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.”

JUST IN; Drunk Driver crashes into Military Men, leaving multiple Soldiers dead

A deadly incident has sent shockwaves through the military community in Lagos, as four soldiers attached to the Myoung Barracks in Shomolu are feared dead, with others injured, after a suspected drunk driver plowed into them.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning during the soldiers’ physical training, has sparked widespread concern and panic within the military ranks.

Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with one soldier recounting, “There’s blood everywhere. I was spared because I was at the back.”

According to sources who spoke with Daily Post, the driver of the vehicle, who is suspected to have been under the influence, was reportedly accompanied by three young men, who were believed to be internet fraudsters, colloquially referred to as ‘Yahoo Boys.’

The vehicle crashed into the group of soldiers near the Army Sports Camp at Myoung Barracks, leaving several soldiers seriously injured and others tragically dead.

Amidst the chaos, one of the car’s occupants managed to flee the scene, while the other two were apprehended by the military.

The situation quickly escalated, with the suspects beaten and their vehicle destroyed by enraged soldiers at the site of the crash.

As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the military community remains in shock, grappling with the loss of their comrades and the dangerous circumstances surrounding the crash.

Peter Obi reacts to Bisi Akande’s allegations that #EndSARS protests was targeted at Tinubu

Former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande’s claims that Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, planned the 2020 #EndSARS protests to thwart Bola Tinubu’s presidential aspirations have been sharply criticised by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.

In a statement to PUNCH, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, refuted Akande’s accusations, labeling them as not only factually incorrect but also deeply insensitive to the victims of the protests.

The controversy stems from a recent podcast appearance by Akande, where he alleged that the #EndSARS protests were part of a larger, well-funded conspiracy orchestrated by the Obidient Movement.

Akande suggested the movement, allegedly supported by foreign funding, was aimed at derailing Tinubu’s rise to power.

“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi,” Akande stated during the interview.

He further added, “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America.”

Obi’s representative, however, swiftly rejected Akande’s narrative, asserting that it was a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and mislead the public.

Ibrahim stressed that Akande’s comments were not only unfounded but also disrespectful to the memories of those who lost their lives during the #EndSARS protests, which were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s struggle for justice and police reform.

“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim stated

“Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

“The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

“To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”