NEWS
Democracy Day: We Want more Dividends of Democracy- Nigerians
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of Democratic Government, saying they need to see more dividends of democracy.
Some Nigerians, who spoke to newsmen on Wednesday, said our leaders needed to listen to the citizens which was what was obtainable in a true democracy.
Mr Isaac Ighure, a Former Secretary-General, Nigerian Guild of Editors, said the leaders needed to firm up the country’s democracy and improve on it.
“Democracy is yet to take a firm root in Nigeria. We keep describing our democracy as nascent.
“We cannot remain young forever, after 25 years we should be standing firm in our democracy and see its dividends.
”Ighure said Nigerian leaders did not have a listening ear citing the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as examples, which had led to hardship.
“Our leaders need to listen to the people because the people voted for them. That is what democracy is. Our leaders do not tolerate alternative views.
“They need to wake up to entrench free democratic practices, freedom of the press, and the right of the people to make their feelings known through peaceful protest without intimidation by security personnel.
“The government needs to take away the hunger ravaging the land, improve the health and education sectors, provide adequate infrastructure, and tackle insecurity in the land.
“Nigerians can no longer feed properly, Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own states, farmers can no longer go to the farms because of bandits.
“The Chibok and Dapachi School children are still missing, and other students are being kidnapped from their schools. These are not things that make up a democratic setting,” he said.
He said the government must tackle corruption at all levels, and prosecute any corrupt person irrespective of who they were.
“We claim to model our democracy after the U. S., which is a largely free society. Former U. S. President, Donald Trump has been convicted of a felony, that is a true democracy. Can that happen in Nigeria?
“Leaders should not live in opulence while the citizens live in penury. Our leaders should give us a sense of worth.
“Your children cannot be sick at home or unable to go to school while you and the parents are looking for money to buy a new car or travel abroad.”
Ighure urged the government to pay the minimum wage proposed by labour, saying it was long overdue, especially with the present economic situation which had led to hardship.
Femi Ogunshola, a public servant, said the country had witnessed some dividends of democracy, however, things could be better after 25 years of democracy.
“The press is relatively free compared to the military era and Nigerians can now exercise their democratic right to vote and be voted for.
“Nigerian youths have now been given the opportunity to occupy leadership positions as well.
“However, we still have a long way to go, this is not where we are supposed to be as a nation.
“Nigeria can be better if we have the right leaders, who listen to the people and consider the citizens’ interests above their personal interest. ”
Mrs Gloria Okafor, a businesswoman said Nigeria had witnessed some dividends of democracy but a lot more could be done to achieve more.
“In the area of freedom of speech, we have made good progress. Also, we have a system of government where citizens can vote for their leaders who represent them in parliament.
“However, we are not where we are supposed to be yet after 25 years. if you compare other countries practising democracy and see what they have achieved in terms of development.
then you know Nigeria still has a long way to go.
“Democracy is a good thing but part of the problem is that the people are not holding the government accountable.
“Government must listen more to the people and after listening they should act on what the people have said.
” It is one thing to listen and another to take action. We need a responsive government,” she said. (NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have been slated for burial on November 1.
Chairman of the burial committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside with the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay and burial sub-committee chairmen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Gen.
Azubuike Ihejirika (retd) and others, Obi unveiled a series of activities culminating into the actual burial ceremony.“Our message today is to convey the dates for the burial of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Lagos day of tributes, Wednesday 16th October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Convention Centre.
“Abuja Day of Tributes Friday 18th October, 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
“Enugu Day of tributes, Saturday 26th October with a brief stop at Ohanaeze headquarters, 7 Parkland GRA Enugu while the main event will be held at the Okpara Square.
“Owerri Service of Songs Tuesday 29th October 2024. Commendation Service on 1st November in Owerri and Imo day of burial on Friday, 1st November 2024,” he said.
He added that further details will be communicated in due course.
On whether the Federal Government would participate in the burial, Senator Obi said the committee will visit President Bola Tinubu to intimate him about the transition of the statesman and details of his burial.
“We will be visiting President Tinubu to formally announce to him details of this transition and I am sure the President knows all that Chief Iwuanyanwu had done and he will do the needful,” he said.
Asked whether the late newspaper publisher had regrets about his inability to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure the realization of a restructure federation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said Chief Iwuanyanwu died a fulfilled man because he never shies away from doing his best in the circumstance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu and I visited Kanu in jail and I think that was his last official assignment before his demise.
“Prior to that, he had never missed any opportunity to call for the release of Kanu.
“On restructuring, he never minced his words on equity, fairness and justice and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone.
“So he operated with the South-South PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum and Afenifere. He asked for parity in the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“We in Ohanaeze will continue to pursue these issues that were very dear to his heart and we want to give the assurances that we will not fail,” Obi said.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
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