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Nigerians differ on gains of 25-year of uninterrupted democracy
A cross section of Nigerians, on Wednesday in Abuja expressed divergent opinions on the state of affairs as the country marks its 25-year of uninterrupted democracy.
Some Nigerians, who stated this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that democratic government had yielded much result for the country, while others think otherwise.
Mr Benjamin Otu, a resident in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said democracy had over the years impacted positively on Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.
According to him, democracy is gradually taking its roots in every facet of “our national life,” arguing that some of the rights and privileges enjoyed today resulted from a thriving democracy.
Otu said that Nigeria’s democracy had come a long way since 1999, adding that all hands must be on desk to reposition it.
A civil servant, Mr Rotimi Adeyemi, said that there was no alternative to a democratic government.
According to him, “under democracy, we have freedom of expression and association, which was nonexistent during the military regime.
”For the past 25 years, the people of Nigeria have imbibed and internalised the principles and culture of democracy.
“Most of the bills coming from the National Assembly and the change of government periodically without any interruption have shown that democracy has come to stay,” he said.
According to him, some of the problems faced by Nigerians can be traced back to the military regime, so we are better with the democratic government.
“Now people associate freely and walk freely, and power flows from people. It is the people that decide who rules them,” he said.
Mr James Edoh, a businessman, said that democracy had given Nigerians the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
“In contrast, the military rule we had, was characterised by tyranny and oppression. It is often said that the worst democratic government is better than the best military government.
“It is best that we stay with the democratic government and improve on it than the military regime.
“We have benefited from the democratic government because the government from the beginning of this regime till now has tried.
“A lot has been enjoyed by Nigerians in this democratic regime compared to the military regime. Like peace, job creation, among others,” he said.
Also, Mr Caleb Ezea, a trader said that democracy allowed for participatory governance.
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It gives voice to the common man.
“The voice of everyone is heard unlike military rule, whereby it is the government of the strongest, tyranny is the order of the day.
“This is because the president or head of states has the highest power and can do whatever suits him.
”Although we are not doing fantastic with the democratic government, I am sure it is better than the military,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel Ogbu, a civil servant, called for more transparency and effectiveness in Nigeria’s democracy.
Ogbu, who said that the country’s democracy was too expensive at the expense of the country and the masses, urged the country to try another system of government.
Similarly, Mr Solomon Oladapo, a resident of Suleja, called for more progress at the level of development in the country.
He advised the government to close any loopholes that enable some individuals to loot the nation’s wealth.
However, Miss Irene Nsiodo, a resident of Garki, said that democracy had brought about stability in the political system of the country.
“I believe that democracy has given hope for a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.”
“Freedom of expression has been given a chance to thrive, leading to the exposure of corrupt practices in various sectors of the economy,” she said. (NAN)
The Cross River State chapter of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), has criticized Governor Bassey Otu for failing to fulfill his promises to the youth since the beginning of his first term in office.
ND-PYLF lamented the absence of sustainable initiatives that could equip young people with skills, employment, or entrepreneurial support.
The secretary, Engr. Sunday Odey Ogbudu and spokesperson, Wilfred Ekawu, in a statement, expressed disappointment over what it described as the governor’s lack of commitment to youth development, job creation, and empowerment programs.
They said: “Governor Otu came into office with promises of a brighter future for the youth, but so far, there has been little to no progress. Unemployment remains high, and opportunities for young people are scarce. His administration has not prioritized youth empowerment as expected.
“We had high hopes that his leadership would usher in a new era of youth inclusiveness in governance and economic development, but what we see today is neglect and a failure to engage the youth meaningfully.”
The group urged the governor to reassess his administration’s approach and implement concrete policies that would benefit the younger generation before the situation worsens.
“The youth are the backbone of Cross River’s future, and if they are ignored, the state will suffer in the long run. We call on Governor Otu to fulfill his campaign promises and take decisive action toward youth development.”
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), Nigeria Chapter, a leading Pan-African student organisation, has announced its intention to honour Engr Ademehin Olugboyega, the State Director of Vehicle Inspection Services at the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to duty.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by PSM President, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, and shared with journalists.
The group praised Engr Olugboyega for his exemplary service, describing him as a hardworking, principled, and compassionate individual with an impeccable reputation.
“PSM strongly believes in recognising individuals who have diligently distinguished themselves in their duties,” the statement read.
“Information at our disposal shows that Engr Ademehin Olugboyega is an uncompromising man of high standards, a true lover of the Most High God, and someone with an unblemished reputation.
“We firmly believe that with more people like him in service, Nigeria will become a better place.”
In recognition of his significant contributions to nation-building, the PSM Nigeria Chapter revealed plans to confer upon Engr Olugboyega the prestigious “Icon of National Development” award.
The accolade is intended to celebrate his exceptional leadership and dedication to improving standards within his field.
The PSM, known for its advocacy on behalf of students and its promotion of progressive ideals across Africa, stated that the award would be formally bestowed in the near future, underscoring its commitment to spotlighting role models in Nigerian society.
The death toll from the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 52, according to local authorities.
This followed the recovery of 40 more bodies on Wednesday and Thursday night while the search and rescue team kept combing the bushes for missing persons.
The Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, Farmasum Fuddang, told Channels Television that 31 persons were given a mass burial on Thursday with another five underaged victims burnt to ashes in Hurti village. 11 others were killed in Ruwi village, four in Manguna village with one person killed in Daffo village.
According to the Cultural Group Vanguard, residents are awaiting an outcome from the ongoing search and rescue of missing persons in the Hurti and Mbar villages respectively.
The Plateau State Government has condemned the attacks and called for calm as a coordinated security response is currently ongoing in the affected areas.
In a statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, expressed concern about the renewed attacks.
She described the unfortunate incident as a setback to the gains in maintaining law and order by security agencies in the local government area.
“Security agencies have deployed and dominated these areas to ensure normalcy returns at the shortest possible time,” she stated.
“Additionally, important arrests have been made by the security agencies and this will hopefully help in stemming the tide of this ugly situation.”
Ramnap also urged Plateau residents to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands as the state government has deployed strategic measures to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms in collaboration with security operatives.
Also, religious, traditional, and community leaders have been urged to reinforce the message of peace, unity, and lawful engagement as the government is committed to upholding law and order and will not relent in its pursuit of justice against those who seek to destabilize the communities.
Residents were also encouraged to remain law-abiding, support security efforts, and utilize official channels for security concerns.
Tensions have soared in the state since about 200 people were killed at Christmas 2023 celebrations during a bloody attack on a majority Christian village.
In May last year, around 40 people were killed and homes torched in the town of Wase.