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Democracy a common value of humanity, not prerogative reserved to few

Published

4 years ago

April 24, 2023

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

The United States recently held the so-called second “Summit for Democracy,” which was said to be an “ideological” meeting by U.S. media.

At the summit, the U.S. government once again acted to split the world into two camps of what it defined as “democracies and non-democracies.” However, the U.S., claiming supremacy over others and following hegemony to serve the interests of none other than itself, has nothing to do with democracy. What it does is to provoke bloc confrontation.

There is no democratic system that can claim to be superior to others. No country is qualified to act as the judge of democracy. All peoples should and are able to independently develop a path of democracy with the characteristics of their own country, thus contributing their wisdom and strength to enriching the diversity of democracy.

Democracy means “rule by the people” or “sovereignty of the people.” It is not abstract, but a concrete phenomenon that is constantly evolving. There is no fixed model of democracy. Every form of democracy is the result of the development of human political civilization under certain historical conditions.

There are more than 200 countries and regions, and over 2,500 ethnic groups in the world. Different histories, national conditions, ethnic groups and customs give birth to different civilizations. Such diversity and differences have decided that there are no identical political systems in the world, and neither is there a political model that fits all.

Each country’s political system is unique based on different national conditions. A country’s political system is chosen by its people and is the result of a long-term process of evolution and improvement on the basis of its history, cultural traditions, and economic and social development.

History and reality have shown time and again that copying other countries’ political systems and democratic models will not work. More importantly, it will even lead to social unrest, national division, deaths and the overthrow of regimes, and ruin the future and destiny of the country.

Many non-Western countries developed their democratic systems based on the basic principle of democracy and their national conditions, thus achieving sound governance.

From a historical perspective, the development of democracy in the U.S. was a step forward. However, over the years, its democracy has become alienated and degenerated, and it has increasingly deviated from the essence of democracy and its original design. The halo of its self-proclaimed “global beacon of democracy” has long lost its luster.

The U.S. today is troubled with messy and chaotic practices of democracy, and the nature of money politics and oligarchy is constantly exposed. According to OpenSecrets statistics, the total cost of the 2022 state and federal midterm elections was nearly $17 billion, the highest in history, exceeding the annual GDP of over 70 countries in 2021.

Democracy is meant to be used to solve problems faced by the people. However, the governance capability of American democracy has been on a constant decline.

Politicians run on slogans and empty promises, but never make good on their promises. Most ordinary voters are mobilized only in voting, and then they are neglected and cannot have any real influence on political decisions. Their voices and appeals for democracy are even considered a “noise.”

This has led to a growing disillusionment with American democracy. Americans’ pride in their democracy has dropped sharply, from 90% in 2002 to 54% in 2022, according to a joint Washington Post-University of Maryland survey. A Pew Center poll said 65 percent of Americans believe that the American democratic system needs major reforms, while 57 percent of respondents believe the U.S. is no longer a model of democracy.

Democracy is the right of the people in every country, rather than the prerogative of a few nations. Assessing the myriad political systems in the world against a single yardstick and examining diverse political structures in monochrome are in themselves undemocratic. Launching so-called “democratic transition” in other countries is to trample on the spirit of democracy.

More and more countries have realized today that to find a development path that suits themselves, they must stay alert to the dangerous act of the export of U.S. democracy.

Without regard to huge differences in the level of economic development and in the historical and cultural backgrounds of countries around the world, the U.S. seeks to impose its own political system and values on other nations, which has placed many countries and regions in turbulences, conflicts and wars.

As suggested by a foreign media outlet, democracy has long become a weapon of massive destruction for the U.S. to attack countries with different views.

The current U.S. administration has ignored lessons of history, the chaos of American democracy and the rejection of the overwhelming majority of countries to being kidnapped by the hypocritical “concept of democracy” of the U.S. It has kept fabricating and selling the trumped-up narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism.”

Such practices of advancing its own geostrategy under the disguise of “democracy” are destined to be abandoned by the times.

President of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations Richard Haass called the “Summit for Democracy” a “bad idea,” saying American democracy is hardly a model for others.

Democracy is a common value of humanity. Countries should respect the cultural diversity of civilizations, carry forward the common value of humanity, sincerely support all efforts to independently explore a path to democracy, and enhance mutual learning on democracy based on mutual respect and equality, so as to push for the continuous development of democracy and build a world where all countries appreciate the culture and values of others as do to their own.

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Gov AbdulRazaq flags off additional 21km road projects, restates commitment to rural devt

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

We’ve so far completed 650 kilometers roads in Kwara: Gov

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday flagged off the construction of 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road in Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and widen economic opportunities in the affected communities.

The Governor equally flagged off the construction of Oke Ose/Maya Asunlope road which also falls within Ilorin East.

He noted that a road is valuable, not merely because it connects two locations, but because of the people it helps, the businesses it supports, and the opportunities it brings within reach.

“To the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa and neighbouring communities, this project is a statement of our commitment to your wellbeing and the future of your communities,” the Governor said in Oke-Oyi amidst excitement and solidarity songs by the residents.

“We understand what this road means for a farmer trying to get produce to market, a trader struggling to move merchandise, or a family making an essential journey.

“With over 650 kilometres of roads completed (excluding the 294km tax credit roads) and additional projects in progress and in the pipeline, we are steadily improving the infrastructure that supports agriculture, commerce, investment, and economic growth.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony at Oke-Ose, AbdulRazaq reiterated his government’s resolve to continually invest in roads and critical infrastructure, believing that economic prosperity does not happen by chance.

“We recognise the transportation difficulties that have affected movement in this area. We understand that behind every difficult journey is a person trying to earn a living, a trader working to sustain a business, a family meeting its daily needs, or a resident trying to get from one place to another,” he said.

Accompanied by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship candidate Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the Governor was received in both communities by the traditional and religious leaders.

Other dignitaries at the event were Kwara House of Assembly member and APC candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Hon Arinola Lawal; APC State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari; Chairman, Ilorin East LGA, Hon Luqman Agbelere; Chairman, Moro LGA, Hon Mariam Abdulwasiu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and DG Kwara APC Campaign Council (Central), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Hon Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; HoR candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Constituency, Hon Abdulquawiy Olododo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Suleiman Abubakar Sai Kai, among others.

Expressing appreciation, Olododo said the two road projects further demonstrated the commitment of the administration to the development of rural communities.

“For me, today’s occasion is not merely about flagging off a road construction. It is about the opportunities this road will create for our farmers, traders, young people and families whose daily lives depend on better connectivity,” Olododo said.

Baale of Oke-oyi, Mallam Soliu Abdulkadir and Alangua of Oke-mi Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim, in their separate remarks, said the event indicates that the government is committed to rural development, commending the Governor for promoting fairness, inclusion and a stronger government-community relationship.

Mallam Ibrahim said his community has been longing for motorable road as far back as 1981, noting that the project is a dream come true.

Spokesman for Oke-Ose community, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu, applauded AbdulRazaq for improving their access to basic infrastructure, pledging their continued support to the APC-led government.

He described Oke-Ose/Maya Asunlope road project as ‘incredibly unique’ in the history of Oke-Ose and adjoining communities.

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Kwara Police Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to abductions in Oloru, Alapa and Malete communities in the State.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led joint operation involving police personnel and Forest Guards, which also uncovered a suspected kidnappers’ camp in the state.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began with the arrest of one Aliyu Isiaka at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24, 2026.

Isiaka, a resident of Ga’a-Kpapa Village in Moro Local Government Area, was reportedly intercepted by Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam at about 6pm while allegedly disguising himself in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms.

During interrogation, the suspect was reported to have confessed to belonging to a nine-man kidnapping gang led by one Juli, who is said to be from Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, and is currently at large.

The police said Isiaka disclosed that he joined the syndicate in August 2026 and had participated in three kidnapping operations in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where the gang allegedly collected substantial ransom payments.

Acting on information obtained during interrogation, a joint team of police operatives and Forest Guards carried out a targeted operation at the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin.

The three suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant step towards dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring lasting security to vulnerable communities.

Adekimi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration with other security agencies to track down criminal elements.

He said the command would sustain its efforts in line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen security and protect residents across the state.

The police urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

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kwara APC HoR candidate, Ajakaye, harps on grassroots sports devt

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, has declared that grassroots sports development and talent hunts will be given the pride of place, if elected as member of the National Assembly.

Ajakaye noted that the constituency is blessed with talented young people who could excel in various sporting disciplines if provided with adequate facilities, an enabling environment and the necessary support.

The House of Representatives hopeful, who is the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made this known while featuring on Kwara SWAN Sports “Hard Talk” at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

He explained that the proposed sports development agenda would cover football, table tennis, swimming, athletics and other sporting activities, stressing the need to look beyond football in identifying and nurturing young talents.

He added: “Many gifted athletes remain undiscovered due to inadequate opportunities and support, making grassroots investment essential to building a sustainable sports development.”

Ajakaye commended the State Government for renovating the Offa Stadium, describing the facility as a valuable asset that should be fully utilised to promote sports and discover emerging talents.

“I am proud that Governor Abdulrazaq is doing fantastically in my own constituency, and that is the renovation of the Offa Stadium for the first time in many years. I am seeing that as an asset already,” he said.

He pledged to collaborate with the state government to explore opportunities to expand and maximise the use of sporting facilities in Offa and other parts of the constituency.

The APC candidate also promised to support local governments in participating effectively in state sporting activities, noting that, inadequate funding sometimes prevents some councils from competing optimally.

He noted that engaging in the development of sports and sporting facilities for young athletes would provide them with better opportunities to represent their communities and showcase their abilities at sporting competitions.

Ajakaye emphasised that his proposed sports programme would focus on discovering and developing talents at the grassroots rather than concentrating solely on established professional teams.

He further promised to work with the State Sports Commission to organise talent-hunting programmes across the constituency, providing opportunities for young athletes in football, table tennis, swimming and other sporting disciplines.

The media practitioner said grassroots sports organisers would play a crucial role in the initiative because of their understanding of local talents, existing challenges and the support required to nurture promising athletes.

“These are people who are basically at the grassroots. They know where the challenges are,” he said, pledging to engage them in developing practical solutions to improve sports participation and athlete development.

He added that a well-structured grassroots sports programme could create opportunities for economic empowerment, community development and the emergence of future sporting stars from the constituency.

Ajakaye further remarked that investing in young athletes and providing access to sporting facilities would help establish a stronger foundation for sports development across Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun federal constituency.