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OCCEN engages North West Youth On Democratic Process  And Participation 

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5 years ago

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By Ozimi Abdul

In the bid to entrench democratic tenets for effective and wholesome participations amongst the youths of the North West region, Organisation for Community Civic Engagement Organisation (OCCEN) organised a 3-day workshop capacity building where youths from different states of the region are engaged, enlightened and educated about democratic process with the view of passing the knowledge of whatever they learnt during their 3 days engagement to other youths of their individual societies.

According to Mallam Abdulrazak Alkali who is organiser of the workshop said the major objectives of the workshop are to train the youth to understand the generality of what democracy entails and also to provide a mechanism that would empower them to hold those elected to represent them accountable for their actions and inactions.

On his expectations from the participants of the workshop after their 3-day engagement, Abdulrazak exuded the confidence that after the training, they would have increase in knowledge to understand how democracy works, human rights and constitution, while also expecting that the knowledge they learnt to be passed to other youths in their various states.
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“Our expectations are that after the training they would have increased knowledge of the understanding of democracy, rule of law and the rest, so that if they return to their individual states they can do some step-down trainings for those who are not privileged to be here whether because of financial constraint, or other reasons in the same areas and topics, in order to have expanded knowledge amongst young people about the concept of democracy “.

 

Speaking during the workshop, The Director, Centre for Research and Documentation, Professor Muhammad Habu ruled that there are 3 major challenges confronting the Nigerian fledgling democracy since its return in 1999, which he described as” epileptic” considering its weak democratic institutions, the limit in which democracy can elicit good governance, while also adding that the challenges can not be pegged on these three alone as there are other gamut factors putting spanner in the wheel of the development of the country’s democratic process.

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He stressed that for democracy to grow in the country, the government must be responsive and responsible.

“Democracy is a process and as a process it is normal to envisage challenges. But it is also good to remind ourselves that in some countries, they have gone too far to make their institutions of government very strong, unlike these countries, ours are very weak, and the extents which democracy can elicit good governance in Nigeria are very limited, insecurity is another issue “.

He continued,” Democracy has not engendered good governance in my opinion, by good governance, the government must be responsive and responsible, so since 1999, our democracy has been crawling as a troubling one and has never engendered good governance “, he submitted.

Professor Habu regretted that the country is ranked the capita of poverty in the world in spite of the country’s boast for enormous natural resources, which according to him is “disgusting”, with lack of quality health sector, insecurity, lack of infrastructural development and so many other indices that can be used to measure the development of the democracy of any democratic nation or otherwise.

On the role of the youth in effecting positive changes, the political science professor was unapologetically opmistic by emphatically stating that the “raw resources” of the youth need to be tapped, by catching them young, training them on the workings of democracy in participating actively against all odds so that they can have their imprints in rekindling true democracy in Nigeria ; emphasing that the civil societies particularly the youth sector have prominent roles to play.

He said the opportunity to discuss the pending “Not Too Young To Run” bill and the challenges.
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“The raw resources of the youth need to be tapped, catch them young if you like by training, impart in them about the workings of democracy ; and to participate actively against all odds so that the youth would have their imprints in rekindling the country’s dwindling fortune of true democracy. Also, the civil societies especially the youth sector have prominent roles to play in educating the youth so that they can become leaders of tomorrow “, he hoped.

He concluded by advising the stakeholders to come in and never to botch on their responsibilities, noting that it would be in the collective interest of the stakeholders to converge and discuss the issues that affect the growth of democracy in the country, and also frown at some undemocratic tendencies.

He however warned that while the youth have the right to protest or frown at any government’s policies, that there are limitations to such right as it must be within the purview of law.

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Ganduje Hints at Reconciling with Kwankwaso

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13 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended an olive branch to his longtime political rival, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Ganduje expressed a desire to mend fences and reunite for the progress of Kano State.

“I am hopeful that very soon we will reconcile with Kwankwaso so we can move forward together. We have shared a political camp in the past and remain brothers,” Ganduje stated.

Emphasizing a departure from past rivalries, he noted that current political realignments in Kano have ushered in a new era of cooperation focused on governance rather than conflict.

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“With the present realignment, the politics of rivalry in Kano may be over. Our priority now is delivering good governance to our people,” Ganduje explained. “If Governor Abba Yusuf succeeds, we all succeed—and if we succeed, he also succeeds. It is vital for all of us to understand this so that the government can thrive.”

Ganduje, drawing from his experience as former APC National Chairman, added that his tenure provided him with deep insight into party operations and conflict resolution mechanisms.

When questioned on whether Governor Abba Yusuf would receive an automatic ticket in future elections, Ganduje acknowledged party conventions while underscoring adherence to established rules.

“I am familiar with the party’s workings. There are rules and there are traditions. The tradition grants a sitting governor the right of first refusal, though this principle does not extend to other positions,” he clarified.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was anointed by his predecessor and long time political associate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the 2015 general elections after which the duo fell out in March 2016 due to some differences that suddenly emerge less than a year into the tenure of Dr Ganduje as Governor of Kano state.

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JUST IN: Work Resumes at FCTA Following Court Order Suspending Strike

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13 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Normal operations resumed at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariat and its affiliated Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Wednesday, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordering the suspension of an ongoing industrial action.

The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, on Tuesday directed the immediate suspension of the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to allow for continued dialogue.

In response to the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, called on all employees to return to their posts promptly. While acknowledging the right to lawful protest in a democracy, the Minister emphasized the importance of respecting judicial directives.

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To ensure full compliance, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular dated January 27, 2026, instructing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies to reopen offices and maintain strict staff attendance registers. The circular directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals, and Agencies to enforce the immediate resumption of duties.

Observations across various FCTA offices and MDAs on Wednesday indicated a substantial level of compliance, with staff present on the premises and engaged in their official responsibilities.

The FCTA administration has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with union representatives and to the continued improvement of staff welfare.

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Reps Summons Finance, Agriculture Ministers, Auditor-General Over Agricultural Funds

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13 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids, and Grants Programmes has summoned the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Auditor-General of the Federation, to account for expenditure on agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.

The summons was issued during a public hearing held in Abuja on Tuesday, where lawmakers demanded explanations regarding funds released for key agricultural initiatives over the past decade.

The committee directed the officials, or their duly authorized representatives, to appear before it on February 3, warning that failure to comply would result in legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in the National Assembly.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Jamo Aminu (APC-Katsina), stated that the investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds intended to boost food production, support farmers, and enhance national food security.

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“The interventions under review were designed to strengthen our agricultural sector and ensure food security for all Nigerians. However, persistent concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices, and the effectiveness of past programmes have made this scrutiny imperative,” Rep. Aminu said.

The chairman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for its failure to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes during the specified period.

He emphasized that comprehensive audit documentation is essential for tracking the disbursement, utilization, and outcomes of the funds.

“We cannot effectively conduct this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes. Transparency and accountability in this process are non-negotiable,” he stated.

Earlier in the hearing, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, a Deputy Director from the Office of the Auditor-General, attributed the lack of completed audit reports to insufficient cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to Adamu, the Auditor-General’s office has repeatedly requested necessary documents related to agricultural subsidies, grants, aids, and intervention programmes but has not received the required information from the ministry.

“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without their cooperation, finalizing the audit process has been challenging,” he explained.

The hearing continues as part of the House’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and ensure that public funds are used effectively for national development.

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