CAN urges Nigerians to learn from 1993 election by building true democracy

By Albert Akota

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to embrace the lessons of the annulled 1993 presidential election of Chief Moshood Abiola and work towards building a truly democratic nation.

In a statement yesterday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized the need to address issues such as insecurity, corruption, poverty, and unemployment.

He called on all citizens to work together towards the common goal of a better Niger Okoh said, “As we mark this year’s Democracy Day on June 12, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our past heroes who fought for democracy in our land.

Their struggles and sacrifices have paved the way for the democratic government we enjoy today. We must never forget their efforts and their contributions to our freedom.

“On this day, we also remember the annulment of the free and fair election of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as president on June 12, 1993.

This event was a watershed in our nation’s history, and it reminds us of the need to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and fairness at all times as responsible citizens.

“As Nigerians, we must learn from the lessons of June 12 and strive to build a nation where democracy is truly entrenched.

We must put aside our religious and cultural differences and work towards the common goal of a better Nigeria.

Our leaders must prioritize the needs of the people and ensure that they are accountable to the citizens they serve.

“Furthermore, as we celebrate Democracy Day, we must recognize that there is still much work to be done. We need to address the issues of insecurity, corruption, poverty, and unemployment in our country.

These problems affect all Nigerians and must be tackled with urgency and sincerity.

“I call on all Nigerians to play their part in advancing the development of our nation. We must all be responsible citizens and work towards building a better future for ourselves and the next generations.

Let us continue to pray for our nation and work together towards a brighter future.”

Kaduna Club members accuse President, Secretary for misappropriation

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Members of a famous recreational centre known as Kaduna Club have accused its leaders of misappropriation and plot to corner assets of the elite rendezvous point for personal gain.

It is obvious all is not well within the club with diverse membership mainly elite, including expatriates.

The brewing crisis could be traced to the decision of president and General Secretary of the club, Engr. Tijjani Abubakar and Muhammed Ajagun respectively to lease out a chunk of the club’s landed property to a private developer to build a shopping mall, an action that enraged some key members into writing a petition to Governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani for intervention.

A petition signed by ten members of the club, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent contained alleged misappropriation of the club’s finances and conspiracy by the duo of the president and General Secretary to take possession of its assets through a firm owned by a member via a questionable concession, according to the petitioners.

The petition noted that the club founded in 1932 as a foremost recreation center, subsequently registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission with a Government approved landed property at 18 Waff Road, Kaduna should be used and maintained for the sole purpose of social and brotherhood activities only.

The petitioners recalled with nostalgia past years in the history of the club when members fraternized with one another in pure and mutual friendship, adding that until owner of Binanci Associates Ltd became a member and connived with president and General Secretary of the club to rub members off their cherished possession.

“The action of these people is entirely for personal gain and against the club’s business, objective and constitution.

Democracy Day: We can achieve greatness together, says Fintiri

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state has threw a passionate aopeal to citizens in the state to rally round his second term administration for more devidends of democracy.

Governor Fintiri made the appeal while extending his felicitations to citizens of the State and country at large on the occasion of Democracy Day celebrations held yesterday.

In a press statement issued in Yola on Monday by the Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary,Mr.Humwashi Wonosikou and made available to the media indicated that, the Governor who expressed delight over Nigeria’s unbroken democracy since the return to civil rule in 1999 described it as the triumph of freedom.

“Twenty-seven years ago, we witnessed a scene that had once seemed impossible -- an election where, for the first time, the people of this nation had a choice-unanimously agreeing to ensure democracy thrives.”

Governor Fintiri noted that though it was thwarted, 1999 saw a new beginning as the event turned out to be a landslide victory for freedom as it ushered in the beginning of the end of military rule.

“And we have seen the extraordinary progress since that time. As Nigeria today is standing tall as proud democracies.

“Regrettably, despite our state being a peaceful one,the recent ugly happenings of the Adamawa election where some elements tried to subvert the will of the people.

“I am commending the resilience of those who stood to preserve democracy by ensuring the right thing is done.

“We must never forget that the spark for so much of this revolution, this blossoming of hope, was lit by you, the people of Adamawa. It was the culmination of the struggles of those who rose up and finally won and those who resisted enemies of democracy.

“History will remember you for standing for the truth. You are our heroes of democracy.

“This is the Nigeria we celebrate today. The free and democratic nation that our forebears and some who are here today dreamed of and fought for and, in some cases, died for.”The statement added.

While commending the spirit of oneness exhibited by Nigerians 27 years ago, Governor Fintiri urged for a return to that kind of spirit where a projected 14 million Nigerians – ignored tribe, religion, class, sectional propensity and even harsh conditions to elect their president with the hope of instituting representative governance and enjoying the dividends of democracy; a process that was, however, tragically annulled.

Governor Fintiri said that the people must learn to imbibe that spirit they were once known for and put away sentiments and see ourselves first as Nigerians for the much needed change.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of the 2023 Democracy Day, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted pardon to two prisoners in the state stressing that, the inmates were granted pardon

Gov Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri

based on their good conducts right from the different dates of their conviction.

“In the spirit of the 2023 Democracy Day, and in the exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), after due consultation with The State Advisory Council On Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted various categories of pardon to two prisoners for their good conduct. The two Prisoners as aforementioned should have the remainder of their sentences remitted whole.”

“The unfortunate aspect of the deed is that it stated that the price for the assignment is 90.3 million naira only and seven million naira had already been paid in an earlier lease agreement without stating when and how the balance will be paid and granting Binanci Associates beneficial owner even without paying the balance.

“Binanci has since completed building shopping malls and leased them out without making an attempt to pay up the balance to the club.

“The deed of assignment is without your consent as required by law while the four trustees who signed the document were those foisted on the club who are being challenged in the court of law,” the document added.

The petitioners faulted the ongoing construction, saying it would encroach and tamper with key recreational facilities such as Lawn Tennis courts sit and swimming areas, adding that the embarrassing development had already attracted a demolition notice from KASUPDA.

The members in the petition also accused the two leaders of the leisure centre of gross financial misappropriation, indiscipline and corruption, disclosing that all activities relating to the account of the club under the president and General secretary had been shrouded in secrecy without accountability and transparency.

They called on Governor Uba Sani to look into the issue at the club with a view to saving a relic of capital of old Northern Region by ensuring a proper investigation of all actors involved, their collaborators and allegations made by the club president against the state’s agencies; KADGIS, KADIPA and KASUPDA in order to establish the truth.