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Effective Opposition Solution To Impunity In Govt – Ekweremadu

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By Aaron Ossai, Abuja

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has stressed the need for effective and responsible opposition to ensure the sustenance of democracy and good governance in Africa.

He also made case for a hybrid constitutional system that would draw from the benefits of the presidential and parliamentary systems of government.

Ekweremadu spoke when he received, on behalf of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, a delegation of the opposition in Parliament of Uganda, which paid a courtesy visit to the Senate after their week-long capacity building programme with the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) in Abuja.

He said: “Every government has the tendency to act with impunity and to behave in manners inimical to democratic principles. The major drawback and check they can have is the parliament, especially the opposition in parliament.

“If we have a situation where government is entirely in the hands of one party, we will continue to have problems because the degree of impunity you find in a government is dependent on the quantum of control they have in the parliament.

“To ensure that the degree of impunity is minimized, therefore, there must be the presence of effective and efficient opposition”.

He however, advised against reckless opposition capable of slowing down the government and the delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

The Senator extolled the quality of opposition provided by the opposition in the Nigerian national parliament, attributing it to the benefit of experience as a former ruling party.

“When you are outside government, you see things differently. But when you are given the mandate to lead, you will see that it is not as easy as you assumed.

“In Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party, try to show some understanding without compromising our role because we have been in government and know the challenges importantly. We also understand that at the end of the day, what the people care about is good governance and a better standard of living, irrespective of party affiliation.

“Whether you are in the ruling party or opposition or you are in the executive, judiciary or legislature, you have your primary responsibility to the people. In that manner, you don’t just oppose government for the sake of opposing government.

“You have to draw a line between criticizing government where you have to criticize government and also supporting it where you have to support it. You have to oppose government constructively in such a way as to bring about more benefits to the ordinary people”, he stressed.

He said, having practiced both parliamentary and presidential systems of government, Nigeria might consider adopting a hybrid of both systems to address the challenges of high cost of governance and friction between the executive and the executive.

“We have to look at the parliamentary and presidential experiences and see how we can benefit from both in the form of what they have in France in order to find something that will ensure better governance”, Ekweremadu added.

He explained that the National institute for Legislative Studies was established to serve as a flagship of parliamentary capacity building and Nigeria’s contribution to the rest of Africa because unless the capacity of the parliamentarians in Africa was built, the continent would continue to experience problems with democracy and good governance.

“All of us in Africa are still within the confines of emerging democracies. Therefore, coming together as Africans, we are able to build sufficient capacity to provide quality leadership that guarantees peace, prosperity, and security of lives and property of our people, which are the primary purpose of government”, he concluded.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Alum Sandra Ogwang, expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for the capacity building facility, noting that the lawmakers had learnt a lot about effective opposition in parliament from Nigeria.

“We have learnt so much, building our capacity from an African perspective, especially how we can strengthen the opposition in parliament and to be an alternative government in Uganda”, she said.

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Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu

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Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.

The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.

Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.

Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.

The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.

Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.

As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.

With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “

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Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”

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CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda

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The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.

The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.

Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.

Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.

He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.

The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.

The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.

Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.

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