Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted to reports of insecurity in Oyo State after terrorists allegedly killed a school teacher and abducted several other victims.

Adeyanju made the remarks in a Facebook post on Monday, where he expressed concern over the growing spread of violent attacks beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones.

According to him, “Terrorists have beheaded a school teacher in Oyo State with many other victims still in their custody. Oyo state, not Borno state! Oyo is just one hour from Lagos.”

The activist said the development shows that insecurity is worsening across the country. He also questioned President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office amid the current security situation.

“On what basis is Tinubu seeking re-election? Is it so that the insecurity can continue and spread all over Naija?” he asked.

The post has triggered reactions on social media, with many users expressing fears over the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in different parts of the country.

Security agencies in Oyo State have yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Friday evening, wrapping up a three-nation trip that took him to France, Kenya, and Rwanda.

His aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at approximately 7:12 pm. He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, among other officials.

During the visit to France, President Tinubu met with global investors, emphasizing transparency and fiscal discipline while defending his administration’s swift economic reforms.

In Nairobi, Kenya, he attended the Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto. There, he called for reform of the global financial system, stronger economic integration for Africa, and highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the blue economy. He also pledged to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states and held bilateral talks with Madagascan President Michael Randrianirina.

In Kigali, Rwanda, the President joined the Africa CEO Forum alongside other African leaders and global executives to discuss accelerating economic transformation through regional integration and cross-border investment. He met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and held talks with delegations from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), APM Terminals, and Winme Group, reporting favorable outcomes.

President Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos to participate in the All Progressives Congress primary elections scheduled for Saturday. In a prior statement to party faithful, he urged participants to “keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to approach the party’s primary elections as brothers and sisters, urging winners to show humility and losers to demonstrate sportsmanship.

In a statewide address released by the State House, Tinubu described the primaries — beginning Friday with House of Representatives aspirants and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026 — as “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.”

The President, who is also the leader of the APC, reminded party members that the party was founded on “progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice.” He praised ongoing efforts by leaders at various levels to produce consensus candidates, describing dialogue as “a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood.”

Where consensus fails, Tinubu urged all participants to keep the peace. “In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser,” he said. “The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.”

The President directed party leadership, governors, and other stakeholders to rise above sentiment and provide a level playing field. He also appealed for special consideration to be given to women and youth aspirants, saying their inclusion is “dear to my heart.”

Security agencies, particularly the Police, were instructed to remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers, with their role strictly limited to ensuring peaceful conduct.

“Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” Tinubu added. “Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party.”

The primaries mark the APC’s fourth election cycle since its founding.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony alongside the 48th CAF General Assembly.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, following a meeting between President Tinubu and CAF President Patrice Motsepe on the sidelines of the Africa Forward event currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya.

According to the statement, the 48th CAF General Assembly will take place in October of this year, with the participation of football governing body presidents from 54 African nations and top football officials from across the continent.

By Uzair Adam

An Islamic cleric, Bukar Kashim Goni, accused of complicity in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu, has told investigators that over N10 million paid into his bank account was meant for prayers.

Sheikh Goni is among six defendants standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged coup attempt.

Others listed in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; and two civilians, Zekeri Umoru and Abdulkadir Sani.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted and viewed video evidence showing the cleric’s interaction with security operatives.

During questioning, investigators confronted Goni with financial records linking him to multiple transfers allegedly from the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

He denied any involvement in a plot against the president, maintaining that the funds were for “prayers and charitable purposes.”

Goni explained that he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, adding that his relationship with Ma’aji was purely religious.

According to him, the officer sought spiritual support over delayed promotions and personal challenges.

However, investigators challenged his claims, pointing to transactions dating back to March 2023—before the alleged promotion issues—as well as a N10 million transfer in October 2024.

They also queried conversations referencing “access” and “work tools,” suggesting a broader operation.

Despite this, the cleric maintained he had no knowledge of any illegal plan and denied involvement in political or military activities.

In a separate video played in court, Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria attached to the Presidential Villa’s maintenance department, said he was “misled” into associating with Ma’aji and denied knowingly participating in any coup plot.

He, however, admitted receiving cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag said to contain N8.8 million, which he claimed were tied to business dealings.

Earlier evidence presented by the prosecution showed some defendants allegedly engaged in coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, though they denied any concrete attempt to overthrow the government.

The Federal Government alleged that the defendants, in September 2025, conspired to wage war against the state to overawe President Tinubu—an offence under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Prosecutors further claimed the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Ma’aji but failed to inform authorities, and instead assisted by withholding information and not taking steps to prevent the act.

Additional charges include terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, with allegations that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism.

The defendants, who pleaded not guilty upon arraignment on April 22, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending the determination of the case.

Former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the charge and is reportedly at large after leaving the country before the alleged plot was uncovered.

The charges against the defendants include treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorist activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured his commitments to Kaduna State and the wider northern region.

The governor spoke on Thursday when he received a presidential delegation touring the North-West. He credited the administration with improving security and boosting infrastructure across the state.

Sani said these efforts have strengthened public support for the president. He expressed confidence that such support would translate into votes in the 2027 general elections.

He also claimed that the impact of the projects has weakened opposition parties in Kaduna, which he described as existing only in name.

“He has done a lot for us and I could remember when he visited Birnin Gwari, on the 12th of December, 2022, we went there with some of our friends here. It was a journey of about less than two hours. But it took us five hours.

“So there were two major problems we faced. Number one problem is security, because at that time, in 2022, you could travel from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari without military escort. But today, you can go there without police escort.

“Also, look at infrastructure. Today, he has fulfilled his promises. That is the reason why the good people of Kaduna will forever be grateful to President Tinubu.

“When you go to Birnin Gwari, you will see hundreds of vehicles passing to Lagos. It has improved the economic prosperity of our people who are farmers. It has improved the business of our people who are small business owners particularly those that are into farming, trading.

“All of them are making a lot of money because of what the president has done for us. Again, we are talking about the north.

“So for me, no president has supported northern Nigeria as much as President Tinubu would have done in less than three years now. And that is also why I cannot see any zone, not even the southwest, coming down to vote for him.”

The governor dismissed suggestions that Tinubu could lose the 2027 election. He said such opinions are largely driven by social media narratives.

Sani further argued that the president played an active role during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, at a time he said some critics remained silent.

“Some of us were approached by then Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, for a meeting, and he made it clear to all of us there will be only three recognised parties.

“But we didn’t threaten to burn down the country like the current opposition are doing. We went to the street; through the court that decision was rescinded.”

However, some northern leaders have disagreed with the governor’s position. They argue that the region has not received fair treatment under the current administration. They pointed to what they described as an imbalance in the distribution of projects between the North and the South.

At a citizens’ engagement forum organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna in June 2025, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, criticised the administration’s approach to governance.

Dalhatu said, “Two years into President Tinubu’s four-year tenure, the feeling among the people of the North is, to put it mildly, completely mixed.

“To our surprise, those who did not support him, did not vote for him, and hardly wished him well have emerged from nowhere and are now attempting to drive a wedge between him and the North.”

The Northern Elders Forum also expressed dissatisfaction with the region’s earlier support for Tinubu. In an interview published by The Guardian in April 2025, the forum’s spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the North would take a different approach ahead of future elections.

Suleiman said, “The North made a mistake in voting Bola Tinubu to the presidency in 2023, and it is unlikely that they will repeat the same error in the future.”

“They have learned from their past misstep and will strive to select a candidate who can unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.

“Moving forward, the North will be more cautious in selecting a candidate for the presidency. They will prioritize someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.

“The mistake of supporting Tinubu in 2023 has taught them the importance of unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.” he added.

By Uzair Adam

The 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has questioned the Federal Government’s continued reliance on borrowing despite the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Speaking in an interview aired by News Central TV on Friday, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said that although the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the exchange rate were necessary, poor timing and weak fiscal discipline risk eroding their benefits.

According to the monarch, Nigeria’s long-standing practice of supporting foreign refineries while domestic refining capacity remained underutilised reflected a systemic failure that required urgent correction.

“I have always said the subsidy regime was unsustainable. We cannot continue supporting foreign refineries. We’re an oil-producing country, yet we keep refineries open abroad while neglecting our own,” Sanusi said.

He, however, expressed optimism about recent developments in local production, noting a shift from heavy dependence on imported petroleum products to export capacity.

“Today, we have a situation where we have our own domestic refinery. We’re not importing petroleum products. We’re even exporting to Europe, and this is very good for the economy,” he added.

While supporting the policy direction, the former apex bank chief raised concerns over the sequencing and timing of the reforms, noting that critical supporting measures were not implemented alongside them.

“Artificial exchange rates, especially when you’re printing money, cannot work. There was always going to be a devaluation,” he said, adding that subsidy removal and exchange rate liberalisation were sound interventions but required proper coordination.

He argued that implementing exchange rate liberalisation within a loose monetary environment accelerated the naira’s depreciation.

“It’s not enough to say subsidy was removed. That had to happen, especially when all revenue was going into debt servicing.

“But if you remove subsidy and liberalise exchange rates before tightening money supply, the naira will fall sharply. That was a timing issue,” he explained.

Sanusi further challenged the government’s continued borrowing despite savings from subsidy removal.

“We’ve removed the subsidy, so we should begin to see fiscal consolidation. You cannot eliminate waste and still keep borrowing.

“If the subsidy is gone and the funds are available, why are we still borrowing? What exactly are we borrowing for?” he asked.

His remarks come amid plans by the administration of Bola Tinubu to increase borrowing, including a proposed N29.20 trillion total borrowing for 2026 after an upward revision of N11.31 trillion.

The president also recently sought Senate approval for a fresh $516 million loan to fund the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has officially set the stage for his 2027 re-election bid, meeting with all 36 state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) at the Presidential Villa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and other top party leaders were also in attendance at the high-level strategy session.

The RHA, a grassroots mobilization group, was inaugurated by President Tinubu on November 25, 2025, specifically to champion his re-election campaign. Tuesday’s meeting marks the first major coordinated effort ahead of the 2027 polls, signaling a formal kickoff of campaign activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said that living conditions in Nigeria have become more expensive than in Kenya, despite differences in fuel prices.

His remarks followed a statement by President Bola Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State, where the President said petrol is cheaper in Nigeria than in Kenya and several other African countries.

In a response issued on Saturday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the comparison as ‘shallow’. He said it does not reflect the real economic situation faced by Nigerians.

He questioned the focus on fuel prices alone as a measure of economic wellbeing. He argued that factors such as income levels, purchasing power, and general cost of living provide a more accurate picture.

According to the statement, Nigeria remains more expensive when overall living costs are considered, even though petrol prices may appear lower.

“Yes, petrol prices in Nigeria may appear lower than in countries like Kenya or South Africa. But this comparison collapses instantly when placed against the backdrop of economic realities.

“Nigeria today is more expensive to live in than Kenya, with the average cost of living significantly higher, despite lower fuel prices.”

Atiku also pointed to differences in earnings between both countries. He said Kenya’s minimum wage is significantly higher than Nigeria’s.

“More alarming is the collapse in earning power. Kenya’s GDP per capita is nearly double that of Nigeria, and a minimum wage earner in Nairobi takes home the equivalent of about N170,000—more than twice Nigeria’s N70,000,” he said.

Available data shows that petrol currently sells between N1,290 and N1,350 per litre in Nigeria, while prices in Kenya exceed N1,800 per litre.

The exchange highlights ongoing debate over the impact of economic policies and the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has described banditry and terrorism as serious threats to Nigeria’s economy and security, stating that urgent action is required to end the menace.

He said his administration would reinforce the country’s security architecture to tackle the challenge and restore stability.

Tinubu spoke on Monday at the opening session of the two-day National Economic Council conference held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He assured Nigerians that decisive steps would be taken against criminal groups responsible for violence across parts of the country.

“To further find means to strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry.

“That, I promise you…is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that such acts of violence are not in line with Nigerian values and must be eliminated.

“This banditry and terrorism are unacceptable. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us.

“So it is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution to it.”

His remarks follow a series of deadly attacks in different states. One of the most severe incidents occurred on February 3 in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where at least 162 residents lost their lives in an ആക്രമ by suspected extremists.

Reports indicated that the attackers struck after residents rejected demands to adopt a strict version of Sharia law. The violence led to several deaths and injuries, while dozens of people, mostly women and children, were abducted.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, had earlier described the incident as a “brutal and deliberate massacre” and genocide.

On the same day, another attack in Doma communities of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State left at least 20 people dead after a local peace arrangement broke down.

At the NEC meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of some state governors in tackling insecurity, particularly those from Borno and Katsina states.

“I commend many of you, particularly the governor of Borno State, Katsina, many of you who have done so much to defend our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth,” he said.

The President also linked the security crisis to ongoing livestock reforms. He noted that the conference should come up with clear decisions on ranching and investment in livestock as part of efforts to address clashes between farmers and herders.

“I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches and diversification of our agricultural produce.

“I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered,” Tinubu said.

He recalled that he had earlier directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NEC to prepare a roadmap for transforming the livestock sector through ranching.

“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” the President had said at a previous Federal Executive Council meeting.

Following that directive, the NEC inaugurated a Livestock Development Committee chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris to accelerate the implementation of ranching reforms nationwide.

The ongoing conference, presided over by Vice President Shettima, was convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu. It is themed ‘Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.’

Participants include state governors, senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives. Discussions are expected to focus on key economic priorities such as fiscal coordination, investment drive, and joint development strategies between federal and state governments.