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Democracy:A Common Value of Humanity 

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Democracy:A Common Value of Humanity 

Democracy:A Common Value of Humanity 

By: H.E. Amb. CUI Jianchun

It is solemnly appealed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping during the General Debate of this year’s UN General Assembly that, the international community “need to advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity, and reject the practice of forming small circles or zero-sum games”.

Indeed, as being recognized widely, democracy is a common value of humanity. The world is richly diversified, so does the democracy. Rooted in history, culture and tradition, it takes diverse forms and develops along the paths chosen by different peoples based on their exploration and innovation. Whether a country is democratic depends on whether its people are truly the masters of the country. There is no fixed model of democracy, which manifests itself in many forms. Assessing the myriad political systems in the world against a single yardstick is in itself undemocratic.

Democracy is also an ideal that has always been cherished by China and its people. More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Chinese began to explore the concept that people are the foundation of a country. Their ideas contained the seeds of what we know today as democracy. Since its founding in 1921, the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is the governing party in China, has taken the wellbeing of Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as its abiding goals, and has made continuous efforts to ensure the people’s status as masters of the country.

The essence of China’s democracy is that people are masters of the country. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, with a deeper understanding of China’s path to democracy and the political system, the CPC has developed the Whole-Process People’s Democracy as a key concept and striven to translate it and relevant democratic values into effective institutions and concrete actions.

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The whole-process people’s democracy in China, which has distinctive Chinese characteristics, exemplifies common values and contributes China’s ideas and solutions to the political progress of humanity. It is a complete system with supporting mechanisms and procedures, and has been fully tested through wide participation.

Firstly, insist on the system of people’s congress. It is China’s fundamental political system. People exercise state power effectively through people’s congresses; people’s congresses exercise state power collectively on behalf of the people. The National People’s Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power. Local people’s congresses at all levels are local agencies of state power. All administrative, supervisory, judicial, and procuratorial organs of the countries are created by the people’s congresses, to which they are responsible and by which they are supervised. This system makes extensive democracy possible by empowering people’s congresses at all levels, to ensure that the people hold and exercise state power.

Secondly, reinforce the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC. It is a basic element of China’s political framework, a new model growing out of the soil of China, also learning from others. Notwithstanding outsiders’ misunderstanding, China’s political party system is not a system of one-party rule, nor is it one in which multiple parties vie for power and govern in turn. In addition to the CPC, there are eight other political parties. These parties accept CPC’s leadership, and cooperate closely with the CPC and function as its advisors and assistants. The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) serves as a key element of the multiparty mechanism. This system unites all political parties towards a common goal, effectively mitigating the risks of inadequate oversight in one-party rule, and the problems of continual transfers of governing parties and destructive competition in multiparty political systems. Such a kind of consultative democracy is a unique feature of China’s democracy.

Thirdly, improve the system of regional ethnic autonomy. China is a unified multiethnic country. This system, which is also a basic political system, means that areas with large ethnic minority populations can practice regional autonomy, establish autonomous organs, and exercise the power of self-governance under the unified leadership of the country. It provides institutional and policy guarantees to ensure that ethnic minority citizens enjoy widely social, economic and democratic rights.

Fourthly, conduct the system of community-level self-governance. This system is represented by villagers’ autonomy, urban residents’ autonomy, and employees’ congresses. It has strengthened the public’s ability to understand and practice democracy, demonstrating that China’s democracy is extensive and genuine.

I should say that democracy is not a prerogative of a certain country or a group of countries, but a universal right of all peoples. A basic criterion of democracy should be about the people, such as whether the people have the right to govern their country, whether their needs are met, and whether they have a sense of fulfillment and happiness. If the people are only awakened when casting their votes and sent back to hibernation when the voting is over, this is not a genuine democracy.

Democracy and national governance operate in parallel. One essential feature of a good democracy is that it will promote sound governance and boost national development. Democracy in China means people-centered development that fully mobilizes the initiative of the people, relies on their strength, and ensures that all share in the benefits. This is the key to sound governance and the fount of democracy in China.

Meanwhile, democracy is not just about domestic governance; it should also be reflected in international relations. A truly democratic government will support democracy in international relations. It will not foster hegemony and division abroad while building good or bad democracy and unity at home. Using ideology to bring down other countries, and promote a geo-strategy for absolute security will lead to division and confrontation, and are obviously anti-democratic.

All in all, there are no identical political systems in the world, neither is there a political model that fits all. Countries can borrow from the successful experience of others and develop forms of democracy suited to their own modernization process. The model that suits best is always the most appropriate. 

China did not follow the established path of other countries in its modernization drive. Similarly, China did not duplicate other countries’ models of democracy, but created its own. China’s new approach to democracy represents a significant contribution to international politics and human progress.

All paths to democracy, layering, grafting, or combination of layering and grafting, chosen by the peoples themselves deserve proper respect. The Chinese people are willing to work together with all other peoples around the world to carry forward democracy and other common values of humanity, add new elements to the world’s political structure, and advance towards a global community of shared future together.

*Cui Jianchun is Ambassador of China to Nigeria

Democracy:A Common Value of Humanity 

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ECOWAS Court and Sierra Leone Government Organise Capacity-Building Training for Sierra Leone State Attorneys

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ECOWAS Court and Sierra Leone Government Organise Capacity-Building Training for Sierra Leone State Attorneys 

By: Michael Mike

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Court in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone organised a capacity-building training for State Attorneys at the Law Officers’ Department.

The training held at the Sierra Leone Law School Complex and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, is centred on ECOWAS Community law, practice and jurisprudence, among others. 
 
In his remarks, Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Court said the training was designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of the Court and its judicial processes and procedures to ensure effective legal representation in the administration of justice. He stressed that cases from the Republic of Sierra Leone have been dismissed due to technicalities or procedural irregularities, leading to reliance on lawyers from neighbouring countries, adding that this training will equip the lawyers for better representation before the Court. 
 
He acknowledged the commitment of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay to continuous training and professional development of the State legal officers. “Sierra Leone has consistently engaged the Court on various matters. Therefore, the State’s decision to request the Court’s assistance in enhancing the capabilities of its lawyers to sustain this engagement, is laudable. The Court remains committed to educating Member States on Community law and practice and to sharing its jurisprudence,” he said. 
 
Delivering his remarks, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay said his office is keen on effective justice delivery that will enhance the rights of the citizens.

He urged the legal officers to actively participate and familiarise themselves with the Community Law, Jurisprudence, and applicable laws in the administration of justice in the Community Court. He encouraged the participants to avail themselves of this opportunity to ensure that the State gets effective representation before the Court.
 
Topics for presentation include jurisdiction of the Court, admissibility, non-exhaustion of local remedies, sources of law, jurisprudence, human rights mandate, written and oral procedures before the Court, default judgment, among others. Facilitators drawn from experienced lawyers at the Court led practical exercises on drafting, filing, and oral procedure. 
 
During the four-day mission from 28 July to 31 July, 2025, the delegation from the Court including Hon President Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Goncalves and Hon Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma have scheduled courtesy visits to high authorities of the State.  The high-level delegation of the Court to the Republic of Sierra Leone underscores the Court’s commitment to improving professional legal practice in the region. A similar training was recently held in Accra, Ghana.
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ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai

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Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai and Kwakwanso

ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai

By: Dr. James Bwala

All four politicians still have their ropes hanging in the former or soon-to-be former political party. El-Rufai has left the APC but could not have a place in the SDP, as the party denied him being their member. While he is still dancing in ADC, no one knows for sure what his aims are as the party quietly watched him and closely checked on his character. Mr. Peter Obi is still grappling with which way to go and still consulting with a madman for direction. It is still unclear whether he has stepped his foot firmly in ADC, as he constantly looks back to his Labour Party. Kwakwanso’s last move against the presidency is an indication that things are falling apart. He is rumored to make a full move soon into the ADC to challenge Atiku and others for the party’s ticket but still wants to be present in his party, the NNPP, holding both goalposts in that confusion. Atiku Abubakar left the PDP allegedly for fear of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He may be having favor in ADC; however, he is relying on some of his foot soldiers within the PDP to run his game. And the confusion continued.

It was Fela Kuti, the famous Nigerian musician and activist, that created powerful and celebrated songs, which are now reminding us of what he was trying to address in our political theater, and long after he was gone, we see this song making meaning of political issues in Nigeria, especially with the current confusion unfolding in the ADC. I could mention many of his songs that reflected on the current political drama, but one such song that comes to mind and well addresses the current drama and confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) political party is “Zombie.” Fela sang this song and released it in the 1970s, looking at the political confusion at that time and criticizing the blind obedience of soldiers and the political leadership that manipulates them. The game ADC is planning to play with Nigeria ultimately for selfish gains. And “Zombie” can be applied to the themes of the music that reflect the ADC position amongst its leadership and fellowship, explaining the disarray amongst its leadership and struggles within its ranks for impact against a formidable force, which President Tinubu and Kashim Shettima literally command today.

It was not too early to state that the 2027 general elections in Nigeria are shaping a battleground for the glory of those who are ready to take it. The renewed HOP initiative of the Tinunu and Kashim Shettima administration is making waves and winning in the argument of who holds the political aces. On the other hand, when we look at the political maneuvering and shifting alliances among the most notable figures in the soon-to-be race, we can see the old faces and actors like Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai. While we cannot deny them of their pedigree on the political landscape, these leaders political backgrounds and ambitions fail them. They face a complex web of relationships that could make or break their chances, and we have this to say: the dynamics between them have already shown signs of tension. It is already suggesting that things may soon fall apart as the elections approach.

I am not speaking about Rotimi Ameachi in this context because he has his battles to face with Wike as political issues unfold. Choosing the ADC to form a coalition of opposition may be a good strategy, but ambition knows no brother, and greed will always kill a friend in a struggle. Their coming together not in one accord put ADC on the edges of collapse as the party now faced significant challenges stirred by internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and ideological differences. No thanks, but thanks to the ambitious politicians who are hungry and angry, as they made us understand. Indeed, the problems they have brought to once a quiet and still political party stem from a lack of sincere, collected reforms and collaborative coalition. This is making it difficult for them to work towards common goals. And like the soldiers in “Zombie,” who are depicted as mindlessly following orders, some leaders and members of the ADC have shown a failure to critically engage with the party’s vision, goals, and objectives that will engage in political adventure towards success. Nigerians now observed, and what they are saying is that these men are not here to foster democratic values but to promote their personal interests. This is leading to confusion and instability within the party, as being a witness within the party despite the sugar coating with seemingly smiling faces that is hiding the monster soon to be revealed within.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, is indeed a veteran politician. But his marriage to many political parties makes him a man of unstable ways in the political arena. The former vice president has long sought the presidency and continues to position himself as a unifying candidate. However, his recent alliance with various factions within party politics has drawn criticism. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), found himself in the valley of decision while he lingered on the choices to make, revealing his greed for power and lack of focus on what he was out to pursue in the political arena. He was tipped to join the APC, but his eyes run over choices leading to a breakdown in relationships in political connections. His fight with the presidency over his alleged claims that the North has been neglected further pushes him to the benches to seek connections with the coalition. Kwakwanso is known for his grassroots connection and populist rhetoric; his appeal lies in his ability to mobilize support in the northern regions. Nevertheless, his ambitions may clash with those of Atiku if he joins the ADC, as rumor has it. If he did, both would be targeting similar voter demographics, potentially leading to conflict rather than collaboration in a coalition.

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Another gladiator fielding in the ADC platform for the coalition is Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and candidate of the Labour Party. Peter Obi has gained significant traction among the youth and educated class. His campaign focuses on economic reform and anti-corruption, appealing to a generation that seeks change. However, Obi’s rising popularity has not gone unnoticed, and it threatens to draw support away from both Atiku and Kwankwaso. With the calls by Nigeria for power to be shifted to the South, the ADC may be forced to side with the voices of Nigerians, and that means a lot to the Atiku and Kwankwaso camps. The competition for the same voter base could exacerbate tensions among the candidates, leading to further fracturing of alliances within the ADC. The dumping of the APC, the clinging of the SDP, and now the pitching with the ADC bring to the floor a comedy of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. Nobody knows who he is standing with. For Atiku, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, or for himself? Whatever position he is taking, he is adding another layer to this intricate political scenario. El-Rufai’s reputation for controversial policies and governance style might alienate certain voters, but he also has a solid support base within the political landscape. El-Rufai’s position might create friction with the other candidates as he navigates his political future amid allegations of mismanagement and public discontent.

Looking from the prism of Fela Kuti’s music, the understanding often highlighted the importance of awareness and critical thinking among citizens. The late Afrobeat singer encouraged listeners to question authority and not accept information at face value. This message is particularly relevant today, as the ADC grapples with factions and conflicting interests. The inability of the party to present a unified front to the public can be compared to the soldiers in “Zombie” marching in unison but without genuine intent or purpose. It serves as a reminder for ADC members to strive for integrity and collective action rather than mere conformity to leadership decisions, which may not always reflect the party’s true values.

While we count the cakes, the value of gold is soaring as the elections draw closer. The potential for conflict among Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai is palpable. Each leader is striving to consolidate their position while contending with increasing competition. If these leaders cannot find common ground and create meaningful alliances, they will risk undermining their respective reasons for collaboration and coalition. Consequently, the ADC might witness a fracturing of relationships, leading to a political landscape where collaboration becomes unlikely, ultimately impacting the future of the party. And this explains the significance of Fela Kuti’s protest music. This transcends time, providing valuable insights into the political landscape of Nigeria today and going beyond what we are talking about in the corners from what we see and observe. Fela Kuti’s powerful lyrics and compelling messages encourage present and future generations to engage actively with political issues. It is crucial for ADC leaders and members to listen and learn from the lessons embedded in Kuti’s music, particularly the necessity of unity and a commitment to democratic ideals. As confusion continues to persist within the party, embracing a more collaborative and transparent approach will be essential for party survival. For us on the other side, “Zombie” is good music and should continue as the confusion in ADC rages.

  • James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai

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President Tinubu’s public acknowledgment of VP Kashim Shettima’s role underscores the trust placed in him.

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President Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima

President Tinubu’s public acknowledgment of VP Kashim Shettima’s role underscores the trust placed in him.

By: Dr. James Bwala

President Bola Tinubu’s public expressions of gratitude toward Vice President Kashim Shettima for his integral role before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari signify a consolidation of their political alliance amid circulating rumors regarding Shettima’s potential replacement. In a widely viewed address, Tinubu explicitly acknowledged Shettima’s efforts in managing sensitive responsibilities surrounding Buhari’s final days and funeral arrangements, thereby underscoring the trust placed in him. This public commendation is particularly noteworthy given the speculation about discord within the administration, which had suggested that Shettima might be sidelined.

The president’s deliberate acknowledgment not only affirms Shettima’s loyalty but also indicates a strategic move to quell uncertainties about internal leadership dynamics. By highlighting Shettima’s pivotal involvement during this national moment of mourning, Tinubu appears to reinforce unity within his government and project stability to both domestic and international audiences. Such gestures are essential in maintaining cohesive governance during transitional periods marked by political sensitivities. Indeed, this public affirmation serves to dispel any notions of internal discord and emphasizes a unified front within the presidency. 

By publicly lauding Shettima’s contributions, Tinubu not only addresses the rumors head-on but also strategically positions his administration as resilient and unified in the face of potential political upheaval. In doing so, Tinubu not only strengthens his alliance with Shettima but also aims to present a cohesive leadership team that can effectively navigate the challenges posed by such a significant transition. As President Tinubu continues to publicly express gratitude towards Vice President Shettima, it becomes increasingly clear that this relationship is not only intact but also pivotal in navigating the complexities of governance. 

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/vp-shettima-president-tinubus-bold-policies-in-the-interest-of-nigerians/

This strategic acknowledgment is further underscored by Tinubu’s emphasis on collaborative governance, highlighting the administration’s commitment to continuity and collective effort. As the administration navigates this delicate period, Tinubu’s public commendation of Shettima’s efforts sends a clear message of solidarity and mutual respect. 

The public nature of these expressions ensures that any speculation regarding Shettima’s replacement is directly addressed, reinforcing the administration’s unity and shared purpose during this sensitive period. By reinforcing Shettima’s integral role and expressing appreciation for his efforts, President Tinubu not only dispels any doubts about their working relationship but also strengthens the perception of a stable and united leadership team. This approach not only quells any uncertainty but also emphasizes a narrative of resilience and cooperation within the highest echelons of government. 

The public acknowledgment of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s contributions by President Bola Tinubu serves as a strategic affirmation of their collaborative governance and seeks to dispel any lingering doubts about their relationship. This gesture, in the context of circulating rumors and misinterpretations, sends a clear message to critics and skeptics who perceive discord within the administration. By openly recognizing Shettima’s role, Tinubu not only reinforces unity but also counters unfounded speculation regarding internal struggles.

Moreover, such an explicit endorsement aligns with calls from political commentators urging the president to directly address replacement rumors that have fueled division. The clarity offered through this public commendation diminishes space for mischief and undermines narratives that seek to destabilize the administration. Given prior instances where Shettima’s statements were misconstrued yet reaffirmed as supportive of Tinubu’s policies, this move consolidates trust within the executive branch and signals stability to both domestic and international observers.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

President Tinubu’s public acknowledgment of VP Kashim Shettima’s role underscores the trust placed in him.

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