Category: Politics

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that security and community safety will remain at the forefront of government priorities.

In his Democracy Day message on Friday, the governor said his administration would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture to sustain the peace and stability that Ebonyi currently enjoys.

“Today, as we commemorate Democracy Day, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ebonyi State,” Nwifuru said.

The governor noted that his administration has invested significantly in improving the operational capacity of security agencies through the provision of patrol and operational vehicles aimed at enhancing surveillance, rapid response, and overall effectiveness in combating crime.

According to him, the security interventions form part of broader efforts to preserve peace and create an enabling environment for development across the state.

“In furtherance of this commitment, our administration has strengthened the operational capacity of security agencies with the provision of operational vehicles to enhance surveillance, rapid response, and overall security effectiveness throughout the state,” he stated.

Nwifuru said Ebonyi has maintained one of the most peaceful and secure environments in the country and pledged to build on the gains already recorded.

“Ebonyi State has continued to maintain an admirable security record and peaceful atmosphere that is recognised across the nation. We are determined not only to sustain these gains but to build on them through strategic investments in security and community safety,” he said.

The governor, who recently emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary ahead of the 2027 election, also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their continued support and confidence in his administration.

“As we celebrate the enduring values of democracy, I sincerely thank the good people of Ebonyi State for their steadfast support, trust, and confidence in our administration. Your faith inspires us to work harder every day in delivering good governance, peace, and sustainable development,” he said.

“Together, we shall continue to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Ebonyi State for all.”

The governor’s reassurance comes days after a violent attack at the Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly invaded a student hostel, injured at least seven students, and carted away valuables.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident and disclosed that investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

DUTSE, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has called on Nigerians to remain committed to the principles of justice, unity, good governance, and the rule of law as the nation commemorates Democracy Day.

In a message personally issued on Thursday to mark the annual celebration, the governor paid tribute to the patriots and pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Namadi said Democracy Day offers an opportunity for reflection on the nation’s progress and the collective responsibility of citizens and leaders to strengthen democratic institutions.

“As we commemorate Democracy Day, we honour the courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment of those who laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.

The governor noted that the significance of June 12 extends beyond remembrance, serving as a reminder of the values that must continue to guide the country’s development.

“This historic occasion reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of justice, unity, good governance, and the rule of law,” he stated.

Namadi urged Nigerians to remain united in the pursuit of national progress and sustainable development, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

According to him, collective commitment to democratic ideals remains essential for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

“Together, let us continue working towards a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive Nigeria,” the governor said.

The Jigawa State governor also reaffirmed his commitment to policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening democratic governance at all levels.

He concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and wishing the nation continued peace, stability, and progress.

“Happy Democracy Day,” he added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said the June 12, 1993, presidential election remains a powerful reminder that democracy can only thrive when the will of the people is respected.

In his Democracy Day message on Friday, Adebayo paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose widely acclaimed victory in the June 12 election became a defining symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

According to Adebayo, the historic election demonstrated Nigerians’ desire for unity, progress, and accountable leadership.

“Today, we mark Democracy Day by remembering the historic victory of Chief MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993 — a moment when Nigerians spoke clearly, freely, and courageously for hope, unity, and progress,” he said.

The SDP presidential candidate noted that the significance of June 12 extends beyond history, serving as a continuing lesson on the importance of credible elections and democratic accountability.

“That election remains a powerful reminder that democracy only has meaning when the will of the people is respected,” Adebayo stated.

He stressed that elections must be conducted in a manner that is free, fair, transparent, and devoid of intimidation, manipulation, and vote buying.

According to him, the integrity of the electoral process is essential to sustaining public confidence in democracy.

“Elections must be fair, peaceful, transparent, and free from intimidation, manipulation, and vote buying. No citizen should have to sell their future for a temporary handout. No politician should be allowed to purchase the mandate that belongs only to the people,” he said.

Adebayo further stated that the Social Democratic Party remains committed to the values that defined the June 12 struggle, including justice, national unity, credible elections, and people-centred governance.

“The Social Democratic Party stood then for credible elections, national unity, justice, and people-centred leadership. We stand for those same values today,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Adebayo argued that Nigeria must return political power to the people and ensure that democratic governance delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

“As we look towards 2027, Nigeria must return power to the people. Democracy must serve the poor, protect the vulnerable, secure our communities, and give every Nigerian a government that works in their interest,” he said.

The SDP flagbearer described his party as the true platform for democratic ideals, fairness, and national renewal.

“The SDP remains the true home of democracy, fairness, and genuine change,” he added.

He concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and urging citizens to remain committed to democratic values and active participation in the nation’s political process.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has described June 12 as the emotional and structural bedrock of Nigeria’s modern democratic identity, saying the date embodies both the painful sacrifices and enduring aspirations that define the nation’s democratic journey.

In a Democracy Day message personally signed on Friday and titled “What June 12 Should Mean to Us Nigerians,” Obi said the annual commemoration remains a powerful reminder of the strength of the Nigerian people’s collective democratic will.

According to the former Anambra State Governor, June 12 is far more than a date on the national calendar, as it represents one of the most significant milestones in the country’s political history.

“For us in Nigeria, June 12 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is the emotional and structural bedrock of our modern democratic identity,” Obi said.

He noted that officially recognised as Democracy Day, June 12 carries profound historical, political, and social significance, symbolising both a national tragedy and the eventual triumph of the people’s democratic aspirations.

“Officially recognised as Democracy Day, June 12 carries deep historical, political, and social significance, representing both a monumental tragedy and the ultimate triumph of the collective will of the people,” he stated.

Obi said the annual observance should serve as a moment of reflection on the state of the nation and the performance of its democratic institutions.

According to him, June 12 provides Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the country’s democratic progress critically and ask fundamental questions about governance, accountability, and electoral integrity.

“Every year on June 12, the conversation inevitably turns to a critical assessment of the state of our nation. It serves as an annual benchmark for asking important questions: Are our elections today as transparent as they were in 1993? Is the social contract being honoured? Are the institutions of governance truly serving the people?” he asked.

The former governor stressed that the significance of June 12 lies not only in remembering the past but also in inspiring a better future for the country.

“Ultimately, June 12 is a powerful blend of reflection and aspiration. It honours a fractured past while serving as a constant and foundational reminder of the immense power inherent in the collective democratic will of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Obi further argued that understanding the true meaning of June 12 requires an appreciation of its historical evolution and enduring symbolism in Nigeria’s democratic development.

“To understand what June 12 means to Nigeria, one must examine its history, its evolution, and its enduring symbolism,” he added.

The NDC presidential candidate concluded his message with a renewed call for genuine democratic governance and national transformation, declaring that a new era of true democracy remains achievable.

“A New Nigeria is Possible,” he added.

Abuja, NIGERIA (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day with a sweeping national address celebrating 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule and urging citizens to defend the country’s democratic institutions while embracing reforms aimed at prosperity and security.

Delivering his speech from the Presidential Villa, Tinubu described democracy as “not perfect, but ours,” reminding Nigerians that the nation’s progress must be measured not only by political freedom but also by economic opportunity and justice.

He praised the resilience of Nigerians who “refused to surrender their faith in freedom,” and paid tribute to the heroes of June 12, 1993, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, and others who “endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy.”

“The greatest tribute we can pay,” Tinubu said, “is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.”

Strengthening Security and National Unity

Tinubu acknowledged the nation’s grief over the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States, pledging intensified efforts to secure their safe return. He reaffirmed his administration’s security emergency, announcing the recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military personnel.

The President said the 2026 budget’s ₦5.41 trillion allocation to defence and security is Nigeria’s largest ever, underscoring his commitment to protecting citizens. He cited progress against insurgency, noting that ISWAP’s command centre in Arege, Borno had been degraded, terror‑related deaths had fallen by 81% since 2015, and 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year.

Tinubu also revealed that 124,000 fighters and dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023. He warned bandits and kidnappers to “surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” adding that “crime has no ethnicity.”

Economic Reforms and Power Sector Transformation

The President devoted a significant portion of his speech to economic recovery, saying his administration’s reforms since 2023 have restored fiscal stability and investor confidence. He highlighted growth in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, and transportation, noting that federation revenues have risen, enabling states and local governments to invest more in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Tinubu announced that domestic refining capacity has increased, reducing reliance on imported petroleum products, and that fiscal transparency has improved with reduced leakages.

He also addressed Nigeria’s chronic electricity challenges, describing how the Electricity Act now empowers states to generate and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force, he said, is working to close the four‑million metering gap and has been authorised to raise a ₦4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts.

“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian,” Tinubu declared. “We intend to deliver it.”

Local Governance and Renewed Hope

Tinubu reaffirmed his push for financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local councils, describing grassroots governance as essential to national stability. He said the collapse of local government administration had contributed to insecurity and underdevelopment, and that the Renewed Hope Agenda seeks to ensure every Nigerian benefits from governance.

“Every generation has a defining responsibility,” he said. “The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.”

Honours and National Recognition

In a symbolic gesture, Tinubu announced the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, honouring the late military leader’s democratic vision.

He also unveiled a list of national award recipients, including journalists, activists, and soldier‑democrats who fought for democracy. Among those honoured were Ayoka Lawani, Oladele Alake, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Major‑General Ishola Williams (rtd), and Dr Joe Okei‑Odumakin.

Tinubu said the full honours list would be released in the coming days.

A Covenant of Hope

Closing his address, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject division and despair, declaring that the country’s diversity is its strength.

“Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.

He called for renewed faith in the democratic covenant:

“That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address the nation on Friday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.

The Presidency announced on Thursday that the nationwide broadcast will be delivered at 7:00 a.m. and transmitted live on the networks of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, all television and radio stations across the country have been requested to hook into the NTA and Radio Nigeria network to carry the presidential address.

The annual Democracy Day celebration commemorates Nigeria’s democratic journey and honours the sacrifices of individuals and groups who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule.

President Tinubu is expected to reflect on the state of the nation, his administration’s policies, democratic governance, and other issues of national importance during the broadcast.

The address comes amid ongoing national discussions on economic reforms, governance, security, and democratic consolidation under the current administration.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in recognition of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, which was won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola but later annulled by the military government.

Since 2018, June 12 has been officially recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29 as the date set aside to celebrate the country’s democratic evolution.

The Presidency urged Nigerians to tune in to the broadcast as the nation commemorates another Democracy Day anniversary.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The House of Representatives has passed the State Police Bill, moving Nigeria a step closer to adopting a decentralised policing system aimed at strengthening security and addressing growing concerns over banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes across the country.

The landmark legislation, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution (as amended), was approved during Thursday’s plenary session following extensive debate and clause-by-clause consideration by lawmakers.

Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the passage of the bill as a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to reform its security architecture and improve grassroots policing.

If eventually enacted, the proposed law will empower state governments to establish and operate their own police services alongside existing federal security structures.

Under the provisions of the bill, each state will be authorised to create a State Police Service, with operational guidelines to be developed in collaboration with the National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission.

The legislation also provides frameworks for recruitment, training, funding, discipline, oversight, and inter-agency coordination to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse of power.

Lawmakers who supported the bill argued that the current centralised policing system has struggled to effectively address Nigeria’s diverse and evolving security challenges, particularly in rural and remote communities.

They maintained that state policing would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community engagement, and enable quicker responses to security threats.

Speaker Abbas said the legislation reflects years of public demand for a more responsive and community-based security system.

According to him, localised policing has become increasingly necessary in view of the security realities confronting different parts of the country.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration and concurrence before being transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Should the proposal secure Senate approval and presidential assent, it would represent the first constitutional recognition of state policing since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.