TheNewsGuru

Tag: Tinubu

  • Tinubu removes two federal universities VCs

    Tinubu removes two federal universities VCs

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University. 

    The changes take effective immediately, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Thursday.

    “At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Prof. Aisha Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. 

    “Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.

    “He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Sen. Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education,” said the statement.

    To succeed Maikudi, Tinubu appointed Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.

    She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available. 

    The President has also removed Prof. Polycarp Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on Feb. 14. 

    Prof. Oguejiofu Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

    “The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.

    “President Tinubu appointed Engr Olubunmi Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

    “Prof. Zubairu Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja,” said the statement.

    Sen. Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Sen. Joy Emordi, while Stores is now a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    Additionally, Mr Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra.

    “All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.

    “President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

    “The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” concluded the statement. 

  • Just in: Tinubu jacks up proposed 2025 budget from N49.7trillion to N54.2trillion

    Just in: Tinubu jacks up proposed 2025 budget from N49.7trillion to N54.2trillion

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has increased the proposed total budget size for 2025 from N49.7trillion he presented to the joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024 to N54.2trillion .

    President Tinubu announced an increase in the proposed budget size through separate letters forwarded to both the Senate and the House of Representatives .

    The President in the letter read during plenary in Abuja the President of the Nigerian Senate Godswill Akpabio , said the increase arose from N1.4trilliion additional revenues made by the Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS ) , N1.2trillion made by the Nigeria Customs Service , N1.8trilliion generated by some other Government Owned Agencies .

    The President of the Senate consequently directed the request to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for expeditious consideration and declared that the budget consideration , would be concluded and passed before the end of this month.

  • Tinubu departs for France ahead of AU summit in Addis Ababa

    Tinubu departs for France ahead of AU summit in Addis Ababa

    President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for Paris, France, on a private visit en route to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

    “In Addis Ababa, President Tinubu will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled for Feb. 12th to 16th.

    “The president will arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the AU summit,” Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

    He said while in France, President Tinubu would meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron.

  • Tinubu snubs varsity Bill over land ownership dispute

    Tinubu snubs varsity Bill over land ownership dispute

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives, notifying it of his decision to decline assent to the Federal University of Education, Numan, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024, in accordance with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    Reading the letter on the House floor on Tuesday, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu stated that the President rejected the bill due to certain provisions, including Section 22, which grants the authority to consent to land disposal to the state governor instead of the president. He noted that, in the case of federal universities, such authority should rest with the president as the land belongs to the federal government.

    Meanwhile, the House observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who passed away on January 15, 2025. The Deputy Speaker announced that a valedictory session would be held in her honor. After the day’s business and proceedings, the House however adjourned plenary to Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

  • Tinubu appoints Abba Aliyu as MD, Rural Electrification Agency

    Tinubu appoints Abba Aliyu as MD, Rural Electrification Agency

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abba Aliyu as the substantive Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

    The appointment, effective from Jan. 23, is for an initial term of four years, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Spokesman, said in a statement.

    Aliyu has been acting as the agency’s managing director since March 2024 until the confirmation of  his appointment.

    “He has over 20 years of experience in energy and organisational development in the private and public sectors.

    “He has played key leadership roles in the on-grid and off-grid power sectors, as well as the water resources and transportation sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

    “Previously, he was head of the Project Management Unit at the Nigeria Electrification Project; General Manager of Corporate Services, Projects, and Research.

    ”He was also the Deputy General Manager at Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET),” the statement said.

    It added that Tinubu expects Aliyu to leverage his expertise to further the REA’s mission of providing rural communities with reliable electric power.

    This would contribute to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on sustainable energy and power.

  • House of Reps ready to pass 2025 budget – Deputy spokesman

    House of Reps ready to pass 2025 budget – Deputy spokesman

    The House of Representatives has thoroughly reviewed the N49.70 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu the Deputy Spokesperson, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), has said.

    In an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese said that all the committees of the house took time to work on the budget of various agencies of government, ahead of  passage.

    He said that house had done a good job as promised by asking relevant questions, adding that where the lawmakers were not satisfied with the answers provided, they demanded further explanations.

    “Some of the agencies made beautiful presentations, while others did not. The media witnessed some, if not all these issues during our budget defence sessions.

    “What was not done in the media spotlight is that we carried out a surgical operation on these proposals in such a way that Nigerians will get value for their money.

    “As a parliament, we are aware of the difficulties of the times and there is no way we would approve frivolous budgetary demands.

    “We made this clear to the ministers and heads of agencies that they must look for innovative ways to generate revenue to enable the government to run effectively.

    “We also made it clear that we will not approve frivolous demands as proposed to us. They left with this message, aware that with the 10th Assembly, it is not business as usual anymore,” Agbese said.

    The deputy spokesman said that the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, would always prioritise integrity while dealing with any national assignment.

    He said that the house promised to ensure that the right things were done, stressing that the budget was about Nigerians and that anything contrary to their interest would not be condoned.

    Agbese called on Nigerians to continue to support the President Bola Tinubu-led government in its bid to revamp the economy and deliver good governance.

  • What Tinubu told Finish govt on Simon Ekpa’s arrest, detention

    What Tinubu told Finish govt on Simon Ekpa’s arrest, detention

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday commended the intervention of the Finish government with the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa.

    Tinubu spoke when he received the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The president said that government would not tolerate actions and statements that could lead to divisiveness among citizens.

    He also commended the Finnish authorities for the timely intervention that safeguarded the nation’s integrity and mitigated an action that threatened peaceful coexistence.

    “I must thank you for your record on safeguarding human rights in our country with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible.

    ”We have been through turbulent times, and we don’t want to promote terrorism,” Tinubu told the Finnish ambassador.

    “I am a child born into activism, but not divisiveness.

    ”We need cohesion and cooperation to bring about development.

    ”Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward.

    “The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has informed me. I know what the rule of law means.

    ”The rule of law safeguards our democratic credentials, morals and values.

    ”We must respect the rule of law,” the president said.

    Similarly, Tinubu received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued.

    The president noted that the ambassador’s priorities, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agriculture and education, would directly impact the country’s development.

    “Nigeria is undergoing a series of necessary reforms to stimulate growth and prosperity.

    ”Thank you also for the humanitarian support in the North East.

    ”I believe that we can work together,” he added.

    Responding, the Ambassador of Finland extolled the president for his courage in initiating reforms that would benefit the economy and ensure prosperity in the future.

    “Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations.

    ”The cooperation between our two countries is going very well now.

    ”The National Security Adviser has been providing all the evidence,” the ambassador noted.

    “I salute you for all the ongoing reforms in the country.

    ”They are not easy. Even though it is painful, it is the only way Nigeria can progress. It is essential for the country.

    “Finland has been involved in peace mediation as well.

    ”We also have opportunities for Nigeria in energy. We can work and make it a realisable dream,” she stated.

    In a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union, Tinubu noted that the group remained one of the highest trading partners of Nigeria.

    He urged the envoy to work toward elevating the volume of transactions and strengthening the ties.

    According to the president, Nigeria needs support in digitalising and automating operations and processes for rendering services.

    The president said the Nigerian economy could support investments with its vibrant and youthful population.

    Tinubu urged collaboration between Nigeria and Algeria to implement the trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project.

    “We need to lift one another in Africa and we will be stronger together.

    ”We can be abused or ignored, but we have nothing to prove to anyone but ourselves.

    ”We must lift Africa together,” the president said.

    Mignot told the president that Nigeria holds “many untapped potential ” adding that more could be realised through development, cooperation and technology leveraging.

    “We have a solid partnership based on our shared values,” he said.

    The Algerian Ambassador also said the trans-Sahara African Gas Pipeline project and other proposed regional development projects would significantly impact the continent.

    He said Algeria would continue to support Nigeria in negotiating for improved livelihood on the continent with multilateral institutions.

  • Full List: Tinubu appoints political acolytes, Ganduje, Afikuyomi, Meseko, others as board chairmen

    Full List: Tinubu appoints political acolytes, Ganduje, Afikuyomi, Meseko, others as board chairmen

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) under the Ministry of Aviation.

    This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

    In addition to Ganduje’s appointment, the President named chairpersons for 41 federal organizations, alongside new leadership roles, including a Managing Director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a Director-General for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).

    President Tinubu disclosed that board chairpersons are non-executive roles and urged appointees to avoid interfering in the management of the respective organizations.

    Complete List of President Tinubu’s Appointments for Federal Boards and Agencies
    1. National Youth Service Corps, Ministry of Youth Development – Hon. Hillard Eta (Chairman, Cross River)

    2. Nigerian Institute of International Affairs – Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi (Chairman, Lagos)

    3. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Ministry of Aviation – H.E. Abdullahi Ganduje (Chairman, Kano)

    4. National Sugar Development Council – Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola (Chairman, Osun)

    5. Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company – H.E. Sulaiman Argungu (Chairman, Kebbi)

    6. National Agency for Great Green Wall – Sen. Magnus Abe (Chairman, Rivers)

    7. National Teachers Institute – Barr. Festus Fuanter (Chairman, Plateau)

    8. National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) – Raji Kazeem Kolawole (Director-General, Oyo)

    9. Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration – Chief Victor Tombari Giadom (Chairman, Rivers)

    10. Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria – Comrade Mustapha Salihu (Chairman, Adamawa)

    11. Industrial Training Fund – Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo (Chairman, Gombe)

    12. Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology – Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa (Chairman, Abia)

    13. Sheda Science and Technology Complex – Sen. Abubakar Maikafi (Chairman, Bauchi)

    14. Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria – H.E. Nasiru Gawuna (Chairman, Kano)

    15. National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion – Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi (Chairman, Lagos)

    16. Nigerian Postal Service – Chief D. J. Kekemeke (Chairman, Ondo)

    17. National Inland Waterways Authority – Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar (Chairman, Sokoto)

    18. National Steel Council – Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar (Chairman, Nasarawa)

    19. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency – Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad (Chairman, Kaduna)

    20. National Bio-Safety Management Agency – Mu’azu Bawa Rijau (Chairman, Niger)

    21. Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute – Hon. Durosimi Meseko (Chairman, Kogi)

    22. Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe – Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim (Chairman, Taraba)

    23. Nigerian Railway Corporation – Dr. Kayode Isiak Opeifa (Managing Director, Lagos)

    24. Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti – Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole (Chairman, Ogun)

    25. Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta – Mr. Abdullahi Dayo Israel (Chairman, Lagos)

    26. Federal Medical Centre, Asaba – Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile Idele (Chairman, Edo)

    27. Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja – Nze Chidi Duru (OON) (Chairman, Anambra)

    28. Federal Medical Centre, Owerri – Hon. Emma Eneukwu (Chairman, Enugu)

    29. Civil Defence, Immigration and Prisons Services Board – Major Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik Rtd (Secretary, Kano)

    30. Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia – Mr. Uguru Mathew Ofoke (Chairman, Ebonyi)

    31. Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa – Barr. Felix Chukwumenoye Morka (Chairman, Delta)

    32. Federal Medical Centre, Yola – Alh. Bashir Usman Gumel (Chairman, Jigawa)

    33. David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ubuhu, Ebonyi State – Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu (Chairman, Imo)

    34. National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency – Chief Edward Omo-Erewa (Chairman, Edo)

    35. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) – Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar (Chairman, Kaduna)

    36. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State – Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori (Chairman, Borno)

    37. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State – Hon. Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)

    38. Federal Medical Centre, Katsina – Dr. Abubakar Isa Maiha (Chairman)

    39. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) – Isa Sadiq Achida (Chairman, Sokoto)

    40. Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu – Dr. Mohammed Gusau Hassan (Chairman, Zamfara)

    41. National Building and Road Research Institute – Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Chairman, Nasarawa)

    42. Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority – Amb. Abubakar Shehu Wurno (Chairman, Sokoto)

    43. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital – Augustine Chukwu Umahi (Chairman, Ebonyi)

    44. Federal Scholarship Board – Engr. Babatunde Fakoyede (Chairman, Ekiti)

    45. Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund – Hon. Shola Olofin (Chairman, Ekiti)

  • Tinubu snubs NJC, FJSC, reportedly appoints Kogo as CCT boss

    Tinubu snubs NJC, FJSC, reportedly appoints Kogo as CCT boss

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly appointed Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    However, the appointment has sparked controversy as it was made without adherence to constitutional procedures involving the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

    According to a letter dated January 20, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the appointment was backdated to November 27, 2024.

    This retroactive decision has raised questions about the transparency of the process and the government’s commitment to constitutional provisions.

    The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that the FJSC is tasked with nominating candidates for judicial appointments, while the NJC evaluates and recommends suitable individuals to the President for final approval. Reports suggest that neither body was consulted before Dr. Kogo’s appointment.

    Dr. Kogo’s appointment comes seven months after it was initially announced in July 2024 by former presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale. At the time, it was revealed that Kogo was being considered to replace Justice Danladi Umar, the substantive Chairman, even though Umar’s tenure had not yet expired.

    The National Assembly had previously initiated a contentious process to remove Justice Umar, citing age-related retirement concerns. This move escalated into a legal dispute, with the matter brought before Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. In the case, President Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were named as defendants.

    The appointment has reignited debates about the respect for constitutional order and the rule of law by government officials. Critics argue that bypassing the FJSC and NJC undermines the independence of the judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent.

    When contacted, Supreme Court spokesperson Festus Akande stated that he was unaware of any recent meetings involving the NJC or FJSC concerning the appointment. Akande, who is currently on annual leave, refrained from further comments on the matter.

    Observers have expressed concerns that the irregularities surrounding Kogo’s appointment could erode public confidence in the judicial system. Legal analysts stress the importance of adhering to due process, particularly for sensitive positions such as the Chairmanship of the CCT, which plays a critical role in upholding accountability in public office.

    The controversy underscores the need for greater transparency and adherence to constitutional protocols in the appointment of key public officials. Whether the courts or the legislature will take further action regarding this appointment remains to be seen.

  • Tinubu didn’t drag eminent Nigerians to Paris – Presidency

    Tinubu didn’t drag eminent Nigerians to Paris – Presidency

    The Presidency has described reports on social media about an arbitration proceeding in Paris to which the Nigerian Government is a party, as fake news.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the private proceeding, which should not have been reported in the media, was entirely confidential.

    “While respecting the confidentiality of the proceedings, we wish to state categorically that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not forced anyone to testify for or to refrain from testifying against Nigeria.

    “All the eminent Nigerians involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so willingly and out of sheer patriotism and conviction.

    “President Tinubu and the entire country are grateful to them,” concluded the statement.