Tag: Tinubu

  • Bola Tinubu got the Nigerian state captured long before the Delta State tsunami – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Bola Tinubu got the Nigerian state captured long before the Delta State tsunami – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    The political Tsunami really broke out in Delta State on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, when the Executive Governor of that Oil rich State, Sheriff Oborevwori, collapsed every structure of his Political Party – the People Democratic Party [PDP], in the State, and defected into the ruling All Progressive Congress [APC].

    This was just one of the gays of deflection of top members of other political parties in Nigeria into the APC, in recent times. Except that, and this is the cliché, the movement of a political party structure – totality of the whole structure, with all executives, all elected members, and every member of the Party, including the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Arthor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was included in the movement, was first of its type in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

    It probably would have been the reason of such “total package” that the “crossing over” was likened to Tsunami. And Political Tsunami it was indeed

    And there is no way one can balance the equation of the calculation without paying tribute to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  – Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a man who is technically vast, politically speaking, in the game of self-preservation and political manipulations. 

    Going through his political historical trajectory, with full concentration on his life voyage to the present time, one cannot but admire the man in his mastery of political shrewdness. The man prepared every bit of his life steps with enough technic for future coverage and escape. 

    The man [Bola Tinubu] knew that the future route for those anticipating greatness could be laid with thorns. Ipso facto, he started the creation of machinery that could deal effectively with thorns even before he started any of his life journey.

    Check the man’s journey records, through schools he claimed to have attended in Nigeria and abroad; cross over to checking all his school certifications, and even too little things about his life, you would be professionally comfortable to award him “an Order of Merit” in organisational efficiency,

    Before coming to the present, let us take a cursory look at the man’s times, starting from his contesting to becoming a Senator of the Federal Republic. It was not a free movement for him, as some top Lagos citizens laid barrage of complaints against him. Time shall not permit me to go into the details of those stumbling blocks, yet the man won. Suffice to say that he started the display of detailed ingenuity of pollical manoeuvring from that point.

    The tedious road, again laid with thorns, of severe and most damaging petitions, which he passed through to win Lagos State governorship seat, and governing for two tenures, in spite of the endangered opposition he got from Olusegun Obasanjo – then President of Nigeria, are historically documented for everyone to read.

    We equally saw his unique style that extends beyond just governing, but style that created the Rule of Occupying to Conquer. Or didn’t we all see that creation?

    Coming to the present. We saw how Bola Tinubu, at the beginning of his campaign as an Aspirant, dared all odds to overcome all the atrocious studs placed on his journey to his Political Party’ Presidential Primary. These odds included his total rejection by the then Nigerian President and leader of his Political Party [APC], Muhammadu Buhari, and as well as the introduction of that poetic theory of “Emi lo kan” meaning “it is my turn” in English language. 

    Having won his Political Party Presidential Primary Tinubu adopted different types of novelties throughout the campaign until he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission at 2200 hours – considered to be night declaration. But what did that matter to the Jagaban of Borgu?

    Yes, we must admit that it was the votes from Rivers State that gave him the sail-through to the Presidential Villa. And let it be liberally accepted that the acrimony that rose between the Presidential candidate of the PDP – Atiku Abubakar, and  Governor Nyesom Wike, of Rivers State then, that caused the latter to work against the former, did not emanate from Bola Tinubu, but he [Bola Tinubu] was wise and shrewd enough to know how to bring Governor Wike to his side for a future bargain.

    And that was where the non-existence of PDP – as it so remains today, including a State’s total political structure comprehensively defecting into the APC, started from. Of course, President Bola Tinubu, in his perfected game of conquering, knew what it cost Nysom Wike to acquire the votes of Rivers people and their money to turn the tide of victory to his favour. He knew that it was time of paying whatever the cost of retaining Wike on his side until after the General Election of 2027 – God’s willing.

    And because the President is a great rewarder of those that come into fraternity with him, Wike has been accommodated fully – if not over accommodated, and fully paid for too. Please, understand that payment can be through cash or kind.

    We are still decoding how Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepared the ground for today’s Nigerian conquest long before Delta State’s Tsunami of defection to the All Progress Congress. We have been able to navigate the journey from the time of his Political Party Presidential Primary, unto the General Election he won.

    Then, let us look at few other things the man [Tinubu] was able to put in place before even being sworn-in, as President, on May 29, 2023. Pay deep attention to a few things l shall be pointing out here, for you to appreciate the in-depth preparation of our president.

    Take a memory lane journey back to Lagos State when Bola Tinubu was the Governor, you will be able to compute the fact – that is if you are an “initiated Nigerian”, the first thing Bola Tinubu did when he became governor of Lagos State was to offer the State Judiciary “a worm compromised synergy”.  

    And he quickly compromised the State’s Legislature – that Legislature could not come out of his pocket throughout the Eight-Year-Tenure the man spent in office, as Lagos State Governor. Even today, over 20 years after – with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa octopus’ authority in Lagos State, you can confirm whose power of influence Obasa is wielding. Bola Tinubu did not waste time in transferring this advantageous asset to Abuja, as President of Nigeria.

    How many Nigerians cared to look at the details in the formation of the Nigerian 10th National Assembly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu singlehandedly picked every member of the National Assembly’s leadership – from the President of the Senate, who doubles as the President of the National Assembly to every other member of leadership.

    While picking them – the leadership, did President Tinubu go for the “holy ones”? Why should he? And why did he not look at credibility of accountability and transparency in those who chose to lead the National Assembly so that we can have a credible and transparent National Assembly? 

    Are you still waiting for The Guru to provide answers to the above questions? Don’t try please, because that would be a futile wait in perpetuity.

    Another thing, maybe the last l should be posting in this exercise, is that President Bola Tinubu had no tolerance for his Deputy [Governor] when he was governor of Lagos State. Suffice to warn therefore that it shall be in vain to expect him to have dignity and honour for his Vice-President for now, as a President. It is not just in his character.

    Permit me to bring this Ship, returning from a very serious voyage of discovery to anchorage. 

    The Guru expects some accolade for the Sea Captain of this mighty Double Hull Oceangoing Vessel, for bringing us the fact that Bola Tinubu foundation of capturing Nigeria was long laid before Delta State entire political structure sailed form PDP harbour to the Port of APC.

  • Tinubu not happy with political numbers in Abia – Orji Kalu

    Tinubu not happy with political numbers in Abia – Orji Kalu

    Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North in National Assembly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu says the South East should not miss the benefits that accrue from belonging to the mainstream political environment.

    Kalu, in a post on his official Facebook account, said that President Bola Tinubu was not happy that he could only get 4% vote in the entire Abia State during the 2023 Presidential election.

    He noted that the President scoring just 4% in the whole of Abia State was a worrisome outcome considering the array of personalities that APC had in Abia State during the polls.

    He appealed to APC members to unite and focus in delivering victory for the APC in Abia come 2027.

    The Abia North Senator said that the stakeholders meeting he convened in his Abuja residence was designed to galvanize the support of Abia APC members for the party and for unity among APC members, saying that Governor Otti did not feature in the discussions.

    Kalu used the statement to clarify that he did not speak against Governor Alex Otti or his performance, maintaining that he does not speak in public about his successors in office, even as he said that only the electorate can decide the fate of the leaders.

    “For example in 2019 when I joined the APC, President Buhari made 68% in our constituency but President Tinubu came back to make only only 4% in the entire Abia in 2023, he was not happy with the political numbers of Abia.

    “He has a friend like me and he has other people that are his friends and we can only make 4%. Even me I can’t even believe it.

    “The South East as a whole has to belong where other Nigerians are sitting”, Kalu said.

  • INSECURITY! Baptist Convention to Tinubu: Convene National Security Summit Now

    INSECURITY! Baptist Convention to Tinubu: Convene National Security Summit Now

    Disturbed by the resurgence spate of insecurity across the nation, the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently convene a national security summit.

    The proposed summit, according to the Convention, should bring together former Presidents, Heads of State as well as current and past security chiefs to chart a new course for tackling the worsening security crisis.

    Speaking at a briefing ahead of the Convention’s 112th Annual Session and the 175th anniversary of Baptist missionary work in Nigeria, President of the Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, said the proposed summit should include the Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies.

    He decried the deepening insecurity across the nation, citing recurring incidents of mass killings, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks in Plateau, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno states.

    He said: “The spate of mass burials in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and other communities is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. This is not the time for lip service.”

    He reiterated the Convention’s call for the creation of State Police, insisting that the current centralized policing model is inadequate for Nigeria’s security needs.

    While noting some improvements in foreign investment inflow, he called on the government to intensify efforts to make Nigeria more attractive to investors.

    Speaking on the convention with the theme: “Entering into Newness through Fasting and Prayer,” the NBC Convention President said the event will open Saturday, April 26 at the Baptist International Convention Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expresswayand and hosted by the Providence, Ethiope, and Anioma Delta Baptist Conferences.

    Akanji also extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in Vatican City, a day after delivering his Easter message. “What a glorious exit,” he said.

    The Nation reports that, the Nigerian Baptist Convention was established as a national body on March 11, 1914 during a meeting at First Baptist Church, Idikan Street, Ibadan.

  • Gov. Adeleke told not to quit PDP but support Tinubu

    Gov. Adeleke told not to quit PDP but support Tinubu

    A political group, Osun Leaders of Thought (OLT), has urged Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun not to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The group said this in a statement issued by its Chief of Public Affairs, Mr Adesola Adigun, in Osogbo on Friday.

    It said rather than leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor should fully support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    The political group said that the admonition was in response to the raging agreement of defection and coalition formation in the state.

    According to the group, the mounting of pressure on Adeleke to leave PDP for APC is ill-advised and unnecessary.

    It called on the governor to remain in the PDP and continue his good work for the good people of the state.

    “We proceed to call on the governor to support the re-election of Mr President.

    “President Tinubu’s ancestral state is Osun, and we have a duty to support our son, no matter the situation.

    “We call on the governor to sustain his support for Mr President; it must be done as a matter of duty,” it said.

    According to the group, the governor should not leave the party because he is a brand with huge street credibility and a huge command of the electorate in Osun.

    “To win Osun, Adeleke’s brand is a must for the president without dilution,” it said.

    The group, however, urged political leaders at the local and national levels to strike a deal between the Presidency and Adeleke.

    It said that a deal was the most politically appropriate action within the context of Osun politics.

    “We call on Mr President and the governor to enter into a mutual supportive agreement.

    “Nothing like defection should be included.

    “We speak on behalf of many silent leaders of thought across Osun State,” said the group.

  • Calls grow for Tinubu to restore democratic governance in Rivers

    Calls grow for Tinubu to restore democratic governance in Rivers

    A little over a month after President Bola Tinubu placed Rivers State under emergency rule and appointed an administrator, Nigerians have continued to call for the restoration of democratic governance in the oil-rich state.

    Recall that the president had, on 18th March 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months following political turmoil resulting from a disagreement between the governor and the lawmakers.

    Speaking during a radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja, development lawyer and the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy For Social & Economic Rights, Frank Tietie, called on Tinubu to immediately reverse his decisions by sacking the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) and reinstating democratically elected officials.

    Tietie, despite alluding that the presidential powers guaranteed Tinubu the right to declare a state of emergency, maintained that the case of Rivers State was largely political and linked to the feud between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor.

    He stressed that President Tinubu could have handled the Rivers political crisis better than ousting a democratically elected government and replacing them with former military personnel, noting that he (Tinubu) has proceeded on the path of error.

    The legal practitioner also lampooned the National Assembly for swiftly endorsing emergency rule in Rivers State, describing their actions as a huge aberration and embarrassment, especially for ratifying the suspension of democratically elected government through a voice vote.

    “The first thing President Tinub should do is to make a 360-degree turnaround in Rivers State and sack the sole administrator immediately.

    “When you declare a state of democracy, the constitution does not in any way contemplate that you should suspend the governor. Who are you in this country as an individual? What powers have you to suspend an elected House of Assembly and an elected governor?

    “The president should immediately reverse all of those actions and apologize and then tell Nigerians that he is on a new path to ensure the tenets of democracy will be respected in Nigeria.

    Tietie dismissed the expectations of the judiciary and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) helping to address the rule of law crisis undermining democracy and development of the country, saying, “the NBA is becoming unnecessarily political, while the judiciary is fast losing grounds in terms of credibility because of the conflicting judgments and lots of issues. Nobody can give what he does not have – the judiciary does not have the solution to the current problems in Nigeria.

    “So much power is given to the Nigerian President; he has to have goodwill, good intentions, and the best interests of this country, and he has to act accordingly. If he decides to be subversive to the basic laws of this country, then he becomes an agent of retrogression,” Tietie warned.

    On his part, Public Affairs and Political Analyst Jaye Gaskia faulted the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas (Retired).

    Gaskia disclosed that the biggest challenge to rule of law adherence in Nigeria is the impunity of political actors, adding that no amount of change in the current constitution or reforms will resolve the rule of law crisis in Nigeria given the present crop of leaders.

    “On Rivers issue, even by the name ‘Sole Administrator,’ it already encompasses everything that is not the law because you are saying the entire administration lies on one person. The moment you are talking about a sole administration, you are saying that the other institutions and arms of government are redundant, and I think we need to challenge that.

    “The biggest challenge for us concerning the rule of law has been more at the level of what I will call the impunity of political actors because essentially leadership in a society is first and foremost political and then economic and then social,” Gaskia lamented.

    While aligning with calls for Tinubu to reverse the emergency rule in Rivers state, Gaskia advocated for citizens’ activism as a way of life. He tasked citizens to wake up and organize themselves to push leaders toward getting things right.

    “I think citizens need to wake up and start organizing collectively again. We are going to organize differently, but let us start organizing; in the contestation of those organizing, we are going to arrive at what’s good for us, but we have to start organizing, and we have to start challenging what we think is bad for us,” he advised.

    Meanwhile, there are some indications that the suspended Governor Fubara may likely make concessions to ease the political tension in the state. The development follows Fubara’s meeting with President Tinubu in London during the latter’s 18-day retreat in Europe.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program, PRIMORG, that draws the government’s and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program runs in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.

  • BREAKING: ‘Enough is enough’ – Tinubu issues strong directives to security chiefs

    BREAKING: ‘Enough is enough’ – Tinubu issues strong directives to security chiefs

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday directed an immediate overhaul of national security strategies, demanding urgent action to end the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara.

    The President who met with security chiefs at the State House, Abuja, for more than two hours, said the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau must cease.

    “Enough is enough,” President Tinubu declared as he once again condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

    Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), told State House correspondents that the service chiefs briefed the President on all the attacks in the states, the death toll, and the destruction of property.

    The NSA said President Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the security challenges.

    Ribadu noted that the President also actively monitored and gave instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.

    “Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on.

    “Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.

    “Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive,” said Ribadu.

    He said the security chiefs listened to Tinubu and took instructions from him.

    “The fact is that Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country.

    “We gave him information on what has been happening and assured him of our commitment. We had carried out his instructions.

    “We went to places with incidences of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.

    “We went to those particular three states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there,” he stated.

    The NSA said the President highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling cases of insecurity.

    “The President directed that we work more with governors. He was very worried and concerned at the meeting. He said, ‘Enough is enough!” said Ribadu.

    He said the attackers usually targeted innocent citizens by planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and targeting ungoverned areas.

  • BANDITRY! Tinubu in closed door session with defence  chief, NSA

    BANDITRY! Tinubu in closed door session with defence chief, NSA

    President Bola Tinubu is currently in a closed-door meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, at his official residence in the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting comes amid escalating insecurity across the country, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where armed assailants—believed to be foreign herders—have killed hundreds and displaced communities in recent weeks.

    The security chiefs are expected to brief the President, who returned Monday night from a 19-day trip to Europe, on the worsening situation and ongoing efforts to restore order.

    Between March 28 and April 14, over 150 people were reportedly killed in Plateau’s Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, while at least 44 more were killed in Benue communities including Otobi Akpa, Ikobi, and Gwer West. On April 19, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed another 20 deaths in coordinated attacks in Logo and Ukum LGAs.

    It is unclear if other security and intelligence officials have joined the meeting, but it is expected to address urgent security interventions for affected regions.

  • Gov Alia to TInubu: “Save us from blood suckers, we don’t need state of emergency ‘

    Gov Alia to TInubu: “Save us from blood suckers, we don’t need state of emergency ‘

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that their headache is not Emergency Rule but full support from the Federal Government.

    Alia stated this when he was featured on national tv program on Wednesday.

    He explained that the insecurity in Benue is not beyond his control, noting that he can handle the situation, but needs more help from the FG to end the crisis.

    He stated that his government can stop the killings happening in the state, but they need more support to chase out the armed herders attacking communities.

    He said, “What we need is emergency help for now. We need absolute support. The Federal Government is supported. They sent two armoured tanks that came in. Our situation had changed.

    “We had a better narrative, but what we need to do is to get our people back home, to drive out the invaders, the armed invaders who have brought in people who do not even speak the Nigerian languages we speak.

    “Let them move back to wherever they came from and allow us farmers to go back to our ancestral land. Calling for any emergency does not occur here.”

    He however, rejected the idea that the security issue in the state was too much for him to manage.

    He noted that the number of local governments under attack has dropped from 17 to six since he took office.

    He said this shows that his administration can handle the violence and destruction caused by killer herders, many of whom, he believes, are not even Nigerians.

    He stated, “We couldn’t have trimmed it from 17 local governments in the front lines of the attacks to nine and then now to six, which means we have the capability to do this, but we need help. And that is a fact.”

  • Benue killings: Tinubu mourns, vows to end violence

    Benue killings: Tinubu mourns, vows to end violence

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue State following the recent deadly attacks in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas, which claimed over 72 lives.

    Delivering the president’s message in Makurdi on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said Tinubu stands firmly with the state during this difficult time.

    “Mr. President is with you, the country is with you, and we are all 100 percent with you. Together, we shall defeat this evil,” Ribadu assured.

    The NSA, who was accompanied by Senator Uba Umar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Intelligence and Security, conveyed the message during a meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the old Banquet Hall of the Government House.

    Ribadu emphasised the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue.

    “When evil comes, good people must come together to defeat it. We will work together to address this problem so that the state can enjoy lasting peace,” he said.

    Describing Benue as a vital part of Nigeria’s development, Ribadu noted, “Benue is the Food Basket of the Nation, and many people want to come here. Don’t feel alone—we will do more to ensure the state is peaceful. Just give us a chance.”

    He cautioned against politicising the tragedy, urging stakeholders to unite against violence. “Don’t take advantage of the situation and play politics,” he warned.

    The NSA also praised President Tinubu’s administration for prioritising national security, stating that substantial resources have been invested in the sector within his two years in office.

    “Things were extremely bad when we took over two years ago, we had a lot of security problems but with the effort of Mr.President we are now getting it right “.

    “You know to cause harm is easy but to address the same harm is most difficult,but gradually we are getting there and the problem will be solve.

    Three traditional rulers representing Benue zone A, B and C, Chief Daniel Abomtse, Chief Iorkyaa Kaave and Chief Godwin Onah respectively all appealed to the Federal Government to help clear killer herdsmen from their communities to allow farmers return their to farmland.

    Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia said in his speech expressed the determination of the Benue state government to give total support to the federal government and security agencies to solve the problem of insecurity in the state.

    Governor Alia stated: “The attacks against farmers has led to internally Displaced Persons ,IDPs, who are spread across 20 Local Government areas.

    populations are all now in the camps waiting for hand out as food ,if necessary actions are not taken Benue will no longer be known as the food basket of the nation.

    He said out of 23 local government area in Benue state, the herdsmen attacked and killed people in 18 Local Government areas .

    “They have taken over communities and settlements ,grazing on the farmlands why their victims are in internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camps.”

    He appealed to the federal government to hasten on the plan return of the IDPs to their ancestry home and continue their farm work.

  • Tinubu to meet service chiefs over nationwide incessant killings

    Tinubu to meet service chiefs over nationwide incessant killings

    President Bola Tinubu is planning to meet with the service chiefs to discuss the rising killings in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country on his return to Abuja from his two-week working visit to Paris, the French capital.

    Tinubu returned to Abuja yesterday after spending 18 days on a working visit and retreat in Paris and London.

    The State House media office announced that the Air Force 1 aircraft conveying the President landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 09:50pm on Monday.

    Since April 2, when he travelled, more than 120 locals have been killed by armed assailants and several homes have been burnt, with 3,000 persons displaced despite the deployment of security forces.

    According to multiple sources, the President was concerned by the security situation and would immediately meet with the service chiefs and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, over the development.