馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Abia State Labour Party emphasizes June 12 as a symbol of democracy and urges voter registration
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has declared June 12 a historic symbol of the collective struggle for freedom, justice, popular participation, and the right of the people to determine their future through democratic processes. In a statement signed by state party chairman Peter Azubuike, the party highlighted that democracy thrives on active citizen participation in the electoral process. Commemorating the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance, the party urged all eligible residents of Abia State to register for the Independent National Electoral Commission Continuous Voter Registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards PVCs. They specifically called on young men and women who have recently turned 18 to register, emphasizing that the PVC is a powerful democratic instrument for electing leaders, holding governments accountable, and safeguarding good governance. The party warned that failing to register means surrendering one's democratic voice and encouraged community leaders, religious institutions, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to mobilize their members for registration. They concluded by stating that protecting democracy requires active participation, vigilance, and commitment from every citizen to strengthen democracy and secure a brighter future for Abia State.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The air component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions in Borno. An operational report from the Nigerian Air Force indicated that strikes were conducted following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. On June 10, an air interdiction mission at Dawoshe, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbus area, resulted in the destruction of vehicles and the neutralization of 12 terrorists. On the same day, a precision strike on terrorist positions at Metele in the Northern Tumbus area of Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno, confirmed 15 terrorists were neutralized. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist strongholds.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has arrested Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, a 41-year-old Brazil-based businessman, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was apprehended upon his arrival from S茫o Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 11. A search of his luggage revealed 14 towels and shirts impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, the items were dried and ironed to conceal the substance. Abugu reportedly told investigators he has lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant, and was in Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase foodstuff for his business. In related developments, the NDLEA also arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, with 1.8kg of skunk in Abia State, and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, with various illicit drugs in Rivers State. The agency also reported significant seizures across several states, including 304 kilograms of skunk in Kwara, 1,121.5 kilograms of cannabis in Taraba, and 1,102 kilograms of Ghana Loud in Lagos. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers for their efforts in reducing drug supply.
The United Against Terror Movement held its third peaceful solidarity march in Abuja, calling for national unity and stronger action against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and corruption across Nigeria. Protesters marched through the Federal Capital Territory, displaying messages that emphasized the threat insecurity poses to Nigeria's stability and future. They urged political leaders and citizens to set aside partisan interests and collaborate to address the country's worsening security challenges. UATM Co-Convener Okai Austin stated that Nigerians must move beyond blame and embrace collective responsibility, describing insecurity and corruption as heavy national burdens requiring coordinated action across all levels of government and society. Austin stressed that national security is a shared responsibility, not a subject of partisan contestation, and called for improved intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies, and greater support for protecting lives and property. The demonstrators also urged the Federal Government to treat rising cases of kidnapping and terrorist attacks as a national emergency, warning that continued insecurity could undermine economic growth, social cohesion, and public confidence in state institutions. The movement reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful civic engagement and pledged to continue advocating policies that promote security, accountability, national unity, and good governance.