馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator praises Tinubu's impact on Niger Delta development on Democracy Day
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stated that Democracy Day marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic evolution, serving as a unifying reference for the country's political development. He noted that June 12 symbolizes electoral freedom and the pursuit of credible democratic governance, reflecting Nigeria's aspiration for fair elections and accountable leadership. Otuaro paid tribute to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and others involved in the June 12 struggle, acknowledging their role in the return to democratic rule in 1999. He commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and expand civic participation, citing development outcomes in the Niger Delta as evidence of democracy's benefits under the current administration. Otuaro linked improvements in the PAP to increased government backing, which has strengthened scholarships, skills acquisition, and empowerment initiatives, with over 8,235 students currently benefiting from scholarship schemes. He also referenced federal projects and institutions like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the South-South Development Commission, the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as indicators of government attention to the region's development needs. Otuaro urged citizens to support security agencies in addressing insecurity and called on youths and former agitators in the Niger Del
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to improve the security and welfare of students across Nigeria. This demand was made during a nationwide Democracy Day Walk held on Friday in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states, commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. Akinteye Babatunde, President of NANS, stated that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to reflect on democratic gains and the need to safeguard its core dividends, particularly security and citizens' welfare. He expressed concern over the continued captivity of students abducted in Oyo and Borno states, urging intensified efforts for their rescue. Akinteye also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consolidating June 12 as Nigeria鈥檚 official Democracy Day and honoring the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes. He emphasized that Nigerian students are not passive observers and have consistently been at the forefront of social and political transformations, committing his administration to advancing their welfare and protecting their interests.
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has called for credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections in 2027, emphasizing their importance for public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process. Speaking at a June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue in Abuja, Montgomery highlighted the crucial role of civil society organizations in ensuring election credibility and strengthening democratic institutions. He noted that June 12 symbolizes Nigeria's democratic struggle, requiring continuous effort, citizen participation, and institution-building. Montgomery described democracy as an ongoing process vital for Nigeria's stability and prosperity, and for its leadership role in Africa. He stressed that the credibility of the upcoming elections is essential for Nigeria's continued progress. The envoy also advocated for greater participation from women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, stating that their inclusion determines public trust in electoral outcomes. The UK pledged continued support for strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and advancing credible electoral processes in Nigeria. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, expressed concerns about developments in the electoral process, urging civil society groups to monitor and hold institutions accountable. Former House of Representatives member Abdul Oroh encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in politics to strength
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has declared that Nigeria's democracy is still fragile and incomplete 33 years after the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. In a statement marking Democracy Day, the party reflected on the 1993 election, widely considered Nigeria's freest and fairest, and the subsequent national resistance. The statement, signed by Ini Ememobong, mnipr, National Publicity Secretary of the party's Interim National Working Committee, emphasized the need to continuously defend, strengthen, and deepen democracy beyond electoral cycles. The PDP noted that while Nigerians showed unity at the ballot box in 1993, the election's annulment led to a crisis, loss of life, and increased distrust in democratic institutions. The party stated that the lessons of June 12 call on the Federal Government to uphold democracy, guarantee civil rights like peaceful assembly and protest, and protect the opposition's democratic rights. It also reminded the electoral umpire of its critical role in ensuring transparent impartiality and fairness. The PDP accused successive authorities, particularly the current APC-led Federal Government, of failing to learn these democratic lessons, citing ongoing strains on civil liberties and democratic accountability. The party highlighted an incident where peaceful protesters were reportedly teargassed and assaulted in Abuja on Democracy Day, with Omoleye Sowore allegedly injured while demanding the release of hostages. The PDP criticized t