Join fight against insecurity —NSCDC boss tells Nigerians

As Nigeria marks its 2023 Democracy Day, the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has appealed to Nigerians to join in the fight against insecurity to sustain the nation’s democratic ideals.

Dr Audi said that it was imperative for citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by embracing his policies and programs for a better Nigeria.

The CG made this statement while briefing officers and men at the Corps’ at National Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

He stated that security agencies requires the cooperation and support of citizens to effectively ensure national security.

He called on citizens to endeavor to provide credible information that could help nip crime in the bud.

“If you see something, do not waste time in saying something,” he advised.

The NSCDC boss urged Nigerians to engrain the spirit of national consciousness to move the nation forward, noting that only a safe and secured environment could guarantee prosperity and growth of Nigeria’s democracy.

“A rise in national security consciousness is the first step towards creating a nation with shared sense of national identity.

“It also fosters common understanding amongst different ethnic groups, religion, tribes, and organisations.

“We have to develop a strong feeling of love, commitment, loyalty and affection that enables us to work together for the growth, progress and development of this country,” he said.

He further called on government at all levels to give maximum support to security agencies to function effectively in crime fighting and prevention.

“We will appreciate more governmental support to help us discharge our duties optimally,” he said.

He advocated the need for security agencies to heed the advice of President Tinubu on synergy and collaboration.

“We have to promote the culture of synergy and collaboration amongst ourselves.

“We must embrace the advice Mr President gave us recently regarding synergy and collaboration for effective service delivery,” he said.

“The task of eradicating crimes and criminality in the country required a formidable internal security apparatus that must be opposed to unhealthy rivalry.

He congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of democacy day celebrations and assured that NSCDC under his leadership will not derail but play its part with renewed vigour for the betterment of Nigeria.

“Preserving Nigeria’s democracy is a collective effort in which, protecting her people and critical national assets is our role.

“We will continue to do our best in discharging our constitutional responsibility to the nation effectively without compromise.” the CG said.

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu and Former SGF, Babagana Kingibe during the 2023 democracy day celebration held at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday

Groups condemns Tinubu administration for interference in NASS leadership election

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Oodua People’s Frontier (OPF) and the Yoruba Patriots Alliance (YPA) have frowned at the interference of the Bola Tinubu-led government in the election of principal officers of the National Assembly ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration.

The groups stated categorically that such actions are not only undemocratic, but also threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

The groups in a statement issued Monday by the Convener of OPF, Moses Odewale and National President of YPA, Anuoluwabamise Adetutu, that it was disheartening to witness the relentless attempts by the government to utilize security agencies as tools of intimidation, coercing aspiring candidates into submission.

The groups stated categorically that such actions are not only undemocratic, but also threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

The groups also expressed dissatisfaction and concern over the flagrant disregard for democratic principles demonstrated by this administration.

The groups pointed out that it was shameful that the current government, barely at the outset of its tenure, was already exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.

They said: “Nigeria is not an ‘agberocracy’; we are a nation founded on democratic principles, where the separation of powers and the independence of the legislative and judicial arms are paramount.

“We vehemently repudiate any misguided parallel drawn between Nigeria and the confined realm of Lagos State, where agberos and touts reign supreme. We assert that Nigeria, as a whole, transcends the narrow scope of a single state and operates on an entirely different scale of governance.”

They noted that considering the use of court orders to impede eligible candidates from exercising their fundamental rights to contest for principal offices in the Senate was not only an affront to the country’s democracy but also a blatant violation of the principles of justice and fairness.

The groups added: “The Oodua People’s Frontier (OPF) and the Yoruba Patriots Alliance

(YPA), stands firmly against any attempt by this administration to undermine our democratic systems.

“We refuse to be silent spectators as our democracy is eroded by the very government entrusted to uphold it. We will resist every encroachment on our democratic institutions with unwavering determination.

The groups added that the people of Nigeria deserve leaders who respect the tenets of democracy and uphold the principles of good governance.

“We demand that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government refrain from further interference in the electoral process and respect the rights of eligible candidates to contest for principal offices in the National Assembly. ”