Nearly three decades later, democracy has endured. Elections have been conducted, governments have come and gone, and constitutional rule has remained uninterrupted.
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Legal luminary, Wale Ogunade, is president of the Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), a non-governmental organisation focused on civic education, electoral integrity, and public awareness.
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Layode attributed the success to the exemplary conduct of the pilgrims in the Holy Land and noted that the state made adequate preparations by
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Count it victory and three points, but Scotland saw off Haiti in their first game of the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory.
It was John McGinn, the Aston Villa hardman, who repaid head coach Steve Clarke’s faith in him by firing Scotland to their first World Cup win in 36 years.
The victory over Haiti marked their return to the men’s tournament after a 28-year absence.
Clarke said pre-match that the selection of Aston Villa captain McGinn instead of Ryan Christie was “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make” and challenged the 31-year-old to prove him right.
Despite a sharp start, Scotland were poor on the ball and grateful for their opponents’ profligacy.
Countless balls were swung into the box by the Caribbean side, and keeper Angus Gunn – who was chosen ahead of 43-year-old Craig Gordon, the oldest player at the tournament – was forced to remain on high alert.
The memories of past slip-ups against Costa Rica, Iran and Peru hung heavy in the air.
Despite that, McGinn had the opportunity to ease the Tartan Army’s growing concerns with 20 minutes remaining, but instead dragged his effort wide.
It made for an anxious ending – particularly when Frantzdy Pierrot directed a header wide – to a day fuelled by exhilaration and excitement.
The Scots return to Boston on Friday, 19 June, against Morocco to do it all again and know a point in their next two group games will likely guarantee progress.
Meanwhile, in the big game afterwards, Australia laid down their marker with a 2-0 victory over hapless Turkey that would be the talk of the day.
It was Turkey who dominated the stats, yet it was Australia who finished the game ahead in the only one that matters.
Australia were dirty and gritty as well, holding the ball for only 38.3 per cent compared to Turkey’s 61.7 per cent. Australia had nine shots to Turkey’s 30, with four shots on target for Australia while Turkey had eight.
The expected goals (xG) for Australia was 0.8, while Turkey’s was 1.3, yet Turkey could not breach Australia’s perfect defensive block despite everything they threw at them.
Nestroy Irankunda had put Australia ahead in the 27th minute of the game. Turkey, despite their dominance, came close but could not restore parity.
They came out firing in the second half, but for all their dominance and brilliance, Australia, through Connor Metcalfe, doubled their lead in the 75th minute to take maximum points.
W/Cup: Nervy Win For Scotland Over Haiti As Australia Dismiss Turkey is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday credited former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), with playing a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s democratic future by resisting pressures to prolong military rule and instead overseeing a swift transition to civilian government.
Jonathan said Abdulsalami’s decision to relinquish power after just 11 months in office, despite mounting pressure from influential interests within the military establishment, remains one of the most significant acts of statesmanship in Nigeria’s contemporary history.
Speaking at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abdulsalami as part of activities marking his 84th birthday in Abuja, the former president described the retired general as one of the architects of Nigeria’s democratic stability.
According to him, the former military ruler demonstrated uncommon courage by choosing national interest over personal power at a time when he wielded enormous authority following the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998.
“If there is anybody we can give credit to for stabilising democracy in Nigeria today, it is General Abdulsalami Abubakar,” Jonathan declared.
“A military Head of State, surrounded by military officers, armed personnel and all the instruments of power, with people urging him to remain in office, yet he had the courage to say no. That takes somebody with an uncommon commitment to the peace and progress of the country.”
Jonathan noted that Abdulsalami assumed leadership during one of Nigeria’s most delicate political periods and chose to faithfully implement a transition programme that culminated in the restoration of democratic governance in 1999.
He said the former Head of State’s conduct underscored the essence of true leadership, which he described as service, sacrifice and dedication to the collective good rather than the pursuit of personal ambition.
“At a defining moment in our nation’s history, he demonstrated uncommon courage and selflessness by guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition that restored democratic governance and renewed hope in the future of our country,” he said.
Drawing a contrast with leaders who succumb to pressure from political associates and beneficiaries of power, Jonathan recalled that some leaders had abandoned plans to leave office because of influences from those around them, often with adverse consequences.
Without mentioning names, he said Abdulsalami stood out for honouring his commitment to democratic transition despite possessing the means to remain in power.
“We must commend Abdulsalami Abubakar. When the time came to leave office, he left. That decision helped shape the democratic stability we enjoy today,” Jonathan said.
The former president further described Abdulsalami as a statesman whose influence has transcended his tenure in office, noting that his enduring legacy is rooted in humility, patriotism and unwavering commitment to national service.
He commended the former Head of State’s continued contributions to peace and democracy through the National Peace Committee, which has become a critical platform for promoting peaceful elections, dialogue and national cohesion.
“Beyond his tenure in office, General Abdulsalami has remained a steadfast advocate of peace, dialogue, national unity and democratic stability,” Jonathan said.
“Through the National Peace Committee, he has continued to promote peaceful elections, conflict resolution and nation-building initiatives across the country.”
Jonathan also highlighted Abdulsalami’s interventions in peacebuilding efforts across the African continent, particularly in conflict resolution initiatives in Sudan and other countries.
He described the unveiling of the three books as a significant contribution to preserving Nigeria’s history and documenting lessons in leadership, governance and nation-building for future generations.
According to him, the publications would provide future Nigerians with valuable insights into the life, military career and public service of one of the country’s most respected elder statesmen.
“As we celebrate General Abdulsalami today, we are reminded that nations are built not only by policies and institutions but also by the character of those who lead them,” he said.
“His life offers enduring lessons in integrity, humility, patriotism and commitment to national service.”
Jonathan congratulated the former Head of State on attaining the age of 84 and prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength, expressing hope that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations to place national interest above personal ambition.
“May his legacy continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to place country above self and service above personal ambition,” he said.
The books unveiled at the event chronicled Abdulsalami’s life and military career, his stewardship of Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule, and his continuing role in peacebuilding and democratic advocacy across Africa.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday disclosed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), was in the final stages of securing the release of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, before his sudden death in detention.
Obasanjo made the revelation at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Paying tribute to the former military ruler, Obasanjo described Abdulsalami as “a soldier, a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker” whose leadership helped steer Nigeria through one of the most uncertain periods in its history following the death of General Sani Abacha in June 1998.
He said Abdulsalami successfully managed the political turbulence that followed Abacha’s demise, taking decisive steps that included the release of political detainees and efforts to free Abiola, whose incarceration had become a symbol of the struggle for democracy.
“You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation,” Obasanjo said.
“Political prisoners were released, and I was one of them. As has been said by the President of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that process.
“Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released. You kept me regularly informed and also conveyed messages to the family.
“Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead.’”
Obasanjo credited Abdulsalami with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic order by ensuring a swift transition from military rule to civilian governance.
“Within less than one year of your assumption of office, democracy was restored in Nigeria,” he said.
Ex-army generals said Abubakar Rabe’s death was both painful and unacceptable, lamenting the country’s ability to protect both citizens and former service members.
Commenting on his death, a retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, said Abubakar’s death sent a “very bad message to the international community” about Nigeria’s security situation, warning that it reflects a country where citizens may be forced to defend themselves.
“It is a very bad message to the international community, particularly about the security situation of this country. As it is now everybody, not only retired generals, but everybody should defend themselves by any means,” he said.
Adewinbi described the incident as “very unfortunate” and “pathetic,” adding that it was unacceptable that a retired senior officer who served the country ended up dead in captivity.
“This is how Nigeria is treating retired generals who fought to defend this country, to protect territorial integrity, just got killed by chickens and died in captivity,” he said.
He called for a total review of the country’s security architecture, urging greater use of technology and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to tackle insecurity.
Also commenting, Brigadier-General John Sura (rted.) described the incident as unfortunate, saying it underscored the vulnerability of all Nigerians, regardless of status.
“It is just an unfortunate incident. It could have been me, and it could have been any general. If this country can abandon somebody to the insurgents or the terrorists, it means even a senator, a governor, or any other person can fall prey,” he said.
Sura warned that such situations create doubts about state commitment to protecting both serving and retired officers.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has pledged to intensify operations to bring those responsible and other criminal elements across the country to justice.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the military described the late general’s death as a tragic loss and vowed not to relent in its efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks threatening national security.
The military disclosed that it had deliberately refrained from making public comments on the abduction while efforts to secure his release were ongoing.
The DHQ noted that security operations had already been intensified in response to the growing wave of abductions across the country, including that of the late general.
Also, former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, described Abubakar’s death as a national tragedy, warning that the incident reflects the deepening security crisis confronting the country.
Mark, a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, expressed grief over the death of the former Director of Defence Information, saying the development raises serious concerns about the safety of citizens across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark described the death of the retired General as a national tragedy.
“The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity is not only a personal loss to his family and the military community but also a national tragedy. It raises serious concerns about the safety and security of every Nigerian citizen,” Mark said.
Iran has fixed date for the funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s state media disclosed that the funeral rites shall commence in Tehran, Iranian capital city on July 4, while the Supreme Leader will finally be buried in his home town of Mashhad on July 9.
According to the state media, the funeral will follow three days of funeral ceremonies in Tehran from July 4 and another in the holy city of Qom on July 7.
Recall that the 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli air strike on his compound in February.
The late Supreme Leader had led the Islamic Republic from 1989, after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who had spearheaded the Islamic revolution a decade earlier.
Iran announces funeral, burial dates for late Supreme Leader, Khamenei
Former Arsenal midfielder, Stewart Robson has stated that Brazil striker, Igor Thiago is unlikely to be in the starting lineup against Haiti following his performance in the 1-1 draw with Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C on Saturday (June 13) in East Rutherford.
Ismael Saibari provided the surprise 2022 semi-finalists with the lead midway through the first half, but Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Junior equalized 13 minutes before the interval.
In 61 minutes of play, Thiago, who is with Premier League club, Brentford, managed only one shot on target.
After a 25-goal season with the Bees, Thiago’s FIFA World Cup debut was disappointing, leading to his substitution by head coach Carlo Ancelotti in favor of Luiz Henrique.
He told ESPN, “I don’t believe the centre-forward will start in the next match. He performed poorly. He seemed out of his depth.”
In his four prior appearances for Ancelotti’s team, Thiago had netted twice and was chosen to start his first competitive match due to Neymar’s injury, yet he failed to leave a significant impact.
After dropping points, Brazil will face Haiti, who are making their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years—on June 19 in Philadelphia. Haiti suffered a 1-0 defeat to Scotland in their opening match.
Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti expressed his dissatisfaction with his team’s ‘nervy’ performance in the comeback 1-1 draw against reigning African champions Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Saturday.
Ghana have released a statement after Canada’s ‘unfair decision’ to deny midfielder, Thomas Partey entry into their country to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Partey was recently denied entry into Canada because he was charged with sexual assault.
But the former Arsenal star is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
Partey will not play the Black Stars’ first group-stage game in Toronto against Panama on Thursday after being denied a Canadian visa.
Reacting, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian national and key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter.”
World Cup 2026: Ghana releases statement after Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada