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)
NEWS
Fire Guts Shop Destroys Goods, Monies in Ilorin
From Samuel James, Ilorin
Goods worth millions of Naira with huge cash from sales have been burnt into ashes during a midnight inferno that occurred at Akerebiata area of Ilorin metropolis in state capital.
It was gathered that an unfortunate incident happened around 12am during the weekend at a shop where engine oil, brake fluid motor and other associated products are sold.
Ahmad Toyib, the owner of the affected shop who shares the same building with his wife who is also into tailoring materials business lost all the tailoring equipment in the severely burnt.
In addition, all the cash sales made a day before the incident and POS machine were also completely razed down.
NEWS
CNS Says Forensic, Investigative Operations Key to National Devt
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to uphold professionalism by continuously improving their skills and aligning with global standards in forensic and investigative practices.
CNS Ogalla assured that the Nigerian Navy is committed towards adopting global best practices in forensic and investigative operations to support national development.
He stated this during the combined graduation ceremony for three courses for the Advanced Provost Officers Course, the Advanced Detective Investigation Course, and the Outriders Course—held at the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi, Benue State,
Ogalla, who spoke through Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, highlighted the importance of the training, explaining that the courses were designed to enhance the competencies of the officers and ratings graduating from the Provost and Regulating Department.
CNS however commended the graduates, particularly those from the newly introduced specialist programs, as pioneers in advanced forensics and investigative fields.
“As pioneers, the Nigerian Navy is proud of the milestone you have achieved as custodians of forensics and specialist investigators within the Service.
“Our hope is that you will build on the knowledge gained here through dedication and professionalism in your assignments, striving for greater excellence” he maintained
Earlier, Navy Captain Henry Ejeh, Commandant of the School, detailed the rigorous 10-week training program, emphasizing its focus on instilling best practices in law enforcement within and beyond the military. He noted that the program employed diverse methods, including classroom lectures, practical demonstrations, and training attachments, to ensure the students were well-prepared for their roles.
The ceremony underscored the Navy’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its role in advancing national security through cutting-edge forensic and investigative training.
NEWS
Kwara NSCDC Organises Medical Outreach, Award Night
From Samuel James, Ilorin
The Kwara state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has organized a Medical Outreach, Security Summit and Award Night to mark its end-of-year activities in the state.
The event which was organized by the Tanke Division highlighted the Corp’s commitment to community service, security enhancement and the recognition of excellence.
The event started with a Medical Outreach that aimed at improving health and well-being of elderly residents in the Tanke community, as free medical tests were conducted to demonstrate the Corps’ dedication to social responsibility and care for the welfare of citizens.
The Security Summit, which followed, focused on strategies to enlighten neighborhood safety and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders. It also centered its discussions on proactive measures to tackle security challenges and to enhance collective efforts toward ensuring a safe society.
The event also culminated in an Award Night to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and contributions to public safety.
While addressing the gathering, the State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, who was represented by the Area K Commander, ACC Kehinde Adebayo, extolled the officers for their unwavering commitment to duty, and explained that recognizing hard work and dedication is not only to motivate personnel but also to inspire excellence and strengthen service delivery.
In his remarks, the Tanke Divisional Officer, SC Oyinloye Yinka, explained the importance of the event, describing it as a platform to appreciate officers for their resilience and to encourage stakeholders’ involvement while reinforcing the Corps’ mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
Oyinloye further appreciated the stakeholders for their unwavering support, acknowledging that the division’s achievements were made possible through the collaborative efforts and partnerships.
The State Command however reassured of its readiness to sustain these initiatives and to deepen community engagement, and enhance operational efficiency in the years to come.