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Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • South-East Govs, Igbo Leaders Plot To Keep Nnamdi Kanu Detained Untill 2027 – Ohanaeze Alleges

    South-East Govs, Igbo Leaders Plot To Keep Nnamdi Kanu Detained Untill 2027 – Ohanaeze Alleges

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused South-east governors, Igbo leaders, and National Assembly members of conspiring to extend the detention of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until 2027.

    In a statement issued by the factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization blamed the South-east governors for the deteriorating security situation in the zone.

    The organization stated that the Southeast governors and certain Igbo leaders had not provided the essential assurances required to explore political resolutions for the release of Kanu.

    The body expressed disappointment that certain South-east governors and Igbo leaders merely took photos with Kanu at the DSS facility rather than actively seeking political solutions for his release.

    The statement partly read, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo decries and brings to light the plots by South-east governors, Igbo elders, and National Assembly members to prolong Nnamdi Kanu’s detention until 2027.

    “The failure of some South-east governors to utilise their political ties to advocate for Kanu’s release is regrettable and underscores self-interest over communal welfare.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores the crucial need for unity and cooperation among South-east governors and esteemed Igbo personalities, such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Pa Ebitu Ukiwe, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, and others, in providing the federal government with assurances regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s future conduct post-release.

    “Regrettably, it appears some South-east governors and Igbo elite have chosen to exploit Nnamdi Kanu’s detention for personal gain, political bargaining, and the pursuit of political relevance.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses deep concern over the behaviour of South-east governors, senators, representatives, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other prominent Igbo figures who prioritise visits to Kanu in detention over seeking his release and addressing the pressing security challenges in our region.

    “It is paramount for Ndigbo to hold South-east governors, Igbo elders, National Assembly members, and traditional rulers accountable for the extended detention of Nnamdi Kanu, and refrain from laying blame on the federal government or President Tinubu.

    “The federal government awaits a united stance and commitments from the Igbo community to facilitate a potential release of Nnamdi Kanu.”

    Isiguzoro called on all stakeholders in the South-east to put aside personal ambitions and unite in the effort to secure Kanu’s release and address the security challenges in the region.

  • Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement 

    Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement 

    President Bola Tinubu has relieved Mamman Ahmadu of his duties as director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

    In a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, the president also approved the appointment of Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the new DG of the BPE.

    “Mr. Gbeleyi is a renowned financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant,” the statement read.

    “He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

    “He is also an alumnus of executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.

    “He has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration.

    “He was the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015.

    “The President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience and competence to bear in this role to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity building and sustenance of reforms through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources, as well as advancing effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors.”

  • Minimum Wage : Senate Deny Plan To Seize States, LGs Funds

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, has categorically denied recent speculations suggesting that the National Assembly’s Upper Chamber is considering a clause to seize funds from states and local councils in the forthcoming New Minimum Wage Bill proposed by the Executive.

    The controversy began after a report by a national daily, claimed that federal lawmakers were contemplating the inclusion of a controversial clause that would allow for the seizure of funds when the bill is introduced in the Senate.

    This report has since sparked widespread discussions and concerns among stakeholders.

    In response to these claims, Yemi Adaramodu issued a formal statement from Abuja on Saturday, dismissing the allegations as entirely unfounded.

    Adaramodu said, “Mr. President in his national broadcast on Democracy Day only informed Nigerians that he would soon send the New Minimum Wage Bill to us.

    “No one among us, not even the Senate President, knows the content of the Bill. How can we take a position on a document that we haven’t even sighted?

    “During my interface with some journalists, who approached me for an interview as part of activities to mark the one year anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, I did not at any point, state that the allocations belonging to States and Local Governments will be seized.

    “Nigeria is a federation, with sub-national governments that are autonomous. The misleading headline by The Punch Newspaper that allocations belonging to States and local councils will be seized is false and should be disregarded.

    “We are still awaiting the Executive Bill and once we have it, it will go through all Legislative stages and once this is done and it receives Presidential assent, it becomes law. And it is law that can specify sanction, not the National Assembly.

    “My interview was well reported today in the national dailies. It was not exclusive to The Punch. Other newspapers reflected adequately what I said. Why did Punch choose to misrepresent me?”

  • President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism

    President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism

    President Bola Tinubu has given order for increased cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement agencies and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He gave the order during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Saturday, during FBI Director Christopher Wray’s visit.
    President Tinubu called for greater focus on addressing cybercrime, terrorism, and related criminal activities through joint efforts.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Mr Tinubu acknowledged the FBI’s sophistication and reputation for excellence, expressing honor at the Director’s visit.

    “The visit of Director Wray underscores the importance of our partnership in eliminating local and global crimes,” President Tinubu stated.

    As Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with other West African nations in combating economic crimes.

    “We are working closely with our regional partners to tackle economic crimes and terrorism,” President Tinubu affirmed.

    President Tinubu further stressed the role of education in poverty alleviation, noting its significance in addressing the root causes of criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the diverse Nigerian agencies present at the meeting, actively involved in reducing crimes across the country.

    In response, FBI Director Wray praised President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing partnerships among government agencies to protect citizens from terrorism and cyber-enabled crimes.

    “We value President Tinubu’s efforts in countering terrorism, which poses a threat to both Nigeria and the United States,” Director Wray acknowledged.

    He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent successes in countering ISIS and other terrorist groups in West Africa, crediting effective coordination among security agencies.

    “We stand ready to support Nigeria in various aspects, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime prevention, and intelligence sharing,” Director Wray assured.

    Key security figures attending the meeting included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

    The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to deepen collaboration through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations, reflecting Nigeria’s proactive stance in leveraging international partnerships to bolster its security efforts against evolving threats.

  • Minimum wage: I’ll approve what Nigeria can afford — Tinubu

    Minimum wage: I’ll approve what Nigeria can afford — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says he will approve a new minimum wage that the Nigerian government can afford. 

    He stated this on Wednesday at a dinner with the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, among other top government officials to mark Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken Democracy in Abuja.

    The President, while appreciating those who stood by him over the years, promised Nigerians he won’t depart from the tenets of democratic governance.
     
    “I have to celebrate with you my dear brother, Senate President, Deputy Senate President,” he said.

    According to Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jibrin Barau would soon get an Executive Bill from him on the new minimum wage.

    “The minimum wage is going to be what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford and what I can afford. Cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all,” he said.

  • ‘Tinubu kept campaign promises to Nigerians’ – Peter Obi

    ‘Tinubu kept campaign promises to Nigerians’ – Peter Obi

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kept his campaign promises to Nigerians.

    Obi stated this during a Democratic Day chat on Arise TV.

    In those days of electioneering, Tinubu had promised to build a Nigeria, especially for the youth, where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life.

    He said Nigeria would manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services it require, adding that the country shall be known as a nation of creators, not just of consumers.

    Tinubu also said that Nigeria would export more and import less, thereby strengthening both the naira and citizen’s way of life.

    But in all, Tinubu had maintained that, “I will continue from where Buhari stopped.”

    And Peter Obi, who contested against Tinubu in the election and came third, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said that among all his promises, the President has kept the part he vowed to walk in the footsteps of his predecessor.

    “I think President Tinubu has performed exceptionally well in his first year in office. I’ll say that President Tinubu has kept his campaign promises,” Obi said.

    “Throughout his campaign, he consistently maintained that he would continue from where Buhari stopped and that he’s done very well. 

    “I’ll give him excellent passes. Dollar was N450, it’s now N1500. Fuel was about N238, it’s now about N700; diesel was N844, it’s now N1415; a bag of rice was N30000-N35000, it’s now about N80,000; a bag of beans was similar, N30,000-35000, it’s now about N90,000; a tuber of yam was about N2000-N3000, but now it’s about N10,000; tomatoe basket was about N40,000 and now it’s about N150,000; electricity was N66 per kilowatt but now it’s about N200, you can go on and on.

    “Even bread, which is a basic thing other countries are subsidizing, small-medium bread was about N450 but is now N900. The big one is about N1500.”

    Other promises made by Tinubu include, but not limited to, “assisting our ever-toiling farmers, through enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and assures decent incomes, so that farmers can support their families and feed the nation; modernising and expanding public infrastructure; emboldening and supporting our young people and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment and culture, tourism, train and give economic opportunity to the poorest and most vulnerable among us; generate, transmit and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity; make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all; and most importantly, establish a bold and assertive policy that will create a strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry, and all other forms of violent extremism from the face of our nation.”

  • My fall was prostration for democracy— Tinubu defends Eagle Square fall 

    My fall was prostration for democracy— Tinubu defends Eagle Square fall 

    President Bola Tinubu has made a light weather of his fall at the Eagle Square during the Democracy Day celebration, stating it was part of the festivities. 

    At a subsequent Democracy Day dinner in the Presidential Villa, Tinubu humorously referred to his fall as a “Yoruba boy’s prostration,” generating laughter from attendees. 

    He playfully remarked on social media reactions, joking about confusion between “Buga” and “Babaringa.” Embracing the spirit of June 12, Tinubu described it as a day to celebrate democracy while paying homage in his traditional Yoruba manner. 

    Despite earlier dismissals by his aides of the incident as a minor misstep, reactions from Nigerians, including political rivals, varied from expressions of concern to playful jabs.

  • “I hope all is well with him” – Atiku sympathizes with Tinubu over slip 

    “I hope all is well with him” – Atiku sympathizes with Tinubu over slip 

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sympathised with President Bola Tinubu after the President slipped at the Eagle Square during the 2024 Democracy Day celebration.

    Recall on Wednesday, Tinubu slipped at the Eagle Square while boarding the parade vehicle.

    The President, however, quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings without further issues.

    Reacting, Atiku expressed his empathy over the incident, hoping that all is well with the President.

    He wrote on X, “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him. -AA.”

  • Presidency Reacts As Tinubu slips during Democracy Day Celebration 

    Presidency Reacts As Tinubu slips during Democracy Day Celebration 

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has played down concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s brief slip while boarding a parade vehicle at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja.

    The aide, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said, “Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues.”

    The aide’s statement comes after videos circulated showing the President momentarily losing his footing while stepping into the vehicle.

    Despite the slip, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings.

    The ceremony at Eagles Square was a flagship event in a roster of festivities held across the nation to commemorate the country’s annual Democracy Day celebration.

  • Controversial Portrait for Democracy Day

    Controversial Portrait for Democracy Day

    It may seem too weird to be true, but it turned out that the main event to commemorate this year’s democracy day was the commissioning of his own portrait by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

    Claimed to be the largest painted portrait of an individual in the world, the work of art was painted by a group of 37 artists, purportedly drawn from all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and unveiled at the Eagle Square, Abuja to Commemorate 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria.

    Upon commissioning, it was announced at the event, the portrait shall be taken for display at a public gallery at the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy underwent several fits and starts in its journey to civil rule due to frequent interruptions via military coups d’etat that topple such civilian governments.

    The current effort at democratic governance is the longest in the country, having started in 1999 and running till date, uninterrupted.

    Many however wonder why unveiling a large portrait of the president by the current government should be considered as the appropriate symbolism for this occasion.

    Notable journalist and reknown columnist, Dr. Ruben Abati, and his colleague, Rufai Oseni, both anchors of the Morning Show on Arise TV could not help but wonder aloud whether Nigeria was still a democracy or a civilian dictatorship.