Politics Adopt culture of inclusiveness to deepen democracy – Director NILDS to govt

By Christiana Ekpa

The Director General, National Institute

For Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman, says for Nigeria to sustain and deepen democracy, it must imbibe the culture of political inclusion.

Prof. Suleiman spoke on

Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of a research report on inclusive practices of political parties in Nigeria organized by the Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in conjunction with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

He observed that fake news, ethnic and religious

Adeleke commends security personnel, calls for interstate intelligence sharing, policing

By Musa Baba Adamu

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has commended the proactive actions of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies operating in the state.

The Governor also noted that strengthening intelligence sharing and firming up operational relationships among the state commands will stop criminals in their tracks before they launch cross-border raids.

The governor made the assertion on Thursday during a state security meeting while calling for the strengthening of inter-state policing to stem crossborder criminal activities.

In the meeting which had in attendance the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Akande Sikiru, Adeleke cited inter-state criminal attacks as a major issue demanding urgent attention.

While noting that Osun is a peaceful state with a strong responsive security apparatus, he said that the recent inter-state raids by armed robbers need a strategy review.

He also expressed hope that the best approach to addressing the challenge is to have all relevant operational Commanders in the same room.

“I am elated to have all of you here led by the police boss for the zone. Recent security breaches are traced to inter-state raids by criminals. So it is productive that we have all the relevant officers here. Let us strengthen collaboration and partnership. Osun must remain as peaceful as ever, the State Governor directed. sentiments and the upsurge in politics of bitterness are threats to the country’s democracy.

Responding, AIG Sikiru assured the State Governor that the police service is re-strategising to sustain the records of peaceful existence in Osun state.

“Your Excellency, we are more than ready to sustain peace in Osun State. You have a team of dynamic and gallant officers who are already deploying a technology-driven approach in law enforcement and the prevention of crime in Osun state.

“Permit me to express our appreciation for the logistic support your administration is providing for our operations. We know you will do more for us as we also respond proactively to the security needs of the state, ” AIG Sikiru promised.

He said there was a dark shadow over the significant achievements in the last two decades following some perennial challenges Nigeria’s democracy has continued to witness.

“An essential requirement for sustainable democracy is political inclusion, especially for minorities and marginalised groups. Indeed, the very notion of democratic governance is premised on the notion of equal participation by all citizens.”

He lamented that women, young people, and people with disabilities need equal and meaningful participation and representation in all facets of the electoral process, stressing that women and youth constitute more than half of Nigeria’s population, yet their participation in governance processes where decisions are made remains peripheral.

We’re not comfortable with relocation of Ebonyi election tribunal to Abuja – Labour Party

The Ebonyi State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) on Friday expressed concern over the recent relocation of the state Election Petitions Tribunal (EPT) to Abuja.

Recall that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Wednesday directed the tribunal to relocate to Abuja immediately.

Speaking on the development, State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Godwin Jioke, said that the shutdown of the court in Ebonyi was worrisome to his party. According to him, the party is not comfortable with DongbanMensem’s decision.

“We aren’t comfortable with the cessation of operation and decision of moving the EPT sitting to Abuja,” Jioke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

“The decision has to be reconsidered and allow matters to be handled in the state where elections took place. (NAN)

Senate Presidency: Kalu, Dickson, Nwoko, other Senators-elect meet

By Musa Baba Adamu

The forum of ex-House of Representatives members who are now Senators-elect has not endorsed any candidate for the position of Senate President.

The Convener, Ahmed Wadada (SDP-Nasarawa West), spoke to reporters after a meeting with members of the body in Abuja on Friday morning.

Wadada, to represent Nasarawa-West Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, said the forum was yet to decide the incoming leadership.

The politician explained that the parley was convened to reunite for the good of the country, despite their political affiliation.

“We are about 26 members of the forum. This gives us a good bloc for us to come together with that sportsmanship we had while in the house of representatives,” he said.

Wada listed Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Abdul

Ningi, among members of the forum.

In attendance were Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), Ned Nwoko (PDP – Delta North), and Mohammed Onawo (PDP –Nasarawa South).

The rest were Tony Nwoye (LP – Anambra North), Emmanuel Udende (APC – Benue), Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi), Osita Izunaso (APC – Imo), Nasir Sani (APC – Katsina), Ibrahim Khalid (PDP – Kaduna).