The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Democracy Day

  • Okon named hero of democracy

    As Democracy Day approached, a rogue civil society group known as Calamity for State Robbers with offices in Orile Iganmu has named Okon as one of its heroes of democracy. Snooper was put in a terrible dilemma. If one put a stop to the endless stream of well wishers and idle political lunchers knocking at the door to congratulate the boy, it may be misconstrued. How the mad boy gained such traction remains a source of mystery even to snooper. Many of these civil society groups are crazy scammers and Okon might have paid through his nose to have his name mentioned. When he showed his certificate to Baba Lekki, the old contrarian snorted.

    “You see, sebi you say dem people dey Iganmu, abi? Na dat one dem Yoruba people dey call igan mu se”   But Okon was undeterred, leveraging his new found star status for a controversial radio interview. Okon wasted no time and hostilities commenced straightaway.

    “High Chief Okon, congratulations on your recent award”, the interview began.

    “Point of incorrection!” Okon screamed. “I be higher chief now. I no wan any Yoruba tortoise come mess around with Calabar title. I dey higher pass dem Otunba. Even Yoruba mechanic for Matori dey answer dat one, you hear me?”

    “Okay, Higher Chief Okon, it is the seventeenth anniversary of democracy. It is obviously better than military rule, isn’t it?” the second interviewer opened with a cunning glare.

    “Bia, Yoruba soup mouse, you wan trick me? We thank God dem soja don leave patapata. Make dem type never come back again. But dis civilian one he get as he be. When dem soja dey thief, na only dem oga patapata but this one everybody dey thief yanfunyanfun. I been dey wonder why dem money never finish, but I hear say he don finish so we dey one chance  motor for obodo”, Okon sneered.

    “Sir, how do you see the last strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress?”

    “You see dat dem labour leader, Wabba abi wetin him dey call himself? He come remind me of dem book I read for primary school for Itigidi, na Wanba the Jester dem dey call am”. Okon snorted.

    “How do you mean sir?”the interviewer pressed.

    “Wetin you mean by wetin I mean? Dem foolish labour people say make we strike, I strike well well. I come put my oga under dem house arrest. I no give am food and I no even give am water. Dem come say dem no dey strike again. Na so dem dey do all dem time. Next time when dem say strike, na dem head I go strike well well”, Okon snarled.

    “Mr Okon, what is your view on the menace of herdsmen?”, one interviewer asked with deadpan daring.

    “Ha ha yeye man. You wan put me for trouble with dem Daura man, abi? He get time like dat when dem Kanu Ibo boy dey blab him mouth and him dey yabi everybody. Kai dem don forget dat one for Guje and him come grow Nebu beard. So, I no sabi menace and I no sabi dem cattle people,but I sabi say Efik people no dey drive dem cattle”, the mad boy crowed.

    “Sir, one last question. Chief Obasanjo said that President Buhari does not know much about politics and economy. What is your view?”.

    “You see, baba don old well well past bed time and him head no correct again. Wetin himself sabi for politiks and money matter? But him sabi two-fighting and teeth-fighting pass Buhari and na for dat area dem go finish dem Buhari man”, Okon grunted as he dismissed the interviewers with an imperious swagger.

  • Ambode, Oyebode, Falana, others want June 12 declared as Democracy Day

    Ambode, Oyebode, Falana, others want June 12 declared as Democracy Day

    Eminent Nigerians Friday called on the Federal Government to declare June 12 Democracy Day, in place of May 29, so as to immortalize late Chief Moshood Kolawole Abiola and the spirit of the June 12 struggle.

    Among those who led the call include Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Akin Oyebode; Human Right Lawyer, Femi Falana and former Commissioner for Information in Lagos, Dele Alake.

    Their request was the focus of their remarks at the commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election in Lagos, Friday, where they unanimously agreed that the declaration was the best national recognition that could be accorded the struggle.

    At the well attended symposium organised by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, at the Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Lagos, Ambode noted that the June 12 date would forever remain unique on the calendar, describing it as a date that has assumed a life of its own.

    He said it was a day where the people of Nigeria trooped out to the polling booth to reclaim their rights and ‎privileges as a people.

    According to him, “June 12 symbolises the patriotic and nationalistic spirit in all Nigerians. On June 12, we showed that irrespective of class or political sympathy, we would always join hands to respect our national values.”

    Ambode said though the peoples’ hope was dashed with the annulled election, presumably won by Abiola, “June 12 stands as the real democracy day which was sanctioned by the blood of martyrs who laid down their lives for this democracy.”

    Continuing, he said: “We shall not forget them; they will always be with us. As we continue to march on and sustain democratic governance, we would enhance and empower the well being of our people.

    “The outcome of this year’s general elections has proven that the lessons of June 12, 1993 have been fruitful. I urge you all to take some time and ‎reflect on the democratic journey that we have commenced for the benefit of all of us.

    “Should we abdicate our responsibilities and allow personal interest and agenda to truncate our journey? We owe it as a duty to immortalize the memories of our fallen compatriots and deepen our democracy to sustain us as a people of destiny‎,” Ambode said.

    Prof. Akin Oyebode, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the day was a celebration of die-hard spirit of Abiola, his wife Kudirat and hundreds of Nigerians that were killed in protest of annulment of the freest and fairest election ever held in the country.

    Oyebode said it was sad and almost inconceivable that the politicians and the military decided to make May 29 Democracy Day.

    “It must be said that without June 12, 1993, we would never have had May 29, 1999. We know that even as enemies of democracy try to thwart the idea, the sacrifice of MKO Abiola and of Nigerians who took to the streets should never be forgotten,” he said.

    Oyebode added that it was unfortunate that the June 12 watershed has been ethnicised, with some states in the South west already marking it as a holiday, while others were still not bothered.

    He said it was also amazing that Nigeria named monuments in Abuja and Stadium in Kano after military junta Sanni Abacha, while Abiola has not been immortalized as so deserved.

    “Abiola remains a hero, even as June 12 has conscientised Nigerians that no power or effort can stop the will of the people united. MKO Abiola is the precursor of the ‘change’ we have today, given his idea of ‘farewell to poverty.’ To continue to ethnicise such date is a disservice to Nigeria. I think the time is now ripe for Nigeria to demonstrate their commitment to democracy and truly declare June 12 as a national holiday,” he said.

    Apparently in agreement with earlier speakers, Falana said the onus was on Federal Government to immortalize the true heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Falana said: “This day (June 12) must be a national day and be declared a national holiday.”

    He appealed to Lagos State to further champion the course of deepening democracy, by ensuring that living heroes and heroines of June 12 struggle are not forgotten.

    Alake, who was the Editor of defunct Concord Newspapers and a close associate of late Abiola, in his lecture said June 12, was a day Nigerians were rebirthed as a true nation-state, adding that the annulment was the biggest damage ever done to the country.

    He saluted the courage of June 12 activists like Frank Kokori, Ayo Opadokun, Alfred Ilenre, Dr. Amos Akingba, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Odion Akhaine and Segun Mayegun among others that were also present at the event

  • COMMENTS

    COMMENTS

    For Olatunji Dare

    Re-MAY 29, Not yet “Democracy Day”. I have been a constant fanatical reader of your weekly “At home abroad” series. You are a Prophet because majority of views has come to pass. I will refer you to the wise saying of Sir Winston Churchill “It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best, ‘You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary”. Ride on sir, God is your strength. From Comrade Esan Ajibola, Ayedun Ekiti.

    The English essayist,Thomas Hardy,posited in his book ‘Under The Greenwood Tree’ that, “You do not blame others for singing a   song you wrote about yourself”. The President Jonathan kleptocratic Junta have sang it’s own sonorous nunc demitis by using the facade of a Gestapo Police (Mr Mbu,CP-FCT) to ban rallies in Abuja over the  CHIBOK GIRLS.lt is now clear that they need some tutorials on the rudiments of Democracy before they resort to more outrageously weird Idi Amin, Sani Abacha and Hastings Kamuzu Banda-like strategies in checkmating freedom of speech and liberty in Nigeria. From Chief Bobson Gbinije,Mandate Against Poverty(MAP), Warri.

    Re-May 29: Not yet “Democracy Day”.  No matter the deficiencies, we have been able to trudge and move on, democratically. Journalists could and have been bashing the governments and some Individuals without arrest and molestation! What all of us should do is to shun ethnicism, politicisation of write-up albeit against their non-favourites, make merits in all ramifications, Nigeria’s logo. MAY 29  or Democracy day, it is clear that we are no longer in a Military rule. Almighty God will help to ‘panelbeat’ our wobbles, ameen. From Lanre Oseni.

    Re- ‘May 29: Not yet “Democracy Day”‘

    It is politically idiotic to ritualize the observance of “Democracy Day”… In my view, it is hot air that has gone cold, and vaporised!  The Nigerian genre of democracy beggars belief, as a huge fraud! Anonymous

    Democracy at l5, we progressed in corruption that is our setback in development, despite the resource at our disposal.it is very unfortunate. From Chika Nnorom      

    You have carefully itemised the ills of Nigeria’s democracy. June 12, to me, is the Democracy Day of Nigeria. From David-West b david, Yenagoua.

    May 29, Democracy Day is in the imagination of those who are mis-ruling us. The real Peoples’ Democracy Day is June 12 and one day it will manifest. From Ola Michael, Egan Lagos

    No, Mooyiwa; Fani-Kayode can’t possibly be broke. Rather, he is worried about the terrible dimension of the EFCC case against him, especially regarding the strong rumour that the meeting at the Villa convinced him that he might be jailed soon. How else do you explain, after saying such horrible things about Jonathan and his govt, that Fani-Kayode  will suddenly make a U- turn?- Anonymous

     

    For Segun Gbadegesin

    John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) is a leader others will wish to be there own. The ball is on the court of the citizens of the Fountain of Knowledge to choose light or darkness. JKF is the man come June 21. From John Anya, Enugu Nigeria.

    If democracy, as you were even able to observe, is like a plant that needs to be cultivated, tended and nurtured first, to be of effect for the growth of the society, then it is wrong to assert, as you did, that May 29 isn’t yet Democracy Day. The date in question is observed as the day power changed hands from khaki to civilian government, after so many years of military rule. It is not celebrated as the day Nigeria attained perfection or her destiny in democratic govanance. Which is why we still have the large army of unemployed youths, epleptic power supply, bad roads and so on in the land. And these I believe will still be phased out with time as we join hands to make the democracy what it should be, for the common good of us all. That we can freely express our opinions about the goverment today and still sleep in our homes, or even take the governmet to court and obtain justice are good indications that democracy is already in place. From Emmanuel Egwu  

    It would have been very wrong and quite unacceptable for anybody to have attempted to stop the protest inspired by the criminal abduction of the Chibok girls, which has atracted demonstrations from virtualy all sections of the country and beyond. The protest which, of course, should have some logic is aimed at arousing the government to action for the release of the innocent girls. And having achieved just that by swooping on the government to work, a continuous protest unabated in the circumstances, one should be right to think, not only will make it lose steam somewhat, but tends to constitute a big distraction to the government in its action plan. Beyond that, the situation on ground is one that some hoodlums and Boko Haram might equally cash in on to cause more harm to the people. Misleading though the goverment name-calling might be,further protest in this direction,all considerd,may not be producing the desired result if allowed to continue unrestricted –From Emmanuel Egwu.   

    Sir, about Ekiti elections. It would be a tragedy and a misclassification of massive proportion should for any reason Governor Fayemi should lose. It would be a great blunder by Ekiti electorate. It is unthinkable to have Ekiti return to the era of ignorance, ineptitude, chaos,thuggery, killings and misdirection. Anonymous.

    We are Ondo Based-Ekiti Students across the institution in the state, we all registerd in our different Local Government in Ekiti, our Hope Still on John Kayode Fayemi. Anonymous

    Just because the president came to Ekiti yesterday there is mayhem in Ado Ekiti as a result of state sponsored attacks I hope your correspondents will visit the scenes where two people has been killed already, this is food for thought. Anonymous

    In normal climes,going by the many beautiful things said and written about Governor Fayemi and his unprecedented transformational administration of Ekiti State for the past 3years now,even the hottest contender of his job in the state forthcoming election would have simply backed down,knowing how it would only amount to chasing an illusion going to compete with a man of such uncomon records for transfomational democracy.But then, here is Nigeria. Of course, if Jega were to live up to the man of integrity we use to know of him and his officers inspired by his examples in the conduct of the election,Fayemi winning landslide no doubt would have been a forgone conclusion.For there is no way the learned,noble and appreciative people of Ekiti State would have voted otherwise especially knowing the unimpressive antecedents of Fayose,the former governor  of the state – From Emmanuel Egwu

    For Adegboyega

    It is a pity that our leaders are frustrating young Nigerians seeking knowledge. There is nowhere in the world where knowledge seekers are frustrated and you expect development. The earlier we know our stand the better for us. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

    RE: Hungry for knowledge. Lack of solutions to increase in fees in the universities, leading to student unrest and ASUU/NASU strikes, stem from the university authorities, government and the students. The FG, states provide less funds due to corruption tendencies, unreduced personal enjoyment; the university authorities have no option than to jack up the amount to make life more comfortable for students. Rather than see reason in that, students believe that protests are common commodity as resolution. The resultant effect of fee reversal is graduates’ low quality and un-employability. From Lanre Oseni.

    Only God knows where our education sector is going, in spite of the resources at our disposal to make education affordable for the citizenry;, it is very unfortunate that governments are not living up to their billing to make education available for the less- privileged. Nigeria is blessed with resources but bad leadership is our major problem. We don’t know the rationale behind Wike still being in charge of the education ministry, with constant strikes in the institutions without his finding a solution to the problems. I appeal to the Lagos State governor to reduce the school fees of LASU in the interest of the parents. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

    Your article in The Nation newspaper of Sunday June 8, Nigeria’s tertiary education crisis in perspective didn’t capture the ASUP strike that has been going on for about 10 months. Sir, is it a form of discrimination? From Fabiyi Ademola, Ebonyi (ASUP FPE, Chapter).  

     

  • Celebrating Democracy Day with dividends of democracy

    What better way to celebrate ‘Democracy day than to share the dividends of democracy with your constituents’!

    That was exactly what the lawmaker representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun federal constituency, Lagos State in the House of Representatives Honourable (Prince) Taiwo Oyewole Adenekan did last Thursday when Nigeria celebrated the 15th anniversary of her return to democratic rule. And he marked the day by bringing joy to the faces of no fewer than 400 members of his constituency to whom he distributed items meant to empower them economically.

    Adenekan gave out items ranging from sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryer, hair attachment, canoes, tricycles, noodles, groundnut oil and crates of egg to his people to appreciate and thank them “ for standing with our party, appreciation for having confidence in our party and in those they have elected to represent them; and to also tell them to keep fate with us, to continue to give that support and we will never let them down”.

    The purpose of the empowerment, he said was to lift the people out of poverty by letting them have some share of dividends of democracy. “So bit by bit we touch individual hand, bit by bit we will set people up and bit by bit poverty will be eradicated. So it is part of that bit that I am doing today”, Adenekan said  adding that the empowerment is for members of the constituency not minding party affiliation.

    “We carefully select beneficiaries; tailors both male and female who are in the trade maybe with only one machine, we support them with another machine to expand their business. Housewives who don’t have something to do we give them grinding machines to put in front of their houses, it generates some income for them. We also give canoes to those living in the riverside area so that they can fish with it and make a lifelihood.

    “Then we give direct funds, that is financial assistance, though a token of N20,000 per person to either boost their or start a trade. I have been doing that. We live among them and we know the level of poverty and we know that with N20,000 some people will start up and they will continue from there. We have done it before this is not the first time. We give them to those it will benefit most”, Adenekan said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to use what they collect effectively so that they can keep going and generate income to sustain themselves and families.

    Speaking on Democracy Day, the lawmaker said democracy is a culture and a process. “It is a culture our leaders have imbibed and are passing over onto us. Many years of military intervention was a setback to us and 15 years in the life of our country is a very small period.

    “As far as I can see democracy is growing, it is waxing stronger and when we fall we stand up again; we look at our mistakes and we move forward, then our people and our country will be the better for it.

    And as far as I know democracy is on the right part because we now have freedom of expression, association and so many other freedoms that democracy has given to us. I really appreciate the democratic process, it is an ongoing process and we shall continue to wax stronger”, Adenekan said.

    He urged the people to perform their duties by paying their rates and taxes so that the state and local government can move forward and develop.

  • Nigeria still hope of Africa – Mark

    Senate President David Mark on Thursday insisted that Nigeria remains the hope of Africa irrespective of daunting challenges.

    Mark, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, spoke at a Special Church service at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, to mark this year’s democracy day.

    He urged Nigerians not to despair in spite of the challenges associated with democracy because it remains the best and acceptable form of government.

    He stated that there is no alternative to democracy because it is participatory and representative of all.

    Mark said: “Nigeria is still the hope of Africa. We must not despair. We must remain resolute because there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”

    He decried the unabating security situation in the country and asked all citizens to cooperate with government and security operatives to fight terrorism and insurgency ravaging the land.

    The President of the Senate specifically prayed for the quick, safe and unconditional release of over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State.

    “This is most embarrassing. How can they justify the abduction of these innocent girls whose only offence is that they chose to be educated to better their lots and ultimately contribute to the economic and socio-political development of their fatherland?

    “We pray that God touches the heart of their abductors to free them even as we do everything humanly possible to rescue our girls. However, swapping them for criminals is not an option,” he stated.

  • Democracy Day broadcast by Jonathan

    Democracy Day broadcast by Jonathan

    DEMOCRACY DAY BROADCAST

    BY

    H.E. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR,

    PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

     

     

     

     

    MAY 29, 2014

     

     

     

     

     

    Fellow Nigerians,

    1.    I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

     

    2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

     

    3.  Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

     

     

    4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

     

    5.  As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

     

    6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

     

    7.   In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

     

    8.  Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

     

    9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

     

     

     

    10.                    The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

     

    11.                       In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

     

    12.                     Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

     

    Dear Compatriots,

    13.                     It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.

     

    14.                     The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

     

    15.                     In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been  injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states  is in jeopardy.

     

     

    16.                     There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

     

     

    17.                      I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

     

     

    18.                     Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

     

    19.                     Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

     

    20.                   It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

     

    21.                     I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

     

     

     

    22.                    I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

     

    23.                    For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

     

    24.                   My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

     

    Dear Compatriots,

    25.                    We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

     

    26.                   The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

     

    27.                    We are a strong, resilient and courageous people.  We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

     

    Fellow Nigerians,

     

    28.                   Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

     

    29.                   Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

    30.                   Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

     

  • Democracy Day: IGP promises hitch-free celebrations

    Democracy Day: IGP promises hitch-free celebrations

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has assured the citizenry that effective security measures have been put in place towards ensuring a hitch free Democracy Day celebration.

    A statement issued on Wednesday by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said the IGP had directed police formations to be on the alert and ensure the security of Nigerians and the diplomatic community during the celebrations.

    He also directed zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Intelligence, Command Commissioners of Police and the Commissioners of Police in-charge of the various Police Special Squads such as the Counter Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force and Special Protection Unit (SPU) to ensure effective and strategic deployment of police personnel.

    The IGP was quoted to have promised the total commitment and focus of the Nigeria Police along with other security agencies towards ensuring the safety and security of the citizenry at all times.

    He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and security conscious against the backdrop of the security challenges confronting the country.

  • Democracy Day: Kwara gives jobs to 5,200 youths

    Democracy Day: Kwara gives jobs to 5,200 youths

    AS part of the activities to commemorate its third year anniversary, the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed-led administration has completed arrangements to engage the services of 5, 200 youths under its Quickwin empowerment programme. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who made the disclosure, told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, that the anniversary would be low-keyed, considering the current mood in the country. Alhaji Isiaka Gold added that the anniversary “will also feature the commissioning of projects in the road, water, energy and health sub-sectors. Besides, it will witness Children Day Celebration, Democracy Day Celebration and above all, the launching of the Quickwin Empowerment programme with the engagement of 5, 200 of our teeming youths in the first batch. This particular programme is aimed at reducing unemployment, enhancing livelihoods and productively engaging our youths. “Having said this, I want to make it abundantly clear that the week-long anniversary will commence on Friday, May 23, 2014 and end on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Among others, it will be used to showcase a number of government activities, projects and programmes. The celebrations will kick-start with prayers in Ilorin Central Mosque and Interdenominational Church Service.

  • Fayemi: June 12 is Democracy Day

    Fayemi: June 12 is Democracy Day

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday slammed opposition politicians for attempting to distort Nigeria’s democracy history. He noted that “June 12 is the Democracy Day.”

    Fayemi spoke at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, at a well-attended 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 election believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), which was annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida.

    The governor said the event was organised to remember June 12 and accord the martyrs their deserved respect.

    Said he: “I thank you all for not forgetting June 12. What we are doing here should be known to all. We should not forget where we are coming from and where we are. Abiola remains the symbol of the struggle for the emancipation of Nigeria. Most of our children today don’t know about June 12. But those who know and accept the truth know that if there is no June 12, there won’t be any May 29.”

    Governor Fayemi spoke of his intention to contest the 2014 governorship election. This followed months of what was termed ‘Fayemi Endorsement Rallies’ across the 16 local governments.

    He said it was proper to give a precise answer to the months of requests by people from the nooks and crannies in the state.

    His words: “I offer to serve the state for another term of four years after concluding the current term.

    “Let me say without sounding immodest that I want the good work to continue. I want to say that I share in the dream that the root of democracy must be consolidated in Ekiti. I have listened to the demands of my people from the 16 local government areas that I have to contest election next year. I am ready to offer myself as a vessel for the consolidation of democratic gains in Ekiti.

    “Before the Supreme Court verdict, there was no rumour they did not spread. They said they have godfathers in Abuja. They thought they could ambush justice, but we have surpassed whatever games they could play.”

    The former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Vice-Chairman in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Chief Ayo Peters from Emure Ekiti and Mrs. Bose Balogun from Iyin Ekiti, who were accepted with scores of PDP members into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at the event, said: “The achievements of Governor Fayemi are too attractive to be resisted.”

    Former governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, yesterday in a statement urged Nigerians to remain committed to sustaining democracy.

    He said democracy remains the globally-accepted means of aiding development and social justice across nations, adding that “no country develops except through genuine democracy.”

    Otunba Adebayo said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would provide the desired leadership in the next political dispensation.

  • ‘June 12 should be Democracy Day’

    ‘June 12 should be Democracy Day’

    A lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo Constituency 1 in the Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, has urged the Federal Government to change the celebration of Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.

    The lawmaker said June 12 is most appropriate because “it was a day Nigerians spoke with one voice and elected their leader”.

    He said Nigerians should realise the sacrifice the winner of the historic election, the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, made and died for.

    Adjoto said: “My Democracy Day is June 12. That was the day Nigerians spoke with one voice. That was the day Nigerians voted for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

    “It was the day Christians and Muslims bridged their faith for a single candidate. It was the day Nigerians freed themselves from the shackles of tribal and ethnic sentiments.”