President Bola Tinubu, has raised the alarm over alleged attempts by some people to cash in on the current economic challenges in the country to undermine and destroy democracy. 

The President, however, promised to preserve democracy and protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerians.

He added that the Federal Government negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organised labour on a new national minimum wage.

He promised to as soon as possible send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of the law for the next five years or less.

In his nationwide broadcast, today on Democracy Day, the President noted that some persons sacrificed their lives to ensure that democratic government was put in place about 25 years ago.

His words: “My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity 25 years ago: Whether to veer towards a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

“We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

“As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.

“These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

“This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.”
The President said that Nigeria’s democracy is more than a historic fact, noting that it is a living, breathing reality.

He further said that the true meaning of the day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought the country to her present point.

He said: “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.

“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.
“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life. 

“I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

“The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.”

We must re-commit to inclusivity, accountability, transparency

President Tinubu had earlier urged the citizenry and leaders to recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability and transparency to guarantee an enduring democracy.

President Tinubu said after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, it was time for all Nigerians to partake “in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”

The President, who spoke during the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that at this point of the nation’s democratic journey, every Nigerian, irrespective of background, must be given a chance to contribute to the nation’s shared destiny. 

The president spoke as a host of leaders and groups dissected Nigeria’s democracy since the June 12, episode and offered suggestions on the way forward.

With a series of activities mapped out to celebrate June 12 by The Patriots, state governments, especially in the South-West, and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, notable Nigerians and groups, who spoke on June 12, yesterday, included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; International Press Centre, IPC, among others.

This happened as the Federal Government declared today as a public holiday with the Department of State Service, DSS, warned those planning to embark on June 12 protest to have a re-think or face the consequences.

We must entrench flourishing democracy – Tinubu

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the lessons learned after 25 years is that democracy is a journey that must be constantly nurtured and watched closely.

His words: “Our progress has been marked by both triumphs and trials, each serving as a reminder of the preciousness of our democratic principles. As we move forward, let us recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that our democracy not only endures but flourishes for generations to come. 

“The future of Nigeria lies in our hands, in our ability to dream, innovate, and act with courage and conviction. Let us embrace this moment with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the path we tread today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.

“This is an invitation for each of us to participate in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”

President Tinubu observed that sustaining democracy for 25 years, the longest in the country’s checkered history is evidence of “the enduring sacrifices of several generations of patriots.”

Passing his verdict on the democratic journey so far, the President declared that 25 years was time enough to ascertain the effectiveness of any experiment.

He said, “Our democratic experience, despite the lows and the highs, is a telling referendum on our aspiration to build a nation that serves the interests of all, a federation that has not conspired against any benign group. 

“We are here because the alternative is a descent into dystopia. Today is a moment to reflect on our journey so far. The tragedies Nigeria survived to settle for this democracy, the fourth of such experiments, must inspire each of us to play our part to honour the labour of our founding fathers and mothers and remind ourselves of the principles that drove their resolve to build for us a diverse nation that has defied the pessimism of detached agents of anarchy.”

Noting that it is not just a day of remembrance, Tinubu stated that it is a call to action, even as he said young and competent Nigerians, including the patriotic and innovative, must all be engaged in crafting a succession plan that secures the desired future.

“It is through their energy, creativity, and commitment that we will build a Nigeria that stands resilient against the challenges of tomorrow. Let us therefore pledge to create an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to our shared destiny,” President further noted.

Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines who fought for democracy, with many paying the ultimate price.

He saluted the courage of Nigerians in upholding democratic values despite challenges. 

He said, “Our democratic journey is one of optimism as reversal is never contemplated. Today provides an opportunity to salute the resilience of our people in believing in democracy,” Akume stated.

In his keynote address, former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, called on politicians to prioritise citizens’ needs, saying: “democracy is about the government of the people, not just politicians. We therefore need to prioritise the needs of the populace ahead of our own needs. We also need to become better democrats. We need to fully imbibe the culture of democracy. We need good winners and good losers.”

The Federal Government will seek a a $2.5 billion World Bank facility as a funding window for the 2024 supplementary budget.

The money will augment the N50 billion Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSWIA), which the government has also earmarked for the budget.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he briefed the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs.

Bagudu told the lawmakers that the $2.5bn was meant to augment the N50bn, which he said was not enough to execute the Renewed Hope Transformational Projects of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that on May 29, President Tinubu had hinted the National Assembly of his plan to forward a Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the lawmakers to work on it.

According to Bagudu, the budget will be devoted mainly to the transformational projects of the administration, though he added that it might also include a provision for the new national minimum wage.

The minister listed the projects to include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road; the proposed Sokoto- Badagri Road; and the completion of all ongoing railway projects, which the government had yet to provide its own counterpart fund.

In addition, Bagudu informed the lawmakers that the budget would provide more money to support CNG, LNG projects targeted at improving energy for transportation and household use.

He added that the Trans-Saharan Highway, which the current administration inherited, would also be funded with the supplementary budget.

Bagudu spoke more, “The supplementary budget that was announced or rather was mentioned, came about when Mr President presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council.

“In the memo, he said that he inherited the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which was domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority.

“He has also identified transformational projects, including Lagos – Calabar, Coastal Road; proposed Sokoto-Badagri Road; completion of all ongoing railway projects, which we have not provided counterpart funding.

“We also plan to fund the rehabilitation and expansion of dams and irrigation schemes in order to support increased production within the economy. Last but not the least, more money to support CNG, LNG.

“The three roads, dams and irrigation, and railways, is what Mr. President designated as the infrastructure, renewed health infrastructure priority items.

“So that’s what he directed that the ministry prepare for appropriation supplementary appropriation bill.

“We have not finished work on the bill, we have not submitted the supplementary appropriation draft to the Federal Executive Council yet.

“So many people have approached the ministry and indeed leadership of the National Assembly as well as many members asking about the renewed hope the supplementary appropriation.”

Commenting on the new wage demand by the organised labour and the government’ plans, said the new pay demand might be covered by the budget.

“We are not clear how much revenue we have, given the challenges of the moment.

“Yes, we have done some scenarios given the exchange rate fluctuation and the impact of the budget and even scenarios given the current minimum wage negotiation that is ongoing.

“This is because even at N60,000, even at N62,000, that immediately doubles the minimum wage.

“So it was the forecast that even at the lowest level, it will increase inflation rate and that might affect interest rates which will affect in turn, economic activity, debt surges among others.”

He also spoke on the performance of the main 2024 budget of N28.7trillion, explaining why funds had yet to be released to some MDAs.

Bagudu stated, “Unlike the usual practice where every quarter the ministry of finance sent money to MDAs depending on what the envelope size is. That has been discarded and replaced by the bottom up cash.

“Under our procurement laws, ministries and MDAs are supposed to commence procurement as soon as the budget is passed into law.

“So most MDAs are in that process now. The first quarter capital releases is not high because most MDAs have not yet awarded the contracts and consequently they have not put any request for cash.

“We believe that it will pick up in this second quarter and subsequent quarters. So the budget performance will be difficult as procurement processes are completed by MDAs.

“Equally, as part of an effort for better treasury management, the federal Ministry of Finance have now decided that for some category of contracts, they will be doing the payments.

“So again, that is intended to ensure that financial resources are pooled in one place, rather than sent to various MDAs awaiting processes. So those are the broad brief on the 2024 budget.”

However, the Chairman of the session, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, felt that that executive should have proposed amendments to the 2024 budget as against sending in a new one, considering the time it would take to conclude work on the new bill.

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the National Coordinator of the Disciples of Jagaban, Comrade AbdulHakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a chance to build the country, saying it takes time to build a broken nation

This was contained in a press statement signed by his media aide, Elder Yinka Salaam, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday.

Alawuje congratulates Nigerians and the President in particular for witnessing another Democracy Day in a peaceful atmosphere.

“We must congratulate ourselves for witnessing another Democracy Day in peace, devoid of war, enmity, or rancour, and for having an outstanding democrat like Tinubu as our leader at a critical time like this.

“Tinubu’s only offence is that he volunteered to undertake the onerous job of returning life to a comatose nation. But as Nigerians, we must realise that no president can be successful, no matter how sincere, unless he enjoins the support of the state government, local government, corporate bodies, as well as the citizens.

“Tinubu has only chosen to clear the Augean stable of over 16 years of bad leadership. We should thank God for giving us Tinubu at this time, just as we should pray for him and give him the necessary support as citizens.

“Tinubu never campaigned to attain perfection. He can even attain perfection, but he needs to be put on his toes with constructive criticism, where necessary, as he strives to rescue Nigerians.

“As we celebrate Democracy Day, Nigerians must not allow the hardship and frustration written all over their faces to make them deny the truth. We must always say the truth, support the truth, propagate the truth, defend the truth and be ready to end on the path of the truth.

“Tinubu’s plan and aspiration are to rescue Nigerians who are already struggling to survive. And with our support, he will surely win against all the rapacious politicians whose intent is just to milk Nigerians dry.

“As patriotic citizens, we must be concerned about Tinubu’s success.
if he fails, whoever comes after him will have to start afresh, and that does not augur well for us as a people. It can only draw us backwards.

“The truth be told, organised labour, for instance, has every right to fight for their needs, but if the strike will set our developing economy backwards, they also need to explore another approach to push for their rights. At this delicate and critical period, Nigerians do not need anything that will further stress the already stressed system.

“One of the reasons Nigerians must support Tinubu is because we need to disappoint the Western powers that have already predicted the end of Nigeria as an entity. We must never allow their prediction to come true. Their progress and economic survival are closely linked to our failure. Nigeria must survive because the entire continent is also looking up to us. Our survival is their survival. They are all looking towards the Big Brother to lean upon to grow.

“As we celebrate yet another Democracy Day, we pray God bless Nigeria with and surround the president with sincere and progressive minds who are ready to sacrifice all their endowments for our country.

“As already said in my previous messages, the ministers and other political appointees are urged not to betray Tinubu and Nigerians. Permanent secretaries as well as civil servants must know that they are the backbone of any government. They, too, cannot afford to betray the nation. They should endeavour to guide the ministers rather than lead them astray with wicked guidance.

“Governors and the local government chairmen, the National Assembly members, the ministers and the judiciary are essential part of government. They are critical components to achieving good governance. Mr. President cannot do it alone; it is a collective responsibility.

“Nigeria’s lost glory will surely be restored by the Tinubu administration, but it will take time and a lot of endurance. Let’s be patient and supportive.

As the Country sets to commemorate its 25th Democracy Day on June 12, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups planning to stage a protest.

The intelligence unit on Tuesday raised the alarm over a staged protest, it said has been designed “with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration.”

The agency acknowledged the right of assembly and expression but noted that the determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations, which may turn violent, will not be tolerated.

The DSS said, “However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage.

“Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures.”

The agency further reaffirmed its duty to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order through collaborations with relevant stakeholders and sister agencies.

“The Service, while felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream.

“Meanwhile, the DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event that there is need to contact it.”

In past weeks, the social-economic stability of the nation has been tense, particularly with the unresolved negotiations between the Federal Government and the National Labour Congress concerning a deserving wage for the nation’s workers among other demands.

The NLC, after a week-long grace that was given to the federal government to enable an upward negotiation of the minimum wage, is likely to embark on a strike in the absence of a favourable agreement.

With this in view, President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on June 12 at 7 am.

The Federal Government has rolled out plans to subsidise Compressed Natural Gas vehicle conversion kits by 50% for road transport union members across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential initiative on CNGi, Engr. Micheal Oluwagbemi, said it was part of its move to convert one million vehicles from PMS to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027,

Oluwagbemi, who’s also the Programme Director of the P-CNGi, spoke at the Northern Stakeholders Engagement in Kaduna on Tuesday.

He said the Federal Government had procured over 20,000 conversion kits that would be immediately deployed for the conversion incentive programme.

This was even as he said that the P-CNGi had identified eight conversion centres in four states which include Kwara, Lagos FCT and Rivers that would pilot the programme.

He said, “we are launching what we called the Conversion Incentive Programme with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria and National Association of Road Transport Owners being our immediate focus. This is because they are the operators in the road transport sector providing 90 per cent of the transportation in the country to members of the public.

“We will be making the conversion kits available to them at 50% discount and we are also ensuring that the installation cost is free. We are already negotiating with our partners who will initiate that project in the next week.

“We have already identified eight conversion centres in four states, namely Kwara, Lagos FCT and Rivers that will pilot the programme. Immediately after that, we will start expanding to other conversion vent that we have identified and there are 120 of them across the country.”

He the subsidised conversion programme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s goal of having one million vehicles converted to CNG by 2027.

In his keynote address, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended the Federal Government’s initiative setting a phase in switching from petrol powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas powered vehicles particularly the buses category

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works, Ibrahim Hamza, said transportation remained the backbone of the nation’s economy.

“Transportation is one of the major promoters of our socio-economic activities which deals with the movement of persons, goods and freight from one point to another,” he said.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has lamented there was no political will to eliminate banditry in the state and country.

Alleging the laid-back attitude of the police and the military in combating the menace of banditry plaguing the state, he said that the kidnapping-for-ransom trade, which was booming in the state can be eliminated in two weeks with the right political will.

He said that the uninspiring attitude of Federal Government-controlled security agencies was responsible for the creation of the state security outfit, Community Protection Guards in January.

The governor, who was featured on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, yesterday, said: “We, as governors, don’t have control over the military, we don’t have control over the police as well as the civil defence. In most cases, we get frustrated.

“When you need these people, they are nowhere to be found and the best thing to do is to set up that kind of security outfit.

“Sometimes, you’re really helpless. When you need them (security agents), they are not there. Even when they are there, they are given certain instructions on what to do and what not to do.

“In two weeks, we can take care of the situation but the political will is not there.

“We know who they (bandits) are. We know where they live. It’s just that there is no political will.

“At a point, I had to really come and say it clearly because when we are trying to take care of the situation, somebody somewhere is negotiating with the bandits without my knowledge,” he said, noting that the series of negotiations with bandits by previous administrations did not yield any positive results, hence there was no basis to continue with such venture which, he said, enrich the vicious marauders.

On the identity of those negotiating with bandits, he said: “To some extent, we do.”

Further, the governor said: “Zamfara State has become the hub of banditry in Nigeria. If you can take care of Zamfara today, you have solved more than 90 per cent of issues in northern Nigeria as a whole.”

Lawal said he had met with President Bola Tinubu to complain about the saboteurs to the security challenges in the state, noting that the President had assured him that something would be done to address the challenges.

On security outfits set up by states to complement security agencies in their states, he noted that these outfits have been handicapped in their operations due to several factors, including lack of license to bear assault rifles and superior weapons to confront deadly insurgents and criminals but governors were upbeat that with a constitutional backing, these outfits will live up to their full potential.

The World Bank yesterday affirmed its 3.3 per cent economic growth forecast for Nigeria in 2024 saying the nation’s economy was mildly buoyant in the early part of the year despite macroeconomic adjustments.

However, the World Bank downgraded its forecast for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2025 to 3.5 per cent, from the 3.7 per cent forecast made in January.

Similarly, the World Bank downgraded its forecast for Sub-Saharan economic growth in 2024 to 3.0 per cent from 3.8 per cent forecast made in January.

The report stated: “Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) weakened to 3.0 per cent in 2023. Growth in the region’s largest three economies—Nigeria, South Africa, Angola—remained weak. In early 2024, private sector activity picked up, buoyed by a strengthening global economy.

At the same time, many economies in the region continue to struggle with weak government balance sheets, stemming partly from low revenue collection and high debt-service costs, while some also need to manage the adverse effects of currency depreciations. In Nigeria, growth slowed to 2.9 per cent in 2023. Despite ongoing macroeconomic adjustments, the economy was mildly buoyant in early 2024.

Growth in SSA is projected to pick up from 3.0 percent in 2023 to 3.5 percent in 2024 and about 4 percent annually in 2025-26, as fading inflationary pressures allow for interest rate cuts, which will support private consumption and investment.

Growth in the region’s largest three economies is expected to accelerate from 1.8 percent in 2023 to 2.4 percent in 2024 and an average of 2.6 percent in 2025-26. Yet, this is markedly below the region’s average growth. Non-resource-rich economies are forecast to maintain growth above their historical average rate, while resource-rich economies recover from their slow growth in 2023 that mainly reflected declining metal prices.

Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has proposed a new minimum wage of ₦100,000 for Nigerian workers, saying anything below that would be an insult to workers.

The lawmaker asserted that with the current economic situation in Nigeria, it would be difficult for workers to survive and live a normal life with a minimum wage of less than ₦100,000.

He argued that in determining the eventual minimum wage, the government must be realistic in its evaluation of the economic situation in the country.

Speaking at an award event in Abuja, Nwoko said: “There are so many problems in Nigeria, from the economy to security issues, minimum wage and all of that. If you ask me about minimum wage, I will say that at least, everybody deserves a raise. Even if we say N100,000, I will think it is the ideal thing. But look, what can N100,000 do for anybody? Tell me, how many bags of rice can that buy? How many fuel tanks can that fill? So, we have to be realistic about our economy.

“Government is meant to provide an environment for those who are doing business to do well or create jobs where possible. But we must have a minimum wage. It is not very good, to put it mildly, when people are paid minimum wage that is abysmal and they are not able to achieve the basic needs of life.

“So, I think that a minimum wage of N100,000 is not out of place. That should be the beginning. That kind of amount should be what we should be looking at. Anything less than that is an insult to the civil servant.”

Speaking further, the federal lawmaker expressed support for the proposed ban on open grazing.

He submitted that it is a welcome development which is in the interest of everyone including the farmers and herders.

“It is in the interest of Nigerians, especially the cattle owners, herders and farmers. Everyday, we hear stories of famers/headers clashes. It is either the farmers are killed by armed herdsmen or the herders suffer one casualty or the other. So, with the ban, there won’t be any losses. Everybody deserves to live and move freely as good citizens. Again, owners of cows and herders will benefit a lot. I was discussing with an armed herder on why he was carrying AK 47. He said it was to protect himself and his cows from thieves and cattle rustlers. You can see that while the ban will save farmers, it can also save the herders from being attacked. Second, this movement of cows from one state to another makes our cows look emaciated. If a cow is feeding in one place, it will be well fed and look good. Look at the cows from Morocco and other countries that practice ranching, their cows look well fed, healthier and big. Let’s leave sentiment alone and move this country forward. There is more to gain than to lose with a complete ban on open grazing,” Nwoko submitted.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing critique against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of foisting hardship on Nigerians and desecrating the democratic principles established by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

The opposition party asserts that the current socio-economic challenges faced by the populace are a direct result of the policies implemented by the APC.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the PDP spokesperson lamented that the situation in the country had deteriorated under the APC’s governance, leading to widespread discontent and anger among the citizens.

The party highlighted that the economic strategies and governance failures of the APC have not only stifled economic growth but have also significantly eroded the democratic gains made in past decades.

Furthermore, the PDP claims that the APC has failed to uphold the democratic legacies of Chief MKO Abiola, whose struggle for democracy remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history.

According to the PDP, the APC’s actions have betrayed the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity that Abiola championed until his death.

PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, charged Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day to “speak against the anti-democratic tendencies of the APC which is asphyxiating, inflicting hardship, trampling on the Will and rights of the citizens and seeking to foist a totalitarian system on our nation”.

“It is distressing that our nation is observing the Democracy Day under a system that relishes in brazen violation of the Constitution, election rigging, stifling and manipulation of opposition, muzzling of dissenting voices; undermining the judicial system and other democracy institutions in desperation to turn Nigeria into a one-Party State.

“More disquieting is that all the progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in entrenching democratic practice in Nigeria have been reversed by the APC administrations.”

The main opposition party said the recent opening of the N21 billion luxury mansion for Vice President Kashim Shettima by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “in a country of collapsing infrastructure; with over 40% unemployment rate; where millions of citizens are literally starving; and where our schools and hospitals lack the basic operation equipment and tools is only a glimpse into the insensitivity, arrogance, impunity and reckless misdirection of resources that pervade the APC administrations.

“Our Party urges President Tinubu to use the occasion of Democracy Day to have a deep reflection on the state of the nation under his watch, especially given the growing public agitation over hunger and high cost of living in the country.

“The PDP again reminds President Tinubu that there is destitution in the land and that the reaction of a hungry people is better imagined. Mr. President should, in keeping with democratic tenets, listen to Nigerians and review policies that are suffocating life in the country.”

PDP said democracy is about the supremacy of the Will of the people, the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the security and wellbeing of citizens, but such ideals have “been completely violated by the APC administrations which leaders have no respect for public opinion but delight in burdening the people through multiple taxes and looting of treasury to finance their luxury appetite while subjecting other Nigerians to a life of fear, uncertainty, despondency and abject poverty.

“It is saddening that instead of celebrating freedom and good governance; the very of essence of democracy which Chief MKO Abiola stood for; Nigerians are in anguish over the exploitive, ill-implemented anti-people policies and programmes of the APC which has weaponized poverty in the country.

“The increase in fuel price and hike in electricity tariff with no corresponding tangible policy or programme directed towards the welfare of the people further show the anti-people stance of the APC administrations.” the statement said.

Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has officially confirmed the date of his wedding with his wife, Chioma.

Naija News reported that celebrity blogger, Stella Dimokokorkus, in a post via her Instagram page on Tuesday, said Davido picked June 25, 2024, for the conduct of their official traditional wedding ceremony.

The news of the traditional wedding between the couple, who recently welcomed twin children together, generated excitement among the family members from both sides.

According to Dimokokorkus, “The News you have been waiting for is here!!! Singer Davido is set to wed Chioma, the mother of his twins in a proper traditional wedding ceremony set to hold at the Eko Hotel in Lagos in 2 weeks time.

“Stella Dimoko Korkus sources say that there is excitement in both families as it would be an event that would bind them in love and strengthen family ties….. The Traditional wedding according to sources will hold on June Twenty fifth twenty twenty four.

“The sources responded to questions on why it has been fixed for this date with ”Only Chioma and Davido know why they picked this date but it is something everyone has been looking forward to happening. CONGRATULATIONS!!!”

Confirming the news, Davido, during his visit to London-based celebrity pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, was heard in a video shared online, telling people about the upcoming wedding.

Watch the video below: