Bola Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has established a high-level committee tasked with resolving internal conflicts and mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation was inaugurated by the President on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, will lead the committee as its Chairman, with former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, serving as Member/Secretary.

The committee’s composition is a who’s-who of party heavyweights, including several governors, federal ministers, and former governors.

Notable members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

Also on the committee are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.In his remarks after the inauguration, Chairman Mai Mala Buni pledged the committee’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and developing lasting strategies for the party.

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” Governor Buni stated.

He urged members to prioritise the party’s collective interest over personal sentiments.

This move follows President Tinubu’s strong appeal for unity during the APC’s National Executive Committee meeting last Friday in Abuja.

At that meeting, the President emphasised the need for tolerance and cohesion, reminding party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals and respect for diverse opinions.

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni added, outlining the panel’s broad mandate to ensure a unified front for the ruling party.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru earlier this week.

The former Jigawa State governor stepped down amid worsening security challenges across the country.

Upon accepting his resignation, President Tinubu promptly nominated General Musa and sent his name to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

General Musa appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, where he was extensively questioned by lawmakers on security matters before being cleared and confirmed.

At a brief but solemn ceremony, President Tinubu urged the new minister to leverage his extensive operational experience, strategic depth, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture.

He emphasised that the ministry must prioritise synergy among the services, accelerate reforms, and sustain momentum in ongoing joint operations.

The President also highlighted the need for transparency in procurement, improved welfare for personnel, and deeper inter-agency cooperation.

General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff until June, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced officers of his generation.

He commanded counterterrorism operations in the North-East and provided strategic oversight for nationwide military engagements.

He pledged total commitment to the President’s vision for a safer and more stable Nigeria, promising to work tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, modernise defence capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies.

“We will not relent. We will sustain the pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure that peace returns to every community,” he said, stressing the importance of troop morale, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities.

Following the induction, senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.

General Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) on his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.

In a statement issued today, Governor Sani described the nomination as “well-deserved” and a “profound vote of confidence” in General Musa’s character and competence.

He extended congratulations on behalf of the Kaduna State Government and its people, noting the nominee is an illustrious son of the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment, stating it rewards excellence and reaffirms the President’s resolve to strengthen national security.

Having worked closely with General Musa, Governor Sani affirmed the appointment is timely and apt, calling it “a round peg in a round hole.”

He highlighted the General’s previous service as Chief of Defence Staff, citing his “uncommon discipline, strategic clarity, and humane leadership” which restored public confidence in the military.

For Kaduna State, the Governor credited General Musa’s “wise counsel, measured interventions, and firm support” as instrumental in stabilising areas once troubled by banditry and insurgent activity since May 2023.

Governor Sani urged the Senate to accord the distinguished officer expedited screening and approval, stating the nation stands to benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.

He concluded by saluting General Musa’s service, celebrating his ascent on behalf of Kaduna, and expressing confidence that history will remember him kindly.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over what he described as a clear display of bias.

Dr. Tilde made the call in a post on his Facebook page where he wrote: “TINUBU: INEC Chairman Should Resign or be Kicked Out. This is too gross and partial for his chair.”

His comment followed the resurfacing of a 2020 publication authored by Professor Amupitan, in which he described the violence against Christians in Nigeria as “genocide.”

The document, titled “Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community,” was part of a legal brief submitted to international organisations.

In the publication, Amupitan stated that crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity were being committed in Nigeria, adding that the victims were “mainly the Christian population and minority ethnic groups.”

The resurfacing of this document has triggered heated reactions across the country, with critics saying the position taken by Amupitan before his appointment raises serious questions about his neutrality as the nation’s electoral umpire.

Dr. Tilde, in his post, expressed concern that such views could undermine public trust in INEC, insisting that the chairman’s past statements make him unfit to preside over Nigeria’s electoral process.

Neither Professor Amupitan nor INEC has officially responded to the criticism.

However, some of his supporters argue that his earlier legal opinion was written in his capacity as an academic and lawyer, not as an election official.

The controversy has continued to generate debate among political observers, with calls for President Tinubu to address the matter to safeguard the credibility of future elections.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration is actively engaging with the international community as Nigeria’s economic reforms show positive results.

He gave this assurance during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The President, speaking after the swearing-in of two new ministers, pointed to the recent oversubscription of a $2.3 billion Eurobond by 400% as a sign of strong international confidence in the country’s direction.

“The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” Tinubu told the council.

Addressing the nation’s security challenges, the Commander-in-Chief charged Nigerians not to give in to despair.

“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism,” he affirmed.

The cabinet meeting also featured an economic briefing from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun.

He reported that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, which he described as the highest growth rate in a decade, excluding the post-COVID rebound period.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is expected to travel to the United States on Tuesday for diplomatic discussions with top American officials amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military force in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

Presidential sources told newsmen that Tinubu’s trip would focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing recent concerns raised by the U.S. government.

The source added that Trump has “delegated his Vice, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the visit,” unless there are last-minute changes.

The planned meeting comes days after Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing “genocide” and warned that the U.S. might intervene militarily if the killings did not stop.

Trump stated, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” he added.

In response, President Tinubu denied the allegations of religious persecution, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights of all faiths.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Saturday.

He added that since assuming office in 2023, his administration “has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

The President dismissed claims of religious intolerance as false and misleading.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he declared.

He reiterated that “religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

Meanwhile, presidential aide Daniel Bwala said the forthcoming visit aims to strengthen cooperation between both nations on counterterrorism and regional stability.

“Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said.

He noted that the Trump administration had “assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms,” adding that Tinubu’s government has “adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it.”

Bwala also disclosed that any differences in perception regarding the nature of terrorist activities in Nigeria “would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House.”

Tinubu further emphasized that his administration remains committed to working with the U.S. and other international partners “to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths,” he said.

“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” Tinubu added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently opposed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, labelling it an “insensitive and misguided” move that will deepen the economic crisis for Nigerians.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned the administration against “pushing the people to the wall” with policies that exacerbate suffering.

The ADC cautioned that the new levy could force the pump price of petrol beyond ₦1,000 per litre, making life “even more unbearable” for families, commuters, and businesses already struggling with the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation.

The party also questioned the government’s rationale for the tax, which is purportedly to protect domestic refining investments.

It pointed to the recent collapse of the rehabilitated Port Harcourt refinery just five months after a $1.5 billion overhaul as evidence of a flawed strategy.

“While we support private investments in the energy sector, policies meant to protect such investments must also protect the people and put their interests first,” the statement read.

The ADC demanded the immediate reversal of the import duty, asserting that a government unable to run its own refineries has no business taxing those who rely on imported fuel.

“Nigerians deserve a government that plans, not one that panics,” the party stated. “Economic growth that condemns the majority to a life of hardship and misery is ultimately destructive.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has replaced the country’s service chiefs.The changes, which take immediate effect, were announced in a press release from the State House on Thursday.

The outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has been replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede. Other new appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.However, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, will retain his position.

President Tinubu expressed his “most profound appreciation” to the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.”

The President charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the “professionalism, vigilance and comradeship” of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

This restructuring is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national security architecture amidst ongoing security challenges across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the worst of the country’s economic challenges are behind them, saying the nation has “finally turned the corner.”

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu admitted that his economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, brought temporary hardship.

However, he defended the policies as crucial to saving the country from what he described as a “near-collapsed economy” and “economic chaos.”

“The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” the President declared from the Presidential Villa.

He praised Nigerians for their patience, resilience, and support during the difficult period.

Tinubu used the address to present what he described as his administration’s progress report, outlining 12 key milestones achieved since May 2023.

He cited recent economic growth of 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years.

Inflation, he said, had eased to 20.12 percent in August, the lowest in three years, while external reserves had climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

Other achievements highlighted include a ₦7.46 trillion trade surplus, improved oil production at 1.68 million barrels per day compared to under one million in 2023, and the stabilisation of the naira, with the gap between official and parallel market rates narrowing significantly.

On security, the President praised the armed forces for “making significant sacrifices to keep us safe,” noting that peace was gradually returning to previously troubled communities in the North-East and North-West.

He also addressed the youth, pointing to programs such as the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦99.5 billion, and the YouthCred initiative for corps members.

“We will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high,” he assured.Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace a culture of production rather than consumption, urging citizens to farm the land, build factories, and support made-in-Nigeria goods.

“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers,” he said.

The President closed his address on a hopeful note, expressing confidence in a “new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria.”

He declared that with divine guidance, the nation’s brighter future had already begun.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Brasília for Abuja after a state visit to Brazil aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The presidential jet departed the Brasília International Airport Air Force Base at 12:57 pm local time on Wednesday.

The brief departure ceremony was attended by senior Brazilian diplomats, including Secretary for Africa and the Middle East Amb.

Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, and featured a guard of honour.

The visit, which began on Monday, August 25, was marked by a formal welcome ceremony at the Palácio do Planalto, where President Tinubu was received with full military honours by his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The core of the diplomatic engagement was a meeting between the two leaders, who oversaw the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding.

The agreements cover critical sectors for Nigeria’s development, including aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture.

The Nigerian delegation included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who was present at the airport for the President’s departure.