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Category: Politics

  • Nigeria’s democracy deepened by patriotic citizens – Sen. Abiru  

     

    Democracy

    By Adepote Arowojobe

    Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 12, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Mukhail Abiru (APC Lagos-East) on Wednesday commended Nigerians for their steadfastness and patriotism, saying it had helped in deepening democracy in Nigeria in the last 25 years.

    Abiru made the commendation in a statement signed by Mr Enitan Olukotun, his Media Aide, to commemorate the  2024 Democracy Day.

    Abiru, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, and the Southern Senators Forum, urged Nigerians to be hopeful of better days.

    He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s tough policy decisions were geared toward restoring the nation to the path of sustainable growth and development.

    According to him, there is light at the end of the tunnel, appealing to Nigerians to support and show understanding with the government of President Tinubu.

    Abiru said: “I join esteemed constituents of the Lagos East Senatorial District and all Nigerians in commemorating the 2024 Democracy Day.

    “It has been 25 years since we started the democratic journey.

    “The challenges notwithstanding, we have every reason to celebrate our growing democracy.

    “I urge all Nigerians not to despair but rather, to continue to seek ways of consolidating gains of the nation’s fledgling democracy.

    “I also seek the support and understanding of all Nigerians for our dear President in his patriotic quest of restoring our nation on the path of progress.

    “The pains and inevitable discomforts that come with such audacious policy decisions will soon give way, as we start seeing the positive outcomes of the government’s policies.

    “ On this auspicious occasion of democracy day, I pay tribute to the resilience and determination of our people, which have propelled our nation forward on the path of progress and prosperity.”

    He extended his heartfelt congratulations to every Nigerian citizen for their role in safeguarding and advancing our democratic ideal.

    “Together, let us continue to work tirelessly toward a future of unity, equality, and boundless opportunity for all. Happy Democracy Day Nigeria!,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ADEX/CHOM/COF

    =================

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Christiana Fadare

     

     

  • NDF commends Abass over Police Act amendment Bill

    NDF commends Abass over Police Act amendment Bill

    Bill

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The National Democratic Front (NDF),  has lauded the House of Representatives Speaker,  Tajudeen Abbas for considering the Bill for an Act to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

    In a statement by its Secretary General, Dr Abdulkadir Musa in Abuja on Wednesday, the group also commended the Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.

    Yalleman was commended for his dedication to addressing security challenges in the country at all levels.

    It would be recalled that the Police Act Amendment Bill recently passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

    Among other things, the bill seeks to review the service years of police personnel to improve the experience and expertise of the police workforce.

    It also seeks to improve morale performance and job satisfaction, and address the shortage of experienced police personnel in the country.

    Musa described the legislation as timely in the quest for a more robust, responsive and people-friendly police.

    He said the amendment would not only improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Police Force but would also lead to enhanced performance of personnel.

    “This amendment bill, which seeks to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Police Force, is a milestone in the quest for a more robust, responsive, and people-friendly policing system.

    “The bill’s provisions include extension of police officers’ retirement age and service years, will undoubtedly lead to improved morale, retention of experienced personnel, and enhanced overall performance of the force’’, he said.

    He urged the Senate to concur with the House and for President Bola Tinubu to assent to it without delay when passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    “We believe that this amendment will significantly contribute to the improvement of security and safety in Nigeria”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/KUA

    ==============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • Tinubu among heroes of Nigeria democracy – Benue NASS caucus 

    Tinubu among heroes of Nigeria democracy – Benue NASS caucus

    President Bola Tinubu

    Democracy

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The  National Assembly members, Benue caucus has  described President Bola Tinubu as one of the country’s living heroes of democracy and an  exemplary leader committed to democratic values

    Rep.  Philip Agbese, spokesperson of the group praised Tinubu’s efforts in promoting economic growth, good governance and social justice, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Democracy Day.

    He said the president’s dedication to the nation’s progress is a testament to his statesmanship and vision.

    He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, for his crucial role in supporting the president’s agenda and ensuring effective implementation of policies.

    “On this auspicious occasion of Democracy Day, the Benue caucus in the national assembly salutes and celebrates Tinubu, a shining exemplar of democratic values and a champion of the Nigerian people.

    “We are honoured to extol the virtues of the president, who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our beloved country, Nigeria”, he said.

    He said that Tinubu’s leadership and vision had rekindled hope and inspired a new generation of Nigerians to embrace democracy as a way of life.

    “We also commend the SGF for his love and dedication to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large.

    “His selfless service and contributions to our nation’s progress are duly acknowledged and appreciated.

    “We pledge our continued support, loyalty and collaboration with this administration to ensure the realisation of our shared vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/KUA

    ==============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • Fintiri pledges commitment to more dividends of democracy, security

    Fintiri pledges commitment to more dividends of democracy, security

    Democracy

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has reaffirmed commitment to providing more  necessary infrastructure for sustainable development and to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

    Fintiri stated this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, in Yola on Tuesday.

    “I rejoice with the people of Adamawa  and all Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, June 12.

    “As we mark this year’s democracy day, I acknowledge the hardships and challenges that many Nigerians are still facing.

    “And I regret that our democracy has not yet yielded the desired dividends of comfort, security and prosperity for all citizens”, he said.

    He urged residents to sustain the hard-earned peace his  administration has built over the last five years.

    Fintiri warned that anyone found wanting would  face the full wrath of the Law.

    He prayed for continued peace and prosperity in Adamawa  and Nigeria, as the nation marched forward in its democratic journey.

    “I commend the resilience and determination of Nigerians in upholding democratic values and principles.

    “May I also acknowledge the progress made in the past two decades and pledge my administration’s commitment to deepening democracy and improving the lives of citizens,” he said.

    The governor urged all Adamawa residents to embrace peace, unity, and harmony for the progress of the state.

    According to him, his administration will continue to prioritise projects that improve the lives of people and guarantee the protection of lives and property in the state (NAN) (www.nannees.ng)
    IMK/OJI/YGA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Gabriel Yough

     

     

  • Soludo signs bill to conduct LG election, 10 others into law

     

     

    Bills

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra  on Wednesday signed the  state’s Electoral bill for the conduct of the Local Government election in the state and 10 other bills into Law.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills include the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024, Touting Prohibition Law 2024, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2024 and Health Facilities and Accreditation Agency Law, 2024.

    It also include the Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency, the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law, 2024, Market Safety and Protection Law 2024 and Trafficking in Person Prohibition Law 2024.

    Others are the Anambra State Private Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery Law 2024, Amended Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2021 and Revenue Administration (Consolidand Harmonisation) Law 2024.

    Soludo said the laws which would strengthen governance in the state should be obeyed to avoid prosecution.

    On the state Electoral Law, he said it would lay the foundation for organising and conducting Local Government Area  election in the state.

    According to him, the extant law his administration met was rickety, and there is  need to make a law that is in tune with the times.

    “We will subsequently set up the electoral commission and when they are done, they will announce the date and time for the local government election. This is a promise made and a promise kept.

    “We have not had local government election in more than 10 years. The infrastructure and basic institutions will be strengthened to have a credible election.

    “I’m excited that we are moving forward to have this foundation. The goal is to reform the local government system to make it viable for new administrations,” he said.

    He appreciated the Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze and other legislators for living up to their patriotic duty for the good of the people.

    “This assembly is one of the most hardworking and productive in Nigeria. Enacting the laws shows that they are responsive to the needs of the people, ” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/CHOM/MNA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

  • Democracy Day: LG boss pledges fair, inclusive administration 

    Democracy Day: LG boss pledges fair, inclusive administration

    Democracy

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Sole Administrator of Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo, Hon Chidubem Ozigbo, has pledged to run a fair and inclusive administration.

    Ozigbo made the pledge on Wednesday, in a goodwill message to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day.

    He said that his administration would prioritize the principles of democracy, ensuring that every decision and action taken would be in the best interest of the community.

    “Democracy Day is a momentous day in our nation’s history. It serves as a reminder of our collective struggle, resilience, and the enduring spirit of our people to uphold the principles of democracy.

    “It is a day to celebrate the freedom, rights, and responsibilities that democracy bestows upon us.

    “As I step into the role of Sole Administrator, I am deeply humbled and honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Sen Hope Uzodimma, and love shown to me by people,” Ozigbo stated.

    He pledged to uphold the values of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in all endeavours, adding that together, he would work towards building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Ideato North.

    He urged the people to remain steadfast in their commitment to the democratic ideals and to actively participate in the governance process.

    “Let us use this Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to renew our dedication to the progress and development of Ideato North.

    “By working together, we can overcome any challenges and create a brighter future for our children and generations to come.

    “May this Democracy Day bring us renewed hope and inspire us to strive for excellence in all our undertakings.

    “Happy Democracy Day!!!! Ideato North!,’ Ozigbo said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Democracy Day: More dividends coming to Nigerians – Speaker

    Democracy Day: More dividends coming to Nigerians – Speaker
    Dividends
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has congratulated Nigerians on the celebration of Democracy Day and 25 years of unbroken democracy.
    Abbas, in a statement to mark the day in Abuja on Wednesday, said that the dividends of democracy were bound to reach more Nigerians.
    He said that the country had evolved in the past 25 years and democracy had come to stay in Nigeria.
    The speaker said the country had been navigating through the learning curves successfully.
    He said that though it was not perfect yet, the country had continued to grow in democratic experience and practice.
    Abbas said that this year’s celebration was significant in the life of the National Assembly, as it also marked the one year anniversary of the 10th Assembly.
    The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.
    Abbas enjoined Nigerians across tribes, religions, gender and age groups to continue to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the country.
    According to him, Nigeria promises to be a nation that the citizens will be proud of.
    He urged Nigerians to continue to support the government at all levels and remain law-abiding citizens.
    The speaker said that it was the collective responsibility of all, with the people as the critical stakeholders, to make the government succeed on its plans, policies and programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/FON/SOA
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Democracy Day: LP wants Tinubu to make public offices unattractive

    Dr Ayo Olorunfemi

     

    Democracy Day: LP wants Tinubu to make public offices unattractive

    Democracy
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public offices unattractive to attract well-meaning leaders  and promote the delivery of democratic dividends.

    Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, the LP National Deputy Chairman, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Olurunfemi was reacting to Wednesday’s  Presidential broadcast to mark the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

    He said that violence, hooliganism, killing and unhealthy competition marred elections because public offices remained unsustainably lucrative and attractive to politicians

    “The kind of huge resources we use to run our democracy cannot allow  ordinary Nigerians to benefit from the system, hence the reason our economy is always under pressure.

    “The cost of democracy here has removed most of the gains of the system in Nigeria. We can see hardship everywhere in rural and urban areas.

    “The idea of democracy is for the majority of the people to benefit from the government they installed by themselves, as against the few benefitting from the system now.

    “The people must count, their views must hold sway, not only in elections ,but in policies

    “If we truly want to develop as a democratic nation, we must have the right people in government and make political offices unattractive.

    “This will pave way for only the serious- minded to get involved, not for money making but for real service to the people,” Olorunfemi said.

    He said that public office holders could be subjected to honorarium instead of salary for democracy to work for the people.

    “We must reduce the cost of governance here to the bearest  minimum if democracy must make meaning to the masses in Nigeria.

    “Democracy is about the people. People must matter. With our democracy today, spanning 25 years, can we say the people matter in elections and policies,” he added.

    According to him, the last 25 years of democracy in Nigeria has not benefitted the ordinary people but only those at the  corridor of power.

    He said that Nigerians had no reason undergoing all hardship and pains facing them since the return of democracy .

    The LP chieftain  urged the President to walk the talk by  making the  people’s views and opinions count in all policies and programmes.

    “The political problems confronting Nigeria can only be solved when we have leaders who are selfless and that is why I will not only support unicameral legislature ,or making legislature a part- time affair.

    “Ministerial jobs  should be given the same status as the job of board chairmen, and must be given to technocrats.

    “Once political offices are no longer attractive only serious- minded people will offer themselves for the job and not criminals,” he reiterated.

    He said that the President failed to acknowledge  the role of the Labour movements and leaders , particularly the role played by  people like Milton Dabibi, Sola iji, Ayo Olorunfemi, Chris uyot, Ajeiro, Abiodun Aremu, Didi Adodo, late Ola Oni, among others, who also risked their lives for democrac,in his broadcast.

    NAN reports that the President in his Democracy Day address on Wednesday commended heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democracy, who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation’s democracy.

    Tinubu said: “This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

    “On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.

    “Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. We lost great heroes and heroines along the way.

    “In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.”

    The President said that no matter how complicated democracy might be, it remained the best form of governance in the long run. (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Democracy Day: Don urges Nigerians to draw lessons from June 12

    Lesson

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A university don, Dr Misbahu Saidu has urged Nigerians to draw lesson from June 12, to encourage growth of democratic culture in the country.

    He stated this while commenting on the 2024 Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday innGombe.

    Saidu, a lecturer in the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Federal University of Kashere (FUK), said June 12 marked an important milestones in the history of democracy in Nigeria.

    “June 12 has revealed some significant things about how the election was conducted, the campaign, the presumed winner.

    “One fascinating thing about the election was that Nigerians voted across regional and party sentiment. Chief MKO Abiola defeated Bashir Tofa in his home state.

    “At least voters were more enlightened; participatory action shows the importance of voting according to certain important credentials apart from the idea of regionalism.

    “Many lessons we can learn from June 12, significance of mass mobilisation, voting for credible candidate and entrenching genuine democracy,” he said.

    He said the Democracy Day celebration should serve as a sober reflection on the idea of governance providing services to citizens .

    Also commenting, Dr Bachama Nigel, a lecturer with the Department of Economics, Gombe State University (GSU), said advocated sound economic programmes to address poverty in the country.

    “While we celebrate the heroes of democracy, let the government come out with a clear policy that will turn the fortune of Nigerians.

    On his part, Caleb Ubale, former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Gombe State chapter, urged President Bola Tinubu to show greater commitment towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

    “People want to know when the hardships will be over because we are living in a state of helplessness,” he said. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • June 12: Kingibe says fairness, justice critical for equitable society

    June 12: Kingibe says fairness, justice critical for equitable society
    Democracy
    By Emmanuel Mogbede
    Abuja, June 12,2024(NAN)Amb. Babagana Kingibe, a a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has said that fairness and justice in governance at all levels is critical to an equatable society and equal opportunities for all.
    Kingibe who was Chief MKO Abiola’s running mate in the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election on the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform said this at a dinner on Tuesday in Abuja.
    The dinner which was organised by the Ministry of Youth Development to celebrate Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
    The lecture was titled:”25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future”.
    Kingibe recalled that in his days, fairness and justice made it possible for children of the less privileged to obtain scholarships to study with children of the rich in same schools and excelled.
    He noted that something however, went wrong when two generations back jettisoned the idea that all was entitled to equal opportunities and started looking after their own rather than opening up space for everybody.
    “It was not an issue of godfatherism in my time: I was 36 years of age,when I became a career Ambassador, 40 when I became a Permanent Secretary and 48 when I was leading the SDP.
    “The first thing youths of today should fight for is justice, fairness and equal opportunities,” Kingibe  said.
    He stressed the need for mentorship if the younger generation must take over the country’s leadership from the older generation.
    He noted that mentoring was lacking in the country’s political space as most youths struggle by themselves to find their ways to the top.
    He said it was unfortunate that most of the older generation didn’t know when it was time to give way for the younger generation.
    “We lost this mentorship, perhaps because we, my generation, decided to sit around government, we didn’t know when it is time to leave.
    “I am very surprised, even now, the number of sectogenerians, near octogenarians who are working around with their CVs looking for political appointments, and I just shake my heads.
    “It is time for us to rest, let us imitate nature, look at trees, when they come to the end of their lives, they drop seeds and fall to give way for the seeds to grow.
    “We should imitate nature and know when to leave the stage,” the 78 years old Kingibe said.
    He said the older generation barely understood today’s world because of the advanced changing technological world which they may not be conversant with.
    He, however, expressed satisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration for giving youths opportunities in his government.
    He said contrary to belief in some quarters, Nigerian youths had the energy and were ready to take over leadership, saying their time was now.
    “Your time is now, do not allow any older person to patronise you by saying you are the leaders of tomorrow. See yourselves as leaders of now, ” he said.
    He noted that like Tinubu, some older persons had the interest of youths at heart.
    “President Tinubu is not a young man, but he has behaved as if he is one of you who got into office.He looked out for you and for your interest.
    “And has given you representation and has digitalised governance , not analogue.
    “Many may not understand some of the ideas he has and the direction he is going, but if you look ahead, you will see the destination he is in a going to.
    “And by GOD’S grace, we will get there, so when you see an elder doing something to help,rally round him and support him and you will be surprised how much sooner we will get there” Kingibe said.
    He said there was however need to review the Constitution to make it easy for youths to acquire political power.
    He charged youths in government and positions of authority to always work and think for others to make them relevant to the society.
    He further changed Nigerians to  work to grow the country’s democracy to maturity and make it better, saying there was no better system.
    He noted that the lack of national coalition was one of the things pulling the country backwards, saying we must begin to see ourselves as one to change the narrative.
    “Ones we begin to treat each other as brothers and as one people occupying this geopolitical space called Nigeria, we will get to the point when we think of our present and future as one,” Kingibe said.(NAN)
    EEM/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza
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