Coup, Military rule has no place in modern Nigeria- Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar
Coup, Military rule has no place in modern Nigeria- Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has firmly stated that military rule has no place in modern Nigeria, emphasising that democratic governance has proven resilient and effective over the past 25 years.
Speaking at the launch of ‘100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923 – 2023’, a book by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Gen. Abdulsalami underscored that the survival of democratic rule despite challenges from reactionary forces is a testament to the strength and commitment of Nigerians.
Reflecting on his own legacy, the former leader expressed pride in his role in transitioning Nigeria from military to civilian rule.
“I laid a solid foundation by handing over power to civilian authorities,” he said, stressing that “there is no alternative to civil rule.”
The event also featured remarks by House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who echoed Gen. Abdulsalami’s sentiments, stressing the importance of strong political parties and a vibrant opposition for effective governance. Tajudeen pointed out that such parties are crucial for Nigeria’s political stability and development.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, further emphasized the need for political parties to foster internal democracy to ensure fair and credible elections.
Gen. Abdulsalami’s remarks came as a call to action for Nigerians and political parties to continue nurturing democracy, which he sees as the cornerstone of the nation’s future.
He concluded by highlighting that the endurance of democracy in Nigeria for over two decades is a testament to the resilience and unwavering belief in representative governance among the Nigerian people.
He said: “Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.
“There is no substitute to the government of the people, by the people and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people.
“This year will also make it 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since 1st October 1960, when the country got Independence from the British colonial masters.
“I am happy that my government, as the then military Head of State, ushered in this era of democracy when I handed over power to the elected President on 29th May 1999.
“My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance.
“It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.
“We should, therefore, keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule.
“Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived.
“It is a testament to citizen’s belief and resilience in representative governance.
“It has become expedient to explore political parties’ development priorities to consolidate the nation’s democracy and ensure an environment conducive to successful elections and political stability which is in tandem with the IPAC mandate.
“Since knowledge is power, I have no doubt that we will all be enriched with this book and deliberations on it and chart the way forward in our political process.”
Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has called for a renewed focus on party supremacy, urging political parties to adhere strictly to their manifestoes and to base their formations on clear, guiding ideologies.
His remarks highlight the importance of integrity and purpose within political organizations as the foundation for sustainable democracy.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also addressed the event, reflecting on Nigeria’s transition to civil rule in 1999 after over three decades of military governance.
He described the shift as a fresh start for the country, a moment that marked a turning point in the nation’s political journey.
In his speech, delivered by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Abbas stressed the need for politicians to refrain from exploiting ethnic divisions for personal and political gain, an issue that has long hindered national unity and progress.
Abbas also expressed concern over the increasing control of political parties by wealthy individuals, lamenting how financial power is being used to dominate party structures.
He emphasised the need for grassroots participation, suggesting that members should be required to pay dues and take ownership of their respective parties, ensuring they remain representative of the people and not just the elite.
Abbas added: “Our parties today, to even give you a membership card, they turn it into trying to get a loan from the Nigerian bank. We need to review it.
“Political parties must serve as platforms for ideation, policy innovation, and citizen engagement, rather than tools for personal aggrandisement or factional dominance.
“The vibrancy of a democracy is measured not just by the strength of its ruling party, but also by the ability of its opposition to provide constructive criticism and alternative pathways for governance.
“Internal democracy within the political parties must play a role in ensuring the emergence of political representations.
“It is by so doing that we will eliminate imposition and godfatherism that have over the years characterised our political management.
“To consolidate our democracy is a duty of all democrats in Nigeria and we must take the bull by the horns. The time is now.”
The Police Prosecutor, ASP Olusegun Elisha, told the court that the defendant committed the offense sometime between the months of February and March within Osogbo metropolis.
Elisha said the defendant who allegedly claimed to be a naval officer had assaulted a teenager for reasons unknown .
He said the offense contravened sections 484 and 351 of the criminal code cap 34 Vol.1, laws of Osun,2002 .
The defendant pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of impersonation and assault against him.
The defense counsel, Mr Olatunbosun Oladipupo, had requested the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.
The Magistrate, Mrs O. Daramola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 and two sureties in the likesum.
Daramola said the sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction with evidence of tax payment and passport size photographs, attached with an affidavit of means.
The case was adjourned to May 6 for hearing. (NAN)
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BREAKING; President Tinubu approves appointment of new Accountant General of the Federation
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation after a rigorous selection processes.
His appointment, approved on Tuesday, takes effect from March 7, 2025, the same day the incumbent Oluwatoyin Madehin will retire, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Spokesman, said in a statement.
Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor last December.
“A selection committee later picked him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service.
“The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interview.
“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions,” said the statement.
Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Tinubu congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment and urged him to discharge his duties in the service of Nigeria with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Nigeria’s service. (NAN)
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S3xual harassment cannot happen in Senate – Senator Ita-Giwa slams Natasha
Sexual harassment cannot happen in Senate – Senator Ita-Giwa slams Natasha
Ex-Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser, has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment, claiming that women are immune from harassment once they join the Senate.
In a recent live television appearance, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had blocked her attempts to introduce motions on the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State and demanded sexual favors in return for her speaking rights.
Responding to the allegations during an appearance on Arise TV on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ita-Giwa, who represented Cross River South Senatorial District, said it was inappropriate for female senators to claim sexual harassment after attaining such a high political office.
She described such complaints as a sign of weakness, implying that women in the Senate should be empowered and confident enough to avoid such situations.
She said, “By the time you contest elections and get to Senate, you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed. You go there to serve, and you are all equal in that place. And again, it shows weakness; you don’t allow it. It (sexual harassment) can not happen in the Senate.
“I am not saying the lady is lying, but when you get to the Senate, you’re there as a person. You’re not there as a woman.
“At that stage in politics, if you come out and say someone is sexually harassing you, it is a weakness.”
When questioned whether female lawmakers should remain silent if they are sexually harassed by colleagues, Ita-Giwa firmly stated that accusing fellow lawmakers of making advances is a sign of weakness for female senators.
“I do not agree with Senator Akpoti on this issue. It is the worst sign of weakness for a woman to come forward and accuse a man of making advances at that level,” she said.
Ita-Giwa emphasised that female senators should view themselves as equals to their male counterparts, noting that securing a senatorial seat is no easy feat for anyone, regardless of gender.