Lake Chad Basin and AfDB Unveil Major Initiative to Revive the Shrinking Lake

Last May, the African Development Bank Group, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (CBLT), and the commission’s five member nations initiated a $10 million technical assistance initiative aimed at preparing the necessary investments to revive the environmental and economic roles of Lake Chad and enhance the durability of life for millions relying on its resources.

The Project for Technical Assistance in Restoring the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT) supported by the African Development Fund, along with extra funding from the CBLT which covers 10% of the project’s overall expenses, aims to increase understanding of the basin's water resources and strengthen their management.

At the start of the project initiation workshop, Passalet Kanabé Marcelin, Chad's Minister responsible for Water and Energy and currently leading the CBLT Council of Ministers, highlighted that the Lake Chad region plays a crucial role for millions of individuals, with their daily lives closely tied to access to water, farming activities, fishery, and animal husbandry.

PARFEBALT is a technical support initiative, yet primarily, it focuses on preparing for what lies ahead: its objective is to enhance understanding of water resources, upgrade management practices related to water and ecosystems, and establish the prerequisites needed to secure financing for an impactful regional investment strategy. Minister Marcelin mentioned, emphasizing the critical role of the initiative in addressing the cumulative impacts of climate change, environmental decline, and increasing demands on limited resources.

Participants at the workshop examined technical reports that will inform upcoming investments within the basin. These studies aim to explore methods for enhancing water flow in the Chari-Logone and Komadougou-Yobe river systems, which supply the majority of Lake Chad’s incoming water, while considering environmentally sound approaches to increase the lake's water levels. Additionally, they will analyze ecological, climate-related, economic, and societal aspects to determine the most effective strategies for revitalizing the region.

Acknowledging the increasing effects of climate change, the initiative aims to create a regional early-alert system to enhance predictions of floods and droughts, as well as implement advanced technologies for modeling and managing water resources. These actions will offer CBLT member countries more accurate information to shape their water management strategies and boost community resilience.

On behalf of the African Development Bank Group, Francis Dogo, the Country Manager for Chad, emphasized the critical need to address long-standing environmental damage within the region.

Lake Chad, among Africa’s major sources of fresh water, has experienced a substantial reduction in its size over the past few decades, decreasing from 25,000 square kilometers in 1960 to approximately 2,500 square kilometers at its lowest points, though there have been some improvements recently. Dogo said.

He pointed out that frequent droughts and flooding, excessive use of natural resources, disputes between agriculturalists and livestock keepers, and instability still pose risks to the region, emphasizing that improved cross-border water administration is crucial for promoting regional unity, improving food safety, and strengthening community endurance.

Attendees concurred that the research and instruments created within the PARFEBALT initiative would set the stage for attracting significant funding to revive the lake's water systems, rejuvenate farming, animal husbandry, and fishing activities, lessen populations' susceptibility to climate-related disruptions, and support peace in an area inhabited by over 40 million individuals.

The seminar ended with suggestions aimed at improving dialogue regarding the initiative to aid funding acquisition, speed up the implementation of national contact persons, bolster the Technical Monitoring Committee through added top-tier knowledge, and improve methods for tracking and assessing the project.

Stressing the African Development Bank's ongoing dedication to the project, Dogo stated: "We have an obligation to achieve success, and we will accomplish it."

© 2026 African Development Bank. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Central Africa, Oceans and Rivers, International Organizations and Africa, Environment, External Relations

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Everything Changed This Season

A nation featuring a river flowing across it, rich flatlands, and women prepared to cultivate them. Still, it imports four-fifths of its basic food supplies. Three farmers, one growing season, and how things change once funding eventually comes.

In certain seasons, stability is fleeting. Fences collapse, rainfall comes at inappropriate times, and efforts spanning weeks vanish within a single night. For women cultivating in The Gambia’s small-scale farms and rice paddies, such conditions aren’t rare occurrences—they represent the usual cycle they’ve come to expect. This reality makes every instance where things do remain steady far more significant than just a successful crop.

Abibatou Sonko had visited this place previously—rows of onions meticulously cared for, only to be destroyed during the night. At the Tanji Women's Garden Scheme, located 32 kilometers south of Banjul, goats managed to break through the fence and consume all that had been constructed over several weeks. She and her colleagues gathered their strength and began anew; year after year. “There were times when me and my female companions put in such effort yet ended up losing nearly everything,” she remembered. “Honestly, it was disheartening.” There were instances, she acknowledges, where she wondered if keeping going was truly worthwhile.

During the last season, she collected 31 sacks of onions. None were lost, nor diminished. Thirty-one sacks, valued at approximately 1,000 Gambian dalasi ($14) per sack; altogether, the yield amounted to about $435—representing multiple months of steady family earnings in an area where financial stability is uncommon. Positioned next to the land she never gave up on, these sacks served as evidence of a belief she nearly abandoned. She'll openly state that the key change came from using high-quality seeds provided by the P2-P2RS initiative. “In the previous year, goats ruined my crops,” she mentioned, standing near her successful harvest, “but this time, the superior seeds inspired me to keep going with farming. Now I'm feeling driven once more since I can witness the outcomes of our efforts.”

Her narrative reflects a contradiction that characterizes The Gambia. This nation features a river stretching along its full extent, millions of hectares of land suitable for irrigation, and rich farmland, all tended by women eager to cultivate it. Nevertheless, The Gambia imports approximately 81 percent of the rice it consumes—a basic food item eaten at an annual rate of 117 kilograms per individual, nearly double the world average. The problem has never lay in the quality of the earth itself but rather in seeds that fail to thrive, agricultural supplies that never reach their destination, barriers that cannot be maintained, and marketplaces offering no assurance. Abibatou’s goats are not just incidental details—they symbolize every obstacle preventing Gambian farmers from achieving a successful yield.

This is what the current projects aim to transform, methodically, on a large scale, throughout the nation. Through Project 2 of the Program for Enhancing Resilience against Food and Nutritional Vulnerability in the Sahel (P2-P2RS), an initiative worth $17.75 million supported jointly by the African Development Fund (ADF), farmers in 19 districts within the Lower River, Central River, and West Coast regions are beginning to receive better quality seeds, mechanical tilling services, solar-driven irrigation systems, and environmentally friendly agricultural supplies. For numerous communities, continuous farming all year round is now emerging as a feasible option.

The P2-P2RS supports 67,200 individuals directly and indirectly. It is among three key AfDB-backed agricultural initiatives operating in The Gambia at present, along with the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Programme (REWARD), which was introduced nationwide in July 2025. This initiative aims to assist 8,000 families and reach 120,000 people through advanced irrigation setups, enhanced seed networks, and better access to markets. Collectively, these projects mark the highest level of agricultural funding the nation has experienced.

Why is food insecurity the main issue in The Gambia?

In The Gambia, rice goes beyond being just sustenance—it represents the stability of a family’s well-being. When there isn’t enough rice, all aspects of life become more challenging: kids stop attending school, women accumulate loans, and households face breakdown due to lack of resources. The difference between what the nation uses and what it generates creates an ongoing stressor influencing choices made daily in most rural homes.

The architectural difficulty stems from overlapping limitations: reliance on farming without irrigation in a nation where precipitation is both seasonal and becoming more unpredictable; restricted availability of verified seeds and materials that truly work in regional environments; insufficient facilities for handling crops after harvest, leading to loss of worth from farm to marketplace; and the lack of consistent purchasers, which hinders preparation.

Binta Ceesay, a farmer and vegetable grower from Buiba Village, expressed it like this: "The climate-resistant verified seeds, fertilizers, and farming techniques training I obtained through the initiative have entirely transformed how I cultivate crops. Even with shifting weather patterns, my production has increased, and I'm currently yielding more than ever before." This statement, which notes that although the weather changed, the harvest didn’t decline, precisely captures the resilience that decades of insufficient investment previously prevented from being developed.

Every one of the three initiatives targets a distinct aspect of the same issue. P2-P2RS provides small-scale farmers with improved seeds and free tilling, eliminating the input barriers that have traditionally limited productivity despite their efforts. REWARD develops irrigation systems that enable continuous farming throughout the year, breaking away from reliance on just one wet season. Meanwhile, the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP completes the cycle by ensuring market access: linking what farmers cultivate directly to school meal programs, allowing 39,397 students to enjoy daily lunches made from locally grown food, and enabling farmers to make long-term plans.

What a stable market undergoes What a consistent marketplace experiences What a dependable economic environment faces What a steady commercial sector encounters What a trustworthy financial system goes through

Improved seeds address one issue. A dependable buyer tackles another, often more significant challenge. A farmer capable of producing more yet unable to sell consistently remains someone without stability. The GAFSP initiative confronts this head-on by linking small-scale farming production with The Gambia’s school meal program, ensuring that crops grown by local farmers are bought within the country and used to provide food for 39,397 students. There is a clear purchaser. Prices have been set. Farmers can now prepare for the upcoming season based on certainty rather than uncertainty.

"Prior to this program, I grew crops not knowing who would buy them or if they'd receive a reasonable price. Now, I am able to organize my farming activities confidently, make investments to grow my land, and regularly provide fresh produce to schools. The consistent earnings I have gained have enhanced my family’s quality of life and restored my optimism for what lies ahead," said Satou Hata, an aggregrator and farmer from Mamud Fana Village, The Gambia.

This term, "plan," holds significant importance. Abibatou can now structure her upcoming season using seeds she has confidence in. Binta Ceesay can make plans based on the weather forecast; she no longer feels the same level of fear regarding it. Satou Hata Ceesay can base her planning on a solid agreement rather than taking risks. Beyond achieving improved crop yields, what unites these three women is a future they can envision sufficiently to commit to. This reflects how agricultural change appears from within—a farmer who sleeps assured about what she'll sow the following day.

• 67,200 primary and secondary recipients of P2-P2RS within 19 regions
• 120,000 individuals who benefit from the REWARD initiative indirectly
• 39,397 students being provided with daily food supplies made from ingredients grown nearby on local farms
• $17.75M Investment P2-P2RS jointly funded by the African Development Fund

© 2026 African Development Bank. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Gambia, Women and Gender, Food and Agriculture, West Africa

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Five Families Lost in Tragic Boat Disaster at Saifullah Lake

July 2 - Pakistan: A tragic incident occurred in Swat when a tourist boat overturned at Saifullah Lake, resulting in the death of five individuals from the same family. Emergency response units have retrieved five deceased persons, with ongoing efforts continuing to find four others who are still unaccounted for.

As per the local administrative body, a vessel transporting visitors capsized at Saifullah Lake, leading to an urgent recovery effort. Officials verified that those who lost their lives belonged to the same household.

Authorities stated that nine relatives were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Five individuals died, whereas four more are still unaccounted for.

Local authorities, together with emergency crews and community members, are still conducting searches to find those who have gone missing. Emergency activities are taking place near and around the lake.

Officials stated that all possible measures are being taken to locate the missing travelers at the earliest opportunity. The Swat boat disaster has triggered worries regarding visitor security, with authorities set to examine the reason behind the event after the search and rescue mission concludes.

Emirates Launches First Cargo Carrier Deployment of Boeing 777-300ERSF

Emirates is celebrating an important step forward in growing its cargo fleet by being the first airline cargo operator* to introduce the Boeing 777-300ERSF, which was originally designed for passengers but has now been modified into a freighter. This plane (A6-EBK) will start regular operations with a journey from Hong Kong to Dubai, transporting more than 100 tons of goods.

The modified Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF provides a payload capability of 100 tons and a cargo space of 811 cubic meters, marking a 25% rise in cargo volume relative to the Boeing 777-F production freighter. With 47 pallet slots, this adapted plane includes 10 more pallet positions than the standard Boeing 777-F model, making it well-suited for carrying bulkier shipments like online retail products, which now account for roughly 20% of worldwide airfreight volumes and are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Badr Abbas, senior vice president of Emirates SkyCargo's division, stated The introduction of the first modified Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF into active service marks another advancement in expanding our fleet and improving our operational flexibility. We are enhancing our fleet resources by transforming older Boeing 777-300ER passenger planes to address increasing needs for air freight space, enabling faster transportation of goods around the globe.

Alongside our expanding collection of Boeing 777-F manufacturing freighters, we've successfully expanded our worldwide freighter network from slightly more than 40 locations in February of this year up to 62 locations at present, with further growth anticipated. We're offering our international clients adaptable shipping space along with maximum flexibility and connection for transporting goods into and via our Dubai hub.

Drive for an expansive fleet and enhanced connectivity network

The newly converted Boeing 777-300ERSF marks the sixth fresh cargo plane, after five Boeing 777-F models, joining Emirates SkyCargo's operations since March 2026. In line with its bold growth plan, Emirates SkyCargo is set to receive five more Boeing 777-F planes along with another converted Boeing 777-300ERSF before the end of 2026. Additionally, three further modified Boeing 777-ERSFs are expected to enter the company's fleet in 2027.

The growth of Emirates SkyCargo's fleet and route system highlights the company's dedication to increasing its involvement in facilitating international commerce, connecting emerging locations with enterprises, and enhancing links to major manufacturing centers within its worldwide network covering six continents.

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FG Inspects Local Fertilizer Plants for Quality & Efficiency

...states that domestic manufacturing is crucial for Nigeria's food safety

The federal government has stepped up initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria's food security through inspections of fertilizer manufacturing and mixing plants nationwide. It emphasized that expanding domestic production continues to be key to cutting reliance on imports, decreasing production expenses, and increasing farming output.

An audit initiative headed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President for Digital Communications, Public Interaction, and New Media Planning, O'tega Ogra, has brought the president’s investigative team to key fertilizer manufacturing and mixing facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, and additional states involved in the renewed Presidential Fertilizer Program (PFI), managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The trip seeks to evaluate manufacturing capability, quality assurance protocols, work processes effectiveness, and the influence of the federal government's efforts in ensuring high-quality fertilizer is accessible and cost-effective for Nigerian agriculturalists.

While inspecting in Kaduna, Ogra stated that domestic fertilizer manufacturing has emerged as a key national focus, especially amid ongoing challenges with global supply routes due to political conflicts and increasing expenses for raw materials.

As stated by Ogra, Nigeria has plenty of natural resources needed for producing fertilizers and should keep enhancing domestic capabilities to ensure long-term agricultural output. He further noted that if these materials are manufactured domestically with appropriate quality assurance, farm standards would rise, crop outputs would grow, thus "enhancing food security and food independence within the nation."

"If approximately 80% of the raw materials needed are available within Nigeria and we are capable of manufacturing fertilizers, then what is the reason for importing them? With domestically made fertilizers that maintain appropriate quality standards, agricultural practices would enhance, crop production would rise, and this would help bolster both national food security and self-sufficiency," he stated.

Furthermore, Ogra mentioned that the federal government's funding for domestic fertilizer manufacturing aims not just to shield farmers from changes in international pricing but also to boost farm productivity, generate employment opportunities, and enhance industrial growth.

At the Kaduna Blending Plant operated by OCP Africa, the delegation examined the firm's tailored blending method, which creates fertilizers based on the nutritional needs of particular crops and soil types instead of adopting a universal solution.

The plant's general manager, Peter Amahwe, stated that ensuring quality was essential for safeguarding the investments made by Nigerian farmers.

"At the close of the day, what matters most is that when the farmer pays for these nutrients, they are fully aware that the exact amount and type of nutrients they're purchasing is precisely what they receive. Labor, seeds, and all other investments rely on this standard. Should the fertilizer be subpar, it can disrupt the farmer's whole production strategy," he stated.

As he mentioned, OCP Africa carries out comprehensive lab testing to create tailored fertilizer mixtures for various crops such as maize, rice, cocoa, ginger, and many other farm products grown throughout the nation.

The evaluation group additionally checked out Barbedos Fertilizers & Blending Company Limited located in Kaduna, where administrators walked through a plant capable of mixing roughly 90 metric tons each hour.

The firm's manufacturing director, Nasser Ismail, stated that domestic mixing has greatly lowered production expenses and generated job prospects for locals.

"Our main aim is to create premium fertilizer mixtures designed to address the specific needs of soils and crops among Nigerian farmers. Through local production, we are cutting expenses, generating numerous job opportunities—both direct and indirect—for youth, and backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Hope Initiative," he said.

Ismail mentioned that the company uses moisture-proof BOPP-laminated packaging to maintain fertilizer quality during manufacturing, shipping, and delivery to farms throughout the nation.

The federal government has kept adjusting the Presidential Fertilizer Program by supporting domestic mixing and pushing for the use of locally available resources, while still bringing in necessary parts like phosphates.

The program seeks to protect Nigerian farmers against fluctuations in global markets, enhance their availability of high-quality fertilizers, and boost local agricultural output.

Official projections suggest that the initiative has helped the nation save approximately ₦61.58 billion in 2026 through lower fertilizer expenses and promoting domestic manufacturing.

In addition, via the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), which operates through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), 515,720 units of domestically mixed fertilizer are now being provided to 128,930 small-scale farmers spread over 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ongoing evaluations of fertilizer plants in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, and other involved states highlight the federal government's dedication to guaranteeing that locally produced goods meet international quality requirements while increasing farmers' availability of cost-effective agricultural supplies.

Authorities state that the program aims to boost farm production, enhance the durability of small-scale farmers, and speed up Nigeria's path toward long-term food stability and farming independence.

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**"Statins Save Lives: Giving Obese Adults Healthy Hearts"**

A recent study discovered that medications like statins are enabling overweight middle-aged individuals to maintain cholesterol and blood pressure readings comparable to people who have a normal weight.

Scientists discovered that the blood pressure and cholesterol readings of individuals aged 40 and above were "virtually identical" to those of people who maintained a normal weight.

In certain instances, individuals who are obese were considered "better off," according to researchers.

Authorities believe the result is mainly attributed to the usage of medicines that reduce cholesterol, like statins, and treatments for lowering blood pressure — both of which are frequently taken by individuals who are overweight.

A research paper featured in The Lancet analyzed information from nearly one million individuals aged 20 to 79 across seven high-income nations, such as England and the United States, spanning from 1990 to 2024.

Previously, overweight adults had a greater chance of experiencing elevated blood pressure and increased amounts of harmful cholesterol.

However, the research indicates that disparities in harmful cholesterol levels and blood pressure among elderly individuals have 'reduced or vanished' for people aged 40 and above.

Statin medications became available across the NHS in the late 1990s and are currently used by eight million adults in Britain.

Experts stated that the results are significant for "providing an image of cardiovascular health" among individuals who may receive prescriptions. weight-loss drugs that have seen a swift rise in demand.

They cautioned that it was crucial not to "ignore" the results as more individuals opt for obesity-fighting drugs.

Professor Majid Ezzati, affiliated with the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, stated: "Our research indicates that in developed nations, using drugs to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol has enabled middle-aged and elderly individuals to decrease their heart disease risk to rates comparable to those with a healthy weight."

As weight-loss drugs become increasingly common, our findings provide insight into the heart health of individuals who may receive these medications, enabling the healthcare system to assess how therapies for high blood pressure and cholesterol complement weight-loss treatments within the general population.

The research also looked into data regarding the usage of medications that lower cholesterol and treatments for high blood pressure, referred to as antihypertensive drugs.

The group discovered that poor cholesterol levels and high blood pressure "decreased with time," particularly in individuals aged 40 and above.

The decreases were more significant for individuals who had obesity, resulting in a blending of these risk factors between those with obesity and those with a normal weight in people over the age of 40.

In describing the pattern, the research stated: "We observed that variations in non-HDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure between individuals who are obese and those with a healthy BMI became smaller or vanished, particularly among elderly people, at times rendering those with and without obesity similar concerning these cardiovascular metabolic characteristics."

A member of the research group, Professor Edward Gregg affiliated with Imperial College London, emphasized that "this does not imply that obesity no longer raises your likelihood of experiencing other health issues."

At the same time, the research revealed that among adults younger than 40, individuals who were overweight continued to exhibit elevated levels of harmful cholesterol and increased blood pressure.

Writer Yse d'Ailhaud de Brisis, affiliated with Imperial College London, stated: "Although this is positive news for elderly individuals who are overweight, our findings indicate that cardiovascular risk factors continue to be greater among those below 40 compared to people of average weight."

Initial lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and, if necessary, drug treatment for this younger population should be taken into account to avoid lasting heart-related issues associated with being overweight.

In the meantime, Lakshya Jain, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, stated: "This recent study indicates that the narrowing differences in cholesterol and blood pressure readings among individuals over 40 who are obese compared to those with a typical BMI can mostly be attributed to statins and other commonly available drugs aimed at lowering heart disease risks."

That represents an important achievement in public health, something we must remember as emerging obesity treatments become available.

In response to the research, Professor Bryan Williams, who serves as the chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, stated: "This study showcases an impressive achievement in public health — demonstrating how significantly improved current therapies for hypertension and cholesterol have been, leading many individuals over 40 with obesity to attain levels comparable to those of healthier weights."

This reflects the effectiveness of approaches aimed at preventing heart diseases, the application of affordable and very successful medications, and the significance of individuals following their prescriptions.

However, we should not overlook the broader perspective.

These drugs are required due to the negative impact of obesity on the likelihood of developing heart-related conditions.

Furthermore, obesity continues to impact the body in numerous additional ways, raising the likelihood of various health issues such as diabetes, renal disease, and certain types of cancer.

Therefore, although this advancement is positive, halting and decreasing obesity could lead to various health improvements, often eliminating the necessity for these extra medications.

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CSO Praises Amupitan's Stand Against Ballot Theft and Vote Manipulation

The Institute for Reliable Elections and the Program for Transparent Leadership have praised the Head of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his clear statement indicating that the time of stealing ballots and altering outcomes has ended.

In a press release published on Wednesday from its spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the organization referred to the Chairman's declaration, delivered during a meeting between the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and INEC offices in Abuja, as a courageous, appropriate, and comforting confirmation of his commitment to ensure fair elections in 2027.

The statement said, 'Professor Amupitan has told Nigerians that the technology currently used by the Commission is robust enough to safeguard each vote in the 2027 general election.'

This is more than just empty talk; it serves as an unmistakable indication that the troubling era of election-related violence has come to an end.

The team, which has been carefully observing the INEC Chairperson's activities since taking up position, showed approval for his intentional measures to shield opposing political groups from the arbitrary decisions, mood swings, and intimidation tactics of the dominant party.

The team highlighted that Amupitan has shown extraordinary bravery and autonomy within institutions in protecting the election procedure from excessive political influence.

As a result, it urged opposing political parties, non-governmental organizations, the press, and every relevant party to stand united with the INEC Chairperson and provide him with the required backing to achieve success.

The group emphasized that many preventable challenges INEC has faced over the years were engineered by political figures who intentionally cause disorder and later accuse the Commission.

The statement further noted, 'If political actors strictly followed the regulations and ceased employing the courts to manipulate elections for personal gain, many of the issues faced by INEC would never occur in the first place.'

The Foundation particularly commended Amupitan for making sure that opposition parties encountering legal issues were still provided with the required codes and the chance to submit their candidates via the INEC website.

"This one act of justice and managerial bravery highlights an individual committed to doing what is correct, despite the political challenges," the organization noted.

Additionally, it was highlighted that Amupitan, an esteemed attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the inaugural chairman of INEC who has contributed to the commission a remarkable blend of extensive organizational understanding and strong legal background.

"This marks a turning point. We believe that with his guidance, INEC will always act appropriately in every situation," the statement mentioned.

The team called on Nigerians to back the INEC head for success instead of criticizing him or making accusations that might erode trust in the voting system.

It urged political figures from every faction to promptly stop behaviors that create unnecessary challenges for INEC staff, or that aim to compromise the fairness and trustworthiness of the voting procedure.

"Nigeria's democracy can't withstand another round of rigged or contested elections. It's now time for all political players to adhere to the regulations, honor the autonomy of INEC, and let the voice of the citizens be heard freely," the declaration ended.

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