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Nigerians Urged to Uphold Principles of Democracy, Justice, and Unity – Group

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By Amos Tauna, Kaduna

The National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, has stated that as Nigerians reflect on the implications and lessons of 12th June, the LPPMC reaffirms its commitment to fostering a Nigeria that learns from its past while striving for a brighter future.

He declared, “We call upon all Nigerians to join us in this endeavour for a nation that upholds the principles of democracy, justice, and unity.”

In a statement released on Monday, Okundaye expressed their belief in a Nigeria where individual freedoms are honoured, social justice is upheld, and the country’s democratic institutions are fortified for the benefit of all.

He remarked, “As we look forward to a more promising future, we must also reflect on the past to comprehend the challenges that have impeded our democratic progress. A particularly significant moment in Nigeria’s history is the annulment of the 12th June 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“The recent acceptance of responsibility for this annulment by former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, during his book launch, has reopened old wounds and reminded us of the setbacks this decision inflicted upon our democracy.”

He asserted that the annulment of 12th June was not merely a political blunder but a devastating blow to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, arguing that it deprived the nation of the opportunity to build upon its foundation.

“Had the election been upheld, Nigeria would have established a tradition of credible elections, thereby reducing the prevalence of rigging and electoral malpractice that has since become endemic,” he opined.

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The National Coordinator of LPPMC believes that the annulment exacerbated regional and ethnic divisions in Nigeria. Prior to 12th June, there was a sense of unity and hope as Nigerians from various ethnic and religious backgrounds voted overwhelmingly for Chief MKO Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim from the South, and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, a Muslim from the North. He contended that the annulment shattered this unity and fuelled suspicions of ethnic and regional bias in the distribution of political power.

According to him, the 12th June election illustrated that Nigerians could rise above religious divides, as both Christians and Muslims supported the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Abiola and Kingibe without reservations or fears of an Islamisation agenda. He pointed out that the annulment politicised religion and sowed seeds of distrust between the two major faiths in Nigeria, a division that continues to plague politics today.

He added, “The annulment laid the groundwork for the abuse of incumbency power in Nigeria. It sent a dangerous message that those in power could manipulate the democratic process to serve their interests. This culture of impunity has persisted, with successive leaders exploiting their positions to undermine democratic institutions and entrench their hold on power.”

He noted that the annulment marked the onset of the erosion of the Electoral Commission’s independence, stating that since then, the Commission has often been perceived as a tool of the ruling party, rather than an impartial arbitrator of the electoral process, significantly undermining public trust in the electoral system.

Okundaye emphasised that the annulment eroded trust between the political elite and the Nigerian populace, reinforcing the perception that politicians and military leaders would go to any lengths to retain power, even if it meant betraying the will of the people. He lamented that this culture of betrayal and manipulation continues to define Nigerian politics.

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Troops neutralise 5 bandits’ leaders in Zamfara

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Troops of 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau said they have neutralised five bandits’ leaders in Zamfara.

This is contained in a statement in Gusau on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations,1 Brigade, Gusau, Capt. Suleiman Omale.

According to the statement, those killed are Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza and recovered weapons.

“The troops, under the command of Brig. Gen. Timothy Opurum, has recorded a major operational success in its ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda local governments of Zamfara.

“In the early hours of Thursday, May 1, the troops of Combat Team 6 (CT 6) on a fighting patrol encountered a large number of armed terrorists who had infiltrated Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA.

“The terrorists have been attacking locals and setting houses ablaze before the arrival of troops.

“Upon contact, the troops decisively engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, successfully neutralizing several terrorists, including five notorious bandits’ leaders.

“Reinforcements from 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF) pursued the fleeing terrorists, resulting in the recovery of a cache of weapons,” he said.

He noted that the weapons recovered include four AK-47 rifles, one PKT Machine Gun, two RPG tubes,6 RPG bombs,28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.

He said during post-operation exploitation on May 2, locals handed over additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralized terrorist leaders.

“Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in crossfire by stray bullets.

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“The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to clear the area of residual threats continue,” he explained.

The statement further said that on May 1, troops of Combat Team 2 (CT 2), in coordination with other security agencies, effectively responded to a protest by residents of Dayau village in Kaura Namoda LGA.

“The villagers, expressing frustration over recent bandit attacks, had blocked a major supply route by burning tires and obstructing traffic.

“The security team conducted a non-violent crowd dispersal operation, restored calm, and reopened the road.

“Normalcy has since returned to the area, and routine activities have resumed,” he added.

Brig. Gen.Timothy Opurum commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops and reassured citizens of the Brigade’s unalloyed commitment to restoring peace and security across the state.

The Nigerian Army encourages the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their hands.

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Jubilation as 500 Rivers Women Receive SDGs/RHI Empowerment Items in Port Harcourt

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It was a day of joy and celebration in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, as 500 women drawn from across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state benefitted from a major empowerment programme jointly organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the flagship humanitarian platform of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The empowerment event was part of a nationwide initiative aimed at lifting vulnerable women out of poverty, in line with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
With songs of thanksgiving on their lips, the women could barely contain their excitement as they received a wide range of empowerment tools, including deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to boost their small-scale enterprises. For many, it was the first step towards economic independence.
One of the beneficiaries, Tina Pepple, described the gesture as “a miracle that would change her life”. She added, “with this, I can support my family. I thank our mother, the First Lady, and the SDGs Office for remembering us.” Other beneficiaries—Blessing Dickson, Kariba Dives, Doris Jaja, Stella Ohochukwu, Gloria A. Kuki, and Salome Ohochukwu—also showered encomiums on the First Lady and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs.
Representing the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the event, the wife of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Theresa Ibas, noted that the initiative is aimed at planting seeds of economic revival in the lives of women, with the goal of helping them break free from the cycle of poverty and dependence.
“Today, we are equipping our women with essential tools like deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to build successful businesses and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.”
The President’s wife linked the initiative to broader national and global objectives, noting: “Women’s empowerment is central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
“These items are not just tools; they are stepping stones towards financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women.”
She encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity. “Use these resources wisely to build better lives for yourselves and your families. Let what you receive today prosper in your hands as you contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress.”
She also commended the OSSAP-SDGs for its leadership in aligning the empowerment programmes with global best practices and for providing the technical and financial frameworks for effective implementation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, highlighted the programme’s broader impact on national development.
“Today’s programme is not just about distributing empowerment items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive,” she stated, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development through strategic partnerships and direct support to vulnerable populations.
“By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT with tools such as gas cookers, generators, deep freezers and grinding machines, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development.” She added.

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Circulating Kaduna LG Appointment List Lacks Governor’s Approval – Aides

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

A controversial list of political appointees purportedly originating from the Kaduna State Government has triggered outrage within Government House and among prominent politicians across the state’s 23 local government areas.

ELANZA NEWS gathered from credible government sources that the list, which has been widely circulated on social media, did not receive the knowledge or approval of Governor Uba Sani or any of the local council chairmen.

Insiders in the Kaduna State Government confirmed that the document did not emanate from any official or authorized channel.

The list, which includes names of alleged political appointees and their supposed sponsors—some of whom are well-known political figures—has raised serious concerns about internal sabotage and the deliberate spread of misinformation within the state’s political landscape.

“This list is not only fake; it was deliberately leaked to sow confusion, erode public trust, and discredit both the governor and the local council leadership,” a senior government official told ELANZA NEWS under the condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter.

Further investigations revealed the document was allegedly compiled nearly two months ago by unidentified individuals believed to be working against the current administration. Some individuals named in the list reportedly made financial contributions under the impression that the appointments were genuine.

“This fraudulent act is more than just mischief. It is a calculated attempt to deceive the public into believing these appointments have been officially endorsed,” another government source said.

“The government is thoroughly investigating the origin of the document, and those responsible will be held accountable under the law,” the source added.

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Political analysts warn that the incident could prompt a review of the state’s appointment and vetting procedures to prevent future exploitation by political intermediaries.

Governor Uba Sani, who took office in 2023, has consistently championed transparency, meritocracy, and due process in governance. Observers say this incident presents a significant test to the administration’s integrity and internal unity.

As of press time, the state government had not issued an official statement, although sources indicate that a formal response is expected soon to clarify the situation.

Efforts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Musa, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls from our correspondent.

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