Bola Tinubu

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82.

The Daily Reality reports that the institution will now be called Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.While presiding over a special session, President Tinubu delivered an emotional tribute, describing the late leader as a man of discipline, moral strength, and patriotism.

He acknowledged that Buhari was not without flaws but maintained that his legacy of integrity, restraint, and honourable leadership would endure.

Speaking before cabinet ministers and other top government officials, Tinubu praised Buhari’s austere style and his resistance to the temptations of power.

He noted that the former president “stood always ramrod—unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that sometimes comes to those who do what is right rather than popular.”

Reflecting on their political partnership, Tinubu recalled how their alliance helped achieve Nigeria’s first peaceful democratic transition of power in 2015.

He described Buhari’s leadership during that period as dignified, adding that he carried the burdens of office with grace and humility.

While recognising that every legacy will face scrutiny, Tinubu emphasized that Buhari’s incorruptibility and patriotic service must serve as a benchmark for future leaders.

“The incorruptible standard he represented will not be forgotten,” he reaffirmed.The Federal Executive Council session concluded with prayers and a moment of silence.

Across the nation, tributes from political figures, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens continued to pour in, honouring Buhari’s life of service.

According to President Tinubu, renaming the university in Borno State is both symbolic and strategic, as the region was central to Buhari’s counter-insurgency and rebuilding efforts during his presidency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hours ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Benue State, the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja highway was shut down after a devastating flood rendered the road unusable.

Reports show that rising floodwaters submerged the key access route into Makurdi, causing major disruption to motorists and passengers who found themselves stranded.

Many were forced to either delay their travel plans or seek safety in nearby areas.

The timing of the incident has sparked concern, especially as it occurred during increased security and logistical activity in anticipation of the President’s one-day visit to sympathize with the people of Benue following the recent massacre in Yelewata.

The affected road is one of the major corridors linking the state capital to the Federal Capital Territory, and its closure has raised fresh questions about the state of infrastructure and emergency response in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season.

Details about the impact on the President’s itinerary remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), as he marks his 83rd birthday, commending his pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy and his enduring contributions to national peace.

In a statement, Tinubu praised Abubakar’s leadership in steering Nigeria from military rule to democracy in 1999, calling it a defining moment in the nation’s history.

He also lauded the retired general’s ongoing work with the National Peace Committee in fostering dialogue and credible elections. “General Abubakar is a patriot of uncommon integrity whose service continues to inspire,” Tinubu said. “His devotion to Nigeria’s unity and stability remains exemplary.”

The President wished him good health and strength in the years ahead, as the nation honors his legacy.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) leadership, which saw the removal of the board chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu also dismissed all other board members appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

“The new 11-member board will have Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the non-executive chairman,” Onanuga stated.

Additionally, President Tinubu has appointed Adedapo Segun to the new board. Segun previously replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL in November.

The newly constituted board includes six non-executive directors representing different geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Bello Rabiu will represent the North West, Yusuf Usman the North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, the North Central region.

Other appointees include Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige from the South-West, and Henry Obih from the South-East.“Mrs.

Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” Onanuga added.

He further stated that “all appointments take effect from today, April 2.”President Tinubu, exercising his powers under Section 59, Subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, noted that the board’s restructuring is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, increasing local content, boosting economic growth, and strengthening gas commercialization and expansion.

According to the statement, the President has directed the new board to conduct an immediate strategic review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture assets to ensure they align with revenue optimization objectives.

Since assuming office in 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPCL secured $17 billion in new investments, with projections to increase the figure to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritize the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He made the call at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.

He also offered Lagos as the potential host city for the task force’s headquarters.

In his address, delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, President Tinubu reiterated the urgent need for such a task force to safeguard the region.

This comes as Nigeria signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for peace support operations, humanitarian efforts, and personnel movement.

Under this agreement, Nigeria’s Navy will offer a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Key figures such as Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar, and Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, were present at the signing ceremony, alongside AU officials, including Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

President Tinubu also praised the AUPSC’s decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre and to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force addressing terrorism in the Lake Chad region.

Additionally, President Tinubu expressed concern over the escalating instability in Libya, linking it to the worsening security situation in the Sahel, and urged the Assembly to support efforts aimed at restoring order in Libya.

He also highlighted security challenges in countries undergoing democratic transitions, including Sudan, Mali, and Niger.

The Nigerian leader showed strong support for the establishment of an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA), which would provide fairer and more transparent assessments of African economies.

He further backed the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM) to support member states in addressing financial vulnerabilities and fostering economic resilience.

This initiative, designed to provide financial stability and support long-term development goals, has gained significant traction in recent AU discussions.

President Tinubu concluded by commending the progress made on the African Standby Force and urged the AU to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its operationalization.