News From Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed plans to deepen investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems, as part of a broader plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a world-class institution.
He said the Nigerian state owes a permanent moral duty to empower its security agencies, as the nation’s peace is only as secure as the men and women who keep vigil over its citizens.
Speaking on Tuesday at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, maintained that no nation can make meaningful progress without a secure social environment.
Accordingly, he declared that the Federal Government would deepen investments in training, intelligence gathering and modern policing infrastructure as part of his administration’s ongoing reform agenda.
“We will continue to support these reforms through sustained investment in training and capacity development, modern equipment and technology, improved intelligence and investigative capabilities, and better welfare and working conditions for police personnel.
“We are determined to build a Police Force that is well equipped, well trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security challenges of our time,” the President stated
The Nigerian leader observed that while history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, there are others which civilisation depend on to survive, “even when their labour is too often repaid with silence.”
He acknowledged the burden of sacrifice being shouldered by the police force, stressing that the country cannot afford to take such a sacrifice for granted because “every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep.”
Underscoring the need to empower the force, President Tinubu said, “Nigeria must strengthen those who protect the nation. Security is not simply the defence of territory or the prevention of crime. It is the first currency of progress.”
He noted that the observance of National Police Day, institutionalised last year, reflects the Federal Government’s deliberate recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers, adding that the administration remains resolute in strengthening the Police through concrete policy actions and sustained investment.
The President paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifice as part of the nation’s enduring moral inheritance.
His words: “Their sacrifice is written into the conscience of our country. Their memory must remain a lamp to those who wear this uniform today and to those who will wear it tomorrow. To their families, I extend the profound gratitude of a grateful nation.”
The Nigerian leader commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order across the country, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.
He further charged officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and fidelity to the rule of law.
“The uniform you wear is not a licence for arbitrariness; it is a covenant of service. The badge on your chest is not an ornament of power; it is a reminder of duty,” President Tinubu declared, even as he demanded stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies
Observing that effective policing must be rooted in trust and community partnership, he said, “When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives. This is why community-centred policing is a democratic necessity.”
The President reaffirmed the administration’s vision of building a police institution that embodies excellence, accountability, courage and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said the police force, under his command, is deeply aware of expectations and concerns by the Nigerian people, stating that the approval of President Tinubu’s for the commemoration of the National Police Day is a commitment to the service of fallen and serving officers.
He acknowledged the risks, sacrifices and commitment of police officers nationwide, urging the NPF to rise above indiscipline, misconduct and every action that tarnishes the image and reputation of the force.
IGP Disu pledged that the leadership of the force, under him, will stand firmly with every officer that follows the rules, serving with dignity, just as he assured the public of a more disciplined, accountable and professional police force, standing with the Nigerian people.
The IGP noted that the current management of the police force is building an institution that is not only intelligence led but committed to professionalism in all ramifications.
In seperate goodwill messages, the representatives of Wema Bank and Premium Trust Bank, paid glowing tributes to the police force for its contributions to safety and security, pledging their support for the delivery of professional policing services across the country, through their platforms and services.
The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured march past, procession and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi States; representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; service chiefs; former IGPs, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, Usman Alkali Baba; President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and members of the association; senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
7th April, 2026
CELEBRITIES, SPORTING HEROES, POLITICAL BIGWIGS, OTHERS GATHER IN KOKO
The crème de la crème of the Nigerian society will gather in Delta State on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
“Sporting heroes, prominent political leaders and business executives will step onto the Canaan land golf course on Saturday, May 9, 2026”
Chairman of Canaan land Golf Course and Country Club, Hon Felix Aganbi, in a statement on Monday said the club would host some of the world’s best and most celebrated golfers.
“The second anniversary of the Canaan land Golf and Country Club is a celebration of sport, style and distinction. It will provide a unique and unforgettable experience for participants”
He highlighted the club’s achievements.
“The Canaanland Golf Course and Country Club has set the benchmark for excellence in the world of golf. It has hosted some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Nigeria’
He also emphasized the inclusivity of the second anniversary golf tournament, sportsmanship and commitment of the club to excellence.
“The second anniversary will test the skills of beginners, casual golfers, competitive amateurs and professionals”
The anniversary, according to Aganbi, will draw golfers from within and outside the country.
“The second anniversary will celebrate the CanaanLand spirit of friendship, service and fellowship through sports”
It will also allow political and corporate leaders to establish meaningful relations.
‘The second anniversary of the most iconic golf course will feature event networking, award ceremony and special lunch.
ORETTE IS IN SENATORIAL RACE TO WIN – DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS
Youths of Delta South on Sunday identified a festering crisis going on in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major factor that can swing the odds in favour of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027.
“The Nigeria Democratic party (NDC) is a party to look up to. It is a party to go with. It will take us to the Promised Land come 2027”
They also listed charisma, administrative experience, political sagacity, diplomatic disposition, international exposure and motivational leadership as factors that endeared Dr. Austin Orette to the good people of Delta South Senatorial District.
“Dr. Austin Orette is not in the Delta South Senatorial race to lose but to win and by the grace of God, he will win”
Gathering under the umbrella of Dependable Movement (DM) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Emevor, the youths resolved to work with the elders and the women in the district to ensure that Orette emerges as the Delta South Senator in 2027.
In a statement delivered to journalists by the Coordinator of the NDC Dependable Movement, Oghenekaro Adigheji, the youths praised the Delta South frontline aspirant for inspiring confidence in the people.
They argued that Delta South Senatorial District at this stage of its development cannot afford to allow its best manpower stay in perpetuity abroad when his leadership acumen is being sorely missed in the district.
The youths backed Orette’s calls for the restructuring of the country, establishment of true federalism and devotion of power.
Particularly, the youths applauded the world class professional for addressing the concrete socio-economic challenges confronting the senatorial district.
“Now, more than ever before, Delta South needs quality and focused leadership. Delta South Senatorial District is in dire need of someone who understands that leadership is service’’
The youths urged Delta South leaders to support Orette in his senatorial bid.
They emphasized Orette’s pleasant personality, charm and positive leadership traits.
“Dr. Austin Orette has an excellent chance of winning the Delta South senatorial election in 2027”
THE RAPE OF DEMOCRACY BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE
Of all kinds of governments, the most difficult kind of government is constitutional democracy. This is because it requires full participation of the citizens.
When practiced according to the norms, it is antithetical to a military dictatorship. Military dictatorship is a top down, and one size fits all approaches, and the whims of the leader rule the day. A democracy requires deliberation and a bottom-up approach, and the wishes of the people are carried through.
This is the reason why participation in a democracy requires deliberation and mandates the periodic assent of the voters. This is a sine qua non. It is a duty and a right in a democracy to have the opportunity to remake the country anew. Elected leaders must submit themselves for revaluation by the voters. This is mandatory and sacrosanct in a healthy democracy. To deprive citizens of this solemn responsibility is criminal.
A land where the people are afraid of their leaders is a hallmark of dictatorship, where power is maintained through fear, intimidation, violence and the suppression of basic liberties. A land where the leaders are afraid of the people is a democracy.
The popular sentiments often attributed to Tomas Jefferson show that a healthy democracy relies on mutual trust and accountability rather than sheer fear from either.
Ours is not a healthy democracy and is the reason some parties impose candidates on the people through automatic tickets. This should never be tolerated.
In a democracy, those elected must go back to the voters to renew their mandates. It is a dictatorship when top party officials impose candidates on the citizens. It is our right to have the opportunity to look into the records of those we elected and decide whether they were worthy of our initial trust.
This singular duty of the voter if not respected should be the end of that party. We are not in a military regime where governors and other officials are appointed. Our constitution clearly states that every four years we shall re-elect leaders.
Imposition of candidates without voting is unconstitutional. We can understand a candidate going unopposed. You can never be unopposed when the challengers are ham-stringed by criminal imposition of high fees of entry for challengers and primary elections are abrogated.
Why should those who aspire to serve be made to pay astronomical fees that cannot be explained by any income metrics in Nigeria? This is an exclusionary gimmick. This is what has turned our politics to a marketplace that has attracted only desperados instead of refined citizens with ideas. This is a violation of our constitutional order.
Any party that engages in this practice deserves to be voted out of power. No elected official should place himself above the voters and the constitution. Nigeria is no longer a military dictatorship where the government is the estate of military generals.
Any politician who cannot go back to the voters and renew his mandate should go and practice politics in North Korea. The President of North Korea was just re-elected by 99.9 percent. All his opponents campaigned from jail. The one percent that did not vote for him is being prosecuted for various crimes.
We are a constitutional democracy. No one has the right to impose candidates on the citizens. This practice is vile and unjust, and it is nothing but the rape of democracy. No one has a right to automatic mandate in a democracy.
AUSTIN ORETTE IS A DELTA SOUTH SENATORIAL ASPIRANT. HE WRITES FROM OWHELOGBO IN ISOKO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
A Texas-based Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Orette, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Delta South senatorial aspirant, told newsmen in Lagos Tuesday how the APC sidelined the founding members in Delta State.
‘’The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants the incumbent to hold the position without primary elections. In this wise, I can say I did not leave the ruling party. It was APC that left me’’
He said defectors made the environment unbearable to APC founding members in Delta State’’
‘’I love President Bola Tinubu. I wish him well’.
The senatorial hopeful described the 2027 election as a battle of ideas.
He urged Nigerians to put the best and brightest minds in the Senate.
‘’The Senate is the engine house of democracy. It is a place for the debate of ideas. In Nigeria, people who are not intellectually sound are allocated tickets in National Assembly elections’’
Orette narrated how shortage of medical personnel resulted in the death of a woman in his hometown.
He promised to change the narrative of leadership, create an enlightened citizenry and tackle unemployment through skill acquisition.
‘I believe I can serve my people. I have been in this journey for long. I will make the people rich. I will attract a lot of foreign investments to the area. I will train the citizens to be of service to others. I will retrain artisans with modern tools. I will open offices in all the towns and villages in Delta South. I will transform Ogbe-Ijoh Market’’
Orette pledged to focus on creating jobs by teaching youths to be entrepreneurs.
‘’I’ll address perennial problems in Delta South. I will address electricity, healthcare and agricultural challenges. I will provide modern equipment and support agricultural extension services’’
He criticized the ‘’no-go-areas’’ in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Orette advocated reforms to decentralize power from the federal government to local level.
‘’Uniformity does not build a country’’
He called for the reorganization of the society in view of keeping the dreams of young people alive’’
‘’We must build a community of love. There must be a standard of how we treat our neighbours’’
The medical expert reflected on Nigeria’s trajectory during and after major military regimes, attributing the country’s problems to the prolonged incursion of the military into politics and the obnoxious decrees.
He highlighted subversion of internal democracy, military mentality in civilians, impunity and abuse of power, centralization of power, political intolerance and blurring lines between public office and private interest
‘’The military brought Nigeria to this state. The military destroyed all our institutions. Today, the political actors exhibit behaviors akin to military rule. We need to demilitarize the brain of the political leaders.
He also canvassed reserve army and a six-month military training for youths in the country
‘’The country should have trained and ready youths to be mobilized during national emergencies, war or disaster. The NYSC should not be mandatory but voluntary. The individual should be given the right to choose a state for his primary assignment’’
He also highlighted a rise in authoritarian trends, a decline in democratic principles, executive arrogance, citizen’s apathy and legislative incompetence.