News
Maintain democratic values that promote security, peace —Maj-Gen Onoja

Maintain democratic values that promote security, peace —Maj-Gen Onoja
By: Our Reporter
Retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja, a former military administrator of Plateau and Katsina states, has urged Nigeria to uphold democratic values that would ensure the nation’s security and peacekeeping efforts.
Onoja made the call in his keynote delivered at a National Peacebuilding Conference with theme “Electoral process, governance, democracy, security and conflict resolution in 2023 general elections” in Abuja on Tuesday.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Jabi and the Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peace building and Conciliation (ICRCP) collaborated to organise the conference.
Onoja urged the political leaders of the nation to support honest and open elections that ensure citizens’ participation in the administration of their own concerns.
“Internationally, democracy is a license for gaining access to international diplomacy, finance, trade, investment, sports, entertainment, tourism, humanitarianism, defense and security.
“As countries rush to obtain this tagging of been democratic, Nigeria should distinguish its brand of democracy with adherence to critical principles of democracy that include rule of law, justice.
“Respect for human rights, provision of welfare, and human security for the citizens, transparency and accountability, open government, citizens participation and inclusiveness.
“It is imperative therefore, that political leaders encourage, imbibe, accept and celebrate transparent, credible and open electoral process as a fundamental national security commitment and minimum benchmarking, guaranteeing the equal participation of Nigerians in the governance of their affairs, “ Onoja said.
He added that the usage of courts in dispute resolution was due to the lack of democratic governance of the commonwealth and privileges. He emphasised how important and fundamental the electoral process was to democracy, governance, security, and conflict resolution.
Onoja continued by saying that it was critical for the relevant state institutions to start operating efficiently as Nigerians continue to fight for an effective government that would ensure their access to food security, health security, community security, economic security, political security, environmental security, and personal security.
Given the numerous threats to peace, security, and development that the country was facing on the eve of the election, the retired major general said that the general election in 2023 would be a turning point for Nigeria. He commended President Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party for choosing the path of peace.
However, he urged the judiciary to be resolute and diligent in carrying out its duties in the cases that were before it based on the evidence in order to increase residents’ confidence in the government and win their support for fighting the nation’s common adversaries together.
In his remarks, the ICRPC Register-General, Dr Abdulwaheed Odewale described the conference as a vibrant platform for diverse voices towards a more peaceful and democratic society where the ballot prevails over the bullet.
Odewale said that the knowledge shared and experiences exchanged during the conference would undoubtedly shape the policies and practices that would guide the future of Nigeria.
Odewale urged participants of the conference to carry the spirit of unity, resilience, and determination, as well applied knowledge gained at the event to be catalysts for positive change and better approaches to elections in Nigeria.
Maintain democratic values that promote security, peace —Maj-Gen Onoja
News
Nigeria’s Romance with BRICS Creates Room for Stronger Relationship with Russia, Says Envoy

Nigeria’s Romance with BRICS Creates Room for Stronger Relationship with Russia, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Russian Federation has eulogized the role played by Nigeria in the United Nations establishment of the resolution demonizing nazism.
He added that Nigeria’s recent romance with BRICS has created room for development of stronger relationship with the Russian Federation
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Andrey Podyolyshev, speaking to journalists in Abuja during the photo exhibition organized by the Russian Embassy to commemorate the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
The Great Patriotic War was the war fought by the Soviet Union who entered the World War two year after the war started in 1939, it was mostly fought against the Nazis in Eastern Europe and witnessed the largest, deadliest and most devastating conflict in human history that claimed lives of tens of millions of people.
The photo exhibition centered on solemn remembrance of victims of the Second World War, commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, knowledge sharing about dangers that surround the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War.
Podyolyshev said: “I love to thank Nigeria for the support of Russia side in the UN’s waiting for the resolution in combating glorification of nazism.
“During the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the resolution held on combating glorification of nazism and practices that contributed to contemporary forms of racism, discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, Nigeria voted to support this resolution.
“We really appreciate the cooperation from Nigeria and we will cooperate with Nigeria on the international front, especially at the level of the United Nations.
“Recently, Nigeria became a partner of BRICS and I am sure that our prospects for cooperation are just enriching.”
“Of course, bilateral context are on different issues throughout the world and it is very important for our cooperation to further improve.”
On issues about security, Podyolyshev underscored the need for constant dialogue about international security concerns of regions around Russia, around Nigeria and other parts of the world.
He reiterated the need for nations to work closely together in tackling global challenges as means to ensure sustainable solution to issues about economic crunch and insecurity.
“Russia approach towards promoting multipolaisation, as means to tackling global challenges has not changed. We will ensure that the future is multipolar
“The multiplolar world and the rights of the different countries to unite for a common interest is the main focus of our President.
“Naturally, the future world order is supposed to be constructed on these concern of the interest of different countries in multipolar world.
“African continent is virtually one of this polar genuine culture and policy, and historically pursuing its own interest in the world.
“We see this cooperation of African powers among others, Nigeria especially as one of the main priority of our foreign policy,” the ambassador stated.
The Great Patriotic War started from 1941 and ended 1945 resulting in the establishment of the United Nations through active participation of the USSR that bolstered new global system to prevent future wars and protect dignity of nations.
Nigeria’s Romance with BRICS Creates Room for Stronger Relationship with Russia, Says Envoy
News
Troops repel militia attack in Plateau, neutralise suspect, arrest two bandits

Troops repel militia attack in Plateau, neutralise suspect, arrest two bandits
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have repelled a militia attack in Teegbe community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, neutralised one suspect and arrested two others during a pursuit into neighbouring Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9 a.m. following an attack on the community.
Upon arrival, the troops engaged the assailants, who fled toward Baduru Sama in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. During the hot pursuit, contact was re-established with the fleeing suspects, leading to the neutralisation of one militia member.
Further operations in the area led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Sani Adamu, 40, and Buhari Mohammed, 20, both believed to be members of a local bandit group. Troops also recovered 42 stolen cows and the sum of N20,200 from the neutralised suspect.
However, two residents of Teegbe community were confirmed dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.
One soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Tope Awoniyi, also sustained injuries during the encounter and has been taken to the 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further treatment.
The arrested suspects and recovered items are in custody for further investigation.
Troops morale and combat readiness remain high, while operations continue in the general area to prevent further attacks.
Troops repel militia attack in Plateau, neutralise suspect, arrest two bandits
Crime
Troops Intensify Search for Kidnapped Pastor in Kauru LGA

Troops Intensify Search for Kidnapped Pastor in Kauru LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of 1 Division in Kaduna State are working in collaboration with other security agencies to rescue a 55-year-old pastor who was abducted by bandits in Kurmin Rizga village, Kauru Local Government Area (LGA), in the early hours of April 23, 2025.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that a group of armed bandits invaded Kurmin Rizga, firing sporadically, and kidnapped Rev. Ibrahim James, the pastor of the Catholic Church in the village, taking him to an unknown location.
In response, the troops launched a search operation to locate and rescue the pastor unharmed. Efforts to apprehend the suspects and ensure the pastor’s safe return are ongoing.
Troops Intensify Search for Kidnapped Pastor in Kauru LGA
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