News
NIGERIA HAS CIVIL RULE, NOT DEMOCRACY’ — FALANA
NIGERIA HAS CIVIL RULE, NOT DEMOCRACY’ — FALANA
By: Michael Mike
Rights activist rejects military nostalgia, says 27 years of civilian government have failed to deliver democratic dividends
Foremost human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has delivered a scathing verdict on Nigeria’s democratic journey, declaring that despite 27 years of uninterrupted civilian administration, the country is yet to achieve genuine democratic governance.
Falana said what exists in Nigeria today is largely civil rule rather than democracy, arguing that elections alone do not constitute democratic governance when millions of citizens remain trapped in poverty, insecurity, injustice and institutional failure.
Speaking virtually at the Second Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria warned that public confidence in constitutional rule could continue to erode unless democratic institutions begin to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
While dismissing growing calls in some quarters for a return to military rule, Falana insisted that military governments could never be a better alternative. However, he maintained that Nigerians must confront the uncomfortable reality that the democratic ideals many fought and died for remain largely unrealised.
“Military rule is not better than democracy regardless of the frustrations people may have. But we must also be honest enough to admit that what we currently have is largely civil rule and not the full expression of democracy that Nigerians fought and sacrificed for,” he said.
The outspoken activist argued that the true test of democracy is not the conduct of periodic elections but the capacity of government institutions to guarantee justice, accountability, human rights, security, quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities for citizens.
He lamented that constitutional promises have remained largely theoretical for millions of Nigerians, widening the gulf between democratic expectations and the realities of daily life.
Falana’s remarks come amid increasing public frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, governance challenges and declining trust in public institutions, despite more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule.
He warned that democracy risks losing legitimacy in the eyes of citizens if elected governments fail to translate constitutional guarantees into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
According to him, unless leaders prioritise institutional reforms, accountability and people-centred governance, Nigeria may continue to operate a civilian system devoid of the substantive democratic values that define a truly democratic state.
Earlier in his remarks, the Board Chair, Amnesty International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani noted that the past year has been one of bold action and significant milestones.
He said: “Our investigation into the Tiger Base anti-kidnapping police unit in Owerri, Imo State, stands as one of our most impactful interventions.”
He noted that: “The report uncovered entrenched human rights violations, including prolonged arbitrary detention, torture, extortion and enforced disappearances.”
Rafsanjani said: “We documented at least 200 deaths and disappearances between 2021 and 2025.”
NIGERIA HAS CIVIL RULE, NOT DEMOCRACY’ — FALANA
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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