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.”
News
80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army
80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State under the amnesty programme of the state government.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Sokoya said that the militants surrendered in the early hours of Friday, at Atimbo Rear Area, following Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, within the area of responsibility of the 13 Brigade.
According to him, the repentant militants emerged from two camps, with one group led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters.
He said that the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.
Sokoya added that assorted arms, ammunition and other items, were also voluntarily surrendered during the exercise.
He said that these included: rifles, pump-action guns, single-barrel weapons, magazines, ammunition, speed boats, boat engines and other military-related equipment.
The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Paul Alimikhena, described the development as a major confidence-building milestone.
He attributed it to sustained military operations, constructive engagement and effective collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
He said that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment, while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths, and ensuring lasting peace across in the area.
The commander said that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the state’s Department of State Services (DSS).
He commended the State Government, under Gov. Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. (NAN)
News
My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help
My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help
A Harare woman, Melocia Gwata, has successfully obtained a court-issued protection order against her husband, George Kusotera, following allegations of excessive sexual demands and physical abuse.
The case was heard at the Harare Civil Court before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga, where Melocia detailed the severity of her ordeal. She told the court that her husband had coerced her into sexual activity up to eight times a night, resorting to violence whenever she refused.
“He wants to have s3x every day and wakes me up in the middle of the night, even after we’ve been intimate countless times on the same day,” Melocia stated.
She further described how the abuse extended beyond physical coercion, with George allegedly threatening divorce and verbally assaulting her in front of their children.
“He has been assaulting me in front of our children, shouting obscenities and telling them I don’t deserve to be called their mother,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll the behaviour has taken on her and the family.
In response, George acknowledged his actions, apologising to his wife and attributing his conduct to love. “I did not realise I was making her uncomfortable. I apologise and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he told the court.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Taruvinga granted Melocia a protection order, legally preventing her husband from further abuse and ensuring her safety.
News
Scores of terrorists neutralised after Major attacks on military base
Scores of terrorists neutralised after Major attacks on military base
Nigerian troops have successfully neutralised several terrorists and thwarted coordinated attacks in Adamawa and Borno States.
The Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, announced that the successes followed swift and decisive responses by soldiers to attempts by insurgents to overrun military formations in the North-East.
In a statement issued on Friday, Acting Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Solomon Atokolo, confirmed that the operations resulted in heavy casualties for the terrorists.
He explained that the first attack took place in the early hours of January 16, 2026, when insurgents targeted a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Atokolo stated that troops under Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai quickly engaged the attackers and successfully repelled them. He added that reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force were promptly mobilised to support the operation, ensuring that the assault was decisively crushed.
“The terrorists were successfully repelled without any casualty to our troops or damage to equipment, forcing them to abandon the attack,” the statement said.
He added that security forces later carried out clearance operations in the surrounding area, scanning for improvised explosive devices and booby traps to guarantee the safety of both civilians and personnel.
In a separate incident on the same day, terrorists staged a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State.
The attackers attempted to breach the base’s defensive perimeter but were met with fierce resistance from troops. With support from the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms, the soldiers unleashed sustained firepower that compelled the insurgents to retreat.
Although rocket-propelled grenade fire from the terrorists damaged some troop-carrying vehicles and partially affected the base’s CCTV control room, Atokolo said troops maintained full control of the situation and prevented any further breach.
The military spokesperson disclosed that several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the fleeing terrorists.
Items seized included a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds, and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
The Joint Task Force commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security to the North-East region.
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