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US Challenges Nigeria On Democratic Values

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The United States. Government yesterday in Abuja challenged Nigerians to use the April general elections as a golden opportunity to demonstrate their unalloyed commitment to the promotion of democratic values and institutions.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley, gave the challenge in a speech entitled “Golden Opportunity For Nigeria,” he delivered in Abuja yesterday at a forum of representatives of Nigerian electoral stakeholders.

He urged the Nigerian electorate not to be discouraged by last weekend’s postponement of the National Assembly election.

McCulley noted that democracy was much more than the formal counting of votes, stressing that the quality of the April elections would be judged by more than what happened on election day.

He declared: “Democracy is about the freedom of all parties to campaign, to meet with supporters, to appeal to new voters and to deliver political messages to the electorate.

Democracy is also about sharing ideas and stimulating open, public discussion on the future of one’s country.

“Democracy is about upholding principles that are greater than any individual and respecting the will of those who confer democratic legitimacy – the people.”

The ambassador stressed that representative and accountable government could only occur when citizens empowered themselves by actively participating in the democratic process.

“Only Nigerians, by their votes and commitment to democracy, can ensure that the 2011 elections are free, fair and transparent.

We strongly encourage all eligible Nigerians to turn out again and prove to the world how much they believe in the democratic process,’’ he added.

McCulley reiterated that the U.S. government was strongly in support of Nigeria’s electoral process, saying it had committed more than 35 million dollars (N5.25 billion) to help support credible elections in the country.

He urged political parties and the government to allow all registered voters to participate freely and fully in a peaceful and transparent process.

“The nation’s political leadership and all those who aspire to lead must refrain from engaging in inflammatory rhetorics or supporting acts of intimidation. Violence has no place in a democratic society,” he cautioned.

McCulley also urged Nigerian women not to be deterred by the hitches in the process, noting that only a vigorous democracy could lead to their social and political empowerment.

“Democracy is a great equalizer in society. In the Nigerian context, this could include an increase in women entrepreneurs, improved access to quality education and more women holding public office,’’ he added.

In an interview with newsmen, Mrs Ene Edeh of Equity Advocate, an NGO, decried the lack of strategic planning to empower women to fully participate and be represented on the political scene.

Citing the example of inclusive governance in other countries, she appealed to government to consider the important roles women played in nation building and give them their rightful place.

Meanwhile, U.S Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie  Carson is to be in Nigeria from April 8 to April 11 to observe the National Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9.

A statement issued by the State Department on Thursday announcing Carson’s travel schedule did not specify the states the top U.S official would observe the elections.

On April 2, INEC postponed the National Assembly elections, due to delays in the delivery of voting materials to polling stations across the country.

Carson, in remarks at the Woodrow Wilson Centre on Tuesday, said the U.S. Government agreed with INEC’s decision to delay the elections.

He was reported by the Voice of America as praising INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega for bringing “integrity and competence” to his position.

“We share the disappointment of the electoral commission and of the Nigerian people that this important electoral event had to be postponed, and we renew our call for credible and transparent elections in this critically important country,’’ Carson said.

“If Nigeria’s elections are not a significant improvement over 2007, and if the current elections do not meet the expectations of a majority of voters, the Nigerian people will lose confidence in their leaders.

“They would also lose confidence in their democratic institutions and the capacity of Nigeria to sustain a positive democratic trajectory,” he added.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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