Metro
Democracy Day 2019: Of “Stolen Mandate” and Second Bite at the Cherry
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By Raymond Nkannebe
A dark cloud hung in the firmament as president Muhammadu Buhari took his second oath of office yesterday as the 5th democratically elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While it was a day of jubilation in the camp of the ruling APC despite the ugly events of Zamfara couple of days ago, it was a sharp contrast in the camp of the main opposition party who continues to maintain that the mandate of their Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was stolen in an election that can only be qualified by one word : controversy. It is on record that president Muhammadu Buhari has been dragged to the tribunal by the PDP and it’s candidate Atiku Abubakar contending that his victory was a contrived one, and asking to be declared the winner of the election. Little wonder why as the low-key event at the Eagle Square went on, #AtikuDeyCome and #StolenMandate trended on the microblogging platform-Twitter. Some persons even argued that the reason for the low-keyed celebration yesterday was the uncertainty of how long the victory would last especially in the face of the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Zamfara. The presidency however has a different explanation for the rather unusual occasion highlighted by the non-reading of the traditional inaugural address.
On a day that usually boasts the presence of many former leaders of the Country and dignitaries from outside our shores, yesterday’s event was a radical break from the
past. As the ceremony took it’s tool, only one former head of state was visible-Alhaji Yakubu Gowon; a presence that put in sharp focus the abscence of his counterparts. Former presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan perhaps would rather attend to other engagements than play guest to a president whose victory is touted to have been on a dirty electoral slate than confer legitimacy on the process with their presence. For the presidency however, the abscence of these men may not completely be surprising having hot hidden their support for the opposition party in the build up to the last general elections. The jury however is still out on whether the loud abscence of some of these former leaders accords with their lofty position as statesmen.
Arguably no one understands the concept of “stolen mandate” more than president Muhammadu Buhari. All through his attempt at becoming a democratically elected president, it is on record that he challenged each of those elections in court all of which culminated at the Supreme Court in a hurting defeat leaving behind a large body of adjectival jurisprudence on electoral disputes. He therefore appreciates Atiku’s position having shared his ‘shoes’ more than once. Yet, the recently scandalised presidential election Petitions tribunal at the instance of the petitioners, remains without a chairman, and until it gets one, cannot effectively adjudicate on the extent to which Atiku Abubakar’s mandate was stolen as widely believed by his support base. Part of that process would also be to find out whether President Muhammadu Buhari won a popular victory in substantial compliance with the current state of our electoral laws as the supreme court remains of the considered sentiments that no election is a perfection.
Pending when all that is done and the realities to be brought about by it, president Muhammadu Buhari stands on the better side of fortune having being administered with the 2nd instructive oath of office that earns him a second bite at the cherry. It is a rare privilege that must not be taken for granted by the septuagenerian, his first term having not been completely a success in the socio-economic details of governance.
As many analysts have observed, his second term in office affords him the latitude and the benefit of hindsight to right some, if not all the wrongs of his first term under the saddle. There is a consensus in town that this president’s respect for the Rule of Law, has been anything but complimentary given his body lexis to certain judicial pronouncements as appertains to the civil liberties of some senior citizens who could just pass for prisoners of conscience on account of the peculiarities of their prolonged incarceration. To underscore the importance of this, the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)-a leading voice of the Civil Society instructively admonishes that every single day of Buhari’s second term should be expended in the observance of the Rule of Law. This writer cannot agree less.
Beyond the Rule of Law, President Muhammadu Buhari owes it as a duty to Nigerians to better their socio-economic wellbeing as far as practicable. Under his watch in the first term, The Brookings Institution rated Nigeria as the country with the poorest citizens instructively observing that for every 6 minutes that passes, at least one Nigerian falls into extreme poverty. This economic reality leaves a sour taste in the mouth. And by all means, adequate remedial measures must be taken to lift as many people as possible out of poverty. And it does not take rocket science to do that having been experimented in many countries around the world. Buhari’s new economic team must therefore not compromise on this task. Happily, ours is not a nation in short supply of capable hands and egg heads, and all efforts must be made to narrow political considerations in search of a team with the wherewithal to turn around this economy for the greatest good of the greatest number. If more and more Nigerians can put food on their table, president Buhari would have delivered on a core mandate of governance: food security.
In the sundry areas of security, infrastructure, the fight against corruption, education, labour relations, healthcare inter alia, president Muhammadu Buhari cannot afford not to consolidate on the string of gains made here and there under his first term. In the look out for his new retinue of ministers which must not take forever, the right heads must be hunted to bring to bear their wealth of experience in the general service to motherland. Decrepit and deficit infrastructure remains an albatross on our journey to economic boom, and everything must be done to upend it’s current slate. The same attitude must also be extended to other areas where we continue to play catch-up.
Having said that, it is in bad taste that the election that affords this second term remains a litigious warfare. And not just that, a staggering 736 election Petitions remain in docket of the judiciary in virtually all parts of the country. This leaves behind an ugly impression for our electoral process and effectively puts electoral reforms in issue. Analysts are agreed that the failure to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was precipitous of the charade that was the 2019 general elections. A sentiment that lays the blame at the feet of the president rightly or wrongly.
As a matter of urgency therefore, president Muhammadu Buhari must make it a cardinal plank of his second term in office to enhance our electoral process which few days ago was bemoaned by the chairman of the electoral commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. A veritable way out is the enthronement of the modalities of electronic voting and legislative sanctioning of same atleast before the next general elections. President Muhammadu Buhari is himself a victim of our sloppy electoral system, and must rise to the occasion in rewriting the story. Seeing that our democracy would not be captured in refreshing adjectives with our periodic elections almost always the subject of impossible litigations.
Having declared a fortnight ago that Nigeria must restructure to make any meaningful progress, even if in what could compete for the greatest turn-about of the century given his earlier posturing to the restructuring debate, President Muhammadu Buhari has the rare opportunity of restructuring Nigeria along fiscal lines so as to unbundle the unwieldy and behemoth unitary system mistaken for a federalism. A sure way to do that is to look back at the report of the well regarded 2014 CONFAB which pundits believe has addressed all the salient issues that often rear their heads whenever the restructuring question comes up. Sending that report to the 9th National Assembly might just be the boldest effort at restructuring.
All things considered, the general circumstances of his life, leaves the irresistible conclusion that president Muhammadu Buhari is a friend of history. It was British professor Dave Wilson that said, “sometimes life gives you a second chance. Or even two! Not always, but sometimes! It’s what you do with those second chances that counts”.
This much, represents the political trajectory of this president. His first coming was as a military dictator some 36 years ago, long before this writer was born. Providence ushered him again onto the scene four years ago as the 4th democratically elected president of Nigeria. Here he is again, looking set to join the lean tribe of Nigerians who ruled the country for at least a decade and suffice it to say that he has all the opportunity in the whole wide world to become one of Nigeria’s greatest presidents. Pending the outcome of the Petition against him, he must be alive to Dave Wilson’s admonitions that it is what we do with the second chance life throws at us, that counts.
Raymond Nkannebe is a legal practitioner based in Lagos.
Metro
International Day of the Girl-Child: Pad Me A Girl Foundation Holds Menstrual Health Outreach in Ogun
The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has taken its menstrual health campaign to Igbesa High School (Junior), in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, providing free sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene pamphlets, exercise books and pens to over 100 schoolgirls to promote menstrual health, dignity and education.
The outreach, held on Wednesday, October 21, commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, whose global theme is “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
The programme brought together girls from Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 to 3 who participate in the school’s reading clubs for mentorship, reading activities and menstrual health education.
It was convened by Oyelami Yetunde Anuoluwapo and Blessing Kappo, teachers and Teach For Nigeria Fellows at the school, following an appeal for sanitary products, learning materials and health education support. The Foundation’s founder, Theresa Moses, responded by providing the requested items and facilitating an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management.
Speaking at the event, Moses said she was inspired by the girls’ determination and aspirations, stressing the need for sustained investment in their health, education and future.
“Invest in girls and Nigeria will rise. Every girl deserves dignity, education and the right to dream beyond child marriage. That is why we are here; to ensure no girl misses school because of her period,” she said.
She emphasised that access to menstrual hygiene products and accurate information helps girls manage their periods confidently and participate fully in school activities.
In a letter of appreciation, Oyelami and Kappo described the outreach as impactful and inspiring, noting that it enhanced the girls’ understanding of menstrual health, hygiene and self-confidence. They also said the support would help promote the students’ hygiene, school attendance and dignity.
“You did not just give pads; you gave our girls confidence and hope,” the teachers wrote on behalf of the school community, expressing gratitude to the Foundation and hope for future collaboration.
Mrs Amarachi Eze, Assistant Divisional Commissioner of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State Branch, also commended the Foundation for supporting the girls’ hygiene needs and development.
“We sincerely appreciate the Management of Pad Me A Girl Foundation for joining hands with the Association in supporting our girls on hygiene management. May God Almighty continue to uplift your foundation. Thanks for joining hands in the development of girls in our schools. Bravo,” she said.
The Foundation’s Media Coordinator, Mr Oluwatosin Simon Faleye, called on corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that address period poverty and help girls remain in school.
“For over a year, we have been committed to ending period poverty and keeping girls in school. We call on corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause for the betterment of Nigeria,” Faleye said.
The celebration also featured a student drama presentation highlighting the effects of child marriage, alongside reading and mentorship activities designed to encourage the girls to understand their rights, value their education and pursue their aspirations.
The Foundation also acknowledged the continued support of its sponsors and partners, including Access Bank, Pro Star Sports International, BL Consulting, Vita Baites Foods, Checkers, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly, the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS), as well as individuals and media organisations whose contributions have supported its broader mission of ending period poverty, promoting menstrual health education and empowering girls and women.
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, is set to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, two major routes which poor condition has disrupted transportation, commercial activities and access to residential communities for years.
The governor’s media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, in a statement on Wednesday, said that work on the roads has begun ahead of the scheduled official flag-off.
The two roads are considered important to Aba’s commercial and industrial activities, with Uratta Road connecting several adjoining streets to Port Harcourt Road and Old Express Road. At the same time, Old Express Road serves as a key route within the city’s industrial layout.
Ekeoma said the roads had suffered neglect for more than 24 years, leaving some sections impassable and forcing residents and businesses to contend with difficult transportation conditions.
According to the statement, Uratta Road provides access to more than 100 adjoining streets. Its poor condition has affected residents, traders and small-scale manufacturers who depend on the road to transport goods and access their businesses.
The statement said the road had become waterlogged and overgrown with weeds, discouraging commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators from using it.
Similarly, the deterioration of Old Express Road forced heavy-duty truck operators, fabric merchants, spare-parts dealers and small businesses to use longer routes, increasing transportation costs and affecting productivity.
The government said the road reconstruction is part of its broader effort to restore Aba’s infrastructure and strengthen the city’s commercial base.
Aba, one of southeastern Nigeria’s major commercial centres, hosts manufacturing clusters, markets, and small and medium-sized enterprises that depend heavily on functional roads to move raw materials and finished products.
The government said the reconstruction would improve market access, reduce transportation costs, facilitate the movement of goods, and support businesses operating along the affected corridors.
Ekeoma cited the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road as an example of the administration’s infrastructure programme, noting that improved road access encouraged shops to reopen, attracted manufacturing activities and increased property rents along the corridor.
The government also said the new projects would complement other road interventions in Aba, including works on Ohanku and Obohia roads, as part of efforts to improve connectivity within the commercial city.
Beyond road construction, the administration said its projects include drainage systems, solar-powered streetlights, and pedestrian walkways, which it described as necessary to improve safety, accessibility, and flood resilience.
Ekeoma said Governor Otti views infrastructure development as an economic strategy rather than merely a construction programme, arguing that better roads would help businesses operate more efficiently and create employment opportunities.
He also quoted the governor as saying at an earlier church event that his administration is shifting attention from basic infrastructure improvements to healthcare, education, technology and industrialisation.
The governor, a former bank chief executive, was elected in 2023 on the Labour Party platform, defeating candidates from the major established parties in a state historically dominated by the Peoples’ Democratic Party.
Otti has remained in the Labour Party despite the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
His administration has made rehabilitating Aba roads and public infrastructure central to its governance agenda, presenting the city’s recovery as essential to reviving economic activity across Abia State.
MILO Nigeria, in partnership with former Nigerian national team captain and MILO Brand Ambassador Ahmed Musa, has concluded the inaugural MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament in Kano, providing 2,500 young footballers with professional coaching, mentorship and competitive football experience.
Over two weeks, participants took part in 10 coaching sessions and competed in matches under the guidance of Ahmed Musa and experienced coaches. The programme combined practical football training with lessons in teamwork, discipline, resilience and confidence, equipping participants with skills and values that extend beyond the pitch.
The initiative culminated in a tournament at the Ahmed Musa Sports Complex in Kano, where Khamis Football Academy emerged as champions of the inaugural edition. Participants also received cash prizes, certificates and football equipment.
Speaking on the initiative, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Lead, MILO, said: “At MILO, we believe sport is a powerful platform for young people to discover their abilities, build confidence and develop values that extend beyond the field of play. Our partnership with Ahmed Musa brings together MILO’s longstanding commitment to sports development and the experience of an athlete whose journey from grassroots football to the highest level of the game can inspire the next generation. By combining his experience with structured coaching and competition, this programme has given young footballers in Kano an opportunity to develop their skills, learn from experienced professionals and better understand the commitment required to pursue their aspirations.”
For the participants, the clinic offered an opportunity to learn from an athlete whose football journey began in northern Nigeria and progressed to the highest levels of the sport, making his experience a source of inspiration for aspiring players.
Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Musa said: “Nigeria has incredible football talent, but talent alone is not enough. Young players need good coaching, regular competition and people who will guide them. I am proud to partner with MILO and share some of what football has taught me. My message to these players is simple: keep training, listen to your coaches and work hard every day to improve.”
Musa also called for greater investment in grassroots football, emphasizing the importance of giving young players access to quality coaching, structured development and regular competitive opportunities.
The MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament builds on MILO’s longstanding commitment to youth development through sports in Nigeria. Through its school-based and grassroots sporting initiatives, MILO continues to create opportunities for young people to participate in sports, develop their abilities and embrace values that can support them both on and off the pitch.
