“FG’s streetlight scandal: Looting in broad daylight?” – COPDEM people’s parliament

DDM News

The popular civic program, COPDEM People’s Parliament, has announced its next session, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the media partner for the event, will stream the program live on its television channel to audiences across Nigeria and the diaspora.

The theme of the upcoming session remains consistent with COPDEM’s mission: dissecting socio-political issues that directly affect the lives of Nigerians.

Among the top stories for discussion is a recent federal government budget plan that has shocked many Nigerians.

According to public documents, the federal government intends to spend a staggering ₦226.25 million on a single streetlight.

The plan includes the procurement of 1,477 streetlights, raising serious concerns about corruption and procurement fraud in public spending.

Activists and analysts have labeled the project wasteful and reflective of a disconnected political elite.

The issue is currently trending on social media under hashtags such as #StreetlightScandal and #BudgetFraud.

The COPDEM panel is expected to provide data, breakdowns, and expose the hidden players behind the contract.

Another headline on the agenda is the recent visit of Mr. Peter Obi to Niger State, following a devastating flood in Mokwa.

Mr. Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, reportedly donated ₦20 million to support flood victims.

The donation has been widely praised, especially given the slow and inadequate response from government agencies.

Flooding has become a recurrent disaster in Nigeria due to poor urban planning, deforestation, and climate change.

Mr. Obi’s visit highlights a stark contrast between citizen-led interventions and government inaction.

COPDEM will examine the root causes of flooding in Nigeria and why mitigation efforts have failed repeatedly.

Also up for discussion is the prolonged and brutal wave of violence in Apa, Benue State.

Dubbed by many as “genocidal attacks,” the massacres in Apa have left hundreds dead and communities destroyed.

Critics argue that the federal government has remained complacent in addressing what is increasingly seen as ethnic cleansing.

For years, rural communities in the Middle Belt have been targets of coordinated attacks, often linked to armed herdsmen or unknown gunmen.

Security forces have been accused of responding slowly, or not at all, when these attacks occur.

Despite repeated outcries, justice has remained elusive for the victims of Apa and surrounding areas.

COPDEM intends to bring survivors, eyewitnesses, and human rights observers to speak on the program.

This is part of its effort to bring national attention to human rights violations and demand accountability.

In line with the June 12 Democracy Day spirit, COPDEM will also focus on youth engagement in nation-building.

The program will preview the upcoming New Nigeria Youth Summit scheduled to hold in Abuja.

The summit aims to harness the energy and vision of young Nigerians towards the dream of a restructured and just nation.

June 12 remains a symbolic date, marking the annulled 1993 elections and the struggle for democratic governance.

The youth summit is expected to feature thought leaders, civic organizations, and grassroots mobilizers.

COPDEM has encouraged young Nigerians to register and participate in the summit as part of a broader democratic awakening.

Tuesday’s program promises to be explosive and informative, with voices from the streets, academia, and advocacy groups.

The session will be interactive, allowing live call-ins via 08062557980 for real-time contributions.

To join the event virtually, the public can connect through Zoom using the Meeting ID: 893 3900 3224 and Passcode: 426132.

The link to the event is available at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89339003224?pwd=EwSa9X3P9xeDNebRQwDcRoPp8CyTBG.1

COPDEM continues to operate as a watchdog for democracy, integrity, and transparency in Nigerian governance.

Its platform serves as a public square where Nigerians can demand accountability and challenge oppressive systems.

For more information about COPDEM People’s Parliament, visit their official website at www.copdem.org.

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