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June 12: Stakeholders Rate Nigeria’s Democracy Low
As Nigeria celebrates its 26 years of unbroken democracy today, some stakeholders have expressed regrets that the system is yet to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian populace.
Some of the respondents who spoke to our correspondents over this year’s Democracy Day celebration, said though the country has being in civil rule for straight 26 years, the majority of Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of democracy.
“Nigeria is in no way close to democratic rule because we lack actual freedom of speech as people sometimes have to go anonymous to share sensitive information in order to avoid attacks,” a teacher who identified himself as Victor said.
Another respondent, Miss Faith Chidi, who is an applicant, believes democracy in Nigeria is a camouflage because all the indices of military rule are still being experienced in the country.
According to her, Nigeria is in no way close to democratic governance.
“June 12 is only relevant to me because it will enable me stay at home. Nigeria’s democracy will be better if things are made clear. If we are democratic, let things be done the proper way and if we’re going under the military, let it be stated. We can’t be democratic and the people are living in fear,” she said.
Speaking in the same vein, a respondent who preferred to be anonymous said, “Democracy from what I was taught is freedom of speech, movement and worship. Nigeria is a partially democratic country because we go where we want and worship where we want to an extent. I said to an extent because going against the government even when they are wrong is risky.
“Let’s make reference to the issue with VDM or the #EndSars protest in 2020.
Democracy is not fully in practice and June 12 is just partially significant.
“Citizens should be allowed to express themselves through protests, because it is legal and then let the government work on what the citizens are complaining about.
“The Nigerian government should stop intimidating citizens with power and expensive legal prowess, after all we are not in a military regime.”
For Mr. Kingsley Yorkina, a graduate of Rivers State University, Nigeria’s democracy is still ineffective. He called for more democratic processes in doing things.
He said, “Honestly, to me, Democracy Day is just another public holiday. It doesn’t feel like something to celebrate anymore. There’s nothing really democratic about how the country is being run.
“I don’t think we’ve made real progress. Look at the level of unemployment.
People graduate with degrees and still can’t find jobs. There is no stable electricity, no good roads, and corruption is still everywhere.
“There’s no accountability. Politicians keep promising change, but things are even worse than before. We vote, but our votes don’t really count. It’s frustrating.
“Please tell them to wake up and take responsibility. Enough of the empty promises.
“Nigerians are suffering. We need real leaders who care about the people and not just about power.”
Meanwhile, Mrs.Nengi Alozie, a teacher at Rukpokwu Primary School, also expressed worries about Nigeria’s democracy.
According to her, “To be honest, I don’t think there’s anything to celebrate right now. How can we be talking about democracy when Rivers State is in a state of emergency?
“There’s so much political tension, and ordinary people like us are the ones suffering for it.”
She reminded political leaders to remember that democracy is not just about elections but about the welfare of the people.
“We need peace, we need proper governance, and we need leaders who care about education and the future of this country. The younger generation deserves better than this,” she said.
In the same vein, Dr. Kingsley Chimezie, who is a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University, said; “Democracy is commonly defined as government of the people by the people and for the people meaning that democracy is for man and not man for democracy.
“Democracy, therefore, should be that which allows the voice of the people to determine who governs them or who should command the affairs of the country.”
By: John Bibor, Claire Julius, Destiny Emenike & Victory Obilor
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene