Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned bakery and confectionery operators against compromising food safety or misleading consumers amid rising production costs.

FCCPC’s Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, gave the warning yesterday in Lagos at a stakeholders’ engagement with bakery and confectionery operators. The event was organised by the commission’s Southwest Zonal Office.

Bello said rising costs of flour, sugar, energy, transportation, packaging, equipment and financing could put pressure on businesses, but stressed that such challenges could not justify practices capable of endangering consumers. Bello was represented by the commission’s Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Olubunmi Otti.

‘When input costs rise, businesses cannot resort to unsafe substitutes, harmful or prohibited additives, poor-quality ingredients, compromised hygiene, manipulated expiry information or other shortcuts that transfer commercial risks to consumers,’ he said.

He said businesses could respond to changing economic conditions through legitimate commercial decisions, but must not deceive or endanger consumers.

The FCCPC boss also warned operators against inaccurate product claims, particularly on weight, ingredients, shelf life, allergens, storage conditions and other material information.

He said what businesses told consumers on product labels, packaging, social media, at points of sale or through conventional advertising must accurately reflect what they offered.

According to him, consumers should not be made to pay for value that has not been supplied.

Bello said the commission’s position was particularly important because bakery products were consumed daily by millions of Nigerians, including children.

He said food safety could not be sacrificed in pursuit of profit, noting that consumer protection must begin before products reached the market.

‘Quality cannot simply be checked at the end of the production line. It has to be built into the entire production process,’ he said.

Bello urged operators to ensure proper sourcing, storage and handling of ingredients, maintain hygienic production environments and equipment, and strengthen staff practices.

He also advised businesses to establish effective traceability systems capable of identifying affected production batches, ingredients used and the destinations of products in the event of a safety concern.

The FCCPC chief executive further urged bakers to treat consumer complaints as early warning signals rather than attacks on their businesses.

He said repeated complaints could expose problems involving defective batches, poor packaging, improper storage, problematic ingredients or discrepancies between declared and actual product weights.

Bello said manufacturers and distributors that became aware of unforeseen hazards associated with products already in the market had an obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, to notify the public and withdraw affected products.

He added that businesses must be prepared to isolate affected products, investigate problems, protect consumers, notify relevant authorities where required and take corrective action.

The FCCPC boss said effective consumer protection would also protect responsible businesses from unfair competition by operators that cut corners to gain commercial advantage.

He said the bakery and confectionery industry should compete on quality, efficiency, innovation, service and value rather than on the ability to evade consumer protection obligations.

‘The FCCPC wants businesses in this sector to prosper. We want to see them expand, innovate, employ more Nigerians and build brands that endure,’ Bello said.

He warned that sustainable businesses depended on consumer confidence, which in turn rested on quality, safety, honesty and accountability.

Bello said the commission would continue to engage businesses constructively and provide regulatory clarity, but stressed that engagement should not be mistaken for reluctance to enforce the law.

He said the FCCPC would act within its statutory mandate where businesses exposed consumers to unsafe products, engaged in deceptive practices, disregarded applicable standards or violated consumer rights.

The executive vice-chairman challenged operators to return to their businesses and review their operations from the sourcing of ingredients to production, labelling, distribution and complaint handling.

‘If I knew everything about how this product was made, would I confidently serve it to my own family?’ he asked, urging operators to use the question as a practical test of their compliance culture.

Bello said building consumer trust required more than advertising, noting that confidence was earned when products matched their descriptions, quantities matched what was promised and businesses accepted responsibility when problems occurred.

He urged operators to make quality and safety part of their daily operations rather than standards they prepared to meet only when regulators visited.

He said sustained compliance would make consumers safer, strengthen responsible businesses and improve public confidence in the bakery and confectionery sector.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged traditional rulers across the state to deploy their influence at the grassroots to mobilise their subjects for peaceful, responsible and informed participation in the 2027 general election.

Prince Abiodun gave the advice yesterday while inaugurating the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as the new chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor advised the monarchs to educate their subjects on the importance of civic participation and encourage them to shun violence, thuggery, hatred and other acts capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state before, during and after the elections.

He described the 2027 general election as an important democratic transition, stressing that the strength of democracy was measured not only by the votes cast, but also by the peace, responsibility and sound judgment with which citizens exercised their franchise.

According to him, traditional institutions, given their reach and moral authority at the grassroots, have an important role to play in ensuring that the next electoral season does not undermine the peace and development recorded in the state.

He said: ‘Beyond security, I also call on our royal fathers to continue mobilising our people towards responsible civic participation, particularly as we enter another electoral season.

‘Our people should be encouraged to recognise and support the development strides of the government and, when the time comes, translate their appreciation into their democratic choices at the polls.

‘At the same time, you must remind your subjects that elections should never become an excuse for violence, hatred or division. We must continue to uphold the peace we have collectively nurtured and participate responsibly in programmes that advance our ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.’

Abiodun said his administration had, over the past seven years, strengthened mechanisms to discourage hooliganism and political thuggery, noting that the recent primary election conducted by the ruling party in the state was peaceful and crisis-free.

He commended the traditional rulers for their continued support for the administration, describing them as strategic partners in maintaining peace, strengthening security and deepening grassroots development.

The governor particularly praised the monarchs for supporting security agencies through intelligence gathering and community mobilisation, noting that their knowledge of local communities remained indispensable to effective security operations.

He said government could provide technology and logistics, while security agencies could deploy personnel, but neither could substitute for the local intelligence and community knowledge available through traditional institutions and citizens.

Abiodun said the partnership had yielded positive results, particularly in the state’s recent security challenges.

He disclosed that security agencies had arrested all suspects linked to the recent abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, assuring residents that the government would continue to deny criminals any safe haven in the state.

He said: ‘I particularly commend you for the assistance extended to our security agencies during our recent security challenges. Information obtained through our communities and grassroots structures has enhanced security operations and demonstrated what can be achieved when government, traditional institutions, citizens and security agencies work together.

‘I am therefore very pleased to inform our royal fathers that our security personnel have now arrested all the suspects linked to the recent abduction of students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.

‘Our message is very clear: there will be no sanctuary for kidnappers, criminals, cultists or their collaborators anywhere in Ogun State.’

The governor also enjoined the traditional rulers to make their palaces centres of peace and conflict resolution by deploying their wisdom and moral authority to settle minor disputes before they escalate into wider community crises.

He noted that effective intervention by traditional rulers at the early stages of disputes could prevent avoidable conflicts and preserve peaceful coexistence within communities.

Abiodun said the distribution of 60 Sports Utility Vehicles to members of the State Council of Obas was part of the administration’s efforts to improve the mobility of traditional rulers and enable them to perform their responsibilities more effectively.

He charged the new Chairman of the Council, Oba Gbadebo, to build on the achievements of his predecessor by strengthening unity among traditional rulers and promoting initiatives that would contribute to the advancement of the state.

Ahead of Saturday guber election, a gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Mr Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, has endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s reelection bid.

The Nation recalls that factional PDP conducted a primary in December 2025 where Adebayo emerged as the candidate after polling 919 votes out of 957 cast shortly after Adeleke left the party. But later, the exercise was not recognised by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Meanwhile, Adebayo while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, said the decision to endorse Governor Adeleke, followed extensive consultations, sober reflection and assessment of the political circumstances in the state.

‘I have arrived at this decision based on my assessment of the political circumstances in our state and my conviction that, at this particular moment, this is the direction I am prepared to support.

‘I encourage all PDP members, supporters and party structures across the state who believe in my leadership and judgment to support the emergence of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at the August 15 gubernatorial election,’ Adebayo stated.

Adebayo called for a peaceful poll, urging political leaders, candidates and supporters to reject violence, intimidation and hate speech.

‘Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election. We must allow the people to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully,’ he said

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has recorded significant gains in infrastructure, education and security in less than four years in office.

The SGF particularly cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Road, the transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expansion of access to tertiary education and ongoing measures to strengthen the country’s security architecture as evidence of the administration’s performance.

Akume spoke in Abuja when he hosted a delegation of the Tinubu National Frontiers (TNF), led by its National Coordinator, Hajiya Yasmin Binta Sabeh, on a visit to his office.

A statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, said Akume noted that Nigeria is witnessing unprecedented transformation in road infrastructure, bridges and dams under the Tinubu administration.

‘President Tinubu has made significant strides in revitalizing our infrastructure. The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road are developmental projects that will yield high economic and tourism potential.

‘The transformation of Abuja is also clear evidence of Mr. President’s performance. Anyone familiar with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before May 29, 2023, would be struck by the scale of infrastructural change achieved within one presidential term,’ Akume said.

The SGF also identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration’s major interventions in the education sector.

He said it had widened access to tertiary education for students, irrespective of their economic backgrounds.

Akume said the student loan initiative has attracted interest from more than six African countries seeking to understudy Nigeria’s model.

‘Access to higher education is no longer determined by circumstances of birth. This administration has emphasised technical and scientific education, with plans to upgrade polytechnics in each geopolitical zone to begin offering degree-equivalent qualifications, with added focus on skills acquisition’, he said.

Focusing attention on security, Akume commended Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the country’s security agencies, citing the establishment of four additional divisions in the Nigerian Army, the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 policemen and measures to improve the welfare of military personnel.

Sabeh had said the TNF was impressed by what she described as the President’s transformative leadership and improvements recorded by the administration.

‘Since the President assumed office, we have seen remarkable achievements. It is now easy for us to sleep with our two eyes closed. As the TNF family, we do not take this for granted and we are ready to work with you’, she said.

Sabeh reaffirmed the group’s unity and pledged that its members would work with the Presidential Campaign Team towards securing President Tinubu’s re-election for a second term in 2027.

Also, the Oyo State Coordinator of TNF, Mr. Braimoh Adebayo, said the group played a critical role in the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election.

‘President Tinubu is a progressive leader. As Tinubu National Frontiers, we pledge our full commitment to his re-election as President of Nigeria,’ Adebayo said.

The delegation subsequently decorated Akume as National Patron of the Tinubu National Frontiers Support Group.

Cristiano Ronaldo has married his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony in Portugal.

The couple, who began dating in 2016 after meeting in Madrid, announced the marriage by sharing a photograph of their wedding rings on Instagram.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain and Rodriguez tied the knot in Cascais, a coastal resort town about 20 miles west of Lisbon. Their five children were reportedly present at the ceremony.

Ronaldo’s marriage comes just four days before his club, Al Nassr, begin their 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign.

The Portuguese forward has enjoyed a remarkable career with Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr and the Portugal national team, scoring nearly 1,000 goals.

He recently featured at his sixth FIFA World Cup, matching Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s record for the most appearances at the men’s tournament.

Ronaldo had earlier confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the competition, although he stopped short of confirming his retirement from international football.

‘I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,’ he said. ‘I gave it my all. I did my best. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.’

‘I don’t decide anything in the heat of the moment. Now is not important whether I will continue.’

Reflecting on his international career, Ronaldo added: ‘I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything. The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly.’

The marriage marks a new chapter for Ronaldo and Rodriguez, who have been together for nearly a decade and have built a family while supporting each other through their respective careers.

Yiaga Africa has warned that the theft of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and disruption of their distribution in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State could disenfranchise eligible voters ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The civil society organisation, in the third iteration of its Watching the Vote Osun 2026 Pre-Election Observation (PREO) Report issued yesterday, said the incident in Ward 2, Odo-Otin LGA, posed a direct threat to the voting rights of affected residents.

It said that unless the stolen PVCs were promptly accounted for and effective remedies provided to affected voters, the incident could prevent eligible citizens from exercising their franchise.

According to the report, the attack on the PVC distribution centre also exposed security vulnerabilities surrounding electoral personnel, facilities and sensitive materials during critical stages of election preparation.

‘The disruption of PVC distribution and theft of Permanent Voter Cards in Ward 2, Odo-Otin LGA pose a direct risk to the voting rights of affected voters,’ Yiaga Africa said.

It added that the incident could undermine confidence in the electoral process, particularly among residents of communities affected by the disruption.

The organisation urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately conduct an audit of the stolen PVCs and make arrangements to ensure that affected voters were not disenfranchised.

It also called on INEC to publish the number of stolen PVCs in the affected areas alongside the PVC collection rate before Election Day.

Yiaga Africa further urged INEC to work closely with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure intelligence-led deployment of personnel to electoral facilities and activities.

It warned that the ability of armed actors to disrupt an official INEC activity and remove electoral materials underscored the need for stronger security around Registration Area Centres, polling units, collation centres and other critical electoral facilities.

‘Violence or disruption during critical electoral operations can have consequences beyond the immediate incident,’ the organisation said, warning that such incidents could deter voter participation, disrupt election preparations and weaken public confidence in the capacity of INEC and security agencies to safeguard the process.

On security, Yiaga Africa urged the relevant agencies to provide adequate protection for all remaining electoral activities, including Registration Area Centres when activated on the eve of Election Day, as well as electoral personnel and sensitive materials.

It specifically called for heightened security in identified hotspots and other high-risk locations, alongside improved intelligence gathering and early-warning mechanisms to prevent further disruptions.

The group also urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of political and electoral violence and other offences.

It said authorities should publish detailed information on arrests and prosecutions of individuals responsible for violence resulting in fatalities during the electoral process, including the sponsors behind such acts.

Yiaga Africa urged political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and ensure that their members and supporters avoided violence, intimidation, hate speech and other actions capable of escalating political tensions.

It also called on parties to promote issue-based campaigns and direct their agents, youth groups and supporters to comply with the Electoral Act, the Peace Accord and other applicable electoral guidelines.

The organisation urged civil society groups to intensify voter education and civic awareness campaigns to encourage eligible voters to collect their PVCs and participate peacefully in the election.

It also called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to collaborate with INEC, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and community leaders to disseminate timely and accurate information on PVC collection and election-day procedures.

Yiaga Africa said prompt accountability, remedial measures for affected voters and strengthened security were essential to mitigating the risks identified ahead of the election.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi Central Senatorial District has inaugurated its campaign organisation for the 2027 general election, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan charging members to embark on aggressive house-to-house and polling-unit-level mobilisation.

According to a statement from the senator’s media office in Abuja, the campaign organisation is led by Dr Salami Etudaiye as Director-General and Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya Karaku as Campaign Chairman, with Jacob Ogirima Anebe as Secretary, Ilyasu Zubair as Head of Operations, Isiaka Uhuanaye as Head of Technicals, and Jane Onoba as Head of Welfare.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the team to take the party’s message directly to voters and to welcome new members and supporters willing to contribute to the campaign, regardless of prior political differences.

Etudaiye, in his acceptance speech, described the appointment as a call to build an organised political structure across Kogi Central, covering Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi and Ogori-Magongo, pledging transparency and an unrelenting focus on victory. He urged young people to bring their energy and ‘digital power’ to the campaign.

Karaku congratulated the team and called for unity, peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigning, warning against personal attacks and divisive rhetoric. He urged all campaign operatives, from ward leaders to volunteers, to work as a team.

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, yesterday called for reforms that will foster democracy and protect the judiciary.

They said the reforms should also strengthen the electoral processes, defend democratic institutions, halt political interference and fortify governance structures across Africa.

The leaders spoke at the yearly Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held at the International Conference Centre in Bauchi, capital of Bauchi State, to mark the 11th anniversary of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation.

The event, with the theme:’Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?’ and co-hosted by Governor Bala Mohammed and Dr. Jonathan, was witnessed by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, judges, lawmakers, constitutional experts and civil society leaders from across the continent.

Liberal democracy unsuitable, says Obasanjo

Obasanjo said the Western liberal democracy inherited by many African countries was ill-suited to African realities because it has encouraged a winner-takes-all political culture.

He said: ‘The democracy we practise has no African context and no African content. If you try to use what is not meant for you to serve your purpose, it is like a dress for which you are not measured. It will not fit and it will not serve your purpose.’

Obasanjo said the first-past-the-post electoral system had deepened political divisions across the continent, urging African countries to develop democratic systems rooted in their own history, culture and values.

He added: ‘Call it democracy if you like, or call it African democracy, but it must have African context and African content.’

The former president also said that Nigeria’s diversity should be protected rather than exploited.

He said: ‘Nigeria is what it is because of our diversity. Remove diversity from Nigeria and you will probably have the Republic of Oduduwa or the Republic of Danfodio, but that will not be Nigeria.’

Jonathan: Nigeria needs to restructure

Jonathan, who co chaired the dialogue, called for a national debate on the restructuring of governance architecture, saying that the concentration of powers in the presidency had weakened democracy and accountability.

He said: ‘Probably, we need to go back to the pre-independence and early independence days of having a parliamentary system where powers are shared.

‘In Nigeria today, one person has almost all the powers. We need to have more conversations on the structure of leadership in our governance and what model will best suit our unique circumstances.’

Jonathan also criticised the culture of election litigation, describing it as unusual compared with many African democracies where elections are largely settled at the ballot box.

He added: ‘The Nigerian situation is extremely different from most other African countries. The kind of election litigations we experience here is uncommon.’

Jonathan warned that public confidence in political judgments had declined, adding that highly controversial electoral disputes should, in some cases, be returned to the electorate.

He stressed: ‘In some highly controversial cases, it is better for the election to go back to the people.’

‘Courts and judiciary in crisis’

Obi warned that Nigeria was facing a deepening crisis of electoral integrity and judicial credibility, lamenting that the standards that once characterised the country’s judiciar have been eroded.

He said: ‘I was in court for three years challenging my election. Five judges that I never met gave judgment in my favour. It cannot happen in Nigeria today.’

He accused sections of the political and legal establishment of undermining democracy.

Obi said: ‘We have a crisis. Professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections. Lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matters. Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery, and religious leaders are praying for criminal politicians for blessings.’

Justice Dongban-Mensem called for stronger democratic institutions, constitutionalism and judicial independence, saying they are essential pillars for consolidating democracy across Africa.

Justice Dongban-Mensem, who was represented by Justice Mistura Bolaji, said the dialogue was exceptionally timely in view of the continent’s political, technological and socio-economic challenges.

She said: ‘The strength of democratic governance is at all times anchored in strong and robust institutions, dedicated adherence to constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law, and an enduring commitment to justice, accountability and the peaceful resolution of disputes.’

The jurist described the judiciary as the impartial interpreter of the law, the guardian of the constitutional order and the protector of the rights and liberties of citizens.

She said political parties are the primary vehicle for democratic participation, political representation and leadership development, while both institutions share a responsibility for preserving democratic legitimacy.

Justice Dongban-Mensem added: Their respective constitutional mandates, though distinct, converge in the shared responsibility of preserving democratic legitimacy and sustaining public confidence in governance.’

The judge commended Jonathan for sustaining the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, describing it as a respected continental platform for democratic reflection and policy engagement.

She added: ‘Through this important initiative, the foundation continues to make profound contributions to Africa’s democratic development by promoting peaceful transitions, accountable governance, credible elections and the strengthening of resilient institutions.’

On true federalism I stand, says Diri

Diri called for true federalism and constitutional reforms that would allow states to harness their resources, reduce dependence on federal allocations and promote balanced national development.

He said Nigeria needed to correct some of its structural imbalances to make the country beneficial to its citizens.

Citing Bayelsa as a case study, the governor said the injustice in resource exploitation, particularly crude oil, and the attendant lopsidedness in national revenue distribution, had continued for decades.

He said oil-bearing areas in the state and the Niger Delta still lacked commensurate development more than 60 years after oil exploration began, despite generating so much revenue for the country.

Diri faulted a situation where the state with only eight local government areas had revenue from its resources shared in Abuja to states without oil but had more local governments.

He said there is a relationship between resource exploitation and insecurity in the country, noting that the mining of gold in some states in the north had been followed by heightened insecurity in those states.

Diri said: ‘To my mind, democracy is built on three pillars – justice, equity, and fairness. And I believe that we missed the road of democracy in Nigeria long ago because there is no justice. There is injustice where Oloibiri, the oil community in Bayelsa that made Nigeria a commercial oil producing country, remains a shadow of itself.

‘It is ironical that at the end of every month, all our states go to Abuja to share oil money. I do not think that is what democracy is all about. For instance, Southern Ijaw, an oil-rich local government area in my state that brings so much money to Nigeria, had no road access for more than 60 years until I invited former President Obasanjo, who graciously came to inaugurate a project there.

‘This local government also had no access to its headquarters until recently that my administration constructed a 630-meter bridge across a river to the place.

‘Also, to my mind, there is total injustice where my state has just eight local government areas. Some other states have 40 or more. But, the resources from my state are shared to those local government areas from my eight. No matter who becomes president, this injustice and unfairness continue. Resources are being expropriated.

‘Today, there is gold in Zamfara and other northern states. And what do we experience? Insecurity. Most of the insecurity has been traced to the discovery of gold in that far north.

‘So, my dear leaders, my conclusion is that for democracy to thrive in Nigeria, there must be true federalism. Until we begin to practice federalism, we will have some pseudo-democratic, pseudo-autocratic, and sometimes even a tyrannical government in this country.’

Sen. Bala Mohammed said democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone, adding that accountable political parties and an independent judiciary are critical to protecting democratic governance.

He commended Jonathan for his commitment to peacebuilding, the rule of law and institutional strengthening across West Africa.

Mohammed said,: ‘Your Excellency, former President Jonathan, your unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, the rule of law and institutional strengthening across West Africa remains an inspiration to all of us.’

The governor said the dialogue has become a beacon of hope for democratic governance on the continent and a forum for advancing discussions on institutional reforms, peace and political stability.

Mohammed noted that the event resonated with the democratic legacy of Nigeria’s founding leaders, including the first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Obasanjo to national unity and democratic development.

He said bringing the dialogue to Bauchi was a recognition of the state’s ongoing efforts at promoting peace, inclusive growth and political stability within the sub-region.

The governor said democracy must be understood beyond electoral rituals.

Mohammed added: ‘The theme shifts focus from the ballot box to the institutional pillars required to safeguard what is sacred.

‘Democracy needs more than election ritual. It requires ideological, accountable political parties and an independent, reliable judiciary that safeguards the rule of law and public trust.’

He warned that democratic systems across Africa were increasingly being challenged by socio-economic pressures, technological disruptions and security threats.

Mohammed said: ‘Across our continent, democracy is tested by socio-economic pressures, technological disruption and security complexities.

‘Yet gatherings like this remind us that the ultimate solution for democracy is more democracy-deepened by dialogue, sustained by strong institutions and validated by tangible governance dividends for our citizens.’ Professor of Development Studies at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, Prof. Karuti Kanyinga, urged African governments to depoliticise the judiciary, warning that courts had increasingly become political battlegrounds.

He said: ‘We turn the judiciary into another political battlefield. We are asking the judiciary to arbitrate disputes that we have been unable to resolve politically.’

Kanyinga said judges across Africa are subjected to intimidation, political pressure and bribery, adding that justice had become commercialised in many countries.

‘The courts across the continent have become commodified,’ he said.

He urged governments to protect judges from political interference and strengthen judicial independence as a foundation for democratic governance.

Kayingba said: ‘We need to start thinking very carefully about what can be done in society to protect our courts and our judges from intimidation by politicians and make them as independent as they should be.’

The dialogue was attended by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, Ghana’s National Democratic Congress Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, former ECOWAS Commission President Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, and former Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini.

Bauchi Emirate confers Jigon title on Jonathan

Before the commencement of the event, Jonathan was installed as the ‘Jigon Bauchi’ by the Bauchi Emirate Council in recognition of his contributions to democracy, peace and national unity in Nigeria.

The title was conferred by the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, during a colourful turbaning ceremony held at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi.

Mohammed thanked the Emir for honouring Jonathan, saying the recognition reflected the former president’s enduring role in promoting democratic governance and peaceful coexistence across the country.

He said Jonathan’s leadership and commitment to national stability had earned him respect beyond political and regional boundaries.

Jonathan expressed gratitude to the Emir and the people of Bauchi State for the honour, describing the title as a privilege he would cherish.

He said: ‘I deeply appreciate this honour and the confidence reposed in me by the Bauchi Emirate. I will respect the customs and traditions of the Emirate Council and uphold the values associated with this title ‘

The Emir described Jonathan as a leader whose conduct in public office and dedication to peace had remained exemplary.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has accused members of the Accord Party of attacking APC supporters and subsequently portraying themselves as victims.

Oyetola made the allegation on Wednesday in Inisa, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders and supporters during an interactive meeting ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

The former governor of Osun State also criticised the state government over what he described as the poor condition of roads across the state, despite substantial federal allocations accruing to the state over the past three years.

Oyetola accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of neglecting several parts of the state, alleging that government projects and development initiatives had been concentrated disproportionately in Ede, the governor’s hometown.

He expressed concern over the state of infrastructure, particularly roads, stressing that residents across Osun deserved equitable access to government projects and essential public services irrespective of where they lived.

The APC leader assured the gathering that the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, would ensure the judicious use of state resources and promote balanced development across Osun if elected governor.

According to Oyetola, an Oyebamiji-led administration would prioritise the rehabilitation and construction of roads, revitalisation of the education sector and strengthening of primary healthcare, while improving other essential services across the state.

He appealed to APC members to remain united and intensify mobilisation ahead of the election.

Oyetola urged party supporters to participate actively in the electoral process and remain vigilant against vote manipulation and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The minister acknowledged the endorsements of former Osun governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and other political leaders in Odo-Otin Local Government Area for the APC candidate.

He expressed confidence that Oyebamiji would emerge victorious at the polls, saying a significant number of Osun residents had become dissatisfied with the performance of the incumbent administration.

Oyetola urged APC members to translate their support for the party into actual votes, stressing the importance of strong voter turnout.

The meeting attracted a large gathering of APC leaders, stakeholders, party members and supporters. Oyetola and his entourage were received by a sizeable crowd, with supporters also lining adjoining streets as the delegation arrived in Inisa.

Tension gripped Ilesa, Osun State, yesterday morning after suspected political thugs attacked a community and shot members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The incident reportedly occurred around 7:30 a.m. as party members gathered at the Igbogi area of Ilesa for their final rally. Witnesses said the assailants, armed with pump-action rifles, stormed the venue and opened fire indiscriminately.

A resident, identified as Sola, told The Nation: ‘We were preparing for our final rally today. Our leaders asked us to converge at Igbogi by 8 a.m. But at about 7:30 a.m., the thugs invaded and started shooting sporadically. Four people were hit. It is so unfortunate. This attack comes barely three days after Amotekun clashed with our members.’

Confirming the incident, Oluremi Omowaiye, Media Head of the APC Campaign Council, said:

‘Four of our supporters were shot. Two have died, while two others are in critical condition. Our Woman Leader in Ilesa is among the victims and is currently struggling to breathe at Wesley Guild Hospital.’

Within 24 hours, violence escalated further. Reports indicated that 12 APC members were killed in separate attacks-five during a rally at the weekend and seven more on Tuesday while they were converging for another grand rally in Igbogi.

Following the spate of killings, APC members regrouped and staged a protest in Ilesa against what they described as political intimidation and targeted violence. The protesters were later joined by leaders of the APC in Ijesa land, led by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who addressed the crowd.

Meanwhile, a video emerged on social media where Fadahunsi was heard berating the killings and political intimidation ahead of the poll. His remark-‘We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them’-sparked political tension across Osun State.

Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently called for the arrest of the Senator representing Osun East District.

Reacting to the development, Fadahunsi, in a statement by his media office, denied making the remark in the violent sense, saying:

‘I meant kill Accord with your votes. At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party.’

His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.’

He further urged political actors, party supporters, and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the election, and called on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.

‘Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail. We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,’ the statement added.

Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed investigations were ongoing and promised to provide details of the attack.