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Tag: Kashim Shettima

  • VP Shettima, ACF mourn Emir of Zuru

    VP Shettima, ACF mourn Emir of Zuru

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed profound grief over the passing of the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Sami (Gomo II).

    The traditional ruler and a reputable retired military officer died on Saturday night in a London hospital, at the age of 81.

    In a condolence message on Sunday in Abuja, Shettima described the death of the royal father as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s traditional institution and military heritage.

    Shettima stated that the late highly revered Emir was an eminent leader who exemplified the rare combination of military discipline, traditional wisdom, and community service that defined Nigeria’s post-independence leadership generation.

    According to him, when the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered.

    “Today, our traditional and military landscapes look markedly different without Maj.-Gen.Sami’s commanding presence that bridged two critical pillars of our national leadership structure.

    “Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu  Sami was not just an Emir or a military officer; he was a symbol of how diverse forms of leadership can unite to serve a common purpose – the betterment of one’s people and nation,”Shettima said.

    The vice-president recalled that the late emir’s military background brought a unique dimension to traditional governance.

    Shettima said the late emir’s strategic thinking and disciplined approach  to leadership significantly enhanced the administrative efficiency of the Zuru Emirate.

    He sets, “On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, myself, and the entire government of Nigeria, I express our deepest condolences to the immediate and extended families of the late Emir,  the Zuru Emirate Council, and the entire people of Kebbi.”

    While offering prayers for the repose of the departed emir’s soul, Shettima expressed confidence that his legacy would endure in the hearts and minds of those he served.

    “I pray Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, the government and people of Kebbi State, and indeed the entire nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he prayed.

    ACF mourns Emir of Zuru, business mogul, Isyaku Ibrahim

    Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two prominent Northern figures; retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Sani Sami, Emir of Zuru in Kebbi and Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, a veteran politician and renowned businessman.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, on Sunday in Kaduna.

    The ACF described the late emir, aged 81, and Alhaji Ibrahim, aged 89, as illustrious sons of Northern Nigeria whose contributions to national development, regional advancement, and community service would be long remembered.

    “The deaths of these two distinguished individuals are huge losses to Arewa and Nigeria at large,” Muhammad-Baba said.

    Gen. Sani Sami, who bore the traditional title Gomo II, was a decorated military officer who joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 and served with distinction during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.

    He later held various high-level military positions, including Commandant of the Brigade of Guards and Military Governor of Bauchi State.

    Following his retirement from active service, he was installed as the Emir of Zuru, a position he held until his passing. ACF stated that his life was marked by “devotion to nation, community, and humanity.”

    Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, on his part, was celebrated by the forum for his long-standing role in Nigerian politics and business.

    A founding member of the Board of Trustees of both the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and later the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), he was also known for his philanthropic activities and commitment to sports development.

    He was widely respected for his principled stance on national issues and his efforts in defending democratic norms, including his alleged role in resisting the controversial attempted abduction of the late politician Umaru Dikko during the military era.

    “The Arewa Consultative Forum will forever cherish the legacies and memories of these great men,” he added.

    ACF extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, the governments and people of Kebbi and Nasarawa State, as well as Nigerians at home and abroad. The forum also prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls in Aljannat Firdaus.

  • Why Tinubu priotises MSMEs – Shettima

    Why Tinubu priotises MSMEs – Shettima

    The President Bola Tinubu’s Administration priotises Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) because, beyond being the lifeline of the citizens, they are the pillars upon which the nation’s economy stands.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, disclosed this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Federal Government’s state-of-the-art Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Hub for MSMEs in Calabar, Cross River.

    Shettima also inaugurated the newly refurbished State Library Complex housing the hub and two newly acquired Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets (100-seat capacity each) for use by the state-owned airline – Cally Air.

    The Vice-President noted that no nation in the world can prosper beyond what its small businesses promises.

    He stressed that, at the core of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,  is a commitment to create an environment where MSMEs not only survive, but thrive.

    “When His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, took charge, he did not only guarantee access to capital, he pledged to support every venture that dares to redefine the future of work, skills, and industries.

    “We are here in pursuit of our promise to build an ecosystem that eases the struggles of our entrepreneurs, provides the infrastructure that fuels creativity, and unleashes the innovative spirit of our people,” he declared.

    “The world today is shaped by the wave of digital technology, and so the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Information, Communication and Technology Hub for MSMEs in this beautiful state could not have come at a better time.

    “This is our eighth Expanded National MSME Clinics, and like those before it, the hub we commission today is our investment in tomorrow.

    “We are living in a digital century where technology is no longer a luxury but a lifeline,” he said.

    Shettima added that the clinic was part of efforts by the Tinubu’ administration to bring the Federal Government’s support directly to the doorstep of businesses across the country.

    “The MSME Clinics, such as the one we launch today, are designed to bring the Federal Government’s support directly to your doorstep.

    “Here, entrepreneurs can interact with the Corporate Affairs Commission, NAFDAC, the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, and other critical agencies. Here, challenges are met with solutions, not promises deferred,” he said.

    Shettima announced the disbursement of N250,000 unconditional grant, each to outstanding business owners in Cross River, as part of ongoing efforts to support MSMEs across the country.

    This is not a loan. It is a gift to accelerate your journey,” he said

    Shettima drew attention to other interventions under the Tinubu administration such as the creation of a N75 billion MSME Intervention Fund being administered by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

    He listed the N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to support one million nano businesses across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria with grants of N50,000 each.

    He also listed the N75 billion Fund for manufacturers to access up to N1 billion in funding at a 9 per cent interest rate.

    The Vice-President hailed  Gov. Bassey Otu for his support and leadership in promoting infrastructure in Cross River.

    He noted that  the commissioning of two Bombardier CRJ1000 aircrafts “to boost air travel, will not only invites the world to the People’s Paradise but also makes it a safe destination for investments”.

    Corroborating the Vice-President, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu remained unwavering in his support for small businesses in Nigeria.

    He added that Tinubu demonstrated same through policy reforms, special interventions and provision of critical infrastructure across the country.

    He commended the passion and determination of the Vice-President for the MSME space by personally encouraging and supporting activities in the sector through the clinics and related interventions.

    The minister noted that the efforts will positively transform the space in the near future.

    Speaking in the same veins, the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, described the MSME Clinics as a unique initiative of the Federal Government that is transforming ideas of budding and established entrepreneur across different sectors.

    He said the vision of establishing shared facilities for MSMEs across the country was prompted by the desire of the Federal Government to intentionally address key challenges confronting small businesses.

    Earlier,  Ottu said the state government believed in the reforms of the Tinubu administration and is keying into every facet of the reforms.

    According to him, the administration is building a formidable economy that will sustain and stand the test of time.

    Out pledged the support of the government and people of Cross River  for Tinubu’s government and its aspirations.

    The governor reeled out what his administration is doing to support growth and development of MSMEs across the state.

  • How Tinubu directed me to visit Buhari on sickbed in London – Shettima

    How Tinubu directed me to visit Buhari on sickbed in London – Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has explained how President Bola Tinubu directed him to visit the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on his sickbed in London, United Kingdom.

    Shettima made this known on Wednesday after a brief prayer for the repose of the soul of Buhari, held at the deceased’s residence in Daura, Katsina State.

    He said Tinubu was personally pained by the loss of Buhari, adding that it was not a loss only to the family of Buhari, the people of Daura or the people of Katsina State but it was a major loss to the nation and to the African continent.

    According to him, people from far and wide have called to commiserate with  Tinubu over the sad demise of “our elders statesman.”

    He stated that every soul shall test the torment of the death, adding that death was an inevitable destiny that hangs on everyone’s neck.

    “We should all consider ourselves as travellers with our bag and baggage waiting for the train,” he said.

    Shettima prayed to Allah to grant the soul of Buhari eternal rest, reward him with Aljannah Firdaus and protect the family he left behind.

    He added, ” The president was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier on to go and visit the late President.

    “I was there for two days and when he answered the call of Allah, the president equally directed me and the Chief of Staff to go and accompany the family and the body of the late president back home.

    “And best on consultation with Tinubu,  the family of the late president Buhari and the Government of Katsina State, it was unanimously resolved that tomorrow (Thursday) by God grace, by noon, we shall all gather here to offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of the late president. “

    Shettima said that the late Buhari was not an ordinary person, adding that Nigerians from all walks of life were still free to come and offer their condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State.

    The vice-president disclosed that the Gov. Dikko Radda would be in the state for the next one week and also the members of the family of the late president would be in Daura to accept condolences.

    “But the formal ceremony will come to am end tomorrow based on consultation between Tinubu, the family of the late president and the Governor of Katsina state, ” Shettima said.

    Earlier,  Radda said the demise of Buhari was a great loss to the people of Katsina State, the nation and Africa in general.

    He urged leaders at all levels to sustain the legacies of the late Buhari by ensuring transparency, honesty and accountability in governance, adding, “Buhari lived and died for the people.”

    The governor appealed to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Buhari.

    Radda thanked Tinubu and Shettima for honouring the late former president and the people of Katsina state with their presence during Buhari’s burial.

    Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris,  extolled the virtues of the late former Nigerian leader.

    “We are here to pray for the repose of the soul of our  former leader, president Muhammadu Buhari.

    “May Allah accept his soul. Yesterday (Tuesday) as we all know, the former president was buried here in his compound and it was witnessed by people from all walks of life including the President of Nigeria, President Tinubu.

    “Today, we have come to offer condolences and to also offer prayers for the repose of the soul of the former President, ” the minister said.

    On his part, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi,  said he worked closely with the late Buhari as a member of his cabinet.

    According to him, Buhari demonstrated high sense of leadership, integrity and sense of leadership qualities.

    “The late former president Buhari tried his best to fight corruption at all levels of government. He also tried his best to improve the quality of the Nigerian economy.

    “We thank Allah for providing us with a leader of that quality and we are here today praying for the repose of his soul. We pray to Allah to grant him Aljannah, ” Dingyadi prayed.

    Dignitaries present were: Alhaji Mamman Daura, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.

    Others were the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar.

    Also present were: Mr Peter Obi, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Rufai Ahmed, former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-rufa’i,  among others.

  • BREAKING: Shettima arrives in Nigeria with Buhari’s body

    BREAKING: Shettima arrives in Nigeria with Buhari’s body

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Nigeria with the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a clinic in London.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Vice President Shettima arrived in the country with Buhari’s body via the Malam Umar Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina, in the company of some family members of the late former president.

    The plane carrying the remains of the former President arrived at the Katsina airport from London at about 1:53 pm West Africa Time (WAT).

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu had directed Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to proceed to the United Kingdom to retrieve the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.

    On arrival in Katsina, VP Shettima was received by President Bola Tinubu, who was accompanied by top government officials.

    Buhari, who was 82, served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. He also served as Military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.

    A brief military ceremony is currently being held at the port of arrival, at the time of filing this report, after which, the body will be transported to Daura for burial, following Islamic rites.

    Dignitaries troop into Daura for Buhari’s burial

    Meanwhile, Buhari’s hometown of Daura has turned into a miniature Mecca as dignitaries troop in to bid a final farewell to the deceased former president.

    Dignitaries, including the Emir of Daura, have arrived at the residence of the late former President.

    According to the Katsina State Government, three African leaders are to join President Tinubu in the funeral rites.

    Already, President Abdourahamane Tchiani of the Niger Republic has sent his representative, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, who has arrived in Katsina.

    TNG reports former VP Yemi Osinbajo, along with Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, has arrived in Katsina to attend the funeral. Former VP Atiku Abubakar has also arrived in Daura for the burial.

    Similarly, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has arrived in Katsina. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Aliko Dangote have arrived in Katsina for the funeral.

    Senate President Godwill Akpabio, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno, and former Ministers Abubakar Malami and Prof. Isa Pantami have also arrived in Katsina.

    The delegation of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajjudden Abbas, has arrived in Katsina for the funeral of former President Buhari.

  • JUST IN: Shettima departs London with Buhari’s body

    JUST IN: Shettima departs London with Buhari’s body

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed London with the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at a London clinic.

    Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the VicePresident, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nkwocha said: “I can only confirm that the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, has departed London for Nigeria in the company of some family members of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “They are accompanying the remains of the late former President for burial in Daura, Katsina State later today. Other members of the Federal Government’s delegation, as sent by President Tinubu, have also departed for Nigeria, ” he said.

    The Federal Government declared Tuesday (today)  a public holiday in honour of  late  Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.

    The holiday  comes as part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period earlier announced by the President Bola Tinubu to pay tribute to Buhari’s life and legacy.

    Buhari died at age 82, and his death was confirmed in a statement by his former special adviser, Garba Shehu, on Sunday evening.

  • Shettima visits Buhari’s family in London

    Shettima visits Buhari’s family in London

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, paid a condolence visit to the family of late former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.

    Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

    Shettima is in London at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to accompany Buhari’s body to Nigeria for burial at his hometown, Daura, on Tuesday.

    Aged 82, Buhari died on Sunday at a London clinic where he was receiving treatment, having initially travelled for routine medical check-up in April.

    Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, after a distinguished career in the military, including a brief stint as Head of State from 1983 to 1985.

    He survived by his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and eight children.

    The senior special assistant stated that Shettima also visited the late President’s nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, who is recuperating in a London hospital.

    Nkwocha explained that the condolence visits were conducted while the vice-president awaits the conclusion of procedures and documentation for the repatriation of Buhari’s body to Nigeria.

    He said Shettima was accompanied by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia.

    Buhari tried his best to make Nigeria great – Olu Falae

    A former Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Oba Olu Falae, says late former President Muhammadu Buhari tried his best to make Nigeria a great nation.

    Falae, who is the Olu of ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo state, stated this in a telephone interview with NAN on Monday in Akure.

    The traditional ruler said that Buhari’s intention was for the betterment of the country. Buhari died at the age of 82 in London on Sunday.

    Falae told NAN that the late former president tried to eliminate corruption from the public sphere by tackling corruption among politicians and civil servants.

    “He did his best and tried to make Nigeria great by wiping out corruption from the society. The intention was an excellent one but to me the approach to achieve it was another matter,” he said.

    Falae, who was the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999, honoured the courage of the late president in making it a priority to sanitise the polity as a civilian and elected president.

    The former minister of finance enjoined Nigerian leaders to collectively work towards reduction of corrupt practices to the best barest minimum.

    “To me as an opinion, corruption cannot be totally wipe out but if our leaders collectively decide to reduce corruption, they will succeed by living a life of honesty, transparency and integrity.

    “As we can recall, many people were arrested and prosecuted during the Buhari regime but only few were convicted, suggesting that the approach was not the most effective,” he said.

    According to him, leaders in the country must fight corruption in both public and private spheres.

    Also speaking to NAN, Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Power, said that the late former president died at a ripe age having done his best for the country.

    Agunloye asked Nigerians to take it as priority in making the country better by living a life of social justice.

    The former minister added that Nigerians should clamour for a system that is fair to all citizens irrespective of status, religions and ethnicity.

  • JUST IN: Shettima, high-ranking officials touch down London for Buhari’s body

    JUST IN: Shettima, high-ranking officials touch down London for Buhari’s body

    Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday morning arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG)  understands that Shettima, Gbajabiamila, and others in the high-ranking government delegation arrived in London following the directive from President Tinubu, shortly after news of Buhari’s death was announced.

    The Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, among others.

    As a mark of respect to the former Nigerian leader, President Tinubu on Sunday, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days and also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council scheduled for Tuesday in his honour.

    The Vice President will accompany former President Buhari’s body to Nigeria for burial in Daura, Katsina State.

  • Rivers state of emergency: Presidency defends Shettima’s remarks at Adoke’s book launch

    Rivers state of emergency: Presidency defends Shettima’s remarks at Adoke’s book launch

    The Presidency says  Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s remarks at the Mohammed Adoke’s book launch on Thursday are not in any way a criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s actions on declaration of state of emergency in Rivers.

    Mr Stanley Nkwocha,  Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Office of the Vice President,,made this known at a news conference on Friday in Abuja,

    “The Office of the Vice-President has noted with serious concern the gross misrepresentation of remarks made by Shettima during the public presentation of the book.

    “The launch of the book titled “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block” by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

    “Certain online news outlets and individuals have distorted the Vice-President’s comments in pursuit of a mischievous agenda.

    “They twisted his account of how the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan considered removing him from office—then as Governor of Borno State—at the height of the insurgency in the North East region.

    “This sensational reporting strips the Vice-President’s remarks of their proper context. It entures into fiction by drawing false equivalence between his personal experience and the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, as well as the subsequent suspension of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara by President Tinubu,” he said.

    Nkwocha said Shettima’s comments at the book launch were made within the context of acknowledging the author’s professional conduct during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation.

    He said the Vice President and the entire administration fully support and stand by the President without reservation.

    “Shettima stands in loyal concert with Tinubu in implementing these difficult but necessary actions to safeguard our democracy.

    “We urge media organisations and political actors to desist from the destructive practice of wrenching statements from context in order to fabricate nonexistent conflicts.”

    He added that the remarks were intended as a discourse on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution and highlight how complex federal-state tensions have been managed through legal mechanism.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, President Bola Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional measure implemented was a suspension, not an outright removal.

    “This action, along with the declaration of a state of emergency, was taken in response to the grave political crisis in Rivers State at the time.

    “The situation was unprecedented, with the State House of Assembly complex under demolition and the Governor facing a looming threat of impeachment by aggrieved members of the legislature.

    “No objective observer can deny that this decisive intervention by the President brought stability and calm to Rivers State.”

    Shettima on Thursday in Abuja recounted his odeal under the administration of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He made the revelation at the public presentation of a book titled, ” OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigeria Oil Block, “authored by the former Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke.

    According to Shettima, in the last four years of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, I was the most demonized person, I was the public enemy number one.

    “There are two gentlemen seated here. Certain decisions are taken in a very rear peace circle.  The President, the Vice President,  the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “In one of such conclaves, former President Goodluck Jonathan with whom we have sheath the sword and have now recalibrated our relationship was muting the idea of removing this Borno governor.

    Aminu Tambuwal, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives had the courage to tell the President that your Excellency, you don’t have the powers to remove an elected councillor.

    “The President was still not convinced,  he muted the idea at the Federal Executive Council, ” Shettima said.

    “He (Mr Adoke) told the then President that Mr President you do not have the powers to remove a sitting governor not even a councillor.

    “They sought for the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki,  who said I’m concurring with the opinion of my senior colleague.

    “That was how the matter was laid to rest but that was how my relationship with Mr Adoke and Aminu Tambuwal became eternally sealed. “

    Nkwocha said the Vice-President comments extemporaneously, focused on the importance of public officials documenting their stewardship and on the enduring principle of accountability in public service.

    “His historical references were made to illustrate the principled stands taken by past public servants, as well as his personal ties to Mohammed Bello Adoke and former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    He insisted that the situation is not comparable to that of the North East under the Jonathan administration, where violent non-state actors were directly challenging the sovereignty of the Nigerian state.

    “The situation demanded unified action by both federal and state authorities to confront terrorism.

    “In contrast, President Tinubu acted strictly within constitutional limits and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic institutions and restore order in Rivers State.

    “Nigeria’s laws provide a clear framework for addressing such matters. Section 305(3)(c) of the Constitution authorises extraordinary measures when there is “a breakdown of public order.

    “And public safety in the federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.

    “The situation in Rivers State clearly met  constitutional threshold, with persistent politically motivated violence, systematic attacks on federal institutions, and near-complete paralysis of governance—conditions intolerable in any democratic society.”

    Nkwocha said that Tinubu acted with constitutional fidelity, adding that his proclamation invoking Section 305(2) was ratified by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the National Assembly, as required by Section 305(3).

    “This cross-party consensus in suspending the government of Rivers State, led by Sim Fubara, reflects a shared understanding among our elected representatives that the situation had reached a point of constitutional necessity, requiring immediate federal intervention.

    “Clearly, without mincing words, the action of President Tinubu in suspending Mr Fubara and others from exercising the functions of office averted the Governor’s outright removal.

    “To conflate suspension with removal is misleading. Therefore, interpreting  Shettima’s remarks as commentary on current events is either a wilful misrepresentation or a deliberate neglect of constitutional context.”

  • Nigeria commits to comprehensive nuclear test ban

    Nigeria commits to comprehensive nuclear test ban

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a comprehensive nuclear test ban through collaboration with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

    Shettima stated this on Monday when he received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, the Executive Secretary of CTBTO, Dr Robert Floyd.

    He said Africa’s priority, at the moment, is to address its existential challenges of poverty and the effects of climate change, not the pursuit of nuclear weapons capability.

    “The outcome of any nuclear conflict is never a win-win situation; it is always the opposite. We are fighting poverty; we are fighting a war against the relationship between the economy and ecology in sub-Saharan Africa.

    “We have no business dabbling in anything that has to do with nuclear weapons. I want to assure and reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive nuclear test ban.

    “And I want to appreciate your organisation for the extra vigilance you have taken, having 337 stations spread across the world. All seven tests conducted by DPR Korea were detected,” he noted.

    Shettima, while commending the CTBTO for its role, said, “the beauty of CTBTO’s function is that its monitors also serve civilian purposes, especially in assisting us to detect tsunamis, volcanic seismic activities.

    “Your functions are contributing to the global stability of our ecology.”

    Earlier, Floyd, applauded Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola  Tinubu for contributing to the attainment of the global average in the reduction of nuclear testing and establishment of strong norms against it.

    He described the relationship between the organisation and the country as a natural partnership.

    He highlighted the contributions of Nigeria through focal agencies – the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

    Floyd acknowledged the quality of technical inputs and the commitment by the country in the actualisation of the goals of the CTBTO.

    He spoke about the significance of the data generated by the NAEC and NNRA, particularly in saving lives through early detection of natural disasters and other human activities that are inimical to orderliness in the ecosystem.

    Also, the Acting Chairman of NAEC,  Anthony Ekedegwa said Nigeria’s partnership with the CTBTO through the commission has been instrumental in building capacity and equipping the centre for the development of the sector.

    On his part, the Director-General of the NNRA, Dr Yau Idris, underscored the relationship between his agency and the CTBTO in ensuring global adherence to international regulations on nuclear tests and ban.

  • Nigeria to end diesel dependency – Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, says Nigeria will soon phase out diesel dependency and cut carbon emissions through the nation’s integrated hybrid energy system.

    Shettima said this on Wednesday while declaring open the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit (DIN SUMMIT), in Abuja.

    He warned that Nigeria would struggle to compete or catch up with the world, if the nation’s climate dreams do not align with its development realities.

    “Onne Port, for instance, is already emerging as the template for our quest to breathe life into a robust green economy.

    “Discussions are currently underway with private investors to commit nearly 60 million dollar to electrify the port and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.

    “This is a strategic leap. Through an integrated hybrid energy system, we will phase out diesel dependency, slash carbon emissions, and provide 24/7 sustainable and affordable power to terminal operators and port users,” he said.

    Shettima explained that 75 per cent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the infrastructure sector, including energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture.

    These sectors, according to him, are not just carbon-heavy but also form the nation’s economic arteries, especially agriculture, which supports 70 per cent of rural livelihoods.

    Shettima observed that, while the staggering figures are a wake-up call for a nation that figures them out, the only way of the “predicted doom is to decarbonise these systems.”

    The Vice-President added that the target is to build a Nigeria with infrastructure that heals, and not one that harms.

    “This is how we can alter our trajectory. If we do this right, we stand to generate over 1.5 million green jobs by 2035.

    “We can also cultivate new export markets in clean energy and climate-smart agriculture, which would transform Nigeria into a regional leader in low-carbon enterprise.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are not here to fantasise, we are here to finance, mobilise, de-risk and  build.

    “The Nigeria we want cannot be realised on diesel generators and fragile grids, it will not emerge from a model that chokes our lungs while draining our treasury. We must build a Nigeria whose infrastructure heals rather than harms,” he said

    He described the theme of the summit, “Unlocking Climate Finance for Sustainable Development,” as very apt.

    He said the nation faces an urgent and immense task of decoupling its development from the carbon-intensive models of the past and to do so without leaving any Nigerian behind.

    “This is why we must strengthen our regulatory frameworks,  harmonise policy across sectors and tiers, launch tools like the Green Investment Portal to connect capital to climate-smart opportunities.

    “This is why we must have our states at the forefront of this march to the future to show that decarbonisation must not stop at Abuja’s gates. It must reach every local government, every community, every home,” he stressed.

    The Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, said Nigeria must urgently transition to a low-carbon economy.

    This, she said despite contributing minimally to global emissions because of its vulnerability to climate change impacts.

    “Although Nigeria’s contribution to the global carbon emission is very minimal, Nigeria is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

    “This is because of its location in the African continent as well as our low adaptive capacity,” Dr Maduekwe said.

    She also called for substantial private sector investment in sustainable infrastructure development, particularly in energy systems and transportation transformation.

    The Personal Assistant to the President on Sub-national Infrastructure (Office of the Vice-President), Musaddiq  Adamu, emphasised the administration’s commitment to sub-national leadership in driving climate innovation.