Politics

Was There Need To Celebrate This Year’s Democracy Day?

Published

12 years ago

October 6, 2014

Mr Titus Achor – Business Man
I think it is worth celebrating Nigeria at 54 because there has been a lot of development in the country. It is true that some people are still unemployed but many graduates especially those in the engineering field are securing employment. Government of President Goodluck Jonathan is trying to make life better for us so we have to celebrate. It is also true that there is insecurity in the country, Chibok girls are not yet released but that shouldn’t stop us from thanking God that the country is still moving on despite all odds.
Mrs Lilian Okonkwo – Nawoj Chairman
For me, Nigeria at 54, I wouldn’t say it is so good, I wouldn’t say it is so bad. The reason is that there is always room for improvement.
We always think that things should have been better than what it is now. However, for me, I think there is reason for us to celebrate even if we have problems, after all, for those of us who are Christians, the Bible will tell you that in all things you give thanks. We haven’t done so bad even if it is not so good. I know that we have challenges talking about the insecurity problems. But you will find out that there are countries which have gone through the same challenge and it resulted to Civil War. But some how, we have been able to manage our problems and we have remained one indivisible country. And so for us as a country, that we are still one indivisible entity, it calls for celebration.
Having said that, we still have a lot of problems which we need to tackle to make the country better – corruption, self-aggrandisement of our leaders and so on. So we wish that things will get better. We wish that we move from where we are to a higher ground. I want to see a situation where we will have regular power supply so that people’s business will move forward, a situation where the insecurity in the northern part of the country wouldn’t be there and things will be better than it is now.
Despite all these, yes, the Chibok girls are yet to be found but a lot of things still have to go on.
We can’t mourn for ever, the country has to move on. In my own view, there wasn’t even much celebration this year. The celebration was in low key, you cannot compare it to what it used to be in the past. The lectures, the national honours award and a few other events that formed part of the celebration, were in order. Even when a President of the country died, the country moved forward. Amidst the situation, the country has to move on. It is like somebody having a problem and he sinks in it, no! there still has to be a way out. We still have to move forward, hoping that things will be better. We the citizens of Nigeria should also do the best we can to improve the country.

Mr Lukeman Abiodun-Printer
To me, the country is not okay. The economy is in disarray, people are not happy, things are generally tough for the masses, so what are we celebrating? Most Nigerians are living in abject poverty.
Yes, a 54-year-old man is a full-fledged man but the challenges the country is facing makes it difficult to perform. So the country is still a baby, not a man. For people in government, things are okay for them but for us, the poor masses, trying to eke a living, things are not okay. So for those in government , they can celebrate independence but for us, there is no need for celebration. Look at me now, I should have travelled to my village for Eid-el Mubarak celebration because I am a moslem but I couldn’t do that because there is no money. Even the people I worked for couldn’t pay because of lack of money. People can’t celebrate when they are hungry, , when the country does not cater for them.
Mrs Jane Beluonwu – Teacher
There was no need for independence celebration this year because Nigeria is not at peace, no happiness because of the crises here and there, Boko Haram and all the kidnappings. We can’t celebrate in the midst of all these. It is when you are happy that you celebrate. The national honours award, the independence lectures and all that should have been put on hold till next year, when the country shall have hopefull been better. Personally, I am not happy with the present day situation of things in the country. Look at the school children that were kidnapped many months ago and are yet to be found. If you are their parents or relation, will you want to celebrate independence in that state? Our leaders should give us a reason for celebration by making the country a better place.

Mr Ngozi Williams – Transporter
I think we should annually celebrate Independence Day as usual.
Before, when independence was independence, when things were moving fine, the celebration was groovy. Everybody took part in the celebration one way or the other. But this year, I didn’t see much activities. May be because of scarcity of fund and non-payment of workers salaries, the celebration was dull.
However, looking at it the other way round, abduction of over 200 girls from Chibok, Boko Haram problems and other issues, we ought not to celebrate independence this year because there are too much problems in the country. Infact, we want Nigeria to be divided. Let the northern and southern parts of this country go their separate ways so that there will be peace in this country.
Mrs Stella Njoku – Self-employed
That we are one as a country till 2014, we should celebrate and thank God. Many professed about Nigeria disintegrating and all that but we have continued to be one, that calls for celebration. Many people say there are many problems in the country so we should roll out the drums to celebrate our independence but as far as I am concerned, problems are part of life. We cannot have a problem-free society. It is not possible. A man’s ability to forge ahead despite the mounting challenges facing him makes him a man.
Having said that, I will like to add that I personally, do not buy the annual ritual of giving national awards to people. We all know that many of the awaredees do not deserve the award. Some of them are very corrupt. Some contributed to the poor economic and infrastructural state of the nation, yet we honour them, for what? So, there was nothing wrong in thanking God. We have remained one entity despite all challenges but I don’t subscribe to the national honours award.

Politics

Don’t Risk Your Legacy, Citizen Begs Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Race

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

A social commentator in Bauchi State, David Adenuga has urged former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to ignore the growing calls for his return to the presidential race, warning that some political actors pushing the idea could tarnish his legacy.

In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.

“I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian who respects the role you played in Nigeria’s democracy and the peaceful example you set for the country,” he stated.

He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.

“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.

The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.

“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.

He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.

Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.

“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.

He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.

“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.

Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

I DIDN’T PROMISE YOU TICKETS, AKPABIO TELLS APC SENATORS WHO FAILED PRIMARIES

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for senators who lost tickets at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

He clarified that he only empathized with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.

Senator Akpabio’s clarification was made public over the weekend in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

The clarification was said to have been occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.

“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.

“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”.

Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

Politics

POST PRIMARIES: IKWERRE MONARCHS ADVOCATE ISSUES-BASED POLITICS IN RIVERS

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, Rivers State, has congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the various political party primary elections held across the state, describing their emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by their parties and supporters.

The council, however, urged Rivers people to embrace issue-based politics and support candidates based on their competence, character, vision, and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, sectional interests, or sentiments.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Prof. Leslie Eke and the Secretary, Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, King Ben Ugo, after its monthly general meeting at Rumuigbo, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and made available to the press at the weekend.

The statement noted that while the council remains proud of the political achievements of Ikwerre sons and daughters, it believes that the overall progress, stability, and development of Rivers State should remain the overriding consideration in the political process.

According to the traditional rulers, the emergence of candidates from different political parties and ethnic backgrounds demonstrates the vibrancy of democracy and the growing participation of Rivers people in governance and leadership.

The monarchs maintained that democratic contests should be driven by ideas, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than ethnic considerations or divisive narratives.

They urged voters to carefully assess the track records, leadership qualities, and developmental agendas of all candidates seeking elective offices and make informed decisions that would advance the collective interests of Rivers State.

The council stressed that politics should serve as a vehicle for development, unity, economic growth, security, and improved welfare for the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

The royal fathers further called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process, avoiding actions or utterances capable of overheating the polity.

They emphasized the need for mutual respect, tolerance, and healthy political competition among candidates and political parties, noting that Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than division.

The statement further urged all stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and sectional considerations, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness.

The council observed that the ongoing political process presents an opportunity for the emergence of leaders who possess the capacity and commitment to address the developmental aspirations of the people.

The traditional rulers also encouraged young people across the state to participate actively in democratic institutions and leadership processes, stressing that governance should be inclusive and representative.

They reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions in Ikwerreland to the promotion of peace, stability, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.

The statement prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for all candidates who emerged from the various political parties and expressed hope that the electoral process would produce leaders dedicated to the unity, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor