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Showing posts with the label National Assembly

THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION, ELECTORAL AWAKENING, AND THE ROAD TO NIGERIA’S 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

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  The 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria marked a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey. Beyond the political campaigns, party structures, and elite negotiations, one reality became unmistakably clear: the ordinary citizen possesses enormous political power. For perhaps the first time in recent history, the collective voice of the people disrupted long-standing political calculations and demonstrated that electoral outcomes could no longer be taken for granted. Across communities, markets, churches, mosques, campuses, and social gatherings, a new political consciousness emerged. Citizens who had previously remained politically indifferent suddenly became active participants in the democratic process. Young people, first-time voters, professionals, artisans, traders, and members of the diaspora mobilized around a common desire for change and accountability. One of the most remarkable developments during the 2023 elections was the rapid ris...

THE BRUTALITY OF THE NIGERIAN POLICE: POINT OF ENTRY ASSESSMENT

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  Introduction   The Nigeria Police Force has been a recurring subject of national debate not for crime-fighting excellence, but for allegations of brutality, extortion, and human rights abuse. From the #EndSARS protests of 2020 to daily reports of harassment at checkpoints, one question persists: Why does the culture of brutality endure? While many focus on post-recruitment conduct, the real diagnosis must begin at the point of entry. Recruitment is the foundation. If the foundation is skewed, everything built on it will tilt.   1. The Recruitment Paradox: From Apathy to Avalanche   Recently, the Police Service Commission announced a recruitment drive for 50,000 constables to boost manpower. Initial reports alleged low turnout. Yet within weeks, over 150,000 applications flooded the portal. This swing reveals two things:  Instance 1: In 2022, the NPF opened recruitment for 10,000 constables and received 338,227 applications over 30 applicants per ...