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Concerns Rise Over Threats to Nigerian Democracy As Civil Society Networks Demand  Action From Tinubu 

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In a national press conference, the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks raised alarm over potential dangers jeopardizing Nigerian democracy. The primary concerns highlighted include alleged attempts to manipulate election outcomes in Kano, Zamfara, and Plateau states, escalating insecurity, economic hardships, reckless borrowings, and budget provisions in the 2024 appropriation

Expressing worry about the declining state of democracy in Nigeria, the conference emphasized the suppression of citizens’ voices in recent elections. They stressed the importance of respecting the wishes of the people, citing instances in Imo, Kano, Zamfara, Plateau, and presidential elections where contestations were prevalent.

The group highlighted the alarming increase in poverty and economic hardship, emphasizing the need to address the national emergency posed by the rising multi-dimensional poverty levels. They cautioned against sparking political conflicts, especially in opposition states, as it could lead to the destruction of the nation.

Despite recent changes in the leadership of the security sector, the conference expressed disappointment at the persistent insecurity, citing killings, child trafficking, banditry, and kidnappings, particularly in states like Katsina, Plateau, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, and Zamfara. They called for accountability and synergy among security agencies.

Expressing deep concern about the current state of the judiciary, the conference pointed out conflicting judgments that have eroded trust in the legal system. They urged the Judicial Service Commission to take swift action and implement measures to restore faith in the judiciary.

The conference issued advisories, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to avoid interfering with judicial processes in opposition states, hold himself and security agencies accountable for ongoing insecurity, and convene a national economic summit. Additionally, they called for internal fund-raising rather than relying on excessive borrowings and appealed for a thorough investigation into conflicting judicial judgments.

Signed by various Civil Society Organizations from across the Northern states led by Ibrahim Waiyya the chairman and Ibrahim Yusuf the secretary ,the conference’s demands underscore the urgency of addressing critical issues facing Nigeria’s democracy and overall stability.

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End of an era: Reader’s Digest UK closes after 86 years

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Reader’s Digest UK has ceased operations after 86 years of publication. The monthly magazine, known for its health tips, financial advice, and recipes, closed due to the “unforgiving magazine publishing landscape” and the company’s inability to withstand the financial pressures.Once a market leader with a circulation of over 1 million copies per month in the UK in 2000, the publication’s readership had declined sharply in subsequent years, dropping to under 200,000 copies recently.The closure marks the end of an era for the iconic magazine, which was founded in the US in 1922 and first published in the UK in 1938.The editor-in-chief cited the “relentless change” in the media industry and the need for companies to “continuously seek out and implement innovations” to survive.The closure of Reader’s Digest UK serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adaptability in the face of a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Air Chief Commends Kano Government’s Support for Security Operations

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The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal, Hasan Bala Abubakar has applauded the support of Kano state government under the stewardship of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf towards strengthening it’s operational mandate in the state.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature, said Air Marshal Abubakar made the commendation on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at Government house in Kano.

The Chief of Air Staff disclosed the joint force of his troops with sister security agencies in combating internal security in Kano yielded tremendous successes and maintained peace and stability in the state.

Air Mashal Abubakar noted the impact of Nigerian Airforce personnel in several operations that led to arrest of bandits and kidnappers on wanted list of DSS in Kano. He reassured the state government of NAF readiness to sustain internal stability.

The Kano born Chief however raised concern over encroachment of NAF land and re-allocation of its property. Abubakar pleaded for restoration of the land dedicated for its future expansion.

He also craved the Governor’s support in connecting the Kano state water facility to the NAF Base in the state for access to water supply.

Responding, Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf pledged readiness to strength partnership with Nigerian Air Force in the discharge of its operational mandate of ensuring internal peace and stability in the state.

The Governor Yusuf disclosed the critical role of the Nigerian Airforce in securing the nation’s air security component and providing cover to the ground troops against the internal and external enemies.

The Governor stressed the contribution of Air Force and sister military agencies in sustaining stability in Kano, reassured his administration’s commitment to build on the institutional relationship.

He however sought the consideration for Kano indigene in the recruitment exercise of the Nigerian Air Force, indicating the large percentage of youth population in the state.

The Governor equally requested for the establishment of Air Force Girls Comprehensive Secondary in Kano to complement the existing Boys Comprehensive Secondary School which is located in Kwa, in Dawakin Tofa, a long Kano-Katsina express way.

According to him, ” The government of Kano is proud of you and we are proud of your appointment which was based on professionalism and track record. Kano is also proud of your efforts to tackle the security challenges especially the menace of kidnapers, bandits and other criminals.

” Since we took over the mantle of leadership, the administration has enjoyed tremendous relationship and support from Air Force and sister security agencies and that was responsible for the peace and stability in Kano.

” We assured you, our administration will sustain support to the airforce in Kano especially in the area of operation and welfare of your personel for optimum performance of your statutory mandate. We also want to request for special consideration of placement into the air force consider our population which is estimated at 25 million.

” It is also noteworthy to request the reture of Girls Comprehensive secondary school to Kano. We are aware the girls were relocated due to the security challenge. We are also in need of more personnel to strengthen human capacity of the troops in Kano” Gov. Yusuf noted.

 

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50 Civil Society Groups Criticize Withdrawal of Police at Kano Anti-Corruption Agency

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Civil society groups have raised concerns over the withdrawal of police personnel from the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, criticizing the move during a press conference held in Abuja.

The groups said the withdrawal of approximately 40 police officers, responsible for security and investigative tasks, has not only hindered the commission’s work but also raised questions about the impartiality and independence of law enforcement agencies.

According to them the action is perceived as an attempt to impede ongoing corruption investigations involving Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Kano State.

The civil society groups have also issued recommendations to address corruption effectively in Nigeria.

They emphasize the need for autonomy and integrity within the judiciary, urging the National Judicial Council to monitor its members diligently.

They also call for transparency and accountability in governance, urging political parties to denounce and suspend members facing corruption allegations.

They also call for adequate resource allocation to anti-corruption agencies and also highlighted the essential to uphold their independence and efficiency.

Furthermore The groups called on religious leaders, community leaders, and opinion influencers to promote ethical behavior and combat corruption within their spheres of influence.

The reinstatement of police personnel withdrawn from the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission are urged to facilitate the commission’s duties effectively.

The Civil society organizations also reaffirm their commitment to the fight against corruption and call for collective action to build a corruption-free Nigeria.

The withdrawal of police personnel from the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission was allegedly ordered by the Inspector General of Police on April 25th. The move has sparked widespread criticism and calls for accountability in law enforcement actions related to anti-corruption efforts.

The groups are as follows

1. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
2. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
3. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
4. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
5. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
6. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)

7. BudgIT Foundation
8. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
9. State of the Union (SOTU)
10. Tax Justice and Governance Platform
11.Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
12.Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
13.Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
14.Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE)
15.Centre Democracy and Development (CDD)
16. Accountability Lab, Nigeria
17. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID}
18.Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
19.Femi Falana Chamber
20.Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
21.Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
22. Good Governance Team
23.21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
24. OCCEN-Kano
25. Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre ( MAMA Centre)
26.Social Action
27.Centre for Transparency Watch
28.West Africa Civil Society Forum WASCSOF
29.Global Rights
30 African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
31.Partners West Africa
32.Order Paper
33.Say No Campaign
34 Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria. ERA
35.Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
36.Amnesty International Nigeria
37. RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
38. Connected Development (CODE)
39. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
40. Praxis
41.CLEEN Foundation
42.Spaces for Change
43.Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
44.Yiaga Africa
45.Policy Alert
46.Socio Economic Research and Development Centre
47.Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
48.Media Rights Agenda
49.MEDIA INITIATIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY IN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES (MITEI)
50.Centre for Social Justice

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