Politics
Wither Democracy?
Nigeria is no doubt, a great nation and judging from its inception in democratic experience at the dawn of 4th Republic, the value of democracy has since withered. The meaning of democracy which is the government of the people, by the people and for the people according to Abraham Lincoln has been thrown overboard.
The political scene in the country is not healthy enough to encourage the growth of democracy and the leaders are not helping matters to mould the political future of the nation. No wonder today, Nigeria is operating a system of democracy in which the leaders think more of what they can get from the system rather than what they would give to improve the lots of the people. With the interest of the people not their primary concern, the latter are left with the direct burden of misrule or democrat which include unemployment, poverty and non-provision of social amenities amongst others.
To remove the interest of the people from governance is to remove the soul of democracy. Democracy believes in the people. It is centered on the people and as such desires to make the best for the people. It is only when the nation’s leaders embrace the true meaning of democracy that the dream of Nigeria can be actualised.
The hope of Nigeria’s democracy rests on the tripod of free and fair election, rule of law and enlightened electorate. Unfortunately, corruption has rubbished every sincere attempt to make democracy work in the polity. With a free and fair election, the mandate of the electorate is guaranteed to choose rightly who should lead them.
Nigeria’s democracy can not flourish where there is no rule of law. There is need for both the ruled and rulers to cultivate the right spirit of rule of law in governance.
While the issue of corruption remains a pain in the neck, it is disheartening that the polity is still a victim of tribalism. No Nigerian or section should claim the right to rule. Beyond sectionalism, leadership should be for people with great minds and dreams.
The existence of freedom of the press in Nigeria is another factor that can take democracy to another level. It is not enough to have the press but having the commitment of the press is all that matters.
The press, as it is rightly said is the mirror of the society and it is only when the press enjoy the freedom to operate that the ill or vices in the society can be brought to limelight. Therefore, for Nigeria’s polity to go farther than where it is today, the freedom of the press and the citizenry is imperative.
Politics in Nigeria, has great prospects if the minority are not left out in the strategic plans of the government in power. The government should carry the people along in its scheme of things.
The failure of the government to meet the basic needs of the citizenry have left many to doubt the responsiveness of the leaders to give the people a taste of good governance.
In the midst of unpalatable happenings in the polity, one is tempted to conclude whither democracy in Nigeria.
Politics
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Politics
Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.
-
Business4 days ago
Expert Seeks Cooperative-Driven Investments In Agriculture
-
Politics4 days ago
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser
-
Rivers4 days ago
Man Hacks Reverend Sister To Death In Rivers
-
Editorial4 days ago
Reforming Nigeria’s Prison Crises
-
Politics4 days ago
Leave PDP, Bode George Tells Atiku, Wike
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria Safe For Investment, Edun Assures Investors
-
Featured4 days ago
FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General
-
Rivers4 days ago
Rivers Judiciary Denies Reports On SOLAD’s Sack