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Tag: Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu

  • X snubs DSS request to delete Sowore’s post on Tinubu

    X snubs DSS request to delete Sowore’s post on Tinubu

    Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has declined a request by the Department of State Services (DSS) to delete one of his posts criticising President Bola Tinubu.

    In a post on Sunday, Sowore said X officially notified him of the request from the DSS.

    His words: “This morning, X officially contacted me about the despicable threat letter they received from the lawless DSS over my tweet on Tinubu. One option I will not be taking is deleting that tweet. Thank you, X.”

    The notice from X, which Sowore shared, confirmed that the DSS had asked the platform to take action on his account, @YeleSowore, over a post said to contravene Nigerian law.

    X said it had not taken any action on the reported content and emphasised its policy of informing users when such legal requests are made.

    “As X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify our users if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account,” the platform stated.

  • MISSING N26bn: SERAP asks Tinubu to probe Ministry of Petroleum Resources, PTDF

    MISSING N26bn: SERAP asks Tinubu to probe Ministry of Petroleum Resources, PTDF

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, along with relevant anti-corruption agencies, to probe allegations of missing, diverted, or stolen public funds totaling over N26 billion from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.

    These allegations stem from findings documented in the 2021 audited report, released on November 13, 2024, by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. SERAP emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

    The organization urged that any recovered funds be allocated toward addressing Nigeria’s budget deficit and reducing its mounting debt crisis.

    In a letter dated February 1, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group underscored the public’s interest in ensuring justice and transparency.

    “Tackling corruption in the oil sector would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems,” the letter stated. According to SERAP, the allegations represent a serious breach of public trust, violating the Nigerian Constitution, the country’s anti-corruption laws, and international commitments.

    The letter continued: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the oil sector.” SERAP further lamented that despite Nigeria’s oil wealth, ordinary citizens have benefited little due to systemic corruption and a culture of impunity.

    The 2021 annual audit by the Auditor-General highlighted multiple financial irregularities: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) reportedly paid over N25 billion for contracts without supporting documentation, raising concerns about possible diversion. PTDF allegedly failed to account for N326 million deposited in two banks, which the Auditor-General suspects may be missing.

    A sum of N107 million meant for a library automation system at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) was reportedly unaccounted for, with the contract awarded without approval from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA

  • Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project: This is one major project Tinubu must adequately address – Senator Manu

    Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project: This is one major project Tinubu must adequately address – Senator Manu

    …says the multiplier effect can change Nigeria

    The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Haruna Manu has said the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project is one major project President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must adequately address as its multiplier effect could make Nigerians smile.

    Manu made this disclosure while addressing the Senate Press Corps after presenting his motion on the power project last Thursday.

    Responding to a question on his motion bordering on power supply, Senator Manu said: “There wouldn’t be any meaningful development without power, there is none. There is nothing if we want to develop as a country, there is nothing as important as power.

    “Even the road infrastructures we are talking about, they are not as important as power because if you have a steady power, you will have the road infrastructure.

    “So it is very, very important and that is why almost all the various speakers when they contributed they talked about the importance of this project.

    “But some of them have talked about the legal issue that is there in the project but we have heard what the chairman of the senate committee on finance said that the legal issue has been resolved.

    “And I believe that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has actually given his committement at the COP28 in Dubai and I am sure he will take this project very seriously and I believe this administration will take this project unlike what happened previously.

    “This project it will be actualized during the lifespan of this administration and that is what we want and this project is not just for Taraba state, it is not just for the North East, it is for the entire country.

    “You could imagine what will happen injecting 3,050 megawatts into the national grid. Currently the whole consumption of my state is not more than 15 megawatts.

    “I remembered when I was the deputy governor, we were having less than 10 megawatts, my boss had an engagement with NEPA being the former minister of power for us in Taraba state to have up to 15 megawatts of electricity, the whole state the consumption is just 15 megawatts.

    “So you can imagine injecting 3,050 megawatts into the national grid. Currently what do we have? Around 4,000 megawatts but it is fluctuating, it is not up to that 4,000 megawatts, sometimes we have as low as less than 2,000. So you can imagine what 3,050 megawatts to the country.

    “And the most interesting thing about this project is, the entire cost of the project is five billion, seven hundred and ninety-two million dollars, Nigeria is contributing 15%.

    “We have consortium of Chinese companies that are contributing 85% of the entire project cost.
    And you have heard what former speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto said, one of the contractors that want to do the Mambilla, they have constructed the largest dam in the world by constructing more than 22,000 megawatts in China and it is the largest in the world.

    “So they have the experience, it is just for us in Nigeria to get serious with our own 15% counterpart funding.
    Not only that, if you heard what I said in the motion, you can see the multiplier effect of that, the local content of it, the entire 15% is even for the local content.

    ” What that means is our local contractors will be part and parcel of this project.
    Ashaka Cement, Depan Motors, Innoson Motors, all of them they will be part of this project and it will create jobs, more than 55,000 jobs will be created through this project.

    “The lifespan of the project is 72 months, so you can imagine what will happen when you are creating 55,000 jobs because of the Mambilla Hydro project.

  • Tinubu unveils N2trn Economic Stabilization Plan

    Tinubu unveils N2trn Economic Stabilization Plan

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a N2 trillion stabilization and advancement plan to the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC).

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the inauguration of the PECC at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

    PECC is made up of the President’s Economic Management Team, the leadership of the National Assembly; the sub-nationals, represented by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and the elite of the private sector; comprising of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Dr. Doyin Salami, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, among others.

    That Council is expected to meet and report to the President monthly.

    Edun said after inauguration the council was presented with the outcomes of the President’s review of the “accelerated stabilization and advancement plan and that was an emergency plan to cover the next six months, which Mr. President had directed that a combination of his own Economic Management Team and the sub nationals, the governor’s level, and the private sector put together for his consideration.

    “The song of that very important exercise is that a N2 trillion package involving N350 billion funding for Health and Social Welfare; N500 billion funding for Agriculture and Food Security; N500 billion for the Energy and Power sector and general business support of about N650 billion.”

    The money is expected to assist in turning around the Critical sectors of the economy and boost job creation.

    He said in addition to a range of policy measures and tax measures, there is a range of executive orders which Mr. President has signed and which are being gazetted to ease the cost of doing business at this particular time.

    According to him, “There’re number of funding which will reduce the interest rate for certain sectors in the economy, the small and medium scale in particular, but also some larger companies, there is a line of credit that will allow them to fund cheaper than the elevated rates.

    “This plan is a means of trying to stabilize the economy and get business growing again, we know what has happened since the macro-economic measures, which were necessary and which have been implemented in a determined and consistent manner, led to elevated costs, both for industry and for individuals.

    “I will say that the number one priority that Mr. President focused on was food production, food security, nutrition security. He has ordered that the Food Security and Nutrition Council to immediately go to work and the Vice President said they had a meeting on the food system just yesterday. So the commitment to providing food at an affordable price and in available quantities is uppermost in Mr. President’s mind at this particular time.”

    The Minister also said as part of the commitment to reducing the losses in the crude oil sector getting crude oil production and sales up to 2 million barrels a day, “another target and commitment was made today as one of the measures that can assist the whole society by providing not just additional revenue, but additional foreign exchange liquidity to the economy.”

  • Tinubu, Oborevwori, Obaseki, others pay tribute to late Asagba of Asaba [Photos]

    Tinubu, Oborevwori, Obaseki, others pay tribute to late Asagba of Asaba [Photos]

    President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and his Edo counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki were among guests who graced the memorial mass in honour of the late 13th Asagba of Asaba, HRM Professor Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR in Asaba, the DeltaStateCapital.

    Other guests present include; Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governors, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief James Ibori, former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, Senator Ned Nwoko, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Senator James Manager, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, NDDC Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena, traditional rulers among others.

    Speaking at the memorial service held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Asaba, on Friday, President Bola Tinubu represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his condolence message to the people of Asaba kingdom and Delta State, said Nigeria had lost a man of great significance and one of the foremost traditional rulers in the country.

    In his tribute titled “Exit of a man of significance”, President Tinubu described the late Asagba of Asaba as an accomplished traditional ruler and elder statesman who served the Asaba kingdom with great purpose and distinguished himself in the field of medicine.

    “As an academic icon he was Nigeria’s oldest professor of Medicine and first indigenous Dean of Medicine in the University of Ibadan.”

    On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori while condoling with the people of Asaba, urged them to emulate the legacies of the late centenarian monarch whom he described as a man of peace and an erudite medical scholar.

    He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I once again condole with the family of the Asagba of Asaba, the Asagba in Council and the people of Asaba on the demise of our highly respected monarch and father.

    “The late Asagba was a peaceful man who led the people with love and brought peace to the kingdom. The few times I interacted with him, he was a great man who did very well for his people.

    “Our respected monarch did very well in his 34-year reign and I encourage all of us to embrace the legacies of love, sacrifice, service and tolerance which the late Asagba of Asaba epitomised. May God grant his soul eternal rest.”

    In a homily at the memorial mass, Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, the Most Reverend Michael Elue described the death of a believer as a transition to eternal life, saying death was inevitable and reminded Christians of the need to live holy at all times so as not to be caught unawares by death.

    He said the 100 years of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien on earth was purposeful and impactful and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

    Bishop Elue said the best way to immortalize oneself on earth was through selfless input on the lives of people just as the late monarch did.

    Representative of the Asagba family, Louis Edozien who thanked guests on behalf of the family, commended the Chiefs of Asaba, the Oshimili South Local Government Council, Delta State Government and the Federal Government for supporting the late monarch throughout his reign.

    He assured that the family would continue to emulate and protect the legacies epitomised by the late monarch.

  • Tinubu unveils NASENI CNG Centre in Abuja [Photos]

    Tinubu unveils NASENI CNG Centre in Abuja [Photos]

    𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮 on Friday commissioned NASENI Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) Reverse Engineering Training, Filling and Conversion Centre in Abuja.

    NASENI refers to National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure. The agency was established in 1992 by the Federal Government to conduct developmental work in the area of manufacturing.

    President Tinubu was represented at the event by the President of the Senate, 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐤𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐨.

    In his address, President Tinubu said: “Our administration’s Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas Initiative(PiCNG) is a flagship program by which we are actively supporting a private-sector-led rollout of critical gas infrastructure to drive innovation and industrialization in Nigeria.

    “It is also a major contribution to our vision of fully harnessing Nigeria’s immense gas resources, as a transition fuel on the journey to net-zero, as envisaged by our Energy Transition Plan(ETP).

    “Let me say that we are equally focused on the full range of energy options for powering Nigerian transport sector. So in addition to gas, electric vehicles are a major plank of our overall strategy.”

    President Tinubu said he was aware that NASENI is championing efforts in this area, with an ambitious plan to develop and build lithium batteries in Nigeria, working with foreign partners.

    “We can and will make Nigeria an African hub of the global Electric Vehicle revolution. Fortunately for us, Nigeria is blessed with abundant deposits of lithium, a key mineral in the development of Electric Vehicle batteries.

    “We have put in a lot of work on the way to the full implementation of the PiCNG, and this commissioning today is testament to the success of our efforts.

    “NASENI’s contribution to the development of technical and human capacity for converting engines to CNG demonstrates that we are a government that not only points out where we are headed, but also strives to lead by example.

    “As Chair of the Governing Board of NASENI, I will continue to provide the oversight and overall leadership for the attainment of NASENI’s Strategic Launchpad aspirations.

    “We will transform this agency into a model of public sector excellence and of public-private partnership,” he said.

    Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐮 said the CNG Center was developed in partnership with Portland and Kia, demonstrating NASENI’s collaborative approach, and to leverage on existing infrastructure to achieve the agency’s mandate.

    He said the facility commissioned could convert 15 cars every two hours, translating into an output of 2,700 conversions every month.

    “Mr. President, by our calculations, if Nigeria is able to have ten (10) of this kind of facility in each of the 36 States and the FCT, we will be able to convert every vehicle in the country to CNG within one year.

    “The reverse engineering work that will be done here will depend as much as possible on locally-sourced components. Our goal, as always, is to minimize capital flight, conserve foreign exchange, grow the local production economy, and create sustainable jobs and skills for Nigerians.

    “I am proud to say that these are still early days for us at NASENI – there is so much more that we are working on and will be rolling out in the months ahead, in line with our Strategic Launchpad, and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Welcome to the New NASENI!

    “With this new Center, NASENI is very well positioned to meet the demand for CNG-powered vehicles, and CNG generators in Nigeria,” Halilu said.

  • BREAKING! Tinubu extends Abuja free train ride till December

    BREAKING! Tinubu extends Abuja free train ride till December

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of free train rides on the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, also called the Metro Rail, for the next six months until the end of the year.

    The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had announced free train rides for two months, to ease the burden of commuting for residents of the FCT.

    Tinubu gave the approval during his address at the inauguration of the commencement of operations of the Abuja metro rail in Abuja on Wednesday, May 29.

    The president appealed for the extension to offer hope to the people of the FCT and give them reasons to celebrate.

    “Our dear landlord and his team, I heard you saying two months free ride. I appeal to you to make it till the end of the year. Since today you’re not going to charge me, that will give the people hope and reasons to celebrate,” Tinubu said.

    Details shortly…

  • 1st Anniversary: Dafinone hails Tinubu, says it has been tough, but Nigeria is on the right path

    1st Anniversary: Dafinone hails Tinubu, says it has been tough, but Nigeria is on the right path

    The Senator representing Delta Central Senatoral District, Senator Ede Dafinone has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his first anniversary in office, saying that though the journey has been tough, Nigeria is on the right path to economic recovery.

    Senator Dafinone in a press release to mark President Tinubu’s one year in office commended Mr President for some of the bold steps taken by his administration to redirect the nation’s economy to the path of growth and development. While calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in the face of economic hardship, the Delta Central lawmaker said that some of the pains being experienced will give way to nation’s gain if citizens will continue to support Mr President and his Renewed Hope Agenda. The press statement reads: “I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, on behalf of the great people of Urhobo Nation, extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on the successful completion of his first year in office. This milestone marks a significant chapter in our nation’s journey towards prosperity and development.

    “In the past year, President Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering commitment to steering our country towards a path of economic recovery and sustainable growth. Despite the formidable challenges we have faced, his leadership has been a beacon of hope and resilience for all Nigerians.

    “I call on every citizen to continue to support President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda. Our collective efforts and unity are crucial as we navigate through these trying times.

    It is only through our combined dedication and resolve that we can overcome obstacles and achieve the great potential that Nigeria holds. “While the journey so far has been tough, it is important to recognize that we are on the right path.

    The foundations laid by President Tinubu’s government are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. Economic recovery is within our reach, and together, we can turn our aspirations into reality. “Let us remain steadfast in our support for the President and his vision for our nation. By doing so, we contribute to the stability, progress, and success of Nigeria. “Once again, congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on this notable achievement.

    “I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to build a stronger and more resilient Nigeria.

  • One Year in Office: You have navigated a once-adrift ship to safety, Senator Barau tells President Tinubu

    One Year in Office: You have navigated a once-adrift ship to safety, Senator Barau tells President Tinubu

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the government’s first anniversary, describing the president as a great leader and a visionary of modern Nigeria.

    Senator Barau, in a statement to commemorate the first anniversary of the government, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said President Tinubu has navigated the once-adrift ship of the Nigerian State to safety.

    “I join all Nigerians and other admirers around the world in congratulating a great visionary leader of our time, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of the first anniversary of this government.

    “His Excellency has, no doubt, steadily navigated the once-adrift ship of the Nigerian State to safety,” he said.

    With a transformative vision to turn around the nation’s fortunes for the citizenry’s overall benefit, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda, Senator Barau said President Tinubu had led the country out of the doldrums in the last year.

    “The National Assembly, as the voice of all Nigerians, will always stand in synergy with Mr President’s visionary administration in facilitating the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda to restore hope in the country,” he said.

    Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged Nigerians to remember that “before comfort, there must be some discomfort. Let us endure. Nigeria will change for the better, Insha Allah.

    “I, therefore, call on Nigerians of all persuasions to continue to pray for our leaders and the well-being of our country and to offer their full support to President Tinubu as he resets our dear nation for peace and socio-economic prosperity,” he said.

  • One Year Of President Tinubu Administration: Greater Nigeria beckons, says Omo-Agege

    One Year Of President Tinubu Administration: Greater Nigeria beckons, says Omo-Agege

    _…hails Tinubu’s economic reforms_

    As the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration marks it’s first year anniversary, immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has urged Nigerians to continue to support the government, saying that the ongoing economic reforms were targeted at restoring the well-being of citizens and Nigeria’s dignity among the comity of nations.

    Senator Omo-Agege in a statement he personally signed, expressed optimism that a greater Nigeria was in the offing with the reforms, noting that the present pains as a result of the economic policies of the Tinubu administration were temporary.

    He said the president inherited an economy on the verge of collapse, adding that the tough reforms were required to chart a new course to bring it back from the brink.

    Senator Omo-Agege hailed President Tinubu for not pretending about the near comatose state of the country by not taking populist decisions to excite the masses “in the short term but inflict monumental and irreparable damage on the economy in the medium and long term.”

    Explaining the economic policies, Omo-Agege stated that the administration started by tackling “head-on the main challenges facing the oil and gas industry. He abolished the duplicitous oil subsidy regime that only enriched a few but continued haemorrhaging the economy.

    “Then he decisively waged war on crude oil theft that had brought crude oil production to unprecedented low levels.

    “By complimenting the aggressive efforts of the Nigerian Navy through the involvement of private organisations in strengthening the protection of the country’s oil and gas infrastructure, export has been stabilised.

    “The direct impact of the increased production spurred a 37 percent growth in Nigeria’s oil export in 2023. Crude oil export revenue hit N29 trillion in 2023, a 37 percent increase compared to N21.1 trillion recorded in 2022.

    “The upswing has continued as production hit 1.7 million barrels per day in May, the highest in four years and the path to hitting OPEC quota of about two million barrels per day.”

    He said the inevitable pains associated, initially, with the economic decisions have only shown that the president is not inspired by thoughts of 2027 elections but by the desire to fix the country.

    “Having reached the nadir of decline, Nigeria needed a comprehensive reset to purge the people of false living and make a detour to a life of reality, even if it meant a fresh beginning.

    “President Tinubu’s economic agenda and policies are targeted at restoring the confidence of the investors, local and foreign, promoting stability and long term corporate planning and necessary investment decisions,” he stated.

    According to him, “in unifying the multiple foreign exchange markets, President Tinubu eliminated the corruption-ridden system that gave access to mainly unproductive people within the corridors of power to foreign exchange, leaving out the real sector. Gradually, the naira is finding its real and sustainable value while creating the ambience for exports to thrive.

    “His measures are not lost on the international business community many of whom are revving up to enter the lucrative Nigerian market.

    “It is still morning in President Tinubu’s mission of pulling Nigeria back from the cliffhanger he inherited. He is on the right track even though the process may manifest some pains.

    “He needs the unflinching support of every Nigerian as a greater tomorrow beckons. As the president marks his first year in office, we urge him to continue on the path of reforms that will restore the country’s dignity among the comity of nations.”