society
Group identifies peculiarities of Nigerian politics; urges youths to seek political literacy
Platform for Liberty and Democracy (PLIDE) identified the peculiarities and urged the Nigerian electorates, more especially the youths, to be politically enlightened and shun all forms of temporary gratifications at the expense of viable, long-term developmental goals that must be reflected in party manifestos and ideologies of candidates.
In a meeting held recently at Ikeja Lagos, a clear-cut difference was also made between being an educated person and being politically literate; two terms used interchangeably but are as different as day is to darkness. In the meeting, it was observed that both are indispensable experience relevant for political sagacity and necessary for making informed decisions during elections.
The peculiarities were noted to be some of the obstacles militating against the growth of democracy and making its hard for the citizens to realize the sheer strength of their voting powers in deciding who to represent them in the various political positions.
It was noted if these hitches were not confronted headlong with effective solutions, the nation would remain fettered for want of good representatives in government and thus, continue to writhe and be deprived of benefiting true democratic dividends.
Foremost among the peculiarities is the rampant poverty which the ruling elites have weaponized in order to keep the masses in perpetual captivity and are deprived of the basic necessities of life. As a result, instead of finding answers to the pervasive poverty, politicians have resorted to exploiting the situation for selfish interested by offering cash for votes. However, after the electorates have been baited with meager sum, they are then subjected to total neglect by the politicians.
“It is baffling on how the electorates forget about good manifestos, effective and workable plans of candidates after collecting money from visionless candidates on the eve of election in Nigeria” says Tope Adebayo. “This is due to stark electoral illiteracy which is different from being a university graduate …vote buying through cash and the offering of gift items known as stomach infrastructure have become norms which have been successfully used in some South-western states as evidenced by recent gubernatorial elections.”
The erstwhile gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti state spoke further, saying “spreading money within few days of elections sways votes. The God that our people serve is money. Why is it so? Lack of political awareness. I sincerely urged people not to sell their votes that would put a bad politician in office for as long as four years for a meager five thousand Naira or for whatever amount… stomach infrastructure has thrived because the electorates are ignorant of the weight of their voting mandate.”
The group therefore called on relevant government agencies responsible for public enlightenment such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to give political education to the masses so they are aware of what to expect from political aspirants.
“Government must educate the voters on what to expect of politicians during campaigns, on why they don’t need to collect money or opt for stomach infrastructure instead of planning ahead for the future.” Ope Allen added.
Other features of the Nigerian political landscape as observed by PLIDE include: massive cost of publicity during elections which gives the moneybags a matchless advantage; political apathy by the people a progressive would want to save; and a dangerous mindset on the invincibility of the two existing political parties, a mindset that requires urgent redress.
Also weighing in, the protem chairman of PLIDE, Mr. Tunde Feyi Owoseni, noted that “before anyone would seek to liberate the people, he should have first liberated himself and his family members while adding that, PLIDE is a pro-democracy and human rights movement dedicated to good governance, transparency and accountability, social justice, equitable distribution of national wealth and resources, respect for basic and fundamental human rights, true fiscal and structural federalism, opening up of the political space to involve youths, the disabled, trade unions, the female gender, etc.
PLIDE resolved to actively engage the electorate in the run-up to the 2019 elections, on the important matter of adequately and dispassionately interrogating the programs and manifestos of candidates for political offices as well as the political platforms (parties) sponsoring them.
The Platform for Liberty & Democracy (PLIDE), restates it’s determination to build a veritable ideological platform which will give voice and purpose to the aspirations of Nigerians who desire a country where Social Justice and Egalitarianism are core foundational principles in the quest to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
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NB: In the picture from left to right are: Shola Fayemi (Secretary), Tunde Owoseni (Protem Chairman), Adekunle Oniti and Ope Allen (Members)
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
society
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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