The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 2027: Challenging Tinubu will be political suicide, Shettima warns opposition

    2027: Challenging Tinubu will be political suicide, Shettima warns opposition

    Ahead of the next general elections, Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned opposition elements against attempting to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move could amount to political suicide.

    Shettima gave the warning on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The former Borno State governor said anyone nursing the ambition to contest against President Tinubu in 2027 was embarking on what he described as a “suicidal mission.”

    “Only a fool hell-bent on a suicidal path or an outright impostor can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. However, we are in a democracy, and people are free to contest elections,” he said.

    Although not originally scheduled to speak at the meeting, Shettima was invited to the podium at the instance of the President to make brief remarks.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    He further warned that elections are not won through social media hype, stressing that victory is achieved through strategic alliances, credibility and conviction.

    He noted that experience had shown that elections are not won relying on online popularity, emphasizing that visibility on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) is not a guarantee for electoral victories.

    “Elections are not won by noise or nostalgia. Elections are not conducted on Facebook or Twitter. They are won by coalitions, credibility, and conviction,” he said.

    Shettima added that President Tinubu’s experience and leadership record place him in a strong position ahead of the next general election.

    “With the experience of our president as our shield and the lessons of the past as our guide, I believe that 2027 is not a gamble; it is a responsibility. And by the grace of God, we shall have a renewable blessing,” he predicted. 

  • Tinubu felicitates Dr Awosan at 70

    Tinubu felicitates Dr Awosan at 70

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated public relations consultant, communications expert and public affairs analyst, Dr Olusanya Awosan, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a committed professional whose work has contributed significantly to national development.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President noted Dr Awosan’s enduring contributions to nation-building through journalism, strategic communication, governance and ethical advocacy.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    Dr Awosan is the Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications Limited, a public relations and communications firm, and the publisher of Nigerian Essence Magazine, a publication focused on leadership, governance and media issues.

    President Tinubu acknowledged the celebrant’s extensive experience in public affairs and media relations, recalling that he worked closely with the late Dr Doyin Okupe and served in the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

    The President also noted Dr Awosan’s support during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, commending his professionalism and dedication to effective communication in public life.

    President Tinubu wished the communications expert more years of good health and continued service to the nation.

  • Tinubu begins three-state visit, heads to Lagos for end-of-year holiday

    Tinubu begins three-state visit, heads to Lagos for end-of-year holiday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday commence a three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos states, combining official engagements, social functions and condolence visits, before spending the end-of-year holidays in Lagos.

    According to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President will first travel to Borno State, where he is scheduled to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum in collaboration with the Federal Government.

    While in Maiduguri, President Tinubu will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor and Senator, Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    From Borno, the President will proceed to Bauchi State to pay a condolence visit to the state government and the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the revered Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood. 

    Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi passed away on November 27.

    After the condolence visit, President Tinubu will travel to Lagos, where he will spend the forthcoming end-of-year holidays.

    The statement added that the President is expected to feature prominently in several engagements while in Lagos, including serving as the guest of honour at the annual Eyo Festival scheduled for December 27.

    The festival, to be held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, will honour notable personalities, including President Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, as well as former Lagos State governors, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Michael Otedola.

  • Tinubu threatens executive order, FAAC deductions, if govs withhold LG funds

    Tinubu threatens executive order, FAAC deductions, if govs withhold LG funds

    …We’re undeterred by opposition’s criticism – Yilwatda 

    …Govs endorse President Tinubu for 2027

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned state governors that he may be compelled to issue an Executive Order to enforce direct allocation of funds to local governments if states fail to comply with a recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government.

    The warning was issued on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, ruled in favour of the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for the 774 local government councils in the country.

    In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel, the apex court declared it unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils. 

    The court ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, in line with Section 162 (5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a provision widely flouted by many states through the operation of joint accounts.

    Expressing concern over reports that some governors were still refusing to release statutory allocations to local councils, President Tinubu warned party chieftains that continued non-compliance could force him to take decisive action through the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

    “The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly,’” the President said. “If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.”

    “I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, fact after fact, you will see.”

    The President stressed the need for governors to comply, warning that further violations could warrant a federal intervention. 

    “The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he insisted.

    The meeting which started at 6:05 pm had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly leadership, alongside top party leaders and stakeholders. 

    Declaring the meeting open, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed criticisms from opposition parties as “shallow.”

    He noted that the party is gaining ground nationwide despite the attacks by the opposition.

    Yilwatda maintained that despite efforts by the opposition to throw spanner on the wheel of the party’s progress, it has continued grow, adding that the success story of the party has continued to make the opposition uncomfortable. 

    “Our objectives remain that we want to strengthen and galvanize the party structures at all level, and we are enhancing our structural and strategic preparedness ahead of the next election cycle.

    Read Also: Makinde approves conversion of 654 civil servants in Oyo

    “We are not deterred by the few shallow criticism of the opposition. They have become increasingly uncomfortable with our deliberate and principled effort to build a truly pan Nigerian political party rooted in progressive politics,” he said.

    The chairman noted that the party’s mobilisation drive is aimed at ensuring victory for the party in future elections.

    On the recent defections by governors and their structures, Yilwatda said the development has further made the party “more formidable and better prepared,” making everybody want to be a member of APC.

    The chairman also praised the party’s dominance in the National Assembly, crediting its leadership for “effective party evangelism” that lured opposition lawmakers. “We have a commanding majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he noted.

    He also said the electronic membership registration system is designed to boost transparency, accuracy, and internal democracy. Saying, “This will enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making,” he said.

    Earlier, the governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya moved a compsite motion for the commencement and completion of the e-membership registration being embarked upon; for the conduct of congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels of the party; and election of national officers and other associated members. 

    The motion was seconded by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and unanimously adopted by members in attendance.

    Eulogising the President Tinubu for the modest achievements made despite the global economic downturn, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PDF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzordinma moved a motion for the endorsement of the President for the second term.

    The motion was seconded by the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Una Sani, and received unanimous adoption of NEC members.

    Goodwill messages by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate .

    In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ry. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

    All the state governors elected under the platform of the party. 

    The six newly defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were also in attendance. 

    They are Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

    Members of the National Working Committee (NWC), party State Chairmen, former National Chairmen, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomole, former governor of Ogun state, Akogun Segun Osoba and hosts of others.

  • Christmas: Evil will not prevail, Catholic Bishops assures Nigerians

    Christmas: Evil will not prevail, Catholic Bishops assures Nigerians

    The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Friday reassured Nigerians that evil will not prevail, urging citizens not to lose hope despite the country’s many challenges.

    In a Christmas message, the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji, said the birth of Jesus Christ remains a powerful reminder that God has not abandoned Nigeria, even in the face of deep national difficulties.

    He said the Christmas season offers renewed assurance that “evil does not have the final word.”

    “At Christmas, the Church proclaims the truth upon which all Christian hope rests: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God did not respond to the brokenness of the world with distance or indifference. He responded by drawing near,” he said.

    Archbishop Ugorji lamented the scale of suffering across the country, pointing to economic hardship, insecurity, displacement and persistent violence that have left many Nigerians fearful, weary and uncertain.

    He noted that families have been torn apart, livelihoods destroyed and lives lost to lawlessness, recalling the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, as a painful reminder of the insecurity confronting communities nationwide.

    “We recall with deep pain the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the anguish of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, alongside countless others across the country living under similar threats,” he said.

    Read Also: Makinde approves conversion of 654 civil servants in Oyo

    The CBCN president stressed that Christmas should not be interpreted as a denial of suffering but as a declaration that suffering is not the end of the story.

    “Christian hope does not deny evil, but it refuses to concede that evil is final,” he said.

    “Even when answers are delayed and outcomes remain uncertain, hope assures us that no life is forgotten.”

    Ugorji said peace, unity and justice are achievable if Nigerians commit to truth, integrity and respect for human dignity, adding that corruption and violence, though deeply rooted, are not irreversible.

    “Our nation longs for a future where integrity overcomes corruption and violence gives way to security. What has been fractured can be rebuilt, and what has been wounded can be healed,” he said.

    The archbishop said despite challenges, there are still signs of hope across the country, pointing to Nigerians who continue to choose honesty, courage and service in their daily lives.

    “These daily acts of faithfulness remind us that the moral heart of our nation is still alive,” he said.

    Ugogji urged Nigerians to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and renew their commitment to justice, reconciliation and peace, expressing hope that the season would bring healing and renewed purpose to the country.

  • Yuletide: Osun police on red alert, ban fireworks ahead of Christmas

    Yuletide: Osun police on red alert, ban fireworks ahead of Christmas

    Ahead of the 2025 Christmas celebrations, the Osun State Police Command has placed its formations on red alert to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

    The command has also banned the sale and use of knockouts, bangers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices before, during and after the 2025 Christmas and New Year festivities.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, warned youths against the use of fireworks, citing the dangers and security implications involved.

    Ojelabi explained that the loud explosive sounds from knockouts are often mistaken for gunshots or improvised explosive devices, creating unnecessary panic, tension and avoidable security alerts at a time the nation is on heightened security watch.‎

    Read Also: Makinde approves conversion of 654 civil servants in Oyo

    ‎”Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the use of knockouts, bangers and fireworks in residential areas, near hospitals, places of worship, markets, motor parks, along major roads and wherever is strictly prohibited.

    ‎”Parents and guardians are urged to prevail on their children and wards against the usage as it could trigger panic.

    ‎”Area Commanders, DPOs and Heads of Tactical Units have been ordered to intensify patrols and deal firmly but professionally with anyone found detonating knockouts thereby causing public disturbance or apprehension.”

    He warned that anyone whose action leads to public disorder, injury or damage to property as a result of this will be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

  • Kukah visits Sokoto correctional centre, urges inmates to be changed agents

    Kukah visits Sokoto correctional centre, urges inmates to be changed agents

    The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has paid a pastoral visit to inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) Facility in Sokoto, urging them to see their time in custody as an opportunity for personal growth and renewal so they can emerge as positive agents of change upon reintegration into society.

    The visit formed part of the Diocese’s annual Christmas outreach for 2025 and provided inmates the opportunity to appeal to the bishop to lend his voice to the federal government and relevant authorities for possible pardon or a review of their cases.

    During a three-hour interactive session, Bishop Kukah listened attentively to the inmates’ experiences, challenges and living conditions within the facility. He also met separately with male and female inmates, during which some shared personal stories, including claims of innocence and concerns over prolonged detention without conviction.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    The bishop assured the inmates of his commitment to engage relevant professionals in correctional care and to advocate with government authorities on their behalf, particularly in cases involving claims of innocence.

    Bishop Kukah, who visited the facility on Thursday in the company of priests, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, was received on arrival by the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sokoto State Command, alongside other officers on duty.

    A spokesperson for the inmates appealed for improved amenities within the facility and requested support for skills acquisition, handwork and vocational training to better prepare inmates for life after incarceration.

    The visit ended with prayers, words of encouragement and renewed hope, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to standing with the marginalised and forgotten, especially during the Christmas season, according to a statement by the Diocese Director of Communications, Fr. Pascal Salifu.

  • Nigeria, US seal $5b health pact to boost disease control, system resilience

    Nigeria, US seal $5b health pact to boost disease control, system resilience

    Nigeria and the United States have signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), valued at about $5 billion to deepen bilateral health cooperation, strengthen health security and build a more resilient national health system capable of preventing and containing infectious disease threats.

    Under the agreement, which takes effect from April 2026 to December 2030, the United States government will provide nearly $2b in grant funding, while Nigeria is committing to allocate at least six percent of executed annual fed2eral and state domestic budgets to health, a pledge expected to mobilise close to $3b within the same five year period.

    The funding framework has already been factored into the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation, underscoring the administration’s intention to anchor the partnership within Nigeria’s domestic fiscal planning, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said.

    The MoU, signed by officials of both governments, according to a statement by the Minister on Friday, is designed to strengthen cooperation in the early detection, prevention and control of emerging, re emerging and existing infectious diseases in Nigeria, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

    Beyond disease control, the agreement covers the enhancement of disease surveillance systems, improved safety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transportation, storage, testing and disposal, as well as support for primary healthcare, financial protection mechanisms and technical assistance across the health sector.

    Under the framework, both countries will work more closely to prevent the spread of infectious disease threats, while simultaneously strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s health system to respond more effectively to future outbreaks.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    A central feature of the agreement is its alignment with Nigeria’s long term goal of health sector self reliance. 

    While the United States will provide substantial grant funding in the initial years, Nigeria plans to progressively increase its health spending as a share of the national budget, with external financing expected to gradually decline by 2030.

    The approach reflects a deliberate shift away from long term aid dependence towards trade and investment based partnerships that support sustainable domestic financing of healthcare.

    Officials said the MoU represents the culmination of sustained engagement between both governments to build a health system capable of preventing, detecting and treating diseases, expanding access to quality primary healthcare and attracting private sector investment critical for long term sustainability.

    The agreement is strategically structured around seven core areas of cooperation, which include surveillance and outbreak response, laboratory systems, health commodities, frontline healthcare workers, data systems, and strategic investment and technical assistance.

    The Federal Government described the pact as a major step towards consolidating recent health sector reforms and strengthening national preparedness against public health threats.

    While the partnership is focused on health cooperation, both countries acknowledged that progress in other areas of mutual concern would continue, and that either party retains the option to pause, extend or opt out of the agreement in the event of insufficient progress.

    The government expressed appreciation to the United States for its renewed commitment to deepening health cooperation and reaffirmed its determination to implement the agreement in line with Nigeria’s national interests.

    It also extended gratitude to development partners for their continued collaboration and support.

    The new partnership builds on reforms already underway in Nigeria’s health sector, when, in 2023, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, quality, accountability and efficiency nationwide.

    The initiative is being implemented through a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) designed to align federal, state and local governments, agencies, civil society, the private sector and development partners under a unified sector plan, budget and reporting framework.

    The reform drive was reinforced in December 2023 with the signing of the Health Sector Renewal Compact under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which brought together all 36 state governors, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and development partners, signalling high level political commitment to building a unified, efficient and resilient health system for all Nigerians.

  • Fed Govt’s ban on wood export wiII boost manufacturing sector, says MAN

    Fed Govt’s ban on wood export wiII boost manufacturing sector, says MAN

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has described the federal government’s decision to impose an immediate nationwide ban on the export of wood and allied products as a timely and strategic boost for Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing sector.

    Chairperson of the Wood & Wood Products/Furniture Sectoral Group of MAN, Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, welcomed the policy, saying it signals the government’s strong commitment to sustainable industrial growth, local value addition, and environmental protection.

    In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Oyewole said the ban would significantly benefit local manufacturers by retaining critical raw materials within the country, thereby improving access to wood for processors and furniture makers while helping to stabilise costs and reduce price volatility driven by export pressure.

    She commended the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, and praised the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as a decisive and forward-looking intervention.

    According to her, the policy reflects strong political will and a clear understanding of the link between environmental protection, industrial development, and national economic growth.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    Oyewole noted that beyond improving raw material availability, the export ban would promote local value addition, support job creation, boost the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and stimulate expansion across the wood and furniture value chain. She added that the policy would enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian-made furniture in the domestic market and strengthen the export potential of finished products.

    She also highlighted the environmental benefits of the decision, stressing that it would help curb illegal logging and deforestation while encouraging sustainable forestry practices.

    “This Executive Order is a strong statement that Nigeria is serious about industrialisation, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic resilience,” she said.

    Oyewole reaffirmed the readiness of manufacturers to collaborate with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation, compliance, and responsible management of forest resources.

    “Indeed, this is a turning point for the wood and furniture manufacturing sector—leadership that listens, acts, and delivers,” she added.

    Mrs. Oyewole is also the Vice Chair of the Governing Council of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

  • Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on police withdrawal

    Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on police withdrawal

    …Says some lawmakers may not go home for Yuletide

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, citing safety concerns.

    Akpabio made the appeal during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, by President Tinubu, warning that some lawmakers feared they might be unable to return home safely following the withdrawal.

    His said, “As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some of the National Assembly said I should let you know they may not be able to go home today.

    “On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.”

    Recall that President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties across the country.

    According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu issued the directive after a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) following heightened security issues in the country.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    Under the order, VIPs requiring security are to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government seeks to boost police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas grappling with insecurity.

    Tinubu later reaffirmed the directive on December 10, moments before presiding over the Federal Executive Council, expressing frustration over delays in implementation. 

    He instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to immediately replace withdrawn escorts to avoid exposing individuals to danger.

    “I honestly believe in what I said…It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said.

    “The minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties.

    “So that you don’t leave people exposed,” he said.