Tinubu

Groups endorse Tinubu’s plan to retain Matawalle as defence minister 

By Anwar Usman 

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Bello Matawaple as Defence Minister has received endorsement from some northern groups. 

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum and the Northern Awareness Network hailed the move as a big step towards addressing security challenges in the region. 

Yerima Shettima, the President General of the AYCF, in a statement, described Matawalle’s retention as a “positive step” that demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to continuity and stability in addressing critical issues like national security. 

“Matawalle’s expertise and experience, particularly in Zamfara State, are important in formulating effective strategies to fight against insurgency and other security threats,” Shettima said. 

Similarly, NAN Chairman Salihu Sulaiman praised Matawalle’s leadership, citing his efforts in reducing banditry and criminal activities in the region. 

He further added that Matawalle has been instrumental in addressing security challenges in Zamfara State and the North as a whole.  

The group’s support comes amidst criticism from some quarters, particularly Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who has been at odds with Matawalle. 

However, the AYCF and NAN have, in a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, urged Lawal to cease hostilities against Matawalle and collaborate to address security challenges in the state. 

“We urge Governor Lawal to redirect his focus and state resources towards projects that will benefit Zamfara State and help it recover from the grip of criminality,” Shettima said.

Tinubu reshuffles cabinet, appoints new ministers

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has reshuffled his cabinet, removing six ministers and submitting the names of seven new nominees to the National Assembly for confirmation.

The new appointments aim to fill the positions left by the outgoing ministers.

In a major restructuring, Tinubu also appointed Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, which will now manage all sports-related activities following the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports Development.

Two former ministers under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration have returned to key positions.

The former Minister of Police Affairs was named Minister of Labour and Employment, while Sunday Dare, ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has been appointed Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation.

The six ministers removed from the cabinet include Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Mohammad Gwarzo (State for Housing), Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The President has submitted the following names for confirmation:

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (State for Housing and Urban Development), and Suwaiba Said Ahmad (State for Education).

Additionally, ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, part of the President’s strategy to optimize cabinet performance.

Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, for example, has been moved from State Education to State Humanitarian Affairs, while Abubakar Momoh has transitioned from Niger Delta Development to Regional Development.

The Ministry of Niger Delta Development has been renamed the Ministry of Regional Development to supervise the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other regional commissions.

President Tinubu urged his appointees to dedicate themselves to the nation’s growth and contribute to achieving the administration’s priorities.

President Tinubu celebrates OONI of Ife’s 50th birthday

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu has joined Nigerians, the people and chiefs of Ile-Ife, and the global Yoruba community in commemorating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ojaja II. 

The President notes Ooni’s extraordinary leadership and maturity since ascending the throne at 41. 

President Tinubu acknowledges Oba Ogunwusi’s deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge as he fulfils his responsibilities as both the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the revered spiritual leader of the Yoruba people. 

The President also recognises Ooni’s critical contributions as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he serves as a unifying figure, a steadfast supporter of government policies, and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and the unification of our nation.

Tinubu’s dramatic U-turn: Once blasted fuel subsidy removal, now defends it as necessary

By Uzair Adam

During his inauguration at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the end of the fuel subsidy, leading to a sharp increase in petrol prices from N198 to N540 per litre.

The president argued that the subsidy had become a hindrance to national progress, fueling corruption, and stated that funds previously allocated to it would be redirected to other sectors of the economy.

Tinubu explained the rationale behind the removal during a meeting with traditional rulers, as reported by The Daily Reality.

He stated, “We cannot continue to support smugglers and neighboring countries at our own expense.”

He described the subsidy as an economic burden that could bring Nigeria to its knees if not addressed.

However, this stance marks a significant departure from Tinubu’s previous criticism of the subsidy removal by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

As the national leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at the time, Tinubu had condemned the move, labeling it the “Jonathan tax” and accusing Jonathan of breaching his social contract with the Nigerian people.

In a strongly-worded piece, as gathered by Daily Trust on Sunday, Tinubu argued that the subsidy removal would plunge Nigerians into deeper hardship and criticized the economic policies driving the decision.

He had stated, “The people will become enslaved to greater misery. This crisis will bear Jonathan’s name and will be his legacy.”

Tinubu’s past opposition to the removal of fuel subsidies now stands in stark contrast to his own administration’s decision to abolish it.

President Tinubu confers GCON on house speaker, Tajuddeen Abbas

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the nation’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

In his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech on 1 October, President Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic( CFR) on the speaker and the deputy senate president.

However, this development led to a debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on the President to confer a higher honour on the Speaker.

President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.

Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.

The Speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated.

President Tinubu embarks on two-week working vacation in UK

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Wednesday, October 2, for the United Kingdom (UK), where he will begin a two-week working vacation, which forms part of his annual leave.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the vacation will also serve as a retreat for the President to reflect on his administration’s ongoing economic reforms.

The statement added that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the two-week leave.

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.

Nigeria @ 64: Tinubu pledges to ease rising cost of living

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is taking steps to address the high cost of living, which is a growing concern both locally and globally.

During his Independence Day address on Tuesday, he acknowledged that food prices and overall living expenses are at the forefront of national worries.

“The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs,” Tinubu said.

He explained that his government is implementing several measures aimed at alleviating the situation.

Tinubu praised the governors of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest for their participation in his administration’s agricultural production program and encouraged other states to follow suit by investing in mechanized farming.

He also highlighted the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council to establish a local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors and other farm equipment, which is expected to be completed in six months.

In addition to addressing agricultural production, the President spoke on the ongoing energy transition program and plans to expand the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for mass transit, with government support available for states and the FCT to acquire CNG buses.

While working to stabilize the economy, Tinubu noted the importance of national unity and social harmony, reiterating his commitment to fostering peace and cohesion in the country.

Nigeria @ 64: President Tinubu addresses Nigerians tomorrow

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a nationwide broadcast tomorrow Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 7 a.m.

The broadcast is part of activities to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary of the nation.

Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.

President Tinubu swears in Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Monday, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the judiciary’s independence and sanctity.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, was sworn in following her confirmation by the Senate.

The ceremony occurred at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

Four former chief justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the judiciary divisions, witnessed it.

President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

”The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.

”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.

”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy, ” the President said.

President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.

He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” he said.

The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.

”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating, ” he said.

President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband.