News

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

Published

4 months ago

January 7, 2024

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.

News

Babangida’s Military Contemporary, Lt. General Garba Duba, Passes On at 82

Published

17 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

A military contemporary of Nigeria’s former military President, Lieutenant General Garba Duba, has died.

General Garba Duba died at the age of 82. A native of Kontagora, Niger State, Duba held several positions during his military career, including serving as Governor of Bauchi State in 1978 and as Governor of Sokoto State during Buhari’s regime.

An impeccable source told NIGERIAN TRACKER that the funeral prayer for the late Duba was held today, Friday, after Jumuat prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Governor Muhammad Umar Bago of Niger State and legislators from the state attended the funeral prayer.

He joined the army as a Cadet Officer at the Nigerian Military Training College Zaria in 1962, presumably a course mate of Ibrahim Babangida. At the beginning of his career, he was at the Indian Military Academy. Duba was one of the northern officers who participated in the Nigerian counter-coup of 1966 which led to the death of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. During the Nigeria Civil War, he was a Captain, commanding a squadron of armored vehicles. As military governor of Bauchi state, he provided infrastructure in the form of residential accommodation and offices, including secretariats for the newly-created 16 local government areas.

In 1993, he retired from the military and went into private businesses where he held positions like chairman, New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC), chairman of SGI Nigeria Limited, director in First Bank of Nigeria, non-executive director of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc and chairman of the board of Leadway pension fund.

News

ECOWAS Parliament to hold Second Extraordinary Session in Kano

Published

21 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

All arrangements have been concluded for the Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to be held in Kano, Nigeria.

The Second Extraordinary Session, according to the ECOWAS Parliament, will be held at the Bristol Hotel in Kano, the Commercial Centre of the country, between the 20th and 25th May, 2024.

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attended the inaugural session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament held on April 4, this year.

The Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Barau I Jibrin, emerged as the First Deputy Speaker of the assembly during the inauguration.

The event, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, will attract parliamentarians from Nigeria, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote D’ Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Republic of Togo.

The ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, is one of the institutions of the ECOWAS. It is the Assembly of Peoples of the Community, serving as a forum of dialogue, consultation and consensus for representatives of the people of West Africa to promote integration.

In a statement signed by special adviser to Senate President on Media and publicity Ismail Mudassir said the ECOWAS Parliament which was established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS revised treaty of 1993, is composed of 115 seats.

News

Breaking: Man Sets Mosque Ablaze During Subhi Prayers

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

A disturbing incident unfolded in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State as an unidentified man set fire to a mosque during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The arson attack occurred while worshippers were observing the ‘Subh’ prayer, resulting in harm to members of the community.

According to reports from the Daily Trust, the assailant used petrol to ignite the fire, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside the mosque. The perpetrator then locked the mosque, exacerbating the situation and hindering the victims’ escape.

A member of the community, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that it took some time for people outside to become aware of the incident and rescue those trapped inside. Eventually, bystanders managed to break open the mosque’s doors and rescue the worshippers.

Tragically, at least 20 worshippers sustained serious injuries in the attack and were promptly rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for medical treatment.

This reprehensible act of violence against worshippers has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the region.

Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and apprehend the perpetrator to ensure justice is served and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Daily Trust