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“Global report identifies corruption as the primary obstacle to Nigeria’s democratic progress.”
A recent report titled ‘Open Society Barometer’ by the Open Society Foundations reveals that corruption is the most pressing challenge to democratic governance in Nigeria and several other nations. According to the report, 86% of the global respondents desire a democratic governance system, with 62% favoring it over any other form.
The report, which surveyed over 36,000 respondents across 30 diverse countries, including Nigeria, aimed to assess people’s confidence in democracy amid rising threats of coups and authoritarianism. Interestingly, even with challenges like human rights violations, climate change, and poverty plaguing many countries, corruption was identified as the primary concern. 23% of the respondents stated that corruption was their country’s foremost challenge, and 19% felt it had the most significant impact on their lives.
Nigeria-specific findings revealed a strong preference for democracy, with 92% of respondents emphasizing its importance. However, trust in politicians remains low, with only 27% of Nigerian respondents believing that politicians work in their best interests.
Global concerns such as poverty and inequality also featured prominently. Food insecurity was highlighted, with roughly 49% of the surveyed participants revealing they struggled to feed themselves or their families in the past year.
On the topic of human rights, a large proportion, 72%, felt that human rights have been a positive force in the world. The majority also supported measures to hold violators accountable, like imposing travel bans and freezing bank accounts.
Despite the theoretical support for democracy, practical application remains a challenge. Many respondents, irrespective of their nation’s “openness”, felt unprotected by human rights and unsafe under their country’s laws. Political unrest leading to violence was a prominent concern, with 58% fearing potential violence in their country within the next year.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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