In a stirring Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a passionate case for political pluralism in Nigeria, pushing back against growing criticism that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is steering the country toward one-party dominance. Rather than deny the APC’s growing strength, Tinubu reframed the narrative—arguing that its ascendancy is the outcome of political evolution, not suppression, and rooted in Nigeria’s hard-won democratic gains since the return to civilian rule. “A one-party state is neither desirable nor possible,” he declared. “And I, of all people, would never support such…
Author: National Update
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day 2025, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has urged political leaders to go beyond rhetoric and deliver real change—particularly in the areas of security, employment, and justice. In a message released on Wednesday, Gabam described June 12 as a historic day that should inspire action, not just celebration. He called for a renewed commitment to the ideals championed by late Chief MKO Abiola and other democratic icons, stressing that the spirit of June 12 must reflect in the quality of governance and everyday lives of Nigerians. “June 12…
By Lemmy Ughegbe, Ph.D, ANIPR President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address, delivered on June 12, 2025, was, at its core, a valiant attempt to reconnect with the Nigerian people, remind us of our hard-fought democratic journey, and assert a moral authority for the government he leads. He recounted the story of our democratic struggles, saluted the sacrifices of martyrs like Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane, and sought to remind Nigerians that this democracy—flawed as it may be—was paid for in blood and courage. But a deeper interrogation of Tinubu’s address reveals…
****Says, Fasoranti, Madunagu Mistakenly Listed Under Posthumous Category The Presidency has tendered a public apology following the erroneous inclusion of two eminent Nigerians—Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu—under the posthumous category of national honours announced during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while delivering his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly on Thursday, honoured a number of notable Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s democratic journey. However, the inclusion of Fasoranti and Madunagu among deceased honourees quickly drew public attention and concern, as both men are very much alive. In an official statement issued…
By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia In a sweeping move to restore accountability and improve basic education, the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammad-Kassim, has ordered the immediate redeployment of 1,300 administrative staff across the state. The redeployment affects staff from the 13 local government areas and 18 development areas in Nasarawa State. Out of a total of 3,422 administrative staff, the affected personnel—those with teaching qualifications—are to return to the classrooms without delay. Dr. Kassim issued the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with educational secretaries in Lafia, the state capital. He expressed…
By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia The 7th Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed 21 bills and 41 resolutions in the last two years, marking what the Speaker, Dr. Danladi Jatau, describes as a productive and united legislative session. Dr. Jatau disclosed this on Wednesday during a plenary session in Lafia to mark the end of the Assembly’s second legislative year. He praised the lawmakers for their commitment, unity, and collaboration, describing the current Assembly as one of the best in the state’s history. “Since the inception of the 7th Assembly, we have passed 21 bills—17 of which were executive…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled the national broadcast earlier scheduled for Thursday, June 12, to mark Democracy Day. This was announced in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) on Wednesday. The statement, signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, explained that the change was due to the President’s plan to attend a joint session of the National Assembly. “Due to H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly Joint Session, the Presidential National Broadcast on June 12 has been cancelled,” the statement said. President…
Nigeria has declared its intention to lead Africa into a new era of cultural and economic power, using tourism, technology, and the creative industries as the engine for transformation. This bold vision was unveiled on Tuesday by the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, during her keynote address at the opening of the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Hosted for the first time in Nigeria, the summit brought together African ministers, global tourism leaders, investors, and cultural innovators to reimagine the future…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja OBA James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi, has regained freedom after spending 28 days in the kidnappers’ den. The monarch, who was kidnapped by armed bandits on May 15, was released at about midday on Wedesday, June 11, amidst renewed pressure from combined security forces and local vigilante groups. The security forces and the operater within the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa axis and along the porous borderlines with neighbouring Kwara State. Confirming the rescue of the monarch, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Hon. Tosin Olokun, described the development…
***Eulogies Kogi Poly Rector, Prof. Usman as worthy ambassador By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja. HIS Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Kabir Gambo Makarfi IV, the Maigari of Lokoja, has commissioned the newly rehabilitated Ankpa Township Stadium paving way for the Ejeh Ankpa Unity Cup final competition. Performing the ceremony at the Ankpa Township Stadium, the the Maigari of Lokoja said the formal inauguration of the rehabilitated stadium would pave way for the Ejeh Ankpa Unity Cup competition final. He said that there has been a long-standing Royal affinity between the Ankpa royal family and the Maigari family over the years.…