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Democracy not a Steady State, Requires Dedication and Determination, US Cautions Nigerians Against Losing Hope

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Democracy not a Steady State, Requires Dedication and Determination, US Cautions Nigerians Against Losing Hope

By: Michael Mike

The United States has advised Nigerians against losing hope in democracy, insisting that it is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication, and determination.

Speaking at the commemorations the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States’ Mission in Nigeria, David Greene noted that Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in democracy.

He said: “As large, diverse democracies, the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria share many of these principles: in the content of our constitutions, in the forms of our institutions, in citizens’ relationships to their governments, and in our daily lives. Our struggles for independence – while centuries and continents apart – shared the common vision of nations governed by their citizens, for the welfare of those citizens.

“We can acknowledge that achieving that vision has been a bumpy road, for both our nations. We have had to work hard to preserve democratic principles and values, sometimes in the face of strong headwinds, or even storms.  Yet we persevere.  

“Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in democracy, at once highlighting this nation’s commitment to the democratic system even as many voters were frustrated by the process. We in the United States know as well as any, that democracy is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication, and determination.”

He added that: “So even as the United States works to ensure our own nation remains true to the ideals of its founding, we seek to partner with friends and allies in strengthening their democratic institutions as well. In recognition of this important, common task, President Biden hosted, on the margins of December’s African Leaders Summit, a session focused on elections – attended by former President Buhari – to highlight this critical moment when democracy needs to be renewed and defended globally.
 
“Beyond the history and abstract principles, I want to speak to our shared commitment to the practical work of any democracy – helping citizens live prosperous, secure, and healthy lives. As President Biden has said, “Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.”  And the United States is Nigeria’s partner in making it possible to deliver.”

The envoy stated that: “Prosperity demands a stable economy in which businesses can succeed and in which citizens can aspire to leave their children better off. So the United States partners with Nigerian entrepreneurs in agriculture, health, information technology, and renewable energy – to name just a few sectors – to help expand small and medium-sized businesses.  We know that the success of a business is dependent on reliable energy infrastructure; so the United States has helped bring electricity to over three million homes and businesses – so far, with the number to grow in the future.”
 
He however admitted that “economic opportunity by itself is not enough; citizens need security. In this area, too, the United States and Nigeria are working together closely. Through robust military-to-military ties, police training, and judicial cooperation, by way of examples, the United States is partnering with Nigeria to bolster its security capabilities, to combat terrorism, violent crime, and corruption.”

Greene said: “In short, across every sector you can think of, the great federal republics of the United States and Nigeria have long been working together to improve the lives of both of our peoples.  And we look forward to partnering with President Tinubu’s Administration to ensure that the Nigerian people’s vision for their country is realized – by strengthening Nigerian institutions and helping, in the words of the Nigerian National anthem, “build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.””

He recalled that President Biden said, on the occasion of President Tinubu’s inauguration, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.”  Stressing that: “I, and my whole team here and in Lagos, look forward to working with all of you towards that success.”
 
Gracing the event that held on Thursday night were prominent people from all sectors including those in government and diplomatic corps, among them are the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Democracy not a Steady State, Requires Dedication and Determination, US Cautions Nigerians Against Losing Hope

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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