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Tag: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  • Wike’s bountiful harvests of projects, testaments of Tinubu’s good governance – Okotie-Eboh

    Wike’s bountiful harvests of projects, testaments of Tinubu’s good governance – Okotie-Eboh

    Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, son of Nigeria’s first Finance Minister and former Regent of the Warri Kingdom, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, as a dependable ally and a true instrument of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Okotie-Eboh made this assertion while celebrating the harvest of landmark projects commissioned in Abuja by President Tinubu, who was represented at different times by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

    He commended President Tinubu for his foresight in appointing Barr. Wike as FCT Minister, noting that the choice was “a decision well taken” and a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to good governance.

    According to him, Wike has not only justified his appointment but has also exceeded expectations by delivering critical infrastructure within a short period, transforming Abuja into a modern capital city befitting Nigeria’s pride of place in Africa.

    He explained that he was celebrating Wike’s uncommon achievements over the execution of bountiful projects within just two years in office. Any president, he said, who has a minister like Wike, can confidently rest, knowing there would be no regrets in such an appointment.

    Okotie-Eboh highlighted that Wike has successfully delivered numerous public projects ranging from road infrastructure to administrative buildings, bridges, and recreational facilities.

    He stressed that these projects, commissioned by top government leaders on behalf of the President, symbolize not just development but also the Renewed Hope Agenda in practical action.

    Among the major road infrastructure projects completed under Wike are the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) right-hand service carriageway from Idu to Kubwa, and the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II left-hand carriageway from Ring Road I to Wasa Junction.

    Other notable roads include Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, Arterial Road N16 Maitama–Katampe (Gishiri), and Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) in Mabushi, linking Judges’ Quarters in Katampe.

    The FCT Minister has also delivered six new rural road projects across the area councils. These include Naharati Road (Abaji), Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road (Kwali), Paikon-Kore–Ibwa Road (Gwagwalada), Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat Road (Kuje), Gabo–Tokulo Road (Bwari), and the Saburi Access Road (AMAC).

    Additional rural road projects such as the Paikon-Kore–Ibwa stretch (9 km), Yangoji (11.3 km), Kuje dual carriageway (5 km), Naharati–Ukya–Angwan Hausawa Road (5 km), and the Gaba–Tokulu Road (7.2 km) have further deepened rural connectivity.

    Okotie-Eboh also noted that several ongoing projects are reshaping Abuja’s transportation system. These include the Asokoro–Apo expressway, the Jahi–Katampe flyover, the Utako–Mabushi flyover, and the expansion of the Life Camp Junction–Kubwa Expressway.

    He explained that these projects, along with new access roads such as the Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III (a six-lane 4 km stretch) and the road linking N16 to Judges’ Quarters through N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), are improving the city’s central connectivity.

    Urban infrastructure and central area upgrades have also received attention. The International Conference Centre (ICC) has undergone full renovation and is ready for commissioning.

    Similarly, the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network (Loops 1, 2, 5 & 6) has been completed, while modern bus terminals have been constructed in Mabushi and Kugbo to ease urban transportation.

    The Abuja Light Rail System was another major milestone. Initially stalled, it was revived under Wike’s leadership, upgraded to 97% completion, and relaunched in May 2024.

    Residents enjoyed free rides throughout the year as part of Wike’s effort to encourage patronage and restore public confidence in rail transportation.

    Institutional and civic projects have also been delivered. The Vice President’s official residence, abandoned for years, was completed and inaugurated under Wike.

    The establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, with a Head of Service and permanent secretaries, has strengthened administrative capacity within the FCT.

    Schools and hospitals were not left out. Nineteen schools have been rehabilitated, while health facilities in Gwarimpa, Gwagwalada, and Utako have been upgraded.

    The resurfacing of 57 km of roads in the city center has improved mobility, while justice infrastructure such as the Court of Appeal complex has been completed.

    On security, Wike’s administration provided vehicles and motorbikes to enhance rural policing, while capacity development programs have improved the efficiency of FCT staff.

    Prince Okotie-Eboh noted that under Wike, the FCT achieved a 95% budget implementation rate in 2024 — an unprecedented feat in its history.

    He further observed that revenue generation rose by 53.5% in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022, thanks to reforms introduced in the FCT-IRS.

    In the area of staff welfare, Wike ensured the payment of minimum wage, arrears, and promotions, while introducing training and advancement programs under the LEAD-P initiative.

    Okotie-Eboh declared that “Nobody will raise an eyebrow if Barrister Nyesom Wike is referred to as the instrument of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, considering the joy and commendations Nigerians showered on him during the unveiling of these gigantic projects.”

    He explained that Wike’s track record in Rivers State as governor has been replicated in Abuja, proving that capacity, commitment, and political will can transform any environment.

    He emphasized that Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the FCT Minister because his efforts have restored confidence in governance, demonstrated result-oriented leadership, and strengthened public trust in the Tinubu administration.

  • President Tinubu now overfeeding Nigerians with wrong statistics, after berating me – Peter Obi

    President Tinubu now overfeeding Nigerians with wrong statistics, after berating me – Peter Obi

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has berated  President Bola Tinubu for disseminating incorrect statistics about the economic situation in Nigeria as a way to cover up his failures as President.

    The former Anambra governor via the microblogging platform, X on Monday, said under Tinubu’s watch, Nigeria is now classified as one of the hungriest nations in the world.

    The Labour Party chieftain recalled how Tinubu, as a presidential candidate during the 2023 election campaigns, mocked him for frequently quoting statistics.

    Obi who accused Tinubu of plunging Nigeria and its citizens further into poverty, noted that governance is not rocket science as he urged the president  to rule with purpose, character, competence, capacity and compassion.

    He wrote: “In November 2022, while campaigning in Delta State, the then APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu, now the President, berated the other Presidential Candidate (Peter Obi), he was ashamed to call his name, saying “Na statistics we go chop all I want is to put food on the table of Nigerians”.

    “Now 2 years into his 4-year tenure, Nigeria is classified as one of the hungriest nations in the world with millions of Nigerians not knowing where their next meal will come from.

    “President Tinubu is now overfeeding Nigerians with wrong Statistics from wrong unemployment figures, wrong inflation figures, and now GDP debasing, all to put a positive spin on our deteriorating economic and household conditions.

    “Governance is not rocket science, it’s not a gamble, like I have always reiterated, it requires sincerity of purpose, character, competence, capacity and compassion.

    “A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”

  • Tinubu’s economy reforms in country’s best interest, group assures

    Tinubu’s economy reforms in country’s best interest, group assures

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum, has assured that the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration are in the best interest of the country and its citizens.

    Dr Isa Yuguda, the group’s Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday in Abuja while felicitating Tinubu on his 73rd birthday.

    Yuguda, while congratulating Tinubu on the occasion, described him as a courageous, focused and visionary leader.

    “Here is a man who has in exactly 22 months in office, proved to be a courageous and visionary leader with his gaze firmly set on the future.

    “With the manner he is going about the ongoing reforms, we are proud to be associated with his reforms and are convinced that they are in the best interest of a country that is in need of a reset.

    “As you celebrate your birthday, we at APC Professionals Forum look forward to the celebration of your second year in office and the achievements so far recorded,” Yuguda said.

    He expressed hope that by this time in 2026, many of the administration’s landmark policies and projects would begin to bear testimonies for the benefit of Nigerians.

    Yuguda who is also the Pro- chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), urged Nigerians to continue to support the Tinubu-led administration in its quest to make the country a better place.

  • Why I appointed Bosun Tijani minister despite past criticism – President Tinubu

    Why I appointed Bosun Tijani minister despite past criticism – President Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu said his decision to appoint Dr Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, despite his past criticism, was a testament to his belief in recognising talent, even in those who may have once been critics.

    The President said this on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa to commemorate his 73rd birthday.

    Tijani was among several dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages to the President, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others.

    In his remarks, the minister shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism and criticism of the President and the National Assembly.

    “Before my appointment, I had never met Mr President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I have seen there is something in you.

    “I am giving you the opportunity to represent your country and contribute to making it a better place.

    “I was expecting a proper scolding because of my records, but the magnanimity of the President is one that I experienced for the very first time in my life.

    “I remember that in that meeting, some people brought out my record again and told Mr President, ‘He said this, he did this. But the President said, ‘Shut it’,” said the Minister.

    Responding to the minister’s remarks, President Tinubu confirmed that nominating Tijani as a minister was a difficult decision, given the reservations of his close associates.

    “When I picked him, it was tough. My very close confidantes, who had read his comments on social media, came to me and said, ‘No, never.’

    “I said, ‘Yes, he is talented. Because he criticises me and pours abuses on the parliament, it does not mean he has nothing to offer.

    “Maybe his frustration at that time will drive him to contribute more to governance. And today, he is doing that, and I am very proud of him,” the President stated.

    Akpabio praised the President’s ability to forgive his critics, recalling the intense debate that preceded Tijjani’s confirmation as a minister.

    “When he came to the Senate for screening, senators said, ‘No, no, we can’t have him.’ One senator quoted from the internet where he described all Nigerian senators as ‘morons.’

    “I had to stop proceedings and ask Bosun, ‘Did you write this?’ And he admitted, ‘Sir, I did because that was how I felt then.’ So I asked him, ‘And you have the audacity to stand before us and expect us to confirm you?” said Akpabio.

    He noted that what ultimately swayed the lawmakers was their trust in President Tinubu’s judgment.

    “Mr President, we confirmed him because we knew you must have seen something special in him. You are never wrong when it comes to your judgment of people.

    “I went into an executive session and told my colleagues, Let us give this young man an opportunity and see what happens. And today, I am happy to say that he is one of the best-performing ministers in the cabinet,” Akpabio said.

  • I heard it from the horse’s mouth – Obasanjo makes shocking revelation on lawmakers who received dollar bribe to support Rivers emergency rule

    I heard it from the horse’s mouth – Obasanjo makes shocking revelation on lawmakers who received dollar bribe to support Rivers emergency rule

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has alleged that some members of the National Assembly received bribes to support the declaration of the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Obasanjo made the revelation in a video that surfaced on social media. TNG had earlier reported that both the Senate and the House of Representatives endorsed the emergency rule in Rivers State and the six months suspension slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Speaking about the controversy that cash payments were made to lawmakers to secure support for the emergency declaration, Obasanjo was seen countering House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere, who denied claims, describing it as false.

    “Nobody gave anyone $200,000. That is just what I want to correct,” he said.

    Insisting, the former president said he has direct knowledge of the payments. He claimed that those who got the money told him about it.

    He said, “You can say anything. I heard it from the horse’s mouth. You can deny it, that is alright, but I heard it from those who got it and told me that they got it. If you didn’t get it, then maybe your case is different. Don’t tell me what I know. Most of your members who got it told me that they got it.”

    This allegation follows an earlier denial by the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mukhtar Betara.

  • Tinubu’s Agenda Focuses on Revitalizing University Education – Wike

    Tinubu’s Agenda Focuses on Revitalizing University Education – Wike

    Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is revitalising Nigeria’s university system.

    Wike said this on Saturday in Calabar at the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UniCal), where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.

    Commending the President’s dedication to higher education, the minister said ongoing interventions are reshaping the landscape of tertiary education across the nation.

    According to him, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has eased financial burdens on students, ensuring no willing individual is denied access to quality education.

    He added, “The Students’ Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant empowers youths to convert knowledge into enterprise.

    “Universities’ removal from IPPIS has further advanced institutional autonomy.”

    Wike noted that universities’ exclusion from IPPIS has restored their financial independence, allowing them to operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility.

    Minister Wike also highlighted that allowing TETFund research funds to remain within institutions enables them to engage in innovative and groundbreaking research.

    The minister said these progressive policies are positioning Nigeria’s universities to respond effectively to the needs of the 21st century.

    Expressing gratitude to the University of Calabar for the honorary degree, Wike said the recognition inspires him to continue contributing meaningfully to national progress.

    “I am truly honoured by this recognition. UniCal has inscribed my name in its golden records, and I accept this honour with immense responsibility,” he said.

  • Rivers govt reacts as Tinubu declares state of emergency

    Rivers govt reacts as Tinubu declares state of emergency

    The Rivers State Government has reacted to the declaration of State of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency, after which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu for six months.

    The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, while speaking to newsmen, expressed that it would be unwise for the government to form a stance at this early stage

    He indicated that it is premature to comment on the presidential announcement.

    “The president has made a declaration and what do you think we can say. I think it is too hasty to make any comment about it,” Johnson told Vanguard.

  • President Tinubu’s handling of crisis in Rivers State disgraceful – Atiku Abubakar

    President Tinubu’s handling of crisis in Rivers State disgraceful – Atiku Abubakar

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has berated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency, after which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu for six months.

    Reacting, the former Vice president in a statement via his social media handles on Tuesday night described Tinubu’s declaration as disgraceful.

    He said Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent in Rivers State.

    He said, “The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith. 

    “Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.

    “Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk. 

    “Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.

    “It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.

    “If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

    BREAKING: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the President made the declaration during a nationwide broadcast.

    “The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started,” Tinubu said.

    The President said that since the political crisis began in Rivers State, he had made a personal intervention to resolve it, but his efforts proved abortive.

    The President then appointed a retired military chief, Ekwe Ibas, to oversee the state’s affairs immediately after declaring a state of emergency.

    The development comes amid escalating violence between former Governor Nyesom Wike and the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the two continue their protracted political feud.

    Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has reportedly been attempting to unseat Fubara, intensifying the political tensions in the state.

    Following the unrest, two major petrol pipelines in the state were sabotaged by suspected militants.

    In a bid to restore order in the oil-rich state, the federal government took the drastic measures to curb the increasing violence and instability lingering in the state.

  • Profile of APC guber candidate replacing Betta Edu as Humanitarian minister

    Profile of APC guber candidate replacing Betta Edu as Humanitarian minister

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday appointed Nentawe Yilwatda to replace the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Chimaobim Edu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Edu, a former Cross River State Commissioner of Health, was suspended following her involvement in corruption investigation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda, a former gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Plateau State, was announced on Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Below is profile of newly appointed Minister, Nentawe Yiltwatda culled from his website

    Dr Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda was born on the 8th of August, 1968 in Dungung, Kanke LG to the family of a clergy, Late Rev and Mrs Toma Yilwatda.

    Dr. Yilwatda’s educational career started with him passing the First School Leaving Certificate at LGED Primary School, Dungung in 1981 and GCE (O/Level) in 1986 from the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri.

    He got his First Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 1992 from Federal University Agriculture, Makurdi and his Master of Engineering and PhD from ATBU Bauchi and University of Nigeria, Nsukka respectively where he specialized in Digital systems engineering.

    Nentawe is a registered Engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), member Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, member Nigeria Society of Engineers, member Solar Society of Nigeria and has enjoyed many awards and recognitions in the area of ICT and electronic engineering

    He was also trained by the United Nations University International Institute for Software Tech., Macau, China on Building Electronic Governance Structure.

    He is a community developer and a lecturer with Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi with over 29 years of experience working as a consultant with the international development partners, and the public and private sectors.

    Nentawe Yilwatda started his career as Assistant Lecturer at Plateau State Polytechnic in 1995 and later joined Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi as Graduate Assistant in 1996.

    He served in various administrative positions including Head of Department, Director of Information Technology and member of Senate of the University.

    Dr Nentawe was appointed Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017. He was posted to Benue State as Resident Electoral Commissioner.

    While at INEC, he championed IDP voting by designing template to enable Internally Displaced Persons to exercise their civic right during elections. He also supervised difficult elections including Recall process of Senator Dino Melaye in 2018 and Rivers State Governorship and House of Assembly polls in 2019.

    He has served as project consultants on the first Integrated Financial Management Information System for the Ministry of Finance, CBN, FOS, OAGF, Debt Management Office, OAuGF, National Planning Commission and Budget Office. This gave him the opportunity to have a firm knowledge of revenue and financial framework of Nigeria, the regulations, policies and opportunities.

    He was also part of the team that worked on the grant by World Bank to implement a Unified Network and ICT Solution for Nigeria Education and Research Network (NgREN) through the World Bank STEP-B project.

    In the last 12 years, he has been providing scholarship and paying JAMB for 200 kids from Kanke and Pankshin annually in addition hiring teachers to train them. He supports those that pass JAMB to secure admission into higher institutions.

    In 2018, he trained 100 youths from Kanke and Pankshin in animal husbandry which was anchored by Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. All the trainees that participated in the 10 months internship were empowered to set up their piggeries.

    In 2019, he distributed 112 laptops to indigent students of higher institutions in Pankshin and Kanke.

    Nentawe is also the co-founder of Bikatki cooperative which supports rural poor farmers to access credit to expand their farms in order to reduce poverty and have sustainable income.

    He has spearheaded building of classrooms in primary schools for indigent and hard to reach communities, and also participated actively in the development of the community secondary school in his village.