Tinubu To New NASS Leaders: Let’s Make Everyday Count In Life Of Nigerians

June 13, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has solicited the cooperation of the new Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, House of Reps Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and other leaders of the National Assembly to make everyday for the next four years count for the betterment of Nigerians.

In a congratulatory message to the Leaders who were elected today, June 13, at the National Assembly, Abuja, President Tinubu reminded them they have no time to waste.

The President said that Nigerians are looking up to them to change the fortune of the country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress.

“All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment.

“We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony but with respect for our respective prerogatives and in the best interest of our country.”

“I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey.

We cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want us to make every day of the next four years count. Justifiably, our people want more from their government. They truly deserve progressive good governance that will improve their standards of living. We must give them our best.”

President Tinubu further reminded them Nigerians expect so much from them, saying: “they want us to lift their economic burden. They want us eliminate insecurity so our farmers in rural communities can go to their farms and produce the food we eat.

“We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with the oath we took. It is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.

As your President, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes including improving their quality of life.

In the course of our work together, disagreements may occur. When we disagree it will not be out of malice, ill-will and quest to diminish the institution of National Assembly or any individual member.”

Tinubu said that the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas as the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly is a good development.

He congratulated them and also rejoiced with the new Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu for their well-deserved victories.

He said that being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly is a great honour that comes with huge responsibility.

“I trust that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your members and many Nigerians.

“I wish Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Honourable member Idris Wase and Honourable Aminu Jaji who enriched the process with their participation in the leadership election the best and a successful tenure in the 10th National Assembly.

“I urge them to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.

“My congratulations to all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, who, today, enlisted into the service of the blessed people of our great country.”

Boat Conveying Wedding Guests Breaks Into Two, 100 Feared Dead

Greenbarge Reporters

June 13, 2023

No fewer than 100 people are feared dead after a boat conveying wedding guests divided into two in Kwara State.
The incident occurred at the early hours of today, June 13, as they were returning to Ebbu village after a wedding ceremony at Gboti community.
The post from a source in the village read: “People from my village went for a wedding in Kwara State, their boat broke in two at about 3am and over a 100 dead bodies have been discovered so far.”
This was even as one of the residents of Patigi, Malam Isah Gimba, however, said that the bodies of 15 people have so far been recovered out of the over 100 on board.
The Secretary, Patigi Local Government Area, Malam Idris Pata Mohammed said the Council has mobilized people to support the survivors who cut across Zakkan in Kwara and Sanpi village in neighbouring Kogi State.
He advised people residing in riverine areas to desist from night journeys as the river Niger may overflow its banks from time to time due to heavy downpour.

Here Comes President Of 10th Senate: He Is Akpabio!

Greenbarge Reporters

June 13, 2023

Senator Godswill Akpabio, senator-elect from Akwa Ibom State has emerged as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.
Senator Akpabio and a former governor of Zamfara state, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, were nominated for the senate president position.
Akpabio, who is former governor of Akwa Ibom State, got 63 votes to defeat his rival, Yari, who polled 46 votes.
Senator Akpabio has been the choice of the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nigerians Advised Against Consumption Of “Ponmo,” Smoked Meat, Over Deadly Virus Outbreak

Editorial staff

June 13, 2023

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has advised Nigerians to stop consuming hides, known in local parlance as ponmo as well as smoked meat and bush meat to avoid the outbreak of Anthrax which has been reported in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, said that the outbreak was first recorded in northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo thereby putting the whole sub-region at risk.

“The disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease.

“Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.”

“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

“Signs of anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.”

The statement warned the general public against closeness to non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax as it can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores, including consumption of contaminated/Infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.

Women For Yari As Senate President Lauds Tinubu For His Neutrality In Election Of NASS Leadership

Greenbarge Reporters

June 12, 2023

A socio-political group, Women For Yari Movement (W4YM), has hailed the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain neutral in the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly coming up on June 13.

The group, which also felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of June 12 Democracy Day, in a statement, appreciated Tinubu for dissociating himself from the “now botched attempt to foist a leadership of stooges on the incoming 10th National Assembly.

The group reiterated its conviction that Senator Abdulaziz Yari would emerge the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly in a free and fair election, which President Tinubu has now guaranteed.

In the statement, the W4YM recalled the sacrifices which Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Professor Wole Soyinka, General, Alani Akinrinade, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Yinka Odumakin, Mr. Femi Falana, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, Ms. Ayo Obe, Sen. Chris Anyanwu, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Tinubu and First Lady (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, among others in the pro-democracy movement made for the June 12 Struggle and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

“The Women For Yari Movement has another veritable ground to thank and appreciate His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. You will recall that on Sunday, 21 May, 2023 the Women For Yari Movement held a World Press Conference during which we appealed to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to withdraw that now totally discredited zoning list purporting to zone the Senate President and other leadership positions of the incoming 10th National Assembly to certain geo-political zones. The offensive list even micro-zoned these exalted offices to certain individuals, which is totally undemocratic.

“You recall that we stuck our necks out to insist that His Excellency President President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nothing to do with that noxious list and that some courtiers who were only attempting to form themselves into a nascent cabal were behind the anti-democratic scheme to foist a leadership of their lapdogs and puppets on the 10th National Assembly.

“You will remember that the Women For Yari Movement stated unequivocally that the nebulous cabalists were only engaged in name-dropping, that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not approve of the invasive list and that the cabalists were only out to weaponise the President’s name to soften and clear the field of strong candidates like Distinguished Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who is the preferred candidate for Senate President among the majority of the incoming Senators of the 10th National Assembly.

“We can inform you that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissociated himself totally from that false flag operations of the cabalists and insisted that as a true democrat who made his name from the June 12 Struggle, he will not interfere in the leadership contest of the 10th National Assembly. Based on his inaugural speech, he said and we quote: “We will not dictate. We shall dialogue where the People’s Voice will take (centre) stage. We are here to build the country”.

“To clear any lingering doubt in any quarters nationwide, we in the Women For Yari Movement hereby informs the nation on good authority that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared himself a neutral observer in the upcoming election of the Principal Officers of the 10th National Assembly, which shall take place on Proclamation Day, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 on the floors of the National Assembly, Abuja.

“Therefore, we in the W4YM seize on the significance of today – June 12, 2023 and Democracy Day – in the annals of Nigerian history to express our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed for his nobility in living up to his long-held democratic principles as regards the 10th National Assembly leadership election. As the first election in this regime, this is a litmus test for the Tinubu Presidency from now till 2027.

“The President has declared neutrality and a level-playing field in the 10th National Assembly election holding on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a noble man. His words are his bonds. He will stick to them. Let no cabalists tell you otherwise.

“It bears repeating that on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 the 10th National Assembly shall be inaugurated and the 109 Senators shall elect Distinguished Senator Abdulaziz Yari as President of the Senate in an open, free and fair election which the whole nation shall witness live on national and satellite television stations, radios and on online broadcast and streaming platforms.

“It is the classical, true democracy which His Excellency President Tinubu fought for through the June 12 Struggle and as Governor of Lagos State. His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will strengthen that democracy by his avowed non-interference in the election of the 10thNational Assembly this Tuesday. The President has spoken! He is a Hero of Democracy. He would strengthen our democracy on the floor of the 10th National Assembly come Tuesday, June 13, 2023 by not favouring and imposing any candidates on the 10th National Assembly.

“The emergence of Distinguished Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Senate President in the envisaged transparent, free and fair election shall be another bright feather added to the democratic cap of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Father of the Nation and Icon of Democracy in Nigeria – a reputation His Excellency President Tinubu rightly and bravely earned in the crucibles of the June 12 Struggle. So shall it be in the name of the Almighty God, amen!.”

Going down memory lane on June 12, the Women For Yari Movement, observed: “How time flies!Three decades ago on this very day, millions of Nigerians flocked out to polling units nationwide to elected Bashorun MKO Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) as President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was the freest and fairest election held in Nigeria at that time. Unfortunately, the Military Junta annulled that free and fair poll, which led into a huge national crisis and struggle for the de-annulment of June 12. In that patriotic, democratic cause, many heroes were forged from the fire of the struggle, even as the villains and anti-democratic forces in Nigeria were revealed to the world.

“June 12, 1993 gave birth to the democracy we enjoy in Nigeria today and it is imperative we celebrate the heroes of the June 12 Struggle on this day. We remember Chief MKO Abiola, the eternal symbol of June 12 who, like a true Aare Ona Kakanfo – the Generalissimo of ancient Yoruba Army – faced up to the Military and demanded the mandate we Nigerians gave him on June 12, 1993.

“For his courageous stand for democracy, for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria and the Nigerian People, Chief MKO Abiola paid the ultimate price, dying in military detention. May Allah grant repose to his beautiful soul and grant him Aljanah Firdaus, Amin! Chief MKO Abiola, the Women For Yari Movement remember your ultimate sacrifice for democracy! We celebrate you today and forevermore! May Allah continue to grant your family the heart to bear this irreplaceable loss as your legacy of democracy lives on.

“Nigerians would recall that women trooped out en mass and were the majority of voters on June 12, 1993. And when the Military annulled the election, Nigerians would also recall that the women of this blessed country took to the barricades to demand for the restoration of the People’s Mandate freely bestowed on Chief MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993.

“Many were the women who took the military’s bullets in their bosoms for June 12. Today we remembers these Amazons – dead and alive – who fought for the democracy we all enjoy today:

“Chief (Mrs.) Kudirat Abiola, it is June 12! We remember you today! You laid down your life for our democracy! We shall never forget! May Allah be pleased with you and admit you into Paradise, amen!

“Chief (Mrs.) Suliat Adedeji. Today is June 12! We remember you! Great matriarch of democracy, you lost your life to the struggle in a most gruesome manner. We recall your memory with pride for the life of service to democracy and humanity you lived. We shall never forget! May Allah grant you eternal bliss in Aljanah, amin!

“Many were the men and amazons at the June 12 Barricades. Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Pa. Abraham Adesanya, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Dr. Beekololari Ransome-Kuti, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Yinka Odumakin, and so on and so forth. Sweet is the remembrance of the righteous! In blessed memory, we remember you all and celebrate you all today!

“The icons of the June 12 Struggle still with us – men and women – we remember you all. Prof. Wole Soyinka, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Chiefs Frank Kokori, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, Mr. Femi Falana, Ms. Ayo Obe, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Dr. Joe Odumakin and others too numerous to mention, you are celebrated and appreciated for your sacrifices to the Nigerian democracy.

“And of course there is the Father of the Nation, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Who dares deny your immense contributions to the June 12 struggle and eventual restoration of democracy to our dear Motherland, Nigeria! Indeed we in the W4YM are grateful to you for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.

“A thousand tongues cannot tell the Tinubu tale when it comes to chronicling the history of June 12 and return to democracy in this country. Few suffered from the taking the principled stand on June 12 more than His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his family members.

“Many were the personal privations suffer by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our First Family in the cause of fighting for June 12. From a total, complete loss of all His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had worked for in the course of a sterling professional career with multinationals like Mobil Oil, etc to prolonged incarcerations, multiple assassination attempts on his life and those of his loved ones, including sustained danger and harassments of our amiable First Lady, Sen. (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, the President and his family members suffered! Their travails culminated in forced exile for His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady, Sen. (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu and their then young children, via the famous “NADECO Route”.

“Therefore, it is very fitting that the Women For Yari Movement pays ample tributes to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Sen. (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu on this auspicious occasion of June 12 Democracy Day. Mr. President, you are celebrated; you are highly appreciated – for all you have done and sacrificed to return democracy to Nigeria.

Those Who Cannot Accept Defeat Will Not Have The Joy Of Victory – President Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

June 12, 2023

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear that those who cannot accept defeat in democratic contest will never have the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.

In a Nationwide radio and television broadcast today, June 12, to mark the Democracy Day, Tinubu said: “those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.

“It is about the rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions.

“It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.”

President Tinubu noted however that those who disagreed with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court.

He stressed that the resort to the judiciary is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.

Tinubu acknowledged the difficult times Nigerians are going through as a result of the fuel subsidy removal, saying: “for your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. “The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”

Read below, the full text of the President’s broadcast:

Fellow Nigerians,

It is exactly three decades today that Nigerians went to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to elect a President of their choice to lead the transition from military dictatorship to a representative government of the people.

The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999.

In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity. The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed was the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Just like the anti-colonial movement, the pro-June 12 vanguard demonstrated, once again, the enduring validity of the 19th century historian, Arnold Toynbee’s eternal postulation, that civilization and societies experience progress as they are forced to respond to challenges posed by the environment. The unjust annulment of a widely acknowledged free and fair election was a challenge that elicited resistance by a resurgent civil society, leading ultimately to the attainment of our ‘second independence’ as exemplified by the return of democratic governance in 1999.

Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.

We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.

Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd) who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.

The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel. For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.

We have traversed the dark, thorny path of dictatorship before and those who experienced it can readily testify to the unbridgeable gap between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation and degradation of tyranny. True, rancorous debates, interminable wrangling, ceaseless quarrels, bitter electoral contestations may be perceived by some as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value.

This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.

That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed. But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.

Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph. Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.

For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.

It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.

The recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started.

The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.

It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto being pocketed by a few rich. I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.

Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.

The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfillment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.

On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.

On my part and that of my administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.

On this note, I wish us all a happy Democracy Day celebration and pray that the light of liberty shall never be extinguished in our land.

Thank you all and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Let’s Use Democracy To Build Bridges, Group Tells Nigerians

Greenbarge Reporters

June 11, 2023

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has called on Nigerians to use democracy and the diversity in the country to build bridges across all the nation’s fault lines.
A statement by the former military spokesperson and
Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, quoted the former Inspector General of Police, M. D Abubakar, as saying, on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the group that: “we can build bridges of understanding and create an atmosphere of unity.”
Kukasheka said that the statement was issued in commemoration of the Nigeria’s Democracy Day, coming up tomorrow, June 12.
He further quoted Abubakar as reminding Nigerians that Democracy Day is a day “to celebrate the progress we have made as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of democracy in our country, Nigeria.
“As we commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, 2023, let us also reflect on the significance of this day in our nation’s political history. It marks the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people in their pursuit of democratic governance.”
The group reminded Nigerians that Democracy is a platform to voice individual opinions, and to elect leaders, as well as shape the future of the country. “It is a system that empowers us as citizens and allows us to contribute to the development of our nation. As we embrace this new government, let us actively participate in the democratic process, engaging in constructive dialogue and working together to address our challenges.
“As policy and strategic leaders, it is our responsibility to lead by example and promote the values of democracy. We must support initiatives that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. By doing so, we can foster an environment conducive to national development and create a better society for all.
“Embracing love for one another and fostering national unity is essential for the progress and well-being of our great nation, Nigeria. On this Democracy Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to these ideals and work towards a more harmonious and inclusive society.”
The group appreciated the security forces and all those who diligently strive to maintain sustainable peace, uphold democracy, and promote national reconciliation and stability.
“Their unwavering dedication and sacrifice contribute to the safeguarding of our nation’s progress and prosperity.
“By valuing and respecting one another, irrespective of our differences, we can build bridges of understanding and create an atmosphere of unity. “Together, let us celebrate our diversity and leverage it as a strength that unites us in our pursuit of a brighter future for our country.
“On this Democracy Day, let us also cherish the principles upon which our forefathers founded our nation and strive to uphold them. May this day serve as a reminder of the power of democracy and our collective responsibility to safeguard it.
“May love, unity and peace guide us as we forge ahead on the path of progress. Let us stand united for the betterment of Nigeria. Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigeria. May this Democracy Day bring renewed hope, unity, and prosperity to our great nation. AANI! Towards a better society!”

Nigeria’s Democracy Is In Bondage, Atiku Declares

Greenbarge Reporters

June 11, 2023

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 23, 2022 election, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that democracy in Nigeria is in bondage.
“I call our consciousness to the reality that democracy in Nigeria remains in bondage and it will need the energy of all of us to rescue it.”
Atiku, who was also the country’s Vice President upto 2007, in a statement today, June 11, to mark the nation’s Democracy Day tomorrow, June 12, said that democracy without a corresponding commitment to the principles of fairness and fidelity to the rule of play by stakeholders in the processes of conducting elections still leaves the people prostrate to tendencies of dictatorship.
According to Atiku, for Nigeria’s democracy to be fully fledged, it must constantly evolve away from the current practice where the governing elite determines the outcome of elections.
“The challenge ahead of us and the future of our democracy will rely heavily on what we do or fail to do today.
“To achieve this noble goal, our commitment to the cause of democracy must be eternal.
“Folks on the other side, enemies of democracy, whom we are up against, are not resting. To defeat them, we must do more!”
Atiku recalled what he called “the dark days of military dictatorships,” saying”it is important that we appreciate the successes that we have achieved in making democracy the norm of politics in Nigeria.
“Many times, when I take stock of the activism that birthed the current democratic dispensation, I am even more convinced that a lot of work still lies ahead.
“Democracy and the process of democratization is a constant work in progress. While what we celebrate today is a return to civil rule in Nigeria, the desire to make our democracy self-sustaining and independent of anti-democratic elements is the new frontier of participation by all democrats.
“As it requires collective energy and commitment to attain civil rule, it will require a concomitant commitment to advance the cause of democracy and our democratization process.”

Barewa College Apologizes To Kogi SDP Guber Candidate, Ajaka Over Certificate Forgery

Greenbarge Reporters

June 11, 2023

The Principal of Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State Mallam Alhassan Isyaku has apologised to the candidate of the Society Democratic Party (SDP) for the Kogi State governorship election in November 2023 election, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka over certificate forgery.
Reacting to an earlier letter which the school was reported to have written in response to an enquiry to verify his history in the school, the Principal confirmed that Muritala Yakubu Ajaka was a student of the school, saying that there was an inadvertent mix up in the earlier position.
In the letter addressed to the Chairman of the Kogi East Elders Forum, Chief Gabriel Aduku, the Principal said that the earlier response was an error of omission.
“After additional investigation of our archieved records I confirm that the Muritala Yakubu with registration number 14667 was a student of the college from 1996 to 1998.
However he did not sit for WAEC in 1998 in the college hence the absence of his name in the 1998 WAEC Gazette.
“I apologise for the error and we are available should you need further clarification.”
Meanwhile, the Yakubu Ajaka Campaign Organization has assured the supporters that there is no cause for alarm.
According to the team, the error of omission by the school was as a result of the fact that the original enquiry was couched to verify the WAEC Certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which Alhaji Ajaka never said emanated from the school.
“Rather, it was an external GCE Certificate issued directly to the candidate by the Examination Council.”
This was even governorship candidates of five political parties have adopted Yakubu Ajaka’s candidacy.
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine confirmed that five out of the nine governorship candidates from Kogi East Senatorial District have adopted Yakubu Ajaka as the consensus candidate for the November 11 Governorship Elections. According to a statement by the Director of Communications of the SDP governorship campaign, Faruk Adejoh-Audu, the Secretary of the Kogi East Governorship Candidates Forum (KEGCF), Dr. Abdullahi Bayawo of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), announced the resolution at the weekend.
He quoted PRP Secretary as saying that the candidates decided to sacrifice their personal ambitions in the interest of the people of Kogi State.
The statement said that those who participated in the resolution include
Arc. Isah Dauda; APM, Onaji Sunday Frank; APP, Dr. Elukpo Julius; ADP, Dr Abdullahi Bayawo; PRP and Alhaji Murtala Yakubu of the SDP.
“Following this resolution, the candidates are expected to harmonise their structure with that of the SDP candidate to ensure a more effective campaign.”

Barewa College, Zaria, Disowns Muritala Ajaka, SDP Guber Candidate For Kogi

Greenbarge Reporters

June 10, 2023

Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State, has disowned Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, who is the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State for the November 11, 2023 election.
The College said the claim by Muritala Ajaka that he finished his secondary education there is false.
The candidate had claimed in his forms for the November 11, 2023 election that he had a testimonial from Barewa College.
Following this, a member of the Kogi East Elders Forum, Professor Hassan Isah, l wrote to the school for the authentication of the claims by Yakubu.
The Principal of the school, Alhassan Isyaku, in his response to the request by Isah, said the governorship candidate was never a student of the school.
In his response, titled: “Re-Authentication of Testimonial: Muritala Yakubu B 14667,” which was leaked to the media on Friday, Isyaku said: Reference to your letter dated 30th May, 2023 for the above subject matter, I write to inform you that the above named was not a student of Barewa College Zaria.
“After thorough investigations in the following:
(i) 1995 Admissions register
(ii) 1998 WAEC gazette
(iii) List of admission
(iv) Classes files
“We could not find the above named student.
“We hope the information above will be useful.”
In his letter, addressed to the Principal of Barewa College, dated May 30, 2023, Professor Isah had written: “I hereby write to attach a testimonial issued to Muritala Yakubu by this highly prestigious institution.
“We would be most grateful for your assistance in confirming this information.”

Source: The Eagle Online.

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