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AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria Thumbs Katsina State for Peaceful Local Government Elections
Joel Ajayi
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria has commended the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, and the people of Katsina State for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the Local Government Council (LGC) elections held on February 15, 2025.
An observer team from AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, led by Deputy Director and Head of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Department, Mallam Garba Shehu, visited various wards and polling units to assess the election process. The team observed a high level of orderliness and commended the peaceful disposition of voters, political party agents, security personnel, and other stakeholders.
While the agency is yet to release an official report, preliminary observations indicate that the absence of political interference significantly contributed to the smooth electoral process.
“We have it on good authority that His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, is the first governor of the state to oversee LGC elections from one administration to another without interfering with due process, appointing caretaker chairmen, or unlawfully extending the tenure of incumbents. This commitment to democratic principles has played a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful and credible election,” said Mallam Shehu.
AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, through its APRM mandate, remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance in the country. The agency also aligns with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in safeguarding the constitutional rights of local governments and enhancing democratic processes at all levels.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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