The late Emir of Ngazargamu is a pillar of peace and unity – VP Shettima.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, has said the late Emir of Ngazargamu, Alhaji Tijjani Ahmed Ibn-Saleh, “was a symbol of unity, peace and progress” even as he urged Nigerians to sustain the unity that exists among them for the progress of the nation.

The Vice President started this in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, while attending the funeral of the late Emir of Ngazargamu, HRH Alhaji Tijjani Ahmed Ibn Saleh, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness.

He noted that citizens, especially the youth, must embrace and continue to seek more education as he preached.

“He led a good life; he was an advocate of education as a tool for social enhancement. He lived well and died honourably. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest” and also prayed for divine consolation for the family of the deceased and the repose of his soul.

The vice president later extended the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to the immediate family of the deceased.

Senator Kashim had earlier attended the Juma’at congregational prayer at the Yobe Islamic Centre, Damaturu, where he was joined by other Muslims faithful to observe the funeral rites for the late emir.

Earlier in his sermon during the Juma’at prayer, the Imam of Yobe Islamic Centre, Ustaz Hudu Mohammed, enjoined Nigerians to always have the fear of God in them, added that since riches come from God, they must always rely on the Almighty for success in life, and also prayed for peace and progress in Nigeria, urging citizens to always pray for their leaders.

Dignitaries who attended the funeral included Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State; former Senate President, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan GCON; former vice president, Babagana Kingibe; and Senator Danjuma Goje.

Others include Senator Kaka Shehu, the Shehu of Borno; HRH Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa; and the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II, among others.

The late Emir of Ngazargamu is a pillar of peace and unity – VP Shettima.

NIGERIA HAS CIVIL RULE, NOT DEMOCRACY’ — FALANA

By: Michael Mike

Rights activist rejects military nostalgia, says 27 years of civilian government have failed to deliver democratic dividends

Foremost human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has delivered a scathing verdict on Nigeria’s democratic journey, declaring that despite 27 years of uninterrupted civilian administration, the country is yet to achieve genuine democratic governance.

Falana said what exists in Nigeria today is largely civil rule rather than democracy, arguing that elections alone do not constitute democratic governance when millions of citizens remain trapped in poverty, insecurity, injustice and institutional failure.

Speaking virtually at the Second Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria warned that public confidence in constitutional rule could continue to erode unless democratic institutions begin to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.

While dismissing growing calls in some quarters for a return to military rule, Falana insisted that military governments could never be a better alternative. However, he maintained that Nigerians must confront the uncomfortable reality that the democratic ideals many fought and died for remain largely unrealised.

“Military rule is not better than democracy regardless of the frustrations people may have. But we must also be honest enough to admit that what we currently have is largely civil rule and not the full expression of democracy that Nigerians fought and sacrificed for,” he said.

The outspoken activist argued that the true test of democracy is not the conduct of periodic elections but the capacity of government institutions to guarantee justice, accountability, human rights, security, quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities for citizens.

He lamented that constitutional promises have remained largely theoretical for millions of Nigerians, widening the gulf between democratic expectations and the realities of daily life.

Falana’s remarks come amid increasing public frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, governance challenges and declining trust in public institutions, despite more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule.

He warned that democracy risks losing legitimacy in the eyes of citizens if elected governments fail to translate constitutional guarantees into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

According to him, unless leaders prioritise institutional reforms, accountability and people-centred governance, Nigeria may continue to operate a civilian system devoid of the substantive democratic values that define a truly democratic state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Board Chair, Amnesty International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani noted that the past year has been one of bold action and significant milestones.

He said: “Our investigation into the Tiger Base anti-kidnapping police unit in Owerri, Imo State, stands as one of our most impactful interventions.”

He noted that: “The report uncovered entrenched human rights violations, including prolonged arbitrary detention, torture, extortion and enforced disappearances.”

Rafsanjani said: “We documented at least 200 deaths and disappearances between 2021 and 2025.”

NIGERIA HAS CIVIL RULE, NOT DEMOCRACY’ — FALANA

Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.

At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.

The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.

The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.

Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.

They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.

Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs