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Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF

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Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF

By: Michael Mike

As Nigeria celebrates 26 years since returning to democracy, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has insisted that the important ingredient needed for the nation’s democracy to thrive was missing.

Speaking at an interaction with the media in Abuja on Tuesday, WIPF Chairperson, Barr. Ebere Ifendu said the Special Seat Bill, a groundbreaking proposal “is not merely an adjustment within our legislative framework; rather, it embodies a historic opportunity to bridge the significant gender gap in our governance system and amplify the voices of women in critical decision-making roles.”

She added that: “Today, we stand at a milestone in our shared commitment to achieving gender equality and revitalizing our democracy—a journey propelled by an unwavering belief that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy.”

Ifendu said: “The statistics we face are not just numbers; they are a sobering reflection of the entrenched inequities that persist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 469 seats in the National Assembly—4 in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives—resulting in a mere 4.05% of legislative representation in Nigeria. This stark reality places our nation significantly below the global average of 26.5%, illustrating a critical disparity that demands urgent redress.”

She lamented that: “Moreover, Nigeria ranks a disheartening 178 out of 182 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) global standings for women in national parliaments. This ranking clearly highlights the systemic barriers that have long stifled the voices of women in governance. This alarming reality serves as a clarion call for immediate and collective action, urging us to unite in the pursuit of meaningful change.”

She explained that: “The Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, emerges as a bold and necessary response to rectify this historical inequity by reserving dedicated seats explicitly for women within our legislative chambers.

“This visionary legislation is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside a dedicated coalition of lawmakers who are resolute in their mission to advance gender equality in Nigeria. The Special Seat Bill seeks to create an additional 74 federal legislative seats and 108 state assembly seats specifically for women. This is not merely a numerical increase; it is a transformative step toward achieving equitable representation that aligns with the principles of democracy. Importantly, this bill includes a sunset clause that mandates a comprehensive review every 16 years, reinforcing our commitment to ensure its impact remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of our ever-evolving society.”

Ifendu noted that: “The journey of the Special Seat Bill is rich with historical significance and advocacy. Initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly by the formidable Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in collaboration with a coalition of 85 lawmakers, including the distinguished former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the bill exemplifies a collective ambition for true gender equality. Although it faced formidable obstacles and ultimately fell short in its most recent vote in March 2022, the bill stands as a testament to the relentless push for women’s rights and representation within our political framework.

“In response to concerns regarding the fiscal implications of increasing the number of legislative seats, the revised proposal has been meticulously crafted to show that enhancing representation is not a financial burden. The anticipated cost of implementing this bill would be less than 1% of our annual national budget, a figure that illustrates a responsible approach to governance that champions equity without compromising our fiscal integrity.”

She assured that: “Should this transformative bill pass, it would not merely amend our Constitution; it would signify a profound shift in our legislative landscape, ensuring that the voices of women are both recognized and integrated into the core of power structures. This initiative not only aims to elevate women but also seeks to uplift other historically marginalized groups, striving for a legislative environment that genuinely reflects the rich diversity and complexity of our nation.”

She decried that: “The current statistics paint a dismal picture: a mere 3 women serve in the Senate, 14 in the House of Representatives, and only 48 in State Houses of Assembly—a haunting reminder of the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to political influence. Nigeria’s alarmingly low ranking of 179 out of 183 countries regarding women’s representation accentuates the imperative for decisive, impactful action to ensure that women’s voices are woven into the legislative fabric where they rightfully belong.”

Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF

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Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

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Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into the sudden death of a 20-year-old fresh graduate of Information Technology from Babcock University, Ilisan Remo.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased, identified as Akawa Boluwatife Samuel, was brought to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital by his roommates on Wednesday and was confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.

Police detectives who visited the scene said one of the deceased’s roommates, Adili Leonard Chimdindu, disclosed that Boluwatife had complained of cold and difficulty in breathing on July 27, and was advised to visit the University Medical Centre.

According to him, they were on campus to complete their clearance process ahead of graduation, and the deceased had planned to return home soon.

He further stated that the deceased was in good spirits the previous night and played games on his laptop until around 11:00 p.m. He was, however, found unresponsive by morning.

Photographs of the deceased were taken, and the statement of his elder brother, Akawa Toluwanimi John, was recorded.

The body has been deposited at the university morgue for autopsy and preservation, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.

Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

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Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

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Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

By: Michael Mike

The Waziri Mushere and community leader in Plateau, Chief Yohana Margif has raised alarm over terrorists’ current occupation of seven villages in Mushere community after displacing the inhabitants from their ancestral homes.

Margif in a statement issued on Friday, expressed his shock over the new development, and listed the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor and Margif.

According to him, the seven communities, which are all in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state were recently attacked and ravaged by the terrorists, who killed many of the inhabitants and displaced thousands.

He said that for over three months now, the beleaguered communities had been under relentless terrorist attacks and siege, forcing them to flee their incestral homes to take shelter at Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.

Margif said that the Fulani invaders, who have taken over their villages, are shockingly building their tents with their cattle gracing on their farms with impunity.

He noted that this was in spite of the state government’s claim that no part of the state was under terrorists’ occupation.

He said: “Am still in a state of shock by the governor’s claim that no part of Plateau State is under the control of bandit terrorists.

“My people have been forced to live in the wilderness at this critical period of the year when they are supposed to be in their farms.

“The terrorists who were previously called unknown gunmen are now known, as they have now set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see,” he said.

The Labour Party chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful, who lost his bid for the Plateau State governorship seat in the 2023 elections, stressed that terrorists who have built tents and are openly carrying guns around can no longer be regarded as unknown.

He said that the reality on ground contradicted the governor’s assertion as these communities have been practically and brazenly taken over by terrorists, who have usurped their lands and livestock.

“Enough is enough of this, government has abdicated its responsibility of protecting its citizens for too long.

“Now that the terrorists’ identity is known, let the relevant authorities direct the security agencies to go after them, so that our people can return to their ancestral homes.

“The Plateau State government must take immediate and decisive actions to restore peace and security of the communities because the people deserve protection, justice and the right to live in their ancestral homes without fear,” he emphasised.

Margif suggested that government should immediately direct security agencies to flush out the terrorists from the seven affected communities and smoke them out of their well-known sanctuaries in surrounding hills.

He also urged relevant authorities to take decisive steps to address the humanitarian challenges by providing relief to the distraught inhabitants who are currently taking shelter at lDP camps.

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

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Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

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Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Friday urged corps members deployed to the state to contribute meaningfully to its development during their service year.

He made the call while declaring open the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the temporary NYSC orientation camp in Akko Local Government Area.

The governor represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Inuwa Ibrahim, described corps members as critical stakeholders in nation-building.

Yahaya noted that the immediate past set of corps members had contributed significantly through community development projects, youth mentorship, and empowerment programmes.

“As you serve in Gombe State, I encourage you to be part of our developmental process, contributing to the transformation of our state and the empowerment of our youth.

“Your predecessors did well in nation-building, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue on this positive path,” he said.

He assured the corps members of a safe and conducive environment to enable them serve effectively and impact their host communities positively.

“Gombe State is a safe haven, and we guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” Yahaya added.

In her remarks, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, the NYSC State Coordinator in Gombe, urged the 940 corps members to participate actively in all camp activities as a foundation for their service year.

She encouraged them to adhere to camp rules, shun negative behaviour, and uphold the core values of the NYSC.

Nwachuku also appreciated the Gombe State Government, stakeholders, and residents for their continued support and commitment to the success of the NYSC scheme in the state.

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

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