Author: bibncollar

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused certain individuals he referred to as “religious bandits” of aggravating the ongoing security crisis in the state. Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday during the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Alia said while many traditional and religious leaders are working with his administration to restore peace, a few others are using their platforms to incite division and unrest. “There are some religious leaders I call ‘religious bandits’ who are fueling the bad experiences we are having here,” he said. “They do this through their rhetoric—what they say. If you don’t have the facts…

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on the Federal Government to hand over power to the military, arguing that Nigeria is no longer operating a functional democratic system. Speaking in Warri on Wednesday, IPDI National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo, said the current democratic structure has failed Nigerians and is plagued by deep-rooted corruption, insecurity, and weak leadership. “Democracy in Nigeria has failed in all its ramifications,” Ozobo declared. “The country is overwhelmed by kidnappings, corruption, and banditry, yet the government lacks the political will to address these challenges.” He alleged that the rise in banditry and killings, particularly…

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has praised the National Assembly for its vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as the true pillar of democratic governance and the arm of government that most accurately reflects the will of the people. Saraki made this known in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, as Nigeria marked 26 years since its return to democratic rule. His remarks came shortly after attending a joint session of the National Assembly held on Thursday to commemorate Democracy Day. “I congratulate all Nigerians at home and abroad on the 26th…

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has called on President Bola Tinubu to deploy drones, biometric systems, and other modern surveillance tools to tighten security along Nigeria’s porous borders. In a letter addressed to the President, Mumuni highlighted the growing threat of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and illegal migration, stressing that many of these issues stem from the lack of effective border control. The letter, made public on Thursday through a statement signed by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, emphasized the need for urgent and strategic action to strengthen national security. “Our borders are the…

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has defended his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), likening his political move to a man chasing an elephant who refuses to be distracted by barking dogs. Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday upon his return from the United Nations Ocean Conference in France, Governor Eno said the decision was made in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State, to strategically position it for accelerated development. He brushed off criticism of the defection, particularly from individuals he described as non-indigenes who, in his view, are…

As Nigeria commemorates its 26th Democracy Day, the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, accusing it of lacking transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic principles. In a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP said that despite the Uzodinma-led administration’s disregard for democratic norms, there is still an opportunity for redemption, with nearly three years left in his tenure. The statement described the state of governance in Imo as disappointing and demoralizing, arguing that there is little cause for celebration among citizens. It…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he finds their internal crises and confusion amusing. Speaking on Thursday during his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly, Tinubu dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to establish a one-party system in Nigeria. “To those who claim the APC is pushing for a one-party state, I offer you a personal assurance — I have never interfered with the registration of any political party with INEC,” he stated. Tinubu criticized the panic among opposition parties, advising them…

In the early hours of Thursday, heavy military presence was observed at the popular Effurun and Ebrumede roundabouts in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, effectively shutting down planned June 12 protests and forcing rights activists into hiding. Our correspondent, who monitored the situation on ground, reported that no protesters were seen at the expected rally points. Speaking on the development, human rights activist Israel Joe lamented the growing disconnect between the essence of Democracy Day and the current realities in the country. He noted that the ideals symbolized by the June 12 struggle and the legacy of M.K.O.…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several notable Nigerians, including the late Kudirat Abiola and Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, in recognition of their contributions to the country’s democratic journey. The honours were announced during a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 12, as part of the events marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration. Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Chief MKO Abiola—the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election—was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who served as the chairman of the National Electoral Commission during the historic…

Former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has urged Nigerian leaders to move beyond symbolic gestures and actively include young people in the processes of policy-making, governance, and national development. In a Democracy Day statement titled “The Nigerian Youth and the Future of Our Democracy,” Ohakim emphasized the need for a comprehensive legislative framework that mandates youth representation across all levels of government. He noted that despite constituting over 70% of Nigeria’s population, youths remain largely excluded from power structures, often limited to peripheral roles as aides or cheerleaders rather than equal stakeholders. “Democracy has danced around our youth…