National News
ActionAid Calls for Audit of Last General Elections
ActionAid Calls for Audit of Last General Elections
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the audit of the last general elections by all stakeholders in the process.
A signed statement by the Board Chair, ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola said this was part of the decisions made by the Board of Trustees of ActionAid Nigeria during the reviewed of the State of the Nation at her 49th meeting in Abuja recently.
In the statement released to our correspondent on Friday in Abuja, the board lamented that the nation has been through turbulent times within the last few months, noting that apart from the rancorous and disempowering nature of the politics that characterized the just-concluded elections, Nigerians also had to put up with socio-economic disruptive challenges.
According to the statement: “These include but are not limited to the poorly thought-out, badly timed, and poorly implemented Naira redesign policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and a combination of insecurity and high inflationary rate, occasioned by banditry, killings, and activities of herdsmen, including abductions.
“The rise of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, which were extensively deployed for political propaganda was accentuated by an ineffectual presidency that was content with condemnations after the fact of every situation. In particular, the inept handling of the Naira redesign policy created serious socio-economic waste and gridlock that will take many Nigerians and many businesses some time to recover from.”
Among the recommendations of the board ActionAid Nigeria’s Board of Trustees include that: “The Federal and State Governments, INEC, CSOs (Civil Society Organisations), and all stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s electioneering must work together to audit the entire election process from the beginning to the end. This must include a national debate to address all the critical challenges that still confront our electoral process to ensure more transparency and help to build peoples’ confidence in the democratic process.
“In the short term, the president-elect is advised to take measures such as improving the distribution infrastructure, crack down on fuel hoarding and diversion, and increasing fuel importation. In the long term, Nigeria must invest in domestic refining capacity, diversify the economy to reduce dependence on oil, and promote alternative energy sources.
“The Federal Government must backtrack on her borrowing spree and proffer workable & sustainable solutions to grow the economy rather than a fixation on distributing $16 per person for two years which will have minimal or no impact in lowering the cost of living and poverty. The fresh request of President Muhammadu Buhari for a loan of 800 million dollars days to his exit from office is appalling and the Senate must reject this in its entirety.
“The incoming administration under the leadership of President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should prioritize the conduct of a national census because the data so sourced is crucial for policy making, planning, and resource allocation. A successful census will be critical for Nigeria’s development. Hard-to-reach communities and locations with security threats must be adequately planned for.
“Ahead of the December 31st, 2023, deadline for the validity of the old naira notes, as declared by the Supreme Court, the Central Bank of Nigeria, should focus on not just reducing the number of naira notes in circulation to control inflation, it must also make the currency difficult to counterfeit. The CBN must plan to prevent subjecting Nigerians to the level of hardship experienced in the 1st quarter of 2023.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) must be pragmatic about working with state and local governments and communities to develop flood response plans and promote awareness of flood risks. Additionally, government agencies must provide training and capacity building to relevant stakeholders to enhance their ability to respond to flooding; the Federal and State emergency interventions must be commensurate with the level of flood impact; governments at all tiers must increase their investment in infrastructure and technology and enhance coordination and communication among relevant stakeholders; All concerned stakeholders must promote community participation and awareness of flood risks and integrate early warning systems with broader disaster management and climate resilience strategies.
“The incoming government must prioritize funding to all security agents in Nigeria to enhance intelligence services and improve infrastructure through training and standardized equipment. This should also include strengthening community policing initiatives.”
End
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
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