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Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process
Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called on Nigerian government to continue to improve electoral process and democracy by ensuring its continued improvement and impartiality, independence, and transparency.
In a statement to mark the celebration of Democracy Day, the Country Representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said: “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As we commemorate Democracy Day, ActionAid Nigeria acknowledges the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to entrench democracy in our country. Their sacrifices have given us a voice, a choice, and a chance to shape our collective destiny.
“We recognise the importance of effective electoral and judicial systems in safeguarding our democracy and promoting national development. We encourage the government to continue improving these systems, ensuring their impartiality, independence, and transparency. Specifically, we call for the strengthening of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure its independence and ability to conduct free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.
“As we mark this occasion, we are reminded that democracy is a powerful tool for delivering the needs of the people. ActionAid Nigeria urges the government to harness its potential to address the socio-economic challenges facing our nation. By prioritising inclusive and equitable processes, we can ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, and their needs are addressed.”
Mamedu advised that: “Our leaders should prioritise the common good, and work towards revitalising our economy. We urge them to implement and develop economic policies that benefit all Nigerians, create sustainable jobs, and reduce inflation. Specifically, we call on the government to implement a living minimum wage that reflects the current economic realities and ensures that workers can afford a decent standard of living.”
“ActionAid also urges the government to address the persistent human rights violations in our country and take concrete steps to ensure that all citizens enjoy their fundamental human rights, making sure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held accountable,” the statement further said.
Adding that: “Furthermore, we call on the government to prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment, ensuring that women have equal access to political participation, economic opportunities, and social services. ActionAid Nigeria calls on the government to enact strategies that combat gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality, and ensure that women have a seat at the table in decision-making processes, amplifying their voices and perspectives.
“As we commemorate 25 years of democracy, ActionAid Nigeria calls for a renewed commitment to democracy and good governance. We urge the government to work collaboratively with the broader public to develop and implement policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.
“We can build a democracy that truly delivers for the people, a democracy that promotes accountability, transparency, and good governance. A democracy that ensures Nigeria’s wealth benefits all Nigerians, not just a few.
“Together, we can make democracy work for the people. A democracy that provides quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure for all. A democracy that creates jobs and opportunities for young people. A democracy that ensures justice and equality for all.”
Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
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