In a bold and blistering rebuke to his critics, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared, “I have land to bury critics,” while commissioning the newly completed Apo-Wassa Road — a major access route under the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja.
Speaking during the high-profile ceremony, Wike dismissed attacks on the administration’s aggressive infrastructure push, stating unequivocally that no amount of “petty politics or social media noise” will derail the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “If you want to die because we named the refurbished International Conference Centre after Mr. President, go and die. I have land to bury you,” he said to thunderous applause.
He added that those who refuse to acknowledge the progress being made in the FCT are simply blinded by political bitterness. “If you cannot commend someone who has done well for the country, then the problem is yours. This is not about sentiments. We are delivering real development,” Wike stated, noting that critics deliberately choose to ignore the visible transformation happening across the capital city.
Wike said criticism was not unexpected in politics, but he drew the line at deliberate falsehoods. “Yes, we are politicians and criticism is part of the game. But that doesn’t mean you should lie or pretend not to see what is obvious. If God gave you eyes and you still choose not to see, then remain blind. It’s your choice,” he said, taking a swipe at what he described as dishonest, agenda-driven commentary.
He also challenged critics of the newly renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), urging them to consider the difference in value and infrastructure costs between 1991 and the current realities. “This is not 1991. The economy, materials, and labor costs have changed. But they pretend not to know — just to play politics,” Wike said, insisting that the ICC refurbishment was not only justified but long overdue.
The Apo-Wassa Road, a 15-kilometer project, is one of several long-abandoned projects revived under Wike’s tenure. The Minister said the road will drastically reduce travel time, link underserved communities like Wassa, Ketti, Kabusa, and Takushara, and open up economic opportunities across the city’s southern corridor.
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN COMMEMORATION OF
DEMOCRACY DAY, 2025
THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE 2025
Protocol:
With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.
2. Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.
3. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we
had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and
destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of
governance of our resilient and beloved people.
4. With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the
moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much
further to go.
5. To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this
nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God
and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our
democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.
6. Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to
commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore
democratic governance to Nigeria.
7. Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for
reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12
Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo
Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and
thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after
the June 12, 1993 elections.
8. Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of
battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve
the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture of
democracy into the very fabric of our nation.
9. Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must not forget
the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian
democracy.
10. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred
Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We
also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians
imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.
11. We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman,
Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe
Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore
Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the
profound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few
heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.
12. The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the
country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-
Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.
13. It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of the
people’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we may not
always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what
democracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that
you do the same for the good of our people.
14. Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic
ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th
National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term
bid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the National
Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice
President Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following the
illness of his predecessor.
15. Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect our
democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993,
and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh
Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his
goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed
for our defiance.
16. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in
lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.
17. At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.
18. To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state,
I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of
your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in the
present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state
as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party
registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody
seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
19. Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such
a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation
clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of
the progressive governors standing in my region.
20. In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not
governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?
21. Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My
adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all of
that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from
above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state
back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.
22. The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political
forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has
brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political
adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.
23. A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said,
we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from
other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our
party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor
Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National
Assembly.
24. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by
examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring
up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your
house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness
you in such disarray.
25. We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political
parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our
efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that
competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political
aisle whenever possible.
26. One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the
legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is
that of economic and social development.
27. Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing
economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural
imbalances that prevented maximum growth.
28. We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with
Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade.
Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and
beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira
exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive;
our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and
non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay
salaries.
29. In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.
30. We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and
future-ready.
31. In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.
32. Our “Nigeria First” policy will further enhance progress as we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.
33. These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can now be made.
34. I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.
35. To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re- engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.
36. Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership.
37. As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy.
38. We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.
39. Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.
40. While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.
41. Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.
42. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future.
43. Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy’s productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.
44. Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing
Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.
45. In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation’s industrial landscape and reducing
corruption.
46. National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.
47. Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but
also our continued support, prayers and recognition.
48. Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.
49. As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.
50. In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.
51. I also confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
52. I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).
53. Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.
54. Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.
55. Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:
Presiding National Assembly Officers
Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker
Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker
56. In conclusion, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.
57. Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
…Says Tinubu’s Government Has Taken Nigeria to Its Lowest Democratic Point
By Samuel Ogidan, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over what he described as the steady erosion of Nigeria’s democratic foundations under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his Democracy Day message on Wednesday, Atiku said the sacrifices that brought about the return to civilian rule in 1999 are being reversed by the current government, which he accused of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies and undermining democratic institutions.
“The gains of June 12 were hard-won. But sadly, the democratic promise that blossomed in 1999 is being steadily dismantled before our very eyes,” Atiku stated.
According to the former Vice President, Nigeria now stands at a crossroads, with the ruling party steadily replacing democracy with a “creeping one-party dictatorship.”
“Today, Nigeria teeters on the edge of a dangerous precipice. A creeping one-party dictatorship is replacing the democratic order we bled for. Those who laid down their lives for freedom did not do so for Nigerians to suffer under economic suffocation and political intimidation,” he said.
Atiku accused the APC-led government of consolidating power by silencing opposition voices and weaponizing state institutions.
“The ruling party and its federal government now govern with the unmistakable intent to dominate, subdue, and silence. Their tactics are not subtle. Opposition voices are being systematically erased,” he alleged.
He further criticized the awarding of major government contracts to individuals allegedly linked to the presidency, as well as the renaming of national institutions in honour of President Tinubu.
“Contracts for multi-billion-naira infrastructure projects are funnelled to cronies and family associates of the president. National institutions, once symbols of unity, are being brazenly renamed in honour of a sitting president — as though the country were a private estate,” he said. “What we are witnessing is not governance — it is conquest.”
Describing the current administration as the “lowest ebb” of Nigeria’s democratic journey, Atiku lamented that policies are no longer designed to empower citizens, but rather to instill fear and consolidate elite privilege.
“Institutional integrity has been compromised. The common Nigerian has been abandoned at the altar of elite comfort. And make no mistake: this is the antithesis of everything June 12 stands for,” he declared.
Atiku, a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic history, noted that the country is once again at a critical juncture — one that demands decisive action.
“We must choose: the path of democratic renewal or the dark alley of despotism,” he warned.
In what appeared to be a veiled reference to ongoing efforts to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, Atiku said the move is driven by moral duty rather than political ambition.
“The ongoing effort to build a broad, united opposition front is not about power for power’s sake. It is a moral imperative. It is about defending the legacy of June 12 and preventing the privatization of the Nigerian state,” he explained.
“This is not just a political contest; it is a moral crusade — a struggle to liberate our economy, our democracy, and our national dignity from the grip of authoritarian forces. And like every righteous struggle, it demands courage, clarity, and collective resolve.”
Atiku emphasized that the spirit of June 12 remains alive as long as injustice and oppression persist. “As long as oppression thrives, June 12 lives on — not just as memory, but as movement. The time to rise is now.”
Reflecting on the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy, Atiku praised the resilience of the Nigerian people and paid tribute to fallen heroes of the June 12 movement.
“The political class made painful compromises, but it was the Nigerian people who bore the heaviest burden. I, too, made my fair share of sacrifices — notably stepping aside from my presidential ambition in deference to the late Chief MKO Abiola, a gesture made in faith and loyalty to a higher national purpose,” he recounted.
He also honoured the memories of iconic pro-democracy figures who paid the ultimate price: “The late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Tafida Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Alfred Rewane — these brave souls gave their lives in pursuit of a freer Nigeria. Their memories are etched into our national conscience and must never be forgotten.”
As Nigeria marks over three decades since the historic June 12, 1993 election, Atiku’s remarks serve as both a warning and a rallying call to restore democratic ideals and resist authoritarian drift.
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has issued a sharp rebuttal to media personality Chief Dele Momodu over comments questioning the role of Minister Nyesom Wike in Nigeria’s June 12 democratic struggle.
Momodu, during a recent television interview, had taken aim at Wike, asking, “Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then? Yet today, he speaks as though he was a founding father of democracy.”
Reacting, Olayinka fired back in a strongly worded statement, describing Momodu’s remarks as a product of “political psychosis” and alleging that the former presidential aspirant was “haunted by Wike’s presence, even in his dreams.”
“The mental case of the self-appointed PDP chieftain appears to have progressed from psychology to psychosis,” Olayinka said. “Dele Momodu is now seeing Wike’s spirit everywhere, and he urgently needs deliverance and rehabilitation.”
He further mocked Momodu’s political standing, pointing out that he secured no delegate votes during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries in 2022, and questioned his continued fixation on Wike.
“Was Wike responsible for that too? Or is this endless obsession a reflection of deeper frustration?” Olayinka queried.
On the June 12 issue, Olayinka accused Momodu of leveraging the historic struggle for personal gain, claiming that the media mogul used the movement as a means to flee the country.
“He didn’t fight for democracy—he only used June 12 as an opportunity to ‘japa’ and chase personal comfort abroad,” Olayinka alleged.
He also took a swipe at Momodu’s journalistic approach, stating that genuine June 12 activists did not glamorize military generals or their families in lifestyle publications.
“True June 12 heroes didn’t photograph generals for glossy magazines or use the children of Abiola’s jailer as models. That was Dele Momodu’s brand of activism,” he said.
Concluding, Olayinka cautioned Momodu against placing himself in the pantheon of Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes.
“When the real roll call of June 12 heroes is made, opportunists and hustlers like Dele Momodu should respectfully stay off the list,” he said.
The heated exchange underscores ongoing political tensions within the PDP and the broader opposition landscape, as public discourse around historical legacies and future alignments gains momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As Nigeria commemorates the 2025 Democracy Day, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has reaffirmed that good governance remains the bedrock of a thriving democracy, calling on leaders across all tiers of government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
In a statement released on Thursday to mark the anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, Archbishop Okoh described the day as “a beacon of hope and a reminder of our nation’s enduring democratic spirit.”
“Good governance is the cornerstone of any democracy,” the CAN President emphasized. “Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources must be mobilized to tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality, while investing in critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.”
Archbishop Okoh urged Nigerians to foster unity, peace, and mutual respect, while warning against the growing threats of religious intolerance and insecurity that continue to challenge national stability.
“We must stand united against all forms of religious intolerance and violence,” he said. “It is the government’s sacred responsibility to safeguard religious freedom, ensure no citizen is persecuted for their faith, and secure justice for victims of religious violence.”
Raising alarm over the persistent insecurity across the country—including insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings—the CAN President called for urgent, sustained efforts to protect lives and property.
The Christian leader also pressed for comprehensive electoral reforms, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance electoral transparency and public trust in the democratic process.
“In a true democracy, citizens must enjoy the right to free speech, peaceful assembly, and press freedom,” he noted. “INEC must work diligently to ensure credibility in every electoral cycle.”
Archbishop Okoh encouraged the government to engage more constructively with the populace and pursue inclusive, people-centered solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges.
He further called on all Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of democracy and nation-building, stating:
“Let us honor the sacrifices of our democratic heroes by building a just, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.”
The statement also acknowledged the continued efforts of security agencies, civil society organizations, faith groups, and everyday citizens who uphold the principles of democracy and unity.
As the nation reflects on more than three decades since the annulled 1993 election that has become a symbol of democratic aspiration, CAN’s message is a rallying call for deeper reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and restore public confidence in governance.
***Traffic Diversion Announced for Apo-Wasa Road During Ceremony
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Friday, June 13, commission the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II, stretching from Ring Road I Junction to Wasa Junction in Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) confirmed the commissioning ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m., with the President expected to lead the high-profile event.
In preparation for the visit, the FCTA has announced a temporary closure of the Apo-Wasa Road from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., urging motorists to use alternative routes to avoid delays.
A statement issued by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, emphasized that the traffic diversion is essential to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the commissioning.
In a gesture of support, traders, mechanics, and other business owners in the Apo Mechanic Village have voluntarily agreed to shut down their shops on Friday to welcome the President and participate in the event.
“The traders and mechanic associations have directed their members to close shops tomorrow and resume business on Saturday,” Olayinka stated.
Traffic officers will be stationed at strategic points to guide road users and minimize inconvenience. The FCTA has also appealed to residents for understanding during the temporary disruption.
“We plead with road users that will be affected by this temporary closure to bear with the government while using alternative routes,” the statement said.
The Apo-Wasa project is a major component of the Tinubu administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, aimed at improving road connectivity and easing congestion in the southern section of the Federal Capital Territory.
The commissioning marks yet another milestone in the FCT’s ongoing urban renewal and transportation upgrades under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria has recorded 747 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 142 deaths across 18 states in 2025, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), signaling a continued public health threat with a worrying case fatality rate of 19%.
The figures, captured as of Epidemiological Week 22, show a slight increase in fatality compared to the same period last year, despite a marginal drop in total infections. Fresh cases were reported last week from Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states.
The majority of infections—an overwhelming 91%—are concentrated in just five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%).
Victims are predominantly young adults, with a median age of 30 years and a near-equal gender distribution. The most affected age group remains those between 21 and 30 years.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has ramped up national containment efforts. “We remain vigilant and continue to coordinate response activities through our multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System,” the agency said.
As part of its intervention, the NCDC has:
Deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams to high-burden states;
Supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, and body bags to treatment centres;
Collaborated with partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Robert Koch Institute, Georgetown University, and DRASA Health Trust to strengthen frontline capacity.
Key achievements include:
Training of health workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue States on Lassa fever case management;
Launch of a national IPC e-learning platform to boost infection prevention and control in healthcare settings;
Organization of sensitization webinars for clinicians and public health officials;
Distribution of updated Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) guidelines across hospitals nationwide.
The NCDC noted that infection prevention and control structures in hospitals have also been reinforced to reduce nosocomial (hospital-acquired) transmission.
Nigerians, particularly those in high-risk regions, are advised to take proactive preventive steps, such as keeping homes rodent-free, storing food properly, and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.
“We continue to enhance surveillance, contact tracing, and active case finding, while sustaining community awareness on Lassa fever prevention,” the NCDC emphasized.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or contaminated household items. With the rainy season intensifying, public health experts warn that environmental conditions may increase the risk of transmission in the weeks ahead.
The NCDC has urged state governments, community leaders, and healthcare providers to remain alert and ensure prompt reporting of suspected cases, as Nigeria continues its battle against one of its deadliest recurring outbreaks.
The Federal Government has taken a major step toward eliminating HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases in Nigeria with the launch of the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign in Enugu, targeting the South-East region. The campaign, led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, marks the final regional rollout of the initiative aimed at ending HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030.
The campaign is part of a broader continental initiative under the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and the African Union, focusing on prevention, awareness, and healthcare access, especially among women and children.
“Nigeria bears the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said the First Lady. “This campaign aims to prevent new infections, stop mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that children born with HIV receive adequate treatment and care.”
She emphasized that the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and called for deeper collaboration with community, religious, and traditional leaders to expand testing, counselling, and treatment.
Recent data from the Federal Ministry of Health shows that in 2024 alone, over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults were living with HIV in Nigeria. Many HIV-positive mothers do not test their infants early due to limited awareness, resulting in preventable child deaths.
The First Lady also championed the Triple Elimination initiative, which targets the simultaneous eradication of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis—diseases she said contribute to miscarriages, stillbirths, liver complications, and high infant mortality when untreated.
She praised the efforts of frontline health workers, national agencies such as NACA and NASCP, and international partners including WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNDP, PEPFAR, and EGPAF, for their ongoing support.
In a heartfelt message to the youth, she said, “You are the most vulnerable, but also our greatest hope. Please protect yourselves.”
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, hailed the First Lady as Nigeria’s “Chief Public Health Champion,” crediting her for mobilizing support and raising awareness across the country.
“Your leadership sends a strong message: HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis are preventable and treatable. These are no longer death sentences,” Salako said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s multi-pronged approach to tackling the diseases, including:
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC)
Access to Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP)
Expanded testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
According to him, 1.7 million Nigerians are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the federal government has made budgetary provisions to ensure consistent drug availability. Efforts are also ongoing to integrate HIV care into national health insurance schemes.
New data from NASCP suggests a steady decline in new HIV infections and vertical transmission rates, with expectations of a sharper reduction by the end of 2025.
However, Dr. Salako stressed the need for greater state-level action. “We urge state governments to increase domestic funding, absorb trained health workers, and reduce dependency on dwindling donor support.”
In a compelling message to Nigerian youth, he added: “The best prevention for HIV and STIs is a cup of water—not before, not after, but instead of sex.”
The ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, under the Renewed Hope Initiative, will continue to drive national momentum around public health, sexual health education, and disease prevention. With strong political will and sustained community engagement, Nigeria remains on course to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday signaled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to welcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, into its ranks whenever he chooses to make the move.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16—linking Shehu Shagari Way (Ring Road I) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way)—and other key infrastructure projects in the Katampe District of Abuja, the President lauded Wike’s performance, declaring that the former Rivers State Governor has lived up to the expectations of his office.
“Even though Wike is not yet a member of our party, we are very proud of him. He is doing well. When he decides to join us, we will open our doors wide,” Tinubu said, to the applause of dignitaries. “With Wike, APC will continue to rejoice while the opposition keeps groaning.”
Wike, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has worked closely with the Tinubu administration since his appointment last year, fueling ongoing speculation about a potential defection to the ruling party.
Tinubu’s remarks have now added fresh momentum to those rumors, as political calculations for the 2027 general elections begin to crystallize.
Despite the political undertones, the President quickly pivoted back to the day’s agenda—celebrating infrastructure delivery under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This project represents more than just a stretch of asphalt,” Tinubu said. “It affirms our commitment to urban transformation. Since assuming office, this administration has been guided by a philosophy anchored on reform and regeneration. Today, we see tangible proof of that vision.”
He applauded the FCT Administration for completing the long-neglected road, which had been stalled for years despite its centrality to the Abuja Master Plan.
“What was once a missing link is now a vital artery—modern, functional, and durable. This road will ease traffic congestion in Central Abuja and enhance connectivity to Katampe, Jahi, Mabushi, and beyond,” he noted.
Reaffirming the importance of infrastructure to national development, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to roads, railways, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
“Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of economic opportunity, industrialization, and national integration. And I promise you—we will keep building,” he vowed.
The President also credited the road’s success to collaborative leadership within the FCT team.
“Barrister Wike could not have achieved this alone. It takes teamwork, and you have shown that the right leadership delivers results,” Tinubu said.
He called on Abuja residents to take ownership of the newly delivered infrastructure and ensure its preservation.
“The government has played its part. Now it’s your turn. Use this road wisely, protect it, and don’t let distractions deter development. We didn’t allow protests to stop us, and we won’t stop building.”
In his own remarks, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, described the road as more than an engineering feat, calling it a symbol of national renewal and future-focused governance.
“This project is not just concrete and asphalt. It’s a bold statement that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Abuja is reclaiming its vision,” Wike said. “What was once a gap in the city’s plan is now a functional and durable connection to Abuja’s future.”
He noted that the corridor had remained dormant for years, despite its critical role in urban mobility and development. With its completion, the revitalized artery is expected to decongest traffic in central districts and unlock housing and commercial opportunities.
“This road will open up the FCT for new investments and help integrate emerging districts into the city’s economy. It lays the foundation for a more connected and resilient Abuja,” Wike added.
The Arterial Road N16 project forms part of a broader wave of infrastructure projects being unveiled across the FCT in a 10-day commissioning campaign approved by President Tinubu.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that efforts by opposition forces to form a coalition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections are doomed to fail.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 in the Katampe District of Abuja, Wike attributed the collapse of the planned coalition to President Tinubu’s performance in office.
> “Your good work has killed the coalition,” Wike said directly to the President during the inauguration ceremony. “I was thinking that truly, there would be a coalition. But that coalition is bound to fail, and it has already failed.”
The newly inaugurated road connects Shehu Shagari Way (Ring Road I) to Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20), and includes an interchange and other link roads designed to enhance access to Katampe, Jahi, Mabushi, and other developing districts.
Describing the project as a critical component of the Abuja Master Plan, Wike noted that the corridor had been neglected for years before its revival under the current administration.
“This road is more than just asphalt and concrete. It is proof of this administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the FCT Minister stated.
He also commended President Tinubu for approving a 10-day window for the commissioning of multiple completed projects across the capital, describing it as a show of confidence in the FCT Administration.
> “Your leadership style is results-driven. Abuja is changing because we are matching words with action. This project is a clear symbol of that transformation,” Wike said.
In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu praised Wike’s leadership and the teamwork within the FCT Administration, saying that the government would continue to prioritize infrastructure to drive national development.
“Infrastructure is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It’s the bedrock of our economy, of social integration, and industrial growth,” the President said.
“We’re investing in roads, rail, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure because coordinated development is the only way to unlock Nigeria’s full potential,” he added.
President Tinubu further urged residents of the FCT to take ownership of the newly commissioned infrastructure and ensure its maintenance, affirming that the federal government will not be distracted by political opposition.
“We will continue to build and serve the people, no matter the noise from the naysayers,” Tinubu stated.
More projects are expected to be inaugurated in the coming days as part of ongoing urban renewal efforts in the capital city.
