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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)
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…