Buhari

NLC urges immediate reversal of fuel price hike, says Tinubu’s policies are hurting Nigerians

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent hike in fuel prices, and accused the government of deepening poverty and unemployment across the country. 

The NLC expressed its displeasure in a statement titled, “What Next After Increase In Pump Price?” issued on Wednesday by the union’s National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. 

This reaction followed the latest move by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase the fuel price to ₦1030 per litre, just one month after a previous hike to over ₦850 per litre. 

“We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increase in the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures,” Ajaero stated.

He also criticised the government for failing to provide a comprehensive strategy for economic growth and development, calling instead for a reversal of the price hike. 

Challenging the logic behind the decision, the NLC noted, “Even following the logic of market forces, we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly.” 

The NLC warned that the price hike would further impoverish Nigerians, increase job losses, and reduce production capacity across industries.

“It will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip, more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects,” the statement read.

I Inherited Nigeria with damaged security from Buhari—Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu says he inherited a country with damaged security from his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

In his Independence Day speech, Mr. Tinubu said he took over the leadership of Africa’s most populous country at a “critical juncture.” 

“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired,” Mr. Tinubu said. 

The president also said Nigeria was imbalanced when he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

However, his government decided to pursue reforms in both Nigeria’s economy and its security. 

“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.” 

In the sixteen months since Mr. Tinubu took office, bandits and Boko Haram terrorists have continued their nefarious activities in the northern part of Nigeria, kidnapping for ransom and killing. 

Spiking food prices caused by economic inflation have forced Nigerians to hit the streets in protest as the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis takes a dreadful trajectory under Tinubu’s watch.

Number of asylum seekers unprecedentedly over 660,000 under Buhari—Report

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A recent report by Statisense, a data collection organisation, reveals that a staggering 664,384 Nigerians sought asylum in other countries between 2016 and 2023.

This significant increase occurred during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

The report, which cites the United Nations Refugee Agency, shows a steady rise in asylum seekers.

In 2016, 66,862 Nigerians sought asylum, increasing to 91,924 in 2017, 84,624 in 2018, 112,382 in 2019, 73,233 in 2020, 83,105 in 2021, 83,402 in 2022, and 68,852 in 2023. 

The Republic of Niger hosted the largest number of Nigerian refugees in 2023, with 200,497 individuals.

This brings the total number of Nigerian refugees in Niger between 2015 and 2023 to 1,268,464. 

Nigeria also topped the list of African countries whose citizens sought asylum in Canada in 2023, with 10,111 individuals.

Additionally, 1,345 Nigerians sought asylum in the United Kingdom, and 5,136 in the United States. 

This trend highlights the need for policymakers to address the underlying factors driving Nigerian citizens to seek asylum abroad.

Atiku Abubakar pays visit to former President Buhari

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, paid a surprise visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Katsina State. 

Accompanied by former Governor Aminu Tambuwal and other PDP stalwarts, Atiku’s closed-door meeting with Buhari has set tongues wagging about the purpose of the visit.

This development comes hot on the heels of Atiku’s recent meetings with former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Niger State. 

While the details of these discussions remain under wraps, sources suggest that Atiku’s visit may be connected to the 2027 general elections.

As political intrigues continue to unfold, many are watching with bated breath to see what this unexpected meeting will yield.

Customs CG visits ex-President Buhari, Emir of Daura

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made a visit to two public figures, former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Royal Highness, the Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk on Saturday 9 March 2024.

Adeniyi’s first port of call was the Daura residence of former President Buhari, where he expressed profound appreciation for the former president’s pivotal role in the emergence of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The CGC stated, “This legislative milestone grants the NCS expanded authority to implement policies aimed at bolstering revenue generation and facilitating trade, thus contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory.”

During the visit, Adeniyi conveyed the purpose behind his recent expedition to the Maiadua Border in Kongolam, attributing it to President Bola Tinubu’s directive aimed at ameliorating the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

He said, “I will also use this occasion to brief you on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives that all trucks of food carrying exports across the border that were seized by Customs be returned to the traders with the hope that they would plow them back into the Nigerian markets.”

He said the Service is responsible for ensuring that food security becomes an integral and essential element of national power, adding that, “I would like to assure you that we may continue to work for the peace, progress, and security of Nigeria, those key ideals that you have worked for, in all your years, in your career in the military, and what you did as president and now as a statesman.”

Giving his response, former President Buhari graciously acknowledged Adeniyi’s visit, commending the NCS for its crucial role in border protection, which he deemed indispensable for safeguarding national security interests.

Subsequently, CGC Adeniyi embarked on another significant visit, this time to the illustrious Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk, at his palace in Daura, Katsina State.

This visit, marked by mutual respect and friendship, aimed to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the NCS and the esteemed Daura Emirate.

Reflecting on past interactions with the former Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, Adeniyi reaffirmed his confidence in the collective efforts of the NCS and other security agencies to combat threats to national security, including the scourge of banditry and insurgency.

Nasarawa State governor denies future political ambitions beyond eight-year tenure

By Uzair Adam Imam

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State declared that he harbors no political ambitions beyond his current eight-year governorship tenure.

He noted that his sole aspiration is to serve as governor and has no intentions of pursuing roles such as chairman, senator, or member of the House of Representatives.

Governor Sule stated firmly, “I have no dream of becoming even president. You can take it from me confidently that I have no intention to run for the office of a senator.”

He affirmed that after completing his eight years, he is open to exploring other pursuits.

Expressing confidence in his post-governorship plans, Sule conveyed his disinterest in seeking a senatorial position, urging viewers to hold onto the statement for future reference.

The governor also revealed his anticipation of a favorable Supreme Court judgment, signaling the conclusion of the court case.

With the legal challenges behind him, he expressed readiness to focus on governing the state.Governor Sule, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, served his first term from 2019 to 2023.

In the 2023 governorship election, he contested against the Peoples Democratic Party’s David Ombugadu.

Despite legal challenges, the Supreme Court recently upheld Sule’s election victory, solidifying his position as the state governor.

Sule reiterated that his primary goal is to govern the state, dispelling speculations of seeking a Senate or House of Representatives seat in the future.

Nigerians are difficult to govern, says Buhari

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has described Nigerians as hard to govern.

Buhari made the disclosure in an interview with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)The former president however maintained that he did his best in the eight years that he served Nigerians as President despite the difficulties he encountered.

He said Nigerians are a difficult people to manage because “they think they should be” in charge “not you”.

“God gave me the opportunity to serve my country, but I did my best. But whether my best was good enough, I leave for people to judge.

“Nigerians are extremely difficult. People know their rights. They think they should be there, not you.

“So, they monitor virtually every step. And you have to struggle day and night to ensure that you are competent enough,” he said.

Buhari also stated that his government was able to defeat insecurity in the Northeast, adding that he’s pleased with the successes he recorded.

He said, “We are lucky to have control in the Northeast. I achieved security because, without it, nothing else can develop.

“Go and ask the governor of Borno how hard it is. Most local governments were in the hands of Boko Haram. They were doing what they liked.

⁣“The first thing is to secure the state or the country and earn the citizens’ trust.” ⁣⁣

Buhari, not Tinubu, destroyed Nigeria—Hausa political singer Rarara

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a recent press conference held in Kano, the renowned Hausa political singer, Rarara, made startling accusations against Nigeria’s immediate-past president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Rarara, who gained fame for his unwavering support for Buhari through numerous hit songs, publicly voiced his regret over endorsing the former president.

He accused Buhari of leaving behind a crumbling economy for the current president, Bola Tinubu. 

Rarara’s criticisms were not limited to Buhari alone; he also questioned the current administration’s silence regarding what he described as the alleged financial mismanagement during Buhari’s tenure.

He called for transparency and openness, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in governance.

The singer warned against building the foundation of the current administration on falsehoods, highlighting the potential disastrous consequences such a path could lead to for the nation. 

He expressed deep concern over the destruction he claims Buhari caused to the country and urged the current administration to openly acknowledge these challenges to the Nigerian people. 

When asked about his regret for supporting Buhari, Rarara openly admitted his disappointment, stating that he had supported the former president blindly, hoping that Buhari would address the damage caused by the previous administration.

He emphasized the need for transparency and honesty in governance, urging leaders to be accountable to the citizens they serve. In addition to his criticisms, Rarara highlighted his significant contributions to the success of the ruling party.

He asserted his right to have a say in political appointments, citing his pivotal role in supporting President Tinubu’s victory.

The singer argued that his efforts, particularly in the northern region, warranted recognition, either in the form of a political appointment or the opportunity to recommend individuals for such positions.

Garba Shehu defends Buhari administration’s record amidst criticism

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Garba Shehu, the spokesperson for former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, defended the administration’s record while addressing ongoing criticism in a statement released on Wednesday. 

Shehu acknowledged that while the Buhari government may have made some decisions that were questioned, he emphasised that the former president’s intentions were always aimed at achieving positive change. 

Shehu pointed out that the administration took several significant steps to combat corruption during its eight years in power.

Notable initiatives included the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPS).

These measures were aimed at improving transparency and financial accountability within the government. Despite these accomplishments, Shehu acknowledged that the Buhari government faced criticism from various quarters.

He stated, “There has not been a single area that had not been touched by the Buhari government. We have seen massive positive changes in the last eight years.”

However, he compared critics to individuals pretending to be asleep, implying that they were resistant to acknowledging the government’s achievements. 

Shehu also addressed allegations of corruption within the administration, asserting that those who criticized the government were often motivated by resentment over lost opportunities.

He made a specific reference to a Buhari “critic” who had served as a military governor in a northern state, suggesting that even his underwear had been procured using government funds. 

The statement further highlighted the administration’s stance on curbing wasteful spending and emphasised that President Buhari had declared that “no more free money.”

Shehu argued that money allocated to National Security Agencies was intended for security purposes and should not be misappropriated. 

Shehu concluded that President Buhari had fulfilled his part and would be judged by history. He expressed confidence that history would judge the former President fairly.

Buhari denies begging Tinubu not to probe him, ex-govt officials

By Uzair Adam Imam

The former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, denied the social media allegation that he asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to probe him and other ex-government officials.

The social media report had it that when Buhari and Tinubu met in London last week, the former pleaded with his successor not to probe his cabinet members.

However, Buhari who denied the allegation through his spokesperson on Thursday, Malam Garba Shehu, said the story was not true.

Shehu in a statement he titled ‘What Buhari didn’t say to President Tinubu’ said: “If social media is to be believed, former President Muhammadu Buhari is requesting his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to investigate some former officials of his government.

“It is fake, let us not discuss it or give it energy or air of publicity. This is fake news, and nothing more. Thankfully, there was no one other than the two leaders in the room in which they met, so no one was there to report their conversation.

“As much as possible, the former President wishes to remain outside the spotlight so as not to distract the new administration.

“He chose to go home in Daura hoping to find the type of quiet he wished for himself but realizing that this was not the case, visitors trooping in morning, day and night, he moved out to a more distant place.

“It remains his wish that he be allowed to have his needed rest, and for the Tinubu administration to have the right atmosphere to work on the realisation of the promises they made,” he added.