TheNewsGuru

Tag: Democracy Day

  • June 12: Democracy Day protests to hold in Lagos

    June 12: Democracy Day protests to hold in Lagos

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh has met with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and reached conclusion that Democracy Day protests will hold in the State on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the meeting was held at the CP’s office and it was agreed that the protesters must ensure concern for public safety and security in their activities and conducts during the June 12 celebration.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, confirmed that half of the CSOs present confirmed they would celebrate the day peacefully, while the rest intended to protest in an orderly and non-disruptive manner.

    Hundeyin said all CSOs were urged to ensure protests remain peaceful and are not hijacked by miscreants or troublemakers. He added that they were advised not to disrupt traffic, public peace, or the lawful celebrations of other Nigerians on Democracy Day.

    “All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota to protest. It was also agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.

    “The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance.

    “The meeting emphasized the importance of adhering to all security measures to protect lives and property across the State. All CSOs were urged to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and is not hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants to cause mayhem or chaos in the State.

    “Furthermore, they were advised not to disrupt free flow of traffic, public peace, law and order, so as to enable millions of other well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate Democracy Day freely without hindrance,” Hundeyin stated.

    The Command reaffirmed its commitment to providing adequate security for Lagos residents throughout the Democracy Day festivities. Hundeyin encouraged members of the public to remain law-abiding and maintain the peace currently enjoyed in the state.

    He urged residents to celebrate Democracy Day freely and go about their daily activities without fear or anxiety. Residents were advised to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity or persons to the nearest police station without delay.

    Emergency or assistance requests can be made via the Command’s control room numbers: 08063299264 and 08065154338.

  • June 12: Nigeria’s democracy, a work in progress – Afenifere

    June 12: Nigeria’s democracy, a work in progress – Afenifere

    Leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has said Nigeria’s democracy and development was a work in progress requiring all hands to be on deck.

    In a congratulatory message to mark Democracy Day on June 12, made available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday, Fasoranti said that the anniversary was to remind Nigerians that irrespective of ethnic or religious inclinations, they could work together in tackling the challenges facing the country

    Recall the Federal Government had announced Thursday as a public holiday to celebrate Democracy Day.

    The Afenifere leader said he was confident that with the right attitude, visionary leadership and patriotic citizenry, Nigeria could attain the heights envisioned by its leaders, who fought for independence.

    He said that while the people celebrate sustained democratic rule in the country on this auspicious occasion, they should also be reminded that democratic practice remains a work in progress.

    Fasoranti urged all compatriots, particularly the civil society groups, to collaborate with other progressive forces to deepen democratic practice and processes in Nigeria.

    The Afenifere leader said deepening democratic practice in the county was for the benefit of this generation and generations yet unborn.

    “As another Democracy Day is being observed on June 12, 2025, I, on behalf of Afenifere Worldwide, wish to heartily congratulate Nigerians on this momentous milestone.

    “It is a milestone because it represents the day democracy and civil rule were reclaimed and restored in Nigeria, after a prolonged, destabilising military rule.

    “Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the fourth republic.”

    Fasoranti said this year’s Democracy Day was the second in the life of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The Afenifere leader commended the President for embarking on road projects to further connect the country and ease economic growth.

    He said that Tinubu not only ensured that the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway project, the long-awaited infrastructure, see the light of the day, but was fast-tracked and done with the best quality.

    The Afenifere leader commended him for similar important road networks across the country such as Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano, 9th Mile-Otukpo Expressway, Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road, Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway, Ore-Owo-Akure Road, among others.

    Fasoranti also acknowlesged the government’s institution of Students Loan Scheme, provision of tuition-free and free feeding for students of Technical Colleges and efforts to breath life into local governments by granting them autonomy.

    The Afenifere leader  further commended the efforts made by the President towards taming the menace which insecurity had become in the country.

    He said: “We, in Afenifere, share the view of many other patriotic Nigerians that establishing State Police appear to be the panacea for this scourge that tends to be making living or travelling in certain parts of the country a nightmare.

    “I am therefore seizing this opportunity to call on the federal and states’ governments to establish State Police along with Community Policing system forthwith.”

    He said that this was to ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the county, while reiterating the group’s strong view, that Nigeria must be fully restructured.

  • President Tinubu to address special NASS sitting on Democracy Day

    President Tinubu to address special NASS sitting on Democracy Day

    President Bola Tinubu will address a special joint sitting of the National Assembly (NASS) on Thursday, June 12 in commemoration of Democracy Day.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement by the House of Representatives Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. released on Sunday in Abuja.

    Rep. Rotimi also disclosed in the statement that the President would on June 12 confer National Honours on selected legislators.

    The leadership and members of the House of Representatives will participate in the special joint sitting of the NASS along with lawmakers from the Senate chambers.

    The President who is expected to be the special guest of honour will address the joint sitting of the legislators.

    “The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by Mr President,” Rotimi Jr. said.

    The House Spokesman said that the theme for this year’s celebration is: “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”

    He explained that the Joint Sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    He said that it underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.

  • FG reels out activities for 2025 Democracy Day celebration

    FG reels out activities for 2025 Democracy Day celebration

    The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee for 2025 Democracy Day celebration with a charge to organise a befitting and memorable event.

    Speaking, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),  said the celebration would provide an opportunity to honour Nigeria’s founding fathers and democratic heroes who made significant sacrifices for the country’s democratic journey.

    Akume was represented by Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

    “This year’s Democracy Day is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our founding fathers to attain independence, and the efforts of democratic champions to end military rule.

    “Celebrating this day is a way of recognising their place in our history,” he said.

    He said that the occasion also enables the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and present its performance scorecard to the citizens.

    Akume urged members of the committee to work in synergy towards the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    According to him, activities lined up for the 2025 Democracy Day celebration include:

    World Press Briefing and Special Juma’at Service on Friday, June 6; Church Service, Sunday, June 8 at National Christian Centre; Youth Programme, Tuesday, June 9; Public Lecture, Wednesday, June 11; Presidential Broadcast and Parade on Thursday, June 12.

    Members of the committee chaired by Akume include, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mohammed Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Sen. Abubakar  Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

    Others are Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT; Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination.

    Also in the list are Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; Adeola Ajayi, Director-General, Department of State Services; Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, Commander, Guards Brigade; Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF.

    Mr Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; and  Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, OSGF were also selected as members.

    Terms of reference for the committee, according to the SGF included planning and executing all approved Democracy Day activities and co-opting relevant individuals or organisations.

    Documenting all activities for posterity, carrying out any other assignment related to the successful implementation of the celebration were also given as tasks to the committee.

  • Tinubu should have given us Democracy Day gift – NLC

    Tinubu should have given us Democracy Day gift – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said President Bola Tinubu should have used the opportunity of the 2024 Democracy Day celebration to harmonize the two minimum wage figures submitted to him and announced a new minimum wage in favour of workers in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Acting President of NLC, Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju said this on Wednesday while reacting to President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech in which he said an executive would soon be sent to the National Assembly (NASS) to enshrine what has been agreed upon to be paid workers as minimum wage.

    Recall that representative of the federal government in the Tripartite Committee had proposed N62,000 as minimum wage, at the end of the sitting of the committee, involving the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

    As Nigeria marked Democracy Day, the NLC said its demand for the new national minimum wage remains N250,000.

    According to Comrade Adeyanju, the union appreciates the President’s commitment to those fine democratic ideals which allowed the work of the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee to proceed unhindered despite some hiccups.

    “We had expected Mr. President to have used this understanding as one of those who was in the vanguard of the struggle with us around the nation to rescue Nigeria from the hands of the military to harmonize the two figures submitted to him by the Tripartite Committee in favour of workers and masses. It would have been a fitting Democracy Day gift.

    “Our demand still remains N250,000 only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process. We are, therefore, surprised at the submission of Mr President over a supposed agreement.

    “We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage,” he said.

    Adeyanju also noted that the union had not seen a copy of the document submitted to Mr President and it would not accept any doctored document.

    He, however, reaffirmed the union’s belief that the president on whose table the Tripartite Committee’s report presently resides would prepare an Executive Bill which content would reflect the true demand of Nigerian workers.

    “We think that this is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his love for Nigerian workers and masses.

    “That is by shunning the pieces of advice that may be coming from those whose intentions are continuously focused on hurting the poor and struggling workers of Nigeria.

    “Mr President should not allow these individuals and groups to sabotage his promise of lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty,” he said.

    According to him, the president’s advisers obviously did not tell him the truth that the leaders of the trade unions were intimidated and harassed.

    “It is, therefore, important that Mr President understands that we were threatened severally by his operatives perhaps without his consent.

    “Series of media propaganda calculated to intimidate and harass us were, and, are still being waged against the trade unions by senior officials of this government.

    “Fully armed soldiers surrounded us while we were in a negotiation with the government,” he alleged.

    He added the NLC remained assured that the president’s democratic credentials will come to the fore in favour of Nigerian workers and masses.

    He also noted that NLC never agreed on a five-year duration of the minimum wage Act though acknowledged that the president mentioned five years or less.

    According to Adeyanju, the union also agreed that inflation should be pegged at a level for certain amount to be agreed as minimum wage. This is to bring clarity to what the report should contain.

    “Once again, we reiterate that it will be extremely difficult for Nigerian workers to accept any nationa minimum wage figure that approximates to a starvation wage.

    “We cannot be working and yet remain in abject poverty.

    “We seek justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians and this we hope would also drive the actions of Mr. President who promised a Living Wage to Nigerian workers.

    “This is an opportunity to show that he listens to Nigerians as he promised,” he said.

  • “I did Yoruba dobale, I did not fall” – Tinubu on his crash at Eagle Square

    “I did Yoruba dobale, I did not fall” – Tinubu on his crash at Eagle Square

    President Bola Tinubu has spoken about the incident at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday morning when he slipped and fell.

    President Tinubu missed his step and fell while entering a vehicle for a parade to commemorate Democracy Day 2024.

    Speaking at a dinner, the President referred to the fall as “Swagger”, saying social media was confused about the fall.

    “Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They are confused whether I was doing buga or doing babariga, but it is a day to celebrate Democracy while doing dobale for the day. I am a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale,” he said.

  • Another train derails on Abuja-Kaduna route on Democracy day

    Another train derails on Abuja-Kaduna route on Democracy day

    An Abuja-bound train has derailed along the Abuja-Kaduna route for the second time in one week, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports.

    According to reports, the incident in the early hours of Wednesday between Kaduna and Abuja left many passengers stranded.

    The Nigeria Railway Corporation is yet to release details of the incident as of the filing of this report.

    It would be recalled that many passengers were stranded on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, when a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja derailed at Asha station in the federal capital territory (FCT).

    Reacting, the NRC noted that the train experienced a technical hitch, which resulted in the derailment.

     The statement reads in part: “The Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) experienced train technical hitch in our operation at Asham Railway Station in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State. The passengers on board were safely returned to Abuja (Idu). Meanwhile, their tickets remain valid for a subsequent journey within two weeks.

    “This minor hitch is attributed to the removal of track fastening clips by vandals,” NRC said on the June 5, incident.

    Recall that on May 26, a train which departed Rigasa station in Kaduna for Abuja derailed near Jere.

  • Peter Obi describes Tinubu’s fall as unfortunate

    Peter Obi describes Tinubu’s fall as unfortunate

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election has described the fall President Bola Tinubu suffered during the 2024 Democracy Day parade as unfortunate.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu fell on Wednesday while trying to board the vehicle for the parade at Eagle Square as part of activities to mark 25 years of democracy in Nigeria.

    While the presidency had disclosed that the president is okay, Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, stressed Tinubu’s fall should remind everyone of the need for compassion, empathy and unity.

    “I was saddened to learn of President Tinubu’s unfortunate fall today. I wish him well. We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to any of us.

    “We are all human beings and, while we profoundly disagree on how to move Nigeria forward, we must remember our common human frailty. Let us stay focused on the issues that will lead to a new Nigeria.

    “May this moment serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the need for compassion, empathy, and unity in our pursuit of a brighter future for our great nation,” Obi stated.

    Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, has said political leaders are human too, stressing that Tinubu is not a superman.

    “President Tinubu is not a Superman. He is human like all of us. President Biden has had several slips in the last three years. Even the younger Barack Obama slipped while President. Political leaders are human. Slipping should not detract from the import of Democracy Day celebration,” Onanuga stated.

  • June 12: Tinubu among heroes of Nigeria’s democracy – Benue NASS caucus

    June 12: Tinubu among heroes of Nigeria’s democracy – Benue NASS caucus

    The National Assembly members, Benue caucus has described President Bola Tinubu as one of the country’s living heroes of democracy and an exemplary leader committed to democratic values.

    Rep. Philip Agbese, spokesperson of the group praised Tinubu’s efforts in promoting economic growth, good governance and social justice, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Democracy Day.

    He said the president’s dedication to the nation’s progress is a testament to his statesmanship and vision.

    He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, for his crucial role in supporting the president’s agenda and ensuring effective implementation of policies.

    “On this auspicious occasion of Democracy Day, the Benue caucus in the national assembly salutes and celebrates Tinubu, a shining exemplar of democratic values and a champion of the Nigerian people.

    “We are honoured to extol the virtues of the president, who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our beloved country, Nigeria”, he said.

    He said that Tinubu’s leadership and vision had rekindled hope and inspired a new generation of Nigerians to embrace democracy as a way of life.

    “We also commend the SGF for his love and dedication to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large.

    “His selfless service and contributions to our nation’s progress are duly acknowledged and appreciated.

    “We pledge our continued support, loyalty and collaboration with this administration to ensure the realisation of our shared vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria”, he said.

  • June 12: I am happy Tinubu became president – MKO Abiola’s wife

    June 12: I am happy Tinubu became president – MKO Abiola’s wife

    Mrs Tinu Abiola, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has said she is happy to see that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was part of the June 12 1993 struggle, became president.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Abiola to have said one of the major achievements of MKO Abiola winning the June 12 1993 election, even though he was not allowed to rule, was that he opened the door for democratic rule in the country.

    Abiola, who said this while fielding questions from newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, urged the National Assembly to enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

    She, however, commended the military hierarchy for subjecting itself to democratic rule over the years.

    Recall that in 2018 former President, Muhammadu Buhari, moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

    Abiola’s wife called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu who contributed immensely to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

    “We have to thank God that democracy has come to stay; without the June 12 event, probably, military rule would still have remained in Nigeria.

    “So, one of the major achievements of MKO Abiola, winning that election, even though he was not allowed to rule, was that he opened the door; he opened the eyes of every Nigerian to democratic rule, and democracy has come to stay.

    “Now, as we move on, what I will advise Nigerians to do is to please cooperate with the present government of Tinubu, who himself, fought for June 12.

    “He was a staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and he did his best for the actualisation of June 12, unfortunately, all their best was not enough at that time; because some things are predestined by God.

    “So, my happiness today is to see one of those fighters of that time becoming the president of Nigeria; it is so great.”

    She implored Nigerians to be patriotic and imbibe the culture of making Nigeria great.

    According to her, there is a need for Nigerians to love Nigeria at heart and do the right things at all times that will promote the image of Nigeria anywhere in the world.

    She said that the National Assembly had a crucial role to play in preserving Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Part of what I want the National Assembly to do is to enact the necessary law; especially a law that will prohibit coup d’état in Nigeria; it is very important.

    “We have had an unbroken democracy for 25 years but I think the National Assembly has not done enough; it should enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

    “Look at what happened in Burkina Faso, it happened in Niger; it happened in Guinea-Bissau; so, both houses should come together and enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigeria.

    “We are happy to have 25 years of unbroken democracy but it is not enough; until a law is enacted prohibiting military intervention.

    “I also want to commend the military hierarchy. Between 1999 and today, they have been wonderful; they have done well.

    “They have submitted themselves to democratic rule but we cannot rely on the fact that it will continue to be rosy; there must be a law and that will put everybody’s mind at peace,” she said.

    She advised the Federal Government to take some parts of MKO’s manifesto into its programmes.