馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Saraki warns against weakening legislature, emphasizes strong institutions for Nigerian democracy
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, cautioned that weakening key institutions, particularly the legislature, endangers Nigeria's democracy. Speaking at The Platform鈥檚 June Forum in Lagos for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Saraki stressed that a strong and independent parliament is crucial for democratic stability, good governance, and national development. He described the National Assembly as the "load-bearing wall" of Nigeria's democracy, asserting that democracy was fought for and must be protected through strong institutions. Saraki highlighted the 1993 presidential election as a symbol of Nigerians' commitment to democratic ideals. He argued that the legislature provides a platform for managing political disagreements and preventing national crises, stating that a legislature that merely endorses executive decisions without scrutiny fails its constitutional duty. Saraki defended the National Assembly's oversight and budgetary roles, recalling the Eighth Senate's rejection of a $29.96 billion external loan request in 2016 due to insufficient details and its refusal to confirm former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, based on security reports. He cited legislative reforms like the Not Too Young To Run Act and the Disability Act as examples of driving national progress. While acknowledging legislative shortcomings, Saraki maintained that the solution is to strengthen the institution through greater transparency, inde
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
BreakingElon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has become the first individual in history to achieve a net worth exceeding $1 trillion. This milestone was reached following SpaceX's initial public offering, which priced shares at $135. Shortly after market open on Friday, the company's shares, trading as "SPCX" on the Nasdaq, rose to $165, an increase of approximately 22% above the IPO price, pushing SpaceX's valuation above $2 trillion. Prior to this listing, Musk's estimated fortune was $813 billion, which was more than double the wealth of the world's second-richest person, Google co-founder Larry Page, valued at about $288 billion. Musk's current net worth now surpasses the combined wealth of Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Larry Ellison. SpaceX, which includes Starlink and xAI, is now the sixth-largest publicly traded company in the United States by valuation, trailing Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Democracy Day broadcast, stating it was detached from the realities faced by Nigerians. Speaking in Abuja at a colloquium honoring Raymond Dokpesi, Melaye asserted that the speech failed to reflect the hardships of ordinary Nigerians, calling its statistics faulty and intentions disingenuous. He also cited worsening insecurity, including recent kidnappings and killings in Oyo and Kogi states, as evidence of the country's deteriorating situation. Melaye argued that the President should have declared a state of emergency regarding security and that the current administration demonstrates gross incompetence. He referenced Section 42b of the Constitution, emphasizing that the security and welfare of the people are the government's primary prerogative, and suggested that a leader who fails in these areas is a failed president. Melaye concluded that the President is overwhelmed and lacks the capacity to lead, calling for his honorable resignation. Additionally, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nkoyo Toyo, urged Nigerians not to assume the outcome of the 2027 presidential election is predetermined and to engage in the selection of INEC commissioners. Former Benue State Attorney-General, Alex Ter Adum, expressed concern over the shrinking democratic space and declining tolerance for dissenting views.
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.