By Onilede Titi Faith

On Nigeria’s Democracy Day, all eyes were on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he addressed the National Assembly amidst swirling concerns about the nation’s democratic future.

Speculation about a potential drift toward a one-party system had been mounting, fueled by recent political defections and comments from APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who controversially remarked that there was “nothing wrong” with a one-party state.

“I will be the last person to destroy our democracy. A one-party system is not good for Nigeria. It’s not who we are,” Tinubu declared.

His words were more than a speech; they were a promise to Nigerians. He addressed both the lawmakers present and millions watching across the country, invoking the spirit of the June 12 struggle.

This historical reference served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to establish and sustain the democracy Nigerians hold dear. For many, this acknowledgment struck a chord, offering a rare moment of unity in an otherwise polarized political climate.

Despite the president’s reassurances, the streets of Lagos told a different story. Protests highlighted the frustration of young Nigerians grappling with rising living costs and economic uncertainty. Their message was clear: “We’re tired. We need change.”

Debo Ologunagba, spokesperson for the opposition PDP, echoed these sentiments, stating, “What we’re seeing isn’t just about politics. It’s about survival. Nigerians deserve better than being silenced.”

For many, democracy is more than a political system, it represents hope, opportunity, and the freedom to be heard. Tinubu’s assurances were welcomed by some, but the challenge lies in turning words into actionable policies. Will this promise of democratic preservation translate into tangible change?

This year’s Democracy Day was not merely a celebration but a stark reminder of what’s at stake. Nigerians are determined to protect the democratic values they fought so hard to achieve, and as history has shown, their resolve is unshakable.

By Ade Iyamoye

In the theatre of Nigerian politics, few characters command the spotlight with as much flair, drama, and mystique as Senator Dino Melaye.

A man of many contradictions; outspoken yet cryptic, flashy yet focused; Melaye has mastered the art of political performance. His latest appearance on Facebook, captured in a trending video, is yet another masterclass in symbolism, satire, and style.

Draped in an immaculate white Agbada adorned with three upward facing houses, Melaye strolls confidently as a Yoruba Gospel song plays in the background: “Come and tie me a girdle, you host of heaven…” It is not just fashion.

It is performance, a coded message to both allies and adversaries. The outfit itself speaks volumes. White, often associated with purity and a new beginning, could be his way of signaling progress or rebirth. The three houses suggest construction, growth, and possibly political realignment.

Interestingly, the colour scheme bears a striking resemblance to that of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, a party popular in the southeast. While Melaye has never publicly aligned himself with APGA, the subtle nod may suggest a desire to speak across regional and party lines.

It could be a deliberate political tease, typical of his unpredictable brand of showmanship.

The choice of music, too, is telling. The repeated invocation “tie me a girdle” evokes a sense of divine empowerment.

In a political environment often plagued with uncertainty and betrayal, the girdle becomes a metaphor, a call for strength, protection, and readiness. It is not just a song. It is a declaration.

Melaye’s flair for drama has often been dismissed as mere vanity, but to view it only as such is to miss the deeper strategy. His flamboyance is a political tool.

In a space where many rely on policy documents and press statements, Melaye uses visuals, fashion, and culture to speak to the people. He is aware of the power of optics and capitalises on it fully.

Moreover, his style allows him to remain unpredictable and almost mythic. One moment he is singing in his mansion, the next he is quoting scripture in designer wear. Through this spectacle, Melaye positions himself not just as a politician but as a political brand, one that is hard to ignore.

At its core, this video is a study in political symbolism. It blends cultural heritage with modern political commentary, using fashion, music, and movement to communicate what words often cannot.

In doing so, Dino Melaye reminds us that in Nigerian politics, performance is not a distraction. It is the message.

And for Melaye, that message is clear. I am still here. I am still relevant. And I will be seen.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The United Kingdom is proposing sweeping sentencing reforms that would permit sex offenders and other convicts to serve only one third of their prison terms, after which they would be placed under community supervision.

The reform also includes a plan to implement chemical castration across the country, a procedure that is currently optional, as a strategy to manage sexual predators.

According to UK authorities, the changes are intended to reduce prison overcrowding. However, critics argue that the move could undermine justice for victims.

If such a policy were introduced in Nigeria, it would most likely trigger strong public outrage.

Nigeria’s criminal justice system is already under pressure, burdened by congested prisons and slow judicial processes. Yet, in cases involving sexual offences, the public demands stricter penalties.

With conviction rates still low and societal stigma remaining high, early release would likely be viewed as a betrayal of victims.

Chemical castration, even on a voluntary basis, would stir major human rights concerns in Nigeria.

Strong resistance would be expected from both religious groups and legal practitioners.

Rather than following in the footsteps of the UK, these proposed reforms present Nigeria with an opportunity to reflect on its own justice system.

The real question is not whether to imitate but how to redefine justice by finding the right balance between punishment, protection and rehabilitation in a system that urgently requires reform.