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Tag: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

  • Setback for anti-Tinubu coalition as Peter Obi confirms 2027 bid on Labour Party platform

    Setback for anti-Tinubu coalition as Peter Obi confirms 2027 bid on Labour Party platform

    The prospect of a united opposition front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) may have hit a stumbling block, following Peter Obi’s declaration that he will contest the 2027 general election under the Labour Party (LP) banner.

    Obi, who was the LP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, made the announcement during a conversation with a group of young supporters in a video shared via the party’s WhatsApp platform and captured by Danroyce TV on Saturday.

    In the video, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, saying, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” when asked about his political plans for 2027.

    He also accused the federal government of orchestrating the internal crises currently affecting both the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” Obi stated.

    Citing a past example under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he recalled how efforts were made to resolve party conflicts through executive intervention, contrasting it with the current political climate. “Today, there are problems in all the parties. These are deliberately created issues caused by the system. It’s part of what I want to fix if given the chance. You can’t have a functioning democracy without strong opposition,” he said.

    Obi also called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to stay engaged and ensure their votes count, emphasizing that electoral integrity ultimately rests with the people. He encouraged voters not to be disheartened, noting that efforts toward meaningful change will always face resistance from those benefiting from the current system.

    On leadership renewal, Obi advocated for a retirement age for politicians, revealing that he would be 65 by the time of the 2027 elections and does not intend to continue contesting into his 70s.

    His remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a broad opposition alliance involving figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition is reportedly considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential platform for the 2027 race.

    Obi’s decision to remain with the Labour Party signals a possible fragmentation of opposition efforts, potentially weakening any unified challenge to the APC in the next election cycle.

  • Tinubu celebrates Buhari at 81

    Tinubu celebrates Buhari at 81

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his friend and ally, former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism on his 81st birthday.

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Tinubu extolled the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former President, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

    The president recalled Buhari’s unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, comprising several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges.

    He added that Buhari also had to his credit establishment of Nigeria’s first ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats.

    The President fondly recalled the former President’s aggressive push to modernize Nigeria’s defence architecture while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security.

    Tinubu described Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.

    “President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland. The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay,” the President said.

    Tinubu appreciated Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his support for the administration.

    While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, Tinubu assured the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he had always worked for, would not be dashed.

     

     

  • Be ready to perform or you leave us- Tinubu tells ministers

    Be ready to perform or you leave us- Tinubu tells ministers

    President Bola Tinubu has urged members of his cabinet to work assiduously towards achieving the mandate of their ministries or be ready to leave the government.

    Tinubu stated this in his address at 2023 Cabinet Retreat for Ministers, Presidential Aides, Permanent Secretaries and Top government functionaries.

    The theme of the three-day retreat is, ” Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    The president reminded the ministers of their responsibility to served the people who entrusted their mandate on him.

    Tinubu reiterated the commitment of his administration to take 50 million Nigerians out of poverty, saying “poverty is not a shameful thing, it is only unacceptable.”

    ” And we have to banished it because it is unacceptable,” the president said.

    He also enjoined the ministers to focus on their ministries progress and come up with bold endeavours, stressing that his administration was determined to turn the nation’s population into an asset.

    ” That is why we established Results Delivery Units. At the end of this retreat you are going to sign a Bond of Understanding between the ministers, the Permanent Secretaries and myself.

    ” If you are performing there is nothing to fear. If you missed the objective, we review, if no performance you leave us. No one is an inland and the bunk stops on my desk.

    ” I assure you will have a free hand. you must be intellectually inquisitive to ask how? Why? When? and why it must be immediate.

    ” I have taken a young lady, very dynamic Hadiza Usman to Head that delivery units. If you have any complain about her see me. If you are ready to work with her stay there. Delivery yes! We must achieve it for the sake of the millions of the people.”

    He said that the country was blessed with great talents around the world, adding that Nigeria was the biggest intellectually sound country in Africa.

    ” Yes we have challenges in Sahel, we have challenges of climate change. South and North of Nigeria is battered, we’ve all seen such.

    ” You have desert encroachment in the north but we are still blessed with arable lands. We can do it, we can built our country.

    ” It is not about the theoreticians, it is about practical determinations and focus evaluation. Yes it is our country, we have no other one.

    ” Let be proud that we are Nigerians, that we can do it, you can show leadership. We can fight to make democracy a lasting reference for the rest of Africa.”

    The President, who enjoined ministers and other government officials not to be afraid in taken decisions, however, warned them against being antagonistic to their supervisor.

    ” If they are wrong debate it. I stand before you and I have clear several occasions and I will be saying today again as the President I can make mistakes.

    ” Point it to me I will resolve that conflict, that error, perfection is only that of Almighty God, but you are there to help me succeed. Success I must achieve by all means necessary.

    ” We have great minds, great intellects and all that we need. When we were discussing this retreat. I said other than members of diplomatic corps to give us goodwill and inspiration.

    ” Don’t invite any foreigner to give me lecture about governance. I have been through it and I believe in Nigeria.

    ” It started from the day I was sworn in that bold endeavor is only achieve through courage, determination and focus leadership.”

    Tinubu said that the country was going through a reform painfully, saying ” and we still have other challenges.

    ” Don’t be a clog in the will of Nigeria progress. Let us look forward. Let us be determined that corruption will go, progress will be achieve.

    ” Better living wages for our workers. We will transform the economy to work for millions of our citizens. We must take 50 million people out of poverty.

    ” We must built healthcare that work for all. Look around don’t be wicked. Look at the standard of education. Look at the classrooms, look at the roads.

    ” We can only spent the money. We will find it, we cannot spent the people. No crime in borrowing,” Tinubu said.

    The President also  urged the Civil Servants to cooperate with the ministers to form a formidable team for the good of the country.

    “As I’ve stated before, no one succeeds alone. You the civil service, you must not see a minister as he or she will come and go and you will be there.

    “You must make a positive team for the good of this country. Yes! I admit and accept the asset and liability of my predecessor, is part of the definition in my professional background.

    “But you are in this ship you will make good of it but not wreck it. You are a member of a great family don’t see that minister as opportunistic.

    “See, he or she as a partner that we must take the ship forward. Navigating through turbulence and clear weather,” the President said.

     

  • BREAKING: Atiku accuses Supreme Court and INEC of supporting illegality, identity theft, impersonation, forgery of certificates and perjury

    BREAKING: Atiku accuses Supreme Court and INEC of supporting illegality, identity theft, impersonation, forgery of certificates and perjury

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25, 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, says the October 26, 2023 verdict of the Supreme Court, though final, leaves much to be desired.

    The former Vice President stated this at a press briefing on Monday in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    He insisted that the then candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, was not qualified to contest the February 2023 presidential poll.
    He accused the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of supporting illegality, identity theft, impersonation, forgery of certificates and perjury.

    Atiku said when people lose confidence in the electoral process, democracy is on life support.

    Details Later…

  • Tinubu seeks German chancellor’s support to combat terrorism

    Tinubu seeks German chancellor’s support to combat terrorism

    President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday solicited the support of German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, in combating terrorism in Nigeria.

    Tinubu made the request at a bilateral meeting with the German Chancellor at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday.

    “We are fighting terrorism and that is improving. We still need more support in that area. And for us to be able to sustain democracy, rule of law and freedom for our people, we need to fight for democracy.

    “And democracy must win at all times for us to meet the expectation of an African dream. That is why your visit this time around is more than necessary.

    “You will have noticed, I don’t need to go about the various problems happening in the Sahel region of Africa. You’ve seen and noticed the coup in Guinea and recently in Niger Republic.

    “We have people diplomatically managing the situation. The need for you to help on security will be emphasised and we will continue to require your knowledge.

    “We thank you for the past contributions, particularly on police, law enforcement training. We need more help. And we’ll discuss further today.”

    The president said following the supreme court judgment validating his election, his administration would focus on good governance to move the country forward.

    He said his administration was determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country.

    “It is just about a few days ago that the Nigerian Supreme Court had a final say on our electoral exercise.

    “The distraction is over. This gives us more time to focus on governance for the people and moving Nigeria forward for economic opportunities and prosperity that will defend democracy.

    “Our economic team and members of the group are all here ready to partner with you, with Germany as the largest economy in Europe.

    “And the largest economy in Africa is Nigeria, so we are blessed with good environment, weather and blessed in terms of mineral resources.

    “Our hydrocarbon industry is still fledging environmentally while we are moving towards the transition energy source.

    “I know Germany has advanced a lot in protecting the environment and modernising energy to meet the 21st century needs both of the world and Europe in particular.”

    On his part, Scholz expressed the commitment of Germany to democracy and the rule of law.

    “And it is important for us to make this a lifestyle for countries. It is good for a better future for our people. And so I’m very happy that we can work on this discussion.

    “We will examine how we can continue to support you in doing the best and having this insecurity questions in your country as well.

    “We will go into details later, but I can assure you that we will continue our support and our cooperation in this field.”

    He said one of the main aspects for cooperation between the two countries would be developing the economy and using the economic opportunities of Nigeria.

    “As you already said, there are a lot of chances not just from gas and oil, which is traditionally linked to your country.

    “But there’s a lot of room for improvement, using the capacities of your country, but also for going into investments for the future, which is about hydrogen.”

     

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new Federal Civil Service Commission leadership team

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new Federal Civil Service Commission leadership team

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) leadership team, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate.

    The ppointments were announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale.

    The new team is expected to commence work on November 30, 2023, following the expiration of the tenure of the current FCSC Chairman and membership.

    The new FCSC leadership team is as follows:

    (1) Prof. Tunji Olaopa — Chairman

    (2) Dr. Daudu Ibrahim Jalo — Member (Representing Adamawa | Gombe | Taraba)

    (3) Ms. Gekpe Grace Isu — Member (Representing Akwa Ibom | Cross River)

    (4) Dr. Chamberlain Nwele — Member (Representing Anambra | Ebonyi | Enugu)

    (5) Mr. Rufus N. Godwins — Member (Representing Rivers | Delta | Bayelsa)

    (6) Dr. Adamu Hussein — Member (Representing Niger | FCT)

    (7) Mr. Aminu Nabegu — Member (Representing Jigawa | Kano)

    (8) Ms. Hindatu Abdullahi — Member (Representing Kaduna | Katsina)

    (9) Mr. Shehu Aliyu — Member (Representing Kebbi | Sokoto | Zamfara)

    (10) Ms. Odekunle Rukiyat Aduke — Member (Representing Kogi | Kwara)

    (11) Mr. Jide Jimoh — Member (Representing Lagos | Ogun)

    (12) Dr. Festus Oyebade — Member (Representing Osun | Oyo)

     

     

  • Supreme Court has done justice to all issues without fear or favour- Tinubu reacts to judgement

    Supreme Court has done justice to all issues without fear or favour- Tinubu reacts to judgement

    President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming his victory at the 25 February election, saying the court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.

    Mr Tinubu said this in a statement, titled “It is time for us to build our great nation together,” on Thursday shortly after the judgement was delivered by the court.

    Earlier today, Supreme Court dismissed the petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi challenging the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, (PEPC).

    Reacting to the judgement Tinubu said, “I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

    “The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.

    “There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter,” he said.

    Mr Tinubu said the victory would further energise and strengthen his commitment to continue to serve Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths.

    “The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens,” he said.

     

  • Ex-INEC boss, Jega wants power to appoint apex electoral body’s head removed from Tinubu

    Ex-INEC boss, Jega wants power to appoint apex electoral body’s head removed from Tinubu

    …seeks immediate amendment

    Ex-Chairman of INEC Attahiru has called for the removal of powers from President Bola Tinubu to appoint chairman of the apex electoral body in Nigeria.

    Jega spoke at a two-day retreat organised for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

    Some of the sections he wants an amendments include the electronic transmission of results which he said must be made mandatory from the next general elections in 2027.

    Jega who conducted the election that saw the enthronement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, when the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan lost to immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, also wanted to see the president divested of the power to appoint the chairman and National Commissioners of INEC to free the commission from partisanship.

    He said the law should be reviewed to ensure that all cases arising from the conduct of elections are resolved and judgements made before the date of swearing-in.

    Stakeholders at the workshop had expressed concern that section 64 of the Electoral Act, which states the process of transmission of election results, is susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation as already seen in the last election.

    Jega, however, stated that such ambiguity in that section should be clarified by making transmission of election results compulsory, including uploading of polling unit level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.

    “INEC would have enough time to prepare for this, if the Act is amended early enough in the ensuing electoral cycle,” he said.

    He also called for the introduction of either early voting for eligible voters on election duty, such as INEC staff, observers and their drivers, security personnel, and journalists or special arrangement to enable them vote on election day, especially for presidential elections.

    He advocated for diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad.

    “There is need to enhance inclusion of women, if necessary by up to 35% of elective positions in parliament, and in all political parties’ candidate lists,” he added.

    On cross-carpeting by elected officials, Jega called for its proscription, adding that it should not only for members of the National Assembly but also for elected executives, governors and chairmen of LGAs while INEC should be empowered to prepare for elections to fill the vacancy once it has evidence of the act of cross-carpeting.

  • Real reason Tinubu dumped Imam as FERMA boss emerges

    Real reason Tinubu dumped Imam as FERMA boss emerges

    The major reason why President Bola Tinubu dropped First Class graduate of UK based Brighton varsity, Imam Kashim Imam has emerged.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls the president had appointed as Board Chairman Imam, son of Borno-born politician Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, who ran for the Office of Governor of his State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2003 and 2007, losing both times to the All Nigeria Peoples Party’s Ali Modu Sheriff.

    Thursday’s withdrawal followed heavy criticism from some Nigerians who argued that Imam, though a first-class graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University in the UK, has no prior work experience.

    Although the Presidency did not announce his replacement, it said the “withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is directed with immediate effect.
    Friday, Tinubu reconstituted the Governing Board and Management team of FERMA for a renewable term of four years.

  • Breaking: Tinubu appoints new ICPC Charman, Secretary

    Breaking: Tinubu appoints new ICPC Charman, Secretary

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed a new management team for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC).

    A statement signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said that the new chairman is nominated for confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

    The new ICPC appointees are Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, as chairman and chief executive officer, and Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, as secretary to the commission.

    This is following the President’s approval of the outgoing chairman’s request to proceed on pre-end of tenure leave beginning on November 4, 2023, ahead of the expiration of his tenure on February 3, 2024.

    The position of secretary to the commission, however, does not require Senate confirmation, and, therefore, by the directive of the President, the appointment of Oparaodu as secretary of the commission takes immediate effect.

    Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria-designate with a doctorate degree in law, had implemented far-reaching reforms as the Attorney General of Jigawa State.

    Oparaodu, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience, has served meritoriously in the public service as a member of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission and chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.

    The President implored the new management team of ICPC to always be above board as they discharge their duties without fear or favour.