Metro
Security Expert Hails Ribadu’s Talks with Vance, Rubio As Positive Devt in Counter-Terrorism Fight
The visit by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to the United States where he held talks with Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has been described as a positive development for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
A security analyst and columnist, Jas Keita, in a statement says that the meeting underscores the importance of the Nigerian/U. S security relationship.
According to her, the meeting comes at an important time for Nigeria as it seeks to defeat terrorist groups that are seeking to undermine the government, destroying lives and livelihoods across the country.
The statement reads in part: “Security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria were central to these discussions. This comes against the backdrop of escalating terrorist activity in Nigeria. Two weeks ago, ISIS militants killed at least 29 people in an attack in Guyaku, a village in Adamawa state, while Boko Haram killed 11 people during a raid on a village in Borno State. This escalation of violence and destruction poses a serious threat to the social and economic stability of Nigeria. Nigeria must do all it can to destroy the ability and operational capacity of groups such as ISIS or Boko Haram to wage war against its people.
“Despite widespread commentary, driven often by foreign actors, the United States has remained a steadfast ally to Nigeria in its determination to destroy those groups who seek to destroy Nigeria. While some commentators seek to criticise the government for such visits, it’s clear that ordinary people whose lives and livelihoods are being destroyed by these groups, want to see immediate, urgent and effective action against these groups. Working with the United States to empower Nigerian Security forces is the quickest and most effective way to this result.
“Of course, people will remember the 2025 Christmas day strikes where the U.S working with Nigerian security forces undertook a series of attacks against these terrorist groups. But that cooperation continued in the months following the attack. In February, a team of U.S. Special Forces personnel were deployed on the ground. Their mission was to provide direct technical and information support to Nigerian security forces. As well as training support, they have provided invaluable technical and strategic insight developed over decades of providing similar support across the globe.
“This type of support cannot be underestimated. To see a contrast, one simply needs to look at events in Mali and the failure of Russia’s assistance to the government there. Empowering our security forces, ensuring they have the skills and insights is a critical element to ensuring we defeat terrorist groups.
“One of the strands of commentary after the Christmas day strikes was if we even needed American support. Put simply, yes, we are facing a substantial threat from these terrorist groups. They are well armed, well organised and well financed. They are committed to destroying the legitimately elected government and imposing their own vision on our country. They have shown time and time again they have no interest in the welfare of our people, rather they will kill anyone who disagrees with them or simply is in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Nigeria is facing an existential threat from these terrorist groups. They do not care about our way of life or the welfare of our people. Nigeria cannot become prosperous unless it rids itself of these terrorist organisations. The ongoing security crisis creates an environment of instability and fear that means our people cannot expect to thrive. Nigeria has a prosperous economic future ahead and can create a brighter future for all its people, but this cannot happen without a stable and secure foundation. Defeating these groups not only protects the lives of our families but allows Nigeria to build a brighter economic future for all.
“That is why these talks in Washington are so vital. Our country has a strong and committed ally in the United States. Despite what other foreign actors say, they have shown time and time again their willingness to expend resources to support our fight against terrorism. Strengthening and deepening this relationship must be a key strategic priority for our government and we must ensure it endures. Doing so, will ensure our own people have the skills, insights and resources to defeat these groups. Doing so, will provide the stability that will underpin our future economic and social growth.”
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.
The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms available to it.
The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
