The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning yesterday hosted a high-level meeting with the leadership of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Nigeria to discuss renewing the Federal Cooperation Agreement and enhancing collaboration for uninterrupted humanitarian services across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives while highlighting key challenges affecting service delivery in several states.

He identified challenges such as limited infrastructure in many local government areas, weak laboratory capacity due to electricity and equipment gaps, and insufficient or poorly maintained ambulance and emergency services.

Other issues include uneven health-system performance across wards and regions, persistent disparities in development indicators—particularly in northern states—community perceptions that affect programme participation, and the need for improved allocation and management of public resources.

Senator Bagudu emphasised the government’s dedication to improving coordination, accountability, and long-term development planning. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems, expand economic opportunities, support agriculture, and promote sustainable local structures that reduce dependence on external aid.

Speaking for MSF, Country Director Dr Pitchou Kayembe expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration with the Nigerian government and reaffirmed MSF’s commitment to life-saving humanitarian operations. He highlighted MSF’s long-standing presence in Nigeria and its ongoing initiatives, including:

• Supporting and motivating field teams operating in challenging conditions

• Active collaboration with government stakeholders on operational matters

• Supervision of projects, site inspections, and verification

• Coordinating with ministries on policy and service delivery

• Upholding correct procedures, fairness, and programme improvements

Dr Kayembe acknowledged the difficulties faced but confirmed MSF’s commitment to providing high-quality medical and humanitarian aid.

Dr Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, also praised MSF’s contributions, recalling her previous experience working closely with the organisation. She commended MSF’s efforts to reach remote northern communities and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for ongoing humanitarian initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding of the urgent need to renew the cooperation agreement to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential humanitarian services across Nigeria.

Democracy is widely understood as an ongoing process of governance grounded in popular sovereignty, rather than a fixed state or a one-time event. This explains why even the United States—often regarded as a model of democracy after more than 200 years—faces challenges such as intense partisanship, declining trust in institutions, threats to the electoral process, a partisan Supreme Court, and a distrusted media.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Similarly, some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic journey—like what some describe as “state capture” by elites, authoritarian tendencies of executives with military backgrounds, a legislature dominated by inexperienced politicians, and political parties run more like military garrisons than democratic institutions—should not be seen as fatal threats to the country’s democracy.

Contrary to the claims of sore losers such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and collaborators like Pat Utomi, Omoyele Sowore, and Oby Ezekwesili, who attempt to frame Nigeria’s democratic difficulties as beginning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the reality is different. These self-proclaimed defenders of democracy echo earlier actors who, rather than accept electoral outcomes, resorted to undemocratic measures—like courting the military to seize power in 1966. For instance, some of Peter Obi’s supporters openly called for a military takeover after he placed third in an election, failing to meet the constitutional threshold.

Over the past three years, these so-called champions of democracy have focused on undermining state institutions: attacking the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Dele Farotimi, a prominent member of Obi’s supporters, traveled to the U.S. seeking foreign intervention against the inauguration of a freely elected president. When that failed, his group lobbied the U.S. Congress to discredit Nigeria’s president. Meanwhile, the legislature, acting within its mandate, became a target of calumny, and attempts were made to compromise the Supreme Court, the institution responsible for ensuring stability and upholding the rule of law.

Despite these challenges, there is no reason to despair over Nigeria’s democracy. From the eve of independence, when institutions were still forming, through decades of military rule and poorly prepared civilian administrations, Nigeria has made significant strides in democratic governance.

Today, calls for foreign intervention or cries of “war” by dissatisfied political actors hold little sway. Nigerians have a deeper understanding of democracy than in 1966. Those who have disrespected democratic norms—abandoning party rules, losing re-election bids, or migrating to unregistered parties—cannot suddenly claim the mantle of democracy defenders.

The strategy of “if we cannot have it, no one else must have it” has long been evident among seasonal political migrants. Peter Obi’s recent formal registration with ADC highlights this pattern, as supporters previously threatened the party to secure an automatic ticket for him, demonstrating a disregard for party rules and democratic norms.

Even debates around the Electoral Act and indirect primaries—intended to regulate internal party processes—have been misconstrued, echoing historical cases where party elites manipulated delegate votes, such as Obasanjo vs. Ekwueme in 1998 or Atiku vs. others in 2019 and 2023.

Comparisons with other democracies must be cautious. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly shielded a leader accused of serious misconduct, and the Republican-controlled legislature has often supported undemocratic measures. In contrast, Nigeria’s institutions—presidency, legislature, judiciary, and free press—have ensured continuity, periodic elections, and accountability.

In conclusion, despite the attempts by self-styled warriors of democracy to undermine institutions, Nigeria’s democratic process has matured and strengthened over time. The country now boasts a system many nations might wish to emulate: periodic elections, an independent legislature and judiciary, and a free press.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged that the upcoming governorship election in the state on August 15 be conducted in a transparent and credible manner, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the ballot.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Adeleke made the remarks while receiving members of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives at the Government House in Osogbo during their official visit on Monday.

Speaking to the lawmakers, he described the election as a crucial democratic exercise, not just for Osun State but for Nigeria’s broader electoral landscape. He stressed that safeguarding citizens’ votes is essential for strengthening democratic institutions.

“Credible elections are not optional but a mandatory process to protect the democratic system,” Adeleke said.

The governor further highlighted that the Osun governorship election is set to attract both national and international attention, as it is one of the last major polls before the 2027 general elections.

“For Osun State, August 15 marks a critical stage in Nigeria’s democratic journey. With the nation and the world watching, this election must reflect the true will of the people,” he added.

Governor Adeleke also showcased the achievements of his administration, noting that his government has focused on completing abandoned projects, initiating new ones across various sectors, and addressing inherited financial obligations such as unpaid salaries and pension arrears. Key areas of focus include health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development.

Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, Jeremiah Umar, praised the governor for the ongoing infrastructural development across the state.

“When we arrived, we saw flyovers in multiple locations in Osogbo and other towns. Opposite the State Government Secretariat, a dual carriageway is under construction, which clearly shows significant development,” Umar said.

He also noted that residents shared positive feedback about improvements in public services, including renovated primary healthcare centres and progress in state-owned universities.