society
June 12: CDHR Laments Diminishing Freedom, Rights Abuse and Absence of Democratic Ideals
June 12: CDHR Laments Diminishing Freedom, Rights Abuse and Absence of Democratic Ideals.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights known as CDHR regrets the obvious absence of democratic ideals, violation of fundamental freedoms, abuse of Human Rights, as well as the diminished space for social justice which are now dominant features of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The CDHR Committee laments the regime’s lack of capacity to sustain democracy and all known democratic ethos thereby jeopardising peace and security in Nigeria. The National President of the foremost Human Rights group, Comrade (Dr) Osagie Obayuwana, made these assertions at its National Executive Committee meeting held at its National Secretariat, the Rights House, Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday, June 12, 2021.
Dr. Obayuwana lamented that democracy has remained a fluid concept in Nigeria, devoid of concrete or even symbolic signposts of known democratic ideals and consequently unable to deliver the dividends of democracy. President Buhari’s variant of civil rule defies familiar indices of democracy around the world. It has proved incapable of engendering the needed social cohesion and inclusion for peace, growth and development.
Pursuant to the Public Holiday Act, Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 every year as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Yet, the Buhari administration even after the declaration persistently undermines all known ingredients of democracy. The rule of law and court orders are rampantly disregarded especially by public office holders and state actors, including security agents.
There has been palpable and increasing incidence of impunity and disregard for rule of law. There is neither a proper independence of the Judiciary nor autonomy for the Legislature. The media, whether mainstream or social has come under seige, gagged and muzzle. There is an increased disrespect for Human Rights and fundamental freedoms. Instances of abuses and violation of Rights of citizens, extrajudicial murders, brutality and torture by state agents are rife across the country. Freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly have become far-fetched.
The right of citizens to participate in shaping and determining the affairs of government has become unrealisable. There is no credible electoral process; no true independence of the electoral umpire. The welfare and security of the people have been consistently compromised. Insecurity, poverty, hardship, deprivation and lack of social justice have become common features of our undemocratic state. Nigeria has degenerated progressively from the real world of democracy to chaos, insecurity, instability and division along ethnic, religious and clanish lines.
In the statement made available to the media by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade (Barr) Henry Ekine, CDHR regretted that after more than twenty years of return to civil rule from the unforgettable ruins of military juntas, a feat achieved by the committed efforts of its founding members and other civil society groups, Nigeria has remained undemocratic. Injustice, nepotism, favoritism, inequality, exclusion and unfair imbalance in distribution of opportunities have pervaded our public and private sectors.
President Muhammadu Buhari has continued in the disposition of oppressive tendencies with disregard for the rights of the citizens to peacefully assemble and freely express their opinions on matters that affect them. It is an unfortunate irony and most regrettable that the President, Muhammadu Buhari who declared June 12 as Democracy Day, would turn around to suppress ànd muzzle the people in a rather provocative denial of their fundamental freedoms and rights to assemble and freely express their opinions.
society
RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY
*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*
In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.
Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.
This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”
Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.
Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.
While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.
“Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.
The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.
The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
news7 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING