TheNewsGuru

Tag: President Bola Tinubu

  • Former president, Jonathan criticises Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says it paints Nigeria in negative light

    Former president, Jonathan criticises Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says it paints Nigeria in negative light

    Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed strong disapproval over the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions could harm Nigeria’s global reputation.

    Speaking as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan voiced his disappointment over the removal of elected leaders in the state.

    “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he stated.

    Jonathan’s comments follow President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

    Defending the decision, Tinubu explained that it was aimed at restoring stability amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

    “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President announced.

    To oversee governance during the period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator.

    “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he clarified.

    Jonathan, however, expressed concern over the political crisis in Rivers State, stating that while former presidents typically avoid commenting on political matters to prevent escalating tensions, the situation compelled him to speak out.

    He emphasized that Nigeria’s international standing and its ability to attract investments are heavily influenced by the actions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

    According to Jonathan, numerous Nigerians had urged him to address the issue as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta.

    The former President also condemned instances where individuals allegedly dictate to the judiciary, arguing that such interference undermines public confidence in the legal system.

    Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu justified the state of emergency, stating that it was necessary to restore peace.

    “This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution,” he noted.

    The President further expressed hope that the intervention would bring stability to Rivers State and reinforce adherence to constitutional principles among political actors.

    “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu added.

  • Details of Tinubu’s meeting with South-South monarchs emerges

    Details of Tinubu’s meeting with South-South monarchs emerges

    Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba has called on President Bola Tinubu-led administration, to acknowledge the 1967 Asaba massacre and offer an official apology for the tragic events that took place during the Nigerian Civil War.

    Azinge, while speaking with newsmen after leading a delegation to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, stressed that this recognition is necessary for the healing of old wounds.

    “Among other requests, we mentioned to him the massacre of Asaba people in 1967 and that our people need some apology if need be in that regard,” Azinge said during the visit.

    The Asaba massacre occurred on October 7, 1967, when federal troops, having recaptured the town from Biafran forces, reportedly gathered unarmed civilians who had come out in a peace procession to welcome them.

    Tragically, many of these civilians—men, women, and children—were killed by soldiers who mistakenly believed they were Biafran sympathizers.

    The massacre remains one of the darkest chapters of the Nigerian Civil War, and survivors and their families continue to seek recognition and redress from successive governments.

    Azinge emphasized that acknowledging the atrocity would be a huge step towards healing the wounds left by the event.

    In addition to the apology, Azinge appealed for increased federal presence in Asaba, particularly citing the lack of essential infrastructure, such as a federal university.

    “Asaba remains the only state capital in Nigeria without a federal university. We need institutions in our locality, and that for us is a major concern,” he stated.

    Azinge expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national development, despite the challenges of governing a large and diverse country like Nigeria.

    “There might be some hiccups, but on the whole, we score him highly in that regard, and we pray for him. It is a very difficult country to govern. There will always be criticisms here and there, but I believe he is on the right track, and we wish him the very best,” Azinge said, underscoring his support for the President.

    The traditional ruler also expressed his gratitude for various federal initiatives that have already begun making a difference in Delta State.

    Specifically, he highlighted the ongoing construction of the access road to the Niger Bridge and the routing of a gas pipeline through Asaba and Awka.

    “We acknowledged and appreciated some of the gestures extended by the federal government to our area, especially the access road to the Niger Bridge and the passing of a gas line through Asaba to Awka, all of which are in progress,” he said.

    Describing the meeting with President Tinubu as both a thank-you and a solidarity visit, Azinge recalled that a previous delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had represented the President at the burial of his predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba.

    He concluded, “On the whole, it turned out to be a wonderful visit. He appreciated our coming and indicated that whenever he visits the South-South, he will make a stop in Asaba.”

  • Just In: Reps begin debate on Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers

    Just In: Reps begin debate on Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers

    On Thursday, the House of Representatives began the debate on the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers.

    A rep member, at the commencement of the debate, demanded a head count of members present in the session to ensure that two-thirds necessary to form a quorum were present in the House.

    TheNewsGuru reports that in the House of Reps, 240 members will have to agree and support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State for it to be constitutionally binding.

    Details later…

  • Presidential aide under fire for saying corps member deserves death penalty for calling Tinubu ‘terrible president’

    Presidential aide under fire for saying corps member deserves death penalty for calling Tinubu ‘terrible president’

    Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu has said that the corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, known as Raye, who called his principal, a terrible president, deserved capital punishment.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Ajayi, made this known on his Facebook handle, on Monday. TNG understands that capital punishment under Nigeria’s law means to be executed by hanging or firing squad.

    “Citizens can abuse a living day out of their President or any public official. It is normal. But a copper violated her oath and conduct here. That is capital punishment under NYSC.

    “You can’t abuse the country you are serving as a corper under any guise and the symbol of sovereign authority which is the President. She should be punished to the fullest extent, not just warning. She chose to be silly, then she should face the consequences,” he wrote.

    The remark of the presidential aide attracted backlash from Facebook users and Nigerians on social media.

    One user, amazinglett wrote: “The IG of police is occupying his seat illegally cos his appointed tenure has exceeded, when are you going to call for his punishment? It is a law when a poor man breaks it, our president can’t even prove his academic background or even his origins are shady yet it’s okay for him to be a president, yet a Corper who complained about hardship is one breaking the law? you took his kids from the comfort of their homes to work and survive on 🥲33k allowance while the senators are buying brand new SUVs every eke market day and you expect them to die in silence? Anyone who brings that issue of Nysc law over their survival deserves to be lynched. Nysc rule book advises these students to keep kidnappers’ Ransome money in case they are kidnapped on their way to serve the government. Thunder will fire any person that brings up this moronic point again!!!!”

    bhee_chee wrote: “She should be punished because she spoke the truth? Please worry about your hairline sir.”

    bosslady_ventures wrote: “Okay, so you want to use the law here but you can’t apply it in other significant and important issues, the only thing you people know how to do is opp re ss the weak ones.”

    chigo_viktoh wrote:”So what is tinubu doing in the office? Didn’t he take oath.”

    poize_ivy wrote: “What punishment can you people give apart from refusing to give certificate, me that have nysc certificate what have I used it for, abeg U people should shift, nysc nor be God , she didn’t lie, tinubu has failed as a president.”

    nedunwigwe wrote: ‘Person best dad in the world.’

    okunenyeife_cko wote: “just look at the face of onye chineke ga akpo oku first before intimidating a girl for voicing her frustration. ajayi living in chains but asking gucci to be crested in his chain.”

    tenovertenautos wrote: “I hope he has daughters and hope he can say same for them too if need arises.”

    Following the backlash, Ajayi said he did not mean that Raye should be killed.

    He stressed that what he meant was that Raye should be given the highest punishment recommended by NYSC in line with its act.

    “The mob get their oxygen from misrepresentations and delibrate mischief. I made comments under a post where I advertently wrote that what the lady corper did should attract capital punishment under NYSC which means her indiscretion should attract highest punishment under the NYSC scheme.

    “The highest punishment under NYSC is expulsion. There was a follow-up comment under same thread where I provided the context in my usage of capital punishment under NYSC as a metaphor. The follow-up comment that explained the previous comment was ignored. It is common sense that there is no death penalty anywhere as punishment under NYSC law,” he stated.

  • President Tinubu hosts Nigerian-born super Bowl champion, Moro Ojomo

    President Tinubu hosts Nigerian-born super Bowl champion, Moro Ojomo

    President Bola Tinubu welcomed Nigerian-American NFL star Morotoluwa “Moro” Ojomo to the State House in Abuja following his Super Bowl triumph with the Philadelphia Eagles

    TheNewsGuru reports that the president hosted Ojomo, a member of the 2025 National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl-winning team, on Friday, February 28.

    The 23-year-old was accompanied by his parents, Ololade and Bimbo, as well as his sister, Modele, during the visit.

    The NFL star was born in Lagos before relocating to the United States (U.S) with his family at the age of seven, returned to Nigeria on Wednesday, February 25.

    Ojomo’s visit comes days aafter winning Super Bowl 59 with the Philadelphia Eagles.

    The Super Bowl serves as the championship game of the NFL season in the United States (U.S).

    After an impressive college career at the University of Texas, he was selected by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

    Ojomo played in the historic final, contributing to the Eagles’ victory as they secured their second-ever Super Bowl title.

  • The increase is unjustifiable, unlawful – SERAP demands reversal, issues ultimatum over tariff hike

    The increase is unjustifiable, unlawful – SERAP demands reversal, issues ultimatum over tariff hike

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have demanded the reversal of the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)  on January 20, 2025, announced regulatory approval for telecom operators to raise tariffs by 50 per cent. The agency said the tariff hike will help the operators improve the country’s telecommunication infrastructure.

    The tariff hike follows agitations from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) to review call tariffs upwards.

    In a fresh development, SERAP described the increase as “unlawful” and warned of impending legal action if the government and telecom operators fail to reverse the decision.

    “The Tinubu administration and telcos must immediately reverse the unlawful increase in calls and data costs. We’ll see in court if the 50% tariff hike is not reversed within 48 hours,” the group declared.

    SERAP’s ultimatum reflects growing public dissatisfaction over the hike, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about its impact on the cost of living.

    The organization also insisted that the tariff hike violates the rights of consumers and threatens access to affordable communication services.

    “This increase is not only unjustifiable but also unlawful. It risks undermining the accessibility of essential communication services for millions of Nigerians,” SERAP’s statement read.

  • Presidency gives reason why Tinubu always greets papa Ajasco whenever they meet at Lagos airport

    Presidency gives reason why Tinubu always greets papa Ajasco whenever they meet at Lagos airport

    Olusegun Dada, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media has responded to Nigerians curious about the consistent meeting of his principal and comic Nollywood actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka, better known as Papa Ajasco, at Lagos airport.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Tinubu received a grand reception at the Lagos airport on Wednesday when he arrived ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Dada shared a video of Tinubu greeting Papa Ajasco at the airport.

    Reacting to the video, an X user wrote, “I’m curious, do they meet every time he’s at Lagos airport? Cos this scene happened months ago too”

    Tinubu’s aide responded, “I’ve seen this question pop up in my comments a lot. For context, Papa Ajasco is in charge of the cultural troop that welcomes Mr president whenever he is in Lagos. Hope this helps”

  • Tinubu arrives Lagos for Christmas, New Year celebrations

    Tinubu arrives Lagos for Christmas, New Year celebrations

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday arrived in Lagos to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the president landed at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

    Prior to his departure from Abuja, President Tinubu had earlier presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

    The president was warmly welcomed at the airport by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Femi Hamzat, members of the Lagos State Cabinet, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, upon his arrival in Lagos.

  • Presidency reacts as photo of Simon Ekpa in Finland prison emerges after arrest

    Presidency reacts as photo of Simon Ekpa in Finland prison emerges after arrest

    The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun on Thursday has reacted to the arrest of self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Indigenous People of Biafra was arrested and remanded in detention by Finland authority over alleged links with terrorism.

    The court in Finland reportedly said Ekpa allegedly spread separatist propaganda on social media.

    It was reported that Ekpa allegedly committed the crime on 23 August 2021 in Lahti.

    In addition, BBC reported that the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation arrested four other men suspected of terrorist offences.

    Photos of the detained Biafra agitator were also seen online following his arrest.

    Simon Ekpa in jail
    Simon Ekpa in jail

    Reacting to the development, Olusegun, via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter, hinted that Ekpa may be repatriated to Nigeria, as he wrote, ‘see you soon’.

    “Thank you Finland. See you soon Prime Minister,” the presidential media aide wrote.

  • Photo: President Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar meet in Abuja

    Photo: President Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar meet in Abuja

    President Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, met on Friday in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the president and former vice president, exchanged pleasantries during the Jummah prayer at the National Mosque, which was also the wedding of Senator Danjuma Goje’s daughter.

    Sharing a photo, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter described Atiku as an old friend of President Tinubu.

    “President Tinubu meets old friend Atiku Abubakar at the National Mosque. It was at the Jumat and wedding of the daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje,” Onanuga wrote.

    Some prominent dignitaries who were also in attendance included the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff.