Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued an immediate order for the withdrawal of all police officers assigned as personal security guards to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.

The directive, announced on Sunday, aims to redeploy these officers to their core duties of frontline policing and public security.

The order was issued following a security meeting in Abuja, which was attended by the heads of the nation’s security agencies, including the Army, Air Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the new directive, any VIP requiring personal protection must now seek such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will be responsible for providing armed guards.

This move comes as many regions of the country, particularly rural and remote areas, suffer from a severe shortage of police personnel.

This deficit has hampered the force’s ability to effectively protect lives and property.

President Tinubu stated his administration’s commitment to increasing police presence nationwide to tackle the security challenges plaguing the nation.

This initiative aligns with the federal government’s earlier approval to recruit 30,000 new police officers, alongside a partnership with state governments to enhance police training facilities across Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, demanding an end to terrorism and banditry and warning that “Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”

The President gave the charge on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after decorating the top military brass with their new ranks.

He emphasized that the security crisis, which began in 2009, cannot be allowed to persist any longer.

“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal,” Tinubu stated.

He urged the chiefs to be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” and to deploy technology to stay ahead of threats.

A key concern highlighted by the President is the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and some parts of the South.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he declared.

While commending the military’s past sacrifices and successes, Tinubu tasked the service chiefs with ensuring synergy and providing exemplary leadership.

“Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out,” he said, promising full government support.

In his response, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for the appointment and assured him of their determination to keep the country safe.

He also called on all Nigerians to support the military’s efforts.The event was attended by the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, several state governors, and other top government officials.

The service chiefs were accompanied by their spouses, whom they saluted in a gesture that drew applause from the audience.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s commitment to fairness and religious equity, while also pledging to decisively tackle the nation’s security challenges.

The President gave the assurance on Saturday during a visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he met with Christian leaders at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and attended the funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the APC National Chairman.”

I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu stated.

He emphasized his personal commitment to religious harmony, citing his own family as an example.

“In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter, and I have never forced her to change her religion.”

On the pressing issue of insecurity, the President was resolute.

“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he declared.

The funeral service served as a platform for the President to pay tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, whom he described as a devoted mother and humanitarian.

The event also featured remarks from her son, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, who thanked the President for his support.

Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, the President of COCIN, expressed gratitude for the appointment of Northern Christians like Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, into key government positions.

He also appealed to President Tinubu for increased assistance for victims of conflict in Benue, Plateau, and for Christian communities displaced from Borno and Adamawa into Cameroon.

The high-profile event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, several state governors, and top government officials.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major move to tackle the nation’s security challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Forest Guards of Nigeria, a new security outfit tasked with flushing out terrorists and bandits from the country’s vast woodland areas.

The President has directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to commence the immediate recruitment of personnel for the new force.

According to a statement by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the guards will be assigned to secure 1,129 forests across the country.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.The President mandated that the forest guards be “well-trained and armed” to effectively carry out their primary duty of combating criminals who use the forests as hideouts for illegal activities.

The Office of the NSA and the Federal Ministry of Environment have been tasked with overseeing the full implementation of the initiative, which is expected to employ thousands of young Nigerians.

The establishment of the Forest Guards follows President Tinubu’s recent vow that his administration would not surrender any Nigerian territory to criminals, emphatically stating that the country “would take back its forests.”

By Uzair Adam

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to party members openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, urging them to withdraw their stance or face tougher disciplinary measures.

In a statement on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described such actions as anti-party and a direct violation of the party’s constitution.

He stressed that the NWC, acting under Section 59 (1) of the PDP constitution, had reprimanded those involved and cautioned them to retrace their steps to protect the party’s unity and electoral chances.

The NWC expressed concern over the growing trend of public statements from prominent PDP figures declaring their support for Tinubu and even pledging to work for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the committee, these actions breach Section 10 (6) of the PDP constitution, which prohibits members from aligning with other parties in ways that undermine the PDP or its elected governments.

“These anti-party activities have caused division, disaffection, and significant loss of members, posing a serious threat to the party’s stability and electoral fortunes if left unchecked,” the statement warned.

The party leadership urged members to remain loyal, stay focused, and work towards the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The warning comes amid ongoing internal crises within the PDP, as several high-profile members have openly endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

On July 28, 2025, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly declared support for Tinubu’s second term and also endorsed Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy for re-election at an APC event in Ado Ekiti.

Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the PDP in Osun State announced their endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 elections.

Adeleke, while affirming his loyalty to the PDP and announcing his own second-term endorsement for 2026, described Tinubu as a “proud son” of Osun State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to increase investments in poverty eradication, rural electrification, agriculture, and infrastructure to improve the lives of Nigerians.

Speaking at the 150th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration between federal and state governments to stimulate growth in rural areas.

“We must change the story of our people in the rural areas. The economy is recovering, but we need to do more to benefit the grassroots,” he said.

The NEC endorsed the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a new initiative targeting Nigeria’s 8,809 wards to boost economic growth.

The plan, presented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, aims to achieve double-digit growth by supporting agriculture, food security, and local economic activities.

Tinubu also directed the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General to the presidency to fast-track major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry highways.

Additionally, the council called for stronger state emergency agencies and the release of funds to tackle impending flood risks.

The RHWDP will be overseen by a National Steering Committee, with implementation handled by federal, state, and local governments.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Adeniyi’s tenure, originally set to expire on August 31, 2025, will now continue until August 2026.

The extension is aimed at allowing the Customs boss to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete key initiatives of the Tinubu administration.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the extension will enable Adeniyi to drive critical projects, including the modernisation of the NCS, the implementation of the National Single Window Project, and the execution of Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Tinubu commended Adeniyi for his leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would enhance the Service’s ability to deliver on its mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security.

Adeniyi, a career customs officer, was appointed Comptroller-General in 2023 and has since spearheaded reforms to improve efficiency in the Service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Presidency has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is entitled to seek a second term in office, just as the late former President Muhammadu Buhari did.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known during an interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday.

He urged Northern politicians to exercise patience and respect the rotational power arrangement, arguing that the South supported Buhari for eight years and should be allowed to complete its own turn.

Onanuga dismissed recent claims by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) about Northern marginalisation.

He described such complaints as a veiled attempt to weaken Tinubu’s government.

“This president is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” Onanuga stated.

Addressing allegations that federal appointments under Tinubu favour the Southwest, Onanuga challenged those making the accusations to present credible data rather than general assumptions.

He also dismissed reports of lopsided infrastructure development. He said the Tinubu administration inherited several incomplete and abandoned projects across the country.

Onanuga pointed to appointments in the security sector as proof of inclusiveness, saying Northerners head key agencies under Tinubu’s leadership.

“You need to get your statistics right. It’s all political mischief designed to undermine the President. There are bad roads across the country, not just in the North.

“The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and the two Defence Ministers are all Northerners. Places like Birnin Gwari and Igabi (in Kaduna) are now safer. I drove from Kaduna to Abuja without incident, a journey that was once unthinkable,” he added.

By Abdulaziz T. Bako

The National Assembly is quietly processing over 80 constitutional amendments that could change the structure of Nigeria permanently. But most of us are not paying attention. This is not about party or tribe, it is about our future.

Just look at what happened in Kano. The State Government organized a public hearing on these bills, but the hall was mostly filled with Kwankwasiyya supporters, not because others were not invited, but because people are sleeping on what may be an existential threat to their region.

Reading through all 86 proposals, I couldn’t find a single clause that deliberately strengthens the North or addresses our developmental realities. The only visible “benefit” is that most of the proposals for the creation of new states and local governments are from Northern states, which is a clear reflection of our power-hungry leaders’ penchant for prioritizing territorial control over actual development. It’s the same mindset behind our endless creation of emirates across the North. Everyone just wants a title, a throne, or a kingdom they can personally rule, while the people remain poor, uneducated, and insecure.

Well, I want you to know that these reforms are not harmless. Many of them target the political, social, and economic foundations of Northern Nigeria. Leme break down a few of the most dangerous ones with what the bill says:

1. 50% VAT Derivation

The FG’s push for 50% VAT derivation is especially dangerous and deceptive. The federal government is now trying to reintroduce 50% VAT derivation formula through the back door after it was fought and rejected in the recently enacted tax reform bill. This move is clearly designed to give Lagos state an undue advantage, allowing them to keep most of the VAT collected, while impoverishing Northern states that rely heavily on federal redistribution. In essence, Lagos and other few states will keep most VAT, and Northern states will lose billions.

5. Resource Control – (HB 1310, HB 1406)

“States to have control over resources in their land… only remit 25% to the Federation Account.”

If this proposal passes, states will control the natural resources in their land and only remit 25% to the Federation Account. This would be catastrophic for Northern Nigeria, as most northern states heavily rely on the redistribution of oil revenue and VAT to fund their budgets, pay salaries, build infrastructure, and provide basic services. But with this reform, oil-producing states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta would keep 75% of their oil money, while the federal government would be left with less to share. The North, which has fewer natural resources and far lower internally generated revenue, would be left behind economically. This is clearly an economic secession and sabotage disguised as federalism. It will widen the already dangerous gap between North and South, and could plunge many northern states into deeper poverty, unrest, and dependency.

3.. Indigeneship Reform – (HB 2057, HB 1422, HB 70)

“Any person resident for 10 years… or married to an indigene shall be entitled to all rights of indigeneship.”

This means anyone can become an indigene of Kano, Katsina, or Sokoto after 10 years or by marriage. I would leave you to decide what this means for emlloyment opportunities and federal character.

4. Ecclesiastical (Christian) Courts – (HB 79)

“Establish a system of Ecclesiastical Courts equivalent to Sharia Courts for Christians.”

You decide what you make of it.

This is just a sample. These reforms are coming fast and quietly. If we don’t speak up, they will be passed, and we may never recover from the consequences.

Share this, organize, and demand your state organize public hearings. Ask your religious leaders, lawmakers, and traditional rulers where they stand.

Abdulaziz Bako
7/25/2025

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive state funeral programme following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A period of national mourning has commenced to honour his service to the nation.

In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government detailed the arrangements.

A high-powered committee chaired by Senator Akume has been established to oversee the state burial proceedings.

As a mark of respect, Tuesday, July 15th, has been declared a public holiday, initiating a seven-day period of national mourning.

Throughout this time, all flags across Nigeria and at diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast.

Significant government activities have been adjusted.

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, originally planned for Wednesday, has been postponed to Friday.

Furthermore, twenty-five members of the FEC have been directed to travel to Daura, the late president’s hometown, for a special three-day mourning session.

The process of returning the former president’s remains to Nigeria is underway. A delegation led by the Vice President has finalized arrangements for the repatriation.

The body is expected to arrive at Katsina airport by 12 noon today, Tuesday, July 15th, where it will be received with a brief military parade.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside other dignitaries, will formally receive the remains in Katsina before they are transported to Daura for the final rites.

The funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) and burial will take place in Daura.

Condolence registers have been opened at all Federal Government ministries, agencies, and Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.

The government has called on all citizens to honour the memory of the late former president with prayers and respect during this time of national loss.