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“Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation” – British High Commissioner
“Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation” – British High Commissioner
By Michael Mike
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has urged the Nigeria Government to remain on the path of democratic consolidation.
She gave this charge while delivering her goodwill message at the 3rd Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja,
Organised by the UK funded Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) programme, the retreat is the UK’s flagship governance programme in Nigeria. the UK through it is working with the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as with civil societies in the country to improve accountability and effective use of public resources.
In the High Commissioner’s speech, she reflected on three important issues – Consolidating Democracy, Economic Resilience and Institutionalising a Culture of Accountability.
Laing while speaking on Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and the opportunity it presents to entrench democratic principles of inclusion and equality, said:
“At a time when some countries in West Africa are experiencing democratic regression and illegal removal of elected governments, I commend His Excellency, President Buhari for his commitment at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly to leave a legacy of free-and-fair elections in Nigeria. Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation because democracy matters greatly to the world. And democracy matters for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic resilience, the envoy said: “Nigeria’s economy is more resilient than most. But this global context has exacerbated Nigeria’s challenges even though it is a net exporter of oil and gas. Nigeria stands to benefit from taking difficult and brave decisions, which can free up fiscal space for its infrastructure and development priorities, unlock investment that will create better jobs in agriculture and the digital sector, and help realise Nigeria’s energy transition goals.”
Commending the Nigerian Government for prioritising the Ministerial Performance retreat, she said:“Performance Management Systems enable accountability and better delivery of essential services. These are necessary for building trust and social contract between the government and its citizens. I am pleased that the UK government is working with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to institutionalise accountability through our Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) programme.”
The High Commissioner emphasised the strong partnership between Nigeria and the UK and the UK’s commitment to a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
The retreat was attended by His Excellencies, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari; the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; former President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta and members of the Government of Nigeria, senior leaders and key stakeholders in Nigeria.
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty-one persons have been abducted by suspected bandits in three villages of Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the coordinated attacks occurred in Sundu, Biresawa and Masaurari villages.
According to community members, two women were taken from Sundu, while five women and two children were abducted at Biresawa.
In Masaurari, nine men and one woman were reportedly seized, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 21 comprising nine men, eight women and two children.
The Police Command in Kano confirmed the attack noting that efforts had been intensified to rescue all victims unhurt.
The sources added that additional operatives had been deployed to the affected axis, while the area was being combed in collaboration with local vigilance groups and other security agencies.
The command assured residents of its commitment to restoring peace and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
Ammunition falls from moving vehicle near ABU Zaria, eyewitnesses suspect supplies for bandits
By: Zagazola Makama
Passersby and students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria were startled on Tuesday when several rounds of ammunition reportedly fell from a moving passenger bus along the Zaria–Katsina highway.
Zagazola Makama understand that the incident occurred directly in front of ABU Zaria’s main gate, causing brief panic among pedestrians and motorists.
One of the witnesses, who simply identified himself as Musa, said the ammunition fell from a commercial vehicle heading towards Katsina.
“We suddenly saw the bullets drop from the bus as it sped past the gate. Before people could understand what happened, the vehicle had already disappeared,” he said.
He added that some bystanders quickly gathered the ammunition and alerted security operatives stationed around the area.
Another eyewitness, a student who preferred not to be named, described the incident as “strange and frightening,” noting that many feared the ammunition could be linked to supplies to armed groups operating in parts of Kaduna and Katsina States.
Security personnel later arrived at the scene and recovered the ammunition.
Ammunition falls from moving vehicle near ABU Zaria, eyewitnesses suspect supplies for bandits
Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have arrested a notorious kidnapper and major logistics supplier to bandits identified as Y’au Ibrahim Dauda, popularly known as “Gwandara 01”.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the suspect was apprehended by the Scorpion Squad at about 5:40 p.m. on Thursday in Bwari following actionable intelligence.
According to sources , Dauda has been on the wanted list of security agencies for his alleged role in several coordinated kidnapping operations within the FCT, particularly across the Bwari axis, from 2024 to date.
Investigations further linked him to multiple abductions around the Garam area of Tafa LGA in Niger State and Bwari, including the kidnapping of a pastor in 2024 at the El-Rufai Estate, near the Nigerian Law School, Bwari.
The sources said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their weapons.
Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
Ammunition falls from moving vehicle near ABU Zaria, eyewitnesses suspect supplies for bandits
Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja
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