By Suleiman Yakubu

The evaluation of any democracy as stable or unstable depends squarely on the ability of people at all levels to access equal justice, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Minna Branch, Barrister Mohammed Waziri Abdulkadir, has observed.
He stated that the process of national development was multi-faceted, with democracy occupying a central role, noting that democracy can either better the lot of the greater majority or serve the narrow interests of a few individuals.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual law week of the Minna Branch of the NBA held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, Barr Mohammed Waziri explained that peace, justice, and strong institutions form the foundation on which Nigeria can actualize its democratic goals.
According to the NBA Chairman, democracy transcends beyond the legitimacy of votes; it is also about the rule of law, upholding the principles of justice, and  accountability," adding that the role of the judiciary in promoting rule of law, justice, and accountability cannot be overemphasised.
The NBA Chairman expressed concern over the insinuation in some quarters that three groups of people determine our leaders in Nigeria, which, according to him, included the voters, the lawyers, and the judges.
"While this may sound hilarious, it underscores the significance of an effective and independent judicial system in the quest for good governance, especially at this moment when our nation is bedevilled with increasing threats of unsecurity, corruption, and electoral malpractice," he pointed out.
He said the Bar Week, with the theme "Moving Forward: Harmonising Judicial Independentness and Public Confidence for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria,"  was aimed at having a robust discussion around the salient issues with a view to charting a way forward as they concern democratic development and the administration of justice.
In his remarks, the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, observed that judicial independence is not merely an abstract concept but a fundamental principle that safeguards the rights and freedoms of every Nigerian citizen.
The governor, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State, Nasir Mua'azu, explained that judicial independence provides an assurance that justice will be dispensed impartially, regardless of one's social status, political affiliation, or economic power.
"A truly independent judiciary acts as a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches, maintaining the balance of power required for a functioning democracy," he noted.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has advocated for the commercialization of government agencies through partnerships to reduce overdependence on government funding.
The governor made the call on Monday when he hosted a delegation from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) led by the Director-General, Dr. Muhammad Bulama, at the Government House in Minna.
He observed that it was time for government institutions to operate as businesses, adding that this was an era of commercialization.
He said doing so would not only curtail overdependence on the government but would also engender development.
He noted the contribution of FRCN to nation-building, which cannot be ignored, revealing that the state government will collaborate with the organisation for mutual benefits.
He made some suggestions to the agency on how they can best initiate more collaborations to get funding to address their challenges. He welcomed the idea of establishing the FRCN studio in Minna, describing it as laudable.
Earlier, the D.G., FRCN, Dr. Muhammad Bulama, explained that their visit was to seek collaboration with the state government to enable the organisation to operate maximally.
The DG said inadequate equipment, power supply, training, and retraining were some of the challenges facing the organisation, expressing confidence that the collaboration will trigger development not only for the state but also for the country at large.
He decried the current situation of the FRCN Kaduna, pointing out that he intends to involve all 19 Northern Governors in reviving it.
Dr. Bulama commended the farmer governor for his developmental strides in the state and pledged to avail the state of all its services as it plays a significant role in the country.