Nigeria Democracy Watchtower

17/03/2026

I had the pleasure of visiting my friend and Permanent Secretary, Pere Efeke, an exemplary gentleman, in his office at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development today. I offered my warmest wishes for his success in the sports sector, a field that holds great significance for me.

26/02/2026

26/02/2026

The Electoral Act Needs Some Fundamental Touch

The outcome of the council polls in the FCT points to the fact that the Electoral Act needs some touch. If not so, democracy would wobble and crash in Nigeria.

Late upload of results on iRev is suspicious. This suspicion is strengthened by the fact that there was network coverage in the areas where results were uploaded late.

26/02/2026

The Nasir El Rufai Prosecution

The EFCC says it has not arraigned Nasir El Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State in court because investigation is still on going.

The questions many are asking include:
* When did El Rufai leave office?
* Why the slow pace of investigation?
* Why wait till he joined the opposition?

While it's good that crimes and corruption be investigated and prosecuted, politics should not be determinant. From all indications, the former FCT minister would not have been investigated if he were still in the ruling party, APC. The reason for this is in the fact that no current power holders suspected of corruption is being investigated or prosecuted.

The Chairman of EFCC should make sure that he walk away from the old culture of political prosecution opponents of the president.

26/02/2026

Senator Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa State in a handshake with the newly sworn-in Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Akpe, PhD at Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa.

23/02/2026

Nigerians are waiting for the outcome: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cpy52DBFy/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 20 suspects over alleged electoral offences during the just-concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government elections.

Link in the comments.

22/02/2026

Is America really a model for democracy? Defying the Supreme Court! https://reubenabati.com.ng/feature/trump-defies-supreme-court-raises-global-import-tariffs-to-15-in-bold-trade-move.

President Donald Trump has raised the global duty on imports into the United States to 15 per cent, escalating his aggressive tariff policy just a day after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled much of his trade program illegal. Posting on Truth Social, Trump described the court’s decision...

22/02/2026

EFCC AND VOTE BUYERS

There were reports of vote buying during the Council elections in Abuja, the nation's capital.

How many persons were arrested? Let's see how many of the suspects would be prosecuted.

This is to call out the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). If vote buyers and sellers are not prosecuted, it means that you are part of Nigeria's problem.

The fight against corruption in Nigeria should go beyond arresting and prosecuting yahoo boys.

21/02/2026

How DSP Alamieyeseigha Surprised Me

In July 2003, the Bayelsa State youth team emerged victorious in the U-16 category of the Norway Cup in Oslo. The team faced the host country under challenging weather conditions, with our players resorting to using hot balm to stay warm in the drizzling cold.

Upon our return, we proceeded directly from the Port Harcourt International Airport to the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Sports Complex in Ovom. Awaiting our arrival were the then Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, and his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

During the official medal presentation to the team members, an unexpected impulse overcame me. Before I fully grasped the situation, I had removed my medal and presented it to the governor. I observed that he was visibly thrilled.

As he announced cash donations to the team members, he paused at my turn. He turned to the high table and inquired aloud, "What is the highest amount I have given to athletes in the state?" After a brief hesitation, the then Director of Sports and Commonwealth wrestling champion, Jackson Bidei informed the governor that it was N600,000. The governor then turned to me and declared, "For Kali Gwegwe, N900,000." It was a profound honor, and I was overwhelmed with tears of joy.

I recall Prof. Steve Azaiki, the then Secretary to the State Government, asking me, "What inspired you to do that? The governor is impressed with your generous gesture."

To further acknowledge me, DSP Alamieyeseigha instructed Prof. Azaiki to arrange for a meeting with him in his office at a later date.

-Kali Gwegwe