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Prof. Okaba Urged Democratic Rebirth on June 12: Democracy Without Justice is Hypocrisy “
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa – June 12, 2025. As Nigeria marks June 12, the day set aside to commemorate the country’s democratic struggles and the historic 1993 presidential election, the National President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has called for a deep and urgent reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.
In a powerful statement released to the press early this morning, Prof. Okaba began by acknowledging the symbolic weight of the day but cautioned that symbolism alone was no longer enough.
“On this June 12, a day that symbolises Nigeria’s long and often painful March toward democracy, I believe it is important that we reflect not just on the symbolism of the day but on the substance of democratic practice in our country,” he said.
Prof. Okaba described June 12, 1993, as a landmark moment when the will of the Nigerian people was freely expressed but ultimately suppressed.
“June 12 represents the hope and mandate of the Nigerian people, freely expressed in the 1993 elections, and the betrayal of that mandate by anti-democratic forces, But over three decades later, we must ask ourselves: Have we truly moved forward – or merely replaced one form of authoritarianism with another dressed in electoral clothing?
Taking a firm stance, he asserted that Nigeria’s democratic failings are not due to the absence of of elections, but rather the absence of core democratic values.
“Nigeria’s democracy is floundering, not because we lack elections, but because we lack justice, accountability, and true federalism.”
Prof. Okaba cited the centralisation of power, institutional corruption, repression of dissent, electoral fraud, and the continued marginalization of minority ethnic groups-especially those in the Niger Delta-as I dictators that Nigeria is suffering from “a democracy in name only.”
Turning the spotlight on the Ijaw Nation’s historical role in the struggle for justice he invoked the memory of iconic Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro.
“For us the *Ijaw Nation,* June 12 also reminds us of the struggles of our own heroes-men like *Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro,and other freedom fighters who stood for emancipation and justice, long before Nigeria was ready to hear it,” he said.
Despite the Ijaw people’s vital contributions to the national economy through oil and gas resources, Prof. Okaba lamented the region’s continued marginalization and neglect.
“Today, our people continue to suffer and grovel under the crumbling weight of exploitation, environmental devastation, and political exclusion despite contributing massively to the nation’s wealth.”
He drew attention to what he described as clear political imbalance in the current administration.
“Are you not surprised that the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria with over 10 federal constitiencies has only one minister in President Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council?”
Prof. Okaba concluded his statement with a clarion call for a democratic reset grounded in equity and inclusion.
“So, my comment on this day is simple: *Nigeria must renegotiate its democracy.* Not in empty constitutional amendments and empty rthetorics, but in a genuine restructuring of power, resource control, inclusivity and the respect for the rule of law.”
In a final a final indictment of the nation’s democratic conditions, he wanted:
“Democracy without justice is hypocrisy. And justice, for the Ijaw Nation and for all Nigerians, must begin now.”
The INC President’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for not just the celebration of democracy, but it’s renewal and realignment to the will and welfare of all Nigerians-especially the historically marginalized.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.