to his philosophies. In the last 25 years, we have not really had such philosophies  in display .We want to see Nigeria progressing,” Ogun said.

He said that there was no way workers could be productive if they were not well paid by government.

Alhaja Aminat Irawo, President/Founder, the June 12 Renewed Hope and one of the organisers of the event, said that President Tinubu needed to pacify all democracy activists by formally declaring Abiola as ex-President.

Irawo said: “Democracy Day is a special day, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu must please, announce MKO Abiola as the winner of the Hope 1993 Presidential Election that was annulled.

“Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida (IBB), who supretended over the election is alive and he has confirmed it that MKO Abiola won the election.

“To heal all the wounds, President Bola Tinubu must declare Abiola as the winner and former President posthumously.”

She appreciated former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring the  honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Abiola and declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29.

Also, Dr Stephen Fasakin, Personal Assistant (Media) to late Abiola,  said that MKO Abiola went through hell for democracy.

“One day, we went through the back door here and climbed the fence to carry Chief MKO Abiola as big as he was, when police were looking for him.

“We are happy with what the government is doing, but the only thing we are asking President Tinubu is to call Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, to come and declare the results of the election.

“Let us give Abiola postmortem presidency and all the recognitions accorded to a President be given to him, even after death. We are looking onto him

Earlier, Mrs Lola Abiola-Edewor, the first daughter of late Abiola, described June 12 as a special day and 31st anniversary as more special, because Nigeria was celebrating 25 years of interrupted democracy.

Abiola-Edewor commended all the activists and patriots for keeping faith with the ideals of her late father, and remembering him with love and passion.

She said that his late father’s life was all about giving hope to the masses, and using political power to end their sufferings and hardship.

“We thank God that President Tinubu also believes in him (Abiola) and chose his mantra “Renewed Hope Agenda” from Abiola’s Hope 1993.

“I believe that this mantra reflects those promises that my father stood for. I want to enjoin President Tinubu that we are looking forward to seeing the renewed hope,” Abiola-Edewor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that activists later laid a wreath at  the tomb of Abiola at his Ikeja residence  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AYO/FON/BHB

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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Buhari Bolaji

June 12: Aiyedatiwa calls for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey

Reflection

By Segun Giwa

Akure, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for reflection on the country’s democratic journey as the nation celebrates 25 years of unbroken democratic rule.

Aiyedatiwa stated this in his address on Wednesday in Akure at an event to mark the country’s democracy day celebration.

The governor said June 12 was a day of celebration, solemn reflection and time to reminisce on the journey, challenges faced and the way forward in the coutry’s nascent democracy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 12 was declared Democracy Day to commemorate the struggle that followed the annulment of June 12, 1993, election generally believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

He said that democracy was well and alive in Nigeria, affirming, that the sacrifices of the patriotic heroes and martyrs of the June 12 struggles had not been in vain.

“Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection, It is a time to reminisce on our democratic journey, the challenges we’ve faced, and the way forward.

“We honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our democratic rights and strived to consolidate this great legacy,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa said the June 12 was pivotal moment in the country’s socio-political history and its role in advancing democratic governance, civil liberties and nationhood could not be understated.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that Ondo State enjoys the dividends of good governance.

“We will continue to address security challenges, strengthen the ‘Amotekun Corps’ in collaboration with other security agencies, and pursue transformational strategies that align with our socio-economic realities,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa advised residents and political stakeholders in the state to maintain law and order as the Nov.16 governorship election approaches.

Earlier, the guest speaker, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on the theme “The State of Democracy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and the Way Forward.” noted that since 1999, democracy in Nigeria had faced so many challenges.

Ajibola listed such challenges as; electoral integrity, judicial efficiency, corruption, and weak institutions.

Ajibola said that despite reforms, issues like vote buying and electoral violence persists, while political interference hinder judicial and good governance.

He called for comprehensive reforms, including deeper electoral reforms with technology, judicial independence, and stronger anti-corruption measures.

Ajibola also added his voice to the long list of stakeholders calling for the local government autonomy, transparency and community participation to improve service delivery to the people.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the event, Prof. Olu Aderohunmu, said that the celebration was to honour activists and stakeholders who fought for the democracy the country is enjoying.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for restoring the essence of democracy and thanked the governor for his leadership and efforts in making Ondo State a conducive place to live.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

GSD/AOS

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Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Democracy

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Edo, Patience Key, has enjoined Nigerians to actively participate in governance process and hold leaders accountable to deepen the country’s democracy.

Ndidi, the only female candidate in Edo governorship election on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the significance of democracy day lay in its call to action.

“It challenges us to look beyond the mere exercise of voting and to demand accountability from those we elect.

“It is a day that underscores the power of the people in shaping the future of our state and country.

“Our democracy can only thrive when we actively participate in the governance process, hold our leaders accountable and insist on policies that serve the common good,” she said.

Ndidi also called on citizens in Edo and Nigeria in general, to renew their dedication to building a state and nation that truly reflect the democratic ideals of fairness, inclusiveness, and prosperity for all.

“I urge every citizen of Edo to join hands with the PRP in this noble pursuit.

“Together, we can forge a future where our democracy is not just a system of government but a way of life that guarantees dignity and opportunity for every Nigerian,” she said

Nididi said that democracy was not a destination, but a journey that required constant vigilance, active participation, and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equality.

She called on Nigerians to pledge their commitment to be the guardians of the nation’s democracy, ensuring that it remains robust, vibrant and reflective of the aspirations of all Nigerians.

“Today, as we commemorate democracy day, we are reminded of the immense sacrifices and unwavering resolve of our forebears who fought tirelessly for the establishment of a democratic society in Nigeria.

“This day is not just a date on our calendar; it is a profound symbol of our collective aspiration for a nation governed by the principles of freedom, justice, and equality.

“Democracy day serves as a moment to reflect on the journey we have undertaken as a nation and to renew our commitment to the values that underpin our democratic system.

“It is a day to celebrate our progress, acknowledge our challenges, and chart a course for a future that truly reflects the will and aspirations of all Nigerians,” she said.

Nididi congratulated Nigeria on 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.

She pledged to uphold Nigeria democratic values, be a beacon of hope for the marginalised, advocate policies that promote social justice, economic empowerment and transparent governance, which she said “PRP is known for”.

She said that her mission was to redeem Edo and nation from corruption, mismanagement and ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard and valued.

“In Edo, we face numerous challenges that require bold and visionary leadership.

“From the need for improved healthcare and education systems to the imperative of creating sustainable economic opportunities for our youth, the tasks before us are daunting but not insurmountable.

“The PRP is committed to addressing these issues head-on, with a clear and actionable plan that prioritises the well-being of all Edo citizens,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBE/KAY

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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Mr Demola Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly

Democracy

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ademola Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has  urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the principles of democracy for a better country.

In a  message to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day  on Wednesday in Lagos, Kasunmu said that nurturing democracy was a collective responsibility.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians  to promote active citizenship, engage in constructive dialogues, and have faith in the Nigerian project.

Kasunmu acknowledged that Nigeria was going through some challenges but said the citizens should have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Kasunmu expressed optimism that
Nigeria would emerge stronger and more prosperous under Tinubu’s leadership.

He said he was committed to serving the people of Ikeja Constituency 2 with integrity and passion.

“As your representative, I am dedicated to continue our collective efforts toward building a better future for ourselves and the next generations.

“As we celebrate today, we also acknowledge the challenges we face and recommit to addressing them holistically.

“Let us work together to build a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous constituency for all,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LAW/CHOM/IGO

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

Democracy: We have failed Nigerians, Plateau Speaker says

Rating

By Peter Amine 

Jos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, says Nigerian leaders, including himself, have failed the people after 25 years of the country’s unbroken democracy.

Dewan, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Jos, therefore, rated Nigeria’s democracy low.

The speaker said that the country was blessed with abundant human and natural resources, but they were not properly harnessed by the leaders.

He stated that with the natural resources and the blessings that God had bestowed upon Nigeria, the country ought to be far better than it was now. 

Dewan stated that there were countries with far fewer resources than Nigeria, yet they were in a much better state.

“At times, some of us even begin to wonder if it would be better to return to military rule, as most of the infrastructure in this country was built by military governments.

“The creation of states, local government areas, and most of our federal highways, were all accomplished under military rule.

“If I were to score the performance of democracy in Nigeria from 1999 to today, I would rate it at seven per cent out of 100 per cent. 

“This is across all sectors: infrastructure, education, health, and more. 

“Consider this; today in Nigeria, our ministers of education send their children to private schools. 

“Our Minister of Health does not seek medical attention in public facilities. Even local government chairmen lack the confidence to send their own children to public schools, which they directly manage,” he said.

According to him, leaders must take responsibility, adding that the country needs a total overhaul of its democratic practices, as what Nigeria is practicing at the moment is not true democracy. 

“I pray that we, as leaders, can think deeply and act in a way that gives true meaning to democracy, otherwise, we will continue to face these problems.

“From 1999 to date, our performance under democracy has been woeful, and it needs a total change,” Dewan added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

PAT/DOR
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

n

Democracy

By Monday Ajogun

Onitsha (Anambra), June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on political leaders and ordinary citizens  to protect democracy jealously and uphold its tenets .

Obi urged  leaders to obey the governing laws of the state and be accountable to the people.

The former Anambra governor  made the   call in a series of tweets on his X handle on Wednesday to commemorate 2024 Democracy Day .

According to him,  democracy is  beyond elections, but  also includes fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.

He said the realisation of a society where true democracy  thrives is possible.

“As our dear nation marks Democracy Day today, commemorating 25 years of striving to be a democratic country, the fundamental question for all of us remains; are we truly democratic?

“As we build Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible,” he said.

The former presidential candidate lamented that 25 years after, Nigeria was yet to be truly democratic.

“Let us use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to a truly democratic nation.

“We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993, by collectively voting for democracy in Nigeria. We must stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy today,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AJOM/CHOM/BHB

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

NASS

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Tinu Abiola, wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, has urged the National Assembly to enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

Abiola made the call while fielding questions from newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria.

She, however, commended the military hierarchy for subjecting itself to democratic rule over the years.

Recall that in 2018 former President, Muhammadu Buhari, moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 , to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Abiola’s wife called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu who contributed immensely to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

“We have to thank God that democracy has come to stay; without the June 12 event, probably, military rule will still have remained in Nigeria.

“So, one of the major achievements of MKO Abiola, winning that election, even though he was not allowed to rule, was that he opened the door; he opened the eyes of every Nigerian to democratic rule, and democracy has come to stay.

“Now, as we move on, what I will advise Nigerians to do is to please cooperate with the present government of Tinubu, who himself, fought for June 12.

“He was a staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and he did his best for the actualisation of June 12, unfortunately, all their best was not enough at that time; because some things are predestined by God.

“So, my happiness today is to see one of those fighters of that time becoming the president of Nigeria; it is so great.”

She implored Nigerians to be patriotic and imbibe the culture of making Nigeria great.

According to her, there is a need for Nigerians to love Nigeria at heart and do the right things at all times that will promote the image of Nigeria anywhere in the world.

She said that the National Assembly had a crucial role to play in preserving Nigeria’s democracy.

“Part of what I want the National Assembly to do is to enact the necessary law; especially a law that will prohibit coup d’état in Nigeria; it is very important.

“We have had an unbroken democracy for 25 years but I think the National Assembly has not done enough; it should enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

“Look at what happened in Burkina Faso, it happened in Niger; it happened in Guinea-Bissau; so, both houses should come together and enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigeria.

“We are happy to have 25 years of unbroken democracy but it is not enough; until a law is enacted prohibiting military intervention.

“I also want to commend the military hierarchy. Between 1999 and today, they have been wonderful; they have done well.

“They have submitted themselves to democratic rule but we cannot rely on the fact that it will continue to be rosy; there must be a law and that will put everybody’s mind at peace,’’ she said.

She advised the Federal Government to take some parts of MKO’s manifesto into its programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

CJ/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Ugochinyere wants lawmaker, Gagdi, jailed over `contempt of parliament`
Prison
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) has moved a motion for the House of Representatives to commit to prison, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), for  contempt of parliament and misleading the House through falsehood.
Ugochinyere moved the motion while raising a matter of privilege, coming under Order 6, Rule 125, and Section 12 of the Legislative House Order of Privileges Act at plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that Gagdi, while moving a motion of personal explanation at the plenary on June 6, told the House that his privilege as a member of the House had been breached.
Gagdi said that some media publications reported that about 50 members of the House paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers during their visit to the state as contained in a statement issued by Ugochinyere.
He said such statement was in bad taste and made the House look like it was taking a position in political matters.
He said that the report presented the story as though the members visited the governor on behalf of the House, whereas they were in Rivers for an oversight function and decided to greet the governor.
Ugochinyere, while presenting his motion however, said, “We did not go to any oversight function, not to talk of politicising oversight functions.
“A group of like-minded lawmakers, on our own, not on behalf of the House, went on a Thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to celebrate Gov. Fubara’s one year of transformational leadership”, he said.
He said that this was published in all the newspapers, including the one earlier cited by Gagdi.
According to him, Gagdi misinformed the House when he said that “we went on an oversight function, thereby committing contempt of parliament and misleading it.
“About 40 of us who went to Port Harcourt specifically mobilised ourselves and went for the sole purpose of celebrating with Gov. Fubara and not politicising’’.
He said that the comment made by Gagdi was belittling of the status of the 40 lawmakers, saying, “and we are asking that this privilege that has been abused should be addressed.”
This, according to him, should be in line with the provisions of Order 6, Rules 1 and 2, and Section 12 of the Legislative Privileges.
The order states that: “any person who presents to a legislative House any false, untrue, fabricated, falsified document with the intent to deceive shall be guilty of an offense.”
It further says that “the person shall be liable to conviction to imprisonment for 12 months and also be removed as a member of a legislative house.
Speaking on the matter, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said the motion had been noted.
He added that the leadership of the House would intervene on the issue, adding that the parties to the matter would be invited along with other affected members for discussion.
NAN had reported that the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary on June 6, also said that the leadership of the House would look into the report.
He added that, if found necessary, the matter would be referred to the Privilege and Ethics Committee for further investigation. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
ODF/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne