NEWS
Address Economic Challenges, Strengthen Weak Institutions to Guarantee Democracy – Shettima, Bawumia
The Vice President of Nigeria, kashim Shettima and former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on Monday said that addressing economic challenges and strengthening weak institutions across Africa would guarantee lasting democracy.
The leaders said this at a National conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja.
The theme of the conference was: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity”.
It was organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).
Shettima, who was represented by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, his Special Adviser on Political issues, said that democracy suffer setback in many parts of Africa due to endemic poverty levels and insecurity.
He assured Nigerians that the government was acutely aware of many concerns over its direction and goals, particularly given the difficulties which some of its policies inevitably generate.
“We are involved in correcting many defects in our economy and approaches to securing the citizen.
“We have been honest to admit that this transition from a broken past and a promising future will not be without a price, and we will remain focused on easing the pain and ensuring that we do not take our eyes off the goals,” she said.
The vice-president said that the government will listen and adjust its policies where necessary.
“We will account our stewardship in all manners challenging our democratic systems demands.
“I am convinced that we will reap the benefits of our current, unavoidable difficulties,” he said.
According to Shettma, Nigeria’s democracy must mean a lot more than asking Nigerians to line up every four years to elect leaders.
“It must mean, in practical terms, that leaders commit to the demands of elected leadership in very transparent manners.
“The best leaders are people who exercise power only to promote the interests of their people.
“These interests include making laws that are consistent with the economic welfare and security of the citizen,” he said .
The former Ghanaian Vice-President, Bawumia said that in spite of the imperfections of democracy, it remained the preferred form of governance.
Bamuwai said that the increasing fragility of democracy in Africa was a cause for concern, adding that eight coups took place in Africa between 2020 and 2023.
He said that the right of the citizenry to choose leaders in a free and transparent manner was sacrosanct and remained one of the most vital anchors of a true democratic dispensation.
According to him, while the culture of peacefully choosing leaders is being entrenched, the institutions are becoming weak and endangered.
“Weak institutions, partisanship, nepotism, self-interest ,corruption, basterdisation of institutions, dictatorship hunger and unemployment are major killers of democracy, and eaders must work to address them.
“The best democracy is the one that delivers public goods and services effectively and efficiently and creates opportunities for citizens whilst making conscious efforts to leave no one behind.
Also speaking, Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour party in the 2023 election called on citizens to get involved in the democratic process because whatever happens in democracy affects them.
Obi said that his 2027 ambition would be about discussing how to secure Nigeria and about the interest of the common person in Nigeria.
He called on citizens to discourage money politics.
“We must remove money from politics, otherwise, we will be encouraging stealing public money for next election,” he said.
Earlier, the Founding Executive Director,Centre LSD, Dr Otive Igbuzor, said that the conference was aimed at addressing the complexities and setbacks Nigeria’s democratic system was currently facing.
Igbuzor said that the aim was to find solutions to restore and strengthen the system.
He listed the challenges to include: electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, and weakened governance structures to pervasive corruption and a concerning erosion of public trust.
“The realities faced by Nigerians today often reflect disillusionment rather than hope.
“The goal of this conference, therefore, is to reignite hope, rebuild trust, and lay out a road map toward a strengthened democratic system that serves all Nigerians with integrity and accountability,” he said. NAN
NEWS
New Medical Doctor Appreciates Ex-Reps Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Adekoya for University Sponsorship
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A fresh graduate medical doctor from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Dr Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun, has expressed touching appreciation to a former Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Adesegun Abdel-Majid Adekoya, for the full sponsorship of his university education.
Hon Adekoya is the founder of Prince Abdel-Majid Foundation (PAM Foundation), a non-governmental organisation engaged in uplifting Nigerians, especially the less privileged, children, youths and women.
In an open letter of appreciation, Dr Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun, said his dream of becoming a medical doctor would have been a mirage if it not for the support of Hon Adekoya who stood by him in the past six years.
He declared that Hon Adekoya, popularly known as Attacker from his football-playing days as a youth, took over the full sponsorship of his university education without allowing him to pay a dime.
He also added that through the mentorship of Hon Adekoya he was able to emerge as the President of OOU Students Union.
He declared that his stint as SUG President has already instilled leadership qualities in him.
Dr Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun wrote: “Dear Rt. Hon. Abdul-Majid Adekoya Adesegun, I write with a heart full of gratitude to sincerely appreciate you for being the sole benefactor of my academic journey.
“From my very first day in 100 Level to my final year in 600 Level, your generosity through the scholarship you granted me has been the bedrock of my success.
“Today, by the grace of God and through your unwavering support, I have emerged as a qualified medical doctor. This achievement is not mine alone; it is a testament to your belief in me, your investment in my future, and your commitment to empowering the next generation.
“Words cannot fully capture the depth of my appreciation, but I pray that the Almighty rewards you abundantly, grants you good health, and continues to bless your endeavors.
“Your kindness has not only changed my life but has also inspired me to be a source of help to others, just as you have been to me.
“Thank you for making my dream a reality.”
Ogunmakinju Oluwaseun added: “I wish to sincerely appreciate ATTACKER for taking full responsibility for my tuition fees from 100 Level to 600 Level — without allowing me to pay a dime.
“This rare and life-changing opportunity, made possible through the Prince Abdul Majid Foundation (PAM Foundation), is something I will forever hold in deep gratitude.
“Today, after 6 years of rigorous training, I proudly stand as a Medical Doctor, awaiting the privilege of taking the Hippocratic Oath soon.
“Beyond academics, the leadership lessons I gained under the mentorship of Rt. Hon. Adekoya gave me the edge to emerge as OOU Students’ Union Government President.
“And academically, I am proud to have made a Distinction in of of the courses I offered during my journey through medical school.
“Thank you for believing in me, investing in my dreams, and giving me the platform to grow both as a leader and a scholar.”
By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the reported extortion of over N56 million from farmers in Zamfara State by armed groups as well as the chilling video of an entire village in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State, completely abandoned to bandits.
The party noted that Nigeria, under President Tinubu and the APC is sliding into a dangerous new phase of state failure. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday, the party said a situation where farmers had to pay money to terrorists before they could gain access to their own farmlands, is not just a Zamfara tragedy, but a national warning.Abdullahi said that a situation where people had to abandon an entire town to bandits, in the very heart of the country, is not just a local challenge but an evidence of national surrender. “When armed gangs can collect N56 million from farmers for the ‘right’ to plant food, the issue is no longer about insecurity. It is about criminal elements contesting the right to govern a part of Nigeria. When criminals can tax citizens at gunpoint, it means the state has surrendered its monopoly of force and state authority is in retreat.” The statement said it is discouraging that this could be happening in a country with one of the largest defence budgets in Africa, yet its farmers were left to bargain with warlords for their survival. It recalled that in the same Zamfara state only a few days ago about 50 people were abducted in one swoop, saying that added to this is the eerie picture of an entire town where all the people, the young, the old and the infirm had to seek refuge elsewhere for fear of bandits attacks. Abdullahi said there were other cases which showed alarming pattern suggesting that other parts of the country considered safe may not be so for long. “The pertinent question therefore is whether the Tinubu-led APC government is still in charge and can still be trusted to do its most fundamental duty, which is to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. “We recall that in November 2014, President Bola Tinubu, leader of opposition party at the time, asked President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over the Boko Haram Challenges in The North-East of the country. His words: “If you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilized country Jonathan should have resigned.”He said though the security situation that President Tinubu was using to campaign in 2014 had multiplied exponentially under his party and is currently enjoying great prosperity under his direct watch, no one is calling on him to resign. “The ADC does not want President Tinubu to resign. We only ask him to do his job. We also ask the pertinent question, why did the President think that the security situation in Rivers State warranted the declaration of state of emergency, but the one in Zamfara with industrial scale kidnapping and a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian State by way of bandit tax does not even deserve a direct comment from him,” the statement asked.It urge President Tinubu to drop whatever else that pre-occupied him and direct his attention to Zamfara State and other parts of the country menaced by bandits. “If the Tinubu administration cannot guarantee the safety of our farms and farming communities, if people could be forced to abandon their homes out of fear, then it has failed in its most basic responsibility. You cannot boast that you are in charge of your country while your citizens are negotiating their survival with criminals.”
The Oyo State Government has denied a notice currently circulating among pensioners concerning a supposed verification exercise. This is contained in statement in Ibadan on Friday by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu. Adelabu described as fake any message requesting pensioners to submit photocopies of their pension certificate, account details, and phone numbers to the ministry.
He urged pensioners to ignore such messages and remain vigilant against misinformation targeting retirees. He emphasised that the ministry would contact eligible individuals only when it is their turn to receive their benefits. The Commissioner added that all official information is communicated solely through recognised and credible channels. Adelabu advised pensioners to verify any suspicious message before acting, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to retirees’ welfare. He said the government would continue to uphold transparency and due process in pension and gratuity matters. He also called on the public to share only verified information, saying protecting pensioners from fraud is a shared duty. (NAN)
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