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PANDEF URGES TINUBU, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO RESTORE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN RIVERS STATE

CapitalTimesNews / 1 week

2 min read

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted democratic journey, while urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, PANDEF expressed deep concern over the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which has created an environment of instability and uncertainty affecting everyday citizens. PANDEF commended President Tinubu for granting a state pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, describing it as a significant step toward national reconciliation. The group noted that while successive administrations have made strides toward delivering socio-economic dividends of democracy, the journey remains challenging, particularly for ordinary Nigerians facing issues like food insecurity, poor healthcare, inadequate education, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The group’s statement highlighted the contradiction between the noble ideals of June 12 and the current situation in Rivers State, which it described as “creeping authoritarianism.” “The people of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta are being subjected to the erosion of democratic institutions and principles of good governance. This portends grave implications for our collective democratic achievements as a country,” Igali said. PANDEF called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, to intervene swiftly to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. “The prolonged political crisis in the state has created instability that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens,” Igali stressed. The group also appealed to all principal political actors and their supporters in Rivers State to “lay down their arms” and embrace peace, citing Ecclesiastes 3:8, “There is a time to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace. The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honor of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12.” PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to championing accountable, people-driven governance in Rivers State and supporting efforts to realize the foundational ideals of Nigeria’s democracy.

NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY IN RECESSION UNDER TINUBU’S RULE – PETER OBI

CapitalTimesNews / 1 week

2 min read

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, stating that it is “in recession” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obi made this declaration in a Democracy Day address, presenting a scathing critique of the country’s current political and socio-economic state. According to Obi, Nigeria no longer meets the basic criteria of a democracy, citing compromised elections, lack of transparency, and governance that ignores the will of the people. “In our present state, our dear country, Nigeria, cannot be justly classified as a democratic country. The vital indications of democracy are noticeably absent. Some do not even exist,” he said. Obi highlighted the alarming economic decline, stating that Nigeria’s GDP has plummeted from $364 billion to $188 billion, representing a nearly 50% decline. He also noted that per capita income has dropped from $1,640 to $835, while poverty affects over half of the population, with about 129 million people living below the poverty line. The former governor painted a dire picture of the state of social services, citing over 18.3 million out-of-school children, largely non-functional primary healthcare, and neglected public infrastructure. “We now have a situation where more tariffs mean more darkness,” Obi lamented, referencing the power sector’s poor performance. Obi emphasized that the rule of law is virtually non-existent, echoing concerns from civil society and the international community. He called on President Tinubu to acknowledge electoral failings and enact reforms, drawing parallels to former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s admission of election flaws in 2007. In his address, Obi urged President Tinubu to focus on domestic issues rather than international trips, suggesting that he tour the 36 Nigerian states to understand the plight of citizens. “Governing by remote is not what Nigerians need. You need to go round and get firsthand,” Obi advised. The Labour Party leader concluded by calling for introspection and reform, emphasizing the need for honest leadership and urgent policy change. “Now is the time to demand accountability, genuine leadership, and a government that prioritizes the welfare, security, and democracy of its people over empty rhetoric and propaganda,” he said.

THE DEATH OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA AND ITS LOOMING FINAL BURIAL IN NIGERIA

CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks

3 min read

Bolaji O. Akinyemi. Democracy, a concept born in ancient Athens, has been a cornerstone of modern governance. Its evolution over centuries has shaped the world’s political landscape, with varying degrees of success. However, in Africa, democracy’s journey has been marred by challenges, and Nigeria’s current trajectory under the All Progressives Congress (APC) might signal its final demise. *A Brief History of Democracy* From ancient Greece to modern times, democracy has been a powerful force for ensuring accountability, representation, and the protection of individual rights. Its principles have inspired revolutions, shaped constitutions, and guided governance. In the 20th century, democracy’s popularity surged, with many countries adopting democratic systems. However, Africa’s experience has been distinct. *Democracy’s Challenges in Africa* Africa’s democratic journey has been fraught with obstacles, including: – *Colonial legacy*: The imposition of foreign systems of governance, often disregarding traditional structures and cultural nuances. – *Authoritarian tendencies*: Many African leaders have exploited power, suppressing opposition and undermining democratic institutions. – *Economic instability*: Poverty, corruption, and poor governance have hindered democratic consolidation. *Nigeria’s Democratic Experiment* Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has had a tumultuous democratic experience. APC as the political party currently in power is failing democracy in the following ways: – *Undermining democratic institutions*: Eroding the independence of the judiciary, electoral commission, and other critical bodies. – *Promoting authoritarianism*: Suppressing opposition, restricting civil liberties, and consolidating power. – *Disregarding the rule of law*: Ignoring Supreme Court pronouncements on defection, as seen in Delta and Akwa Ibom States. *The Rise of One-Party Rule* The APC’s actions, particularly its push for an authoritarian regime disguised as a one-party state, threaten the very foundations of democracy. This trend, if unchecked, might lead to: – *Democratic collapse*: The erosion of democratic norms, institutions, and values. – *Military intervention*: The rise of military rule, as seen in the subregion, could become a more plausible alternative. *The Need for Global Intervention* The international community, particularly the United States, must take a proactive role in promoting democracy in Africa. A global intervention could: – *Support democratic institutions*: Strengthen the capacity of electoral commissions, judiciary, and other critical bodies. – *Promote good governance*: Encourage transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The Minority Institute as proposed by concerned minority representative groups, led by the Apostolic Round Table in Nigeria should be given the required assistance in capacity building and empowerment to enable them hold the ground given the manipulation of leading opposition parties and their hijack by the APC. – *Check authoritarian tendencies*: Deter the APC and other governments from undermining democracy. *Conclusion* The death of democracy in Africa, with Nigeria as a prime example, is a stark reality. The APC’s actions, if allowed to continue, might lay democracy to rest. The world must intervene to save democracy in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. A healthy practice of democracy is the only way to check the rise of military rule in the subregion. The time for action is now. Prof. Bolaji O. Akinyemi

OPPOSITION DEFECTIONS: AN ALBATROSS FOR NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY

CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks

4 min read

By Augustine Eigbe, Ph.D. Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 has been fraught with systemic challenges, including weak institutions, electoral malpractices, and elite manipulation of governance processes. Among the most noxious threats to democratic stability is the unbridled defection of opposition politicians to the ruling party, a phenomenon that weakens political competition, stifles transparency and accountability, and embeds one-party dominance in the country. The defection epidemic, often driven by personal ambition rather than ideological conviction, exemplifies elite capture, where a select few override the democratic will of the majority for selfish gains. If unchallenged, this practice will sabotage the very mainstay of Nigeria’s democracy, necessitating urgent pushback from citizens and civil society. The defections in Nigeria have degenerated from political realignments into a patronage system where elites trade party loyalty for state resources, legal protection, and political career longevity. The absorption of opposition figures by the All Progressives Congress ( APC) is not pluralism but the methodical gutting of democratic accountability. A vibrant democracy thrives on robust opposition that holds the government accountable. However, when opposition members routinely defect to the ruling party, it diminishes alternative policy perspectives and consolidates power in the hands of a single bloc and subverts democratic norms. The ongoing exodus of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) members, including governors and legislators to the APC is crippling opposition capacity. This threatens to worsen Nigeria’s democratic deficit, potentially leaving the already biddable legislature unable to restrain executive overreach. These defections betray the trust of the electorate. When politicians elected on an opposition platform switch allegiance without justification, they invalidate the votes and preferences of their constituents. This weakens representative democracy, as the people’s mandate is hijacked by elite interests. Nigeria’s constitutional provisions (Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution) on defections are often ignored, with courts reluctant to enforce sanctions, further emboldening political mercenaries. The gale of defections reinforces a political culture that reduces governance to a transactional enterprise. Politicians prioritise patronage over public service, perpetuating a system where loyalty to individuals and not party ideologies or national development dictates political behaviour. This elite capture distorts policy priorities, diverting attention from critical national issues like rising cost of living, poverty, hunger, insecurity, infrastructural decay, and electoral reforms. Therefore, to salvage Nigeria’s democracy, citizens and civil society organisations (CSOs) must intensify advocacy against defections and elite impunity. CSOs should pursue sustained legal challenges enforcing constitutional provisions on defections, particularly through public interest litigation compelling courts, to vacate seats of politicians who defect without just cause, as constitutionally mandated. The majority of the citizens must relentlessly demand transparency and accountability from elected officials. Grassroots campaigns should educate voters on how political defections harm democracy and mobilise them to reject defectors in future elections. The mainstream and new media must amplify these concerns to reshape public discourse. Without ideological roots, opposition parties are merely defections waiting to happen. To survive, they must unite behind clear governance alternatives or watch Nigeria’s democracy degenerate into a marketplace for elite transactions. The defection of opposition figures in the country is not merely a political manoeuvre but a direct assault on democratic values. It ingrains elite dominance, degrades accountability in governance, and deprives the electorate from benefiting from the dividends of democracy. This trend perpetuates democratic deterioration, institutionalising a hollowed-out political system that benefits only a privileged minority. Such systemic exclusion requires citizens and civil society to mobilise all available legal, judicial, and advocacy mechanisms to dismantle elite dominance and restore inclusive democracy. Augustine Eigbe Ph.D. is a Historian and Development Communication Expert.Email: augustineeigbe20022002@gmail.com

READ FULL TEXT OF DONALD J. TRUMP INAUGURAL SPEECH AT HIS SECOND TERM SWEARING IN AS THE 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Nicolas Adekeye / 5 months
0
15 min read

20th January, 2025 Thank you. Thank you very much everybody. Well, thank you very, very much. Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, Senator Thune, Chief Justice Roberts, justices of the United States Supreme Court, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my fellow citizens.The Golden Age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first. Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free.America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success, a tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America. As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home, while at the same time stumbling into a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad. It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens, but provide sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions that have illegally entered our country from all over the world. We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defence of foreign borders, but refuses to defend American borders or more importantly, its own people. Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, been treated so badly. And other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago.Or more recently in Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defence. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting, but we can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change. We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any country anywhere in the world. And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves, in many cases to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly. My recent election has a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed, their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over. Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied, and we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government. Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way the journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one that I can tell you. Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom, and indeed to take my life. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. Thank you. Thank you very much.That is why each day under our administration of American patriots, we will be working to meet every crisis with dignity and power and strength. We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety, and peace for citizens of every race, religion, colour and creed. For American citizens, Jan. 20th, 2025 is Liberation Day. It is my hope that our recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country.As our victory showed, the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society, young and old, men and women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, urban, suburban, rural and very importantly, we had a powerful win in all seven swing states, and the popular vote we won by millions of people.To the black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote. We set records and I will not forget it. I’ve heard your voices in the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come. Today is Martin Luther King Day and his honour, this will be a great honour, but in his honour, we will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true. Thank you. Thank you.

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ECOWAS LEADERS: LET’S LEARN FROM GHANA’S DEMOCRATIC EXAMPLE

CapitalTimesNews / 6 months

4 min read

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ECOWAS LEADERS: LET’S LEARN FROM GHANA’S DEMOCRATIC EXAMPLE President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders in West Africa to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a model of democratic maturity and commitment to national unity. At the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja, President Tinubu lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for the resounding success of their recent presidential and parliamentary elections, setting a high standard for the region. “I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire Africa continent,” he stated. “Despite the challenges of interrupted democratic governance in some West African countries, the region has continued to record democratic gains. Just a week ago, on December 7 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections took place in Ghana, the second-largest democracy in our region. “One of the leading candidates who happens to be the incumbent Vice President, His Excellency Mahamudu Bawumia, together with the leadership of the ruling party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat and accepted the outcome of the Presidential election by congratulating the President-elect, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama of National Democratic Congress (NDC) for his victory, even before the official announcement of the election results. “This gesture, as it happened in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana. President Tinubu praised President Akufo-Addo for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to ECOWAS during his two-year term, describing him as a formidable Pan-Africanist. President Tinubu also congratulated the Government and people of Senegal on their successful parliamentary elections. He praised Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for painstakingly leading the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of the Reform. He wished her a successful tenure in her new role as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. In his second term as ECOWAS Chair, President Tinubu highlighted achievements from his first term, including strides in regional integration, economic growth, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism efforts. He said the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Common External Tariff (CET) have strengthened trade and economic cooperation. “Similarly, regional infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and modernising key border posts with advanced equipment and joint border operations utilising state-of-the-art technology have significantly enhanced connectivity and promoted greater regional integration. “Furthermore, our efforts in stabilising our region through peacekeeping missions currently in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau, as well as previous operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, have demonstrated our capacity to act decisively in the face of adversity. President Tinubu said the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism has provided a comprehensive framework to combat violent extremism and enhance regional security. As ECOWAS nears its 50th anniversary in 2025, President Tinubu urged member states to recommit to the bloc’s founding ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity. “As a regional community, we must maintain our fundamental responsibility: to protect our citizens and create an enabling environment where they can prosper. “As leaders, we know that security is not a luxury but a necessity. Equally, enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” he said. The Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal attended in person alongside the Vice President of Sierra Leone, the Finance Minister of the Benin Republic, the Minister of foreign affairs of Togo, and the Ambassador of Cape Verde to Nigeria. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for paying 100 per cent of its community levy for 2023 and substantial remittances for 2024, reflecting Nigeria’s leadership and commitment under President Tinubu. “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy from 2023. I’m therefore pleased to announce that on Friday, December 13, 2024, Nigeria paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and the 2024 levy up to July 2024. “We all agree that this payment underscores the leadership and commitment of President Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to our community. At a more personal level, it represents confidence in the management I have been privileged to lead since 2022. He encouraged other member states to meet their financial commitments diligently. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) December 15, 2024

OHCSF DENIES PLOT TO...

EDO GOVERNOR PLEDGES 2.5...

OLUWO OF IWO BANS...

GUNMEN HIJACK BENUE LINKS...

AFRICAN FUTURE DEPENDS ON...

WOMEN JOURNALISTS CALL FOR...

OHCSF DENIES PLOT TO...

EDO GOVERNOR PLEDGES 2.5...

OLUWO OF IWO BANS...

GUNMEN HIJACK BENUE LINKS...

AFRICAN FUTURE DEPENDS ON...

WOMEN JOURNALISTS CALL FOR...

PANDEF URGES TINUBU, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO RESTORE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN RIVERS STATE

NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY IN RECESSION UNDER TINUBU’S RULE – PETER OBI

THE DEATH OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA AND ITS LOOMING FINAL BURIAL IN NIGERIA

OPPOSITION DEFECTIONS: AN ALBATROSS FOR NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY

READ FULL TEXT OF DONALD J. TRUMP INAUGURAL SPEECH AT HIS SECOND TERM SWEARING IN AS THE 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ECOWAS LEADERS: LET’S LEARN FROM GHANA’S DEMOCRATIC EXAMPLE

GUNMEN HIJACK BENUE LINKS BUS, KIDNAP.

AFRICAN FUTURE DEPENDS ON INTEGRATING INFORMAL.

WOMEN JOURNALISTS CALL FOR PASSAGE OF.

OHCSF DENIES PLOT TO EXTEND TENURE.

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