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NHRC seeks peaceful, inclusive polity ahead of 2027 election

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The  Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Professor Tony Ojukwu, has canvassed for a peaceful, inclusive and rights-respecting polity ahead of 2027 general election

Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, made the appeal on Wednesday against the backdrop of Nigeria joining the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Democracy.

His position on the significance of the Democracy Day was made public in a statement on his behalf by Mrs Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.

He said that the day reminds the world that democracy is not just about elections, but about the dignity, voice, and rights of every citizen.

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Ojukwu stated that democracy represents the freedom to speak, to choose, to participate, and to hold power accountable without fear.

As the nation approaches the 2027 General Elections, he called on all politicians, political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and responsibility in public utterances.

He further stressed that democracy thrives on debate, not on hate speech, inciteful statements, ethnic profiling, or threats.

The professor of law reiterated that words can build peace or destroy the nation, and urged the political class to make campaigns issue-based and shun any language capable of inciting violence or undermining national unity.

The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country noted that the commission will continue to monitor hate speech and electoral violence.

He called on every eligible Nigerian to rise above voter apathy and actively exercise their civic rights, adding that citizens should not stay away from the polls, sell votes, or believe that votes do not count as these emanate from voter apathy.

Ojukwu lamented that democracy dies when citizens withdraw and remain silent. He emphasized that the Permanent Voter’s Card remains the power of the people to choose desired leaders.

He therefore urged citizens to come out, vote and make votes count, describing the choice of leaders as both a right and a duty to Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary who is also the President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa, NNHRI-WA, called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and all security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all.

He further stated  that government must guarantee the safety of voters, journalists, observers, human rights defenders and the citizens at large.

“Anyone regardless of status or party affiliation, who attempts to make the polity unbearable, who sponsors violence, vote-buying, voter suppression, or attacks on democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 General Elections, must be promptly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that impunity remains the greatest threat to democracy,” he said.

Ojukwu called for commitment to a democracy that delivers not just elections, but justice, equality, and human rights for all.

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EuroMatch NPFL: “Your Support Means Everything” — Qamar Adegoke Thanks Shooting Stars Fans After Kano Pillars Draw

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Shooting Stars midfielder Qamar Adegoke has expressed his appreciation to the club’s supporters following the Oluyole Warriors’ goalless draw against Kano Pillars in the rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League.

Sports247 reports that the encounter, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, ended 0–0 as Shooting Stars were unable to convert their home advantage into maximum points.

Despite the frustrating result, Adegoke acknowledged the unwavering support of the club’s fans, praising them for standing by the team through every moment of the campaign.

“To our fans who continue to stand with us, your support means everything.”

The midfielder further stressed the importance of the supporters to the team, appreciating their continued presence and encouragement regardless of the outcome on the pitch.

“Through every moment, you’ve been there, and we truly appreciate you.”

Shooting Stars came into the fixture looking to return to winning ways after being held to another goalless draw by Nasarawa United in their previous home league outing.

However, Kano Pillars proved difficult to break down as both sides battled for supremacy without finding the decisive goal.

For Adegoke, the result will undoubtedly leave the team wanting more, but his message to the supporters underlined the importance of maintaining unity as the season progresses.

The midfielder concluded his message with a rallying call for the team and its supporters to remain together and continue working towards their objectives.

“Together, we keep pushing.”

The Oluyole Warriors will now turn their attention to their next assignment, with the team hoping to build on the positives from the fixture and end their run of home draws.

For Adegoke and his teammates, the backing of the Shooting Stars faithful remains a crucial source of motivation as they continue their EuroMatch NPFL campaign.

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Orbih rejected inducements to abandon my 2015 governorship ambition – Wike 

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, rejected several inducements and pressure to abandon his support for his 2015 governorship ambition in Rivers State.

Wike disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.

The former Rivers State governor said Orbih remained loyal to him during a difficult political period between 2013 and 2014, despite attempts by his political opponents to frustrate his ambition.

Wike recalled that the then Rivers State governor sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at persuading him to withdraw his support.

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“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him. My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree,’” Wike said.

He described Orbih as the person God used to pave the way for his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.

“Today I am a Minister of the FCT; yesterday I was a governor. Who did God use for me to become governor? It was Dan,” he said.

According to Wike, Orbih went beyond political support by helping to strengthen his campaign and security arrangements, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.

He said the late politician also mobilised political structures across the South South in support of his ambition.

Wike described Orbih as a politician more interested in loyalty and service than personal benefits, saying he never approached him for contracts or favours during his eight years as governor.

“Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician. Throughout my eight years as governor, he never came for one day, either by phone or coming to my house to say, ‘I need this contract.’ Never,” he said.

The FCT minister said Orbih’s loyalty and commitment were qualities that had also been demonstrated by his family over the years.

He credited the late politician with helping to protect the political interests of the South South, saying many politicians who currently occupy elective offices benefited from his efforts.

Wike said Orbih’s contributions to politics and the development of Edo State deserved greater recognition, urging stakeholders in the state to consider giving him a state burial.

He also promised to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political legacy.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, said Orbih played a major role in introducing him to politics.

Abe described the deceased as a bridge builder whose political influence extended beyond party lines.

Similarly, former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said Orbih contributed to making him a better governor despite their political differences.

Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before taking major actions while he was governor.

He thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political disagreement, recalling that their reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.

In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot, family man and defender of Edo heritage.

He said the late politician left a lasting impact on the people around him through his public service and commitment to his community.

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