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Breaking: Senate President: Akpabio Wins

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The former Akwa Ibom state governor defeated Abdullaziz Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara state by 63 votes to his opponent’s who scored 46 votes to clinch the position, according to the results announced by the Clerk of the Senate.

Two contestants, Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Izunaso had earlier dropped out of the race before the election commenced this morning at the National Assembly Chamber in Abuja.

More details later………

CBN: How Officials Collected N280bn Bribes Under Anchor Borrowers Scheme

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

Some officials in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, allegedly collected bribes to the tune of N280 billion before they approved loans for farmers under the Anchor Borrowers Scheme, ABP, a stakeholder in the sector said.

Rotimi William, the Chief Executive Officer of Kereksuk Rice Farms made the allegation during a recent stakeholders’ meeting, adding that one of the reasons why the policy failed is because approving officials insist on collecting bribes before making the loan available to benefit farmers.

The Scheme is anchored by the CBN in collaboration with some commercial banks as part of the Federal government’s efforts to ensure an abundance of rice and food security for Nigerians.

But the ABP has been adjudged a failure by major stakeholders in the agri-business sector, including the International Monetary Fund, IMF, which claimed that farmers who benefitted from the Scheme have failed to pay back the loans.

Whereas the apex bank claimed that over N1 trillion has been released so far to the farmers, the IMF said barely 24 percent of that amount has been paid back by farmers.

The reason for the default, the IMF said is because the farmers used the loans for other purposes rather than what it was originally meant for.

Williams blamed the low payment level among farmers on the fact that the funds were not approved based on merit, adding that the policy initiated by the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele has not achieved its purpose, a pointer to that, he explained is the high price of rice in the market.

He, however, said the Scheme should be overhauled for better results.

According to him, “The measurement of success should be a reflection of the price of a commodity in the market and in the past five years. What we have experienced is persistent increase in the price of rice across markets, coupled with an increase in smuggling activity, signally a supply gap in the market.

“This is the true signal of either success or failure. At this point, it is safe to say that Nigeria’s money was wasted,” he adjudged.

“This is the primary reason why the repayment levels are low: the funds were not approved based on merit and the recipients do not feel the need to pay back following the huge kickbacks given.

“To quantify this based on the N1.4 trillion, a total kickback of N280 billion was enjoyed by the approving authority within the bank

“I honestly believe that the ABP was developed with clear intentions and if the funds were disbursed on merit, the impact would have been immense. Its failure is down to the greed of the approving authorities and the negligence of the banks that accepted questionable collaterals.

“I believe that with minor adjustments, the impact could be positive, but with over N1 trillion disbursed and potentially lost, I am not sure the government will have the appetite to continue.”

D-Day: Kalu, Izunaso Still In Race For Senate President

By
James Orji
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0

Ahead of the election of a new Senate President on Tuesday, a group has berated those suggesting that two top candidates in the race have stepped down.

The rumour that Orji Uzo Kalu and Osita Izunaso have stepped down from the race to become the President of the Senate in the 10th National Assembly, NASS, should be disregarded, according to One Nigeria, a group that said it represents the interest of the two senators.

The group spoke on the crest of suggestion that both Kalu and Izunaso have stepped down for Senator Godswill Akpabio, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC candidate for the top position.

One Nigeria, in a statement by Joseph Ironsi, its Publicity Secretary on Monday night stated that those peddling the rumour are part of anti-democratic forces bent on foisting unpopular candidate on NASS.

The statement reads, “ We are miffed by what is playing out in the bid to force someone who is not popular as the leaders of the senate. From the beginning, we have told the whole world that we have no interest in whoever becomes the senate president of the 10th assembly.

“What we are particular about is that the senators should be allowed to choose whoever pleases them to lead them. That is how to grow democracy and not the other way out.

“What disturbed us most is the publication by the respected The Cable. Maybe because of the respect we have for the publisher, Mr. Simon Kolawole, we would have left it without a reaction. We wonder how a newspaper of The Cable standard would publish a story of such magnitude without contacting the parties concerned.

“Why we know the role the media play in deepening democracy, we want them to watch and report things as they occur without adding or subtracting anything.

”We may not know whether anybody met or not but we know is that Senators Kalu and Izunaso are still in the race, just like Senator Yari. Anybody saying otherwise is fooling himself.”

Meanwhile, those watching what is happening in NASS insist that the Senate President race is a straight contest between Senators Abdullaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfar state, and Akpabio.

“Don’t Appoint Policeman NSA”, Group Cautions Tinubu; Says Military Officers Bribing To Be Service Chiefs

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group under the aegis of Nigeria Progressive Retired Security Operatives Front has urged President Bola Tinubu to be cautious, vigilant and decisive in choosing his Security Chiefs that will run the nation’s security architecture.

Speculations are that Tinubu is expected to name his new Service Chiefs this week, prompting the Group to issue a statement in this regard.

Advising the President to avoid the theory of the “slippery banana peel” in choosing his Service Chiefs, the Group  in a Statement said that the President is about to commit ‘grievous error’ if he insists on picking from a list of officers who are part of the entrenched forces that keep Nigerian security stunted.

The statement signed by Col. Samuel Alabi and Mohammed Suleimani, the President and Secretary of the Group mentioned in  particular, senior military officer from Lagos who is said to have spent close to N500million in bribe to become the Chief of Army Staff.

“We are aware of the desperation of some corrupt and inept top military officers. They have committed no fewer than N600million to bribe some people in order to ensure they secure the posts of Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and the Chief of Defense Staff, (CDS)”.

The Group urged President Tinubu to  be careful not to appoint “men of yesteryears whose conducts continue to fuel terrorism and insurgency”

It added that the current service Chiefs and some of the GOCs are part of a group that wanted to thwart the May 29 handover date.

“They did everything possible to prevent the May 29 handover. They used threat and flagged off false intelligence to confuse and even intimidate former President Mohammadu Buhari to ensure he would not hand over to President Tinubu

The same group have been bribing political figures with millions of naira to ensure they get the slots of Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff.

“They want to lay landmines for the current administration. They are no longer professional soldiers but business men. They are  stupendously rich. They are desperate to influence the process with money. This is a poison President Tinubu must avoid.”

The group said President Tinubu will be making a “terrible mistake” if he appoints a Police man as National Security Adviser adding that no Military General will ever listen to a Retired Police Officer as NSA alluding to the speculations that former Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Chairman, Nuhu  Ribadu would be appointed as the NSA.

It stressed that there has been a lot of fault lines in the Armed Forces created by the old order which ensures certain positioning for godsons aligned to the old order which ensures to fight for the control of the Armed Forces through an unimaginary existing structures they manage.

The group said there have been cases of so many brilliant and qualified officers who have been thrown out of service via this corrupt structure and will always defend such actions with excuses of no space at the top for promotion or lack of  geopolitical slots but mediocre officers loyal to the structure are never affected by these templates.

It has,  however, cautioned Tinubu not to appoint any of the current Serving Chiefs as the Chief of Defense Staff, CDS.

Imo PDP Feasts On The Blood Of Insecurity Victims, Plans Phantom Protest In Abuja – IMSG

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Government has declared that it is aware of a sinister plan by the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to feast on the blood of the victims of insecurity in the State, through a planned phantom protest in Abuja, scheduled for this week.

According to the Government, the opposition has recruited unsuspecting indigenes and miscreants for shipment to Abuja  for the protest at diplomatic  missions, where the recruits will claim to be  relatives of the victims of  insecurity in the State, and  blame the Government for the killings.

A statement in Owerri on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, said the frustrated opposition PDP rattled by the defeat staring them on the face in the November Governorship election is now employing all manner of desperate antics to cause confusion in the State.

Emelumba said the government is fully aware of this evil plan by the PDP, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja within the week, explaining that the whole idea is to blackmail the Government of being responsible for the killing of those who lost their lives in the State.

He regretted that a political party seeking to govern the State is ready to dance on the graves of Imo citizens and feast on their blood in their quest for power.

The statement continues: “Fully aware of its lack of capacity and integrity to win the upcoming Governorship election in Imo State this November, the PDP is now resorting to this barefaced falsehood embedded in hypocrisy as the last ditch effort to win the sympathy of gullible members of the society.

“Aware of its complicity in the blood letting that previously rocked the state after it brazenly declared that it will make Imo ungovernable for His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of the State, PDP now wants to turn the table against the same government by recruiting unsuspecting people and urchins from the 27 Local Government Areas and parade them as victims of insecurity in the state, who will claim that it was the Government that killed their relatives.

“Currently, PDP is moving across the Local Government Areas paying huge sums of money to people, 10 per LGA, preparatory to shipping them to Abuja for the orchestrated protest.

“Government is, therefore, warning parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards lest they become victims in a proxy war of vendetta and greed.

“Both the Nigerian people and the Diplomatic community should ignore such self-serving politically motivated protest which is aimed at blackmailing the State Government.

“The security agencies have also been put on high alert to look out for those bent on perpetrating crimes in a bid to thwart the hard won peace in the State.

“Finally, the Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma will continue to do all within its constitutional responsibilities to ensure that nobody disrupts the peace of the State. It will also continue to discharge its responsibility of protecting lives and property in the State.”

“You Are A Liar”,  Airpeace Slams Sirika, Former Aviation Minister

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Hadi Sirika

By Adesina Soyooye

The Management of Airpeace,  Nigeria’s largest Airline, has called the immediate past Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, a blatant liar.

Sirika has been under the slammer since he left office, especially, since after it was revealed that he deceived Nigerians by renting an Ethiopian Airline Aircraft, which he unveiled as a Nigeria Air Aircraft, to mark the take-off of Airline.

After the “show” at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where the Aircraft was welcomed with pomp and pageantry, it flew back to its owners, Ethiopian Airline.

Since then, and especially since the  House of Representatives Committee on Aviation called it a fraud,  not a few Nigerians have called for the arrest and investigation of Sirika in connection with the role he, allegedly, played in the show of shame.

In a bid to defend himself and explain the role he played, the former Minister appeared on Arise Television on Saturday,  June 10, 2023, to tell his story. But his explanation seem to have exposed him to more controversies.

For instance, he accused Honourable Nnolim Nnaji, former Chairman  of the House Committee on Aviation of dubbing the Nigeria Air project a fraud, because Nnaji requested for bribe from him. He wanted five per cent shares for him and his colleagues, Sirika said.

He also denied being part of the Abuja launch, insisting he was invited to it by the investors. But investigation shows he and his Ministry were the masterminds. They were the ones who invited people to the occasion.

However, Airpeace has taken an exception to what he said about the Airline. Sirika had said that Airpeace leased two Boeing 777 for which the Airline is paying the sum of $250,000 per month. Sirika added that the Aircraft were parked for months for which it incurred loses of $19 million and the engines and landing gears became due for replacement.

He also said that the Airline discontinued its Dubai route because it lacked capacity.

But in a swift reaction, with facts, the Airline said the former Minister was 100 per cent incorrect, and called him a blarant liar. It said it was sad the Sirika was ignorant of the happenings in his Ministry.

For instance, Airpeace said it boasts of three Boeing 777 and not two. It said it purchased the three outrightly, and neither leased nor rented any of them. It also said it incurred no losses anywhere and debunked Sirika’s claim that it discontinued its Dubai  route because it lacked capacity. It disclosed that it discontinued because Dubai banned Nigerians from getting visas, one of the reasons Emirates Airlines stopped coming to Nigeria.

Here’s what the Airline said in part, in the statement, signed by its Chief Operating Officer,  Toyin  Olajide:

“Air peace never incurred such a loss, we never paid rentals contrary to his lies. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, can attest to the purchase and ownership of the Aircraft by Air peace.

“Secondly, Sirika said the airline stopped flying to Dubai because ‘we lack capacity’. This is another stark lie.

“Air Peace never stopped the Dubai operations because of lack of capacity. Air Peace commenced operations into the UAE in July, 2019, but in October 2022, the UAE Government announced a total visa ban on Nigerians.

“Neither Emirates nor Air Peace is operating the Nigerian/UAE route since the ban. The persisting non-issuance of visas and the accompanying inconveniences necessitated the suspension of our Dubai operations from November 22, 2022 till date.

“For the former minister to ascribe the suspension to ‘lack of capacity’ is not only shocking but also shows how keen he is to disparage an airline which ascendancy, has defied all the commercial odds and hostile environment placed on its path to continue to serve our nation proudly.

“How could an airline that placed a firm order for 13 brand new E2-195 aircraft, a firm order of 15 Boeing 737 Max 8 & Max 10, with over 30 aircraft already in its existing fleet be accused of lacking in capacity?

“How can an Airline that stood up for the entire nation during the Covid-19 outbreak, and embarked on rescue operations worldwide, evacuating Nigerians from far away China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, UK and South Africa during the Covid-19 lockdowns be accused of lacking capacity?

“We implore the general public to disregard these lies told by the former minister of Aviation against Air Peace during the interview.

“We take serious exception to a situation where Airpeace is being misrepresented in the public sphere, causing wrong perceptions about our brand”

APC, INEC Are Anti June 12 Agents – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

In a statement to mark the June 12 Anniversary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that democracy day is being celebrated under deceitful atmosphere.

The party described as distasteful, offensive and unacceptable for the nation to observe the Democracy Day under a system that violated, desecrated and despoiled all the tenets of Democracy as witnessed in brazen rigging that characterized the 2023 general elections.

It specifically said that the barefaced manipulations of the 2023 general elections by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amounts to an unpardonable assault and rape of democracy and disregard for the Will of the people; the very ills which Chief MKO Abiola fought and died for.

PDP, therefore, urged Nigerians to use the June 12 Democracy Day to accentuate the demand for the entrenchment of democratic tenets in the country.

These were contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba in which the party noted that June 12 epitomizes the struggle by Nigerians against corrupt, manipulative and anti-democratic system; against injustice, impunity and electoral fraud which INEC, under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu now represents.

“It is indeed heartrending that all the steady progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in reforming our electoral system have been completely wiped off by INEC in the conduct of the 2023 general elections.”

The PDP, however, urged Nigerians not to despair but remain optimistic and law-abiding in their hope for a better nation which they earnestly yearn for.

The Party also charged leaders at all level across the country to be guided by the essence of June 12 by always adhering to the principles of democracy in the overall interest of the Nigerians people.

June 12: Akeredolu Insists On Restructuring That Births State Police, Devolution Of Power

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has emphasized the need to reassess the current socio-political structure in the country to ensure progress and development.

Governor Akeredolu asserted that undertaking a comprehensive restructuring of the nation is crucial for deepening democratic gains.

Acknowledging that June 12 represents more than just a milestone in the pursuit of justice, the Governor said that Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding principles of equity and fairness.

Akeredolu, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, called on the people to reflect on the significance of June 12 and honour the sacrifices made by the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Governor stated in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde that “Today is a commemoration of sacrifices, patriotism, and peaceful struggle. June 12 marks a significant moment in our country’s democratic history, symbolizing a profound renewal of hope and ambition.

“It serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering optimism and determination in the face of formidable obstacles.”

Governor Akeredolu stressed that the welfare of the people should be the primary focus, urging Nigerians to unite for the collective betterment of the country.

He charged the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a comprehensive revalidation of the hope of Nigerians.

“The need for restructuring has become undeniable. The federal government must relinquish its excessive control over the sub-national entities.

“It is imperative that security is decentralized to the states. There is no better time than now for the establishment of state police.

“The symbol of the June 12 struggle made the ultimate sacrifice. We must not allow our people to continue paying the price in vain.

“It is devastating. By devolving power to the sub-national entities, we can deepen our democratic values, strengthen governance, and make our nation more resilient.”

Governor Akeredolu further appealed for national unity, underscoring that the solution to Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges lies in the cohesion of all ethnic groups within the country.

He commended the extraordinary sacrifices made by both departed and living individuals in birthing democracy, urging Nigerians not to overlook the lessons taught by past political experiences.

While acknowledging the arduous nature of nation-building, the Governor expressed optimism that the challenges can be overcome.

He expressed confidence in the administration of President Tinubu, stating that the new President will restore the people’s confidence and work diligently for the betterment of the country.

The Governor said his administration firmly believes that any developmental aspirations must prioritize the well-being of the people.

He noted that despite financial limitations, his administration has made significant strides in bridging the infrastructural gap.

Ponmo Dangerous To Your Health – FG Warns

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ponmon

By Ayodele Oni

The lust by Nigerians for bush meat, ponmo (cow skin) smoke meat seems to be under threat as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development warns against their consumption.

The ministry has alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.

With the development, the ministry strongly advised Nigerians to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control.

This was contained in a statement in Abuja, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, on Monday.

The statement said the outbreak was first recorded in northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo putting the whole sub-region at risk.

“The disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.

“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

“However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

“Signs of anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.”

The statement further warned the general public against closeness to non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax as it can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores including consumption of contaminated/Infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.

Let June 12 inspire us to correct the error of February” 25 – Obi urges Nigerians on Democracy Day

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to let the spirit of June 12 being celebrated as Democracy Day in our country inspire us to correct the errors of February 25, 2023, as the surest root to restoring and deepening our democracy.

Obi in a Democracy Day message to Nigerians said that “ the challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections.  This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy”

The Presidential candidate described June 12  as “a historic day that deserves to be celebrated” noting that “on that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.

Obi noted that it’s the qualities of votes reflecting the true choice of our people  “that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy. Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples across the world.”

The former Anambra state Governor who is in court challenging the Presidential election he is perceived to have won remarked “June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.

He regretted that  “the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.

“We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.”

The Presidential flag bearer urged the country to “use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.

“In the spirit of June 12,  therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.

“Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.  A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.

Obi regretted that Nigerians are now in “an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting.

“The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.

On behalf of himself, his Vice, Datti BabaAhmad, his party, the Labour Party, and the Obidient Movement worldwide, Obi congratulated Nigerians for the celebration and urged all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct.

Finally, he expressed commitment and total conviction that a New Nigeria is POssible and that our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security, and peace can hardly be a utopia. “We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources. What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection of lives, property, and ordered liberties. These aspirations are real and achievable, and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve”.

Below is the Full text of the statement.

MR PETER OBI’S 2023 DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE

Today is June 12, marked in our dear country as Democracy Day. It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated.

On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.

It is these qualities that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy.

Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and people across the world.

Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.

However,  the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.

We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.

We should, therefore, use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.

In the spirit of June 12,  therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.

Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.  A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.

Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence, and bloodletting.

The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.

The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections.  This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy.

I however urge us all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct.

I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is POssible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security, and peace can hardly be a utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources. What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection of lives, property, and ordered liberties. These aspirations are real and achievable, and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve.

Let me, therefore, on behalf of the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement across the globe wish all Nigerians a happy democracy day.

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