News
Democracy Day: Stakeholders Lament Insecurity Of Lives, Property
As governments at all levels mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic practice in Nigeria today, stakeholders from all walks of life have expressed divergent views on the successes, failures and prospects of democracy and good governance in the country.
The stakeholders, who spoke to our correspondents in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, x-rayed the nation’s democratic experiment since May 29, 1999, its achievements thus far, the challenges bedevilling the country, and the lessons learnt from the avalanche of issues that have negatively affected Nigeria’s march towards greatness.
They also made suggestions on the way going forward through policies that would guarantee hope, peace and sustainable development while at the same time securing the lives and property of citizens.
Chairman, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Barrister Awori Miller said, “the Federal Government has failed Nigerians in many ways, especially in the area of security of lives of the citizens, and combating poverty in the land. Presently, I can say that there is no security in Nigeria. The country’s leadership has also failed in terms of providing employment for the citizens.
“The Federal Government has to be sincere in its policies to revamp the faltering state of infrastructure development in all sectors of the economy. The National Conference that is expected to shape the future of the country is a mere jamboree, because I don’t expect anything meaningful from the look of things.
“The survival of Nigeria needs a deliberate and concerted efforts to address critical issues of national concern, such as job creation, security, minority rights, among others.”
For Patrick Court, a teacher: “There is not much to celebrate as the country is in a state of dilemma, and requires the intervention of God to save the people from extermination. It is unfortunate that Nigerians can no longer find peace at every part of the country, and that puts a question mark on our democracy and nationhood.
“We can only celebrate when we live life unmolested, and pursue our livelihoods in any part of the country without fear of harassment, intimidation or even being killed under violent circumstances. We need to pray for the peace, security and survival of this country.”
A commercial motorist, Akanimo Udosen said, “I am not very happy with the way things are going in this country. Things are very difficult for the ordinary people, who have increasingly become vulnerable. They are mostly the victims of terrorist attacks. “The government should do something to protect the lives of ordinary citizens.
“In the area of transportation, the Federal Government has tried with the reconstruction of the railway system. I think the government should try and complete the rail project to help the ordinary people who cannot afford expensive transport system.”
Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Elizabeth Bob-Manuel said, “I think the government has made some impact in the development of the health sector but there are still lots that need to be done. The government has to muster the political will to make the system more functional than the way things are now.
“For instance, there should be provision of basic facilities for effective medical services in Nigeria to discourage over-dependence in foreign medical services. There should also be a multisectoral approach towards the developemnt of the health sector as the government cannot do everything alone. I am however, optimistic that things will improve remarkably in the future, if there is a determined will to fix the system, devoid of politics.”
Chairman, New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Hon Princewill Enyie picked holes with the administration at all levels for what he described as government of exclusion. “Those in charge of governance should bring all the stakeholders in governance together. Any governance that cannot do that can’t be regarded as a government,” he said.
“Unity government is only professed but not put into actual practice, and until the attitude is changed towards uniting the people at all levels of governance, we cannot be speaking in one voice,” he mainatined.
“Our democracy has sufferred in the hands of leaders who lack the will to govern the people. Look at the delay in the conduct of local governemnt elections. This is one of the inconsistencies in policies that has characterised our democracy, and made progress towards perfection difficult.”
Vice Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Rosemund Dienye Green-Osahogulu, while assessing the contributions of the youth to the nation’s democracy, said there are areas the youth have performed enviably well, adding that many of their negative activities have also brought shame to the nation. She said there is no way Nigeria’s democracy can be unbiasedly assessed without taking into cognisance the role of the youth in national development, peace and stability.
She scored the youth high in the areas of sports, as according to her, many of them have represented the country well, bringing honours and laurels. They have also made the country proud in the area of entertainment such as music and movies.
“But in the education sector, they have not bequeathed themselves enough. Some of them still engage people to write JAMB and class examinations, especially at tertiary level. They involve in cultism, militancy, kidnapping, robbery, and other social vices. They have lost their sense of respect for elders, their social values and attitudinal orietations have not been encouraging. These are some of the challenges that our democracy has faced in the last 15 years.
For Senior Lecturer, IAUE, Dr Green Iheanacho: “Our leaders appear not to have a full grasp of the how presidential system of government in a democracy should work. This is why we tend to pander more towards parliamentary or unitary system of government. In the present dispensation, you see more of an overbearing legislature and controversial judiciary. It appears they do not have a clear undertsnading of the system of government they are running.
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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