Tinubu

By Uzair Adam

A United States District Court in Washington, D.C., has directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release information concerning Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision was delivered on Tuesday by Judge Beryl Howell, who ruled in favour of Aaron Greenspan, an American activist pushing for public disclosure of documents relating to alleged investigations involving Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele.

According to Premium Times, Judge Howell dismissed the argument by the agencies that withholding the documents was necessary, describing it as “neither logical nor plausible.”

Greenspan had filed the suit under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), arguing that the FBI and DEA violated the law by refusing to release the requested documents within the timeframe stipulated by the Act.

He alleged that the records relate to previous federal investigations into the Nigerian leader and his associate.

In 1993, Tinubu reportedly forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government after law enforcement linked the funds to suspected proceeds of narcotics trafficking.

This issue resurfaced during the 2023 presidential election legal battle when opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi questioned his eligibility.

However, the Presidential Election Petition Court upheld Tinubu’s victory.

Judge Howell ruled that the FBI and DEA’s use of ‘Glomar’ responses — which neither confirm nor deny the existence of records — was improper.

The court found that the agencies failed to justify their decision under FOIA exemptions and acknowledged that both Tinubu and Agbele had been subjects of prior investigations.

The judge added that the plaintiff successfully demonstrated that the agencies had already publicly acknowledged relevant information, thereby waiving their right to withhold it.

The ruling marks a partial victory for Greenspan, setting the stage for the possible release of sensitive documents tied to a decades-old controversy involving Nigeria’s current president.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has begun screening nominees for ambassadorial appointments to fill vacancies across Nigeria’s 76 embassies and 22 high commissions.

Former Southeast governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), as well as ex-lawmaker Shehu Sani and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, are among those screened, according to sources.

Others include former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro and ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who have reportedly been cleared.

Nominees were directed to undergo security checks by the DSS and submit personal records.

The appointments come nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in 2023.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar had earlier cited funding delays, but with screenings ongoing, an official list of diplomats is expected soon.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to renowned Islamic scholar, Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, who died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 68.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu described the late cleric as a dedicated teacher of Islamic principles who shaped the lives of millions of young people and devout Muslims.

He acknowledged Dr Abdulaziz’s role in resisting the growth of violent extremism, particularly during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis.

“The cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets of Islam,” he noted.

The President also praised the late scholar’s strong voice in calling for discipline and honesty within the society.

“The Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric’s trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity,” he added.

President Tinubu prayed for Dr Abdulaziz’s soul and urged his family and followers to take comfort in the scholar’s enduring legacy.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement on Wednesday through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

He congratulated Muslims across the country on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to uphold the values of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.

He emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in fostering a harmonious society.

Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, stability, and national prosperity.

He expressed hope that the Eid celebration would strengthen unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic divides.

The minister further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, reflecting the true essence of Ramadan and Eid.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone,” the statement read.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidency has refuted allegations that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political figures in Rivers State was a power grab, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took action to prevent the state from plunging into chaos.

In a statement on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the intervention was necessary to restore stability, arguing that waiting for a complete breakdown of governance would have been reckless.

The political turmoil in Rivers State, fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and State House of Assembly members loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had paralyzed governance.

Despite Supreme Court rulings affirming constitutional authority, tensions persisted. Intelligence reports, according to the Presidency, indicated that militants in the creeks were prepared to attack critical oil infrastructure, threatening national economic security.

“Had President Tinubu failed to act, Rivers State could have descended into violence, with lawmakers and vital oil facilities at risk. Schools and hospitals would have shut down, investors would have fled, and the economic consequences would have been severe,” the statement read.

By March 18, the Presidency said, the crisis had escalated beyond political negotiations, making intervention unavoidable. Critics have described the suspension of Governor Fubara and others as undemocratic, but the Presidency insists it was a temporary measure to reset governance, not an attempt to seize power.

“This is not a power grab,” the statement noted.

“The intervention is temporary, aimed at stabilizing governance. The six-month suspension is designed to de-escalate tensions and restore order.”

The Presidency also accused some critics of hypocrisy, noting that many who condemned the President’s decision remained silent on Fubara’s alleged refusal to cooperate with the legislature.

“Democracy cannot function in lawlessness—anarchy is its enemy,” Onanuga stated.

Citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President the power to act in times of crisis, the statement referenced past emergency rule measures in Plateau and Borno States as precedents for Tinubu’s decision.

“The President swore an oath to safeguard national stability. Rivers State is a vital economic hub, and any political disruption in its oil sector has nationwide consequences,” it added.

With the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State, efforts are already underway to restore peace and governance. One of his first steps was engaging traditional leaders to find lasting solutions.

The Presidency assured Nigerians that the emergency measures would be lifted once normalcy returns, allowing elected officials to resume their duties.

Defending Tinubu’s decision, the statement quoted philosopher Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly opposed the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

It also urged for an immediate reversal of the decision.

In a statement issued by the Forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the group expressed deep concern over the political unrest in Rivers State, calling it an unwarranted action that does not meet the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency.

The NEF argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet any of the conditions outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, or clear and present danger.

The group accused the federal government of using the suspension to pursue personal and political interests, rather than to uphold democracy and public order.

The Forum has called on President Tinubu to lift the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly to restore democratic governance in the state.

In addition to the developments in Rivers State, the NEF also raised concerns over escalating political tensions in Kano, particularly regarding the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate.

The group warned that unresolved political disputes in Kano could lead to greater instability if not addressed promptly and fairly.

The Northern Elders Forum has urged the federal government to take fair and lasting actions to prevent further political crises and maintain peace and order across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the purported suspension of the state’s democratically elected officials as unconstitutional.

In a press release issued on March 18, 2025, the NBA expressed grave concerns over the President’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, citing political tensions and pipeline vandalism as reasons for the emergency declaration.

The NBA emphasized that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs emergency proclamations, does not grant the President the power to remove elected officials.

According to the association, such actions violate Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic principles.

The Constitution outlines specific conditions for declaring a state of emergency, including war, imminent danger, or a complete breakdown of public order—none of which, the NBA argues, are met by the current political crisis in Rivers State.

The association also noted that a state of emergency requires approval from the National Assembly within two days if in session, or ten days after reconvening, to remain valid.

The NBA called on lawmakers to reject any unconstitutional ratification of the emergency measures and warned that suspending elected officials sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

The NBA urged all stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and the international community, to monitor the situation closely and ensure that constitutional norms are upheld.

It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and protecting Nigeria’s democracy from executive overreach.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu for six months.

The president stated this while addressing the country on the current political crisis in the state.

The president was quoted saying “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” he said in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.

Details later…

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the leadership of the newly established institution.

In addition to Bishop Kukah, President Tinubu appointed key principal officers for the university, including Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as Bursar, and Prof. Daniel Abubakar as University Librarian.

Other members of the Governing Council include Mr. Thomas Etuh (North Central), Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof. Femi Taiwo (South West), and Zarah Bukar (North East).

The appointees were selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and commitment to advancing education in Nigeria.

President Tinubu urged them to leverage their expertise to position the university as a center of academic excellence and research, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, formerly known as Nok University, was renamed following the federal government’s takeover of its assets.

The university is set to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.

President Tinubu called on the new leadership to provide visionary guidance and lay a strong foundation for the institution’s growth.

By Uzair Adam

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has admitted that he and other politicians supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election despite being aware of the controversy surrounding his academic records at Chicago State University.

In an interview with the BBC, the former Kaduna State governor explained that their backing was based on the belief that Tinubu would replicate his performance as Lagos State governor on a national scale.

“What pains me is that the government we supported, and had confidence in, is not delivering as expected. We knew about his Chicago issue, but we believed if he could do for Nigeria what he did in Lagos, it would be worth supporting him,” El-Rufai said.

After openly criticizing Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, 2025.

Since then, he has been making efforts to attract other politicians to join the party in a bid to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.

As part of his political maneuvers, the former governor recently met with Pastor Tunde Bakare and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, a former ally of Tinubu.

He has also called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi to join the SDP.

Addressing speculation that he left the APC to contest for the presidency in 2027, El-Rufai said the decision is not his alone to make.

“It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people who will determine that. Even when I contested for governor, it was people who met and convinced Muhammadu Buhari, and he called me to contest,” he said.