Category Nigeria News

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the annex office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, saying the edifice symbolises Nigeria’s commitment to electoral integrity, institutional autonomy, and democratic growth.

At the ground-breaking event on Tuesday, Tinubu described the event as one of national significance.

“It is a great honour and sense of purpose that I stand before you to flag off the construction of a new national office — the annex of the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

” We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped — not only in infrastructure but in law, policy, and resources — to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence, “Tinubu said.

According to him, the project represents far more than a physical structure. He said it is a reaffirmation of the government’s dedication to strengthening democracy.

” Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity, “Tinubu said.

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He praised INEC’s role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that the commission has been and remains the backbone of the nation’s democratic journey.

” Its role in conducting free, fair and credible elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and our democratic process. For this reason, it is only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects the dignity, responsibility, and national significance of that institution, “he said.

The President added that the new building signals” our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, the capacity and growth it will provide — not just a conducive home, but a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transport in electoral administration”.

The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, and lauded it as another step towards safeguarding democracy.

” By initiating this project, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken another important step towards the protection of our democracy. I say thank you very much. I salute your vision, courage, and commitment to the progress and development of our country, “he said.

Tinubu further lauded the leadership and staff of the FCTA and INEC for their resilience and efforts in laying a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

To Nigerians, he stated that our” democracy is not a destination but a journey, “urging that” Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedom and protect the future. “

Suspected bandits stormed Tadurga village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday night, killing an unconfirmed number of people, abducting several others, and rustling livestock.

According to a resident, Audu Sule, the attackers arrived in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and causing widespread panic.

“They came en masse, shooting indiscriminately, broke into shops to loot items, then went on to kill as many as they could, abduct people, and rustle our cows”, Sule said.

This latest incident threatens to undermine the relative gains made in the fight against banditry since Governor Nasir Idris assumed office.

Another resident, Abdullah Zuru, noted that the government’s sustained efforts had previously driven armed bandits away, allowing farmers to return to their fields and record a bumper harvest.

“Despite this recent attack, Zuru Emirate has been experiencing relative peace”, he added.

The spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed that he is not aware of the incident and promised to investigate and provide updates.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no official statement from the police.

Call for Support

Meanwhile, the Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Alatoye Azeez, has called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the armed forces in the fight against insurgency.

said it was ungodly for citizens to conspire with criminals against frontline Nigerian soldiers.

“We can’t be colluding with bandits, terrorists, turning them against the soldiers. That is so ungodly, and that is a lack of sense of sacrifice because as they are sacrificing themselves, we also have to sacrifice ourselves by supporting them fully.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Nigeria Police Force’s minister of interior, has lamented the underfunding.

He made his remarks during the House of Representatives’ Monday National Security Dialogue.

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Onyeka Adekoya, a security analyst and consultant, claims that Benue State’s recent killings were the result of political leadership’s failure.

On Tuesday, he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program.

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General Christopher Musa, the commander of the military, has ordered military leaders to pursue those responsible for Benue State’s recent wave of killings. &nbsp,

We must discover their location. We must pursue them. General Musa met with traditional rulers in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Tuesday and gave that directive to his commanders.

“We have had some places where we believe they are preventing them from gathering.” In order to dislodge them, we’re going to pursue them. We shouldn’t wait for their arrival to avert an attack.

In the last few weeks, numerous people have died in the food-producing nation as a result of additional attacks, many of whom have been relocated and seriously hurt.

National protests and outrage have resulted from that.

However, the CDS has defended the Armed Forces’ efforts to restore calm to the areas by suing for peace.

The military is with you, he declared. What is happening causes us pain. It’s a personal decision for me. When our armed forces are executing people, I don’t want to be their chief of defense. No, we have visited Liberia, Sierra Leone, other nations, and brought peace. Why not in our own nation?

No member of the armed forces is going to oppose one, I can assure you of that. We’re prepared to prosecute the person if we notice anyone who is present. However, we can rely on you for our mutual support to bring about peace. We must work together to bring about peace.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a visit to the state on Wednesday in response to the recent wave of killings in the North-Central State, instructing security forces to search for the attackers and restore harmony to the communities.

President Tinubu has already sent the heads of the intelligence agencies, the National Security Advisor, the Senate and House Defense Committees, and other important members of Benue State as part of his preparation for the trip.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement released on Monday that “he is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”