National
Make Peoples’ prevailing concerns central in govt programming – Don urges FG
***calls for people-centred policies to address trust deficits
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
President, Nigeria Political Science Association Professor Hassan A. Saliu,has called on the Federal Government to evolve people-centered policies and make the prevailing concerns in the country central in its programming.
Prof. Saliu of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin who made the call during a Public Lecture at the birthday celebration of Professor Salisu Usman Ugbo and unveiling of a Sickle Cell Foundation on Sunday in Lokoja.
The Professor of Political Science described the widening gap between government and citizens at all levels as a cancerous disease requiring urgent cure from both government and citizens.
In the Public Lecture titled: Towards Promoting a Robust Government-Citizens Relationship in Nigeria, Prof. Saliu said the widening gulf was retarding national development and advancement of the country.
He said that the issue was one of the topical issue concerning Nigerians saying that the polity had failed to appreciate the fact that difficulties in mobilizing people for national goals stem from the disjointed government-citizen relationship.
“Citizens no longer exhibit past values of bonding with governments. Nigerians see governments as alien or evil, irrelevant to their daily lives amidst spiraling costs.
“Governments view citizens as enemies, not the greatest resource for development. I argue that democracy’s disappointment in Nigeria stems from the growing gap between citizens and government.
“The Federal Government’s situation is relatively better, but state administrations and Local Government Councils (LGCs) have alarming disconnections. This undermines democracy’s success, reliant on active citizen support.
“Democracy is conversational; blurred communication between people and government hinders progress. Nigerians’ skepticism frustrates national efforts. The war against terrorism exemplifies this.
“Despite claims of subduing terrorists, threats persist due to government-citizen disjoint. Citizens remain aloof or aid tormentors.
“Low electoral participation also illustrates this disconnect. Citizens’ apathy stems from trust deficits incubated in poor government-citizen relations.
“Secessionist agitators’ stubbornness can be attributed to lost faith in Nigeria, fueled by poor relations. This instability transmits negative signals internationally”, he pointed out.
On the birthday, the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulated Prof. Ogbo Usman saying “Today is a remarkable day of celebration as we rejoice with you.
“Prof. Ogbo Usman, indeed you are a great blessing to Kogi state and the people. May the good Lord grant you peace, wisdom and blessings in abundance. I wish you many more years of celebrations”.
The Governor who was represented by Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said that the grandeur of the birthday ceremony was “a clear indication of your mark of excellence and most distinguished Professor in your field.”
The father of the day, Atta Igala, HRM Dr Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa CFR, described Prof. Ogbo Usman as a dependable son and brother whose enduring contributions have solidified his position as Rector and strong pillar in the growth and progress of Kogi State.
He asserted that Prof. Ogbo Usman, is acknowledged as a relentless administrator and philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark through his generosity and benevolence
The President, Kogi State council of Traditional Rulers noted that these qualities have become synonymous with his engagement in both public and private spheres.
Responding, Prof. Usman however thanked the state Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo and other top government officials for gracing his Birthday Celebration and flag-off of his foundation.
“I acknowledged God for the gift of life, God’s mercy has allowed me to witness yet another year, even as many of my peers have long departed, but God’s grace has kept me alive.” (Ends)
National
Concerned Religious Prayer Forum Responds to Criticism of National Prayer Initiative
The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum has issued a statement clarifying its mission and responding to recent criticisms surrounding its seven-day national prayer initiative.
Established as a non-governmental organization on January 9, 2024, the Forum emphasizes that it is an independent group composed of citizens motivated by a shared desire to promote peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
The initiative has drawn scrutiny, particularly due to its involvement of high-profile figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as leaders of the prayer effort.
In the statement, Director General, Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan of the Forum reiterated that the prayer campaign is not government-driven or politically motivated, but rather a spiritual call for Nigerians to come together and seek divine intervention for the country’s challenges.
The Forum stated that it was not seeking political endorsement but instead believed that the involvement of such respected figures would inspire broader national participation.
Citing religious scriptures, the Forum stressed the role of prayer in supporting and strengthening efforts for national progress.
The Bible, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, encourages prayer as a means of healing and unity: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Similarly, the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186) reminds believers that “I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
The Forum further addressed critics who questioned the efficacy of prayer in resolving the nation’s issues, insisting that divine intervention does not replace the need for diligent work but complements the efforts of the people. “This initiative is not about replacing hard work but about seeking spiritual guidance and collective unity to overcome the challenges facing the nation,” the statement read.
Encouraging all citizens and leaders to support the prayer initiative, the Forum called for unity in Nigeria’s pursuit of peace and prosperity. It urged Nigerians to set aside differences and work together in both practical and spiritual ways to help heal and build the nation.
The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum concluded its statement by inviting Nigerians to join in prayer, stating, “As we strive for national progress, prayer continues to serve as a catalyst for peace, growth, and development in Nigeria.”
National
Northern Senators applauds Tinubu’s Order to Release Detained Minors
***Emphasize Need for Youth Welfare
The Northern Senators Forum, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in ordering the release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The forum expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release, calling it a demonstration of the President’s commitment to youth welfare and justice.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to the National Update, Yar’adua acknowledged the President’s leadership in addressing this sensitive issue, emphasizing that Tinubu’s prompt response reflects his dedication to safeguarding the rights of young Nigerians.
“This decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of our youth,” Yar’adua stated, commending Tinubu for prioritizing the release of the minors held in detention.
Yar’adua also praised Northern leaders who have been actively advocating for the minors’ release, crediting their persistent efforts with bringing the issue to national attention and ensuring fair treatment for the young detainees. He noted that their advocacy was instrumental in prompting a rapid response from the federal government.
As part of the forum’s statement, Yar’adua called on Northern leaders to continue prioritizing youth welfare and development. He emphasized that creating a safe and supportive environment for young people is essential for fostering Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“It is essential that we create an environment where our children can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation,” he said. “Our youth need the support and resources to become active contributors to Nigeria’s development.”
The Northern Senators Forum reaffirmed its commitment to policies that protect and promote youth welfare and urged a nationwide focus on youth education and safety. Yar’adua concluded the statement with a call for cooperation among all levels of government and communities, stressing the importance of investing in the nation’s youth for a more prosperous future.
National
Timi Frank commends Tinubu over release of detained Minors
***Calls for Compensation, Justice
In a recent development, Comrade Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly praised President Bola Tinubu’s directive to release minors detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Frank called the move a “step in the right direction” and urged the government to do more to address the broader concerns of Nigerians who have faced repercussions for protesting against government policies.
In a statement from Abuja, Frank acknowledged Tinubu’s past involvement in activism, recalling the President’s role in protests, including during Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and the 2012 demonstrations against the removal of fuel subsidies by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He encouraged Tinubu to extend the recent release order to all detainees held for expressing opposition to government policies, framing this as an alignment with Tinubu’s own history of activism.
Frank did not stop at calling for the release of detainees; he also urged the President to reconsider recent economic policies, such as the floating of the naira and removal of fuel subsidies, which he argued have contributed to widespread economic hardship.
“We commend the President for taking this positive step,” Frank said. “However, we urge him to reconsider the policies that are exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.”
The activist also called on the Federal Government to compensate the released minors, arguing that they suffered “violations of their fundamental human rights” and endured “dehumanizing” conditions during their months-long detention without trial.
Frank proposed financial support for the minors and their families, as well as scholarships and psychological counseling to help them recover from the trauma of their detention.
Frank’s statement emphasized the need for accountability, urging the President to launch a probe into why these minors were held for over 90 days without prompt intervention from the intelligence community.
He specifically called for investigations into the roles of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Commissioners of Kano and Kaduna states, where the minors were detained.
He warned against any attempt to “sweep the probe under the rug” and pledged to monitor the situation to ensure public transparency.
“This probe must be thorough, and officers found complicit should be held accountable,” he said. Frank emphasized that this is necessary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and ensure such detentions do not recur.
He further appealed for government intervention to ease the reentry of the minors into society, suggesting reputable boarding schools and the assistance of professional counselors to help them overcome the distress of their experiences.
“By taking these steps, we can heal past wounds and work towards a more compassionate society for all Nigerians,” Frank concluded.
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, has previously expressed support for policies he views as beneficial to Nigerians while holding the government accountable on issues of rights and governance. His recent remarks signal a continuing commitment to advocating for the protection and welfare of young Nigerians, particularly those impacted by political or social issues.
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