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Tag: Tinubu

  • Finally, U.S judge orders FBI, DEA to release files on Tinubu

    Finally, U.S judge orders FBI, DEA to release files on Tinubu

    Finally, a United States District Court in Washington, D.C has directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to make public records concerning President Bola Tinubu.

    Judge Beryl Howell issued the order on Tuesday in response to a motion filed by Aaron Greenspan, an American citizen seeking a review of a previous ruling.

    In her decision, Howell dismissed the agencies’ justification for withholding the information, stating that shielding such documents from the public “is neither logical nor plausible.”

    Greenspan alleged that the agencies violated the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by failing to produce documents regarding alleged federal probes into both President Tinubu and Abiodun Agbele within the legally mandated timeframe.

    In 1993, Tinubu forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government after officials linked the funds to proceeds from narcotics-related activities.

    The issue resurfaced during proceedings at Nigeria’s Presidential Election Petition Court, where opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi cited the forfeiture in challenging Tinubu’s eligibility for office. The court ultimately dismissed the petitions and upheld his election.

    Judge Howell’s latest ruling partially supports Greenspan’s claims, particularly concerning the agencies’ reliance on what’s known as a “Glomar response”—a refusal to confirm or deny the existence of records.

    According to the judge, the FBI and DEA failed to demonstrate that their use of the Glomar principle was appropriate in this case.

    She wrote, “the claim that the Glomar responses were necessary to protect this information from public disclosure is at this point neither logical nor plausible,” noting that Tinubu had already been publicly identified as a subject in investigations by both agencies.

    Further explaining the legal framework, Howell stated that a FOIA requester can challenge a Glomar response either by disputing the claim that disclosure would cause identifiable harm, or by proving that the agency has already officially acknowledged the information in question.

    In this instance, Greenspan made both arguments. He contended that: “The plaintiffs’ argument that (1) DEA has officially confirmed investigations of Agbele’s involvement in the drug trafficking ring, (2) the FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring, (3) any privacy interests implicated by the FOIA requests to the FBI and DEA for records about Tinubu are overcome by the public interest in release of such information, and (4) the CIA has officially acknowledged records responsive to plaintiff’s FOIA request about Tinubu.”

  • Trade wars: U.S. envoy visits Tinubu in Paris

    Trade wars: U.S. envoy visits Tinubu in Paris

    The United States has opened discussions with President Bola Tinubu on expanding economic cooperation across Africa as part of efforts to deepen trade, investment, and development ties on the continent.

    This was disclosed following a meeting on Thursday between President Tinubu and U.S. State Department Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, in Paris, where the Nigerian leader is currently on a short working visit.

    According to a statement posted Friday on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, and shared by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the talks also touched on key security concerns in the region.

    “State Department Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos met with President Tinubu on Thursday to discuss regional security, including working together with partners to build a durable peace in eastern DRC,” the U.S. Mission stated.

    “They also discussed expanding opportunities for economic cooperation throughout Africa,” it added.

    The meeting comes at a time when Nigeria is working to reposition itself as a hub for investment and economic growth on the continent.

    Though specific details of the economic discussions were not disclosed, analysts say the meeting reflects growing American interest in engaging with African leaders on development-focused diplomacy, with Nigeria seen as a critical anchor in West Africa.

    President Tinubu has been in Paris since Wednesday, April 2, undertaking a short working visit aimed at reviewing his administration’s midterm performance and setting strategic priorities for the next phase of his tenure.

    While abroad, the President has remained actively engaged in state matters, and Thursday’s high-level engagement with the U.S. State Department underscores Nigeria’s central role in regional affairs and global economic conversations.

    Tinubu is expected to return to the country shortly, with public attention focused on the outcome of his consultations and the anticipated direction of new policies in the coming months.

  • Okpebholo begins campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Okpebholo begins campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo announced on Wednesday in Benin that he has begun mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.

    The governor made this known while receiving Mr. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.

    Osamwonyi defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Osamwonyi represents the Uhunmwonde constituency and serves on the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation.

    He was first received by APC State Chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, before being presented to the governor.

    Welcoming the lawmaker, Okpebholo commended him and his fellow defectors for strengthening the APC.

    He assured them of a supportive environment for collaboration and development in Edo.

    “We congratulate you on your return home. Your defection, along with four others, has made our party stronger and more united,” Okpebholo said.

    “A lot of people from other political parties are ready to join us. Very soon, it will be a carnival of defections.

    “I seek your support to drive development. Together, we will transform Edo and improve the lives of our people.

    “Uhunmwonde Local Government is very dear to me. Together, we can unlock its potential and attract meaningful growth and development,” he added.

    Speaking on the upcoming election, the governor declared: “The 2027 presidential election is near.

    “Here in Edo, we are ready. We have already kick-started our campaign for President Tinubu’s reelection.”

    He urged the youth to get involved, saying, “We must mobilise young people.

    “You are part of that demographic, and I assure you that you’ll find fulfillment in the APC.”

    Presenting Osamwonyi, APC Chairman Tenebe noted that “the party now holds a majority in the Edo Assembly.

    “Osamwonyi joined us because of your administration’s impressive achievements in such a short time,” Tenebe said.

    In his remarks, Osamwonyi cited internal divisions within the PDP as the reason for his defection.

    “The PDP’s internal crisis, from the national level down to the wards, pushed me to return to the APC.

    “For me, it’s a homecoming. I was once a member of this great party,” he said.

    He praised the state government’s development initiatives, especially those targeting his constituency.

    “Several projects in the state budget for Uhunmwonde are commendable. I had to align with the APC to ensure progress for my people,” he added.

  • Appointments: TInubu is violating principle of federal character -Senator Ndume alleges

    Appointments: TInubu is violating principle of federal character -Senator Ndume alleges

     

    The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as non-compliance with the federal character principle in political appointments.

    Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, the lawmaker accused the President of violating the constitutional requirement for balanced representation in government appointments.

    Ndume pointed to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that political appointments reflect the country’s diversity.

    “The figures are there. You can look at the figures. I sent you one. I sent you figures. It’s not that I’m just making accusations. And it’s not that I’m saying, well, the president has no right to do that kind of thing.

    “But it’s a constitutional provision. Section 13, I mean, Section 14 (3) of the constitution is very, very clear,” he said.

    The senator added that the current appointments fail to align with the federal character principle as outlined by law.

    “When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear.

    “It is because of avoiding such infractions that the constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.

    “And all I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that it can be corrected; otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time”, Ndume stated.

    Ndume, a senior member of the National Assembly, clarified that his comments were not meant as a personal attack on the President but rather a duty tied to his role as a lawmaker.

    “I know, as you rightly say, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government. I have the right to do that in the first place. And in fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly in the first place.

    “Collectively, we are supposed to oversight the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal”, he added.

    Addressing potential backlash for his remarks, Ndume remained resolute.

    “Each one of us will stand before God, and God will ask him to account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? When you have these figures out, it is already viral, it is already in circulation.

    “But you know what, after this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message.

    “It is not about Ndume or me being a senator. As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice out all these things. Not only that, I have the right to even protest. I have the right. That is guaranteed by the constitution. But from tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume. These are the facts”, the lawmaker said.

    The Punch

  • Ndume choose to promote sentiments than facing pressing issues – Sen. Karimi faults Ndume

    Ndume choose to promote sentiments than facing pressing issues – Sen. Karimi faults Ndume

    Sen. Sunday Karimi, Chairman, Senate Services Committee, has urged his counterpart from Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume to focus more on pressing issues such as insecurity rather than “play to the gallery”.

    Ndume had accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of making lopsided political appointments favouring his Yoruba ethnic group, when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s ‘Prime Time’ on Monday.

    Ndume alleged that Tinubu had been unfair to other parts of the country in the appointments he made so far.

    However, Karimi, in a statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, expressed surprise at Ndume’s claims, advising him to focus on more pressing issues like the nation’s insecurity.

    Karimi expressed surprise that Ndume, a former Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, often chose to “play to the gallery” by leaving “real developmental challenges like the insecurity confronting Nigeria, to promote sentiments.”

    The Kogi-West Senator cited the devastation caused to Nigeria’s existence by Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade.

    According to him, it cost the nation “over 50 per cent of its earnings” in recent years in counter-terrorism spending.

    Karimi urged Ndume to redirect his energy towards finding local solutions to the insurgency, rather than criticizing the government.

    “Over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s earnings in the last few years is being spent on fighting insurgency.

    “Rather than playing to the gallery and criticising the government, Senator Ndume as a leader of his people should go back home, liaise with his people on solving Boko Haram problems.

    “Insecurity has a local solution,” he said.

    Karimi highlighted his efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes in Kogi-West by citing a notable example.

    He said he facilitated the construction of a Military Base in Egbe Town, Yagba West Local Government, and provided additional logistics to support security initiatives.

    Karimi stressed that the proactive approach demonstrated his commitment to addressing the region’s security challenges.

    “The country has lost a lot of his soldiers and trillions of Naira fighting insurgents in Senator Ndume’s Senatorial district in the last decades.

    “In fact, I lost one of the young officers, a captain in the Nigerian Army from my Senatorial District serving in his community three weeks ago.

    “Lots of young Nigerians had lost their lives fighting to defend the territorial integrity of our country.

    “Those are more serious and compelling issues threatening our collective existence,” he added.

  • PASCHAL DOZIE: Tinubu mourns, says his influential leadership extended beyond corporate boardrooms

    PASCHAL DOZIE: Tinubu mourns, says his influential leadership extended beyond corporate boardrooms

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of Chief (Dr.) Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker.

    He was 85.

    This was contained in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday saying:

    “Chief Pascal Dozie, was a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy. As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey: banking and telecommunications.

    “Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.

    In addition to his business acumen, Chief Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, dedicating decades of service to national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment.

    President Tinubu lauds Chief Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

    The President prays for the peaceful repose of Chief Dozie’s soul and extends his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family. He calls upon the Nigerian private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building, for which he was renowned.

  • 2027: APC finally speaks on alleged feud between Tinubu and his deputy, Shettima

    2027: APC finally speaks on alleged feud between Tinubu and his deputy, Shettima

    Finally, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, dismissing speculation that Tinubu is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections.
    Despite Tinubu not formally declaring his bid for a second term, his loyalists and key party stakeholders have begun mobilising support for his re-election.

    APC National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the reports as baseless.

    “This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously.”

    “Even if, for any reason, the president were to consider replacing the vice president, he cannot do so singlehandedly. Such a decision would require extensive consultation with critical stakeholders,” he said.

    N/Central pushes for presidency or VP slot

    Meanwhile, political stakeholders from the North Central geopolitical zone have renewed their call for either the presidency or vice presidency in 2027.

    At a press conference in Abuja, representatives from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, urged major political parties to zone their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region.

    In a communiqué issued after their meeting, the stakeholders argued that if APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential ticket, the vice-presidential slot should be allocated to North Central.

    Prof. Nghargbu, flanked by other regional leaders, noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, North Central has yet to produce a democratically elected president or vice president.

    “Of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only North Central and South East have not occupied the positions of president or vice president in the past 26 years of the Fourth Republic.

    “The situation for North Central is even worse than that of the South East, which at least had Dr Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983,” he said.

    He stressed that the region must now demand equal support from other northern zones.

    “This is about fairness. We want to be recognised not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project,” he said.

    APC: N/Central’s demand is unrealistic

    Reacting to the demand, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed it as unrealistic and “dead on arrival”.

    “The North Central should not see the presidency or vice presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution comparedg to zones like the North West.

    “They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension,” Ibrahim revealed.

    He argued that discussions about zoning should not even arise now, as Tinubu has yet to complete his first term.

    “The current occupant of the presidency must be given the chance to serve two terms. Conversations about zoning should only happen after that,” he said.

    Daily Trust

  • Tinubu vows to punish gunmen behind Plateau attacks

    Tinubu vows to punish gunmen behind Plateau attacks

    President Bola Tinubu on Saturday vowed that the gunmen responsible for the recent attacks in Plateau would be apprehended and punished.

    Gunmen launched brutal assaults on Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government, as well as Manguna and Dafo villages, resulting in the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement.

    The President expressed his deep sorrow over the violent attacks, directing security agencies to track down the attackers and promising that they would face severe punishment once apprehended.

    “The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. These intermittent attacks have no place in our country, especially at a time when we are working tirelessly to restore peace and order.

    “This unfortunate incident will not slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian. Instead, we will intensify efforts to eradicate forces of evil wherever they are found,” President Tinubu said.

    The President extended his condolences to the Government of Plateau and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, urging affected communities to cooperate with authorities and security agencies by sharing information to help identify the perpetrators and secure their areas.

    He assured Mutfwang of his support in putting an end to the violence on the Plateau.

    Tinubu also directed the National Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with state authorities to provide immediate relief and support to the victims and those wounded in the attacks.

    The President expressed his condolences to the families of the victims: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those affected by this senseless violence.

    “No community should endure such tragedy. We must unite to foster peace and stability.”

    He called on all citizens to embrace peace, uphold shared humanity, and reject retaliation, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

  • Tinubu appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Bank of Agriculture MD

    Tinubu appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Bank of Agriculture MD

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of Bank of Agriculture, effective immediately.

    Sotinrin brings a diverse and extensive background in the private and public sectors to his new role, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Friday

    “Before this appointment, he held the position of Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group.

    “His leadership at SAO Agro, an agribusiness company, was marked by ground-breaking agricultural initiatives, including developing a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize and cassava operations in Ondo State.

    “He also led SAO Capital, raising over $750 million in infrastructure and development finance, including the landmark $200 million Akure Water Supply Project,” said Onanuga.

    He said that in the public sector, Sotinrin also served as Special Adviser (Environment and Urban Development) to the Minister of State for FCT from 2011 to 2015.

    According to him, the new appointee has consulted for the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and USAID, and played key advisory roles in projects at federal and state levels.

    “His international background includes roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank and the UK Environment Agency,” Onanuga said.

    NAN eports that Sotinrin holds an Executive MBA from Said Business School, Oxford University; an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation and a Master degree in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University.

    “His appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    “Sotinrin’s proven ability to mobilise capital, innovate in agribusiness, and collaborate across sectors will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture as a catalyst for food security, sovereignty and rural prosperity,” said the presidential aide.

  • Critical stakeholders plead with Tinubu to review appointment of DG, National Agricultural Seed Council

    Critical stakeholders plead with Tinubu to review appointment of DG, National Agricultural Seed Council

    Critical stakeholders and experts in the Seed Sector of Nigeria have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the recent appointment of a substantive Director General for the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC).

     

    Stakeholders’ concern stemmed from the fact that Hon Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari who was appointed as substantive Director General of the Council did not possess the requisite professional qualification and cognate experience in seed science and technology as provided for in the Act establishing the Council.

     

    In the open letter of appeal to President Tinubu signed on behalf of the Seed Sector by Engineer Olagbaju Akeju, a technical consultant/seed processor, the group cited a breach of Part III, Section 6 of the National Seed Council Act of 2019, which is the regulatory framework to establish food governance and remove quackery from the Nigeria Seed System.

     

    Specifically, Part III, Section 6, states: “The President shall appoint on the recommendation of the Hon. Minister, candidate who possesses professional qualification and cognate experience in Seed Science and Technology.”

     

    The group said that: “This requirement is very fundamental to continue to sustain the gain and international recognition of the Nigerian Agricultural Seed System as African model.”

     

    According to the group, “It is for this purpose that Mr. President’s attention is invited to take another look at the appointment of Hon. Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari as Director General of the Council as earlier announced and confirmed, pending the request for Dr. Ishiaku Othman Khalid to serve as substantive Director-General of the Council for a single term.”

     

    It would be recalled that until a few days ago, before the announcement of Hon. Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari as the Director-General by Mr. President, the Acting Director-General, Dr. Ishiaku Othman Khalid, a seasoned Seed Expert who grew within the system to become a director, was expected to be confirmed as the substantive Director General.

     

    “During his tenure in acting capacity, the Seed Council attained international recognition as testified by the Council of Head of States in Africa Union for Food Security Committee. The Nigeria Seed System has also become remarkable as a model working for Nigeria and should be adopted by other African countries.”

     

    On appointment of core professionals to head the Council, the group noted: “Since its establishment, the leadership of this unique agency has always been selected among the professionals in the relevant seed science and technology for the post of Director-General.

     

    “It appeared that Mr. President was misled to appoint a non-professional as Director-General. This appointment did not only contravene the extant law but also breach Mr. President’s belief to give opportunity for serving officers to reach the pinnacle of their careers.”