Elder statesman Alhaji Buba Galadima has raised the alarm that Nigeria’s democracy is in peril, accusing the ruling elite of eroding dissent and gradually imposing authoritarian control over national institutions. Receiving a national recognition award from The Sun Newspapers for his decades of public service, Galadima warned that Nigeria is “on the verge of dictatorship,” accusing the ruling class of trying to fold governors, political parties and key institutions into one obedient power bloc. “A democracy without opposition is dictatorship—pure and simple” Galadima said the most alarming signal of Nigeria’s democratic decay is the systematic erasure of alternative voices. “Once…
Author: National Update
Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) has mourned the passing of Senator Okey Ezea, describing the late lawmaker as a statesman whose calm demeanor, philanthropy, and steadfast commitment to public service left a lasting legacy. In a condolence message on Wednesday, Yar’Adua recalled Ezea’s impactful role in Nigeria’s political landscape, including his key contribution to establishing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu in 2013 and his candidacy in the 2015 elections. He highlighted how Ezea combined legislative work with humanitarian initiatives, touching countless lives across his community. “Senator Ezea’s dedication to democratic progress and community development, coupled with his…
**Accuses Police, INEC of Partisanship **Demands Action on Killings, Abductions, Strikes Nigeria is “dangerously veering off the path of democracy,” the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) declared on Wednesday after an emergency strategy session in Abuja that brought together the leadership of Afenifere, PANDEF, the Middle Belt Forum and delegations from the South-West, South-East and South-South. Presided over by Afenifere leader HRM Oba Olaitan, the meeting examined what the Forum described as a disturbing pattern of political intolerance, rising insecurity and institutional failures threatening national stability. SMBLF said it is increasingly evident that Nigeria is “sliding toward one-party…
For her bold and insightful reporting on Nigeria’s correctional system, The Guardian journalist Tina Abeku has been honoured by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which described her work as a model of “clear, courageous and impactful journalism.” The recognition came during a three-day capacity-building workshop for NCoS spokespersons in Abuja. The event—organised in partnership with Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), International IDEA and the European Union—focused on strengthening public communication across the Service. Presenting the award, Controller General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, said Abeku’s coverage has shed vital light on ongoing reforms within the Service. “Through her reporting in…
President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, following renewed security concerns in parts of the country, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State. The President had been expected to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Summit of Leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, he suspended his departure after receiving reports on the worsening security situation. According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu…
The Senate was thrown into mourning yesterday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, the Enugu North lawmaker widely regarded by colleagues as one of the chamber’s calmest, wisest voices. Among the most emotional tributes came from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who said the late legislator’s quiet strength had carried her through some of her most difficult moments in public life. Describing his death as a personal and institutional loss, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said Ezea was “a good man—wise and gentle”, whose prayers and counsel provided steady guidance during her darkest hours in the Senate. “Rest in peace, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea.…
Lamara Garba Azare Nigeria woke up once again to the heartbreaking reality that its children are no longer safe in their own country. In the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, armed men stormed Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, kidnapping about 25 schoolgirls and killing a vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, along with a security guard who dared to stand in their way. The scene was brutal, tragic, and deeply symbolic of a nation that has abandoned its most vulnerable. This is not the first tragedy of its kind.…
President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State following the abduction of schoolgirls from a boarding school in Maga. The visit is aimed at offering solidarity to the state, comforting parents and guardians, and ensuring the government’s commitment to the swift and safe return of the children. The President also mourned the loss of gallant soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who died while confronting insurgents in Borno State. He described their sacrifice as a solemn reminder of the courage required to protect the nation. Briefed by military authorities, Tinubu expressed regret that the abduction occurred despite…
In a brazen night raid on Tuesday, armed bandits stormed Tarah community in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, abducting nine residents and injuring one person with a gunshot wound to the arm. Sources said the attack came shortly after members of the community’s vigilante group were redeployed to nearby Katsira, leaving Tarah vulnerable. Swift action by local youth helped confront the attackers, averting what could have been a far more devastating outcome. Security experts have raised alarm over the escalating threat to communities across northern Nigeria, warning that repeated raids are creating a climate of fear and instability.…
By Fatima Ndagi The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate abandoned federal properties across Nigeria, signaling a crackdown on waste and mismanagement of public assets. The inauguration, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and represented by Chief Whip Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, emphasized the 10th House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible asset management. “We are determined that no public property is left to decay or fall into neglect,” Abbas said. The committee, led by Hon. Daniel Amos, has been tasked with mapping all abandoned federal buildings and lands, identifying policy failures behind their neglect,…