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 Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that the suspects were apprehended by detectives attached to the command’s Criminal Investigation Department.
He explained that the arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence and response to a report received at the Unity Police Division.
He added that exhibits which include firearms, ammunition, machetes and other alleged stolen items were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, on Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 respectively, the Unity Police Division received a report that suspected armed robbers invaded and robbed some residents of Ibagwa-Nike community in Enugu of their valuables.
“Upon the transfer of the case, detective from the state’s CID attached to the Anti-Robbery (D9) Section immediately launched an intelligence-guided investigation, leading to the apprehension of the seven suspects.
”One pump-action gun, two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges and two machetes, were recovered from the suspects.
”Also recovered were SIM cards, Identity cards, clothes, supplement drugs and other robbed items, which the owners have identified.”
The spokesman said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court once investigations were concluded.
Ndukwe quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, as reiterating the command’s determination to significantly reduce crime in the state.
Uzuegbu said this however required the continuous contribution and unwavering support of residents.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and steadfast in supporting the police. (NAN)
News
Demonstrators hit the Streets as Husband allegedly murders pregnant Wife
Demonstrators hit the Streets as Husband allegedly murders pregnant Wife
A group of women, united under the banner of Concerned Market Women, took to the streets of Benin City on Monday to stage a peaceful protest, voicing their outrage over the brutal killing of 38-year-old housewife, Success Izekor.
The rally, held in the heart of the city, condemned the tragic death of Izekor, who was allegedly murdered by her husband, Kelvin Izekor, in an act of domestic violence.
Success Izekor, who was four months pregnant, met her untimely death on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at their home on No. 50, Upper Mission Road, Benin City.
Reports suggest she was fatally stabbed by her husband in what has been described as a senseless and violent act.
The women, armed with placards bearing powerful messages, gathered in solidarity to raise awareness about the rising tide of domestic violence and to demand justice for Success.
Their slogans echoed across the streets, decrying the growing menace of abuse faced by women within their homes.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Odion Asemota, a representative of the group, made a passionate appeal to the government and the judicial system to ensure that justice is served for the late Success Izekor.
According to Asemota although Success’s husband is currently being probed, his mother is reportedly boasting that she will be freed on the grounds of mental illness.
“We cannot allow the life of a woman to be discounted simply because of a potential legal loophole,” Asemota stated.
“We are demanding justice, and we will continue to stand for it until Success Izekor’s death is rightfully addressed.”
“This was a man who married Success in June last year, and just eight months later, he stabbed her to death while she was four months pregnant.
“After killing her on Saturday night, he went to her store on Sunday and took the money she used for her Point of Sale (POS) business.
“He even attempted to secretly dispose of her body on Sunday, but neighbours caught him,” she alleged.
The Edo State Police Command had before now confirmed the murder of Success Izekor, with a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu.
Yamu disclosed that authorities were alerted to the tragic incident involving Kelvin Izekor, who had reportedly killed his wife, Success Izekor.
He further revealed that the suspect was on the verge of being attacked by an angry mob before police intervention.
News
Nigerians told to expect more petrol price drop as price war erupts between NNPC, Dangote
Nigerians told to expect more petrol price drop as price war erupts between NNPC, Dangote
Petroleum marketers and retailers have signaled that Nigerians can expect further reductions in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery engage in an intense price battle.
This latest price war follows recent drops by both companies, which are now reshaping the nation’s fuel market.
On Monday, NNPCL unveiled new petrol prices of N860 per litre in Lagos and N880 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other parts of the country.
The updated price is already visible at NNPCL retail outlets, including those along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja, the Central Business District, and near the company’s headquarters, all of which are reflecting the N880 per litre rate.
Just six days ago, Dangote Refinery made a similar move, slashing its petrol price to N880 per litre at its partner MRS filling stations and other locations in Abuja.
This move has triggered a fresh round of competition between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery, resulting in what is now seen as a full-blown fuel price war.
With both companies vying for market dominance, Nigerians now have a choice between purchasing petrol at NNPCL or Dangote outlets, where the price differences are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Since February 2025, Dangote petrol has been priced more competitively compared to NNPC, adding fuel to the growing rivalry.
Industry leaders have welcomed the competition, with Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association, and Abubakar Maigadi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, both predicting that further price cuts are on the horizon.
Gillis-Harry emphasized that this price battle places Nigerian consumers in a favorable position, with the ongoing rivalry between NNPCL and Dangote bringing much-needed relief to citizens grappling with the rising cost of living.
Speaking to Daily Post, he said: “The new price has been reflected on our portal.
“This price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
“The reduction in PMS prices is expected to positively impact Nigerians’ lives.
We are engaging NNPCL to also bring down the petrol prices for the benefit of Nigerians and marketers.”
On his part, Maigadi described the developments in the downstream oil and gas sector as a positive outcome of deregulation.
According to him, “It is not surprising because Dangote petrol is selling at that rate.
“This is what we have been telling the government to deregulate the sector. The price will start coming down. Investors have started coming.
“The reduction in petrol price means joy to Nigerians and marketers.”